Producing and mixing your own music requires the use of professional home studio monitors. These will give an accurate representation of your recording, highlighting any frequency issues which could be compromising the final audio quality.
Studio monitors should offer a range of qualities, such as wide frequency response, built-in amps (commonly referred to as active monitors) and flat sound free from room ambience.
KRK Rp7 Rokit G4
KRK has been producing high quality speakers for decades and the Rokit 7 G4 is their newest model. It upholds that tradition beautifully, making it both a great starting monitor set for beginners as well as an excellent backup option for experienced professionals.
KRK Rokit G4 has been completely redesigned and reengineered to bring its popular series’ performance to a whole new level. Utilizing all of KRK’s advanced features that they have been perfecting over time, the Rokit brings professional reference monitoring straight into your home studio for unparalleled ease of use.
The RP7 offers DSP-driven room tuning with 25 visual Graphic EQ settings on an LCD and the included KRK App to help minimize and correct problems in your acoustic environment. Its matching drivers made with Kevlar(r) ensure that every frequency is heard as recorded while decreasing listening fatigue for an incredibly balanced listening experience.
These speakers boast a scientifically designed high-quality enclosure to reduce unwanted resonance and front-firing port for powerful low-end extension and punch. Furthermore, the Iso-foam pads on the exterior reduce vibrations from dissipating through the surface.
These features are combined with custom designed Class D power amps that generate 145 Watts of power, an enormous improvement from the previous generation which could only generate 97W RMS output.
The ROKIT G4’s are renowned for their durability, thanks to the use of Kevlar as both speaker cone materials – Kevlar is highly resistant and doesn’t conduct heat as well as other speaker materials, meaning it won’t break down quickly when exposed to changes in temperature or environmental conditions.
Another significant improvement is the amplification; this time they went with highly efficient Class D amplifiers that produce up to 145 watts per channel, an enormous leap from previous models that relied on an AB design that could generate less power and had much higher heat output.
All these enhancements make the ROKIT G4 an incredibly powerful and accurate monitoring solution, making them essential for any serious producer looking to take their audio production to the next level.
Yamaha HS8
The Yamaha HS8 is their top model in home studio monitors, and while it comes at a higher cost than other models such as the HS5 or HS7, it’s worth considering if you want to craft an incredible mix.
These 8″ 2-way active nearfield studio monitors offer the flat, natural sound professionals expect. Plus, advanced features like room control and frequency response switches let you tailor the HS8’s response to your recording space. Carrying forward the legacy of acclaimed NS-10 speakers, these speakers are engineered to produce honest mixes quickly and accurately.
These speakers boast an enhanced enclosure design that eliminates unwanted resonance and delivers superior accuracy. Plus, they come with two dedicated bi-amps to deliver balanced output between the woofer and tweeter, giving you the best sound from each driver.
Another key benefit of these speakers is their narrow frequency range, making them highly adaptable. They can reproduce frequencies up to 30kHz, making them ideal for musicians working with various musical genres and audio formats.
The HS8 is an impressive piece of equipment, boasting a high-quality MDF cabinet and low resonance acoustic design. It’s constructed using the traditional three-way mitered joint technique used in architectural design which firmly holds together corners and significantly improves durability.
The HS8’s audio quality is excellent, particularly with vocals and bass-heavy music. The highs are clear and focused while the mids possess plenty of depth.
These speakers boast an impressive frequency response, but can be overwhelming in certain rooms. Therefore, they’re best suited for larger areas and music producers with their own home studios who require quality sound reinforcement at home.
The HS8 speaker output is quite powerful, so if you’re working in a smaller bedroom or other smaller area it might not be sufficient for your needs. These speakers also tend to produce plenty of bass so a subwoofer may be necessary in order to fully enjoy their output.
Genelec Alpha 80 Evos
For a powerful and versatile monitor, the Genelec Alpha 80 Evos is an excellent option. It boasts features like an 8″ woofer and 1″ (25mm) aluminum inverted dome tweeter that set it apart at this price point; these components guarantee crystal clear audio reproduction with accurate tonality.
The Alpha 80 is an active two-way studio monitor from Focal that boasts a Slatefiber cone woofer and aluminium inverted dome tweeter. It’s ideal for sound engineers and producers who require high volumes as well as deep subbass extension.
These home studio monitors boast dual amplifiers capable of delivering a maximum SPL of 106 decibels. Furthermore, their bass-reflex design helps ensure consistent audio throughout any room.
These active studio monitors offer a selection of inputs, such as an XLR balanced input, 1/4-inch TRS input and RCA input. You can also adjust the monitor’s sensitivity level for optimal comfort in any setting. With so many customization options available to choose from, these monitors will fit perfectly into any room or personal style perfectly.
Another distinguishing characteristic of the Alpha 80 Evos is its striking visual appeal. Its rounded contours and side panels create a robust yet contemporary appearance, giving it an unique signature look that sets it apart from other home studio monitors.
It’s worth mentioning that the Alpha 80 Evos is much smaller and lighter than its predecessor, making it perfect for studios with limited space for monitors. Plus, its compact size makes moving around your studio easier than ever before!
The Focal Alpha 80 Evos is an ideal choice for serious producers who require a powerful and reliable monitor. It boasts an 8-inch woofer capable of linear frequency response and improved dynamic range, making it suitable for mixing/mastering as well as listening to music. Furthermore, at an affordable price point, this monitor could be ideal even for those on tight budgets.
Mackie HR624 Mk2
The Mackie HR624 Mk2 is a high-resolution two-way bi-amplified active studio monitor that provides extensive control options. It boasts an 6.7″ woofer and 1″ titanium dome tweeter with an integrated passive radiator for tight bass extension that’s distortion free.
The HR624 Mk2’s cast aluminum Zero Edge Baffle minimizes diffraction for a crisp sonic image and superior bass response, while an optimized waveguide disperses sound evenly over a wide field for vibrant mids. A dampened cabinet eliminates midrange artifacts to make this monitor ideal for tracking vocals or other instruments as well as mixing or mastering duties.
Additionally, an open-cell adiabatic foam fill acoustical damping material absorbs internal reflections and prevents delayed sound coloration for accurate monitoring in any space. Furthermore, this product features OmniMount ready connectors so it can be conveniently mounted on walls or ceiling.
The HR624 Mk2 is an ideal choice for home and professional studios alike, boasting a balanced, smooth sound suitable for vocals as well as tracks with plenty of guitar.
It features an array of sound sculpting controls, such as an Acoustic Space switch that adjusts bass response when placed away from walls or against them, and a Low Frequency Filter switch inserting a low frequency rolloff curve at 80Hz. Furthermore, an HF filter switch boosts or cuts HF output by 2dB starting at 10kHz.
This THX-certified monitor also boasts an open cell adiabatic foam acoustical damping material that absorbs internal reflections and dampens standing waves to prevent delayed sound coloration. It has a flush mount connector system so you can place it against a wall without having to remove the back of the cabinet, plus it comes equipped with XLR, TRS and RCA input connectors for compatibility with virtually any audio gear you can throw at it.