Lots of studio monitors have a round hole on the back. That's a port, and it helps a small speaker play deeper bass. It also means the wall behind the speaker matters more than you'd think.
Why the wall adds bass
Any speaker close to a wall gets more bass, because the sound bouncing off the wall adds to the sound coming out the front. A port on the back points bass straight at that wall, so the effect gets stronger.
Put a rear-ported monitor in a corner or right against the wall and the low end can turn thick and boomy.
How much space to leave
There's no single right number, but these help:
- Pull the monitors away from the wall as far as your desk allows. Even a few inches helps.
- Keep them out of corners.
- Don't make the distance to the back wall and the side walls the same.
- Check the manual. Many makers suggest a minimum gap.
The free Monitor Placement tool suggests where each monitor goes for your room's size.
Use the switch on the back
Many monitors have a switch or knob marked for wall or desk placement. It turns the bass down to make up for the wall. Set it for where the speaker actually sits.
Should you plug the port?
Some monitors come with foam plugs for the port. A plug gives less bass overall and less boom from the wall. Try it if your monitors must sit close to the wall. If yours didn't come with plugs, ask the maker before stuffing anything in.
The boom the wall can't explain
Even with space, the switch set, and the port plugged, a few bass notes may still boom. That comes from your room's size, not the wall.
Unboom finds that note and gently turns just that part down in your music and video apps. It only cuts, never boosts, and it doesn't care which way your port faces. The free Room Bass Test lets you hear the boom first.
FAQ
Are front-ported monitors better for small rooms?
They're a little easier to place near a wall. They still get extra bass there, and they still hear your room's boom.
Will a thicker desk or stands help?
Stands help if they let you pull the monitors forward and up to ear height. Pads mostly stop the desk from buzzing along.