Best studio monitor controllers

Sometimes just one set of monitors isn’t enough. You might normally work with 8” or 10” speakers but want to have a set of 12” to reference. Most people listen on computers and devices with really small speakers, so you might want to have a set of consumer-grade “monitors” so you can check your mixes on what the average listener will be using. This is where studio monitor controllers come in.

Just like a control surface or MIDI controller, they’re a really useful studio accessory. They provide a centralized way to use multiple playback devices, so you can ensure your mixes translate across multiple types and sizes of speakers.

No matter your level of expertise or budget, here are six of the best studio monitor controllers.

Best monitor controller overall: Antelope Audio Sartori

Antelope Audio makes some of the most renowned recording gear available. The Sartori is one of the best studio monitor controllers in the game. It’s their answer to common problems that arise when integrating multiple monitors into your studio setup. It gives you the beloved sounds of analog, but with all the workflow improvements that come with working in digital.

You get a useful, professional suite of I/O and routing options. And with four headphone amps and talkback function it’s equally useful for tracking as it is for mixing and mastering. Adding even more to its value, it also functions as an 8-channel analog summing mixer, which makes it useful during mastering. And through the mobile app it can turn Android and iOS devices into remote controllers!

Best monitor controller for surround sound: SPL SMC

If you work in film and video production there might not be a better monitor controller to handle 5.1 surround sound than this option from SPL. It mixes analog 6-channel volume control and speaker management. It works with stereo sources, but where it really shines is with surround sound.

It has dual balanced inputs for stereo and surround sound. The design is about as ergonomic as it gets. There are individual mute buttons for each channel for making sure that everything is in phase. A large rotary knob controls the overall volume of the surround sound.

You can even slave it to other units for additional channels. It’s really meant for film and not music production. But if you’re putting the final touches on your audio, dialogue, or score there might not be a better choice.

Most versatile monitor controller: Dangerous MONITOR ST

The highly professional-grade Monitor ST from Dangerous Music will make the playback portion of your studio setup absolutely…dangerous. The amount of features it offers is just this side of ridiculous. You can select between multiple input sources, different sets of speakers, and it has a live monitoring and talkback function for setting things up quickly in the moment. And for those in film and video production, it can even do 5.1 surround sound! Remote control means you can hear how different monitors react with your room.

There are so many reasons to love the Monitor ST. It’s manufactured and hand-wired in the USA, adding to Dangerous Music’s commitment to quality. Obviously, it’s aimed solely at the professional market. The learning curve might be a bit steep, but those in the price range of affording a unit like this will be hard pressed to find a monitor controller that’s better.

Best mid-priced monitor controller: Presonus Monitor Station V2

Presonus‘ V2 is a popular choice of studio monitor controllers (especially in home and project studios) that won’t take up too much of your space. It offers a robust amount of I/O options, especially at the market it’s targeted toward. These include stereo TRS, RCA, and SPDIF (44.1 up to 96kHz) inputs. For the outputs you get three stereo pairs of ¼” TRS (all with level control) jacks and a stereo pair of outputs that govern the main and cue mixes. It also has four stereo TRS headphone outs that are great for tracking talent live.

Presonus also gives you plenty of controls that let you set up your monitor auditions however you’d like. This means that your playback workflow won’t be inhibited by switching listening devices. Buttons let you fine-tune your listening with mute, mono, and dim options. Dim also has a variable control. LED metering gives you a readout of master level. Rounding things out is a talkback feature with gain control.

All of this comes in a sleek, desktop-friendly format. Check out our full review here.

Best monitor controller under $500: Audient Nero

Adding to Audient’s line of great gear is their take on monitor control, the Nero. It lets you connect up to three sets of speakers with independent volume over each set. The on-board headphone amp lets you create mixes exactly how the artist likes them, with gain controls over each. You can customize signal flow for whatever is best for you through Smart Touchpoint technology and instantly recall them.

Dim, cut, mono, polarity controls let you work quickly and efficiently and change or attenuate as needed. Communicating with the talent in the live room is easy thanks to the talkback feature through its built-in microphone! It connects via USB3 and runs on bus power, reducing clutter from additional cabling.

To sweeten the deal Audient also includes some free software and plugins with the purchase of Nero.

Best monitor controller under $100: Mackie Big Knob Passive

Mackie’s Big Knob is a little lighter on features, but that doesn’t make it inferior. It integrates between two sources and two sets of monitors, and transitioning between them is as simple as the touch of a button. Volume is controlled by the central knob, with mono, mute, and dim buttons directly below it. For being at such an affordable price point it’s really well-built.

It’s perfect for smaller home and project studio setups and editing suites. But it can hang in bigger environments as well. If you’re interested in putting in an additional set of monitors and need something simple to get started, the Big Knob is a perfect way to get your ears wet.

FAQ
Is a studio monitor controller necessary?

It’s not necessary, but it gives you more control over your monitoring. They also let you connect multiple pairs of monitors for a different sonic perspective.

Is it better to tilt studio monitors up or down?

Monitors should be aimed directly at the listening position. It’s recommended that there should be a maximum tilt of 15 degrees, but only if necessary.

Can you use an audio interface as a monitor controller?

In a way – yes. Audio interfaces usually only provide one pair of monitor outputs and very simple volume controls – usually a single knob.