Studio Monitors: Why Mono Sounds Small

Studio monitors are designed to reproduce sound accurately and are used for mixing music, dialogue, and sound effects during recording, mixing, and mastering. They differ from regular speakers in that they have a flat frequency response, meaning all frequencies are played at the same volume level. This is important for accurately balancing the levels of different frequencies when mixing.

When listening in mono on studio monitors, it is common to notice a shift in the sound, with some frequency ranges leaning slightly to the left or right. This can be caused by various factors, including room acoustics, manufacturing imperfections, and natural imbalances in the listener's ears.

To achieve a pure mono signal, it is recommended to use only one speaker, either by putting the monitors in mono and panning to a single speaker or by using a dedicated mono summing unit. This eliminates the fake mono signal produced by two speakers and provides a more accurate representation of the mono sound.

While some producers opt for a single high-quality monitor for mono listening, it is generally recommended to use a pair of studio monitors for music production to allow for a stereo setup, which provides more space and impact for the music.

Mono monitoring equipment

When it comes to mono monitoring equipment, there are a few key components to consider. Firstly, let's define what mono means in this context. Mono, short for monophonic, refers to a single channel of audio, as opposed to stereo, which uses two or more channels to create a wider soundstage. Studio monitors are an essential part of any recording or mixing setup, and they come in various configurations, including active and passive monitors.

Active vs Passive Monitors

Active studio monitors have built-in amplifiers, making them easy to set up and use. They are often more accurate and reliable, as the amplifiers are specifically designed for the monitors. Passive monitors, on the other hand, require external amplifiers, offering more flexibility in terms of amplifier choice but demanding a little extra effort in setup.

Monitor Size and Placement

The size of your studio monitors should align with your room size and the style of music you work with. For home studios, 5-inch speakers are generally a good fit. Larger drivers are better suited for genres that require a stronger low-frequency response, like EDM. Smaller speakers, on the other hand, tend to offer better midrange and high-frequency response due to their smaller size. It's also important to consider the placement of your monitors. They should be positioned at ear level, with the speakers directed towards your listening position to ensure accurate sound reproduction and enhanced projection.

Monitor Stands

Monitor stands play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal placement of your studio monitors. Stands like the MONO Studio Monitor Stands are made from industrial-grade anodized aluminium and feature an elevated design to place the monitors at ear level. They also include cable management solutions and rubber pads to reduce unwanted vibrations.

Summing to Mono

If you're looking to sum your stereo signal to mono, there are a few ways to do this. Some monitor controllers have a mono switch that allows you to connect just one side of the speaker output to your mono speaker. Alternatively, you can use a dedicated mono summing unit or set up your stereo signal through a hardware mixer and utilise its aux send function to sum the signal to mono.

Advantages of Stereo Monitors

While it is possible to mix in mono using a single monitor, it is generally recommended to use a pair of stereo monitors for music production. This allows you to take advantage of the stereo field and create a more immersive listening experience. Stereo monitors also help you identify phasing issues and other problems that may arise in the stereo image.

Stereo vs mono studio monitors

Mono audio is derived from a single signal that is sent to one or two speakers. In a mono recording, multiple speakers may play the same song, but each speaker plays the exact copy of the sound. Stereo audio, on the other hand, is derived from two or more signals and sent to two channels through two speakers.

In the past, people listened to music through a single speaker, which is what was known as a mono-listening environment. However, people wanted to distribute the audio evenly across two channels, which led to the creation of stereo audio. Stereo audio is what our brains prefer when listening to music. Some sounds are panned to the left, some to the right, and some are distributed evenly across both channels.

When it comes to studio monitors, the term "2-way" refers to monitor speakers that reproduce the audio signal with two speaker cones, each responsible for a specific frequency range. Similarly, "3-way" monitor speakers have three cones. A single monitor speaker will always be mono, meaning it can reproduce one channel of an audio signal.

Stereo, in contrast, refers to a reproducing system capable of reproducing more than one channel. For example, a "2.0" system is a typical home studio setup with two monitor speakers, one reproducing the left channel and the other reproducing the right channel of a 2-channel signal. A "2.1" system includes two monitor speakers and a subwoofer, while a "7.1" system is a surround setup with a subwoofer and left, centre, right, left mid, right mid, left surround, and right surround channels.

While the number of speaker cones does not indicate sound quality, having two monitor speakers (a 2.0 setup) is highly recommended for music production purposes. A 2.1 stereo setup is also a common option.

In summary, the main difference between mono and stereo audio lies in the number of channels being sent to the speakers. Mono audio sends only one channel to all speakers, while stereo audio sends two different channels, one for each speaker, creating a wider and more detailed sound that our brains prefer.

Room acoustics

Reflections and Absorption

Mid and high-frequency reflections from hard surfaces like walls, ceilings, and floors can create echoes and colour the sound. To mitigate this, strategic acoustic treatment is necessary. Absorption panels, such as acoustic foam or rockwool insulation, can be placed at first reflection points to reduce these reflections. Additionally, bass traps, typically placed in corners, are essential for controlling low-frequency build-ups.

Speaker Placement

The placement of studio monitors is critical for optimal sound reproduction. Ideally, speakers should be positioned to form an equilateral triangle with the listening position. This ensures that high frequencies strike the listener's ears directly. It's also important to avoid placing monitors too close to walls, especially corners, as it can affect bass response. Symmetrical placement of speakers in the room is recommended for better stereo imaging.

Room Shape and Size

The shape and size of the room significantly influence its acoustic properties. Rooms with equal dimensions, such as square rooms, often suffer from poor acoustics due to certain frequencies building up at the same points. Larger rooms may offer improved frequency response but might not be practical for everyone. Understanding the room's unique acoustic characteristics is crucial for implementing effective solutions.

Acoustic Treatment

The goal of acoustic treatment is to minimise the room's influence on sound, allowing you to hear the music as it is. This is achieved through a combination of absorption panels, bass traps, and diffusers. Absorption panels made of acoustic foam or rockwool help absorb and reduce reflections. Bass traps, often placed in corners, control low-frequency build-ups. Diffusers, such as shelves with books or equipment, scatter sound to create a more natural sound field.

Monitoring Calibration

Calibration of studio monitors is essential for ensuring accurate and consistent sound reproduction. It involves setting up monitors to a reference level that allows for dynamic range and nuance detection. Calibration also helps maintain consistency across different listening devices, ensuring that your masters translate well on various playback systems.

Monitor placement

The placement of your studio monitors is crucial to achieving an accurate listening experience and ensuring that your mixes translate well to different playback systems. Here are some tips for optimal monitor placement:

• Symmetry: Aim for symmetry in your setup. Place your monitors along the short wall of the room to minimise sonic reflections and create a more balanced stereo image.
• Ear Level: Position the tweeters of your monitors at ear level so that your ears are directly in front of the speakers. This ensures the most consistent and accurate sound. Use speaker stands if your setup doesn't allow for the monitors to be at the correct height.
• Avoid Reflections: Acoustically hard surfaces like windows, drywall, and mirrors reflect sound. Avoid placing monitors near these surfaces as the reflections can alter the sound. Use a mirror to detect reflections and apply absorption treatment if necessary.
• Adjust for Correct Sound: Play music you're familiar with and adjust the placement of your monitors until they sound accurate. If there's too much bass, move the monitors away from walls and corners to reduce the low end. Also, utilise any adjustments on the speakers, such as high-frequency or low-frequency cuts, to fine-tune the sound.
• Create the Sweet Spot: The ideal setup for stereo imaging is to have the monitors and listening position form an equilateral triangle, with the monitors angled towards the listener's ears at approximately a 30-degree angle.
• Separate Monitors from the Setup: Avoid placing monitors directly on hard surfaces like a console or desktop. Use monitor stands or isolation pads to separate the monitors and reduce unwanted reflections and vibrations.
• Evaluate Distance from Walls: For nearfield monitors, maintain a minimum distance of 20-30 cm between the monitors and walls to reduce sound reflections. The maximum distance should be between 60 and 90 cm. Ensure the distances between the monitors and the side/back walls are different to avoid creating corners in the listening position.
• Add a Subwoofer Correctly: If using a subwoofer, place it off-centre along the front wall, not too close to reflective surfaces. Test different positions with audio containing low frequencies to find the optimal spot. Aim for a flat response rather than exaggerating frequencies.

Phase issues

To achieve an accurate mono check for mixing purposes, it is recommended to put the system in mono and pan the audio to just one speaker. This eliminates the phantom center and provides a pure mono signal. Software such as Sonarworks correction can also help treat each speaker separately to improve the mono sound.

Additionally, it is important to consider the impact of stereo space in music production. While some genres, like dnb, have less stereo width, the small amount of stereo space they do have can add a large impact. Mid-range thickens, and delays and reverberations can come alive. Therefore, it is generally recommended to invest in a pair of good-quality studio monitors or a good set of headphones to ensure the best sound quality and avoid potential phase issues.

Frequently asked questions