Arts >> Music >> Recording Music

How to Set Up Studio Monitors

When creating a recording studio, proper placement and setup of the monitors is crucial to get an accurate baseline sound for mixing. Placement of monitors becomes even more important if you can't treat the room with acoustic foam. In addition to the monitor placement, you need to plan for the placement of the listening spot in the room, which can also be affected by different frequency response characteristics of the walls, floor and ceiling.

Things You'll Need

  • Studio monitors
  • XLR or TRS cables
  • Computer
  • Stands
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the distance from the listening spot to the walls behind where you will put your digital audio workstation (DAW). Try to setup the DAW so that it is placed along the longer wall if the room is rectangular. If the room is square, or close to it, placement of the DAW isn't as critical.

    • 2

      Place the monitor stands at least one feet out from the wall, positioned so that they form a triangle with the listening position at the apex between the two stands.

    • 3

      Place the monitors on the stands and adjust the height of the monitor stands so that the speaker drivers are positioned at ear level.

    • 4

      Connect the monitors to the soundcard of your computer. Use XLR cables if you can, as they are quieter and sound better than TRS cables.

    • 5

      Turn on your DAW and start playing music while sitting in the listening position. If needed, pull the speakers in closer or further away to adjust for the sound in the room.

Recording Music

Related Categories