Can You Leave Studio Monitors On?
You can leave studio monitors on all the time if they have auto standby. Genelec says its speakers "can be on as long as you want to," in its support answer. Monitors without auto standby, like the Yamaha HS series, should be switched off when you're done.
What each brand says
| Monitor | Auto standby | Power draw (maker spec) |
|---|---|---|
| Genelec 8030C | Yes (ISS), can be disabled | 3 W idle, under 0.5 W asleep |
| Neumann KH 120 II | Yes, after 90 minutes | 0.3 W in standby |
| ADAM Audio D3V | No, manual standby via the front knob | 5 W idle, 0.3 W sleep |
| Yamaha HS5 | Not listed | 45 W rated consumption (no idle figure given) |
The Yamaha HS manual says to "always turn the power off when the device is not in use," and notes a small current still flows with the switch off. Check your own manual for an auto standby or sleep setting.
Power-on order
- Turn on the computer and interface first.
- Turn on the monitors last. Yamaha gives this order for the HS series.
- Turn the monitors off first when you shut down, then the sources.
Neumann's KH 120 II adds a 5 second delay before sound plays to block turn-on pops from gear switched on at the same time, per its manual. How to connect studio monitors to a computer covers hookup, and the best studio monitors for home studios compares models.
Related questions
Why won't my monitors go into standby?
Something is still sending a signal. Genelec's ISS page says analog noise or a digital source that keeps its clock running can keep its monitors awake.
What order should I turn studio monitors on and off?
Sources first, monitors last. Monitors off first. That's the order Yamaha's HS manual gives.
More answers: Home recording FAQ