Whether you’re producing rap beats or rap music, it’s vital that you have an effective way to listen to your music. Studio monitors are speakers intended producing accurate sound rather than loudness. They are designed specifically for use in an audio recording studio. The thing that separates studio monitors from speakers is that they are more precise and accurate in their sound.
Why Do I Need Studio Monitors?
Whether you’re playing back rap beats, your iTunes, or a mix of a new song you recorded, you will want to hear exactly what is in the recording to ensure clarity in the audio. Your audio can be terrible but will sound amazing during playback on one system, while on another it may sound awful. You need the audio to have uniformity throughout all systems it will be played on, so it is critical you can hear the audio clearly during mixing.
Studio monitors come in a variety of quality levels. There are also aesthetic aspects such as size shape and color. Obviously, you should choose performance over looks. That said, it is unnecessary to buy the most expensive monitors on the market. You may have heard a good set of headphones can suffice for mixing if you do not have monitors. We will explore the differences between the two options next.
Headphones VS. Studio Monitors
The entire discussion of headphones vs studio monitors should be prefaced by saying, if you plan to do any audio work on a serious or professional level, studio monitors are a must. However, for a casual home studio, or if you are just starting out, headphones are a decent alternative, as well as a necessity.
They can help you listen to your mix with some level of accuracy and allow you to have a closer perspective of the sound. There are some benefits to them and things you can learn by using them during playback.
Listening to audio on studio monitors vs. headphones is drastically different. When using either, you might be able to hear things you may not have even realized were there. It is for that reason they are optimal for professional quality audio mixing. The monitors are designed specifically for accuracy so you will not hear a clear mix if it does not exist. Rather, you will hear the grit that needs to be cleaned up to make your audio the highest quality.
How To Choose Studio Monitors
Price does have some attachment to accuracy. The cheaper your studio monitors are the less accurate they are likely to be. However, that does not mean you have to break the bank. Near-field monitors live up to their name.
You place them in close proximity to you. They are designed so that their proximity to the listener eliminates the majority of sound reflections made by the walls in the room. It allows you to focus on the actual sound rather than reverb.
Near-field monitors are the most popular choice for small studio spaces. It helps that they are economical. There is a drawback to having smaller speakers. Namely that they have a limited bass response. The most obvious way to circumvent that problem is with a subwoofer. The subwoofer will translate lower frequency sounds while the monitors manage the rest.
That said, a subwoofer is not necessary. You can mix without one. Of course another solution is to take larger speakers and wall mount them in a bigger space. However, since you really don’t need more than near-field monitors, with a possible subwoofer, let’s focus on the types available.
Active VS. Passive Nearfield Monitors
Near-field monitors come in two main types: active and passive. Each one amplifies differently. Active monitors have an amplifier built into the unit. Passive monitors lack an amplifier, so it has to be purchased separately. Which one you get is up to you. Active monitors have a higher upfront price tag.
Summing It Up
The type of monitor you choose will depend on your needs and budget. But as with most things in life, you will get what you pay for. When you are counting on your music to represent you, you may want to lean toward quality. I’ve had a pair of Rokit 8s for the last 5 years, and I love them.
Picking the Right Rap Beats and Hip Hop Beats for Sale
Once you have a studio set up fit for making music you can focus on what really matters – creating it. At JBZ Beats we have a huge selection of rap beats, and hip hop beats for sale. We also have selections suited for multiple other genres. We have 10 different producers worldwide and have easy to understand copyright terms. Our diverse and unique sounds offer some of the highest quality hip hop beats for sale online.
After you have prepared your audio, we also offer mixing and mastering services. So if your studio is not fully prepared to develop professional sounding sounds, or you just need a fresh pair of ears on your music, we can assist you. You can be sure we will deliver you the highest mastering quality because our beats are tied to your sound, and even for those which aren’t, we have love for our craft and always produce at our best.
