Choosing the best studio monitor stands for your setup
Getting the right speakers is one thing, however getting them set up correctly will make a world of difference and this is where decent studio monitor stands become important.
We all have varying needs, some of us have a confined home studio setup and need to work within limitations, others have the space to use floor-standing studio monitor stands.
Either way, to make the most out of your studio monitors it certainly helps to have them at a sensible height and angle in relation to where your listening position is.
Let’s discuss the different types of studio monitor stands, and various options within those categories…
Floor-Standing
Floor-standing studio monitor stands are probably the easiest way to achieve perfect height alignment for your monitor speakers, that’s if you have the space behind or next to your workspace.
Small home studios may not have the luxury of moving the desk away from the wall, and may have to go for desktop stands, otherwise for those of us who do have the space – most of the options in the budget category share a similar design, the major differences are the size and build quality.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the options that I have seen available locally…
Samson MS200
What is it:
The Samson MS200 feature adjustable height and a heavy-duty triangular base. They’re pretty light-weight compared to some of the other options, however they’re well-constructed and should work for smaller monitor setups.
Best feature(s):
The stands feature non-slip isolation pads to reduce vibrations and unwanted mishaps and they’re capable of holding up to 20kg capacity per stand.
Price:
USD $80 / Around R1199 locally
More info
On-Stage SMS6000-P
What is it:
These guys are slightly more heavy-duty than the previous option, offering a larger base and platform.
Best feature(s):
They also feature isolation pads and can handle up to 40kg
Price:
USD $75 / Around R1500 locally
More info
Gator Frameworks SPK-SM50
What is it:
I would consider these to be the premium in the affordable monitor stand category. They’re incredibly well-constructed, sturdy and offer plenty of support and have a professional aesthetic about them.
Best feature(s):
The SPK-SM50 have got very thick and durable isolation pads, and handle up to 45kg
Price:
USD $99 / Around R2000 locally
More info
Desktop
For those with a more confined studio space, or certain limitations to work around – desktop studio monitor stands are the way to go.
They’re also a great way of decoupling or elevating speakers above a mixing console, if you’re using an analog console in your studio.
Another plus side about desktop stands is that they often give you various options for tilting your speakers in various directions. This is another great feature for those who may have a confined workspace. Let’s have a look at some of the desktop studio monitor stand options…
Auralex MoPAD
What is it:
The Auralex MoPADs are a set of foam blocks with several configurable tilt angles depending on how to stack them. They support vertical and horizontal speaker placement and various sizes and models of studio monitors.
Best feature(s):
The Auralex MoPADs are not only for speaker placement, they reduce structural vibrations between the speaker and desk drastically, resulting in a more accurate response.
Price:
USD $50 / Around R1000 locally
IsoAcoustics L8R-155
What is it:
In terms of height adjustment, these are probably the most configurable of desktop studio monitor stands, they also allow for various tilting options and structurally they’re quite a bit more rigid than foam.
Best feature(s):
The IsoAcoustics L8R range is available in various shapes and sizes, allowing you to make the most of multiple speaker setups. They’re incredibly configurable and sturdy.
Price:
USD $110 / Around R2000 locally
More info
Ultimate Support MS-80B
What is it:
If you’re looking for a premium set of desktop stands, this would be my pick. They’re adjustable and incredibly sturdy and well-built. They don’t offer much height adjustment; however, the varying tilt makes up a bit for that.
Best feature(s):
The MS-80B are incredibly sturdy, they have a thick foam layer to absorb vibrations and there’s an adjustment at the back to dial in just the right amount of tilt needed to aim your studio monitors directly at your ears.
Price:
USD $150 / Around R2200 locally
More info
Acoustics is also very important…
The acoustic response of the room is also a huge factor in making the most of your studio monitor setup, however that is a topic all on its own.
For a user-friendly, easy-to-use acoustic calibration system to get you started before investing in professional treatment – I highly recommend Sonarworks Reference 4, check out the review we did on the system.
