Studio monitors are speakers built for recording, mixing and critical listening, and they suit home studios, podcasters and audio engineers. Our range has over 30 models with 3, 4, 5.25 and 8 inch woofers. You will find monitors from ADAM AUDIO, KRK, Kali Audio, PreSonus, JBL and Focal, among others.
How to choose studio monitors
Woofer size. Match the size to your room. Our range includes 3, 4, 5.25 and 8 inch woofers (7.6, 10.2, 13.3 and 20.3 cm). In a small room, 5 inch or smaller models are usually enough, because an 8 inch speaker can turn deep bass into boom if the room has no acoustic treatment.
Frequency range. The lower the range starts, the deeper the bass a monitor can reproduce. Our range includes models from 38 to 30,000 Hz, while others are narrower, for example 80 to 20,000 Hz. Also check the decibel tolerance if it is stated, since manufacturers measure the limits in different ways.
Connections. Balanced XLR or 6.3 mm TRS inputs reduce noise on longer cables and suit audio interfaces. An RCA or 3.5 mm input is simpler if you plan to connect the speakers straight to a computer. Check which outputs your audio interface has before you buy.
Room and placement. Position the monitors so the tweeters are at ear height and the speakers and your head form an equilateral triangle. If the speakers will sit close to a wall, high and low frequency controls help, because the wall boosts the bass.
Active or passive. Most studio monitors are active: they have a built-in amplifier and connect directly to an audio interface. Passive models need a separate power amplifier, so they only make sense if you already own one.
Brands we carry
- ADAM AUDIO: a German manufacturer that uses its X-ART ribbon tweeter in many models, known for detailed high frequencies.
- KRK: known for its yellow woofer cones and the Rokit series, popular in home studios.
- Kali Audio: known for the LP and IN series, which aim for a flat, neutral sound.
- PreSonus: makes audio interfaces as well as the Eris monitors, so a home studio can be put together from one manufacturer.
- JBL: a long-established professional audio company, known for its 3 Series studio monitors.
- Focal: a French manufacturer that uses beryllium tweeters in some of its higher-end models.
- Yamaha: the HS series has white woofer cones, and the older NS-10 became a reference speaker in many studios.
Also in our range: Hercules, M-Audio, Edifier, Fluid Audio and Mackie.
Frequently asked questions
How do studio monitors differ from ordinary speakers?
Studio monitors aim for a neutral sound rather than a flattering one. Ordinary speakers often emphasise the bass or treble, which can hide mistakes while you mix. Monitors play a recording as it actually is.
What size of studio monitor suits a home studio?
A 4 or 5 inch woofer usually suits a small room. 8 inch models reach deeper bass, but they need more space and better acoustics. If you work at a desk and sit close to the speakers, smaller models are normally the better option.
Can I use studio monitors for listening to music?
Yes, they work well for everyday listening. The sound is flatter and less showy than from ordinary speakers, but many people like it because more detail in the recording comes through. To connect them to a computer or phone you will need an audio interface or a suitable input.
Do studio monitors need a separate amplifier?
Most studio monitors are active, so they do not need a separate amplifier because one is built in. A separate amplifier is only required for passive models. Check the product description to see whether a speaker is active before you buy.
