Studio Monitors: Fl Studio Compatibility Guide

Studio monitors are an essential part of any music producer's setup, and FL Studio is no exception. While FL Studio is compatible with a wide range of studio monitors, it's important to choose the right ones to ensure an optimal music production experience. In this discussion, we will explore the compatibility of various studio monitors with FL Studio and provide insights into setting up dual or multiple monitors for a more efficient workflow. We will also delve into the technical aspects of monitor design and provide recommendations to help you make an informed decision when choosing studio monitors for your FL Studio setup.

Using two sets of monitors simultaneously

Using two sets of studio monitors simultaneously is possible, but it's generally not recommended due to the risk of phase cancellation issues and a distorted stereo image. If you still want to proceed, it's crucial to have the setups measured out by a professional to avoid these problems.

To use two sets of studio monitors simultaneously, you'll need an interface with multiple outputs or a monitor controller like Mackie's Big Knob. The Big Knob is also an audio interface, so you can connect the monitors you want to use and switch between them with the press of a button. Another option is the Drawmer CMC2, which allows control of two stereo pair inputs, two stereo outputs, and a sub output. However, keep in mind that this would be in addition to an audio interface.

If your audio interface can support more than two monitor connections, then you can use two sets of monitors simultaneously. If not, you would need to purchase a new audio interface. For example, the Focusrite Scarlet 18i8 3rd gen has four audio outputs, and audio interfaces above $400 generally have more than two outputs.

When setting up dual monitors with FL Studio, you can either set the window you want to move to another monitor to "Detached" in the top-left system menu or use the Extend Displays feature in your computer's display settings to treat both monitors as one large desktop.

Compatible monitor brands

FL Studio has always supported the use of dual or multiple monitors, although it may appear that it is restricted to a single monitor. There are two ways to set up multiple monitors:

• Set the window you want to move to another monitor to 'Detached' (in the top left system menu).
• Click the 'Maximize/Restore' button (between the minimise and close button) and stretch the work area over the multiple monitors.

When it comes to compatible monitor brands, there are many popular options to choose from. These include:

• Adam
• Alesis
• Dynaudio
• Behringer
• Equator Audio
• Event
• Focal
• Fostex
• Genelec
• JBL
• KRK
• Kurzweil
• M-Audio
• Mackie
• Tannoy
• Tascam
• Yamaha

In addition, some users have specifically mentioned the following setups:

• LG 43UM7300 43" 4K monitor
• Sony W720E 43" 4K TV
• LG 29WL500-B 29" Ultrawide monitor
• LG 34UM68-P 34" Ultrawide monitor
• LG 29UM69G-B 29" Ultrawide monitor
• AOC U3477PQU 34" Ultrawide monitor
• AOC 32" monitor

It's important to note that while FL Studio supports multiple monitors, using two sets of monitors simultaneously can cause phase cancellation issues. If you still wish to do so, it is recommended to use a speaker selector or a monitor controller like Mackie's Big Knob.

Dual screens or multiple monitors

FL Studio has always allowed the use of dual or multiple monitors, but it may look as if it is restricted to a single monitor. There are two ways to use multiple monitors with FL Studio:

• Set the window you want to move to another monitor to 'Detached' (in the top left system menu).
• Click the 'Maximize/Restore' button (between the minimise and close button) and stretch the work area over the multiple monitors.

To use dual screens or multiple monitors, your audio interface must support more than two monitor connections. If your audio interface only has one left (L) and one right (R) output, you will need to switch the cables or use an interface with two L and two R outputs.

Using dual screens or multiple monitors can improve productivity and efficiency when using FL Studio. For example, you can put the playlist on one screen and the step sequencer/plugins on another. This setup can help to overcome window problems and means you don't have to close things to make space on your screen.

Monitor placement

The placement of your studio monitors is crucial to achieving the best sound quality and accuracy. Here are some tips to help you optimise your setup:

Symmetry and Room Layout

• Divide your room into three equal vertical sections: front, centre, and rear. For music production, place your setup in the front area, with an angle of 60° between the left and right monitors. For film production, use the rear area.
• Place your listening setup symmetrically, finding the left-right symmetry axis of your room. This helps ensure that reflections from the left and right monitors are similar, resulting in more accurate stereo imaging.
• Avoid sitting in the exact centre of the room, as this is where the room's fundamental frequency or its harmonics create a "null". Instead, experiment with positions between the front and rear walls, always centred between the sidewalls.
• If your room is narrow, consider placing the speakers along one of the widest walls to avoid sidewall reflections.

Speaker Height and Angle

• Position the tweeters of your speakers at ear height, directly facing your ears. This is known as the "sweet spot" and ensures you hear the most consistent and accurate sound.
• If your setup doesn't allow for ear-level placement, consider using speaker stands to elevate the monitors.
• Angle the monitors towards your listening position at approximately a 30-degree angle.
• Avoid placing the monitors at half-room height, as the ceiling can also reflect sound at low frequencies.

Distance from Walls and Surfaces

• Ensure there is a gap between the speakers and the walls. A distance of at least 5 cm (2") from the back and side walls is recommended to minimise low-frequency phase cancellations.
• The distance from the back of the speaker to the wall should be different from the distance to the side wall and the floor or ceiling. This randomises "peaks" and "troughs" created by low-frequency energy reflecting off hard surfaces.
• Avoid placing speakers exactly at multiples of the distance from the rear wall (e.g., if the speaker is 1.5 feet from the rear wall, don't place it 3 feet or 4.5 feet from the sidewall).
• Place the speakers behind your console or desktop, on secure, decoupled stands, to avoid unwanted early reflections and vibrations. If you must place them on the desktop, use foam blocks to minimise coupling with the desk.
• Avoid placing speakers close to acoustically hard surfaces like windows, drywall, or mirrors, as these can cause comb filtering, altering the sound.

Acoustic Treatment

• Use acoustic treatment materials like carpeting or acoustic foam to minimise flutter echoes and improve stereo imaging.
• Apply absorption to reflective surfaces where you can see the reflection of the speaker's face in a mirror.
• Avoid over-treating the walls, as this can lead to a "boxy" or "honky" sound in the room.

Listening Tests and Adjustments

• Perform listening tests with professionally recorded music to verify a natural balance across the frequency spectrum and identify any "hot spots".
• Create original recordings without EQ and test them on other systems to check the accuracy of your setup.
• If your recordings sound too bass-heavy or lacking in low end, adjust your monitor placements or move them away from boundaries (walls, corners, etc.) to reduce the low end.

Monitor prices

Studio monitor prices vary depending on quality and brand. Based on reviews and customer experiences, here is a general guide on what to expect for a pair of monitors:

• $50 ~ 200 - Don't buy. Get headphones instead.
• $200 ~ 300 - Marginal to Good
• $300 ~ 500 - Good to Very Good
• $500 ~ 1000 - Very good to Excellent
• $1000 ~ 3000 - Excellent with bragging rights
• $3001+ - Don't buy. Save your money.

These prices are in USD and per pair.

• KRK ROKIT 5 G4 Wired Powered Studio Monitors Subwoofer Pair (Black) - $36,999
• Yamaha HS5 Studio Monitor 70 Watts Wired Subwoofer (Pair) (Black) - $17,999
• JBL Professional 308P MkII Next-Generation 8" 2-Way Powered Studio XLR Monitor Woofer (308PMKII) (Pair) - $13,490
• KRK Classic 8 G3 Professional Studio Multimedia XLR Monitor, Black - $30,499
• Kali Audio LP-UNF Professional Ultra Near Field Studio Monitors with 3D Image Waveguide, 5.1 Bluetooth Connectivity, Touch-Sensitive Volume Slider and Boundary EQ Settings (Pair) - $14,499
• M-Audio BX4 120-Watt Powered RCA, Auxiliary Studio Monitors / Desktop Computer Speakers For Music Production, Gaming, Live Streaming, and Podcasting (Pair) - $12,999
• JBL Professional Nano K4 4" Full-Range Powered Reference Outdoor Bluetooth Monitor Pair - $13,999
• PreSonus Eris 3.5 2nd Gen HD Professional Studio Monitors with 3.5" Woven Composite Woofer, 1" Silk-Dome Tweeter, 50W Class AB Power and Tuning Controls (Auxillary) (Pair) (Black) - $12,490
• Mackie CR-X Series, 8-Inch Multimedia Monitors with Professional Studio-Quality Sound, Bluetooth and Front Panel Controls (Pair) (CR8-XBT) - $40,999
• YAMAHA HS7 (Pair) Powered Studio Monitors (Black) - $54,999
• Yamaha HS8 (Pair) Powered Studio Monitors, Ideal for Home Studios and Professional Recording Studios (White) - $43,999
• Behringer 50USB Studio 150W Bi-Amped Reference Studio Monitor Speakers with USB Input (Black) - $13,999
• Alesis Elevate 5 MKII | 80 W Powered Desktop Studio or Gaming Speakers (Black) - $11,649
• M-Audio BX8 D3 - Price unavailable

It is important to note that there is a lot of marketing hype surrounding monitor speakers and their performance. Cheap monitor speakers will suffer the same flaws as cheap hi-fi speakers. A well-designed, engineered, and manufactured speaker is a precision instrument that will require a reasonable investment.

Frequently asked questions