Studio monitors are speakers professionally designed for recording studios. Though they are more like normal speakers they possess a higher level of precision quality which makes them superior to any other type of speaker. The ability of precision helps the recording experts understanding the mix to the core as when the mic is played over the studio monitors and offers you the complete composition. To ensure that a mix sounds perfect on all the systems, one has to listen to it carefully and studio monitors help sound experts in the same.
There is a variety of sound monitors available in the market. They come in different sizes, colors, shapes and price range. You may choose one according to your affordability and recording requirements. If you are doing home recording, you might not need the most expensive set, at times people fulfill their needs using a headphone only. However, that is not a much-recommended option. Let us discuss this further:
Headphones Vs. Studio Monitors:
Many beginners rely on headphones in their initial phase of mixing career. In fact, this is a very affordable and efficient way to start off. However, once you start you start using studio monitors you feel the actual difference. No doubt headphones offer you closer approach to the sound but sound monitors have higher quality & precision. Due to their perfect up-the-ground built, studio monitors offer you the right picture of what actually is wrong with your mix. One fine option is near field speaker for home recording purposes.
Near Field Speakers:
Using a near-field speaker is great if you are working on a home theatre recording. As the name suggests, these speakers are kept close to the listener and are able to perform a number of functions. They not only offer you closer sound but also eliminate the reflection of the sound, which is an obvious con of home recording. However, they have limited scope when it comes to providing a bass response. In case this causes you major problem you can install a subwoofer to eliminate the same.
Categorized on the basis of amplification, near-field speakers are of two types; active & passive. While the active speaker comes with a built-in amplifier, there is no amplifier installed in a passive speaker. This certainly makes active speakers more popular as not many people are really interested in maintaining an extra set of gear.
How to install a Studio Monitor?
Here comes the critical part where you have to install the studio monitor. You would need some balanced cables for the same like TRS or XLR cable. Using a standard chord is advised to ensure it can be easily replaced as and when required.
With the encroachment of technology, music gear manufacturers are producing rather advanced gear every year. If you are a pro you may invest in the gears of higher range however for home recording enthusiasts there are many economical options available in the market.