Studio Monitors VS. Headphones: What Is The Best Option?
A big question for beginning producers is, “What should I get? Studio Monitors or Headphones?”. I believe that there is not an end-all be-all answer to this question. Ideally, you should have both.
Studio monitors provide a more accurate sound, but headphones don’t have to deal with room acoustics. You should also consider your budget. It is cheaper to get a good pair of studio headphones rather than a good pair or studio monitors. Headphones are also good for producing if you have roommates you don’t want to bother.
To illustrate the differences between studio monitors and headphones, I created a nice info-graphic. Enjoy!
If you plan on buying studio monitors, you might want to check out my list of The Best Studio Monitors.
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6 comments
Can’t endorse this enough!!!! You are so right about the headphones making your mix sound good and then it translating flat on monitors. It’s a really delicate balance and one that I’m STILL getting used to even after making beats for awhile. I just got some JBL’s in the spring and they are amazing. I also rock the ATH M50’s and they are pretty incredible as well.
This is a great post too, as a graphic designer (who loves typography) I really can appreciate the time that went into creating this graphic. Hit me up sometime!
-Stu
Thanks stu!
The hardest part in creating the graphic was the accuracy. A lot of producers have different opinions on this topic so it was tough to find out who was right and who was wrong.
And btw, I love ath m50s! I use them regularly:)
Good stuff man. Nice design, too. I use my headphones to zoom in on sounds. Which is an important part but very different from mixing or even listening to a whole track. Got some more info about soloing here btw: http://ambmusic.net/3-eq-tips-part-two/
Glad you enjoyed it man! I’ll check out your link.
Awesome infographic! Thanks!
I can’t produce with monitors because I live with my sick grandma.
I’d be willing to pay a little extra for good reliable headphones.
My budget allows me to buy the Pioneer HRM-7.
http://www.pioneerdj.com/en/product/headphones/hrm-7/black/overview/
Would you say that’s a smart choice? Cheers!
Glad you liked the infographic:D The HRM-7 is a great pair! Also check out the ATH-M50x. I’m a big fan of Audio-Technica’s ATH line of headphones.