Best Studio Monitors for Small rooms!

In this article, we are having a look at some of the best studio monitors for small rooms typically find in home apartment.

Studio monitors are like regular speakers but have a flat frequency response and do not add any color to the sound.

Such type of speakers come handy in profession where you need an accurate reproduction of sound like the music industry or more specifically, mixing and mastering studios.

A Quick Guide on how to choose studio monitors for home use & small rooms!

There are mainly three things to look at while buying a studio monitor for a small room or space.

Other things such as build quality is not a huge concern because all the monitors from reputed brands have a tough and solid build material.

1) Size of the monitors

The first important thing to consider is the size of studio monitors. For a small space, 3 to 5-inch studio monitors offer enough loudness and accurate response.

I’d recommend going with 5-inch studio monitors as they are future-proof, meaning that if in the future you want to switch to a spacey studio, you do not have to worry about buying a new set of studio monitors.

2) Features and control

Each monitor comes equipped with certain controls, inputs, and features.

However, the most important ones that you need to look after are:

• Balanced XLR or TRS input ports,
• Frequency tuners to control the high and low-end of the monitors.

If a monitor offers these controls, then you do not need to worry about anything else.

3) Audio Quality

One of the most important aspects of a studio monitor that makes it stand apart from regular speakers is the sound or audio quality.

A good studio monitor should have a flat frequency response. This means that the monitor reproduces accurate sound without any color or frequency boost.

In simple words, it does not shows any bias towards a certain frequency range.

Related: 11 Things to consider before buying Studio Monitors!

Best Studio Monitors for Small rooms

Here are some of the best studio monitors for small rooms and for home use.

Best Studio Monitors for Small rooms	Frequency tuning	Balanced input	Un-Balanced inputs	Power for a single unit(W)
Rokit 5 G4	Yes	1	0	55
Yamaha HS5	Yes	2	0	70
JBL 305 MKII	Yes	2	0	50
PreSonus Eris 5.25	Yes	2	2	70
Rokit 5 G3	Yes	2	1	50
Behringer MS20	Yes	0	2	50
Mackie CR5-X	No	2	2	40

Related: Best Budget Studio Monitors for this year!

1) KRK RP5 Rokit 5 G4

Product Specifications

• Tweeter size – 1 inch,
• Woofer size – 5 inch,
• Frequency response – 45 Hz to 20 kHz,
• DSP-driven Onboard EQ with Visual LCD,
• Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
• Back panel volume controls and input ports,
• Balanced ¼-inch TRS and XLR combo inputs,
• Dedicated sliders to control High frequencies & boundary EQ,
• Power: 55 W.

check the price of KRK RP5 Rokit 5 G4 on Amazon

A Deeper Analysis

The latest generation studio monitors from KRK have a whole new look and set of features. The fourth-generation studio monitors are highly versatile and leave any producer with a bunch of choices. The sound quality is highly balanced with neat high-end and punchy low-end responses.

In this list, we have chosen the 5″ inch monitors as they perfectly match the requirements of small as well as medium-sized rooms or studios. It is one of the best studio monitors under $500.

The Rokit G4 monitors have an entirely different look from its previous generation monitors. These monitors feel highly stable and have a clean matt finish to them. Due to its boxy shape, you can place these monitors horizontally as well as vertically.

Since it is a front-ported studio monitor, you do not have to worry about low-end frequencies accumulating on the back of the monitor.

The backside of the monitor incorporates all the controls and settings. It has a volume knob, power switch, balanced combo inputs, a display to control the EQ, and a monitors setup.

You can fine-tune the sound coming out of the monitors using the onboard display. It lets you choose from five different EQ options to best match the sound coming from the monitors with your room acoustics.

KRK Rokit G4 studio monitors are perfect for individuals who do not want to compromise on anything, be it the audio quality, features, controls, or the build material. These monitors offer a top-tier audio quality and are highly adaptable no matter what the conditions be.

Also Check: Best professional sounding studio monitors under $1000.

Pros

• A premium audio quality,
• Well suited for small to medium sized rooms,
• A display to control EQ and setup the monitors.

Cons

• Not many!

2) Yamaha HS5 studio monitors

Product Specifications

• Tweeter size – 1” dome,
• Woofer size – 5” cone,
• Balanced TRS and XLR inputs,
• Frequency response – 54 Hz to 30 kHz,
• Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
• Back panel volume controls & frequency tuners,
• Dedicated sliders to control High frequencies & boundary EQ,
• Power: 70 W.

check the price of Yamaha HS5 on amazon

A Deeper Analysis

The Yamaha HS5 are one of the flattest studio monitors I have ever kept in my studio. These monitors are probably one of the best for accurate sound reproduction for music production or video editing, where sound needs to be carefully monitored.

In simple words, these are the best studio monitors for mixing and mastering!

A way in which it differs from Rokit monitors is the low-end response. These monitors are highly flat, whereas the Rokit speakers have a punchy low-end response.

The monitors have a solid build quality offers high stability and zero distortion even at higher volumes. I love the overall design of the cabinet and the black-white color combination.

The HS5 features a single-inch dome tweeter and a five-inch cone woofer. The size is perfect for people having small to medium sized rooms.

Furthermore, the HS5 is back-ported, so make sure to leave ample space between the walls facing the port. It is necessary to get an accurate frequency response and to avoid any sound accumulation.

The cabinet’s rear panel gives you all the necessary features like a volume knob, frequency/EQ tuners, balanced TRS, and XLR inputs. Furthermore, using the high trim and room control sliders, you can modify the monitors’ sound.

All in all, I would say that whether you go with Rokit G4 or Yamaha HS5 depends on your personal preference. If you have a super-compact space, I’d recommend Rokit as they are front-ported.

On the other hand, if you need a highly flat and uncolored monitor, then Yamaha HS5 is best suited according to your requirements.

Pros

• Clean and crisp transients,
• Flattest sounding studio monitors ever!,
• Incorporates all the basic controls in a well differentiated way.

Cons

• Not suitable for large spaces,
• Lacks multi-purpose usability.

3) JBL 305 MKII Studio Monitors

Product Specifications

• Tweeter size – 1 inch,
• Woofer size – 5 inch,
• Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
• Balanced ¼-inch TRS and XLR output ports,
• Sliders to control high frequency and boundary EQ,
• Back panel volume controls, power switch and input sensitivity adjusters,
• Frequency response – 80 Hz to 20 kHz,
• Power: 50 W.

check the price of JBL 305 MKII on Amazon

A Deeper Analysis

The JBL 305P MkII studio monitors leave a significant impact on budget studio monitors. These monitors from JBL are designed to throw an expansive stereo sound, thus, creating a large sweet spot for audio monitoring.

First and most importantly, the monitors sound stunning and have ultra-clean stereo sound without noise or distortion. The frequency response is pretty flat, with the least amount of color added to the low-end response.

Furthermore, the build quality feels rock solid. However, I am not an admirer of the shiny finish done to the cabinet’s front panel.

Related: Best Studio Monitors for Home Studios!

Since these are five-inch studio monitors, they pack enough loudness and sound sonics for a small and medium-sized room.

Not to forget, the monitors pack all the controls and inputs on the rear side of the cabinet. It includes a power switch, volume knob, frequency tuning sliders, a balanced TRS, and an XLR input port.

Furthermore, you can adjust the high and low-end of the monitors using HF trim, inputs sensitivity, and boundary EQ. All these controls offer you to modify the sound coming out of the drivers to best match the acoustics of your room.

Now, How cool is that!

However, take note of the fact that these are back-ported studio monitors. So, if you have a super small space around your work desk, it is a better idea to drop these off your list.

Pros

• A wide sounding monitors,
• Ultra clean and noise free drivers,
• New design to increase monitoring sweet spot.

Cons

• A bit colored bass.

4) PreSonus Eris 5.25 Near Field Studio Monitors

Product Specifications

• Tweeter size – 1″ silk-dome,
• Woofer size – 5.25″ woven composite,
• Frequency response – 80 Hz to 20 kHz,
• Knobs to control high and mid frequency,
• Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
• Balanced ¼-inch TRS, XLR and un-balanced RCA output ports,
• Back panel volume control, power switch, low cut & Acoustic space sliders,
• Power: 70 W.

check the price of PreSonus Eris 5.25 on amazon

A Deeper Analysis

The PreSonus is a brand that caters to a massive audience segment through different types of studio gear. Suppose you got too much involved in Yamaha Vs. KRK monitors, then, let me pull you into a new studio monitor that competes for the neck to neck with such monitors.

The Eris Studio Monitors are known for their super crisp transients and a well-rounded low-end response.

In other words, these monitors present you with an audio quality that is a mix of Rokit G4 and Yamaha HS5.

These monitors are designed quite to look beautiful sitting on a studio desk. The woofers hint at a bluish-black finish that looks awesome on matt black cabinet.

The cabinet itself is very sturdy and does not act suspiciously at high volumes.

The front panel of the monitor does not have any controls and inputs. All the controls and input ports are present on the rear side of the cabinet. It includes a classic acoustic tuning knob, a gain knob, power switch, balanced XLR, TRS, and unbalanced RCA inputs.

You can fine-tune the sound coming from the monitors using knobs and sliders on the backside of the monitor. Four tuners let you best match the sound coming out of monitors according to your room type.

The mid and high frequency knobs control the higher frequencies whereas low cutoff is used to reduce the low-end response of the monitors. You can also cut the low-end of the monitors in case you have a separate subwoofer.

Since these are front-firing studio monitors, it does help a bit to avoid frequency accumulation on the corners of a room.

Pros

• Simple and beautiful looking design,
• A remarkable low and high end response,
• Well suited for small as well as medium sized rooms.

Cons

• Not meant for large spaces.

5) Rokit 5 G3-5” Studio Monitors

Product Specifications

• Tweeter size – 1” textile soft dome,
• Woofer size – 5″ glass aramid woofer,
• Frequency response – 35 Hz to 20 kHz,
• Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
• Dedicated low and high end frequency controls,
• Balanced TRS, XLR and un-balanced RCA output ports,
• Back panel volume control, power switch & frequency knobs,
• Power: 50 W.

check the price of Rokit 5 G3 on amazon

A Deeper Analysis

Who cares about the latest generation when you have previous-gen monitors still offering fierce competition to budget studio monitors. Here, we are talking about nothing except the Rokit 5 G3 studio monitors.

The Classic KRK Rokit G3 still manages to meet the requirements of a modern studio in a highly efficient manner. These monitors are sleek, budget-friendly, classy, and well built.

Furthermore, the G3 studio monitors have an ultra-flat frequency response with accurate crispy high-ends and a tight low-end. In addition, the Rokit G3 are front-ported monitors, which means that you do not need to bother about frequency accumulation in the corners of a room.

The rear panel of the monitor’s houses all the inputs and EQ knobs such as the power switch, a gain knob, HF/LF knob, balanced XLR, TRS, and unbalanced RCA inputs. These two frequency knobs will let you control and adjust the EQ of sound coming from the monitors.

One of the main differences between G3 and G4 Rokit studio monitors is the onboard display. In G3 monitors, there are knobs to adjust the EQ, whereas, in G4, an individual gets a LED that shows the EQ and volume levels of the monitor.

I would say that the Rokit 5 G3 monitors are a pretty good investment for your studio. These are among the best studio monitors under $300 due to their ever-accurate audio quality and flat frequency response.

Pros

• Well built and highly durable drivers,
• Flat frequency response makes it better for studio use,
• Front firing acoustic port avoids frequency disturbances.

Cons

• Not suitable for large studios,
• You cannot stablise them in lying position.

6) Behringer MS20 Near Field Studio Monitors

Product Specifications

• Tweeter size – 2.5 inches,
• Woofer size – 3.625 inches,
• Frequency response – 80 Hz to 20 kHz,
• Knobs to control high and mid frequency,
• Front firing acoustic port on each monitor,
• Back panel un-balanced RCA output ports,
• Dedicated panel volume, bass & treble knobs,
• Front panel power switch and Headphone Input,
• Power: 70 W.

check the price of Behringer MS20 on amazon

A Deeper Analysis

The Behringer MS20 studio monitors are built like a tank. They offer excellent build quality and accurate sound reproduction for monitoring purposes. Due to its size, the monitors are well-suited for small and medium capacity rooms or studios.

The front panel of monitors gives access to some controls to increase accessibility and efficiency in the studio. It includes a power switch, volume, bass and treble knobs. Not to forget, you also get a headphone output.

On the other hand, the back panel of the monitor houses necessary inputs such as RCA ports, coaxial, optical and stereo inputs. These inputs will let you pair them with different studio equipments like compressors, audio interfaces, delays etc.

Before going with MS20, make sure that your device offers RCA inputs to connect with these monitors. Otherwise, it is more beneficial to drop these monitors off your list.

Pros

• A rock solid build quality,
• Dual front ports to improve the low-end response.

Cons

• Looks odd.
• No balanced input ports.

7) Mackie CR5-X Studio Monitors

Product Specifications

• Tweeter size – 0.75″ silk dome,
• Woofer size – 5″ polypropylene-coated,
• Frequency response – 80 Hz to 20 kHz,
• Back firing acoustic port on each monitor,
• Front panel volume knob/power knob and headphone output,
• 2 Balanced TRS and 2 un-balanced RCA output ports on rear panel,
• Power: 40 W.

check the price of Mackie CR5-X on amazon

A Deeper Analysis

The Mackie CR5-X is one of the best studio monitors under $200. These studio monitors are highly cost-effective and offer a bang for their price. It comes equipped with a five-inch woofer and quarter-inch silk dome tweeter.

Straight off the bat, these monitors look super sturdy and are designed well enough to blend perfectly with any studio or room. The monitors offer a remarkable audio quality and ultra-clean transients with power-packed low-end response.

The front panel houses a few controls for quick and easy access to increase the overall smoothness of your workflow. It includes a power/volume knob and a headphone output.

On the other hand, the backside of the cabinet houses necessary inputs. It offers enough versatility to connect either balanced TRS or unbalanced RCA inputs. Furthermore, to connect the monitors with a smartphone, you also get an input below the RCA inputs.

Keep in mind that these studio monitors do not offer any frequency tuners, meaning that you cannot modify the sound coming out of the monitors. This is probably the biggest drawback of these monitors.

The Mackie CR5-X studio monitor is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to jump into the world of analysis audio in its purest form without spending a considerable sum. These monitors offer a flat frequency response and are perfectly match the requirements of a small room.

Pros

• Decent build quality,
• Low-end response is well balanced,
• Flat enough for mixing and mastering.

Cons

• The monitors tend to overheat when used for long sessions,
• No frequency tuners to modify the EQ of the sound coming from the monitors.

Conclusion

Buying the best studio monitors for small rooms or spaces requires knowledge of which types and sizes of monitors will suit such an environment.

Also, how small your room is, plays a vital role in determining what size of monitors is best suited for your workspace.

If you have a compact workspace and a tight budget, I recommend checking out these best studio monitors under $100.

Next comes the question of whether to go with front-ported or back-ported monitors. The answer to this question depends on whether you have proper space between your work desk and the wall behind it.

If you cannot spare enough space, it is best to take no chances and go with front-ported studio monitors.

I hope you liked this article, and do let me know your picks for the best studio monitors that will match small or medium-sized rooms or studios perfectly in the comments.