Can You Use Studio Monitors to Listen to Music?
Yes, you can use studio monitors to listen to music, and to game, watch TV, or replace your computer speakers. They're powered speakers tuned for flat playback, so music sounds closer to how it was mixed, with less bass boost than most consumer speakers.
What music sounds like on monitors
Music sounds leaner on monitors because they aren't voiced with extra bass or treble. Yamaha says its HS series aims for "the most honest, precise reference possible" on the HS series page. Small monitors also stop short in the low end:
| Monitor | Low end (manufacturer spec) |
|---|---|
| Yamaha HS5I (5 inch woofer) | 74 Hz at minus 3 dB |
| Yamaha HS8I (8 inch woofer) | 47 Hz at minus 3 dB |
| Neumann KH 120 II | 44 Hz at plus or minus 3 dB |
| ADAM Audio D3V | 48 Hz at minus 3 dB |
For more bass on movies and games, pick an 8 inch model or add a subwoofer.
Gaming, TV, and computer hookups
Your monitors work with any source that sends a line-level analog signal (or USB, on desktop models like the D3V):
- Computer. Use an audio interface, or a 3.5 mm to dual 1/4 inch cable from the headphone jack. Full cable chart: how to connect studio monitors to a computer.
- TV with analog out. Run a 3.5 mm or RCA to 1/4 inch cable to each monitor.
- TV or console with optical or HDMI ARC only. Add a DAC with analog outputs, then cable it to the monitors.
- Power on last. The Yamaha HS manual says to switch on your sources first and speakers last, then turn speakers off first.
For picking a pair, see the best studio monitors for home studios. What studio monitors are explains how they differ from hi-fi speakers.
Related questions
Can I use studio monitors for TV?
Yes, from the TV's 3.5 mm or RCA analog output, or through a DAC if the TV only has optical or HDMI ARC.
Are studio monitors good for gaming?
Yes, for stereo games and left to right cues. A pair is still two channels, so you don't get the rear placement of a 5.1 system.
Can I use studio monitors as computer speakers?
Yes, through an audio interface or the headphone jack, or over USB with a desktop model such as the ADAM Audio D3V.
More answers: Home recording FAQ