Using Hi-Fi Speakers as Secondary Studio Monitors

Using Hi-Fi Speakers as Secondary Studio Monitors – When working in a home or project studio, having an additional pair of speakers beyond your primary studio monitors can give you a fresh perspective on your mixes. For a budget-conscious option, hi-fi speakers are a fantastic choice for this purpose. But why add hi-fi speakers, and what should you consider when setting up a second reference system in your studio? Let’s dive into the why, how, and which budget-friendly hi-fi speakers to consider.

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Why Use Hi-Fi Speakers as Secondary Monitors?

1. Real-World Perspective

Studio monitors are designed to be as flat and accurate as possible, which is crucial for critical listening and making precise mix adjustments. Hi-fi speakers, on the other hand, often have a more “enhanced” or “colored” sound that’s closer to what an everyday listener would experience. Checking your mix on hi-fi speakers can reveal balance issues that wouldn’t necessarily stand out on studio monitors alone, helping you make adjustments that ensure your mix translates across a range of playback systems.

2. Broadens Your Mixing Perspective

Hi-fi speakers can offer a different tonal balance than your studio monitors, which helps you hear how your mix holds up in different settings. For example, if your mix sounds too bright or bass-heavy on hi-fi speakers, it might indicate that you need to tweak the EQ balance.

3. Reduces Listening Fatigue

After hours of listening critically on studio monitors, switching to hi-fi speakers can be a nice change. Hi-fi speakers are generally designed for enjoyable, casual listening, making them less fatiguing. By alternating between systems, you can work longer without as much strain on your ears.

Should You Calibrate Your Hi-Fi Speakers?

If you’re considering using software like SoundID or Sonarworks to calibrate your hi-fi speakers, think about your objectives. Here’s why:

Calibration Can Improve Accuracy: Software calibration can make hi-fi speakers sound more neutral, allowing for a more accurate mix reference. This can also help with room issues, such as bass buildup, giving you a clearer sense of your mix balance.
But Calibration Could Defeat the Purpose: One of the main reasons to add hi-fi speakers is to get that “consumer-oriented” sound. Calibration flattens out the natural coloration of hi-fi speakers, which can make them sound more like studio monitors. If your goal is to hear the mix as a typical listener would, it might be better to leave them uncalibrated.

A Balanced Approach

If you’re unsure, here’s a balanced way to use calibration:

Calibrate Only in Low Frequencies: Many calibration systems let you apply correction only to the bass frequencies, which can address room-related issues without fully flattening the speakers’ character.
Toggle Calibration: Some engineers toggle calibration on and off, allowing them to hear the mix with both a neutral and colored response. This gives you the best of both worlds—clarity for precise adjustments and natural coloration for consumer-style checking.

Best Hi-Fi Speakers Under £200 for Studio Use

On a budget of £200, here are some hi-fi speakers that provide an enjoyable and practical secondary reference in your studio:

1. Q Acoustics 3010i

Price: Around £200

Sound Profile: Neutral and clear with good stereo imaging and decent bass for their size.

Pros: High-quality build, detailed mids and highs, compact size, and clear stereo imaging, ideal for a “second opinion” on your mix.

Cons: Limited bass response; may need pairing with a subwoofer for full-range reference.

2. Edifier R1700BT

Price: Around £130-£150

Sound Profile: Slightly warm, with a bit of bass emphasis—ideal for hearing your mix in a more consumer-style setup.

Pros: Powered (no need for an amp), EQ controls, decent bass for a small speaker, great value.

Cons: Slightly colored sound that may not be as refined in the highs as neutral monitors.

3. Micca MB42X (With Amplifier)

Price: Around £100; amp required (such as Fosi Audio BT20A for around £50)

Sound Profile: Clean mids and highs with a hint of warmth, though bass is limited.

Pros: Excellent value, solid midrange and highs, and detailed stereo image.

Cons: Limited bass extension; needs an amplifier, which adds cost.

4. Sony SS-CS5

Price: Around £150-£180

Sound Profile: Balanced, with clear highs and mids.

Pros: Great detail, good stereo imaging, and a three-way driver design for added clarity.

Cons: Requires an amplifier and has a limited bass range.

5. JBL Control One

Price: Around £100-£120

Sound Profile: Punchy and clear, with good clarity in mids and highs.

Pros: Compact, durable, and provides good stereo imaging.

Cons: Limited low-end, best paired with a subwoofer.

Tips for Using Hi-Fi Speakers as Studio Monitors

Invest in Stands or Isolation Pads: Proper positioning and isolation can significantly improve sound quality and imaging.
Place at Ear Level: For accurate stereo imaging, ensure the speakers are positioned at ear level and form an equilateral triangle with your listening position.
Add Room Treatment if Possible: Hi-fi speakers can be sensitive to reflections and resonances, so room treatment can help create a more controlled listening environment.

In Summary

Adding a pair of hi-fi speakers to your studio setup can be a cost-effective way to get a second listening perspective, allowing you to create mixes that translate well on consumer playback systems. With the right choice of speakers and setup considerations, even a budget of £200 can go a long way in enhancing your studio workflow.

Whether you choose to calibrate or keep them natural, using hi-fi speakers as a secondary reference can offer insight and creativity that standard studio monitors might miss. Happy mixing!