You can only mix what you can hear, which makes your headphones, monitors and room some of the most important parts of any studio. This hub collects our guides to monitoring: choosing studio headphones and monitors, whether you can mix on headphones, subwoofers, room acoustics, and setting safe, accurate listening levels.
It’s for home studio owners and producers deciding what to buy, or trying to understand why mixes that sound great at home fall apart in the car. Start with How To Choose Your Headphones and Best Studio Headphones, or the budget monitor roundup if you’re buying speakers. Then read the headphone mixing guides to learn how to get mixes that translate, and finish with the room acoustics and monitoring levels articles to get the most out of the setup you already have.
Start here: the best Headphones & Monitors guides
- How To Choose Your Headphones
How to choose headphones by use, frequency response, impedance and comfort. - Best Studio Headphones
Closed-back vs open-back, plus industry-standard studio headphones compared. - Best Studio Headphones For Mixing And Music Production
What to look for in mixing headphones, with top picks for production. - Audio Technica M50x Headphones: Are They Good for Mixing?
Whether the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x is accurate enough to mix on. - Best Studio Monitors Under 500
Five studio monitors under $500 compared, plus features to consider. - Should Studio Monitors have a Subwoofer?
Pros and cons of adding a subwoofer, and how room size and budget affect the choice. - Can You Mix On Headphones
Yes, with caveats: headphone choice and mixing techniques that translate. - Is Mixing In Headphones Worth It
The advantages, drawbacks and common mistakes of mixing on headphones. - Mixing with Headphones Tips for Accurate Monitoring and Translation
Calibrating headphones and using reference tracks for mixes that translate. - Tips For Mixing And Mastering With Headphones
Choosing, setting up and mixing and mastering on headphones without ear fatigue. - The Essential Guide To Monitoring And Room Acoustics When Mastering In A Home Studio
Monitor setup and room treatment for mastering in a home studio. - The Perfect Monitoring Levels For Your Home Studio
Speaker placement and safe listening levels for accurate monitoring.
Want to hear your mix on a pro monitoring chain? Book a Solar Heavy master, or browse all tutorials.
All Headphones & Monitors articles
- Studio Monitor PlacementProper studio monitor placement is crucial for achieving accurate sound reproduction. Placing the monitors at an equal distance from each other and…
- Test Your SpeakersTo test your speakers, play a sound on your computer and see if you can hear it. Adjust the volume if necessary.…
- Studio Headphones Under 100The best studio headphones under 100 are the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x and the Sony MDR-7506. These headphones offer excellent sound quality and comfort…
- How To Set Monitor GainTo set monitor gain, adjust the level until the audio is at a suitable volume without distortion. Monitor gain is crucial for…
- How To Choose Your HeadphonesTo choose your headphones, first consider your budget and preferred features. Then, determine your preferred style and intended use. When it comes…
- The Best Headphones For DrummersThe best headphones for drummers are those that provide noise isolation and clear audio quality, such as the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x and the…
- Best Speakers For A Home StudioThe best speakers for a home studio are those that provide accurate and clear sound reproduction. It's important to choose speakers that…
- Cubase Won’T Play Through HeadphonesCubase won't play through headphones due to incorrect audio settings or faulty hardware. Check audio settings and connect the headphones properly. If…
- Best Audio Engineering HeadphonesThe best audio engineering headphones are the Sennheiser HD 650 and the Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro. These headphones offer excellent sound quality…
- Best Studio Monitors Under 500The best studio monitors under $500 are the JBL Professional 305P MkII and the PreSonus Eris E5. Both models have received highly…
- Cubase Doesn’t Detect My HeadphonesTo resolve Cubase not detecting headphones, try changing the audio device settings. Check if the headphones are set as default playback device.…
- Studio Monitors Sideways Or VerticalStudio monitors can be used sideways or vertically, depending on the desired frequency response. Your choice should depend on the optimal listening…
- Whats The Best Room Treatment Tips TricksRoom treatment tips and tricks involve reducing echoes, minimizing excessive reverb, eliminating standing waves, and controlling bass response. Effective room treatment leads…
- Studio Headphones For Music ListeningStudio headphones are essential for accurate music listening. They provide clear sound and detailed nuances that other headphones may not deliver. Studio…
- Sound Proofing Vs Acoustic TreatmentSound proofing and acoustic treatment are not the same, with the former aiming to block out noise and the latter optimizing sound…
- Normal Headphones For Music ProductionNormal headphones can be used for music production, but they may not provide the best accuracy and sound quality required for professional…
- Can You Listen to Music on Studio MonitorsYes, you can listen to music on studio monitors. Studio monitors are designed to accurately reproduce audio with minimal coloration and are…
- Speaker Calibration Software Is It Worth ItYes, speaker calibration software is worth it for those who want to achieve accurate and optimal sound quality in their audio systems.…
- Best Studio Headphones For Mixing And Music ProductionThe best studio headphones for mixing and music production are the Sennheiser HD 650 and the Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro. These headphones…
- Bass Traps: Enhance Your Audio Experience!Bass traps are acoustic energy absorbers designed to dampen low-frequency sound. They're essential in studios and home theaters to improve sound quality.…
- Impedance in Headphones: Unleash Optimal Audio QualityImpedance in headphones refers to their resistance to electrical current. Lower impedance requires less power to deliver high audio levels. Understanding the…
- Best Studio Monitor Stands: Elevate Your Audio Experience!The best studio monitor stands enhance audio clarity and save desk space. Ultimate Support MS-90/36B is a top pick for durability and…
- Best Over Ear Headphones: Superior Sound for AudiophilesThe best over-ear headphones offer unparalleled sound quality and comfort. Top contenders like Sony WH-1000XM4 and Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 lead…
- Open Back vs Closed Back Headphones: Ultimate Sound ShowdownOpen back headphones offer natural sound and breathability, while closed back headphones provide noise isolation and bass emphasis. Both types cater to…
- Best Drummer Headphones: Unleash Pure RhythmThe best drummer headphones offer superior sound isolation and robust build quality. Models like the Vic Firth SIH2 and the Beyerdynamic DT…
- Best Studio Subwoofers: Elevate Your Sound Quality!The Yamaha HS8S and KRK 10s are among the best studio subwoofers for professional audio work. They deliver impeccable accuracy and the…
- Wired Vs Wireless Headphones: Discover The TruthWired headphones offer a consistent, stable connection. Wireless headphones provide freedom of movement and convenience. Choosing between wired and wireless headphones…
- Best Studio Monitor Controllers: Top Audio MasteryThe Mackie Big Knob Series and PreSonus Monitor Station V2 are among the best studio monitor controllers on the market. Both offer…
- Can Studio Headphones Be Used for Gaming: Unveil Their Power!Yes, studio headphones can be used for gaming. They offer high-quality sound that can enhance the gaming experience. Choosing the right equipment…
- Are Wireless Headphones Good for Music Production? Unveiled Truths!Wireless headphones are not typically recommended for music production due to latency and potential sound quality issues. Professionals prefer wired headphones for…
- Music Production Headphones vs Speakers: Best Studio ChoicesMusic production headphones offer precise audio detail and isolation, whereas speakers provide a more natural soundstage. Personal preference and studio space influence…
- Best Noise Canceling Headphones: Pure Audio BlissThe Sony WH-1000XM4 stands out as the best noise-canceling headphones available. They deliver exceptional sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation. Noise-canceling…
- Are Gaming Headphones Ideal for Music Production?Gaming headphones are not ideal for music production. They often boost certain frequencies, which compromises the accurate sound needed for creating music.…
- What Headphones Do Professional Producers Use?: Studio Secrets RevealedProfessional producers often use high-end headphones such as the Sennheiser HD 800 S, Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro, or the Sony MDR-7506 for…
- Why Do Studio Musicians Wear Headphones? Unveiling Audio SecretsStudio musicians wear headphones to hear a click track or pre-recorded music clearly. They eliminate ambient noise, enabling better concentration and synchronization…
- How Much Do Studio Headphones Cost: Unveiling the TruthStudio headphones can vary widely in cost, ranging from $50 to over $1000. Popular professional models average around $100 to $300. Choosing…
- How to Use Studio Headphones on PC: Expert Tips!To use studio headphones on a PC, connect them via the headphone jack or USB port. Adjust system sound settings to recognize…
- Professional Headphones for Music ProductionProfessional headphones for music production offer enhanced sound quality and accurate audio representation. They are essential tools for mixing and mastering tracks.…
- What are the Best Music Production Headphones? Uncover Top Picks!The best music production headphones are the Sennheiser HD 650 and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. Both offer superior sound quality and comfort for…
- What are the Best Headphones for Making MusicThe Sony WH-1000XM4 and the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are among the best headphones for music production. Professionals widely regard these models for their…
- Studio Monitors For Small Rooms: Amplify Your Sound Experience!Studio monitors for small rooms should prioritize accuracy over loudness to avoid sound distortion. Consider compact, nearfield monitors for optimal sound reproduction…
- Acoustic Room Treatment: Unlocking the Power of Sound ClarityAcoustic Room Treatment for Enhanced Sound Quality When it comes to creating an optimal listening environment, acoustic treatment plays a crucial role.…
- What are the Benefits of Using Open Back Headphones for Audio Production?Open back headphones have become increasingly popular among audio professionals and enthusiasts for their unique qualities and benefits. Unlike closed-back headphones that…
- Hanging Acoustic Panels: Elevate Your Sound OasisHanging acoustic panels effectively reduce noise and enhance sound quality in a room. They are essential for creating acoustically balanced spaces. …
- Best Acoustic Panels: Optimize Your Sound Experience!The best acoustic panels effectively reduce unwanted noise and improve sound quality. Popular choices include ATS Acoustics, Auralex Acoustics, and Acoustic Geometry…
- Diy Acoustic Panels: Enhance Your Sound Sanctuary!DIY acoustic panels can effectively improve room acoustics by reducing unwanted echoes and reverberation. Creating your own panels allows for customizable aesthetics…
- Acoustic Panels: Maximize Your Space’s Sound ClarityAcoustic panels improve sound quality by absorbing excess noise and echo. They are essential in spaces where optimal acoustics are desired. …
- How to Make Acoustic Panels: DIY Soundproofing SecretsTo make acoustic panels, gather materials such as fabric, insulation boards, and wood frames. Assemble these components into a panel designed to…