Best Monitor for Audio Production

Suppose you’ve ever squinted at a tiny laptop screen while furiously moving plugin windows, piano rolls, and mixer panels. In that case, you know that real estate is your friend when picking the best monitor for audio production. It might be time to upgrade to an external display and give your eyes (and patience) a break.

The best monitor for audio production has never been more crucial, with many home studios now centering almost exclusively around digital audio workstations (DAWs) like Ableton Live and Logic Pro. In this article, we’ll outline the factors you should consider when shopping for a new monitor and provide some advice on the top computer displays for use in home studios.

Best Monitor for Audio Production

BUYING ADVICE FOR THE BEST MONITOR FOR AUDIO PRODUCTION

There are two key considerations in your decision-making process when searching for a best monitor for audio production: size and price. The need for sharp refresh rates or high-resolution visuals is less critical when creating music. Let the gamers handle that. For home studios, you want the most screen space you can afford. 

That’s not to say you have to stare at the giant TV-sized monitors; if it’s right next to your eyes on your desk, we’d suggest staying away from anything bigger than 32″. That balance is what you’re after. It should be big enough to accommodate everything while still being readable but not so big that using it for an hour causes eye strain. 

Curved monitors are a controversial topic. Some people find that a gently curved screen saves time when turning their heads. They are more of a fad for others. As they say, your results may vary.

The new generation of monitors that have gained popularity in recent years is intriguing, particularly for DAW users. The 21:9 aspect ratio of ultrawide monitors makes them almost ideal for usage with DAWs. The additional width makes it possible to see more of your timeline while allowing you to arrange different programs and view them all at once. 

For instance, you could use three-quarters of the screen for your DAW and one-fourth for your plugins. Even though this isn’t specific to ultrawide monitors, the additional width makes it much more tolerable than a standard screen. 

Comparison Table:

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LG 34WN80C-B

LG 34WN80C-B

Although ultrawide monitors may appear absurd initially, they are useful for content creation. The LG 34WN80C-B is a fantastic option for users of home studios, and it offers more benefits than just a big viewing area. 

The USB-C connectivity and the monitor’s height adjustment, unusual for computer monitors, were our favorites. Some people may not like the small curve, but in this case, it makes a lot of sense and ensures that the screen fills your peripheral vision perfectly.

Samsung C27F398

Samsung C27F398

Although 27″ may not seem like much in TV, we have always found it to be a more-than-suitable size for computer monitors. With enough room for your DAW and plugins, the Samsung C27F398 (nice name, people) offers a clear, full-HD display. 

Although we preferred the eye-saver mode, which lessens the blue on the screen, we still wished more HDMI ports were available. Although it won’t have the same color splash as a more expensive monitor, most people will find this a great option.

 

MSI Optix AG32C

MSI Optix AG32C

In many ways, the game industry deserves credit. Computer technology has advanced significantly due to PC gamers’ ongoing demands for better, more powerful hardware. 

The MSI Optix AG32C is a wonderful illustration, featuring a massive 32″ full HD screen that offers music makers a ton of workspace. It has a curved screen, which makes sense given the panel size, and the 16:9 aspect ratio ensures that session durations have plenty of breathing room.

ASUS ProArt PA248QV

ASUS ProArt PA248QV

The ASUS ProArt series is generally advertised as a monitor for graphic designers because it has professional-level color calibration, but it also offers good value for other creative endeavors. For instance, the ProArt monitors are a wonderful choice if the video is a component of your process.

The ASUS ProArt PA248QV could be a perfect addition to an existing setup as a second monitor. Its configuration is completely customizable so that it might be positioned vertically next to a primary monitor. It will gladly house your plugin interfaces, freeing up a larger screen for DAW sessions.

 ASUS VZ279HE

ASUS VZ279HE

It’s easy to spend hours staring at a computer or laptop monitor, given that one of these devices controls so much of the music production process. We’ve all been there and have the resulting drowsy eyes to prove it. 

With flicker-free technology and a blue light filter, the ASUS V279HE monitor is designed expressly to counteract the effects of prolonged sessions.

The VZ279HE is a beautifully designed monitor with an incredibly narrow bezel that is perfect for linking two or more together, putting its built-in eye-saving capabilities aside.

 

Conclusion

The built-in speakers can be ignored if the monitors are utilized in a home studio because they will almost certainly be turned off. However, connectivity is crucial and relies on your laptop’s or PC’s ability to output video. Although DisplayPort outputs may also be available on desktop PCs, HDMI is more frequently used. More recent laptops, especially Apple models, come with Thunderbolt as a source of output for your monitor.

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