

This amplified signal is then sent through a series of electronic components within the monitor called the crossover network. Here’s a great diagram that shows the differences between passive and active monitors.Ī passive monitor requires an external amplifier to amplify the input signal before entering the monitor. Monitors that run in a passive or active system are called passive and active monitors respectively. This can be done with two different systems: passive and active. Signals entering a monitor must be amplified before playing through the drivers. The driver’s vibration vibrates air molecules around the driver, creating sound waves to recreate the audio. This magnet is pulsed on and off rapidly, causing the driver to move back and forth fast enough to reproduce the complex audio signal. What is a studio monitorīefore we get any further, let’s go over some of the parts of a studio monitor.īehind each driver is an electromagnet. Today, we’ll go into the different types of studio monitors, which are most useful and compatible with home studios, and some potential options to check out if you’re in the market. Having the ability to work in the environment of an average listener is invaluable. With that in mind, monitors remain important because a lot of music is consumed through some sort of speaker. This is a different listening experience. Monitors will introduce room acoustics into the equation and both ears will be hearing both channels. There will be zero reflected sound hitting your ears, with the left channel played directly to the left ear and the right channel to the right ear. Keep in mind that the easiest way to take room acoustics out of the picture is a good pair of headphones. Choosing the “wrong” monitor (especially for the room you’ll be using) could hinder your ability to create recordings that translate when played in other environments.

Apart from the acoustics of your room, this will have the biggest impact on the listening experience in your studio. An important decision when designing a home studio is the set of monitors to purchase.
