Powering Studio Monitors: Clean Energy, Pure Sound

Studio monitors are an essential component of any studio setup, responsible for accurately reproducing sound. Powered studio monitors, in particular, offer convenience and ease of use by having a built-in amplifier, eliminating the need for a separate amplifier head. When it comes to cleanly powering studio monitors, there are a few key considerations. Firstly, ensure that the monitors are the right size for your studio space. If you have a small studio, compact monitors will suffice, while larger monitors are more suitable for stereo setups or bigger studios. Secondly, consider the type of music you'll be working with. For example, if you're recording music with deep bass, look for monitors with larger woofers that can handle lower frequencies. Lastly, since powered monitors have built-in amplifiers, you'll need to ensure they have access to a power outlet in your studio rig. By choosing the right monitors for your specific needs and ensuring a clean power source, you can achieve optimal sound reproduction and a seamless studio experience.

Use a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the screen gently in a circular motion

To clean your studio monitors, it is recommended to use a dry, soft, lint-free cloth to wipe the screen gently in a circular motion. This will help remove dust and fingerprints without causing any damage to the screen. It is important to avoid using paper towels, tissues, or abrasive cloths, as they may scratch the screen. Additionally, you should never spray any liquid directly onto the screen, as this could cause damage to the internal components.

If your studio monitor has a matte finish, it is crucial to be extra gentle during the cleaning process. Follow the same guidelines as above, using a soft microfiber cloth with water or a water-and-alcohol mixture. Avoid pressing too hard, as this could scratch the matte surface.

For stubborn stains or fingerprints, you can dampen the cloth slightly with distilled water or a 50/50 mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the screen in a circular motion until the marks disappear. Remember not to apply too much pressure to avoid damaging the screen.

It is also important to clean the other parts of your studio monitor, such as the woofer cone, rubber surrounds, woofer dome, tweeter, and cabinet. For the woofer cone and rubber surrounds, you can use a dry microfiber cloth or a brush and vacuum cleaner to remove dust and grime. The woofer dome, tweeter, and cabinet can be cleaned with a dry or slightly damp cloth, being careful not to use too much pressure or touch sensitive components directly.

Avoid using paper towels or harsh chemicals

When cleaning studio monitors, it is important to avoid using paper towels, toilet paper, tissue paper, rags, or clothing to wipe the screen. These non-ultrasoft materials can scratch the display.

Instead, opt for a soft, dry cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, or a dry eraser. If the dry cloth does not completely remove the dirt or oil, dampen it with distilled water or a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar. You can also use a small spray bottle of special cleaner for flat screens, which can be purchased from many companies.

It is also important to avoid using harsh chemicals when cleaning studio monitors. Do not use cleaning products that contain ammonia (such as Windex), ethyl alcohol (Everclear or other strong drinking alcohol), toluene (paint solvents), acetone, or ethyl acetate (often found in nail polish remover). These chemicals can react with the materials that the flat screen is made of or coated with, potentially discolouring the screen or causing other types of damage.

Always disconnect the power supply before cleaning your studio monitors, and be sure to apply minimal pressure when cleaning sensitive parts.

Never spray liquid directly on the screen

When cleaning studio monitors, it is important to remember never to spray liquid directly on the screen. This is because the liquid could leak into the monitor and damage its internal components. Instead, use a cloth to clean the screen. You can use a dry cloth to wipe away dust and light smudges, or a damp cloth for more stubborn marks. Just ensure that the cloth is not overly wet to prevent moisture from seeping into the edges of the screen.

It is also important to note that you should avoid using household cleaning products like window cleaners or ammonia-based solutions on your monitor screen, as these can damage the screen's protective coatings. Instead, use a gentle cleaning solution, such as a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar, or specially designed cleaning wipes.

When cleaning studio monitors, it is also important to be mindful of the different parts of the monitor and the materials used. For example, the woofer cone and the dome are made of stiff paper, polypropylene, carbon fibre, Kevlar, or other similar materials, and are very sensitive. A subtle push of extra pressure could be enough to impair the surface of the cone, so be sure to use a soft brush or cloth to clean these parts.

The rubber surround portion of the woofer is also susceptible to accumulating dust and grime and will need to be cleaned regularly. Just be sure to use a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove the dust, as applying moisture can discolour the rubber. If the rubber does become discoloured, you can use coconut oil to remove the marks.

In addition, when cleaning the cabinet, it is important to unplug the system before using a wet cloth. After using a wet cloth, be sure to wipe the cabinet with a dry cloth to soak up any remaining moisture.

Clean the bezel and back of the monitor with a separate cloth and mild cleaning solution

To clean the bezel and back of your studio monitor, use a separate cloth and a mild cleaning solution. It is important to note that you should never spray any liquid directly onto the screen. Instead, apply the liquid to your cloth and then gently wipe the monitor. This process will help to prevent streaking and ensure that no liquid drips into crevices and ruins your monitor.

Firstly, turn off and unplug your monitor. This ensures your safety and protects the monitor from any potential electrical interference during the cleaning process.

For the bezel and back of the monitor, you can use a mild cleaning solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as ammonia, as these can damage the display. A good option is to mix distilled water and white vinegar in a 50-50 ratio. This solution will gently remove smudges and dirt without harming the monitor's surface.

Apply the cleaning solution to your cloth—a microfiber cloth is ideal as it is soft and won't scratch the surface. Gently wipe the bezel and back of the monitor with the cloth, using broad strokes. If there are any difficult stains, you can press a little harder, but be careful not to use too much force.

Finally, let the monitor dry completely before turning it back on.

Clean regularly to prevent dust and grime buildup

Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining the performance and aesthetics of your studio monitors. Dust and grime buildup can lead to a decline in functionality over time, and your equipment may lose its shine and sparkle. Here are some detailed tips to help you keep your studio monitors clean:

Cleaning Frequency

It is recommended to clean your studio monitors regularly. The cloth method, using a dry or damp cloth, is suitable for monitors with minimal dust. For monitors with significant dust buildup, the brush and vacuum cleaner method can be employed.

Cloth Method

The cloth method is ideal for routine cleaning. Use a dry piece of cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, to wipe down the monitor gently. If there are stains or fungus growth, you can dampen the cloth slightly with water. Be cautious when cleaning the rubber surround and woofer cones, as they are sensitive and can be easily damaged.

Brush and Vacuum Cleaner Method

For a more thorough cleaning, use a brush and a portable vacuum cleaner simultaneously. Hold the vacuum cleaner in one hand and the brush in the other. Dust off the cone with the brush while using the vacuum cleaner to collect the loosened dust. If you encounter smudges or signs of fungus, partially wet the brush hairs and carefully run it over the affected area. Avoid using a wet brush on the dome, as it is fragile and susceptible to damage.

Cleaning Specific Parts

The woofer cone, rubber surround, and dome are delicate components that require careful cleaning. The tweeter, similar to the dome, should be cleaned using a microfiber cloth or by blowing off the dust with your mouth. Avoid touching the tweeter with your fingers.

The cabinet, being the sturdiest part of the monitor, is more forgiving in terms of cleaning materials and handling. You can use a dry or damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the cabinet surface. Remember to unplug the system before cleaning with a wet cloth, and always wipe the cabinet with a dry cloth afterward to remove any remaining moisture.

Additional Tips

• Use coconut oil on a cloth to clean the rubber surround if it has discoloured due to fungus.
• Avoid using excessive pressure when cleaning sensitive parts.
• Do not use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust from the cabinet, as it can cause damage.
• Compressed air can be used to remove dust from the woofer or speaker cones, but be careful not to direct the airflow too close to the speakers.
• Consider purchasing dust covers specifically designed for studio monitors to protect them from dust when not in use.

Frequently asked questions