User Manual

Multichannel Monitoring Tutorial Booklet (M2TB) rev. 3.5.2

Masataka Nakahara : SONA Corporation

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0. Introduction

The most important consideration for a studio monitoring environment is that “the response of all

channels be consistent.”

The second most important consideration is that this consistent response be “good response.”

We could list numerous parameters for deciding whether the response is “good,” ranging from subjective

to physical, but the key point is that there be no large peaks or dips in the frequency response.

In the case of two-channel, it is fairly easy to create an environment in which “the response of all

channels — i.e., L and R — is consistent.” We simply need to ensure that the shape of the room and the

placement of the speakers is symmetrical between left and right.

In the case of multi-channel, on the other hand, it is often difficult to obtain a consistent playback

response for all channels simply by creating a symmetrical speaker placement and room shape.

Mixing of the final product must be done in a properly configured playback environment.

No matter how high the grade of your equipment, it is impossible to create a final mix unless you have a

good-sounding playback environment.

The essential identity of a professional studio is in its good monitoring environment.

The arrival of multi-channel is a good opportunity for us to reconsider the question of “what is a studio

monitoring environment?”