Best Studio Monitors

Finding the top studio monitors can be a challenge. Numerous makes and models are available. Choosing the best studio monitors for you can be challenging. Additionally, some monitors offer functions like EQ adjustments, high-pass or low-pass filters, and room correction. Need you to have these?

We examine some of the top-selling studio monitors in this article. We analyze each product in detail, describe its features, and then provide our top suggestions for use or application.

Our Top Pick!

Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor

The HS8 is fantastic if you’re looking for a flat, true sound. They are crafted to provide an unbiased response, and they excel at it.

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What are Studio Monitors?

The speakers referred to for studio playback and recording are called studio monitors. Both mixing and mastering are done with monitors. Because you can reference or monitor audio through the speakers, they are called monitors.

Studio monitors are typically near field speakers. To hear the speakers’ full frequency response and other speaker characteristics, you must be close to the monitors. The term “the sweet spot” is frequently used by sound engineers and producers to describe this.

You must be close to the monitors to find the sweet spot, but you must also experiment with speaker placement to get the best results. In order to account for the environment, studio monitors also have features like room correction, high/low pass filters, and other EQ adjustments.

Studio Monitors vs Speakers

There is no distinction between a speaker and a studio monitor in terms of functionality. Instead of the device itself, a studio monitor defines the application.

A studio monitor uses its speaker as a point of reference for audio playback. This audio may be recorded or live.

Now, a studio monitor has some features that you won’t typically find in other speakers. The most noticeable component is environmental or room correction.

Audio playback relies heavily on studio monitors. The audio response must be flat and uncolored from the speaker. Even though a speaker may be designed to have a flat response, the room and the way your studio monitors are placed will affect the speaker’s characteristics, especially in the low-end response.

The environmental correction, or EQ, will alter how the speaker generates its frequency response to make up for this, correcting the sound. To further adjust and perfect your sound, some studio monitors also have high- and low-frequency correction features.

Passive vs Active

You may encounter both passive and active (also known as powered) studio monitors when doing your research. Simply put, passive speakers need an external amplifier while active speakers have one built-in. You won’t need an external amplifier to drive any of the active monitors we discuss in this article.

Some manufacturers will combine an active speaker with a passive speaker to reduce costs. One of our more affordable options, the Mackie CR3, for instance, has two speakers: one passive speaker and one active speaker that houses the power amplifier. A speaker cable is used to link the passive speaker and active speaker.

You won’t notice much of a difference in performance for studio monitors under $500, like all the speakers we discuss in this article. In high-end audiophiles or professional recording monitors, users will carefully match wattage and impedance to obtain the best sound, and this is where you will hear a difference.

What are Near Field Monitors?

The studio monitors we discuss in this piece are all near-field models. The listening position should be within range of near-field monitors. Normally, it is at least an arm’s length away from where you are sitting. A single focused listening position for just one person is what near-field studio monitors are designed to have.

You can sit directly in the sweet spot on a near-field monitor without being distracted by reflections from the surroundings. You should prioritize sound quality over volume when choosing a pair of near-field monitors. You don’t need a high SPL because you’re sitting close together.

Large rooms and studios are typically the only places to use far-field monitors. These speakers can produce higher SPL and are just as detailed as near-field monitors. Far-field monitors also have a wider sweet spot, which allows for better coverage.

Our Selection of the Best Studio Monitors

1. Yamaha HS8 Studio Monitor – Best Overall Studio Monitors

Specs & Features​

Power:	60 W
Weight:	28 lbs
FR:	38Hz – 30kHz
Size:	14 x 16 x 21 in

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Yamaha is a well-known brand of studio monitors that is available all over the world. One of Yamaha’s most well-known studio monitor lines is the HS Series, with the Yamaha HS8 serving as the flagship model. Since the HS Series are active speakers, setup is simple and straightforward.

The flat, uncolored response of the speaker is the primary factor in people’s love for the HS8. For studio engineers, a flat response is especially important when mixing or recording.

Design

The HS8 has a simple design with a white low-frequency driver and a black enclosure for the tweeter. An all-white HS8 with black trim around the woofer is also an option. When the speaker is powered, a small Yamaha logo that is visible at the bottom of the speaker illuminates.

The inputs, controls, and switches for changing the HS8’s sound profile are located on the speaker’s back.

The HS8 has a 1-inch tweeter above an 8-inch woofer. The drivers are bi-amped, sending 45W to the tweeter and 75W to the low-frequency driver, producing an impressive 120W of sound.

Features

Two switches for adjusting the sound profile are located on the back of the HS8 speaker. You are able to reduce the bass response by -2 or -4 dB using the “Room Control”. This setting will help with spaces that sound “boomy” or with a lot of low-end. This is usually the case if your speakers are placed against a wall or in a room corner.

The highs can be altered using the second switch. At 2 kHz, you have the option to boost or attenuate by 2 dB. Again, where your speakers are placed in your room will determine this.

Inputs and Controls

One input channel on the HS8 supports either XLR or 1/4-inch audio inputs. The volume is adjusted using a rotary fader above the channel. As you must reach around the back of the speaker to change the volume, having the volume on the rear may be a minor annoyance. You will use the soundcard’s controls if you’re using the HS8 with your PC.

Sound

The HS8 is fantastic if you’re looking for a flat, true sound. These speakers are made to provide an unbiased response, and they excel at it.

Despite having a flat response, the HS8’s low end has an impressive weight and a powerful punch. Even bass enthusiasts will adore the HS8’s bass response.

An amazing audio experience is provided by the mid- and high-frequency response. Even at loud volumes, the instrumentation and vocals remain proudly in the mix without ever sounding harsh or losing their tonality.

You can distinguish each frequency and instrument in the mix with the HS8 thanks to its excellent stereo separation and expansive sound stage. For a studio monitor that costs less than $500, the HS8’s clarity and detail are astounding.

Conclusion

The Yamaha HS8 is a versatile studio monitor. Consumers will enjoy the sound these speakers produce as well as how well they perform in professional studios. The speakers should sound good in most rooms and are simple to install.

2. JBL Professional 305P MkII

Specs & Features​

Power:	82 W
Weight:	10.43 lbs
FR:	49Hz – 20kHz
Size:	12 x 7 x 9 in

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JBL should always be at the top of your list when selecting speakers because it is a brand that audio professionals all over the world rely on. The JBL Professional 305P MkII is one of the most well-liked monitors for small studios, PCs, and home entertainment because of its affordability and sound.

The most recent model of JBL’s 3 Series studio monitors is the 305P MkII. A 6.5-inch and an 8-inch version are also provided. The 305P MkII, the smallest model in the 3 Series, is designed with entry-level aspiring studio engineers and producers in mind who are searching for excellent sound at a reasonable price in mind.

With a height of just under 14 inches, the JBL Professional 305P MkII is ideal for small installations like home offices and apartments. Even at low volumes, the 305P MkII produces high-quality sound despite its small size. Therefore, these speakers don’t require much pumping to produce good clarity and detail.

Design

A single woofer and tweeter are found in the all-plastic speaker enclosure of the 305P MkII. When it comes to the 305P MkII, the eye-catching high-gloss finish is the first thing you’ll notice.

The high-gloss finish has largely fallen out of favor. A gloss finish, in my opinion, detracts from the quality of a speaker. The speaker becomes a magnet for smudges and other smudges, which is the other significant problem.

The 305P MkII, however, is a conventional-looking monitor with a 5-inch low-frequency driver and a 1-inch tweeter. The tweeter is housed inside what JBL claims is not a horn but looks like one from the outside.

Features

Actually, the horn is a JBL Image Control Waveguide. The Image Control Waveguide makes some improvements to your listening experience.

First off, regardless of the room you place the 305P MkII in, it widens the sweet spot of the speakers while maintaining audio consistency. The speaker can deliver information with more clarity and detail thanks to the Image Control Waveguide. Our sound review below has more information on Image Control Waveguide.

On the back of the 305P MkII, you can adjust three settings. The first is input sensitivity, which lets you choose between -10dBv for microphone inputs and +4dBu for high-impedance or line-level inputs.

The speaker’s low-end performance can then be adjusted based on how much bass the room produces using the Boundary EQ, which is the following feature. The High-Frequency (HF) Trim is your last option, and it can boost or attenuate a 10kHz shelf by 2dB.

Inputs and Controls

The 305P MkII has one input channel, a rotary volume control, and an XLR or 1/4-inch jack input selection. It is necessary to run separate signals and power to your left and right 305P MkII speakers because each has its own input with a Class-D amplifier.

Sound

The 305P MkII is a remarkable piece of work from JBL. The 305P MkII’s 5-inch woofer’s powerful bass output is its most impressive feature. The bass has a strong low-end punch and is well-defined.

Regardless of what JBL did with the Image Control Waveguide, it is effective! The midrange and highs have exceptional clarity and detail. Excellent vocal clarity is provided by the mid-foreground range’s placement in the mix. For a speaker, this size, the 305P MkII’s soundstage is also fantastic.

Conclusion

An excellent replacement for your stock PC speakers is the 305P MkII. At an affordable price point, you’ll hear audiophile-caliber sound. For a pair of 305P MkII monitors, you won’t be breaking the bank at less than $100 per speaker. I would suggest the 6.5-inch 306P MkII or 8-inch 308P MkII if you’re looking for a pair of monitors for the studio. You’ll get a stronger bass response and more headroom from these bigger monitors.

3. Kali Audio LP-6 Studio Monitor

Specs & Features​

Power:	80 W
Weight:	15.45 lbs
FR:	38Hz – 25kHz
Size:	10 x 9 x 14 in

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One of the “new kids on the block” in consumer audio is Kali Audio. In the past, we have examined the Kali Audio LP-6 and LP-8. We ultimately decided to go with the Kali Audio LP-6 Studio Monitor as our top pick for the best studio monitors.

The LP-6 will work well in most rooms thanks to its 6.5-inch low-frequency driver and smaller footprint, whereas the LP-8 is better suited for big rooms or studios.

Design

If you look closely, you’ll see that the Kali Audio LP-6 has its bass port on the front rather than the back of the speaker. This is being done by Kali Audio to prevent obstructions or reflections from the back walls or other surfaces from the bass port’s airflow.

This speaker design might be more appropriate for your space if you plan to position your monitors in a small area. The front-facing bass port will produce a tighter bass sound while reducing coloration. For our conclusion, see the sound review below.

The LP-6 is a conventional-looking studio monitor with a plastic enclosure and a matt finish, aside from the front-facing bass port. A powerful 80W of power is produced by a 6.5-inch low-frequency driver and a 1-inch tweeter.

Features

One of the most complete environmental controls you’ll find on a studio monitor is found on the LP-6. Your LP-6 monitors can be precisely adjusted using a combination of dip switches to match the requirements of your room and speaker placement.

The simple instructions Kali Audio offers to help you through the process of finding that ideal sound can be followed by even a novice. To get even more specific, you also get a high-pass and a low-pass filter.

Inputs and Controls

The LP-6 has a single input channel that accepts RCA, 1/4-inch, or XLR connections. To avoid any interference, the RCA input is isolated. Using a dip switch, you can turn on the input as needed. A rotary fader for master volume control is located next to the inputs.

Sound

The Kali Audio sounds great for a speaker in the lower price range. We weren’t expecting the LP-6 and LP-8 to sound as good as they do.

It’s important to remember that the LP-6 doesn’t sound fantastic right out of the box, unlike JBL or Yamaha. There is no decorative purpose for the LP-6 boundary EQ settings. To get a good sound, the LP-6 speakers need to be adjusted. But once you’ve got them locked in, they sound great.

The mid-range is forward with excellent clarity and detail, and the bass is tight and punchy. The JBL and Yamaha sound a little more polished, but the Kali Audio LP-6 isn’t far behind at a lower cost.

Conclusion

For those who are having trouble finding a good monitor for small spaces, the Kali Audio LP-6 is a great option. The front-facing bass port on the speakers allows you to place them directly in the corner of a room without coloration despite their strength. The LP-6 makes excellent PC speakers and provides adequate sound for a small home studio.

4. Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers – Best Reference Speaker

Specs & Features​

Power:	42 W
Weight:	10.8 lbs
FR:	75Hz – 18kHz
Size:	7 x 10 x 16 in

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The Edifier R1280T Powered Bookshelf Speakers are among the most well-liked bookshelf speakers on the market. For less than $100, a pair of Edifier R1280T is the ideal choice for those on a tight budget who want good sound.

Design

The Edifier R1280T has a speaker enclosure made of plastic that is mostly covered in a wood veneer. The Edifier R1280T has a sophisticated appearance thanks to its wood finish, which will look great in most living areas.

A 4-inch low-frequency driver is placed over a 4-inch tweeter under a fabric speaker grille. Additionally, the front of the speaker houses the bass port, which enhances low-end performance. This type of restricted placement is made possible by the front-facing port because the Edifier R1280T was created as a bookshelf speaker.

All of the inputs are located on the speaker’s back, and the controls are located on the side of the primary Edifier R1280T. Without having to move the speakers, this placement makes it simple to make necessary adjustments.

Features, Inputs, and Controls

The Edifier R1280T doesn’t have many features to offer. These are straightforward plug-and-play monitors with some EQ controls but no EQ trims.

To change these tones, use the separate bass and treble faders on the main Edifier R1280T. Sadly, it is unclear what frequency these pots intensify or weaken. A master volume is located below the EQ faders. Both of the Edifier R1280T speakers’ tone and volume can be changed with these controls.

There are two RCA inputs on the back of the primary Edifier R1280T. One is for line-level or digital equipment, and the other is for analog equipment like a turntable. The passive Edifier R1280T can be connected to a speaker output as well.

The Edifier R1280pleasant T’s audio output makes it ideal for PC speakers or music listening. The Edifier R1280T speakers don’t produce a lot of bass because they only have a 4-inch low-frequency driver, but they sound incredibly warm. Even at loud volumes, the low end is punchy and well-controlled and doesn’t distort.

Most musical genres benefit from the mid-range and treble response’s ability to provide enough clarity and detail. The Edifier R1280T produces excellent audio for podcasts and other vocal-heavy content.

Sound

The Edifier R1280pleasant T’s audio output makes it ideal for PC speakers or music listening. The Edifier R1280T speakers don’t produce a lot of bass because they only have a 4-inch low-frequency driver, but they sound incredibly warm. Even at loud volumes, the low end is punchy and well-controlled and doesn’t distort.

Most musical genres benefit from the mid-range and treble response’s ability to provide enough clarity and detail. The Edifier R1280T produces excellent audio for podcasts and other vocal-heavy content.

Conclusion

One of the top bookshelf speakers available is the Edifier R1280T for a good reason. The speakers are very good for their price and let you connect your PC or turntable without the need for any additional hardware.

These speakers are not suitable for studio use, in my opinion. The speakers don’t deliver a flat response, and the Edifier R1280T is simply too small. However, the Edifier R1280T will be a fantastic reference speaker for playing back mixes.

5. M-Audio AV42 Reference Monitor Speakers

Specs & Features​

Power:	40 W
Weight:	7.49 lbs
FR:	75Hz – 18kHz
Size:	7 x 6 x 8 in

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The M-Audio AV42 could be the ideal replacement for your current multimedia PC speakers if you’re looking for an upgrade. M-Audio is well known for its selection of speakers and music production-specific controllers.

The popular AV30 from M-Audio is followed by the more recent AV32 and AV42. The most recent iterations have seen some notable improvements in both sound and appearance, while prices have remained competitive.

Design

The M-Audio AV42 has a gloss finish surrounding the tweeter and an all-over matt plastic enclosure. The front of the primary M-Audio AV42 houses the headphone output, 1/8-inch AUX input, and master volume controls.

An RCA input, a bass port, a power switch, and a speaker out to the second passive M-Audio AV42 are all located on the back.

A 1-inch tweeter and a 4-inch woofer that can produce up to 20W per speaker are included in the M-Audio AV42. The OptImage IV technology used in the speakers by M-Audio is said to improve low-end performance while delivering clear, crisp highs. Our sound review below has more information on that.

Features, Inputs, and Controls

There aren’t many features offered by the M-Audio AV42. Without any switches or controls for the environment, the speakers are plug-and-play. A master volume fader is the only control, and it is situated below the woofer.

For audio inputs, you can use RCA or 1/8-inch AUX. For convenience, the 1/8-inch AUX port is situated on the speaker’s front. If you want to listen with headphones, you also have a headphone output. You’ll hear better sound quality through the headphone output than you would through the PC thanks to M-Audio processing.

Sound

When it comes to sound quality and performance, the M-Audio AV42 falls somewhere between a studio monitor and a PC speaker. They are a lot better than PC speakers but not as good as studio monitors.

Although the bass is punchy and tight, it is not as prominent as you might expect from high-end studio monitors. The mid-range lacks detail but provides adequate clarity. Gamers and home DJs/producers will enjoy the entertaining sound that the M-Audio AV42 produces.

Conclusion

The M-Audio AV42 must be acknowledged as not being a studio monitor. Compared to standard PC speakers, these speakers are an improvement. The M-Audio AV42 will be the perfect fit for your needs if you’re a bedroom DJ or producer looking to advance without going over budget.

6. PreSonus Eris E3.5 – Best Budget Studio Monitors

Specs & Features​

Power:	50 W
Weight:	8.0 lbs
FR:	80Hz – 20kHz
Size:	6 x 6 x 8 in

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The PreSonus Eris E3.5 has a stylish matt plastic enclosure all over. The speakers can be installed in most rooms because they are smaller than standard studio monitors.

The speaker cones on the 3.5-inch woofers are made of woven composite or Kevlar. The typical speaker cone is made of paper or cardboard, so the Eris E3.5 should be much more durable than the norm.

A power switch, volume control, 1/8-inch AUX input, and 1/8-inch headphone output are all located below the speaker drivers. The front-facing placement of these components on the Eris E3.5 improves the speaker’s suitability for multimedia applications.

Inputs and Controls

The primary Eris E3.5 has a single audio channel with stereo 1/4-inch or RCA inputs available on the back. The Eris E3.5 also has a 1/8-inch AUX input on the front. The level for each of the three inputs is managed by the master volume control on the speaker’s front.

Two passive speakers are connected by a speaker output from the main speaker. Eris E3.5.

Sound

The PreSonus Eris E3.5’s audio will likely astound people, in my opinion. Even though they are small, the speakers are capable of producing good bass. The low end has excellent definition and is punchy and tight.

For a speaker this size, the mid-range and highs produce an unexpected amount of detail and clarity. The Eris E3.5 is priced like a bookshelf speaker but has the qualities of a studio monitor.

Conclusion

For bedroom DJs and producers looking for a high-quality sound at a reasonable price, the Eris E3.5 is ideal. With the Eris Series, you can add components as you go, including a multimedia surround sound system. The Eris line offers center speakers in two different sizes: 5 inches and 8 inches. The E3.5 is also offered in Bluetooth form.

7. Focal Alpha 50 Studio Monitors

Specs & Features​

Power:	55 W
Weight:	16.0 lbs
FR:	45Hz – 22kHz
Size:	10 x 9 x 12 in

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Focal manufactures a variety of speakers, including models for home and business audio systems. The Alpha 50, a 5-inch active studio monitor, is one of three speakers in the Focal Alpha Series: the other two are the Alpha 80 (8-inch) and Alpha 65 (6.5-inch). It’s crucial to remember that the Focal Alpha 50 needs about 20 hours to break in as a professional studio speaker. You shouldn’t turn the speakers up past 60% volume during this period while they adjust to your space and surroundings.

Design

The Focal Alpha 50 is larger than the typical 5-inch speaker, which is the first thing you’ll notice. A sizable amount of space is left around the driver where the woofer is mounted. Instead of using a flare mount like most other brands, the 1-inch tweeter is flush-mounted just above the woofer.

Two sizable bass ports are located below the woofer to enhance low-end performance. Because the Focal Alpha 50’s ports are on the front, you can place it as close to a back surface as you like without changing the speaker’s response pattern.

Features

Two EQ settings are available on the Focal Alpha 50’s back to correct for placement or room. While the high-frequency shelf offers the same functionality at 4.5 kHz, the low-frequency shelf allows for a 6 dB boost or attenuation at 250 Hz. When fine-tuning that ideal sound, rotary pots are much more precise than switches.

Inputs and Controls

Power and signal inputs are located on the back of each Focal Alpha 50 speaker, allowing for individual powering. Each speaker has a single input channel that can accept either balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA inputs. Additionally, if necessary, you can increase the input by +6 dB using the sensitivity switch.

It’s a little strange that the Focal Alpha 50 doesn’t offer a 1/4-inch input connection considering that these are professional studio monitors. Even so, the majority of sound cards will have an RCA output.

Sound

The Focal Alpha 50 makes a great studio monitor. The speaker provides a flat response overall, making it ideal for mixing or recording. Warmth and a tight low-end response characterize the speaker. Excellent clarity and extraordinary detail are provided by the midrange and treble.

Conclusion

High-end sound is produced by the Focal Alpha 50, making it ideal for professional or home studios. These speakers are suitable for professional recording and mixing because they can withstand high SPL without ever distorting or breaking up.

The Focal Alpha 50 will exceed your expectations if you’re looking for PC speakers with studio-caliber sound. Since the Focal Alpha 50 is a professional near field monitor, you shouldn’t place the speakers much farther than an arm’s length from where you will be listening. The larger Alpha 65 or Alpha 80 might be a better option if you need more power and a stronger bass.

8. KRK RP5 Rokit 5 G4 Powered Studio Monitors

Specs & Features​

Power:	55 W
Weight:	28.2 lbs
FR:	43Hz – 40kHz
Size:	25 x 16 x 13 in

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Under the Gibson brand, KRK is a low-cost speaker and headphone manufacturer. The fourth generation of the Rokit series is represented by the KRK RP5 Rokit 5 G4. The G4 has a new onboard DSP-driven Graphic EQ with 25 settings in addition to some significant aesthetic and sonic improvements over the G3.

Design

The speaker enclosure has undergone a significant makeover from the G3 to the G4, which is the biggest change you’ll notice. With tapered curves, prominent branding, and an odd matt/gloss finish, the G3 had a lot going on.

With clearer lines, less branding, and a shape that is very similar to the Presonus Eris E3.5, KRK has softened the G4. The woofer and tweeter in the RP5 Rokit 5 G4 are made of Kevlar as well. A sizable bass port is located below the woofer to improve low-end response.

Features, Inputs, and Controls

One of the studio monitors with the most features that we reviewed for this article is the RP5 Rokit 5 G4. An LCD-controlled DSP-driven Graphic EQ is located on the speaker’s back.

You can adjust the EQ to fit your surroundings by adjusting the master volume. Use one of the 25 pre-programmed presets if you don’t know how to use an EQ. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to get used to the interface because it is so straightforward.

Additionally, KRK offers the Active Room Tuning app for iOS and Android devices. The app allows you to calibrate EQ, optimize speaker placement, and fine-tune your RP5 Rokit 5 G4 studio monitors using the Room Acoustic Analyzer.

For the left and right speakers on the RP5 Rokit 5 G4, there is only one input channel. The inputs on the channel can be either XLR or 1/4-inch.

Sound

The Kali Audio LP-6 is perfectly matched with the KRK RP5 Rokit 5 G4. Both in terms of quality and price, both speakers fall at the upper end of the budget range.

However, the Kali Audio LP-6 has a slightly more refined sound with more clarity and detail. Having said that, the RP5 Rokit 5 G4 produces a pleasingly punchy low-end response, though it is once more not as precise as the LP-6 or other high-end speakers.

For playback and home DJs/producers, the mid-range and treble response is adequate, but not for professional mixing.

Conclusion

If you want to replace your current PC speakers, the KRK RP5 Rokit 5 G4 is a great option. These speakers sound noticeably better than the majority of PC speakers currently available, and at just under $170, they won’t break the bank. The KRK RP5 Rokit 5 G4 will be fantastic for home DJs and novice producers, but the Kali Audio LP-6 is slightly less expensive and more appropriate for this use.

9. BEHRINGER TRUTH B2031A Studio Monitor – Loudest Studio Monitor

Specs & Features​

Power:	265 W
Weight:	30.9 lbs
FR:	50Hz – 21kHz
Size:	11 x 10 x 16 in

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The BEHRINGER TRUTH B2031A Studio Monitor is ideal if you prefer big speakers. It has been available for about ten years and is a true behemoth. One of the most reputable brands for affordable professional audio systems is BEHRINGER. Despite being reasonably priced, BEHRINGER products are by no means of low quality, and their after-sales support is top-notch.

Although it has larger drivers and more sound, the TRUTH B2031A costs about the same as the KRK RP5 Rokit 5 G4. Make sure you have the appropriate amount of room and space to position these speakers because they are large.

Design

Each TRUTH B2031A is 31 lbs. in weight and 15.75 inches tall. Compared to many of the top studio monitor speakers we’ve reviewed, this is significantly bigger.

The outer enclosure is made of plastic, and the drivers are enclosed inside an aluminum die-cast chassis. The speaker has an 8 3/4-inch long-throw woofer and a 1-inch tweeter. The largest low-frequency driver on our list is this one.

Bass ports are located on either side of the tweeter. A power LED and limit indicator are located immediately beneath that to alert you when you’re pushing the TRUTH B2031A too hard.

Features

On the speaker’s back, the BEHRINGER offers a few straightforward switches for fine-tuning your TRUTH B2031A. There is an adjustment at both low and high frequencies. While the high-frequency can be boosted to +2 dB or attenuated to -4 dB, the low-frequency adjustment allows for attenuation of up to 6 dB.

The Room Compensation switch will adjust the speaker’s performance to its location. You can once more attenuate up to 6 dB. The user manual and the back of the TRUTH B2031A both contain instructions for these settings.

Inputs and Controls

Each TRUTH B2031A monitor also has a straightforward power switch on the back. You can choose between on, off, or auto. When there is no audio signal, the speaker will be turned off in the auto power mode, which is a standby or power-saving mode.

An input channel with the choice of XLR or 1/4-inch inputs is located beneath that. Additionally, each speaker has its own trim or volume control.

Sound

A surprisingly flat studio monitor is the BEHRINGER TRUTH B2031A. Considering that the TRUTH B2031A is inexpensive studio monitors, you wouldn’t anticipate such a flat response from them.

You’ll also notice that these speakers sound as large as they do. The speakers’ 265W total output allows them to deliver some serious power. Additionally, the bass is strong and full. You’ll enjoy the TRUTH B2031A’s 8 3/4-inch woofers’ low-end response if you mix EDM or urban music.

Excellent clarity is delivered by the mid-range, but nuance and detail are lacking. Definitely not as sophisticated as studio monitors made by Yamaha or JBL. The tweeters deliver a clear, high-frequency sound that is effective.

It’s significant to note that a few users have complained about problems with TRUTH B2031A tweeters. Some people have managed to blow the drivers because they are so delicate. Numerous users of the TRUTH B2031A for parties where speakers frequently operate at or near full volume for extended periods of time are likely DJs. I would advise against turning these monitors up all the way to avoid damaging the tweeters.

Conclusion

An outstanding entry-level studio monitor is the TRUTH B2031A. The TRUTH B2031A will be your best choice if you require a lot of headroom at a reasonable cost.

Studio Monitors Buyers Guide

As always, we’ve put together a thorough buyer’s guide to assist you in making that choice. In this guide, we hope to provide all the information you need to make an informed decision about the studio monitors that are best for you.

selecting the appropriate studio monitors

When choosing a set of studio monitors, there are a few things to take into account. The size of the drivers comes first. We frequently try to choose the largest size that our budget will allow. However, this is not the best method for selecting your monitors.

Your room is the most important deciding factor when determining the size of your monitors. You don’t need 8-inch monitors if your room is small. Most likely, I’ll be seated at arm’s length from you. That excessive headroom serves no purpose.

The majority of home studios are located in a tiny office, bedroom, or basement. A pair of 5-inch speakers will do for modest spaces. 8-inch monitors will make more sense if you have a bigger room, perhaps with a mixing console and space for three or more people.

Cost is another aspect to take into account. Keep in mind that a sound card or audio interface will probably be required to connect your speakers to your computer. Avoid buying $499 studio monitors with a $500 budget if you want to save money for your sound card.

What about watts?

Typically, you want the most powerful speakers you can afford when choosing speakers. Purchasing studio monitors is not the same. Instead of worrying about whether you can annoy your neighbors when using studio monitors, you should focus on getting the best sound quality.

The ideal range for small rooms is 10W to 60W. Power is not necessary because you will be seated directly in front of these powerful machines. Despite this, you still need some headroom so you can hear the mix’s finer details.

You might want to take into account power levels of at least 60W and possibly even a pair of passive studio monitors for larger rooms.

Connecting Studio Monitors to a Computer

Professional studio monitors typically lack a 1/8-inch AUX, USB, or HDMI port to connect to your PC, in contrast to standard PC speakers. A sound card is the most effective way to connect studio monitors to a computer. Even though your monitors do have a 1/8-inch AUX input, a soundcard will produce a sound that is of higher quality than what your computer can produce.

The best option for connecting a sound card to a PC is a balanced XLR connection. You can run long cables and reduce the possibility of adding noise or electric hum to your system by using an XLR connection. Using a 1/4-inch TRS connection is the next best thing. Avoid using RCA or 1/8-inch cables as they are frequently made of low-quality, high-impedance materials.

Other audio interfaces, such as a DJ controller or a digital mixer, can be used. These kinds of gadgets typically connect to your computer via USB or infrared and connect to your monitors via XLR, 1/4-inch, 1/8-inch, or RCA from the controller.

Before you begin setting up and calibrating your monitor, make sure your speakers are properly connected to your computer. Don’t, for instance, position your speakers on your PC’s 1/8-inch headphone out before switching to a soundcard later. The sound will suffer greatly as a result. In order to account for the new connection, you’ll probably need to experiment with your positioning and calibration.

Does where the speaker stands matter?

The majority of people say no. I would advise positioning the speakers roughly equidistant from one another, plugging them in, and having fun if you are simply connecting monitors to your PC for gaming or to replace the PC speakers.

Spending too much time worrying about the speaker position is pointless because you won’t notice the difference for a few weeks or months.

I would contend that speaker placement shouldn’t be important unless you are a recording or mixing engineer. Finding the location of the speakers requires intense concentration. Only sound engineers are paying that close attention. You better believe they don’t like it. This is work!

Even the fussiest audiophiles will briefly hear whether or not their speaker is “in the sweet spot” before letting it go and focusing only on the music.

Positioning Studio Monitors

A 60-degree triangle is one of the most popular speaker arrangements. Start by angling each speaker at a 60-degree angle from where you want people to listen.

Make sure each speaker is equally spaced on either side of a mixing console or computer monitor if you have one in front of you. When placing speakers, especially when listening to stereo mixes, symmetry is essential.

If your left monitor is hotter than your right, for instance, you might infer that a mixed element is panned to the left and adjust for this. The error will be audible when the finished mix is played back on a different device or with headphones.

Surrounding Walls and Surfaces

How your speakers are positioned in relation to surrounding surfaces is something else to keep an eye out for. The speakers may sound different if one is placed in a corner and the other has no surrounding walls or surfaces. To prevent rear reflections when mixing in a corner, look for monitors with forward-firing bass ports.

PreSonus suggests that “…speakers should be a different distance from the back wall than from the walls on either side” as one placement tip. The only thing that matters is that the distances are different; whether the distance between the back or sides is wider is irrelevant. This positioning is done to prevent any potential phasing.

Monitor Stands

Using monitor stands, which could be actual telescopic stands or straightforward desktop monitor pads, is one way to get an uncolored sound. Monitor stands to isolate your speakers to cut down on background noise and echo.

You can position your speakers so that they are level with your head and that the drivers are pointing right at your ears by using monitor stands.

Monitor pads are essential if you have to put your speakers on your desk. In addition to reducing noise and vibration, monitor pads are typically tapered so that you can position your speakers at or near head height.

Calibrating your Studio Monitors

You might also want to calibrate your studio monitors if you really want to get technical. To calibrate speakers, a test tone like pink noise is used to make sure all frequency bands are at the same volume. also referred to as a flat response.

Simply using your ear, using a reference microphone and software, or combining the two, or both are effective ways to calibrate speakers. Check out this article from PreSonus if you want to learn more about this topic, which can get very technical and involved.

Making Use of a Power Conditioner

Power is one thing that everyone overlooks, even professionals. Your equipment will be isolated by a power conditioner.

The purpose of isolating your studio monitors is unclear.

There are a few causes. The first is defense. Since you recently spent money on new speakers, you don’t want a power outage or lightning strike to ruin them. The second reason is that isolation will stop or at least lessen the entry of AC noise into your system.

It’s crucial to remember that each component of the chain needs to be wired to the same power supply, and if you’re using a conditioner, everything must also pass through it. Any noise introduced to the computer will transfer to the speakers if your speakers are powered by a power conditioner but your computer is not.

Utilizing a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) will not only keep your system from shutting down in the event of a power outage, but it will also isolate your equipment. With a UPS, you’ll have enough time to properly shut down everything to prevent any damage.

How to Upgrade Studio Monitors to Have a Bluetooth Input

The majority of studio monitors lack Bluetooth inputs. Audio professionals don’t use Bluetooth or WiFi because a cable connection is superior to both of those types of wireless connectivity.

There is a simple and affordable solution available if you want professional sound and the ease of Bluetooth. On Amazon, you can purchase a Bluetooth adapter for under $20.

There are a few possibilities. The first is an AUX port-compatible 1/8-inch Bluetooth adapter. This might not be suitable for everyone because the majority of studio monitors lack an AUX input.

Even if your device has an AUX port, the second adapter is the best. It is a compact box with RCA outputs for your monitors. You can arrange this device neatly on your desktop and connect the speakers with cables. You can purchase RCA to 1/4-inch adapters if your monitors lack an RCA input.