Upgrading Studio Monitors: Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

Studio monitors are speakers that have been tuned to have a very flat response, ensuring that no frequency is emphasised more than any other. This results in a sound that is more akin to how the music was recorded. If you're unhappy with your mixes, or you're missing some mids, it may be time to upgrade your studio monitors.

Upgrading your studio monitors can be a great way to improve the sound quality of your mixes and enhance your studio experience. While it's easy to get attached to old technology, a run-down monitor with poor image quality and hardware issues can hinder your productivity and entertainment experience.

Additionally, if you're a gamer, upgrading your monitor can provide a more immersive experience with smoother visuals and less motion blur. You may also want to consider upgrading if you need more screen space or if your current monitor seems dim and faded.

It's worth noting that upgrading doesn't always mean breaking the bank. Monitor prices have been dropping, making it possible to find affordable options with excellent features. So, if you're thinking of upgrading your studio monitors, now may be a great time to take the plunge.

You're unhappy with your mixes

If you're unhappy with your mixes, it might be time to upgrade your studio monitors. Here are some reasons why:

Firstly, your current monitors might not be delivering a flat response, which means certain frequencies are emphasised over others. Studio monitors are designed to produce a sound that's more akin to how the music was recorded, giving you a more accurate mix. If your monitors are providing too much bass, for example, you might end up with mixes that sound bass-heavy on other systems.

Secondly, your monitors might not be providing enough detail and width. Great monitors will present every single element in your mix, allowing you to surgically adjust each component in terms of both frequency and stereo position. If your monitors aren't offering this level of detail, you might struggle to properly hear and adjust different elements, like guitars, vocals, or multiple basslines.

Thirdly, your monitors might be lacking in the mids. Two-way monitors can be great, but three-way monitors will often provide a more joined-up picture of your mix, gluing your basses and trebles together.

Lastly, your monitors might be passive. Passive monitors are less likely to give you an accurate picture of your mixes, unless you have an amp that's completely matched to your speakers. Active monitors, on the other hand, have a built-in amp, providing a more accurate and "hi-fi" listening experience.

Upgrading your studio monitors can be a significant investment, but it can also make a huge difference to your mixes, providing a more accurate, detailed, and powerful listening experience.

You're lacking bass

If you're lacking bass, it could be time to upgrade your studio monitors.

Firstly, you should check your setup. Make sure your monitors are in the correct position, as per the instruction manual. If you move your chair or your monitors, you may find that you pass through a threshold region where you suddenly get a lot more bass. This is due to standing waves in your room, which is very common. Moving your speakers or listening position around can help you find the right amount of bass.

If you are happy with your setup, it may be that your monitors are too small to produce the bass you want. Most monitors stop just short of the deepest frequency range (somewhere in the 20-50Hz range). If you want to be able to hear these lower frequencies, you will need to upgrade to a larger monitor, or consider adding a subwoofer to your setup.

If you are monitoring in a small room, you may find that the room itself is the problem. The larger the room, the lower the frequencies of standing waves. In a larger room, the frequencies are so low that they are inaudible.

If you are happy with your setup and don't want to move to a larger room, you could try using bass traps to stop the bass from bouncing around the room and creating standing waves. This will help to create a more even level of bass.

Finally, if you are happy with your current setup and don't want to add bass traps, you could try using a frequency analyser like Voxengo SPAN, and use other songs as a reference to help you mix your basslines.

You're not getting the detail and width

If you're not getting the detail and width from your studio monitors, it's likely that they are poorly positioned. The placement of your studio monitors can have an even greater impact on your sound than the monitors themselves. Poor positioning can create huge peaks and valleys in the frequency response of your room, destroying any chance of a well-balanced mix.

To get the best sound out of your studio monitors, there are several steps you can take:

• Position your monitors against the longest wall of the room. This will help to minimise problems from side reflections.
• Vary the distances between your monitors and each wall. Ensure that the height of your monitors is either slightly above or below the midpoint between the floor and ceiling. Make sure the distances between the monitors and the side walls are neither the same nor an exact multiple of the distance from the floor or ceiling.
• Create space between the monitors and the rear wall. Bass frequencies project in all directions, and much of that sound reflects off the rear wall of your room. The best option is to create maximum separation between the wall and the monitors that the room size will allow.
• Find a good head position. Centre your chair between the side walls to maintain a symmetrical stereo image. Set the chair height so your head is not halfway between the ceiling and floor.
• Add bass traps behind the monitors. This will help to minimise problems caused by reflected bass frequencies from your rear wall. Acoustic panels or any other type of absorption works better than nothing.
• Add absorption at initial reflection points. Cover the four key locations that cause the majority of problems with reflected sound from your monitors with acoustic panels: two above your head, one on the left wall, and one on the right wall.
• Add diffusion to the rear wall. This will scatter the energy from the sound waves before it has a chance to cause problems.

By following these steps, you will be able to improve the detail and width of your studio monitors and create a more balanced and accurate sound.

You're upsizing

If you're upsizing your studio, you might need to upgrade your studio monitors. A bigger room means your current smaller monitors may not have the 'oomph' to fill the larger space. The larger the room, the more power you need from your monitors. Companies tend to release monitors in ranges for this very reason.

If you're moving to a bigger studio, you may need to consider a larger model of monitor with more power. However, if you want to be a near-field mixer, you can stick with your current setup.

It's also worth noting that if you're upgrading to a bigger studio, you may also want to consider a subwoofer to extend those bass frequencies. This could be a cheaper option than replacing your speakers.

You've lost the mids

If you're experiencing a lack of mid-range frequencies when using your studio monitors, there could be a few potential issues at play. Here are some possible reasons and troubleshooting steps to help you identify and resolve the problem:

• Connection issues: Ensure that your studio monitors are properly connected to your audio interface or computer. Try using different cables to see if that makes a difference.
• Source settings: Check the settings on your audio source. Make sure that the output levels for mid-range frequencies are not turned down or muted. Adjust the EQ settings on your source device to emphasize the mids and see if that makes a difference.
• Monitor placement: The placement of your studio monitors can impact the sound you hear. Try adjusting the position of the monitors in your room, paying attention to the listening distance and the acoustics of the space.
• Monitor settings: If your studio monitors have built-in EQ settings or room correction features, make sure they are configured correctly for your setup. Refer to your monitor's manual for specific instructions.
• Faulty hardware: It is possible that the issue lies with the studio monitors themselves. In rare cases, both tweeters could be blown or there could be an internal electronic malfunction. Try connecting a different set of active speakers to your setup and see if that resolves the issue. If it does, then the problem likely lies with your studio monitors.

Remember to check for any obvious signs of damage or malfunction, and if necessary, consult a professional technician for further assistance.

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