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Q: I’ve been reading ProSoundWeb for a while now, ever since I first started recording some of my band mates, and I’ve really found the PSW Study Hall to be a great help.

I just purchased an audio interface and a few mics for my PC, and I’m trying to get my “home studio” set up on an awfully small budget, so I’ve got a question for you.

I want to use my home stereo as my monitor system for my studio.

Will I have any difficulties?

A: First of all, I’m glad the PSW Study Hall has been of service to you!

Now, on to your question. If you really have to use your home stereo as your monitoring system it will work, but it won’t be ideal.

First of all, you may have level mismatches between your consumer gear (home stereo) and pro gear (studio gear); you may also have balanced/unbalanced connection issues.

These problems are solvable with the appropriate adapters, level-matching interfaces, and other gear, though the result may be a bit of kludge.

A bigger problem is that most home stereos — especially the speakers — aren’t intended for “reference” listening. They’re designed to enhance the music, especially in home environments (without acoustic treatment).

Studio monitoring systems, on the other hand, are intended to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth (to coin a phrase). Not only will they stand up to the rigors of studio use better, but the results you achieve will be more transportable.

In the end, you can get by for a bit with a home stereo monitoring system when you’re just starting out, however there’s a reason studios and engineers rely on true studio monitors — the results are better and easier to achieve.

 
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