Playing Guitar Live: Studio Monitors And Hearing Yourself

Playing an electric guitar through studio monitors is a common practice. It is possible to do this without micing the amp, but it may require a direct box, amp simulation, or a combination of the two. Some recommend micing the amp and using a mixer to send the sound to the monitors but not the PA. It is important to note that studio monitors are not guitar amps and that the sound produced by an electric guitar through studio monitors may not be the same as that produced by an electric guitar through a guitar amp and guitar speaker.

Studio monitors can handle distorted electric guitar sounds

However, studio monitors are not guitar amps. They are not designed to be driven with a clean signal until the speakers distort. Doing so could cause the amps to blow or the speaker voice coils to blow. Instead, it is recommended to electronically overdrive the guitar and model its sound to suit studio monitors. This can be done using amp/cab emulating multi-effect boxes, guitar pedals with a speaker cab emulator at the end of the chain, or amp simulation and guitar cabinet impulse plugins.

When playing a distorted electric guitar through studio monitors, it is important to ensure that the monitor's amps are not driven into overload. Most monitors have overload protection circuits, but it is still important to be cautious. As long as the voltage does not exceed the monitor's capacity, it should be fine. To be sure, you can read your monitor's specs and get an SPL meter to measure the voltage.

Using studio monitors as a practice rig

• Sound Quality: Studio monitors are designed to provide an accurate representation of your guitar's sound, so you can hear all the nuances of your playing. Some guitarists prefer the sound of studio monitors over traditional guitar amps, finding them to be more versatile and easier to control in terms of volume and tone.
• Volume Control: With studio monitors, you can practice at lower volumes without sacrificing sound quality. This makes them ideal for home practice, especially if you live in an apartment or have neighbours close by.
• Versatility: Studio monitors can be used for multiple purposes, such as practising, recording, and even watching movies or playing games. Some guitarists like to use their monitors for a variety of tasks, keeping their setup simple and compact.
• Equipment: To use studio monitors as a practice rig, you'll need an audio interface to connect your guitar to your computer, and a digital audio workstation (DAW) or amp simulation software. You may also want to invest in a mixer to control the levels and add effects.
• Speaker Size and Setup: Consider the size of your room when choosing studio monitors. Smaller rooms may only require 5-inch or 6-inch monitors, while larger rooms might benefit from 8-inch or larger speakers. It's also important to position the monitors at chest height when seated, creating a comfortable practice setup.
• Bass Response: If you're looking for more bass response, consider adding a subwoofer to your setup. Some guitarists find that studio monitors alone don't provide enough low end for bass guitar practice, so a sub can enhance the overall sound.
• Consider Your Amp: While studio monitors are great for practice, some guitarists prefer the feel and sound of a traditional amp when playing live or at higher volumes. You may want to keep your amp for certain situations, using the studio monitors as a complementary practice tool.
• Latency: When playing through studio monitors, be aware of potential latency issues, especially when using amp simulation software. Even small amounts of latency (3-4ms) can affect the feel of your playing. A high-quality audio interface can help minimise these delays.
• Cost: Studio monitors can range in price, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. It's important to choose monitors that fit your budget and needs. Remember that more expensive doesn't always mean better for your specific use case.
• Speaker Protection: Be mindful of the volume levels when playing through studio monitors, especially with bass-heavy sounds. Most monitors have built-in protection circuits, but excessive volume can still cause damage. Avoid pushing the monitors beyond their capacity to prevent potential speaker blowouts.

How to play electric guitar through studio monitors and record it

Playing an electric guitar through studio monitors is a common practice. It is possible to do this without micing the amp, although this is not recommended as it sacrifices part of the signature sound of the guitar.

To play an electric guitar through studio monitors, you will need a DI box, which will allow you to connect your guitar to the mixer and monitors. You can also use a direct drive, which has an XLR output, or a speaker-level DI and digital cab sim.

If you want to record your electric guitar, you will need to set up an audio track on your recording software with the input set to the interface socket that the guitar is plugged into. Set the track's monitoring to "auto" so that you can hear what you are playing when the channel is armed to record, and set it to "in" to hear playback.

There are a few things to keep in mind when playing an electric guitar through studio monitors. Firstly, it is important to monitor your guitar through the software, rather than directly through the interface. This can usually be done through the interface's own software or hardware controls. Secondly, be careful not to overload the monitor's amps, as this can cause them to blow. Finally, be aware that the sound of the guitar through the monitors may be different from what you are used to, as studio monitors do not add speaker colouration.

Will playing an electric guitar through studio monitors damage them?

Playing an electric guitar through studio monitors is a common practice, and it is unlikely to damage the monitors as long as you don't exceed the monitor's capacity. Studio monitors are designed to handle a range of sounds and volumes, including distorted electric guitar. However, it is important to note that some adjustments might be needed to find the right sound, as studio monitors are different from guitar amps.

To ensure the safety of your studio monitors, it is recommended to refer to the monitor's specifications and use an SPL meter to measure the volume. Additionally, it is crucial not to drive the monitor's amps into overload, as this can cause damage. Some users have suggested using a limiter to prevent clipping and potential damage.

While it is possible to play an electric guitar through studio monitors without an amp, the general consensus is that micing the amp and sending the signal to the monitors will result in a better sound. This allows you to capture the signature sound of your guitar and amp combination, which is an integral part of an electric guitarist's tone.

In summary, playing an electric guitar through studio monitors is generally safe, but it is important to be mindful of the volume and make adjustments to find the right sound.

Using a DI box to play guitar through monitors

A DI (Direct Inject) box is used to take the unbalanced, high-impedance signal from your guitar and convert it into a balanced, low-impedance signal that can be sent to a microphone preamplifier or over long cable runs without losing volume or high-frequency information. This is especially useful when you want to connect your guitar directly to studio monitors or a PA system.

Types of DI Boxes

There are two main types of DI boxes: passive and active. Passive DI boxes are more common and typically use a balun transformer to convert the high-impedance signal to a low-impedance signal. They are ideal for instruments with strong outputs and are usually more durable and affordable. Active DI boxes, on the other hand, include a preamplifier and are often used to provide extra gain for weak outputs from passive pickups. They are more complex and tend to be more expensive.

Connecting Your Guitar to Monitors Using a DI Box

To connect your guitar to studio monitors or a PA system using a DI box, follow these steps:

• Plug your guitar into the DI input of the DI box.
• Use a regular mic cable to connect the XLR output of the DI box to the mic input of your audio interface or mixer.
• Connect the DI 'through' jack to your guitar or bass amp if you want to use it for onstage monitoring.
• Record the DI input on a separate track in your recording software or mixer.
• Adjust the levels and watch your waveforms to ensure there are no clipping or phase issues.

Benefits of Using a DI Box

• It allows you to capture the direct signal from your guitar, which can be used as a standalone sound or blended with an amp recording.
• You can reamp the DI signal later to tweak the sound further or combine it with an amp recording.
• DI boxes help reduce external noise and eliminate ground loops, improving the overall sound quality.
• They provide flexibility in both recording and live setups, allowing you to shape your guitar sound as needed.

Frequently asked questions