Monitor Size For Music Production: How Big Is Best?

When it comes to music production, your computer monitor is an essential component of your studio setup. The right monitor can not only enhance your creative process but also ensure a comfortable and productive workflow. While the ideal screen size varies depending on individual preferences and studio space, there are several factors to consider when making a choice. Firstly, a larger screen provides more workspace and easier visibility, especially for detailed audio editing and mixing. However, an oversized monitor can be cumbersome and may affect speaker placement and acoustics. Additionally, the aspect ratio and pixel density play a role in the viewing experience, with higher resolutions requiring larger screens to maintain readability. For music production, it's generally recommended to aim for a balance between screen real estate and comfort, with 27 to 32 monitors being a popular choice. Curved and ultrawide monitors also offer unique benefits, providing a more immersive experience and allowing for multiple applications to be used simultaneously. Ultimately, finding the right monitor size depends on your specific needs, budget, and the physical constraints of your studio setup.

Ultrawide monitors for music production

Ultrawide monitors are a popular choice for music production, offering a 21:9 ratio that is near-perfect for use with DAWs. The extra width allows you to fit more of your timeline in view and place multiple applications next to each other, making it a lot more palatable than a regular screen.

The LG 34WN750P UltraWide is a mid-range LED monitor that provides an ultra-wide aspect ratio, perfect for multitasking and simultaneous track or plugin viewing. Its curved design and WQHD resolution enhance both productivity and comfort. Another option is the LG 34WP65C-B, which offers a 34-inch screen with a 3440x1440 resolution, a 160Hz refresh rate, and a 4ms response time. This monitor is considered budget-minded for its advanced specs, which include compatibility with NVIDIA G-Sync and HDR10.

The Samsung CRG9 is another high-end option, offering a QLED screen with sharp images and a 240Hz refresh rate. With a 49-inch screen and a 5120x1440 resolution, it provides the screen space of two 27-inch 1440p monitors. The curved display lends a sense of immersion when working, and the 1000R curvature is designed to match the field of vision of the human eye.

For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Dell 27 4K UHD USB-C Monitor is a good choice, offering a 4K display and reliable performance at a mid-range price.

While some music producers prefer the ratio of a regular screen, an ultrawide monitor can be a great way to enhance your workflow and make the most of your screen space.

Budget-friendly monitors for music production

When it comes to music production, a computer monitor is central to your setup. The right one can prevent the physical strain of poor posture and the mental fatigue of an inefficient workspace. Here are some budget-friendly monitors that will keep your wallet happy:

ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27″

The ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27″ is renowned for its colour accuracy and pre-calibration, making it ideal for both audio and video production. It offers a harmonious blend of technology and artistry and falls in the mid-range price category for LED monitors.

Dell 27 4K UHD USB-C Monitor – S2722QC

If you’re looking for USB-C capability, the Dell 27 4K UHD USB-C Monitor is another great mid-range LED option. It features a 4K display and reliable performance, making it suitable for music production and general use.

ASUS VT229

The ASUS VT229 is a budget-friendly LED touch screen monitor that offers good functionality and flexibility for beginner music producers. Its compact size and modern design make it a practical choice for small studios. It also has touch capability, which can lead to creative use in your DAW.

PreSonus Eris E3.5

The PreSonus Eris E3.5s come in at under $100 for a pair, making them an insane value-for-money option. Despite the low price, they sound phenomenal.

M-Audio BX5-D3

The M-Audio BX5-D3 delivers articulate sound through 5-inch woofers at a ridiculously low price. It has a wide frequency range and features such as room correction and a built-in LED light to ensure the monitors are set up at the right angle for your ears.

Mackie CR3-XBT

The Mackie CR3-XBT monitors offer a great balance between size and sound, making them a good value option for those working with limited space. They have a wide frequency range and solid build quality, and offer a multitude of uses for the modern producer.

IK Multimedia iLoud Micro

Thanks to their tiny size and all-encompassing frequency response, the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro is perfect for guitar players who want to get full-range sound with an amp modeller. They are also a great option for those who travel often, as they are rugged and easily portable.

Pioneer DJ DM-40D-BT

The Pioneer DJ DM-40D-BT monitors are designed to bridge the gap between DJ and studio gear. They let users switch between 'DJ' and 'production' modes at the flip of a switch. They are a solid choice for home producers who also use their setup for DJing or listening to club-focused music.

JBL 305P Mk2

The JBL 305P Mk2 offers a slightly more affordable alternative to the Rokit 5 G4, making them ideal for mixing applications. They deliver a smooth, realistic sound, but it's worth noting that they have an over-exaggerated low end and tweeters that tend to hiss.

Yamaha HS5

The Yamaha HS5 is a plain and simple 5-inch near-field monitor that translates well on other playback systems. It has a sleek design and will make any home studio setup look more professional. It is sonically very neutral and has two shelving filters to boost or attenuate frequencies according to the room.

Kali Audio LP-6 2nd Wave

Kali Audio might not be a well-known brand, but they have built an outstanding reputation in a short period, and their products include some of the best budget studio monitors on the market. The Kali Audio LP-6 2nd Wave is the most recent edition of their entry-level two-way near-field monitor. It has a 6.5-inch driver that ensures it produces enough energy for most standard rooms, and its front-ported design makes it excellent for mixing in a small room.

Genelec 8020D (or 8010A)

Genelec is another brand that has been suggested by bedroom producers. While their products might be missing from this list, they are worth checking out if you're looking for budget-friendly monitors for music production.

High-end monitors for music production

Music producers often overlook computer monitors when setting up their studios, but the right monitor can prevent physical strain and mental fatigue, making it a key component in your music production journey.

LG Monitor 32MN500M – The Space Optimiser

This 31.5-inch Full HD IPS monitor offers a 60 Hz refresh rate and a 5 ms response time. It has a 1920×1080 resolution and AMD FreeSync technology ensures a smooth visual experience. With wall mount capability, you can save extra space by eliminating the stand. It is ideal for producers who value comfort, quality, and their bank balance.

Slate Media Technology Raven MTi2 – The High-End Choice

This high-end LED monitor has a sleek design and a responsive touch interface, making it a modern studio favourite. Its advanced technology and aesthetic appeal make it a worthy investment for serious producers. It is priced at approximately £999.

Samsung CRG9 – For Immersive Editing

This high-end QLED monitor offers a wide and immersive display, ideal for detailed audio editing and mixing. Its large screen and vibrant colours make it a top choice for professional producers.

Dell 4K S3221QS Curved Monitor

The Dell 4K S3221QS curved monitor looks good and matches its aesthetic with a high-quality high-resolution panel and flexible multitasking features that are excellent for the price. While the lack of a USB-C port is a letdown, the addition of decent speakers - tuned by Waves MaxxAudio - is a nice touch.

BenQ PD2725U

The BenQ PD2725U is well-suited to all sorts of creative professionals, not just DAW users. With excellent colour accuracy, a range of connectivity options, and a sleek design, it is a solid choice and easily has enough features to justify the extra outlay.

Apple Studio Display

The Apple Studio Display is designed to complement Apple desktop computers with a stunning 5K Retina display and additional technology. It has a 12MP ultrawide camera with support for Apple's Center Stage technology, which keeps you in the middle of the frame while you move around. The Studio Display’s built-in A13 Bionic processor allows its speaker system to play back Dolby Atmos tracks with better separation.

Best compact curved monitors for music production

When it comes to choosing a monitor for music production, there are many factors to consider, such as size, cost, resolution, aspect ratio, and whether to opt for a curved or ultrawide display. While some producers prefer larger screens, compact monitors can also offer several benefits, especially in terms of saving space and providing a more focused viewing experience. Here are some of the best compact curved monitors that are well-suited for music production:

Dell 4K S3221QS Curved Monitor

The Dell 4K S3221QS is a 31.5-inch curved monitor that delivers stunning visuals with its 4K resolution and VA panel technology. It offers flexible multitasking features, including Picture-in-Picture and Picture-by-Picture, making it easy to manage multiple applications simultaneously. The monitor has a response time of 4ms, minimizing ghosting and inaccuracies. While it lacks a USB-C port, it includes decent speakers tuned by Waves MaxxAudio, providing better sound quality than most monitor speakers. Its curved design ensures comfortable viewing even during extended sessions, making it an excellent choice for music producers.

LG 34WN750P UltraWide Monitor

The LG 34WN750P UltraWide monitor offers a seamless combination of aesthetics and functionality. With its curved design and WQHD resolution, this 34-inch monitor provides an immersive viewing experience that enhances both productivity and comfort. The ultra-wide aspect ratio is perfect for multitasking, allowing you to work on multiple tracks or plugins simultaneously. This mid-range LED monitor is an excellent option for music producers seeking a blend of performance and style without breaking the bank.

BenQ PD2705UA Monitor

The BenQ PD2705UA is a 27-inch monitor that delivers stunning visuals with its 4K resolution and IPS panel technology. It comes with a PD Ergo Arm that clamps securely to your desk, allowing for flexible positioning and swivel adjustments. The monitor offers excellent connectivity options, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C, making it easy to connect to various devices. Additionally, it features Picture-In-Picture and Picture-By-Picture modes for efficient multitasking. While it may be a bit pricey for some, the BenQ PD2705UA is an excellent choice for those seeking a compact curved monitor that doesn't compromise on performance.

ASUS ProArt PA248QV Monitor

The ASUS ProArt PA248QV is a 24-inch monitor that offers vibrant colour reproduction and excellent image quality. It provides full adjustability in terms of layout, making it ideal for dual monitor setups. You can easily position it vertically or horizontally to suit your workflow needs. The ProArt series is specifically designed for graphic designers, but it also offers great value for music producers, especially those who work with video. This monitor is a fantastic option if you're looking for a compact curved screen that delivers exceptional colour accuracy.

Samsung Odyssey Neo G9

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is a curved ultrawide monitor that offers a truly immersive viewing experience. With its massive 49-inch screen and 1000R curvature, it provides an expansive workspace that rivals having two 27-inch monitors side by side. The QLED display technology delivers brilliant colours, brightness, and contrast levels. Additionally, the Neo G9 boasts a 240 Hz refresh rate and a 1 ms response time, ensuring smooth motion handling. While it carries a premium price tag, the Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is an excellent choice for music producers seeking a high-performance curved monitor.

Monitors for music production with high-resolution images

When it comes to choosing a monitor for music production, there are several factors to consider, including size, resolution, and additional features.

Size

The size of your monitor will depend on your available space and budget. While larger monitors can provide more screen real estate, allowing you to view multiple tracks and plugins simultaneously, they can also be more expensive and may not fit in smaller studios. Historically, 24-inch, 27-inch, and 32-inch monitors have been popular choices for music producers, but recently, there has been a growing preference for larger and wider options, such as ultrawide monitors ranging from 34 to 43 inches.

Resolution

A high resolution, such as 4K or 5K, can provide a more detailed and crisp visual experience, which is important for music production as it allows for more precise waveform visualization and editing.

Additional Features

Other features to consider include colour accuracy, connectivity options, and ergonomic design. Colour accuracy ensures that waveforms and DAW interfaces are precisely represented, while connectivity options like HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C ensure compatibility with your music production hardware and software. An ergonomic design can help prevent physical strain and improve your overall workflow.

• LG Monitor 32MN500M: This 31.5-inch Full HD IPS monitor offers a smooth visual experience with a 60 Hz refresh rate and a 5 ms response time. It also has AMD FreeSync technology and wall mount capability, making it a space-saving option.
• Slate Media Technology Raven MTi2: This 27-inch high-end LED monitor stands out for its sleek design and responsive touch interface. It is designed specifically for music production, offering multitouch control and task-batching shortcuts for various DAWs.
• Samsung CRG9: This high-end 49-inch QLED monitor provides a wide and immersive display, making it ideal for detailed audio editing and mixing. It offers sharp images, vibrant colours, and a host of connectivity options, although it lacks a USB-C port.
• LG 34WN750P UltraWide: This mid-range 34-inch LED monitor has an ultra-wide aspect ratio, perfect for multitasking and simultaneous track or plugin viewing. Its curved design and WQHD resolution enhance both productivity and comfort.
• ASUS ProArt Display PA278QV 27": Renowned for its colour accuracy and pre-calibration, this 27-inch mid-range LED monitor is ideal for audio and video production, offering a blend of technology and artistry.
• Dell 27 4K UHD USB-C Monitor – S2722QC: This 27-inch mid-range LED monitor offers USB C capability and a 4K display, making it suitable for music production and general use.
• Asus VT229: This 21.5-inch budget-friendly LED touch screen monitor offers good functionality and flexibility for beginner music producers. Its compact size and modern design make it a practical choice for small studios.

These options vary in size, resolution, and additional features, so you can choose the one that best suits your specific needs and budget.

Frequently asked questions