13 Best Studio Audio Monitors
List Updated March 2023
Bestselling Studio Audio Monitors in 2023
Mackie Studio Monitor, Black w/Green Trim, 3-inch (CR3)
- Studio-quality design, sound and performance ideal for multimedia creation and entertainment
- Professional-grade components for optimized sonic performance.1/8 inches to stereo RCA cable to connect computer output to speakers
- Ultra-wide frequency range perfect for full-range multimedia (80 Hz - 20 kHz)
- Choose which side of your desk gets the volume knob with CR3's convenient speaker placement switch
- Convenient front panel volume knob with lit power ring gives you on/off/volume control and power indication where you need it. Plug your smartphone or other source right into the front of the speakers and listen instantly
Status Audio CB-1 Closed Back Studio Monitor Headphones
- Designed for audio professionals who make a living with their craft
- 50mm drivers deliver analytical, neutral sound signature
- Ergonomic ear-pads for long recording sessions
- Two detachable cables, coiled and straight, with twist-lock function
- Foldable - headphones collapse into a small form factor
Status Audio OB-1 Open Back Studio Monitor Headphones
- Open back design for intensely natural sonic experience
- 42mm drivers deliver exceptional clarity and detail
- Ergonomic over-ear design, built for hours of comfort
- 3 meter Fixed straight Cable
- Built FOR audiophile and Hi-Fi listening
M-Audio AV32 | 10-Watt Compact Studio Monitor Speakers with 3-inch Woofer (Pair)
- Entry-level, compact desktop monitors to form basis of small home studio
- Flexible, uncovered speaker cones for improved sound quality
- 3-inch woofer, 10-watt per channel amplifier
- RCA inputs for connecting gaming systems, DJ gear, mixers and more
- Compatible with all your gear, including your tablet, computer, or mobile device
KRK RP5G3- 59107 NA Rokit 5 Generation 3 Powered Studio Monitor - Pair
- This Bundle contains 2 items: Pair of KRK RP5G3-NA Rokit 5 Generation 3 Powered Studio Monitor
- Bi-amped, class A/B amplifier offering large headroom and low distortion
- Proprietary waveguide optimized for superior imaging
- 1 Soft-dome tweeter provides pristine clarity and extended response up to 35kHz
- High-frequency adjustment tailors the system to personal taste
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black
- Advanced build quality and engineering designed for studio tracking and mixing
- 40 mm drivers with rare earth neodymium magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Tuned for enhanced low-frequency performance
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- Convenient single-side cable exit
Sterling Audio MX5 5" Powered Studio Monitor Level 1
- General Size: Near-field System type: Active Configuration: 2-way Drivers Low-frequency driver: 5 in. Mid-frequency driver: Not applicable High-frequency driver: 1 in. Full-range driver: Not applicable Driver type: Proprietary cone Sound Frequency response: Info not available Max peak SPL: Info not available Amplifier class: Class A/B Output power: 70 W Onboard Features <
- The Sterling MX5 bi-amped studio monitor represents the latest evolution in Sterling Audio design, combining top sound quality with next-generation materials that deliver top-class audio quality and features
- With dual-axis WaveGuidanceVH technology each bi-amped monitor is built for optimal wider-and-higher frequency dispersion, giving you clear, articulate sound even when listening off-axis
- The MX5's proprietary multi-fiber 5 in
- low-frequency driver cone delivers superior damping to minimize sonic artifacts and unnatural resonance and its 4-layer voice coil provides greater motor force for outstanding low-frequency performance
On-Stage SMS6000 Adjustable Studio Monitor Stand, Pair
- Height Adjustment: 36.5-54" with several height positions every 4 inches
- Weight Capacity: 90 lbs
- Platform: 9 1/2" square with 1mm thick non-slip pad
- 3-point triangle base with leveling floor spikes
- Base Spread: 18"
VideoSecu One Pair of Side Clamping Bookshelf Speaker Mounting Bracket with Swivel and Tilt for Large Surrounding Sound Speakers MS56B 3LH
- A pair of side clamping speaker mounts
- Easy Install, 360 degrees swivels and 10 degrees up or down tilts adjustable
- Clamp adjusts from 5.3 to 11 inches
- Supports up to 33 lbs; Cable management
- Heavy duty steel construction with wall plate cover. Standard mounting hardware and user manual included
Ultimate Support JS-MS70 JamStands Series Studio Monitor Stands (Pair)
- Height-adjustable stand for studio monitors. Locking pin ensures stable and accurate height positions. Levelling floor spikes and rubber feet included. Low-profile base can be easily positioned into tight spaces
- Product Name: JS-MS70Part Number: 17441Locking Heights: 32.25", 36.25, 40.25", 44.25" (819mm, 1022mm, 1124mm)Platform Dimensions: 9" x 9" (229mm x 229mm)
- Base Dimensions: 17.25" x 17.25" x 17.25" (438mm x 438mm x 438mm)Weight: 8.4 lbs. (3.8 kg)
Audio-Technica ATH-M30x Professional Studio Monitor Headphones, Black
- Advanced build quality and engineering
- 40 mm drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils
- Tuned for enhanced detail, with excellent mid-range definition
- Circumaural design contours around the ears for excellent sound isolation in loud environments
- Convenient single-side cable exit
- Collapsible for space-saving portability
ZENY Pair of Studio Monitor Speaker Stands Height Adjustable Concert Band DJ Studio Floor Stands w/Stable Triangle Base, Black
Mackie Big KNOB Studio
- Professional source and monitor selection O choose between 3 sources and 2 monitor pairs O classic Big knob volume control
- Flexible 2x2 USB recording interface O two boutique-quality onyx mic preamps including phantom power for condenser microphones
- Comprehensive feature set for professional studios O flexible source connections including CONVENIENT 1/8" input for your smartphone O dual headphone Outs with independent level control
- Compatible with all major DAWs on both Mac and Windows
- Includes traction recording software
More on Scheduling Studio Time:
This is to give you some idea of the professionalism most recording studios expect from their clients.
Although some rules may differ with each studio, the ones listed below are the most common:
1. Small children are typically not allowed unless there is someone (that's not involved in the project) that can pay undivided attention to then. If you MUST bring children they should be teens that can sit and not interrupt your session. Suggestion: Don't bring kids to the studio!
Note: I engineered a session about a year ago in which the singer brought her 4-year-old daughter that went nuts when 'mommy' left the control room to go into the vocal booth to record. We ended up standing the child up in a chair, right in front of the view window, so she could see 'mommy'. That was the only thing that quieted her down a bit, but not completely.
2. Advance deposits are non-refundable if a session is cancelled by the client. However, some studios may credit you the amount (or a portion of it) if the cancellation was done within a reasonable time frame. The best advice is to only book a session if you KNOW you can make it at the specified time.
If you book a session and don't show up (no-call, no-show) you will likely lose your deposit, plus you may still owe the studio for the time you booked (minus deposit). You could also be banned from future bookings, or be charged 100% in advance for future bookings.
3. The "clock" starts at the scheduled time of your session, provided that the studio/engineer is ready at that time.
If the engineer is not ready, and you are, the clock starts when he is ready. If you show up late to your scheduled session, and the engineer is ready at the scheduled time, the clock starts at the scheduled time whether you're there or not, even if you called ahead.
4. If you finish your project early, or for any other reason you end the session early, you usually will still have to pay for the full amount of time you booked (minus your deposit).
5. If the engineer ends the session early you will only have to pay for the time used (minus deposit).
7. If the engineer does not show up, or cancels at any point, you'll usually have the option to reschedule or retrieve your deposit.
8. Typical rules regarding session breaks are as follows:
Any breaks that YOU take or initiate (smoke breaks, phone calls, restroom, going for pizza, etc.) will not stop the clock, and therefore becomes part of your session time, even if the engineer decides to break with you.
Any breaks that the ENGINEER takes or initiates (smoke breaks, phone calls, meal breaks, equipment malfunctions, engineer mistakes, etc.) SHOULD NOT be charged to your session. Suggestion: Get an understanding of this BEFORE scheduling a session, and take notes of the minutes the engineer is killing during the session.
Note: Studio time can (and should) be scheduled 4 to 6 weeks in advance to insure an open spot. If you have a team/group working with you it will be necessary to decide on this as soon as possible, due to varying schedules of your group members.
Having the above information in mind (and written down) should help you to be disciplined and focused. Failure to do so will always cost you more time, money, and aggravation.
