What kind of sound quality do you get from your computer speakers? Are they loud enough to fill your room?
If you want better audio quality, you should invest in some good headphones or studio monitors.
A pair of headphones or studio monitors can improve your listening experience.
They can also boost your productivity by allowing you to listen to music or podcasts without disturbing your colleagues.
Headphones and studio monitors come in various sizes and shapes. There are even models designed specifically for gaming.
The key thing to consider is whether these devices are suitable for your specific needs.
JBL Professional Studio Monitor
The JBL Professional StudioMonitor is a great choice for those looking for a compact monitor that delivers high performance.
With the ability to connect up to eight sources at once there is no shortage of flexibility when it comes to connecting multiple instruments.
And thanks to its built-in bass radiator, this speaker will offer plenty of low-frequency punch.
You can use this speaker as an all-purpose monitor and perform with ease.
Pros
- High Performance – this speaker comes with plenty of punch, giving you a deep bass sound that will reverberate through the walls and the floor.
- Portable – you can carry this speaker from one place to another with ease. It is very lightweight and will not break your back.
- Flexible Connectivity – you can connect many instruments to this one. If you are a musician, it will really help you to hear what you are playing.
Cons
- May be too bright for dark rooms – this comes with a light that might make your speaker system really stand out.
Mackie CR-X Series, 3-Inch Multimedia Monitors
These Mackie CR-X series, three-inch multimedia monitors are perfect for any home theater setup.
This set includes two 3-inch full-range drivers and dual subwoofers, which means you have complete control over the volume level and frequency response of each channel.
This model has been upgraded with a new digital amplifier, so you can enjoy a clear, crisp sound.
It also features a remote control on the back panel, making it easy to adjust the volume while standing away from the speakers.
Pros
- Great Sound Quality – these monitors feature a powerful digital amplifier, so you will enjoy crystal clear sound.
- Easy Setup – these monitors are simple to install and operate. All you need to do is plug them into the wall socket and turn them on.
- Digital versatility – This will help you to connect with a wide variety of devices such as phones, tablets and musical instruments.
Cons
- Not ideal for large spaces – if you plan to use these monitors in a larger space, then you may find that the sound does not reach every corner.
Alesis Elevate 5 MKII Powered Desktop Studio Speakers
If you want to get the best quality sound but don’t have much room for your desktop, then Alesis’ Elevate MKII powered desktop speakers could be the solution.
You can easily move them around your room without having to worry about power cords or long cables.
These speakers come with a wireless remote and microphone, allowing you to adjust the volume and mute the device using your smartphone.
They also come with a built-in battery that allows you to work even when the AC adapter isn’t plugged in.
The batteries last for up to 10 hours, so you won’t have to worry about running out of juice.
Pros
- Wireless Remote Control – you can easily control your music using the included wireless remote.
- Built-in Battery – you can work even when the AC Adapter isn’t connected.
- Amazing Sound Quality – for a speaker system of this size, you’ll get some of the best sound quality that money can buy.
- Charge Time – this comes with some of the best charge time that money can buy, with over 10 hours of continuous charge.
Cons
- Not suitable for large spaces – if there’s a lot of distance between the speakers and your listening position, then they may not produce enough sound.
- Can only handle one source at a time – if you want to listen to multiple sources simultaneously, then you will need more than one pair of speakers.
Edifier R1280Ts Powered Bookshelf Speakers
These Edifier R1280Ts bookshelf speakers are designed to provide high-quality audio for your bookshelf.
They’re compact and lightweight, so you can take them anywhere.
The design of these speakers makes them very versatile. You can place them on top of your bookshelves or stand them upright against a wall.
The R1280T offers an impressive range of connectivity options.
You can connect your phone via Bluetooth, which means you can play your favorite songs directly through the speakers.
It has a 3.5 mm input jack that lets you connect to any other device. It also features 2 x 1W subwoofers, which allow it to deliver deep bass.
Pros
- Compact Design – these speakers are extremely portable, making them perfect for travel.
- Versatile Connectivity Options – you can connect your phone using Bluetooth, which is great for streaming music from your mobile device.
- Deep Bass – these speakers offer incredible bass performance for their size.
- Lifelike Sound Quality – these speakers really have the greatest sound quality, giving you room-filling sound even in the largest of spaces.
Cons
- No Speaker Level Controls – if you want to turn down the volume while playing music, then you will need to do it manually.
- Lack of Power Output – these speakers lack the ability to output higher volumes, which might make them unsuitable for larger rooms.
Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor
If you want to invest in a good monitor, but don’t want to spend too much money, then the Yamaha HS5 powered studio monitor is worth considering.
This monitor is designed for professional use, so it should be able to meet all of your needs.
This monitor is designed to give you the most accurate sound possible, thanks to its built-in digital amplifier.
It supports both analog and digital inputs, allowing you to connect any type of equipment.
You can adjust the level of each channel independently, which allows you to fine-tune the levels of each channel individually.
You can also adjust the balance between left and right channels, as well as the overall gain of the monitor.
Pros
- High Definition Audio Support – this monitor provides high-definition audio support, meaning you get the best sound quality available.
- Digital Amplification – this monitor uses a digital amplifier, which gives you the highest quality sound possible.
- Adjustable Gain Control – you can control the overall gain of the speaker, allowing you to set the correct level for different types of content.
- Adjustable Balance Control – you can adjust the balance between the left and right channels, allowing you to fine-tune the sound coming out of the speaker.
Cons
- Limited Inputs – this monitor only accepts analog connections, which means you won’t be able to connect many devices.
- No Subwoofer – this monitor doesn’t include a subwoofer, which may limit its usefulness in some cases.
Behringer MS16 2-Way Active Personal Monitor System Black
The Behringer MS16 personal monitor system includes two active speakers with an integrated amplifier.
The speakers are designed to provide excellent sound quality and powerful bass response, without being too large or cumbersome.
These speakers feature a 16 watt RMS power rating, making them suitable for smaller areas.
These speakers are compatible with both analog and digital sources, including CD players, MP3 players, smartphones, tablets, computers, and more.
They also come equipped with a 3.5 mm input jack, allowing you to connect external speakers when needed.
They offer a wide frequency range, going from 20 Hz to 40 kHz.
Pros
- Compatible With Analog Sources – these speakers accept both analog and digital sources.
- Powerful Bass Response – these speakers have a strong bass response, giving you great performance in small spaces.
- Wide Frequency Range – these speakers cover a wide frequency range, providing clear sounds across a variety of genres.
Cons
- Lacks Volume Controls – these speakers lack volume controls, which makes adjusting the volume difficult.
- No Digital In / Out – these speakers do not include a digital input, which limits their compatibility with newer devices.
KRK RP7 Rokit 7 G4 Professional Bi-Amp 7-Inch Powered Studio Monitor
This KRK RP7 professional bi-amp-powered studio monitor features a 7-inch woofer that delivers deep lows and crisp highs.
It comes with a 1-year warranty, so you know it’s reliable.
If you’re looking for a compact monitor that offers great sound quality at a reasonable price, then look no further than the KRK RP7.
Pros
- Deep Lows & Crisp Highs – this monitor has a powerful woofer that produces deep lows and crisp highs, delivering rich, full sound.
- Compact Size – this monitor is very portable, making it easy to move around your studio.
Cons
- No Remote Control – this monitor does not include a remote control, which may make it harder to use if you don’t already own one.
- Limited Compatibility – this monitor does not support most modern devices, such as iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and other smart devices.
JBL Professional 1 Series 104-BT Compact Desktop Reference Monitors
The JBL Professional 1 series 104 BT reference monitors are designed to deliver high-fidelity audio through Bluetooth streaming technology.
These monitors are designed to work well in studios, home theaters, and other listening environments.
With a maximum output of 104 watts per channel, these monitors can be used in any environment where there is sufficient ambient noise.
They are also lightweight and extremely durable, making them perfect for long-term use.
These monitors are designed to operate on batteries, so they won’t drain your device’s battery.
The included AC adapter allows you to charge your mobile device while using the monitors.
They are highly versatile, working equally well with wired or wireless connections.
You can easily pair multiple pairs of monitors together for surround sound.
The built-in speakerphone feature allows you to talk hands-free without disturbing others nearby.
These monitors are compatible with all major operating systems including Windows 10, Mac OS X, iOS, and Android.
Pros
- High Fidelity Audio – these monitors produce high-quality audio, offering excellent clarity and detail.
- Versatile – these monitors are designed to work with both wired and wireless connections, allowing you to connect to various devices.
- Lightweight – these monitors weigh only 6 pounds each, making them easy to transport.
- Battery Operated – these monitors run off of rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need to plug into an outlet.
- Speakerphone Feature – the included speakerphone allows you to talk hands-free without disturbing others nearby. You can even use the speakerphone when paired with another pair of monitors.
Cons
- Lacks Remote Controls – these monitors do not come with remote controls, which may make it more difficult to adjust settings and volume levels if you don’t already have one.
- Not Compatible With Smart Devices – these monitors are not compatible with smartphones, tablets, or other smart devices.
Adam Audio T7V Nearfield Powered Studio Monitor
The Adam Audio T7V nearfield-powered studio monitor offers exceptional performance at a great price point.
This monitor has been designed to provide accurate monitoring of vocals and instruments in recording studios.
It features a 7″ woofer that delivers deep bass response, along with a 5″ midbass driver.
It also includes a 3″ tweeter and dual passive radiators.
The T7V monitor comes equipped with a built-in amplifier that provides power to the speakers.
The integrated amp features two channels with independent gain control, allowing you to set different volumes for left and right channels.
The T7v monitor also features an input selector switch that lets you choose between line-level inputs (XLRs) or balanced XLR inputs.
Pros
- Accurate Monitoring Of Vocals And Instruments – this monitor was designed to offer accurate monitoring of vocals and instrumentation during recording sessions.
- Easy To Use – this monitor is very simple to set up and use, requiring no additional software or drivers.
- Great Value For The Money – this monitor costs less than $200, yet offers premium performance.
Cons
- No Remote Control – although this monitor does include a headphone jack, there is no remote control included.
Best Small Studio Monitors Buyer’s Guide
When you are looking for a great set or singular small monitors, you should be looking for quality of build and consistent sound quality.
Here are a few things you’ll be looking out for:
Weight
How heavy is the monitor? If it feels like it will break your back, then it probably won’t last long.
Look for lightweight models that feel sturdy and won’t easily tip over.
Design
Look for monitors that feature sturdy construction and a design that won’t get damaged from being bumped around.
Sound Quality
Look for models that produce clear, crisp audio. This means they shouldn’t distort sounds too much.
Price
While you want to spend as little money as possible on a monitor, you also want to make sure you’re getting what you pay for.
Look for models that offer high value for their price tag.
Portability
You want to look for a model that isn’t too large or bulky. It needs to fit into your studio comfortably and be easy to move around.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Small Studio Monitor?
A small studio monitor is a speaker system that can be used in smaller spaces such as home studios, bedrooms, or rehearsal rooms.
They tend to cost less than larger studio monitors, but still offer excellent sound quality.
Why Should I Get A Small Studio Monitor?
A small studio monitor is ideal if you have limited space in which to place your equipment.
You can keep them close to where you work so you don’t need to carry heavy pieces of equipment around all day.
Which One Should I Buy?
This depends entirely on how much you plan on using your small studio monitors.
If you only plan on using one at a time, then look for a single speaker unit. These tend to be more affordable than multiple units.
If you plan on having several people working in the same room, however, you might want to consider buying multiple small studio monitors.
Multiple monitors allow you to separate the voices of each person without making the room too loud.
Why Should My Monitor Be Portable?
Most portable speakers are designed for outdoor environments, not indoor ones.
When you’re working in a studio, you want something that will provide good sound regardless of where you put it.
Conclusion
Small studio monitors aren’t just for bedroom musicians anymore.
With the right features and sound quality, these monitors can help you create professional-sounding music anywhere.
You’ll need to know what your speakers are going to be used for before you buy.
If you are wanting it to plug in and play your musical instruments, then we would recommend getting a decent unit with jacks and USB ports that you can plug into.
