Monitor Speakers

So, you've got to the point where you're thinking you might need some monitor speakers? You've had a look around(maybe even listened to some), and you've realised there are more options than you can shake a stick at. Chances are, the ones you really liked, are the ones you really can't afford :) We've all been there, so lets run through a few myths/mis-conceptions first.

"Monitors will make my music sound better" = FALSE
The only thing that will make your music sound better is YOU (or someone else who knows what they're doing). Practice makes perfect, and the most important thing about mixing is getting to know your room, and your speakers.

"My budget hifi speakers are just as good as monitors" = FALSE
Sorry, but your budget hifi just isn't going to cut it. Consumer hifis are made to accentuate and exaggerate certain frequencies. You won't find a "SUPER UBER MEGA BASS" button on a set of monitors. Monitors should be fairly neutral so you can figure out if you've overcooked the bass/treble etc.

So, what should you be doing.

1) Treat your room. The room you mix/master in will almost certainly benefit from basic acoustic treatment. Make some bass traps (Google it, there's LOADS of options), get some acoustic padding for the walls/reflection points.

2) Listen, listen, listen. Don't buy the first set of monitors you hear. Your local music store, will probably have a wall of monitors for you to peruse. That's fine, but ideally you need to audition each of the sets at the same ear level in the same room. Take a CD and listen to the same track with each potential purchase. Yup, you'll probably pay a bit more, but if you're going to spend the time/money on monitors, make sure you get the ones that are right for you.

FAQ

Q. What is a passive monitor?
A. This is just the speaker. There's no built in amp, so you'd need a power amp to go with it. These are generally cheaper, but work out more expensive once you factor in a power amp.

Q. Can I use a 5.1 amp and a set of speakers?
A. Of course you can. However, you won't get the level of detail that a good set of monitors convey.

Q. Can I use monitors as my everyday speakers?
A. Yup. However, some people find monitors very tiring on the ears. In principle it's a good idea because you get to learn how stuff sounds on your monitors.

Q. How much should I spend?
A. As much (or as little) as you can afford. Personally, I'd recommend a budget around the ~£900 mark to get something that will last you years. I dislike having to upgrade, and monitors are something you have to learn over time. You just don't need the hassle of learning some new speakers IMO.

So, what should you be buying?

Here are some options:

- Mackie HR824 MKII - Great set whose predecessors were well respected. Not cheap, but not horrendously expensive either (~£900)

- Genelec 8040a - Nice speakers, and Genelecs are well respected. (~£1400)

- PMC TB2 - Expensive, but some of the best monitors I've personally heard if you pair them with a good power amp/treated room (~£2k after you buy a power amp).

- Dynaudio BM5 - Good basic speakers that get consistently good reviews. (~£400)

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