Diane Green
Studio monitor isolation is an important topic that many recording and mix engineers don't take seriously, especially those with home studios and limited knowledge of studio technology. However, monitor isolation is crucial if you want to achieve a professional-sounding mix. When sound is emitted from a source, it creates vibrations that can pass through hard surfaces such as a recording table or monitor stand and convert back into sound energy. While these low-intensity vibrations may not be audible in a homely environment, they can alter the sound in a controlled environment like a well-treated acoustic room. By implementing monitor isolation, you can eliminate these vibrations and obtain a clean, unaltered sound for mixing. This paragraph introduces the topic of studio monitor isolation, explaining its importance and how it can impact the sound quality in a recording or mixing studio.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for monitor isolation | To get a clean, unaltered sound to mix |
| Monitor isolation pads | Made of special rubber material to absorb vibrations |
| Monitor isolation stands | Equipped with pointed rubber bumpers to absorb vibrations |
| Silicone isolation bumpers | Small hemispheres made of silicone with adhesive |
| Isolation pucks for studio monitors | Upper and lower flanges adhere to the underside of the cabinet and the hard supporting surface |
| Isolation springs for studio monitors | 4 springs between two rubber-coated aluminium rings for both sides |
What You'll Learn
Monitor Isolation Pads
Studio monitor isolation pads are an important accessory for any recording or mixing engineer who wants to achieve a professional sound. When sound is emitted from a source, it creates vibrations that can pass through hard surfaces such as a recording table or monitor stand and convert back into sound energy. This can alter the sound that is emitted from the source, resulting in a different sound reaching your ear. By using monitor isolation pads, you can eliminate this problem and get a clean, unaltered sound for mixing.
There are several monitor isolation pads available on the market, and choosing the best one can be a challenging task. Some good options include the Auralex Acoustics Monitor Isolation Pads, which are designed to support various sizes of bookshelf loudspeakers or recording monitors up to 100 lbs. each. Another option is the Studio Monitor Isolation Pads by Vocalbeat, which are also effective in reducing vibrations.
When selecting monitor isolation pads, it is important to consider the size of your studio monitors. Different-sized pads are available on the market, so be sure to check the recommended monitor size before making a purchase. Additionally, some isolation pads offer adjustable tilt options, allowing you to adjust the angle of your monitors for optimal sound quality.
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Monitor Isolation Stands
Secondly, monitor isolation stands offer the convenience of adjustability. You can easily adjust the height, placement, and tilt of your monitors to suit your specific needs. This flexibility is advantageous, as the perfect location and positioning of monitors are crucial for achieving optimal sound mixing. With simple adjustments, you can fine-tune your setup to enhance your mixing experience.
When it comes to choosing the right monitor isolation stands, there are a few recommended options on the market. The Iso Acoustics Monitor Isolation stand and the Fluid Audio Desktop Monitor Stands are popular choices, known for their effectiveness in vibration absorption and height adjustability. These stands provide a stable and controlled environment for your studio monitors, ensuring you receive the cleanest sound possible.
It's important to consider your budget when investing in monitor isolation stands. While they offer significant benefits, it's essential to select stands that align with the cost of your monitors. If you have a limited budget, you may opt for more affordable options or explore other isolation methods, such as isolation pads, bumpers, pucks, or springs. However, remember that monitor isolation is a crucial aspect of achieving high-quality mixes, so choose the best solution within your budget.
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Silicone Isolation Bumpers
If you want to eliminate monitor vibration completely, it is recommended to go with isolation pads or stands, and other methods described below.
Other Methods of Studio Monitor Isolation
- Monitor Isolation Pads — These are the most common accessories for studio monitor isolation. They are made of a special rubber material that absorbs the vibration emitted by the monitor during operation. They are placed between the monitor and the hard surface.
- Monitor Isolation Stands — These stands are designed to be a standalone acoustic solution for studio monitors, so you don't need separate monitor isolation pads. They are equipped with pointed rubber bumpers on which you place your monitors. They also allow you to adjust the height of your monitors.
- Isolation Pucks for Studio Monitors — These are small, circular accessories designed by the ISO Acoustics team. They have an upper flange, or "suction cups," that adhere to the underside of the speaker cabinet, and a lower flange that adheres to the hard supporting surface. They provide superior isolation and control while remaining on-axis.
- Isolation Springs for Studio Monitors — These are a less effective alternative to ISO PUCKS and table stands. They consist of four springs adjusted between two rubber-coated aluminium rings on both sides. When the speaker emits vibrations, they are absorbed by the springs and rubber coating.
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Isolation Pucks
The ISO-PUCK upper flange, or "suction cup", adheres to the underside of the speaker cabinet, while the lower flange adheres to the hard supporting surface. This design allows the upper isolator to move with the speaker, managing all the vibration emitted within the core of the ISO-PUCK isolators. These isolators are carefully tuned to offer superior isolation and control while remaining on-axis.
The compact and portable design of the ISO-PUCK series makes it an ideal solution for those wanting to improve the sound clarity of their studio monitors in different locations. The ISO-PUCK series comes in three models, each designed with different weight capacities, with a minimum of three pucks required for each item they are isolating.
Eddie Kramer, a Grammy Award-winning engineer/producer, had this to say about the ISO-PUCK series:
> "I love the way the ISO-PUCKs have given us the clarity and focus in our mixes. The immediate reaction on first hearing was: Wow!!, way more definition in the stereo image!!"
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Isolation Springs
This simple accessory consists of four springs adjusted between two rubber-coated aluminium rings on both sides. When the speaker emits vibrations, the springs and rubber coating absorb them. The engineering is simple and similar to shock absorbers used in vehicles.
An example of a studio monitor isolation spring is the Nobsound Silver Aluminium Spring.
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Frequently asked questions
Monitor isolation is important because when sound emits from a source, it creates vibrations. When these vibrations pass through hard surfaces such as a recording table or monitor stand, they convert back into sound energy. These low-intensity vibrations can alter the sound emitted from the source (studio monitor). By implementing monitor isolation, you can get rid of this problem and get a clean, unaltered sound to mix.
Studio monitor isolation pads are made of a special rubber material that absorbs the vibrations emitted by the monitor during operation. These pads are placed between the monitor and the hard surface it is placed on, minimising contact between the two and reducing the conversion of vibrations into sound energy.
Isolation pucks for studio monitors, such as ISO PUCKS by ISO Acoustics, are small circular accessories designed to adhere to the underside of the cabinet. The upper isolator lives with the speaker, while the lower flange adheres to the hard supporting surface. The vibration emitted by the speaker is managed inside the core of the ISO-PUCK's isolators, providing superior isolation and control while remaining on-axis.
Some examples of good monitor isolation stands include the Iso Acoustics Monitor Isolation stand and the Fluid Audio Desktop Monitor Stands. These stands are equipped with pointed rubber bumpers that help absorb vibrations and provide a clean, real sound without any alteration.
A cheap solution for studio monitor isolation is silicone isolation bumpers. These are small hemispheres made of silicone that come with adhesive. You need four bumpers for each monitor, placed between the table and the monitor to minimise contact and reduce vibrations.
