Engineers design them to reproduce the stereo image with precision. Monitor speakers and studio monitors are all about accuracy. Stereo imaging refers to the perceived spatial locations of sound in 3D. Stereo Imaging, Soundstage, & Audio FieldsĪnother important characteristic that monitor speakers have is their ability to produce a stereo image. The overall result is a more accurate reproduction of the audio. This makes the separation between frequency ranges of the woofer and tweeters more defined, and reduces doubling up of frequencies. The tweeters and woofer will each have their own dedicated power amp.īiamplification allow for better crossovers since they allow for steeper filter roll-offs. Some utilize biamplification and have a separate amp for each driver. Home audio speakers are usually passive, while studio monitors are almost always active, meaning they have a power amplifier built into the speaker. This reduces or eliminates phase distortion, which adds to the inaccuracy of the monitor. A l inear phase relationship means that the monitor shifts the phase of all audio frequencies across the spectrum by the same amount. This refers to how the monitor alters the phase of the signal’s constituent frequencies across the spectrum. Phase linearity is another important consideration. However, due to a V-shaped frequency response that is far from flat, home stereo speakers provide an inaccurate representation of the input audio signal. This makes the audio sound subjectively “better” to the listener, and makes them more likely to buy and enjoy the product. Usually, their frequency response curve exaggerates bass and treble frequencies. Sound engineers design home audio and casual listening speakers for a pleasant listening experience, not for raw accuracy. But engineers do design monitor speakers to be as flat as possible within their budgetary constraints and the current technological limitations. In reality, a perfectly flat frequency response is impossible. Therefore, a flat curve means there is no change in the way the monitor reproduces the input signal. The frequency response curve shows how the monitor alters the sound as a function of frequency. The term for this is “flat” in reference to the frequency response curve. Studio monitors and monitor speakers are all designed to have as little of an effect on the audio signal as possible. Many audio devices, including microphones and audio interfaces, will have their own frequency responses. Frequency Response & Phase Linearityįrequency response refers to how the monitor or speaker will change the way the audio signal sounds. In contrast, home stereo speakers are more geared towards creating a pleasant and immersive listening experience. The purpose of the studio monitor is to create as accurate of a representation of the audio signal as possible. It only makes sense that they will have different design features than speakers you’d buy for casual listening and audio playback for your computer and home theater. Monitor speakers are intended to be used in recording studios and home studio setups for music and audio production. Differences Between Monitor Speakers & Home Audio Speakers Without these specialized speakers, you’d have a hard time creating a great mix, although it can be done with high-quality studio headphones.Ī pair of PreSonus Eris E5 studio monitors. Monitor speakers are an essential part to any hobbyist or professional recording setup. They’re called monitor speakers or studio monitors because they’re used for monitoring – critical listening during recording, mixing, and mastering. In a nutshell, monitor speakers are loudspeakers that we use specifically for audio and music production. Buying through any of the links below will earn me a small commission at no extra charge to you. Let’s get started.įull Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. In this informative article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about monitor speakers, also commonly called studio monitors. A common question asked by new and aspiring producers and engineers is “What is a monitor speaker?” And if you’re here, there’s no doubt you want to know too. Cut off one head, and two will grow in it’s place. Each answer produces even more questions, something akin to the Hydra of Greek mythology. Upon entering this new territory of the fusion between technology and creativity, thousands of questions immediately surface. Those new to audio production will undoubtedly find themselves with information overload. Stereo Imaging, Soundstage, & Audio Fields.Differences Between Monitor Speakers & Home Audio Speakers.
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