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How to Connect Studio Monitor Speakers

Studio monitor speakers are traditionally used inside a recording studio. Many of these speakers are affordable to the consumer and can be connected to a stereo system. There are two basic types of studio monitor speakers, self-powered and non-powered speakers. Self-powered speakers use an on-board amplifier for each speaker and must be plugged into a nearby power outlet. The non-powered speaker may need an auxiliary power supply or amplifier. Regardless of the type, both of these speakers connect in the same way to the sound source.

Things You'll Need

  • Studio monitor speakers
  • Two-wire speaker wire (20 gauge or larger)
  • Wire strippers
  • Amplifier (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the speakers in the room so they are a minimum distance of 6 feet apart. Distance between the speakers will depend on the size and orientation of the room. Some speaker manufacturers may have various guidelines for optimal placement in their specification literature.

    • 2

      Run one set of two-wire speaker wire from the sound source to each individual speaker. Generally speaker wire is made up of two wires. One wire is gold or copper in color, while the other is silver in color. You should use a minimum speaker wire size of at least a 20-gauge wire. The smaller the wire gauge size, the larger the actual size of the wire. In other words, a 12-gauge speaker wire is much larger physically than a 20-gauge. The larger the physical size of the wire, the more power it can carry. In general a 14-gauge wire will handle a 40-watt amplifier.

    • 3

      Use the wire strippers and remove ¾ of an inch of the wire insulation to reveal the bare copper underneath. Twist the wire strands of the bare copper in a clockwise direction between your fingers.

    • 4

      Attach the speakers in the following order. Place the two-wire speaker wire into the rear of the speaker connections. The speakers will have a simple push clip. Push on the clip lever. Insert the wire. Release the clip. Note which color wire goes into which color connector clip. Typically the gold-colored wire will go into the red connection of the speaker. Insert the silver wire into the black speaker connection.

    • 5

      Locate the speaker connections on the rear of the stereo amplifier. There should be two separate pairs of red and black connectors. One pair is labeled “right” and the other marked “left”.

    • 6

      Connect the gold wire from the right hand speaker into the red connector of the right amplifier connection. Attach the silver wire into the black connector on the right amplifier connector. Perform the same task on the left speaker connection.

    • 7

      Plug the studio monitors into an electrical power outlet, if applicable.

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