Daisy Chaining Studio Monitors: The Ultimate Guide

Daisy chaining is a method of connecting multiple speakers or monitors to a single audio source. It is often used in PA systems, meeting or conference rooms, or home audio systems. This technique allows you to have several loudspeakers or monitors producing sound with the same input signal. In the context of studio monitors, daisy chaining is typically more applicable to PA speakers rather than studio monitors, as the latter are designed for transparency and a flat frequency response. However, if you still wish to daisy chain studio monitors, you can do so by ensuring your devices have the necessary input and output ports, such as DisplayPort or Thunderbolt, and following the connection steps outlined in various online guides.

Daisy-chaining active speakers

Firstly, it's important to understand the difference between active and passive speakers. Active speakers, also known as powered speakers, have a built-in amplifier, while passive speakers require an external amplifier. When daisy-chaining active speakers, you are connecting them in a series, typically using XLR cables, to create a longer signal path. This allows you to expand your sound system while minimising the number of cables required.

To daisy-chain active speakers, start by connecting the output of your audio source, such as a mixer or controller, to the input of the first speaker in the chain. Then, use a cable to connect the output of the first speaker to the input of the second speaker, and so on. It's important to ensure that you are using the correct type of cables and connectors for your equipment. Most active speakers will have XLR or TRS (quarter-inch jack) connectors.

One advantage of daisy-chaining active speakers is that you usually won't encounter problems with power and distortion, as long as you don't mix passive and active speakers in the same chain. When daisy-chaining passive speakers, you are sending an amplified signal from the amplifier, which can cause issues if not set up correctly. With active speakers, you are dealing with a line-level signal, which is less prone to distortion.

However, it's important to pay attention to the ohms rating of your speakers. Daisy-chaining too many speakers can cause low resistance, which may lead to issues with your amplifier. Additionally, each speaker in the chain will require its own power source, so you'll need to ensure you have enough power outlets available.

Daisy-chaining passive speakers

Firstly, make sure all your equipment is switched off and positioned where you need it. If you're connecting passive speakers to a power amp, you'll need to use 1/4" speaker cables. These carry an amplified signal, so it's important not to substitute them with instrument cables or guitar cables, as this could cause electrical hazards or damage your gear.

Once you've got the right cables, locate the "Input" plugs on the back of your speakers. These are usually XLR or 1/4" phone jacks. You'll also need to find the connector labelled "Thru," "Mix Output," or "Link Output." This is the connector you'll use for daisy-chaining.

Now, run your speaker cable from the "Main Output" of your mixer to your first speaker. Then, find the "Thru," "Mix Output," or "Link Output" connection on the back of this speaker and connect it to the "Input" of the next speaker in the chain. Repeat this process for as many speakers as you want to daisy-chain, making sure that the cable runs aren't too long to avoid picking up noise.

Finally, set the volume knobs on each speaker to the same level, and if your speakers have equalizers, make sure they're set to the same value to avoid unbalanced tones. Then, turn the power on and test your setup by playing music to ensure you're getting a clean, balanced stereo sound.

Daisy-chaining powered subwoofers

First, arrange your subwoofers in their desired positions. Next, locate the back panel of your subwoofer, which will have a port labelled 'Aux Send' or something similar. This is where you will connect the subwoofer to the source.

Then, connect the source to your subwoofer using the port on the back of the subwoofer labelled 'thru', 'output', or something similar. If you want to connect more subwoofers, simply repeat this process by connecting each consecutive subwoofer with a separate cable to its respective 'thru', 'output', or similar port.

This process is known as daisy-chaining and can be repeated for as many subwoofers as you need to connect. It is important to note that all subwoofers must be plugged into the same circuit to avoid ground loop hum.

Additionally, when daisy-chaining subwoofers, it is recommended to use XLR cables to maintain balanced signals and a balanced stereo sound. It is also crucial to ensure that the volume across all subwoofers is set to the same level to avoid unbalanced tones.

By following these steps, you can easily daisy-chain powered subwoofers to enhance your sound system.

Using a speaker selector switch

A speaker selector switch simplifies the process of daisy-chaining speakers by reducing the need for manual wiring. It takes a single audio signal from an amplifier or source and outputs it to all connected devices. This device uses technical settings and components to lower the risk of failure from daisy-chaining speakers to a single amplifier.

Here's how it works:

• The speaker selector switch takes a single audio signal from an amplifier or source.
• It then outputs this signal to all the output devices connected to it.
• To reduce the risk of failure, the switch uses specific techniques:
• A series resistor between 2.5-5Ω to lower the minimum impedance of the total system.
• Using series and parallel connections to maintain the total system impedance above 4 ohms, protecting your amplifier from impedance overload.
• Introducing impedance-matching transformers to match the source with the impedance of the speakers connected to the circuit.

Speaker selector switches are typically used for multi-room setups in homes, like lounge room speakers connected to low-power amplifiers (100 watts or less). They are not recommended for high-end commercial systems or those using high-output amplifiers.

More expensive models offer independent volume control, allowing easy adjustment of the volume for individual speakers. This is especially useful for speakers in different rooms, like ceiling speakers in multiple rooms. Some switches also feature a self-volume balancer, which uses specialised components to match speaker volume to ambient noise levels.

Daisy-Chaining Speakers:

Daisy-chaining is a simple solution for connecting multiple speakers to a single audio source, often used in PA systems, meeting or conference rooms, or home audio systems. It allows you to extend the sound input signal to all speakers in the chain.

The process of daisy-chaining involves manually connecting speakers through speaker cable arrangements. However, a speaker selector switch provides a turnkey solution by automating the process and reducing the risk of failure.

Daisy-chaining via DisplayPort

Step 1: Power on all Monitors

Start by powering on all the monitors you plan to use in the daisy chain setup. This initial step ensures that your monitors are ready for the subsequent connections and configurations.

Step 2: Enable DisplayPort 1.2 and/or MST

Before physically connecting the monitors, you need to enable the necessary settings on each monitor. Navigate to the settings menu of each monitor and enable DisplayPort 1.2 and/or Multi-Stream Transport (MST). MST is a crucial technology that allows multiple monitors to be connected in a series.

Step 3: Connect your Laptop to the First Monitor

Using a DisplayPort cable, connect the DisplayPort output (DisplayPort out) on your laptop to the DisplayPort input (DisplayPort in) on the first monitor. Alternatively, you can also use a USB-C cable for this connection if your laptop supports DisplayPort over USB-C (DisplayPort Alt Mode).

Step 4: Connect the First Monitor to Subsequent Monitors

Now, you'll connect the first monitor to the second one. Take another DisplayPort cable and connect the DisplayPort output on the first monitor to the DisplayPort input on the second monitor. Repeat this step for any additional monitors you want to include in the daisy chain.

It's important to note that due to bandwidth limitations, connecting more than two monitors via DisplayPort may result in a decrease in resolution on one or all of the monitors. Therefore, it's recommended to check the specifications of your laptop or desktop's graphics hardware to ensure it can support multiple monitors. Additionally, ensure that your monitors and cables support Multi-Stream Transport (MST) to enable successful daisy chaining.

By following these steps, you can easily daisy chain studio monitors via DisplayPort, creating an expansive and efficient workspace with minimal cable clutter.

Frequently asked questions