0
$0.00
0 items
$0.00
In-ear monitors offer convenience, but they don't suit everyone's preferences. For some, traditional floor wedges are the better choice, especially to maintain a connection with the crowd. If you opt for this classic setup, it's crucial to invest in top-quality monitors to prevent sound spills that could confuse the entire stage. To help you make the best choice, here’s a round-up of the best stage monitors on the market.
⚫ 500W LF + 200W HF, Dynacord amp
⚫ 129 dB max. SPL
⚫ 90° x 90° dispersion pattern (55° monitor angle)
With its coaxial configuration, the PXM-12MP wedge doesn't require much space for both a woofer and an HF driver. This design reduces its footprint, making it ideal for live performances on small stages while ensuring symmetrical and even coverage.
The PXM-12MP is equipped with a Quicksmart DSP featuring a three-band EQ and five user presets. You can choose between two monitor modes, a tripod mode, and a guitar cabinet mode, all accessible through the DSP menu displayed on the LCD screen located on the connection panel.
Regarding connectivity, the monitor offers a variety of I/O options, including 2 XLR/combos (each with individual phantom power), RCA/AUX inputs, XLR through, and XLR mixer connections.
As the top pick on our list, this monitor provides the best stage coverage.
⚫ 800W LF + 200W HF
⚫ 129 dB max. SPL
⚫ 90° x 60° dispersion pattern (57° monitor angle)
The Yamaha DHR12M is a powerful and versatile stage monitor, featuring coaxial 1.75-inch high-frequency (HF) and 12-inch low-frequency (LF) drivers. This combination ensures precise sound reproduction with clear highs and robust lows, making it ideal for various live performance settings.
One of the standout features of the DHR12M is Yamaha's acclaimed D-Contour multiband compressor. This technology helps maintain sound integrity at any volume level, ensuring consistent audio quality whether you're playing soft ballads or rocking out at full volume.
The D-Contour offers two operational modes—FOH/Main and Monitor—allowing you to tailor the sound to your specific needs. In FOH/Main mode, the DHR12M delivers optimal sound for front-of-house applications, while Monitor mode fine-tunes the audio for on-stage monitoring, ensuring that performers hear themselves clearly without feedback or distortion.
Designed with both performers and sound engineers in mind, the DHR12M combines Yamaha's renowned build quality with advanced features to deliver reliable performance night after night.
This stage monitor is the most versatile on our list.
⚫ 1,000W peak, 250W continuous power rating
⚫ 128 dB max. SPL
⚫ 50° x 90° dispersion pattern
The JBL JRX212 is a robust two-way speaker system designed to deliver exceptional sound quality and durability. It features a 1-inch polymer diaphragm compression high-frequency (HF) driver, providing clear high-end audio. For low-frequency (LF) performance, the JRX212 is equipped with a 12-inch LF driver that includes a 2.5-inch edgewound ribbon voice coil. This combination results in greater efficiency and improved power handling, ensuring that your sound is both powerful and accurate.
The construction of the JRX212 is built to withstand the rigors of frequent use. JBL chose a 0.75-inch medium-density fiberboard (MDF) for the enclosure, offering a balance of strength and acoustic performance. The non-resonant steel handles are designed for easy transportation without adding unwanted vibrations. Additionally, the grille is made from sturdy 18-gauge hexagon steel, providing excellent protection for the internal components while maintaining a sleek, professional appearance.
No matter your live scenario, the JBL JRX212 delivers reliable, high-quality sound that professionals trust.
If you are looking for a great piano for gigging, then this one is worth a look.
Trying to build out your live right with stage monitors? Well, why not also look at upgrading your mixing board. Check out our top picks for the best digital mixing boards for live sound.
⚫ 1,200W total power peak, 300W RMS
⚫ 121 dB max. SPL
⚫ 50° x 90° dispersion pattern (33° monitor angle)
At the heart of the compact LD Systems MON 8 A G3 stage monitor is a powerful Class-D amplifier. This amp drives an 8-inch subwoofer and a 1-inch coaxial tweeter with a titanium diaphragm, ensuring clear and balanced sound reproduction across all frequencies. To optimize the dispersion pattern, LD Systems incorporated a BEM-optimized horn, delivering precise audio coverage.
The MON 8 A G3’s components are housed in a heavy-duty 15 mm birch plywood enclosure, providing durability and excellent acoustic properties. On the right-hand side of the housing, you'll find the operating panel and graphic display. Using the menu rotary dial, you can easily adjust various settings, including a tunable notch filter, a three-band EQ, a delay line, and four application presets. The delay line function allows you to compensate for distances up to 33 feet, ensuring synchronized audio delivery even in larger venues.
Designed with both performance and convenience in mind, the LD Systems MON 8 A G3 is a versatile stage monitor that meets the demands of professional musicians and sound engineers alike.
If you are just starting out, this is a great option to get you in the game.
⚫ 250W total power
⚫ +22 dBu max. output
⚫ Unspecified dispersion pattern
The Behringer Eurolive F1220D stage monitor is designed to deliver high-performance audio with its bi-amped system. Unlike traditional monitors that run on a single amp, the Eurolive F1220D features separate amps for its 3-inch tweeter and 12-inch long-excursion woofer, bypassing the need for a passive crossover.
In addition to its bi-amped design, the Eurolive F1220D includes a built-in preamp for dynamic microphones, making it a versatile choice for various performance needs. The front-facing control panel houses a three-band EQ and a feedback filter, allowing for easy sound adjustments during live performances.
Behringer's design choices ensure that the Eurolive F1220D is both user-friendly and capable of delivering professional-grade audio.
If you are looking for a solid stage monitor on a budget, then this is the pick.
Not necessarily. Powered/active speakers house an amp in their cabinets. This eliminates the need for an external amp altogether. However, they tend to be heavier and more expensive than passive/unpowered monitors. Of course, there are exceptions. Take the 43-pound JBL JRX212, for instance.
Stage monitors could be in-ear monitors (IEMs), mounted, or side-fills. But the most popular option is the wedge, which sits on the floor angled slightly upwards. Some floor wedges have pole-mount sockets. This way, you can set them up both ways.
The monitor angle points the sound at the performer. Plus, it helps maintain a low profile. This way, your wedge won’t block the audience’s view of the performers on the stage.
In many cases, you’ll need a wedge for each performer. However, once a performer starts moving around the stage, there’s a risk they’ll walk out of the monitor’s coverage range. In this case, setting side fills (with a complete mix) can help cover the gaps.
While using floor wedges and side-fill systems, there’s almost always a risk of spills and bounces. These can interfere with the sound you’re delivering to the audience. It might even lead to a “volume war” between the band members.
That’s when each one tries to turn up their volume because they can’t hear themselves well enough. For that reason, some people prefer using IEMs over traditional stage monitors. However, IEMs aren’t without flaws—the performers could feel disconnected from the crowd if the system provides too much isolation.
Stage monitors not for you? Then, check out our top picks for the best in-ear monitor systems.
The EV PXM-12MP’s small footprint, wide coverage, and robust amp easily make it our first choice. At a slightly more affordable price point, comes the Yamaha DHR12M with its 48-bit DSP. But for those on a budget, the Behringer Eurolive would be an ideal pick. It provides a decent sonic performance in a compact, lightweight housing.
No matter which monitor you choose, make sure you have some clips, tape, and ties. You don’t want anyone to trip on a stray cable mid-performance, after all!
If you found this guide helpful, please consider subscribing to our blog for more music production tips, product reviews, and buying guides. Also, you can support new content by contributing to our tip jar.
"Some of the links within this article are affiliate links. These links are from various companies such as Amazon. This means if you click on any of these links and purchase the item or service, I will receive an affiliate commission. This is at no cost to you and the money gets invested back into Audio Sorcerer LLC."
