How to Use Recording Studio Reference Monitors

One of the most important purchases you will make for your home or professional studio are your reference monitors. Studio reference monitors are speakers that allow you to hear your recordings and mixes. Here are some things you need to consider as you purchase and set up your studio reference monitors.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Decide between powered and passive reference monitors. Powered studio monitors have built in amplifiers, which usually mean they are more affordable. Passive speakers require you to connect them to an external amplifier. While this can drive up the price, many professionals believe that you can get a truer sound from passive monitors.
2. Choose a size. Near-field monitors are typically smaller and consist of a driver and maybe a tweeter. Far-field monitors are larger and may have multiple drivers dedicated to specific frequencies. A good pair of near-field monitors is the place to start. Consider the size of the drivers as well. Larger drivers typically produce better response in the lower frequencies; so 8-inch drivers will give you more low end than 5-inch drivers.
3. Position your monitors correctly. To get the best stereo image and most accurate representation of your work, you must position your monitors correctly. The drivers should be at about ear level when you are sitting in front of them. You should also have an equilateral triangle between the speakers and your ear when you sit in your listening position. Keep obstructions away from the front and rear of the monitors at all times.
4. Connect the reference monitors. Monitors will look good on your desk but they are not going to sound good if they are not properly plugged in. Find the main output on your mixer, audio interface, digital-to-analog converter or other main output equipment you are using. Be sure to get the polarity correct, and be sure left and right are positioned properly.
5. Spend some time getting familiar with your monitors. Ideal studio monitors will have a flat frequency response. Unfortunately, this is more of an ideal than a practicality. More than likely, your monitors will have some frequencies that they boost and some that they cut. Spend some time listening to music you are familiar with to get an idea of where your monitors are. Remember these characteristics of your monitors when you record and mix.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that you can add a subwoofer to your monitor setup to get a better feel for the bass.