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What Should You Consider When Choosing Active Nearfield Studio Monitors?

Active Nearfield Studio Monitors - Where Do You Start?


Above: Sweetwater's guide to choosing studio monitors

As a home DJ, one of the most important pieces of equipment you will need is a pair of speakers. You have two options to go down, active speakers such as studio monitors or a passive system with Hifi and passive speakers. In the following article, I’ll be discussing active nearfield studio monitors and the things to consider when making a purchasing decision. With so many different options available on the market, it can be difficult to know which ones to choose. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know to choose and purchase the right active nearfield studio monitors for your home DJ use.


A bit of an introduction to studio monitors

As a DJ, you need studio monitors that can accurately reproduce sound and provide you with the detail you need to make informed decisions about your music. Studio monitors are designed to do just that - provide accurate, detailed sound reproduction that can help you create and perfect your mixes. In this guide, we will take a look at the most important things you need to consider when choosing and purchasing active nearfield studio monitors for your home DJ use.


First up - Frequency Response

The frequency response of a studio monitor refers to the range of frequencies it can reproduce. The low, mid, and high frequencies are all important, but different types of music may emphasize different frequencies. For DJ use, you'll want a frequency response that is relatively flat across the range, with an emphasis on the low and mid-range frequencies. Some examples of frequency responses that are ideal for DJ use include the Yamaha HS8 and the Adam Audio A7X.


Measurements - What The Heck Are They?

Accurate measurements are essential when it comes to studio monitors. The most common measurements you'll want to look at include SPL, frequency response graphs, and THD. SPL measures the sound pressure level that the monitor can produce. Frequency response graphs show the response of the monitor at different frequencies, while THD measures the amount of distortion that occurs when the monitor is pushed to its limits. When choosing a monitor, you'll want to look for SPL values that are appropriate for your space, a frequency response that is relatively flat, and low THD values.


Connectivity - How Do I Rig Them Up?

Different monitors come with different connectivity options, so it's important to choose a monitor that has the connections you need. Common connection types include XLR, TRS, and RCA. XLR and TRS connections are balanced, which helps to reduce noise, while RCA connections are unbalanced and can be more susceptible to noise such as interference from power cables. In all honesty, this problem is mostly audible with long cable runs, I wouldn’t worry too much about it. (unless your playing at festivals regularly….!). You'll want to choose a monitor that has the connections you need for your setup. 


Room Correction - Things That Can Ruin The Sound Of Great Speakers

Room correction is the process of optimising your monitor's sound to your listening environment. Different monitors have different options for room correction, including EQ and time alignment. EQ can be used to adjust the sound of the monitor to compensate for the acoustics of your room, while time alignment can be used to ensure that the sound from the different drivers in the monitor arrives at your ears at the same time. When choosing a monitor, you'll want to look for one that has room correction options that are appropriate for your space. An example of a monitor with good room correction option includes the KRK Rokit RP5 G4. The KRK Rokit RP5 G4 has an LCD display on the back and a mobile phone app for dialling in the room correction. Very handy…


Listening Tests - If You Can, Listen To Them

Listening tests are an important part of choosing the right studio monitors. When conducting a listening test, you'll want to listen to a variety of different types of music and pay attention to the detail and accuracy of the sound reproduction. You should also listen at different volumes to see how the monitor responds to changes in volume. Some examples of how to conduct a listening test include listening to the same song on different monitors and listening to live recordings to compare the sound to what you hear on your monitor.


Recent Reviews - Look Them Up On The Internet

Reading reviews can be a great way to get an idea of what other users think of a particular monitor. Reputable review sources include Sound on Sound, MusicTech, and Gearslutz are all excellent sources of reviews on studio monitors. Keep in mind that personal preference plays a big role in the decision-making process, so it's important to take reviews with a grain of salt and rely on your own ears and judgement.


Alternative Options

While the above recommendations should provide a solid starting point for selecting the right studio monitors for your home DJ setup, there are plenty of other options available on the market. Here are a few alternative options worth considering:


  • Adam Audio T7V - These studio monitors are a great alternative to the Yamaha HS5, with a similar frequency response and price point. They are know for the use of their ribbon tweeters and their clarity in the mid and high frequencies
  • Presonus Eris E3.5 - These small studio monitors are a great budget-friendly option, perfect for those with limited space and a limited budget.
  • KRK RP5 Rokit G4 - These studio monitors are a popular choice among DJs and producers, with a detailed sound and solid build quality.
  • Focal Shape 40- These monitors are known for their clarity and detail, making them a great choice for critical listening and mixing.


When comparing different studio monitors, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences. Take note of the features and specifications that are most important to you, such as frequency response, connectivity options, and room correction features.


And To Finish

Choosing the right studio monitors for your home DJ setup can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can narrow down your options and make an informed decision that will result in accurate and enjoyable sound reproduction. Remember to consider your budget, the size of your space, and the specific features you need, and don't forget to conduct listening tests and read reviews before making a final decision. Whether you end up with Yamaha HS5s or a different set of monitors, you'll be on your way to creating the best possible sound for your DJ setup.
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