9. Making a Choice
Picking the Right Nearfield Monitor: What to Consider:
Audio Transparency
When it comes to studio monitors, the ultimate aim has always been crystal-clear audio reproduction. But here's the scoop - not all studio monitors deliver this goal with the same finesse. A lot of it comes down to price. You can't expect a €200 speaker to match the transparency of a 2.000EUR model. However, even with the budget in mind, never compromise on audio transparency. It should remain high on your checklist when choosing a monitor.
Listening Tests
Measuring a speaker's transparency by just staring at the technical specs is a bit like trying to see the whole iceberg from the tip. The ultimate decision comes from putting on those tunes and giving it a listen. Your ears should have the final say!
The flashiest speaker doesn't always make the cut. In hi-fi, it's all about that "wow" factor, but for studio monitors, the focus is on how the speaker reproduces well-known music or instruments. Pick tracks and instruments you know inside and out. If you tinkle the ivories, grab some top-notch piano recordings. Your favorite tunes and artists are your secret weapons for sussing out a speaker's real deal.
Space Requirements
You've got to consider the practical stuff too. Even if you've got a top-tier speaker, it won't shine if you can't place it just right. Space is the name of the game. If your setup only allows for speakers 70 to 80 cm apart, those hefty 8" woofers might not fit the bill. In that case, you might need to make peace with a bit less bass and go for 5" or 6" models. They can snuggle up closer and still rock the sound.
Budget
When it comes to setting up your home studio from the ground up, don't cut corners on your monitor speakers. It's a common trap - people go big on a top-notch large-diaphragm microphone but leave peanuts for their studio monitors. But here's the thing, your room's acoustics and your choice of speakers pack a bigger punch in the sound quality department than your mic. It's about the whole chain, folks! So, if you've got a budget to stick to, split it wisely between a solid microphone and a trusty speaker. Don't go all-in on one and give the cold shoulder to the other. Balance is the key!
Genre-Specific Selection
Your musical style can also sway your decision. Transparency is golden, but different music genres often ask for different things from your speakers. For example, if you're whipping up electronic beats for club bangers, you'd want speakers that can pump out the bass. Classical tunes might demand rich stereo imagery and exquisite detail. So, factor in your musical flavor and what your work hinges on.
Personal Taste
Though neutrality should be your primary goal, your personal taste will have a say. We all have our unique ear quirks. What's crystal clear to one might be ear-piercing to another! It's a matter of personal flavor. But don't be lured by a speaker that goes for spectacle over honesty. Your ear knows the truth!
Bottom line
The perfect studio monitor is the one that just clicks with you. As you delve into mixing, you'll build a relationship with a specific model, get to know its quirks. It's good to heed the wisdom of the pros on how to set them up and use them. But, above all, your monitors should be your sonic soulmates!
