How to Hook Up Studio Monitors
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Hook up studio monitors by connecting each monitor to the left and right outputs of your interface or mixer, then plug the monitors into power. Use balanced XLR or TRS cables where the monitor has them, and turn the volume down before you switch anything on. Raise the volume slowly once both monitors are on.
Place the monitors at ear height
Set the monitors on your desk or stands so the tweeters sit level with your ears when you sit at your listening spot. Angle each monitor inward so it points at your head, with the left monitor on your left and the right monitor on your right. Keep the front of each monitor clear of clutter and away from the wall behind your desk.
Match the outputs to the monitors
Connect the left output of your interface or mixer to the left monitor and the right output to the right monitor. The Yamaha HS4 and HS5 take XLR or TRS, the JBL 305P MkII takes XLR or TRS, and the Mackie CR3.5 takes RCA or TRS. Use the same cable type on both sides so the pair stays matched.
Connect power last and volume down
Turn the volume on the monitors and the interface all the way down before you plug anything into power. Plug each monitor into power, then switch the monitors on. Raise the volume slowly on the interface first, then on the monitors, while music plays at a low level.
Set the tone controls to flat first
Start with the tone and room controls at their neutral setting so you hear the monitors as they are. The Yamaha HS4 has room control and high trim controls, and the JBL 305P MkII has Boundary EQ and HF Trim. Change one control at a time and listen before you change another.
Check the sound from your listening spot
Sit at your listening spot and play music you know well. If one side sounds louder, check that both volume knobs sit at the same mark and that the cables are fully seated. Move the monitors a little farther apart or closer together until the sound sits evenly between the two monitors.
What you need
Yamaha HS4 Powered Studio Monitor in Black
A pair of powered monitors with a 4.5-inch woofer, 26W output, XLR, TRS, RCA and stereo mini inputs, plus a speaker cable and a stereo mini to RCA cable.
- Woofer size: 4.5 in
- Power: 26 W
- Low-frequency reach (Hz): 60 Hz
- 1 year warranty stated
YAMAHA Hs5 Powered Studio Monitor
A pair of powered monitors with a 5-inch woofer, 70W bi-amp power, and XLR and TRS inputs that accept balanced or unbalanced signals.
- Woofer size: 5 in
- Power: 70 W, the most here
- Low-frequency reach (Hz): 54 Hz
(2) JBL 305P MkII 5" 2-Way Active
A pair of powered monitors with a 5-inch woofer, dual 41W Class-D amplifiers, Boundary EQ and HF Trim, and XLR and TRS inputs.
- Woofer size: 5 in
- Power: 41 W
- Low-frequency reach (Hz): 43 Hz
Mackie CR3.5 Studio Monitors
A pair of monitors with 3.5-inch woofers, 50W output, a tone knob and a location switch, with isolation pads and all cables in the box.
- Woofer size: 3.5 in
- Power: 50 W
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Studio Monitors, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do studio monitors need an audio interface?
Not always. The Yamaha HS4 also takes RCA and stereo mini inputs, so it can connect to a laptop, smartphone or tablet, while the Mackie CR3.5 takes RCA or TRS. An interface still gives you balanced XLR or TRS outputs and volume control in one place.
What cable do I use for studio monitors?
Use balanced XLR or TRS cables where the monitor has those inputs. The Yamaha HS4 and HS5 and the JBL 305P MkII all take XLR or TRS, and the Mackie CR3.5 takes RCA or TRS. Match the cable to the outputs on your interface or mixer.
Why is one monitor louder than the other?
Check the volume knobs first and set both to the same mark. Then check that the left and right cables run to the matching outputs, and that each cable is fully seated. If the difference stays, swap the cables to see if the quiet side follows the cable.
Do I turn the monitors on before the interface?
Turn the monitors on last and off first. Set all volumes down, switch the interface on, then switch the monitors on and raise the volume slowly. This order keeps pops and thumps out of the speakers.
Ranked studio monitors lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.