“It shouldn’t sound pretty – it should sound true.”
That’s the core job of a studio monitor: realistic evaluation for mixing and mastering, not living-room sweetness. Only a neutral response enables decisions that translate across many systems.
Good studio monitors aim for faithful, uncoloured reproduction. Hi-fi speakers are voiced for pleasure (a “sweetened” response). Mixing on them is like looking through frosted glass: you see the big picture, but details are hidden. With studio monitors, linearity matters – together with room acoustics and listening position.
Linear frequency response: ideally no boosts or dips across the audible band. Absolute linearity doesn’t exist – but quality monitors come close.
Because perfection is impossible, every monitor pair has a character – subtler than hi-fi, but real. Take time to learn your setup in your room. Compare references (car, headphones, hi-fi, other monitors). If a model feels fatiguing at first listen, keep looking. Beyond sound alone, consider these factors:
Home recording or high-end mastering? The price range goes very high, yet mid-class nearfields can deliver excellent results. Many pros keep multiple pairs (including “lo-fi” references) so mixes translate. For starters, plan a few hundred euros for a stereo pair.
Match size and output to the room and genre. Too small = overworked; too large = outside the sweet spot at low levels. Measure room size and listening distance; nearfields typically sit 1–2 m from you.
For 5.1/surround or larger rigs, you’ll need more than two speakers. Also decide if a subwoofer is useful (see below).
The basis of every setup is a stable stereo image. Check the frequency range (woofer diameter & cabinet volume). Confirm connections (XLR/TRS/RCA) and room EQ options (EQ switches, bass trim) to avoid boom.
For bass-heavy styles (electronic, hip-hop, DJ mixes) a subwoofer can be worth it. It’s also a useful extension to small nearfields. Key points: choose the right size/output for the room and set crossover & time/phase correctly.
Don’t cut corners here. Use quality, neutral cabling (balanced wherever possible) and plan your wiring. Monitor stands with height adjustment place the tweeters at ear level. Avoid walls/corners.
Every room colours the sound. With measurement tools you’ll expose issues; room-correction software helps “straighten” the response. Example: low-end build-up can often be compensated without construction.
Studio monitors play back neutrally so your mix decisions translate – unlike hi-fi speakers tuned for enjoyment.
Hi-fi favours “nice” sound. For mixing you need honesty: linear monitors reveal strengths and weaknesses without flattering.
All frequencies at roughly the same level – no artificial bass/treble boosts. Absolute linearity is impossible, good monitors get close.
In most cases yes: better converters, balanced outputs, proper volume control – far superior to a laptop’s headphone jack.
You can, but expect higher noise and poorer control. If you must, keep cables short and start with low output levels.
Small rooms (≤ 15 m²): 5–6″ nearfields. Medium (15–25 m²): 6.5–8″. Bigger isn’t always better – acoustics and placement matter more.
Isosceles triangle with the listening position; tweeters at ear height; minimise early reflections; keep distance to walls/corners.
With bass-heavy genres or small nearfields. Set crossover, level and phase correctly – matched to the room.
Active: built-in amps, optimised system – industry standard. Passive: needs an external amp – more niche/high-end use.