If your reading this article then there's a good chance you use a DAW such as Pro Tools or Studio One. If that's the case, then there's also a good chance you also use at least one set of studio monitors in your studio with your DAW. At some point you've probably looked a picture of a studio that has monitors mounted on stands and thought "I need a set of those for my monitors", if so, this article covers some basic monitor stand topics that you should consider before investing in a set for your studio.
What Is The Point Of Using Studio Monitor Stands?
Monitor stands are very simple devices that provide a wide range studio monitoring benefits. By and large, the biggest benefit of placing monitors on stands is that this setup improves studio monitor performance thus the overall sound quality that monitors can produce in studios.
Monitor stands reduce speaker cabinet vibrations transmitting (by way of decoupling) into other masses and structures such as floors, workstations, desks and mixing consoles. Monitors placed on something like a desk can sound a bit skewed, this is caused by vibrations from the cabinets rumbling into the mass of the desk that the monitors are sitting on making your monitoring experiences less than ideal.
There is a wide range of monitor stands that come in all shapes and sizes. Height adjustable stands with bases that stand freely on the floor are very popular but there other types to consider such as short desktop mount stands and smaller decoupling devices that sandwich between monitors and desks/workstation setups, such as DMSD speaker decouplers:
Regardless of the type of monitor stand you may be interested in buying, you need to consider a few points before investing in a set.
Available Space To Position Monitor Stands
If you are looking to get a set of free-standing floor stands you will need to make sure you have enough space behind your current studio setup in order to get the stands positioned. It's also a good rule of thumb to ensure that there's at least a 20cm - 30cm gap between the wall and the back of the monitors. Generally speaking, putting some space between the wall and the monitors (that will be placed on the stands) will help to reduce something called the boundary effect that, in short, is the effect of waves leaving the cabinet and bouncing off the rear wall and coming back in or out of phase at the listening position. As I said, rule of thumb, every room is different, every set of monitors are different, try different monitor positions and go with whatever sounds go to you.
Type Of Floor Surface Determines Balance
Freestanding monitor stands usually feature spike feet under the base. These spikes also act as a decoupling component as they massively reduce the contact surface area between the base of the stand and the floor. However, the spikes also keep the stands rigid and balanced on surfaces such as carpets. That said, carpets aren't the most suitable surface to put monitor stands on, especially if the carpet has a deep pile.
Always Check Recommended Monitor Weights & Sizes
Never buy a set of monitor stands without first checking what weight the stands are designed to support. Monitor dimensions suggestions are also important to check. If you don't know the weight and dimensions of your monitors then check manufacturer websites for info and check the specs of the stands you are interested in can hold your monitors safely.
Share Pictures Of Your Studio Monitors
In this article you got a little glimpse into my studio and saw how I have my monitors setup on stands. Do please share pictures of your studios in the comments below so that we can see how you have arranged your studio monitors.