Compared to any other type of studio equipment for recording, the studio monitors are the essential thing that any audiophile must have. So, if you are a sound-lover with the intention to produce excellent tunes, we suggest getting some of the best studio monitors for your needs. Yes, we know that this sounds as if you need to empty your wallet, but believe us, the situation is very much different.
Namely, getting the best studio monitors has been the task to many audiophiles throughout the world. This is exactly why, a lot of us, including you, are in a constant search for better features, better options and also, better price.
In order to help you out fulfill the dream that some people call unrealistic, we have compiled an article on the best studio monitors, which will also help you find the right one for you. Also, after going through what we have to say, you will know everything there is to know about these devices, and you will be able to determine which features are suitable for your needs. In the end, you will know that when you’ve made the purchase, you’d have done the right choice and also, a good investment.
So, if we have your attention so far, keep on reading. You will surely know how to make that ultimate purchase and be happy with it.
Top 6 Studio Monitors on the Market
Yamaha HS8
Edifier R1280DB
Needing an upgrade on your home-recording studio but feeling like you shouldn’t overpay for high-quality? The Edifier R1280DB might just be the speaker you need, as it is amazing in what it does!
Yamaha HS5
Are you a proud owner of a home-recording studio? Do you want to improve your recording game? Well, the Yamaha HS5 might just be the investment you are looking to make.
Presonus Eris E5
The Presonus Eris E5 is the best mid-range studio monitor probably in the world, and it has so many features, you wouldn’t know where to start. One thing is sure, it is one of the best studio monitors – ever!
Mackie CR4
Do you need a multi-purpose studio monitor? Well, if you do, the Mackie CR4 series are an excellent addition to any home with real audiophile needs.
Mackie CR5BT
Ever wondered why a lot of audiophiles prefer Mackie gear over anything else? The answer is one word – Quality! There is not a single way the Mackie CR5BT can disappoint you, it is why it is the best purchase you can make.
Best Studio Monitors of 2019 – Buying Guide
There are a lot of things that you should consider when you are out in the shops or online, searching for the right studio monitor for you. Here, you will find the list of the most important things that you should notice and also, you will find some information about how to manage in the labyrinth of things to take into consideration.
Price
The common opinion is that the more you pay – the more you get. Although a lot of experiences proved this to be true, it isn’t ultimately and absolutely true in all cases. Higher-priced monitors tend to have a better quality, but still, some have failed terribly in meeting the needs of their buyers. Also, in a lot of cases, the lists of the best studio monitors contain devices that are priced lower than $200.
Our advice regarding this is to be very careful when you get your studio monitor. We don’t recommend getting the cheapest one either. Just don’t overpay or break the bank just to get a high-quality studio monitor. Instead, do a thorough research. This will help you get more and better features, and still, you will save some bucks. Additionally, make sure that the price you are paying is worth it. See the list of features and options the studio monitor offers you, and calculate if this option is worth buying.
Size of the Studio Monitor
Another thing that you need to consider is the size of the monitor. In most cases, this depends on the size that you have in your studio or garage. After all, a lot of the audiophiles only have a very limited amount of space. Especially if their working platform is a basic desk. So, if this is the case for you, make sure that you get smaller speakers. They will work excellently for you because if your space is small, your speakers will offer accurate results which will be more than enough for mixing.
On the other hand, if you have a larger space at disposal, and if you have enough space to mount them, larger speakers are an excellent choice for you. First of all, notice the setting, because this way you ensure that they produce the best sound possible.
Frequency range
Asides from price and size, the frequency range is the third thing you need to consider. Regardless of the type of studio monitor you are buying, you should always set a high-priority on the frequency range on your speaker. If you are a beginner, you should know that your studio monitor should handle the full frequency range of the type of recordings you are producing. Since this feature is measured in hertz or kilohertz, know that the best studio monitors for recording work should offer a frequency range of 50kHz to 20kHz.
With taking this feature into consideration, you also ensure that your monitor is worth the price. Otherwise, you risk investing in something that has no value for your needs.
Power
Whenever you are looking for a studio monitor, the person selling them to you will talk about power. And they should. This is the number of watts that the speaker needs so that it works properly. Additionally, this is also in correlation with the size of the room. Namely, compared to the size of the room you’ll be working in, the larger rooms will require more power so that they can deliver a better sound. Also, this means that you will be able to hear the sound clearly in all corners of the room. On the other hand, the smaller rooms don’t require such an amount of power. So, if you work in a home office or a smaller garage, you won’t need a very powerful speaker.
Connections
It is very important to know the connectivity of any studio monitor before you make the purchase. Most of the best studio monitors on the market have RCA, ¼”, TRS, XLR, and S/PDIF jacks. So, to avoid making your investment, make sure that the connectivity options are compatible with your other recording equipment. Additionally, you should take a closer look of the other inputs: there are both balanced, unbalanced or either of them on some speakers.
Woofers
When you are recording your amazing tunes, you should always have a suitable woofer for it. Namely, the type of music you are making is in direct correlation with the woofers. So, if you are creating and recording a lighter music, near-field monitors with up to 6 inches will be a perfect choice. Instead, if your genre is rock or hip-hop, the suitable monitors for your needs should pack a lot more punch.
Brand reputation
Although it is last on the things to notice, this is definitely not the least important thing. Namely, there is a very rational reason why some studio monitors are more famous than others. So, you should always take this into consideration because if there are thousands of satisfied customers from all over the world for some monitor, it must mean that this monitor is good. And vice-versa too. If some monitor offers excellent features but there are thousands of dissatisfied customers for some reason, you should take this into consideration before making your own investment in it.
Types of studio monitors to remember
You should know the difference between the various types of studio monitors in order to make the best purchase.
Active and Passive studio monitors
The difference between these two types is the fact that the active ones have an amplifier which is built-in. Also, they use an active crossover. Namely, the active studio monitors are excellent for home recordings. Also, they are easy to use by people who don’t have much experience. Additionally, they don’t require buying other components. However, the passive monitors allow a lot more versatility. In addition, they are most often used in professional studios.
Near-Field and Far-Field Studio Monitors
Are you are looking for a monitor that will work perfectly in a smaller room? Do you want to listen at close ranges? Well, a near-field is the perfect for it. After all, they can be placed up to five feet from you, and with them, you will be able to hear a very clear and direct sound. They also reduce the poor-room acoustics effects. On the other hand, far-field monitors can be placed a lot further away from the person listening to them. They handle louder amounts of volume too.
Summary
Finding the best studio monitors is not so hard, although the market offers an abundance of products. This might look confusing, but in fact, it isn’t. After all, all you need to do is do a little bit of research. We suggest determining your own needs and finding a studio monitor that will actually meet them. This shouldn’t be a very demanding activity since the final-results of the effort are very much worth it. If you note the simple things we mentioned above, we guarantee you, you cannot possibly end up disappointed.