Monitoring Definition: A Monitor refers to a device that acts as a subjective Professional standard or reference. We do all our work based on the reference that we are listening to, so it is extremely important!!!

ROOM DESIGN - Has an affect on the overall sound - Extreme variations in room frequency response can lead to problems. a) Reduce standing waves b) Reduce Bass Buildup in corners with Bass Traps c) Keep room and equipment layout symmetrical d) Use Absorptive and Reflective surfaces to help “shape” room’s character.

ROOM TUNING - 2 Ways a) alter settings on Speaker itself (either active or passive) b) Equalizing Monitor Amplifier feeds a) use 1/3 octave graphic EQ b) use calibrated microphone (at listening position) c) use colored noise (Pink Noise) in conjunction with a Spectrum Analyzer to set EQ levels

Spectrum Analyzer Shows relative levels of signals at various frequencies. Can be used with Pink Noise (Equal level at all frequencies) to try and create a “flat” response from the monitoring system.

SPEAKERS - 2 Primary types 1) Air Suspension (No Ports) 2) Bass Reflex (Ported)

SPEAKERS Can be “two-way” (tweeter & woofer) or “three-way” (tweeter/midrange/woofer). Using Multiple elements requires the use of a Crossover Network. Crossover splits the spectrum into bands that allow proper reproduction from each driver. Can be Active (Electronic Crossover) or passive.

PASSIVE 2-WAY CROSSOVER

Graphic Representation of Crossover

Active 2-way Crossover (Electronic Crossover)

POWERED SPEAKERS - Becoming very popular today. - 2 or 3-ways (bi-amped or tri-amped) - Easier expandability - No external amplifiers needed.

SPEAKER POLARITY - In Phase – Cones move in the same direction. - Out of phase – cause loss of bass (as cancellation occurs…) - Ways to fix: watch Colors on connectors and speakers - colors or silver/gold/copper - Ribbed or notched insulation on wiring

WIRE GAUGE - As HEAVY as possible! -#18 – min for runs of 25 – 50’ -#14 – min for runs of 50 – 100’ -Why thicker cable? -Lower resistance in thicker cable -Higher resistance lowers damping factor -Causes loss of definition in LF

WHERE TO SIT??? - As close as possible to the center of the soundfield. ROOM TREATMENTS??? - depends on the Monitors to some extent (Nearfield vs. Farfield)

ROOM TREATMENTS - Keep large reflections to a minimum -Short Reverberation Times -Symmetry!!! -Diffusers (if needed) in back of the room -Isolate speakers -Either mechanically in soffits or -Nearfields on Foam on console bridge

MONITOR VOLUME - Remember Fletcher & Munson… - Ideally 75 – 90 dB max… -Ear Fatigue WILL affect mix perceptions!

LOW END - LFE – stands for “Low Frequency Effect” - the.1 in dB louder at 120 Hz (Dolby) or 80 Hz (DTS) - Disappears in Stereo Submix of 5.1!!! - Subwoofers - Extends LF response of a system - Nice for Nearfields; not needed for Farfields

MONITOR CONFIGURATIONS - Mono - Stereo - Stereo with Subwoofer - QUAD - Surround (5.1) - Theatre Surround (7.1)

FARFIELD MONITORING - Large Drivers - High Levels - Usually Soffitted

FARFIELD MONITORING - Large Drivers - High Levels - Usually Soffitted

NEARFIELD MONITORING - Close up to mixing position - usually on bridge of mixing console - more like the End-user’s system - specialized types for TV/Web simulation

MONITORING IN STUDIO - Headphones -Using headphone amp/distribution system - Using multichannel headphone mixer - Speakers (for playback in studio)