Monitor

A loudspeaker used to let performers or engineers hear material clearly rather than to fill the room with sound.

On stage a monitor wedge faces the player to supply what the house speakers cannot, and getting one loud enough without feedback is a constant exercise in equalisation and pattern control. In a studio, a monitor is a reference loudspeaker with a deliberately flat response, so mixes made on it translate to other systems rather than sounding flattering in one room. In both cases the design goal is accuracy or audibility, not a pleasing sound.

Example: a guitar player who hears only the back of the house system will ask for more guitar in the monitor to judge their own playing.

Monitor

See also