Have you ever wondered why it’s so common to see multiple pairs of monitors in a mixing studio? Today, we’ll explore why many pros use multiple monitors, how to set them up, and share some tips that will help you get the most out of alternate monitors in your system.
Thanks to Radial Engineering for sponsoring this post and supporting audio education. Radial has released a monitor controller called the Nuance Select, which I’ll be using for demonstrations.
The Nuance Select has very straightforward I/O and controls, which makes it perfect for understanding the general signal flow of a multi-monitor setup. And if you’ve ever used Radial products before, you know they’re built to last. So if you’re looking for a monitor controller that will last for years, this is a great option.
Why Use Multiple Monitors?
Before diving into setup and calibration tips, let’s quickly cover why you’d want to use multiple pairs of studio monitors in the first place.
The same mix can sound radically different depending on the playback system. This is one of the biggest challenges mix engineers face: how do you make a song sound good when you have no control over what system the listener will be using?
You can’t make a mix sound the same everywhere, but you can aim to make it sound good everywhere. To achieve this, you need to optimize your system for accuracy. This includes using high-quality monitors, setting them up properly, and reducing your room’s impact on sound with acoustic treatment.
I often see comments asking, “If a mix is going to sound different everywhere, why does accuracy in my system matter?” It’s true, high-quality monitors and acoustic treatment can be expensive, and you don’t need a perfect system to mix music. But when you can afford some acoustic treatment, it’s absolutely worth it. Why? Because while you can’t predict how the mix will sound on every playback system, you can assume it will sound different.
For example, if your system has a big cancellation at 250 Hz, you won’t be able to hear how that frequency is represented in your mix. You can’t predict how it will sound on the listener’s system if you’re missing that information. By creating an accurate system, you get a better sense of the full frequency range, making it easier to create mixes that translate well across different playback systems.
Beyond having an accurate, full-range system, it’s helpful to have a limited system (like a small speaker that only reproduces midrange frequencies). This will help ensure that your mix holds up on both full-range and band-limited systems.
For instance, I’ve got two really nice pairs of monitors here in addition to smaller speakers. You might think two pairs of high-end monitors would be redundant, but they actually offer very different perspectives. Even with acoustic treatment and corrective EQ, the ADAM monitors have a wider sound with a brighter character, while the Neumann monitors offer more punch in the midrange.
This allows me to get different perspectives on stereo imaging, tonality, and transients from the same mix, which brings me closer to creating a mix that translates well across different systems. This is the goal: to achieve a mix that maintains the core vibe of the song on a wide variety of speakers and setups.
How To Set Up a Monitor Controller
Now that you understand why multiple monitors are useful, let’s talk about how to set them up.
If your interface has multiple line outputs, you could feed each monitor directly. However, it’s often better to send one stereo line output from your interface to a monitor controller like the Radial Nuance Select, which will then route that signal to different speakers.
For example, output 1 and 2 from your interface can connect to the monitor controller’s Source 1 input. Then, rather than connecting your monitors to the interface directly, you can connect the controller’s Speaker A output to your primary monitors, the Speaker B output to your secondary monitors, and the headphone output to your headphones.
In some cases, you might have a subwoofer in your setup. If so, you can use the sub output on the monitor controller to connect the subwoofer, allowing you to switch it on or off independently of the speakers. I’m using the sub output to feed a small mono speaker in this setup.
With this configuration, you can keep everything connected and easily switch between different monitors and headphones, offering different perspectives on your mix.
There is also an additional input on this monitor controller that could be used for some other playback device (like a turntable) or a second stereo output from the interface that provides a way to monitor a cue mix or a reference track.
This particular monitor controller stands out for its exceptional build quality. Not only do the buttons and knobs feel top-notch, but the circuitry ensures minimal distortion of the signals passing through it. You want a monitor controller to be as transparent as possible, meaning it shouldn’t color the sound you’re working on. Radial has achieved this with their proprietary Clarity Circuit, which ensures that what you’re hearing is true to the actual mix.
The Nuance Select uses 100% Class A circuitry and features an ultra-low noise internal power supply, which further reduces noise in the signal path. The main level control is a true stepped attenuator, built around a 21-position gold contact switch, paired with a series of carefully selected precision resistors. This provides a premium feel and accuracy when adjusting the volume.
Additionally, Radial designed the Nuance Select to have zero capacitors in the audio signal path, which can often act as high-pass filters and introduce distortion. Instead, they use DC servos throughout the signal path, ensuring that the level of Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) is so low that it’s difficult to measure—an impressive 0.00001%.
Tips for Using Multiple Monitors
Integrating multiple monitors into your system is straightforward, especially when using a monitor controller like the Radial Nuance Select. However, there are a few additional tips to ensure you’re getting the best results.
- Monitor Level Matching: Louder sounds are often perceived as better. When comparing monitors, make sure you match their loudness levels. Play a sine tone (like a 1 kHz tone) and use an SPL meter to ensure each set of monitors is outputting the same level.
- Subwoofer Calibration: If you’re using a subwoofer, ensure it’s properly aligned with your monitors, both in terms of crossover frequency and overall level. Some subs come with built-in crossovers, but you need to get the levels right to avoid hurting the performance of the crossover.
Here’s how you can put these tips into action:
- Play a sine tone (such as a 1 kHz tone) through your speakers. A sine tone will provide a consistent level, making it easier to match the output across different monitors.
- With the sine tone playing through your first set of monitors, adjust the volume knob on your monitor controller to a nominal position that you’re comfortable with. For example, this might be halfway or three-quarters of the way to maximum. You might also need to adjust the volume on the speaker itself to reach a nominal listening level in the room.
- Once the controller knob is at the desired setting, use an SPL meter at your listening position to adjust the speaker volume so it reaches somewhere between 75-80 dB C-Weighted. While there are different schools of thought on the ideal monitoring level, this range is a good starting point. You can always adjust this to fit your specific needs or preferences.
- After calibrating the first set of monitors, turn the volume down on the second set and switch the monitor controller to Speaker B. Then, slowly increase the volume until the SPL meter shows the same value as the first set of monitors.
At this point, your monitors should be calibrated to the same level at 1 kHz. You may want to fine-tune with actual music playing since a 1 kHz test tone doesn’t account for the full frequency spectrum. But the important thing is to get similar levels across all your monitors and keep those levels consistent from session to session. I particularly appreciate the indented knob on the Radial Nuance Select for this, as it helps maintain a consistent monitoring level.
Lastly, if you’re using a subwoofer, it’s important to ensure that it’s properly aligned with your monitors, both in terms of crossover frequency and overall level. Many subwoofers designed for specific monitors come with built-in crossover filters, but you still need to make sure the levels are correct to avoid reducing the performance of the crossover.
Using multiple monitors in your setup provides valuable insights into how your mix will translate across different playback systems. With the right setup and calibration, you can ensure your mixes sound great no matter where they’re played. Incorporating a quality monitor controller like the Radial Nuance Select makes switching between monitors seamless and helps maintain accuracy in your monitoring. By following the tips outlined here, you’ll be on your way to producing more reliable, professional-sounding mixes.