How to set up studio monitors

Picking a studio monitor from the multitudes in the market can be a challenge but it is still not as important as correctly setting up your studio monitors, which is where the magic happens. To make good mixing/remixing and mastering choices when you are in your mixing position, the speakers have to be accurately positioned for you to hear every note, rhythm and harmony. Even with the best studio monitors if you miss out on this important step you could as well sacrifice your shot at creating great records. For perfect records you need to be able to hear the high frequencies as well as the low ones. Here are the exact steps you need to follow to set up your studio monitors.

‘Step 1’
Head position
You have just purchased your new set of studio monitors and are curious about setting them up, well the first step has nothing to do with the speakers at all. Firstly, you should figure out where your head will be most of the time. In other words, pick your ideal position.


‘Step 2’
Position your studio monitors
Position both the left and right studio monitors to form an equilateral triangle with your head position. They should be angled toward you and a uniform distance should be maintained to the other speaker and to your head position. Use a tape if you must.



‘Step 3’
Ideal placement
The tweeters on the monitors should be in line with your ear, use a speaker stand if necessary, for the best result and for best bass response place acoustic foam, underneath your speakers, regardless of their position either on your mixing table or on a stand.


‘Step 4’
Check the connections
Check the Input and output connection on your studio monitor, there are 3 main sockets; XLR, RCA, and 1/8” TRS


‘Step 5’
Connect the speakers to the mixer
Depending on the input on your studio monitor, in this case XLR, connect one end of the XLR cable input the input on the studio monitor and the other end to output on the mixer


‘Step 6’
Switch on and Calibrate
Plug in your studio monitor and check the sound. If it powered you can set up the EQ and the volume from the back till it sounds just perfect which should be around 80 – 85db. For more accuracy consider using an SPL meter.


‘With the above steps you can now easily set up any studio monitor’