Have you ever asked yourself how professionals make their music sound so perfect? Or, maybe you’re wondering how to step up your game at your home studio. The answer to both of these questions is better speakers, specifically studio monitors. Studio monitors are designed to give you a crystal clear representation of whatever music you’re playing, with no bias in the highs, mids, or lows.
Mixing and mastering your own music should always be done on proper studio monitors if at all possible, as many name-brand speakers will boost certain frequencies. For example, there is a certain headphone brand that boosts the bass frequencies an insane amount, making music sound “the way it should” according to them. Well, if you tried to mix your music on those headphones, you’d have to take that massive bass boost into account because not every speaker is going to have the same boost. The idea is to get your track to sound good wherever it is played, not just on one set of speakers or headphones.
Studio monitors are perhaps the most crucial part of any studio, even if your “studio” is just in your bedroom. After all, if you can’t hear what’s accurately happening, how are you supposed to make your music the best that it can be? There are lots of things to keep in mind when buying studio monitors, and you probably want to make sure you’re making the right decision since they usually start out around $150 per speaker. This isn’t chump change we’re talking about, but it will definitely be worth the money if you’re at all serious about making music. We’ve come up with 3 things that we feel are the most important in order to help you with your decisions.
First of all, the price is always going to be the most important factor. If you can’t afford the monitors you want, then you’re obviously going to want to steer clear of them, no matter how good they might be. Setting your own budget for these is going to be of utmost importance, and once you have the right ones you can start to fill in the rest of your gear around them. For instance, if you have a budget of $1000 for a complete home studio, you should probably not spend all $1000 on just the studio monitors. You’re going to need peripherals and other gear such as an audio interface, cables, maybe some monitor stands, etc. While these might be the most important part of the studio, they are not the ONLY part, so do not make the mistake of destroying your entire budget with one set.
Next you’ll want to keep in mind the size of the monitors. Remember, these ARE made by different companies, and different companies do things differently than each other. Some 5-inch monitors will be as big as 6-inch models of other brands. However, not only are they made in different sizes, but different sizes will bring different benefits as well. The base model 5-inch monitors will always be the cheapest, with 6, 7, or 8-inch models increasing the frequency response range along with the price. Size usually goes hand-in-hand with the budget, so make sure you’re getting the most out of your money.
Last but definitely not least is looking for different features. Some monitors will have EQ knobs to slightly boost or dampen the frequencies that you do or don’t want to hear. Others might have small trim controls to boost the volume just that tiny bit extra that you need. Always be sure to check out the entire package, not just how the monitors sound. You might just find that a set that you were on the fence about have won you over because they have an auxiliary port alongside the XLR port.
Pros: Tried and true. Industry standard for countless producers. Near perfect sound reproduction on the HS8s with accurate representation of highs, mids, and lows.
Cons: The HS5’s are lacking a little in bass, while still emphasizing the highs and mids so they may come across a little bit “tinny” to some people. May require a sub-woofer if you are not looking to upgrade to the HS8’s.
Pros: Great bang for your buck. Every model in this line is a good deal for what you’re getting. Also tested and used by numerous producers because of its clear and distinct bass sound.
Cons: These are known for having a pretty heavy EQ bump in the mid-bass region. Learning to mix if you are not used to that bump could be disadvantageous to some.
Pros: Good sound reproduction for the price. Each speaker has a stereo mini jack as well, so you can hook up your mobile devices without any extra trouble.
Cons: Like the Rokits, there is a slight bump in the mid-bass range which may cause some issues depending on the user.
Pros: Along with the JBLs, some of the best value for your money. Starting at just $149 a piece, these will deliver sound quality that you’d expect from a much more expensive speaker.
Cons: There are better speakers out there, though perhaps maybe not at these prices.
Pros: The only speakers on our list that offer Bluetooth connectivity, which some users may be looking for when listening from mobile devices. Clean and clear sound through mid and high frequencies.
Cons: Perhaps geared more towards avid music listeners instead of the studio. Some users may find the bass lacking or distorted.
Pros: Extremely competitive with other speakers in the same price range. Low end is clean, mids and highs are crisp and clear. All around fantastic speakers.
Cons: Start at $599 a piece for the 5-inch model. Some users may find themselves preferring the 5-inch model at certain volume levels, instead of the more “top of the line” 8 inch model.
Conclusion:
Buying a pair of studio monitors is more than just buying some new speakers. They are an investment in your craft and in yourself. You will learn to create better tracks with better mixes, you will be able to hear certain parts in your favorite songs (or even your own!) that you never heard before, and at the end of the day things will just sound better than on a pair of old speakers you had lying around. They also have the added bonus of conveying a serious and professional vibe so that when you sit down to make your next hit song, you will be more motivated than ever to create something special.
If you’re having trouble making a decision, keep in mind the three points we brought up earlier. Price, size, and features are all you really need to be looking for. Do your research, and get the best bang for your buck. These aren’t a cheap investment to make, but you will see and hear the results down the road – we can promise you that.
Disclaimer: EDM Ghost Producer does not have any affiliation with any of the above companies or products.
