A studio monitor is just one of the pieces of equipment you will need if you want to set up a mixing studio in your home. These monitors can be costly, and many wonder if they need to buy more than one to achieve a great sound.
Opinions vary, of course, and while some may say that you have to have a pair for the best sound, others argue that you can create a better sound using just one.
Let’s explore the world of sound monitors and investigate if you really do need more than one of these to create your own music mixes in the comfort of your home or studio.
What Is a Studio Monitor?
A studio monitor looks and acts like a speaker but has greater enhancing capabilities that allow you to hear the sound quality as naturally as possible. It also means you won’t have the need for expensive mixing equipment like those used in professional music production and recording studios.
They can help you make the best music mix available individually or as a pair. Choose from a variety of sizes and types of woofers for just the right amount of sound for your space.
Small rooms or home use require no more than 4, 5, or 6-inch subs, while a larger room or studio would require 6 or more inches. Choosing according to the room size is key to achieving the best sound quality, so measure your room and purchase your monitor accordingly.
Can I Get By With One Studio Monitor?
The answer is most definitely yes. Sure, some people will argue that the sound quality will not be as good as that of two monitors or stereo sound, but using only one monitor can be more advantageous.
Let’s look at a few pros of using one studio monitor for your home mixing studio:
- One monitor is cheaper than a pair
- Allows for more focus on the EQ of music mixing
- Great for use in even the smallest of spaces
- A good quality single monitor can produce clear sound
- One monitor will decrease the temptation to add too many sounds to your mix
- It can be used for any music (any genre)
- Helps to strip away any excess frequencies
- Great for determining how your music would sound in mono
These pros all sound great, but what do they actually mean? When we talk about the EQ of music, it refers to the different frequencies, elements of sound like bass and tempo, and the number of music sounds you use to create a song.
When using more than one speaker, the temptation exists to add as many sounds as possible to create a truly unique track. However, this is not a good way to mix music and can result in a messy track with too many sound elements.
By using only one monitor to create your music, you will need to fine-tune each sound before moving on to the next one. This creates a clearer, sharper sound and allows you to hear what a song sounds like in mono rather than stereo.
If you are making music you intend to release, listening to it in mono can help you ensure that your music is as great as possible, whether it is played in mono or stereo.
It is recommended that you create your sound with one monitor, paying close attention to each sound element until it is perfect, then listen to the sound with a good set of stereo headphones.
How to Choose A Studio Monitor
Great equipment can set you back a fair amount of money. If you have a small budget but still want a great studio monitor, buying one that is of great quality and has good recommendations and reviews will ensure a clear sound when mixing your music.
Here’s a better idea of what to look for when choosing a studio monitor:
#1: Size of the room
Bigger is not always better. Choose a studio monitor that will not cause the sound to fade or drown out in a large room or be too much for a small room. A good studio monitor should sound good even at a low volume.
#2: Size of the woofer
Again, the size of the woofer depends on the size of the room. Small rooms do just fine with a 4 to 6-inch subwoofer, while larger rooms require up to 8-inch subs for good sound quality.
#3: Frequency
Choose a monitor that has a good frequency range. This helps you perfectly tune each sound element, resulting in a good music mix. A good song will sound as great in mono as it does in stereo, which you should always keep in mind when mixing your music.
#4: Cost
Cheaper monitors produce poor-quality sounds. Buy a good-quality studio monitor that will match your budget and your needs. It’s better to spend money on one quality monitor than two cheaper ones and learn the art of mixing music in mono. Read recommendations and reviews of a product carefully, and choose the best one for your budget.
Final Thoughts on Studio Monitors
Creating music is an art; just like an artist needs good paints and brushes, a music producer or creator needs good equipment. Keep this top of mind when you are looking to purchase a sound monitor, and remember that one good quality product could actually be better than buying two cheaper products.
Focus on the sounds individually, ensuring that you have tuned them as best as you can, and create music that sounds great, whether played in mono or stereo sound.
Conclusion
Studio monitors are essential for creating the perfect mix in your home or small studio. While many will argue that you cannot create a good mix with just one monitor, others prefer using one as it allows you to focus on the quality of each sound element. Use our buyer’s guide and other tips we have included in this article to choose the perfect studio monitor for your mixing.