The Best Studio Monitors to Improve Your Mixes
Get decent mixes in your home studio.
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So you’re upgrading your studio to take your mixing more seriously? Here are some of the best studio monitors in the mid-range category.
In this Article:
Choosing the Best Studio Monitors
Before you think of upgrading your monitor system to get better results, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it’s a good idea to improve the acoustics of the room you are working in, because this will increase the performance of any studio monitor system.
As we are now shopping slightly above the price range of budget studio monitors, it’s a considerable investment. Because acoustic treatment is also expensive, it’s a good idea to do some research in this area.
Another way to get the most from your room and monitoring setup is with digital room correction. While some solutions like Sonarworks SoundID Reference are compatible with a wide range of speaker models, certain manufacturers like Genelec and Neumann offer calibration systems specific to their respective monitor designs.
Also, if you’re planning to add a second pair of monitors to your setup, be sure to check out our suggestions for monitor controllers that will help you seamlessly switch between them.
The Best Studio Monitors: KRK V Series
Is it possible to deliver professional mixes using monitors that don’t break the bank? Well, the KRK V Series is a relatively affordable option that has been around for over 20 years, and used by the likes of Mark “Spike” Stent, who is one of the most successful mix engineers of all time, and a long-time KRK fan.
Now in its 4th generation, the V Series consists of three different models, the V4S4 (4-inch), V6S4 (6.5-inch), and the V8S4 (8-inch). The 2-way design uses a 1.6 kHz crossover and Class-D amplification system to drive the familiar yellow Kevlar woofer cones and dome tweeters.
On the rear panel, the V Series is equipped with two EQ controls that provide up to 49 different EQ voicing presets. This gives you the means to optimize the monitors for your space and their particular placement configuration. Meanwhile, there is also a USB input for loading firmware updates to unlock new features. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Studio Monitors: Adam Audio A Series
The Adam Audio A Series has been around since 2006, with its patented ART ribbon tweeter design. In its latest version, the A Series has a range of 2-way options, such as the A4V (4-inch), the A7V (7-inch), and the A44H (dual 4-inch), as well as 3-way options like the A77H (dual 7-inch + 3.5-inch) and the A8H (8-inch + 3.5-inch).
To add to the versatility, most of the models in the range are mountable with the optional mounting plate, and the rotatable X-ART tweeters allow you the change the orientation from vertical to horizontal. In addition, the A44H has been designed to be used in a stereo system or as a center speaker in a multichannel system for immersive mixing.
The A Series is also well-equipped in the DSP department, with a range of Room Adaptation voicing presets and Sonarworks integration that allows automatic remote calibration. This makes the A Series a particularly attractive choice if you’re looking to upgrade your studio for immersive capabilities. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Studio Monitors: Neumann KH Series
The Sennheiser Group acquired the speaker manufacturer Klein + Hummel back in 2005, and since then has expanded the capabilities of these popular 2-way and 3-way monitors under Neumann. Equipped with electro-acoustic transducers, active crossovers, and compatibility with Neumann’s MA 1 monitor alignment system.
It’s important to note that the KH Series ranges in price from mid-range compact options like the KH 80 (4-inch), the KH 120 (5.25-inch), and the KH 150 (6.5-inch), to more high-end 3-way options like the trusty KH 310 (8.25-inch + 3-inch), the KH 420 (10-inch + 3-inch). To extend the low-end, there are the KH 750 (10-inch) and the monster KH 870 (dual 10-inch) subwoofers.
Apart from the uncomprisingly neutral sound, the KH Series also offers versatility for installation and digital connectivity options that are ideal for immersive audio users. Meanwhile, most models give you the option to do manual or automatic room correction to optimize the speakers for your space. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Studio Monitors: Focal Shape
The Focal Shape series has been designed with the modern producer in mind. Instead of a front or rear ported design, the Shape uses a passive radiator on either side of the speaker cabinet, which delivers a focussed low-end and allows you to place the monitors close to a wall if you need to, without compromising the speaker’s performance.
The sandwich cone woofers use Flax membranes, and the “M” profile tweeters are made from aluminum-magnesium, delivering a neutral sound that translates well onto other playback systems. In the Shape family, you’ll find the Shape 40 (4-inch), the Shape 50 (5-inch), the Shape 65 (6.5-inch), and the Shape Twin (dual 5-inch) monitors.
Each model is also equipped with a range of acoustic EQ controls, including a variable high-pass filter, a low shelf at 250 Hz, a low midrange filter at 160 Hz, and a high shelf at 4.5 kHz. Overall, the Shape series offers a range of impressive options suitable for any style of music with plenty of value for the price. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Studio Monitors: Barefoot Sound Footprint
If you’re looking at Barefoot Sound studio monitors, you’re starting to enter high-end territory, where you’ll find prestigious brands like ATC and PMC. However, Barefoot’s Footprint series provides a great entry point to these incredible monitors, starting off at just over $2000 a pair for the Footprint03 (6.5-inch + 3.5-inch).
These active 3-way speakers use an interesting combination of different technologies, including aluminum cone midrange drivers and dual ring radiator tweeters that deliver an immense stereo image that is both accurate and detailed. As you go up the range to the Footprint02 (dual 6.5-inch + 4-inch) and Footprint01 (dual 8-inch + 4-inch), these are specially designed with a dual opposing low-end woofer system.
Barefoot has also included some of the same features as their larger monitors, such as the MEME (Multi Emphasis Monitor Emulation) system that allows you to shift the voicing between a flat modern sound, an enhanced Hi-Fi sound, and a vintage NS10-style sound. For immersive users, there is also the Footprint03C (dual 6.5-inch + 3.5-inch) for your center channel.
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3 responses to “The Best Studio Monitors to Improve Your Mixes”
Where is GENELEC and Dynaudio..