How to Choose Monitors for a Home Recording Studio

When buying equipment for your studio, one of the first areas you need to focus on is a good pair of studio monitors. Your monitors will determine how you hear what you have recorded and mixed. Good monitors will give you a clean and even sound, and preferably have a flat frequency response. Here are some tips to help you choose the right studio monitors for your needs and budget.

Instructions

1. Set your budget. Studio monitors can range from a few hundred dollars for a pair to a few thousand dollars for a single monitor. There is definitely a "you get what you pay for" sentiment amongst most engineers when it comes to monitors, and it usually rings true. Ideal monitors will have the flattest and cleanest sound possible, which drives up the price. However, you can produce great mixes if you know how your monitors sound in comparison with a very good system so don't think good music cannot come from more affordable monitors.

2. Decide between powered and passive monitors. Powered monitors have built in amplification while passive monitors require an external amplifier to drive the speakers. Passive monitors are more versatile because you have the option of purchasing a high quality amplifier. There is added cost, though, with passive monitors for the amplifier and extra components like cables that a passive setup requires. Powered monitors are usually more affordable and easier to set up. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types so it comes down to your personal preference.

3. Sample some monitors at the dealer. It's important to hear what monitors sound like before you buy them, especially if you are laying down a lot of money for them. Think of it as your test drive; you wouldn't buy a car without a test drive. Most dealers will have display models set up that you can listen to. Bring some music or audio you are familiar with to get an idea of what the different models sound like.

4. Listen to the monitors in your space. While you can get a good idea what monitors sound like at your dealer, they could sound completely different in your studio space. Ask at the dealership if you can sample the monitors in your space. Also ask about the return policy before you buy so you can trade out the monitors if they do not sound good in your space.

5. Learn your monitors and listen to them critically. Perfectly flat monitors are ideal, but they are hard to find and are not essential to great mixes. A great example is the Yamaha NS-10 monitors, which are recognizable by their white speaker cones. If a mix sounds good on NS-10s, it will sound good on anything. The NS-10s are not high-end, high fidelity monitors, but with a proper understanding of how they sound, many engineers have made hit records using the trusty Yamahas. Spend some significant time with your new monitors learning their idiosyncrasies and responsiveness.

Tips & Warnings

• Be very careful with your monitors. Speakers are fragile and can be damaged beyond repair by bumping or dropping them. You can also ruin your monitors by overloading them with signal.