Professional work with sound requires special equipment. It is simply impossible to carry out competent sound mixing without a really good audio system. Studio monitors are specially designed to make it possible to process the sound with the highest quality, remove all unnecessary from it, and even change it. Such a system will not make a person a professional, but will greatly facilitate the work and improve its quality.
Not only the screen
Most people under the monitor understand only the display for the computer. Display device for visual information. However, the term itself is much broader and does not refer to any specific device.
In the last century, science fiction writers liked to call monitors systems for monitoring the state of something, advanced robots with artificial intelligence, and even research facilities. They only imagined what our future would be like. This is what gave rise to the temptation to give objects various beautiful names. However, progress did not stand still, and the term improved. Visual information output devices appeared. Speaking more down to earth - these are computer monitors. It is this understanding that has taken root in the minds of people.
However, the term meant any device that would allow people to control or determine any process. Studio monitors are not displays. Moreover, it is a means of outputting sound information. Most of all, they resemble ordinary speakers, but they are not.
Ideal for audio work
Many novice sound engineers and video editors dream of the perfect audio system. One that would allow you to step by step control the balance of instruments, hear the slightest changes in the sound, track the smallest side effects of track compression, speakers capable of delivering the purest sound possible.
Ordinary, even the most expensive, but not professional systems are poorly suited for these purposes. The average consumer always wants to get a clear and pleasant sound, but in the work it is not so important. Studio monitors do not provide a pleasant sounding track, but allow the editor to hear even the smallest defects in the recording. Knowing about the existence of defects and side effects of the work of various plug-ins, you can significantly improve the sound.
What's special?
The first thingwhat needs to be learned is that monitors are not ordinary speakers. This is a professional tool, and you don’t need to buy it just like that. One of the main features is a narrow specialization. It is inefficient to use such equipment outside the walls of the working room made of noise-absorbing materials. Otherwise, listeners may hear aggravated defects instead of pleasant music, which will be unpleasant for everyone.
There are two types of studio monitor designs, these are:
- Active. This design includes a built-in audio amplifier, which eliminates many problems, especially when recording.
- Passive. There is no amplifier in this solution. Many professionals prefer such systems. It is believed that in conjunction with a separate amplifier, they will work better than any active system.
Size matters
Monitors are also divided into near, medium and long range. It directly depends on the size of the speakers. Each of them is very specialized and designed for rooms of a certain type. In other words, it all depends on the square and content of the studio.
For a small home or just a small sound studio, short-range monitors will suffice. Also, any device will be much more useful if the room is soundproofed. Especially if the ceiling and walls are covered with sharp foam rubber materials.
For those who make music
Working with the announcer's voice andMaking music is two very different things. Studio monitors for music will cost much more. They are demanding on sound insulation and are very powerful. Often, for such purposes, they acquire not a loud audio system, but special headphones. According to many sound engineers, it is much more convenient to pick up the rhythm of the song and hear imperfections in headphones.
For those who process voiceovers or edit video projects, headphones, on the contrary, will not be very useful. It is much easier and more efficient to set up a small room with small echo absorbers and short range monitors.
Mid-field monitors
Such systems expand the possibilities in the field of low frequency recognition. The fact is that for small-field monitors, this possibility is significantly limited. As a nice bonus, there will be the possibility of complete control over those sound effects that listeners close up will not hear, but those who are further away will certainly distinguish.
Far field monitors
If someone asks which studio monitors are the best, then you can safely say that those that are far-field systems. They can safely be called universal. They are used in large and modern studios. They differ in that they allow you to control all frequencies, listen to music and an announcer's voice at any volume. It becomes much easier to work with such equipment. Their only drawback is that they are really big.price.
Connection method
When purchasing a new technique, each of us must read the instructions. Almost all over the world this rule is broken and people are really wondering how to connect studio monitors. You should start by installing them. They need to be positioned in such a way that they are at the same height as the ears. Racks with monitors are carried out a little forward and are installed slightly on the sides. If you mentally connect the monitors with the sound engineer's head with invisible edges, you should get an isosceles triangle. In this position, they will be most effective. Incorrect placement will not only not have a positive effect, but in addition will ruin everything. Due to their specificity, monitors do not make the sound better. Wrong placement will give huge distortion.
If you are working in a full-fledged studio, then you need to connect all sound equipment to a full-fledged sound interface. If the studio is equipped at home, then a computer sound card will do. If you are talking about connecting passive monitors, then most likely you will need a preamplifier.
Overview of monitor manufacturers
Studio monitor reviews vary. However, in each case, one permanent result is noticeable. Cheap monitors, namely less than 20,000 rubles, are not suitable for a recording studio. They can be useful for home processing of an announcer's voice, but nothing more. In addition, it is important to know that often the most objective reviews are not of models, but of companies that produce monitors. It is in this material that you can find out the truth about the products.
KRK is engaged in the production of excellent equipment. However, it is aimed at established sound engineers. All inexpensive and semi-budget monitor models are an extremely poor solution. Up to the popular VXT series, absolutely all the company's products sin with mumbling and buzzing sounds, which are present even with the perfect arrangement of equipment.
Axelvox make gear for those on a tight budget. Somewhat serious audio production, their monitors often do not pull. This is especially true for the TR-x, TR-xx, PM and N series.
Behringer has established itself as a mediocre manufacturer. The quality is usually very poor. However, they have a very good Truth series. They pass the minimum bar of 20,000 rubles and at the same time they can immediately indicate the wrong mix. Compete with inexpensive Yamahas.
Yamaha
Yamaha HS studio monitors are leaders in the low cost segment. In general, this company produces wonderful products. There are models for professionals, for budget studios and for beginners. HS is considered the best option for those who are just starting to work with sound. Quite simply, they give more than any other monitors can give. With all its merits, this model is the most demanding on the conditions of placement. With the right settings, monitors can easily "jump over their heads".
Reviews
Even before coming to the store, you must readobjective reviews of studio monitors. This is not the case where everything will be subjective. Those who buy such equipment are most often professionals. If the device is bad, it buzzes or it lacks any frequencies, then everything will be written in the reviews. This is the very rare case when you need to pay maximum attention to the description of the technical shortcomings of a particular model. Understanding will give a complete picture and an accurate answer to the question of whether monitors will fit or not.
