Home Recording Studio Monitoring

Tracking & Mix Monitoring

In general tracking is while you're actively recording, and mixing is a post-recording activity.


For either process you'll be needing to hear what's going on and this is known as Monitoring.

I've intentionally left studio monitors out of this studio builder - I believe they are useful but aren't essential starting out.

If you're curious about them (I have them in my studio) check out the Studio Monitor Page.

Below we'll talk about the 2 pieces of gear required to get a good clean listen to the sounds of your new home recording studio.

Studio Headphones

Here's what I know for sure.

You will definitely use these, and you will definitely use these a lot.

The #1 goal for these is sound quality.

You don't need to spend an arm and a leg for these either as you can get a great pair for ~$100.

Also make sure it comes with a 1/8" -> 1/4" adapter.

All the headphone input jacks on Audio Interfaces use this larger connector size.

This is easy because anything in that price range will sound and work beautifully, as well as have the necessary 1/4" adapters.

The next criteria is a bit trickier to get right - Comfort.

Since you'll be wearing these for long periods of time, comfort needs to be an essential part of your search.

Make sure to try a few pairs on and make sure they don't pinch your head or literally rub you the wrong way.

Learn more at the Studio Headphones Page.


Basic Studio Builder Rating - $$

Don't get these from the bargain bin, but don't take out a loan either... and make sure they're comfortable.

Quick Picks - Studio Headphones

Sony MDR7506 Large Diaphragm Foldable Headphones

Shure SRH440 Professional Studio Headphones

Headphone Amps

However, I came to find in my own experience that this is actually a very important piece so hopefully I can help you avoid that pitfall in your studio.

To use your Audio Interface properly, you need a good, high output signal to your headphones so that you can set your input levels correctly.

In other words, you need to hear the signal loud enough so that you can make intelligent decisions about how the levels need to be set.

There are 2 types to choose from and you can get the full story at the Headphone Amps Page where both the Distribution and Sub-Mixing varieties are compared.


Basic Studio Builder Rating - $

You don't need to spend much, but a dedicated headphone amp will make your life much easier. If you can't hear what you're doing then you may as well just pack it up.

Quick Picks - Headphone Amps

Distribution Amp
PreSonus HP4 4-Channel Headphone Amplifier

Sub-Mixing Amp
ART HeadAMP6 Pro 6-Channel Headphone Amplifier