Buyer's Guide: Studio Monitors

 

If you feel that the monitors you're currently using are deceiving your ears, we're here to help! In this Buyer's Guide, we'll be exploring everything you need to know when it comes to the best studio monitors for mixing; it includes what they mean and what makes them different, and how they differ depending on functionality. 

TYPES OF STUDIO MONITORS

NEARFIELD MONITORS

Typically costing hundreds of dollars less than floor-standing models, nearfield monitors are the most popular type of speaker on the market today. Using a simple two-way design and a four to eight-inch driver, they're designed to sit three to five feet from the listening position, with some even having integrated power amplifiers.

Due to their proximity and relatively low volume, nearfield speakers create minimal room reflections, making them ideal for anyone working in an untreated space. Near field, monitors are also commonly used in pro studios for referencing a mix while sitting on the meter bridge of a large format console.

However, nearfield monitors can only be used in smaller rooms where the musicians can get up close and personal with their music, as they're not entirely recommended for other uses.

MIDFIELD MONITORS

Midfield monitors are more minor than far-field monitors but more significant than nearfield monitors. They are designed to have listeners sit 5-10 feet away from the monitor, and a midfield monitor will be attached on top of a desk or console when in use.

A three-way design is most important for precision. The music's midrange or "soul" is remarkably concise and defined by a precise stereo image and a broad range that allows everything to be heard with solid representation. These monitors also enhance awareness of the rhythmic qualities in music, so they're perfect for drummers or beatboxers!

Often used in professional studios, midfield monitors are lighter than nearfield monitors while retaining their capacity to deliver a clear and crisp sound. In addition, when played at low levels, midfield monitors minimize the impact of the acoustic environment, making them very appealing to those in larger home studios and project studios.

FAIRFIELD/MAIN MONITORS

Fairfield stands for far-field, a term that describes something at the edge of an area. Typically, these monitors would be used in a recording studio as they are more extensive and more effective in these kinds of spaces. When recording music well, it depends on the room's acoustics, so typically, when these monitors are placed well away from walls or other objects, you will get better sound quality.

Also known as "main monitors" or "nearfields," far-field monitors are known for their ability to withstand punishingly loud playback levels. Fairfield monitor designs vary from 2-way up to 4.5-way models and higher depending on what they're being used for. The bass and mid drivers on far-field monitors tend to range in size from 10 to 18-inches or more.

It might sound like you were listening to a live performance rather than a recording. Still, this type of monitor is typically soffit mounted at the back of an even larger room and used mainly for showing clients how good your playback levels are. However, most mixing and critical listening is done using midfield monitors.

SUBWOOFERS

Subwoofers are designed to extend smaller monitors' low-frequency response in midfield or nearfield listening positions. Subwoofers also require high output levels to perform accurately in untreated rooms, but unlike nearfield monitors, subwoofers do not usually have tweeters and must be located near a monitor's tweeter.

These monitors are typically driven by one driver ranging from 12 to 24-inches. More significant drivers tend to produce a fuller low-end response, although it varies depending on the excursion of the drivers! Low excursion drivers tend to be less accurate but can deliver more powerful bass than their counterparts.

Subwoofers are available as either sealed or ported cabinets. Sealed cabinets are built to stay isolated from their surroundings and send low frequencies through a direct path that produces less noise than other sub designs. Ported cabs let outside air enter the box, which causes the cabinet walls to pulsate with bass frequencies. This increases bass output but also increases cabinet and driver distortion.

CONCLUSION 

If you are looking for more details on topics like Buy Hip Hop Beats, contact JBZ right away!

Source URL: https://www.jbzbeats.com/