Best Monitor Stands To Make Your Studio An Aesthetic Wonder
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While setting up a nice home studio, naturally the first things we think about are electronic gadgets such as the computer, audio interface, compressors, limiters, preamps, microphones, and cables. However, to make the most out of this big investment, there is one thing that can’t be underestimated, which is positioning the equipment right, most importantly your studio monitors. It probably won’t matter much if your computer, keyboard, or desk sit a few inches from where they are right now, but the same principle doesn’t apply to your monitors. The perfect work environment has to have amazing acoustics and should be focused on what you will listen while you’re working. When you are expecting to spend countless hours producing, recording, and mixing, you must make sure you’re making the most out of all your gear.
Read Related Article: The KEF Q950 Floorstanding Speakers Review
So, you must think carefully about the placement of your studio monitors. You can’t completely exploit their benefits if they’re not in the perfect spot and delivering the best sound they are capable of. That’s where the monitor stands come in. For you to hear every single detail in the right way, your monitors should be exactly at ear level, clear of any obstructions. After all, if you don’t hear things perfectly when you’re mixing, no one else will after your next track is released.
Placement isn’t the only detail to take into consideration though – it’s important to make sure you have the least vibrations possibly being transferred to the surroundings, ensuring that you’re getting the cleanest and most pristine sound possible when mixing or just playing back recordings. And since studios can often get messy and cluttered with objects, it is worth considering a product that is highly flexible to adjustment, has slots to insert your cables, and that is solid enough to not be tipped over by an accidental collision.
We have put together a list of what we consider the best studio monitor stands you can get these days. The makers of these products have significantly succeeded in offering great configuration for economic prices. For each type of stand discussed (wall, desk, and floor), we’ve chosen options within different price ranges. This way, there will be something for every budget here. With this guide, you can compare every detail and make the decision that will best complement your setup and elevate your sound mixing sessions to a whole new level.
Here are our top picks!
Model Name |
Type of Stand |
Height Range (in) | Plate Size
(in) |
Load Capacity (lbs) |
Price (Amazon) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
VideoSecu MS56B |
Wall Mounted | – |
Width adjustable between 5.3 – 11 |
33 | |
Rockville RHSB8 |
Wall Mounted | – | 12 x 3 | 40 | |
On-Stage SMS4500-P |
Desk Stand | 9 – 12.5 | 12 x 9 | 45 | |
IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R155 |
Desk Stand | 3.7 – 8.75 | 6.1 x 7.5 | 20 | |
VideoSecu MS07B |
Floor Stand | 26.5 – 47 |
Width adjustable between 5.5 and 11 |
30 | |
Ultimate Support JSMS70 |
Floor Stand | 32 – 44 | 9 x 9 | 50 | |
Gator Frameworks GFW-SPK-SM50 |
Floor Stand | 31 – 53 | 9.5 x 9.5 | 100 | |
Ultimate Support MS-90 |
Floor Stand |
36 or 45 (fixed height) |
10.25 x 10.25 |
75 | |
Rockville RHTSC |
Floor Stand |
36 (fixed height) |
9.25 x 7.28 and 9.25 x 11.8 |
60 | |
Ultimate Support MS-100 |
Floor Stand |
38 (fixed height) |
10.25 x 10.25 |
75 |
1. VideoSecu MS56B
VideoSecu MS56B
[amazon fields=”B000X9O8SI” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”VideoSecu MS56B” image_align=”center”]
VideoSecu MS56B
With a low price tag, easy assembly and a strong grip, this stand is a great solution for those lacking desk or floor space, placing your speakers on the walls in front of you.
Overview
The first studio monitor stand on our list is also the cheapest option of all. We’re talking about a wall-mounted stand, which comes in very handy when space is an issue. Sometimes you may be forced to place your desk against a wall, and there might not be enough space to accommodate a stand. The sides might be unavailable as well, or it might be tough to set them up in a convenient way to optimize the sound you’re getting from them. This is why many people opt to mount their studio monitors on the walls. It could be tricky to relocate them if you ever feel like they could be in a better spot. It isn’t as easy as just moving a floor stand a few inches to the side, but they will save you considerable desk or floor space.
Main Features
This stand features a heavy-duty construction and wall plate cover that goes over the holes you need to drill. This makes the stand blend with the surroundings naturally. It has a solid platform with an adjustable clamp style speaker adapter for you to easily adjust for convenient positioning. It is compatible with speakers up to 13 inches deep, 11 inches wide and supports up to 33lbs. It’s easy to install on your walls, and the swivels and tilts are adjustable, so they can be moved with little effort until you find that sweet spot you’re looking for.
It is great to mount wood and plastic speakers without drilling holes due to its design while making sure they stay safely held within the grip of the stands. For extra safety and a clear conscience, you could also complement this with a certain kind of adhesive or velcro strips to guarantee that the monitors won’t budge an inch. If you have a center monitor that you want to place above your desk and screen, you could also use a pair of these to secure it, as opposed to using one for each speaker. It weighs a total of 6lbs. Common mounting hardware is included in the package for your convenience.
You won’t see a lot of the high-end features that you’ll find on more expensive monitor stands from well-known brands that help with specific matters such as sonic decoupling, but they’re still a solid choice if you are running low on space or if your budget for stands is a bit tight.
Pros
- Useful when you have limited space on your desk or the floor surrounding it.
- There’s a lesser risk of the stand being knocked by another object or person walking around the area.
- Wall-mounted stands make your studio spaces seem cleaner since your desks or floors are less cluttered with other equipment.
Cons
- It becomes more difficult to upgrade since you might need to drill more holes in your wall, as opposed to getting rid of a floor stand and replacing it with another one.
- They’re harder to relocate. Even if you’re not upgrading and you just want to move them up, down or to the sides, it involves a lot more logistics than with other types of stands.
- Installation is trickier and more time-consuming. It is easier to assemble a few pieces of a floor stand and place it wherever you want, rather than drilling holes on your wall.
2. Rockville RHSB8
Rockville RHSB8
[amazon fields=”B079ZSS7HP” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Rockville RHSB8″ image_align=”center”]
Rockville RHSB8
A wall-stand with non-slip isolation pads that boosts your sonic decoupling and reduces the risks of accidents. Perfect for people who can’t have their monitors on the desk or floor.
Overview and Main Features
Next on our list is the Rockville RHSB8, which is also a wall-mounted stand, like our previous pick. With a price tag just slightly above the VideoSecu MS56B, this option brings a few additional features to the table that are worth noting.
Rockville claims this universal wall mount fits any bookshelf speaker, studio monitor, or surround speaker up to 12 inches wide and 13 inches deep. You can adjust the bracket sideways to accommodate your monitors in a secure manner. The bracket is superior in terms of maneuverability when compared to the previous stand we’ve discussed since you can swivel the bracket 180 degrees both sides. Additionally, you can tilt it by around 10 degrees. Considering you’re committing to one position when drilling these into your holes, this type of flexibility is worth a lot.
The non-slip isolation pads included in the box come in handy. These accessories help eliminate unwanted vibrations, which could otherwise influence the accuracy of the audio coming out of the speakers. There is a decrease in energy being transferred through the stand, which is a plus.
Additional Features
The RHSB8 has been carefully designed so that there are no visible screws while it’s being mounted, contributing to a less-cluttered studio environment. The side clamps are adjustable from 5.5 to 12 inches. They’re certified to hold up to 40lbs, making sure your monitors are safely mounted without any risk of falling to the ground. They’ve included optional screw holes on the side clamps if you’re still nervous about having them mounted on the wall though! Its heavy-gauge steel construction is guaranteed to add strength and durability, so you won’t need to think about replacing these for a very long time. Installation should be fairly quick and easy if you follow the instructions provided in the manual. They weigh 5.8lbs, and the measurements are 9.7 x 6 x 8.9 inches.
Pros
- A higher degree of maneuverability means you face a lesser risk of wanting to relocate the stand.
- The non-slip isolation pads are a welcome feature that helps you make the most out of the monitors that you choose to use.
Cons
- As before, trickier and more time consuming to install than a simple desk or floor stand. Same goes for relocating and upgrading.
3. On-Stage SMS4500-P
On-Stage SMS4500-P
[amazon fields=”B078YN86Q5″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=” On-Stage SMS4500-P” image_align=”center”]
On-Stage SMS4500-P
Built from sturdy steel, this desk monitor stand excels at stability. You can fix your favorite monitors on them safely at the desired height and relax while you work.
Overview and Main Features
Moving past the wall-mounted stands, our next product is a desk stand. On-Stage is a brand that specializes in accessories for music gear, and they currently produce dozens of stands for various purposes. Unlike the products that need to cling to the walls or stand on the floors, the SMS4500-P sits on your desk. They’re useful for those who don’t want or can’t drill holes in their walls and prefer their monitors sitting on their desk, probably near their computer.
In comparison to wall mounts, portability is increased exponentially. There’s much better flexibility in terms of adjusting the placement and orientation of your monitors. It might happen that after a few hours of mixing you realize that you would be better off with a slightly different position, and this will take you a matter of seconds to accomplish. Upgrading is easy, there are no power tools involved, and no commitment to having a few extra holes drilled in your walls, which is a win-win situation for many!
The SMS4500-P features a sturdy black powder-coated steel construction, a 9-inches deep per 12-inches wide platform top with EVA, making it blend perfectly with most workspaces and compatible with most studio monitors available in the market.
Additional Features
In terms of shock absorption, minimizing vibrations and sonic decoupling, this stand includes 4 rubber feet that decrease the area of contact with the desk, and ensure that they stay safe in their position, without a risk of slipping. The base of this stand measures 10 per 10 inches. You can adjust their angle between 0 and 15 degrees. The height adjustment goes from 9 to 12.5 inches, thanks to secure pin adjustments, as well as a very sturdy plastic clutch.
On-Stage claims that if all of the advised precautions are followed (using this desk stand on a level load-bearing surface and evenly distributed weight on the upper platform) you can comfortably support up to 45lbs on this stand. This level of load capacity makes it easy to pair this stand with your favorite studio monitors. They weigh 16.3 pounds.
Pros
- Very easy to relocate, replace and tweak due to the mechanisms to adjust height and angle.
- The incorporated rubber feet help you keep transferred vibrations to a minimum, as opposed to having the entire base of the stands in contact with your desk, potentially masking the true sound you should be hearing.
Cons
- Might not work well in a very crowded or small desk. In certain rooms, wall-mounted stands or floor stands might work better.
- Designed for those wanting to place their monitors horizontally. Not exactly a con if that’s your objective anyways, but some people might be searching for a stand that covers more options simultaneously.
4. IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R155
IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R155
[amazon fields=”B008GOP79G” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R155″ image_align=”center”]
IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R155
Praised by several studio veterans around the globe, the IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R155 has a lot more to offer apart from its stylish design. Give new life to your monitors with this simple upgrade.
Overview and Main Features
Still within the realm of studio monitor desk stands, we now present the IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R155. This stand is surely one of the best options in terms of its quality/price relationship that you will find on our list. It has been highly praised and complimented by a lot of experts from the industry, including eminent personalities such as noted Grammy Award-winning producer, and recording engineer, Darrel Thorp, who claims that this product is a must for every studio and studio monitor.
Not only they look modern and slick, but they’ve also been designed intelligently. They are meant for desktop, bookshelf and floor-standing speakers. The IsoAcoustics patented isolation system sets this apart from many products within the same price range while analyzing its sound decoupling capabilities. The speakers make minimum contact with the supporting surface, assuring superior isolation and barely any vibration transferred to the desk.
The product’s skeletal structure features dense plastic tiers, complemented by sturdy co-polymer mountings in the corners, with tubes made out of steel, which will allow you to obtain the perfect height and tilt for your studio workspace. In the box, you will find 8 long tubes, 8 short ones, and four plastic inserts of two different sizes.
Additional Features
Very much like the previous model on our list, the ISO-L8R155 also provides you with rubber pads on the base to keep the stand from slipping or being knocked over easily. It also features similar pads on the corners of the upper platform to help keep your speakers in place, despite the small area of contact that this design offers.
They measure 6.1 x 7.5 inches, and they can be adjusted to any height ranging between 3.7 and 8.75 inches. The inserts included allowing you to tilt them up to 6.5 degrees up or down. The manufacturer claims that these features provide you with a total of 14 different combinations of height and tilt adjustment, which means it is almost guaranteed you will be able to find the perfect set up to compliment your favorite monitors. IsoAcoustics provide you with lots of resources on their website that illustrates the different ways you can set them up through comprehensible graphs, so you might want to check them out to help make up your mind. This stand weighs 4.8 pounds and has been designed to hold objects weighing up to 20lbs.
Pros
- The modular approach allows for a wide variety of mounting possibilities, while always ensuring that the structure remains safe and rigid.
- A carefully thought design gives you a significant increase in clarity. What you hear is a very pristine representation of what your monitors are putting out, with no interference from exterior factors.
Cons
- Despite being built in a way that minimizes the surface contact between the stand and the monitor, some claim that they’d feel more confident if the speakers stood a little bit more secure on top of the stand. Should you feel this way, it can be solved by using something such as a recoil stabilizer.
5. VideoSecu MS07B
VideoSecu MS07B
[amazon fields=”B000VRREPG” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=” VideoSecu MS07B” image_align=”center”]
VideoSecu MS07B
A bargain for the quality. Adjustable height, rubber feet, a central cavity to conceal your cables, and more. If you’re looking for a floor stand on a budget, this is the one!
Overview and Main Features
The VideoSecu MS07B is part of the next and final category of monitor stands within our list, floor stands. These will be larger than the previous two we’ve discussed. Since they will be sitting on the floor, they have to be taller than desk stands – so you can keep them at ear level.
This stand is not expensive at all, but can still provide value for the price. It is made out of steel, with a slick black finish. It’s made to support up to 30lbs and you should expect it to be compatible with the vast majority of studio monitors. The VideoSecu MS07B is among the best sellers within the speaker stands category on Amazon, which implies that many people have been relying on these to accommodate their trusty monitors.
Additional Features
This stand’s height can be adjusted from 26.5 to 47 inches. With such a big range, regardless of where you’re placing them, you will surely be able to fiddle with it until you find the perfect height. On top of that, you can pan the top plate by around 180 degrees and tilt it up to 10 degrees. The same top plate has a width adjustable between 5.5 and 11 inches.
Like many stands, it includes rubber feet to help keep it safe on the surface it’s being installed. These are screw-in feet that you need to assemble after unboxing. Some claim that the base of this speaker stand could be a bit larger for some more tranquillity after mounting expensive monitors. If you feel this way, we would advise making use of a heavy object like a concrete block or some wood to add some weight. At the end of the day, it also depends whether your monitors are standing behind your desk in a place where no one walks, or if it’s in an area where you or one of your friends might accidentally bump into it. You might not feel the need to add anything to increase reliability.
One of the features worth noting in this stand is the central cavity built into it, allowing you to conceal all of your cables here. Who doesn’t like an elegant, aesthetically high installation, where cables are nowhere in sight? The MS07B weighs a total of 11lbs and the manufacturer states it will hold speakers weighing up to 30lbs.
Pros
- Low price for the value you’re getting with this stand.
- A design with cable management in mind helps you maintain a clean looking studio.
Cons
- You may feel safer if you screw this stand on a wooden base or find another alternative to increase stability to the point where you don’t need to worry a single bit.
- Some people prefer heavier stands which convey a bigger sense of sturdiness, although these hold the weight of most speakers just fine.
6. Ultimate Support JSMS70
Ultimate Support JSMS70
[amazon fields=”B005JTV358″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Ultimate Support JSMS70″ image_align=”center”]
Ultimate Support JSMS70
Manufactured by one of the biggest names in the monitor stand business, the JSMS70 offers safety and style for a reasonable price. Made out of metal and sporting floor spikes and rubber feet to keep your monitors safe and stable.
Overview and Main Features
Ultimate Support has been in the monitor stands business for quite some time and have managed to garner a great reputation. This is not by chance, and you will see this name popping up a couple more times throughout this list. The JSMS70 is their entry-level model, but it is still highly recommendable if you’re running on a tight budget for monitor stands and you still want to get something reliable.
This stand is made out of metal, quite sturdy, and durable. Ultimate Support claims it will hold up to 50lbs, so you can rest easy while your pricey monitors are perched on this stand. It is easy to assemble and move around, even though it is not made out of plastic or other cheaper materials.
Additional Features
The first thing you will notice is probably going to be the triangular base. This design makes it a very stable stand. On this base, you’ll see floor spikes that help when setting the stand on a carpet, and rubber feet if you’re placing it on a hard floor, like tile or wood. This combination turns this stand into something very hard to knock over by accident. There shouldn’t be any need to complement it with cement or wooden blocks. This base is an equilateral triangle measuring 17.25 inches per side.
Its top platforms, which approximately measure 9 per 9 inches, comprise of rubber pads, aimed at ensuring the safety of monitors perched on them. Most importantly, you can adjust the height from 32 to 44 inches. To top things off, it also has a safety locking pin to keep the height firmly set in the desired position. It weighs 8.4lbs.
Pros
- The triangular base, coupled with the all-metal construction, makes this stand feel very stable and sturdy.
- Portability. Ultimate Support has managed to keep it light without compromising quality. You’ll have a stand that is very solid all around, and easy to relocate anywhere.
Cons
- Unfortunately, there isn’t a way to keep cables tidy, such as a hollow cavity or a small mechanism to hold the wires close to the stand.
- Not a con of this stand in particular, but many users claim there is a big number of knock-offs of this model, so beware when buying. Make sure you’re getting the right one or you might be disappointed.
7. Gator Frameworks GFW-SPK-SM50
Gator Frameworks GFW-SPK-SM50
[amazon fields=”B00BMUFM64″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Gator Frameworks GFW-SPK-SM50″ image_align=”center”]
Gator Frameworks GFW-SPK-SM50
With an impressive load capacity and maximum height, this is the choice for those needing to stand up while using their monitors. Made out of steel and fitted with rubber strips, they will be held tight to the top platform.
Overview and Main Features
Next on our list is the latest Gator Frameworks invention. This brand is well known for crafting a huge variety of equipment, such as cases and bags for mixers, instruments, pedalboards, microphones, and many more. They’ve been around for long and many artists worldwide trust them to protect and support their valuable music equipment. The GFW-SPK-SM50 also features a triangular base, much like the previous stand we’ve discussed. This base helps with its balance and it also features rubber feet and floor spikes to further increase stability. It is made out of steel and feels very sturdy and resistant. The weight capacity on this stand is impressive. At 100lbs, anyone out there with heavy monitors should take a look at this model.
Additional Features
On the upper platform where your studio monitor will stand, they’ve covered it with rubber strips, meaning they’ve not only minimized the slipping risk, they’re also protecting your monitors from any scratches caused by the steel surface. The stand is adjustable from 31 to 53 inches, a bit taller than the average. This provides value for people who might need to be standing while using them. The base where the monitors sit measure 9.5 per 9.5 inches and the stand itself weighs 11lbs.
Pros:
- Gator Frameworks offers a 3-year warranty on this product, which is more than the average warranty most manufacturers provide.
- Very easy to assemble, barely needing any instructions.
Cons
- Since they go up to 53 inches of height, if you need to use this stand at a high position, you may want to add some measure to further secure them in their place and avoid being toppled by accident.
- No exclusive feature that addresses cable management.
8. Ultimate Support MS-90
Ultimate Support MS-90
[amazon fields=”B005UUAOLA” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Ultimate Support MS-90″ image_align=”center”]
Ultimate Support MS-90
For those who are very serious about their monitor stands. The MS-90 is formidably well built and sports features such as measures for sonic decoupling, a hollow interior for cable management and adding weight, and more.
Overview and Main Features
Ultimate Support has created a magnificent piece of gear with the MS-90. It is made out of 6000-series aluminum, and it is built like a tank. This might be more expensive than the average monitor stand, but you are getting what you’re paying for.
One thing that has been very well thought of has been the division of the internal chamber in 3 different cavities. There are 2 smaller ones: one for audio cables, another for power cables. The third one is larger, and it is meant for you to fill with your favorite ballast to add weight. By adding sand or another dense material, you will be increasing its performance (and value!) even further. The aluminum that makes up this stand is also meant to shield your cables, reducing the noise floor.
Sonic Isolation and decoupling were taken into consideration very seriously with this stand. It features 4 layers of mechanical decoupling on the stand, and you also have the choice of using spikes or rubber feet on the base, depending on the surface of your studio.
Additional Features
The MS-90 is sold in two different variants, one measuring 36 inches, and the other 45 inches of height. This brings us to its biggest disadvantage, which is the fact that it isn’t possible to adjust the height. It does eliminate the possibility of a locking mechanism failing to do its job and compromising your studio monitors, but this possibility is appreciated more often than not.
Measurements are 18 x 6 x 36 inches (or 45 inches of height in case you get the taller model). The plate size is 10.25 per 10.25 inches. It is available in two different colors, black and red. They weigh 14.5lbs and have a load capacity of up to 75lbs. Unfortunately, despite all the enticing features, it would also do well with something to adjust the angle of the speakers.
Pros:
- The aluminum used for this stand makes it sturdy, long-lasting and helps a lot in reducing the overall noise caused by all the cables.
- The cavities inside for cable organization and for adding a substance like sand for weight purposes are brilliantly thought of and executed. A feature that adds value to the stand.
Cons
- Inability to adjust the height, making you have to compromise to one of either 36 or 45 inches.
- Inability to adjust angle and tilt.
9. Rockville RHTSC
Rockville RHTSC
[amazon fields=”B07PFG9Q75″ value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=” Rockville RHTSC” image_align=”center”]
Rockville RHTSC
A beautiful wooden stand which performs as good as it looks. High-end finishes, high load capacity, stable. Features a hollow interior design for you to add any material to improve on its weight and minimize resonance.
Overview and Main Features
We last mentioned Rockville when we discussed one of their wall-mounted stands. The RHTSC is nothing like it though! This is a floor stand, as the majority of the models we’ve recommended here so far.
The Rockville RHTSC is built from high-performance wood. It is finished with premium furniture-grade paint which won’t crack, chip or peel, even if it is constantly subjected to vibrations that could have these effects on other woods over a long period. It has been built in a way that minimizes resonance as well, helping you get the purest sound from your monitors.
The load capacity is of 60lbs, so you can rest easy about placing heavy speakers on this stand. Stability won’t be compromised and it will not be knocked over easily either. In terms of sonic decoupling, Rockville includes pads that improve isolation and also avoid slipping. It also features a similar hollow body design like the Ultimate Support MS-90, allowing you to add sand or another material to increase the weight of the stand. No need to add anything external to the stand itself!
Additional Features
This stand doesn’t have an adjustable height, and it is 36 inches tall. The base plate measures 11.8 per 9.25 inches, and there are two top platforms for you to choose from, depending on the speakers you’re going to be using. Quite a nice touch, for added versatility. The first one measures 9.25 per 7.28 inches, and the bigger one measures 9.25 per 11.8 inches, meant for larger speakers up to 8 inches.
In the box, you get 8 isolation pads, 8 brass spikes, 8 rubber spikes, 4 cable clips, 4 cable ties, and a total of 16 screws. The pair weighs in at 25lbs.
Pros
- The stand looks very elegant in its wooden finish and feels very durable.
- The hollow design allows you to improve even further on its stability.
Cons
- Lacks the possibility of adjusting the height, which might discourage some potential buyers looking for more options.
- It isn’t possible to adjust the angle of the speakers either, they will always rest flat on the surface of the top platform.
10. Ultimate Support MS-100
Ultimate Support MS-100
[amazon fields=”B005OWHATS” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_alt=”Ultimate Support MS-100″ image_align=”center”]
Ultimate Support MS-100
Ultimate Support’s flagship stand, which takes upon the MS-90’s design and improves it even further with the addition of high-end isolation pads. Sonic isolation is even better and adds versatility by allowing you to adjust the angle of your monitors.
Overview and Main Features
Our final studio monitor stand of this list is the Ultimate Support MS-100. This one is very similar to the previously discussed MS-90, but it includes one key feature that might just make all the difference. By enhancing the MS-90’s design by coupling it with Ultimate Support’s MS-80 isolation pads, we solve the issue of having little to no adjustment options.
It is made out of high-grade aluminum that makes this stand sturdier than most, and at the same time helps with noise reduction from the cabling. Speaking of cabling, you still get the same 3 cavities inside the structure: one for audio cables, another one for power cables, and the last one for you to fill with sand or another material.
This stand can hold up to 75lbs, which should cover most people’s needs. You also get the same rubber or spiked feet as you do with the MS-90 for increased stability.
With the addition of the MS-80 isolation pads, sonic isolation is excellent, shedding new light on your old monitors. They will sound clearer, crispier, and will very much improve your workflow by making every sound more pristine and accurate.
Additional Features
The MS-100 measures 38 inches of height, and although it isn’t adjustable, the MS-80 isolation pads allow you to point your monitors exactly where you want while improving on decoupling and sonic isolation. The top plate measures 10.25 x 10.25 inches, and the base diameter is 19 inches. The stand weighs at 12.4lbs and can support monitors that are at the most 75lbs. Like the MS-90, this product too is available in black and red.
Pros
- Top of the line build quality and sonic isolation/decoupling made possible by the addition of the MS-80 isolation pads.
- Internal cavities assure you can keep all your cables organized and gives you the option of improving on the stand’s mass and stability by adding something such as sand to the interior.
Cons
- Although you have increased flexibility by being able to adjust the angle and tilt of the speakers, you still can’t adjust the height. Some people might be disappointed by this fact.
- Some claim that the top mount is slightly heavy, which makes it trickier to adjust. However, you can set it once and forget about it.
FAQs
How to mount a studio monitor on speaker stands?
When it comes to mounting your studio monitors on their stands, there are a few things to keep in mind to obtain the best results from your equipment. First and foremost, we need to analyze how sound is coming out of the speaker, and the impact it makes on the surroundings. Understanding this will give you a good grasp of how your perception will be affected by changes in your setup. This can be a different monitor, stand, or their placement relative to the rest of your gear and your room. The sound is coming from the cones within the speakers, but independent of the model you get, you should always take into account that the cabinet walls will be subject to some vibration.
Speaker stands are generally designed and built in a way that minimizes these vibrations and prevents them from being transferred to the objects that are in contact with them – the floor, a desk, shelves, mixer meter bridges, and so on. They don’t exist solely to get the speakers to the right height and direction! Speaking of height and direction, studio designers often state that you should place your speakers at your ear level, and point the tweeters at an imaginary point behind your head. This should ensure you’re getting the most accurate sound possible, allowing you to mix better.
As with any product, you should always read the instructions manual, as some might have been designed with a specific strategy in mind. In those cases, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s advice.
Many stands allow you to improve on their isolation from the surroundings by adding to their weight. This is made possible by filling a hollow section of the stand with a material that adds mass to it. Sand and shot are the most popular choices. We recommend placing these in plastic bags, which will keep everything a lot tidier if you ever want to revert the process.
Using a foam speaker platform is also recommended by many experts. These are simple foam platforms that you place in between the speaker stand and the monitor. Since they help to decouple the monitors from the rest of the equipment, they’ll contribute to the frequency range isolation when playing back your recordings.
By not taking these precautions, you’re facing the risk of mixing tracks with an audio picture that doesn’t exactly represent what you have recorded, which might compromise the overall quality of your project.
What studio monitor stands fit my Sterling MX5 monitors?
Since they’re relatively affordable for studio monitors, the Sterling MX5 is a popular choice for people wanting to set up a home studio. However, if you want to have them sitting on a stand, you must check if the stand you’re planning on buying is compatible with this. You don’t want to risk overloading your stand, nor do you want to feel nervous about the stability of the monitor.
The Sterling MX5’s measurements are 7.48 x 11.34 x 10.43 (W x H x D) inches, and they weigh 17.64lbs. Right off the bat, looking at the comparative table on the beginning of this article, we can say that all of the stands featured on our list can handle the weight of the MX5. At 20 pounds, the IsoAcoustics ISO-L8R155 is the one that comes closest to the MX5’s weight in terms of load capacity.
In terms of plate size, judging by the dimensions, as long as you place the monitor vertically, it will fit them all. However, in some cases, you may want to place the monitor horizontally, though. There’s no way of placing it horizontally in the wall-mounted stands of this list, but then again, those have been built to accommodate speakers vertically. Nonetheless, you could use a stand like the Ultimate Support MS-90 or the JSMS70 and they would sit almost entirely on the plate. As long as you keep the stands well secured, it won’t be a problem. For you to feel safer about the stability of the stand though, you should go with the Rockville RHTSC, as it includes a bigger plate to accommodate large speakers such as the Sterling MX5.
Is it possible to build a DIY studio monitor stand?
If you are an artsy kind of guy, you might want to have a shot at building your studio monitor stands with materials that are widely available at hardware stores, or even by using products that were originally intended for another purpose, such as the many IKEA shelves that end up as pedalboards.
Though it can seem like an interesting project, keep in mind that sometimes, for a slightly smaller investment, you might be able to get something that simply works out of the box, and has been made specifically to support your monitors. At the end of the day, it depends on how serious you are about the stands. If you’re not running a studio full time, or if you aren’t obsessed with having the clearest and most pristine sound in the world, this might be a great option for you.
Furthermore, since you will be building the stand yourself, you can pretty much end up with a custom made piece that will complement your monitor exactly how you want it to. A top plate that fits the monitor perfectly, a base that makes you feel safe about the stability of the stand, and more. Have in mind that it will be trickier to incorporate some features such as adjustable height and angle, but once again, it all depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something simple and you’ve got a talent for crafting, a DIY studio monitor stand might be the way to go for you.
What should I put on the bottom of the studio monitor stands?
Many people acquire studio monitor stands, place their favorite monitor on top of them, and feel that there is a reason that makes them feel insecure about the safety and reliability of the speaker/stand combination. It might be the weight of the speaker, the sturdiness of the stand, the fact that it has been set so tall that it looks like it can be easily knocked over… The list goes on. After all, anyone would worry about a potential loss of an expensive piece of gear due to negligence or poor judgment. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the stand is of poor quality.
This is an issue raised mostly by floor monitor stands since that desk stands don’t present the same kind of fall hazard. In these cases, there is more than one solution available. To keep the stands firmly in their place, some people will take a couple of blocks of heavy material such as cement, and place them on top of the base of the stand. It isn’t the most aesthetic measure, but it is certainly better than seeing your expensive monitor to sustain irreversible damage. Others prefer doing the same with wood, or they might create a wider base that makes it more difficult for the stand to wobble considerably.
Lastly, the solution that works wonders and is invisible at the same time takes advantage of a feature that many studio monitors feature nowadays: a hollow cavity. Stands such as the Ultimate Support MS-90, MS-100, or the Rockville RHTSC have a hollow section inside their main structure. You can take advantage of this cavity to fill it with high-density material such as sand. This will add weight without transmitting additional vibrations – a win-win situation for the user.
What is the greatest studio monitor stand?
While there is no universal greatest studio monitor stand, the one that suits you best should be a stand that combines all the features you’re looking for in a product that has been carefully designed to make the most out of your studio monitors. A high-quality stand can work wonders and make you forget about upgrading to more expensive monitors. They make your sound clearer, more pristine, and pretty much an accurate and uncolored representation of what you are listening to.
While searching for the perfect studio monitor stand to add to your space, make sure to analyse parameters such as maximum and minimum height (in case it is adjustable), load capacity, dimensions of the base and of the top platform, whether it is hollow or solid in the interior, and if it features anything that helps with sonic isolation and decoupling.
Make sure you carefully go through our buying guide to find out what type of studio monitor stand will adapt the most to your setup, as what works perfectly for someone else might be nearly unusable for you. It all depends on the surroundings, available space, and so on. Compare all models and their features, and you’ll surely find the greatest studio monitor stand you can add to your work environment!
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