Do I need a subwoofer with 5-inch monitors?

For mixing most genres, 5-inch monitors are sufficient. For bass-heavy music (EDM, hip-hop), a subwoofer helps you hear sub frequencies accurately. The Yamaha HS8S is a popular matching sub.

How far should I sit from studio monitors?

Form an equilateral triangle: the distance between monitors should equal the distance from each monitor to your ears. For 5-inch monitors, this is typically 3-5 feet. Angle monitors 30° inward, tweeters at ear height.

Best Studio Monitors Under $500 2026