Monitoring

Music Tech || MT CA5 - Multitrack Recording

What is a reference track?

This can be any piece of recorded music that is similar to how you want your recording to sound like.

Why is it useful to use a reference track?

During a mix, you can refer to these recordings to compare the quality of your mix.

What is monitoring?

Any way of listening back to audio.

What different ways can we monitor audio?

• Headphones

• Studio monitors (speakers)

• Main and near-field speakers

Why is it ideal to use a range of different monitoring equipment?

To test how well your mix will translate to different environments.

What are the advantages of headphones?

• Isolated sound.

• Easier to hear detail in audio.

• Portability.

• Easier to hear the stereo field.

What are the disadvantages of headphones?

• Uneven frequency response.

• Enhanced low end.

• Do not take in to account physical listening environment.

• Can have a more limited frequency response.

What are the advantages of main-field monitors?

• Flat frequency response.

• Wider frequency response.

• More dynamic range.

What are the disadvantages of main-field monitors?

• Requires a well acoustically treated room.

• Listener must sit in an equilateral triangle to speakers.

• Not what most consumers will listen to music on.

What are the advantages of near-field studio monitors?

• Closer to a consumer listening experience.

• If a mix sounds good on these it will translate well.

What are the disadvantages of near-field studio monitors?

• Limited frequency response

• Less dynamic range

• Listener must sit in an equilateral triangle to speakers