I am building a 4 manual theater organ with Hauptwerk. I am using a motu m4 audio interface. Question: Is it better to go out the audio interface directly into live monitor speakers? Or Go through an amp then the output of the amp uses regular speakers? WHat has the better sound quality?
I also need to add I will be using a sub woofer to handle the lower frequency outputs, because the bass would not be enough out of a 8" speaker.
Any advice on this would be much appreciated. I will need to know within the next couple of days, since I am placing all the electronics into organ console I"m building.
I'm afraid I don't have the knowledge to answer your question. I noticed that you have gotten no answers in 3 days since you posted. You might have better luck posting on the Hauptwerk forum page, or perhaps the Hauptwerk users' facebook group.
Studio monitors are usually designed to focus the sound towards one listener, minimizing reflections off the walls. Most passive speakers try to spread the sound over a large area. I use studio monitors, but I've never actually done a side by side listening test.
I would buy a subwoofer that is designed to go with your speakers, so you don't have to worry about setting crossovers and matching the levels.
Also, my experience is that adding two surround speakers makes a huge difference, but I barely notice an improvement with six speakers.
It's also in combination with active studio monitors.
If you use active monitor speakers, there is no advantage of putting an extra 'station' between the output of your M4 and the speaker. They have a small 'distance' effect. So, don't use them to 'fill' a whole big room. It's meant for nearby listening. See it, as a private sound system. Of course you can listen anywhere in the room but the 'sweet spot' is the best position to listen. Even half a meter left or right will make a difference.
If you want to fill a bigger room: buy other speakers (not active speakers, but no experience with that), and put an amp between the M4 and the speakers.
Back to my setup:
I'm using the M4 in a surround setup, Front (Adam T7V) and Read (Adam T5V) including a small studio subwoofer (Adam Sub 7). My front channels (1 and 2) are going from my M4 to the sub first. After that, the signal goes to the front speakers. With a low-cut level, to leave the lower frequencies for the sub. Rear goes directly from the M4 to the Rear speakers.
This solution works perfect for me. I am the only one playing, or one of my students.
