Studio Monitors: Sold Solo, But Why?

Studio monitors are often sold individually, and there are several reasons for this. Firstly, in a professional recording environment, it is beneficial to check the mix in true mono with a single, centred speaker. This is particularly useful for identifying any problems with the mix, such as elements being too wide or issues with EQ settings. Additionally, when mixing audio for movies or television, a surround sound setup is required, which may involve purchasing individual monitors depending on the type of surround sound being used. For example, in a 5.1 surround sound setup, you would typically need five normal mono monitors and one subwoofer, with one speaker centred in front of you. In this case, buying a pair of monitors would be unnecessary. Another reason is that studio monitors can be expensive, and buying a single monitor can be a more affordable option for those starting out or on a budget. Furthermore, some people may only need one monitor to replace a broken one or to match a set. From a manufacturing perspective, selling monitors individually helps to keep prices competitive and allows for more flexibility in terms of research and development. Finally, selling monitors individually can be a marketing strategy, as it allows retailers to create bundle packs to clear stock and increase profits.

To listen to a mix in 'true mono'

Studio monitors are often sold individually, and this can be confusing for those who are unsure about whether to mix their audio in mono or stereo. While it is possible to produce, mix and listen to music using a single studio monitor, it is not advised.

Stereo sound is the most common approach to music production today, and it involves using two speakers to create a stereo field. This gives a sense of spaciousness and width to the audio, allowing each element of the music to have its own space within the overall mix.

However, there are times when a mono setup is beneficial. Mono audio is played back on one channel, and so only requires one speaker. Mixing in mono can help identify problems in your audio, such as instruments that are too wide in the mix, or issues with EQ settings.

In a professional recording environment, it is beneficial to check your mix in 'true mono' with one speaker centred and set up. This is why studio monitors are sold individually. It is much easier to purchase and set up a separate studio monitor for mono playback than to adjust a stereo setup each time you want to check your mix in mono.

Mono playback can also be useful as an additional reference point. It is a good idea to check your mix in as many environments as possible, and on as many different speaker setups as possible. This will ensure that your audio sounds good in a range of listening environments and on different devices.

So, while stereo is the standard approach to music production, mono playback is still important, and this is why studio monitors are sold individually.

To add to a stereo setup

Studio monitors are often sold individually to allow users to add to a stereo setup. This is particularly important for those mixing audio for movies or television, which requires a surround sound setup. The two standard types of surround sound setups are 5.1 and 7.1, which require five and seven normal mono monitors, respectively, in addition to a subwoofer for low bass frequencies. In both setups, two speakers are placed in front of the listener, two are placed behind, and one is placed in the centre. Thus, an individual studio monitor would be needed for the centre-aligned speaker.

Additionally, having an individual studio monitor allows users to set up a single mono speaker to listen to true mono audio. This is beneficial as it can improve the overall quality of a mix. By checking a mix in mono, producers can easily identify any problems, such as elements being too wide or issues with EQ settings.

To replace a broken monitor

Studio monitors are sold individually so that professionals can replace a broken monitor without having to buy a new pair. This is more cost-effective for the buyer, and it also means that manufacturers don't have to produce multiple designs for the same product.

Studio monitors are more often than not active monitors, meaning they have a built-in amplifier that drives the speakers. There are many elements to a studio monitor that can break, and sometimes it is cheaper to buy a new one individually than having to replace both monitors.

In addition, having each speaker with its own power supply, inputs, and power switch makes troubleshooting any issues easier. If something fails in one speaker, it's more convenient to replace a single unit than a pair.

Manufacturers also sell studio monitors individually because, in a professional recording environment, it is beneficial to check the mix in "true mono" with one centred speaker set up. This is a common practice used by producers and major recording studios to improve the overall quality of the mix.

To avoid hidden costs

Studio monitors are often sold individually to avoid hidden costs for the consumer. Manufacturers sometimes advertise a single studio monitor deceptively, making consumers believe they are getting two monitors for a low price. This marketing strategy often works, and consumers are unpleasantly surprised when they receive only one monitor. To avoid this, consumers should carefully review all the information about the product before buying.

In addition, selling studio monitors individually can be more cost-effective for consumers. If a consumer is on a tight budget, they can buy a single high-quality monitor and then purchase a second one later. This is a better alternative than buying a pair of lower-quality monitors that do not meet their requirements.

Furthermore, selling studio monitors individually allows consumers to replace a single failed monitor without having to replace a pair. Studio monitors are complex equipment with many components that can break over time. Buying a single replacement monitor instead of a pair can save consumers money.

Finally, studio monitors are sold individually to allow consumers to create custom setups for their specific needs. In a professional recording environment, it is beneficial to check the mix in "true mono" with one centred speaker. This setup helps identify issues with the mix, such as instruments that are too wide or problems with equalizer settings. By selling studio monitors individually, manufacturers enable consumers to create a mono setup without having to purchase a pair of monitors.

To check mono compatibility

Studio monitors are often sold individually to make it easier for producers to set up a single mono monitor for a mono audio experience to check their mixes. This is known as "true mono" and involves a single centred speaker.

Mixing in mono can help producers identify issues with their equalizer settings and locate and pinpoint problems in their audio. For example, it can be easier to identify if some elements of a mix are too wide, or muddy, or too concentrated.

Some mono speaker setups are found in smartphone speakers, which are designed to use mono sound due to being fitted with only one speaker. Not mixing in mono during production can lead to poor audio quality on these mono systems.

There are a few ways to check mono compatibility. One way is to use a single speaker, which is "true mono". Another way is to use two speakers, which gives a mono sound with a bass boost. However, using two speakers can cause comb filtering issues, which is when the sound waves from the two speakers meet, sum, and cancel each other out in the air. This can be demonstrated by playing a 3kHz tone in mono through two speakers and moving your head slowly from side to side—the sound will get louder and softer.

Checking mono compatibility is important because it ensures that your mix will sound good in all listening environments.

Frequently asked questions