Toeing In Studio Monitors: To Do Or Not To Do?

Studio monitors are the crux of any recording studio, and getting them in the right position is key to ensuring consistent results from your mixes. The placement of your studio monitors in relation to your ears and the room can affect the actual sound you hear.

One of the most important tips for studio monitor placement is to position the monitors to form an equilateral triangle with yourself. The distance from each monitor to your head should be equal to the distance between the monitors. This is sometimes referred to as toe-in and ensures that the sound waves reach both ears at the same time, eliminating potential phase issues.

Another important aspect to consider is the angle at which the monitors are tilted horizontally and vertically. For horizontal tilting, speakers should be angled so they are aimed directly at your ears when you’re in your mix position.

Studio monitors should be placed at ear level or slightly above

The high-frequency driver should be the same height as your ears. Once you have created the sweet spot, sit down and make sure that your ears are level with the centre of the tweeter. Desktop placement also puts most speakers below ear level, which is not ideal. Studio monitors transmit their vibrations to any surface they are resting on, and this can lead to rattling or other noises that can muddy up your mix.

Speaker stands can raise the speakers closer to ear level and help prevent early reflections from interfering with your listening environment. Monitor stands can also be used to adjust the height of the monitors if your console or desk isn't high enough.

The speakers should be angled towards the listener

Studio monitors should be angled towards the listener. This is sometimes referred to as "toe-in". This ensures that the sound waves reach both ears at the same time, eliminating potential phase issues.

The ideal setup for stereo listening or mixing is an equilateral triangle, with the listener at the apex of the triangle. The speakers should be the same distance from each other as they are from the listener. This helps to create an accurate stereo image, with a clear and precise soundstage. The high-frequency driver should be at the same height as the listener's ears.

If your studio space is small, you may need to place your monitors close to a wall. In this case, try to avoid corners, as these can cause a buildup of low-frequency energy and lead to an uneven frequency response. If possible, place your monitors between 5 and 60 cm from walls.

The speakers should be placed away from walls and corners

The placement of studio monitors in relation to the room can significantly impact the sound quality. It is therefore recommended to keep the speakers away from walls and corners.

When speakers are placed near walls, the sound waves bounce off the walls and create phase cancellation. This can lead to poor bass performance and an emphasis on low frequencies, making the bass sound heavier.

To avoid this issue, it is advisable to maintain a distance of at least a couple of feet between the speakers and the walls. If there are sidewalls nearby, it is crucial to ensure they are at least a few inches away to prevent the amplification of mid and high frequencies, which can result in a blurred and unfocused sound.

In small mixing spaces, it may not be possible to follow the recommended distance from walls. In such cases, it is suggested to consider outsourcing the mixing to professionals with better-equipped studios.

The speakers should be placed on stands, not the desk

Studio monitors should be placed on stands, not the desk, for several reasons. Firstly, the speakers should be decoupled from the desk to avoid unwanted sound reflections and vibrations. By placing the speakers on stands, you can reduce the impact of parasitic soundwaves and vibrations coming from the desk, resulting in clearer sound.

Another reason to use stands is to achieve the optimal listening angle. Studio monitors should be angled so that they are aimed directly at your ears when you are in your mix position. This is sometimes referred to as "toe-in" and ensures that sound waves reach both ears simultaneously, eliminating potential phase issues. The recommended angle is about 30 degrees, forming an equilateral triangle with the listener at the apex.

In addition, stands allow you to position the speakers at ear height, which is ideal for hearing high-frequency sounds. High-frequency sounds are more directional than lower tones, so by having the speakers at ear level, you can receive the full range of high frequencies.

Furthermore, using stands can help protect your speakers from accidental damage or spills and provide a more stylish and professional look to your setup.

Finally, stands can free up space on your desk, which is often limited, especially with bulky studio monitors.

The speakers should be the same distance from the listener as they are from each other

When setting up studio monitors, it is important to consider the distance between the speakers and the listener. One of the most important tips for studio monitor placement is to position the monitors to form an equilateral triangle with the listener. This means that the distance from each monitor to the listener's head should be equal to the distance between the monitors. This setup is known as the "sweet spot" and ensures good soundstaging and imaging.

The equilateral triangle setup is a good starting point for achieving optimal sound. However, it is important to note that the distance between the speakers and the listener may need to be adjusted depending on the specific room and speaker setup. For example, if the speakers are placed too close together, the soundstage will narrow, while placing the speakers farther apart can weaken the centre image. Additionally, the distance between the speakers and the listener can affect the bass response, with closer distances resulting in stronger bass.

To find the optimal distance, it is recommended to experiment with different positions and use your ears to determine what sounds best. By moving the speakers and listening to the same tracks, you can fine-tune the setup until you achieve the desired sound.

Frequently asked questions