Studio Monitor Size: Voice Over's Sweet Spot?

Studio monitors are an essential component of the mixing process, allowing producers to hear their tracks in intricate detail. However, the ideal distance between studio monitors depends on various factors, including room size, monitor type (nearfield or midfield), and personal preference.

Nearfield monitors are typically designed for smaller studios and placed closer to the listener, forming an equilateral triangle with the listener at the apex. This setup ensures a natural stereo sweet spot and accurate sound. The recommended distance between nearfield monitors varies, with some sources suggesting a minimum distance of 2-3 feet for optimum listening, while others recommend a wider triangle of 5-6 feet.

Midfield monitors, on the other hand, are placed further apart and require a larger room for optimal performance. The distance between midfield monitors is generally proportional to the size of the room, with larger rooms accommodating wider setups.

Ultimately, finding the ideal distance for studio monitors involves experimentation. Producers should adjust the monitor distance based on their room acoustics, speaker specifications, and personal preferences to achieve the desired sound and stereo imaging.

Studio monitors vs. headphones

Studio monitors and headphones are both viable options for voice-over work, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Studio monitors are designed to be placed within a few feet of you in a small room with minimal acoustics. They are meant to be detailed, neutral, and reveal problems to the critical listener. The sound produced by studio monitors is impacted by the room they are placed in, and they may not be the best option if you are working in a space with untreated acoustics. Additionally, using studio monitors means that anyone else nearby will be able to hear your work. Studio monitors can also cause ear fatigue, especially if you are trying to identify specific issues such as edit point transitions and mouth clicks.

Headphones, on the other hand, can isolate the audio playback from the environment and are useful for detail listening. They cut out external noise and allow you to experience the sound without room acoustics interfering. Headphones are also a good option if you want to focus on the acting performance of your voice-over without being distracted by small technical flaws in the recording. However, it is easy to damage your hearing by turning up the volume too high, and tight-fitting closed-back headphones can become uncomfortable over time. Additionally, using headphones for extended periods may cause sweaty ears.

When deciding between studio monitors and headphones for voice-over work, it is important to consider the specific needs of your project and the acoustic treatment of your space. Both options have their strengths and weaknesses, and many professionals use a combination of both to get the best results.

When it comes to purchasing studio monitors, it is important to be aware of the marketing hype and the influence of online forums and audio engineering magazines. Instead, focus on the specific features and technical specifications that meet your requirements. Proper speaker placement is also crucial to achieving an accurate frequency response and a solid stereo image. Ideally, your listening position and the two monitors should form an equilateral triangle, with the tweeters at ear height. Additionally, consider the impact of the room's acoustics on the sound and make necessary adjustments to the speaker placement and settings.

In conclusion, both studio monitors and headphones have their place in the voice-over studio. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each, you can make an informed decision about which option is best suited to your needs and how to get the most out of your equipment.

Nearfield monitors

The best nearfield studio monitors aim to reproduce audio without altering or distorting the sound. They produce sounds across the entire frequency range of hearing. Professionals can use this to judge the audio and ensure it works on different playback systems.

When placed near the listener, the sound heard is less affected by the room acoustics. Nearfield monitors are smaller than other monitors, making them suitable for close listening. They often consist of two parts: a tweeter for high sounds and a woofer for low sounds.

The compact size and simple design allow for better sound dispersion control. The compact size ensures the listener hears a focused and accurate soundstage.

When choosing nearfield monitors, it is important to consider the frequency response and the size of the monitor. A good studio monitor will have a flat and accurate response across the entire frequency range. Larger studio monitors handle bass and higher volumes better, while smaller monitors work better in small spaces.

• PreSonus Eris E3.5 – BT: This budget-friendly option delivers impressive sound quality with a surprisingly accurate frequency response and a balanced stereo image. It features a 3.5-inch woofer and a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter, providing clear highs, detailed mids, and powerful lows.
• KRK Rokit RP5 G4: A popular choice among producers, featuring a 5-inch woofer and a 1-inch dome speaker for a well-balanced sound. It also has a built-in DSP room tuning EQ to adjust the sound according to the room's acoustics.
• Yamaha HS 5: Known for its accuracy and clarity, with a 5-inch cone woofer and a 1-inch dome speaker that provide a flat response. It also features an integrated room control EQ to compensate for the room's acoustic characteristics.
• Alesis Elevate 5 MK II: Another budget-friendly option with good sound quality. It has a 5-inch woofer and a 1-inch silk dome that deliver a balanced sound with a wide stereo image. It also has a bass boost switch and convenient connectivity options with RCA and 1/4-inch inputs.
• JBL 305P MkII: A compact and top-of-the-line studio monitor perfect for small studio spaces. It features a 5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter for accurate and balanced sound reproduction. It also includes a high-frequency adjustment and a Boundary EQ control to compensate for low-frequency boosts.
• Neumann KH 120 A: A compact monitor with a 5.25-inch woofer and a 1-inch dome speaker that provides a detailed and transparent sound with a wide sweet spot. It is known for its precise bass response and ability to handle high volumes without distortion, making it suitable for mixing and mastering tasks.
• Kali Audio LP-6 V2: Monitors with a 6.5-inch woofer and a 1-inch metal dome speaker. They offer TRS and RCA inputs, built-in amplifiers, and precise volume control for impeccable audio clarity and versatility. The built-in amps ensure that the monitors can play all sounds without distortion.
• Focal Alpha 65: A powerful monitor with a 6.5-inch woofer and a 1-inch inverted dome that offers a neutral and balanced sound with a wide frequency response. It is perfect for music producers who need accurate monitoring for mixing and mastering, providing precise and detailed sound.
• Adam Audio T7V: A premium monitor with a 7-inch woofer and a U-ART ribbon tweeter that offers transparent and accurate sound reproduction with a wide frequency response. It is known for its precise imaging and the ability to reveal every detail in the mix, making it ideal for mixing and mastering.
• PreSonus Eris Studio 8: An 8-inch professional-grade monitor with a custom-tuned EBM waveguide that creates incredible stereo imaging. It has a silk-dome high-frequency transducer for clear, high-end sound reproduction and can produce bass sounds from 35 Hz to 20 kHz. These monitors have 140W of Class AB bi-amplification and can reach high volumes without changing the tone.
• Mackie MR824: A well-rounded monitor with an 8-inch woofer and a 1-inch silk tweeter that offers a wide frequency response and a precise stereo image. It features a built-in acoustic space switch to optimize the sound for different room placements. The 8-inch woofer delivers robust and accurate low-end, while the silk dome tweeter provides smooth and detailed high-ends.

Speaker placement

Symmetry and Room Layout

It is ideal to position your speakers symmetrically, forming an equilateral triangle with your head at the apex. This ensures a balanced listening experience, with similar reflections for the left and right speakers. Place your listening setup in the front area of the room, with the angle between the left and right monitors at 60 degrees, and each monitor aimed towards the listening position. Avoid placing speakers too close to side walls, the ceiling, or the floor, as this can cause reflections that interfere with the sound.

Height and Ear Level

The ideal height for studio monitors is to have the tweeters at ear level when you are seated. This ensures that you are directly in the path of the sound emanating from the speakers, providing the most consistent and accurate sound. If your desk or stands are too low, consider using speaker stands to elevate the monitors.

Distance from Walls

The distance between your monitors and the walls can significantly impact the sound quality. Placing monitors close to a wall can increase bass response, so it is recommended to keep them at least 43 inches (110 cm) away from the front wall. If your monitors have rear ports, maintain a distance of at least 5-10 centimeters from the wall to avoid bass buildup. For side walls, a distance of at least 44 inches (110 cm) is recommended.

Acoustic Treatment

The room in which you place your monitors can greatly affect the sound. Reflections from nearby hard surfaces, such as windows or drywall, can alter the sound through a phenomenon called comb filtering. To mitigate this, use acoustic treatment on the walls, such as absorptive materials, to reduce reflected sound energy.

Speaker Isolation

To ensure optimal sound quality, it is beneficial to decouple the speakers from their stands or desk surface. Speaker isolation pads can help absorb vibrations and resonances, improving sound accuracy.

Subwoofer Placement

Subwoofers, which handle low frequencies, have more flexibility in placement as they are non-directional. A trick to find the best location is to temporarily place the subwoofer in your listening position and move it around the room to find where the bass sounds best.

By following these guidelines for speaker placement, you can achieve accurate and high-quality sound from your studio monitors, ensuring an optimal listening experience for voice-over work.

Soundproofing

• Speaker Placement: The placement of your studio monitors can significantly impact the sound quality and the amount of sound that escapes the room. Ideally, you should form an equilateral triangle with your listening position at the apex and the two monitors at the other corners. This setup ensures a natural stereo "sweet spot". Additionally, ensure that the tweeters are at ear height when you are seated.
• Speaker Isolation: Decoupling your speakers from their stands or the desk can help reduce vibrations and resonances. Speaker isolation pads made of dense foam or multi-layer isolators can absorb vibrations before they transfer to the furniture.
• Room Treatment: Acoustic treatment of the room is crucial to minimise sound reflections and improve sound absorption. Consider using acoustic foam panels, bass traps, and sound-absorbing blankets or curtains. Covering 30-40% of the wall surface with acoustic panels can effectively reduce echo.
• Soundproofing Materials: If you want to block sound transmission through walls, ceilings, or floors, consider using mass-loaded vinyl (MLV). MLV is a high-density membrane that can be applied to surfaces to block high and low-frequency sounds. Acoustic foam can also help with soundproofing, especially for mid and high frequencies.
• Double-Glazed Windows: If outside noise is an issue, consider investing in double-glazed windows to reduce sound transmission.
• Door Seals: Sound can escape through gaps under doors. Install door seals, such as a bottom door seal or a perimeter seal, to block sound from escaping.
• Headphones: While not strictly soundproofing, using headphones can be a practical solution to reduce sound leakage. Closed-back headphones isolate audio playback and are ideal for detail listening.

Remember that soundproofing is a complex topic, and the effectiveness of these techniques may vary depending on your specific studio setup and requirements. Combining multiple soundproofing methods will generally provide the best results.

Amplification

Active monitors, also known as powered monitors, have built-in amplifiers, meaning the amplification happens within the speaker itself. This is a convenient option as it eliminates the need for external amplifiers and simplifies your setup. Most modern studio monitors are active, and they usually offer level control and room-compensating EQ controls as well.

On the other hand, passive monitors require external amplification. This means you'll need to connect your audio interface or computer output to a separate amplifier, and then connect that amplifier to your monitors. Passive monitors are less common nowadays, but they can offer more flexibility in terms of customisation and tailoring the sound to your specific needs.

When deciding between active and passive monitors, consider your budget, the complexity of your setup, and whether you require additional features like room-compensating EQ controls. If you're looking for a straightforward solution, active monitors are likely the way to go, but if you're an audio enthusiast who wants more control over your sound, passive monitors with external amplification may be the better option.

Frequently asked questions