Musicians love their toys. From the vintage instruments to the latest and greatest tech gadgets, no matter what kind of music you like to make, having the best tools at your fingertips is an awesome feeling.
When it comes to music production, you need a setup that helps both your creativity and workflow. A computer monitor is a big part of the process.
In this guide, we will analyze some of the best computer monitors for music production and explain why they’re great.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Whether you want a larger screen than your computer or are looking for a dual-monitor setup, the Dell P2419H 24-Inch monitor is a great choice. It has a lot to offer and makes a great addition to your music production setup.
- The Acer R240HY Widescreen monitor is another solid choice for musicians. It’s low cost alongside a thin profile and stunning colors make this perfect for many uses.
- If you’re a fan of Apple products and want a monitor option that will easily integrate into your existing workstation, check out the Apple 27-inch LED Thunderbolt Display.
Who Should Get This?
It’s amazing what you can do from a home studio these days. While you can still make and record a lot of good music with just a laptop, having the ability to expand your display can add a lot of efficiency and capability to your digital audio workstation.
If you like to have multiple windows open at once or work with a lot of add-ons and plug-ins, having a larger monitor is a must. Some people even like to run multiple monitors at once.
If you don’t have the space for it or simply like working on your computer, you might not have a need for a separate computer monitor for music production.
You can still get plenty of work done on a smaller screen, it just might take you longer to complete the same tasks you could with a larger, or multiple, screens.
Best Computer Monitor for Music Production: Our Picks 2022
1. Dell P2419H 24-inch Monitor
One of the top options for music production is this 24-inch model from Dell. It’s a great size that will fit on just about any desk and the slim profile allows it to easily blend into your existing setup without taking up too much space.
The screen stays clear at all times thanks to In-Plane Switching Technology that allows a wide viewing angle as well as a 3-side ultrathin bezel that keeps multiple monitor setups in sync.
Additional features include the TUV Certification that eliminates screen flicker and reduces harmful blue light as well as the full HD 1920 X 1080 resolution. The monitor also comes equipped with a ComfortView Display Port along with VGA, HDMI, and USB ports.
Pros:
- Slim profile
- Crisp color
- Wide-viewing angle
- Great resolution
- Multiple common inputs
Cons:
- Not the largest screen
- Sits a little tall
2. Acer R240HY Widescreen Monitor
Another great option is the Acer R240HY Widescreen Monitor. If you want an excellent picture and the advantages of a widescreen, this model is worth checking out.
The 23.8-inch full HD IPS widescreen display with 1920 X 1080 resolution offers excellent visuals, while the Zero Frame design provides maximum visibility all across the screen. With HDMI, VGA, and DVI inputs, this monitor also easily connects to your music setup.
Pros:
- Wide-screen
- Full HD IPS display
- Zero Frame profile allows for great viewing at any angle
- Multiple inputs
- Affordable
Cons:
- Some backlight bleeding has been reported
3. Apple 27-inch LED Thunderbolt Display
If you’re a musician and work with an Apple computer, such as a MacBook Pro, you know that the brand makes products that can really help you create.
If you want a monitor for music production that will work right into your existing Apple setup, check out the 27-inch LED Thunderbolt Display. Featuring amazing graphics, 2560 X 1440 resolution, and a large screen, this works for all music producers at all levels.
Pros:
- Excellent resolution
- Quality display
- Large screen
- Multiple inputs for pairing computer/additional monitors
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Computer Monitor for Music Production: What to Consider in 2022
Size
One of the main reasons to get a monitor for your music production needs is to expand the size of your workstation. Laptop computer screens rarely get above around 15-inches, but an additional monitor can easily double that.
Depending on your needs or the space you have to work with, you can get a monitor that matches the size of your recording room or provides enough screen space for you to easily get everything in order.
I’d recommend at least a 22-inch display for a noticeable difference from your computer. If you want a big screen, go for 30-inches or more. You can even consider pairing two monitors together if you need.
Ultimately, the size that’s best for your needs is up to you. However, most monitors will fall in between 20 and 30 inches.
Resolution
Another consideration with your monitor is the screen resolution. That reflects the definition of the images you see on the screen.
While you might not need the best HD resolution when focusing on audio, a decent resolution is good to look for as you want your work to display clearly on the screen. All of the monitors listed here offer an excellent resolution for a clear picture you can rely on.
Inputs
It’s always a good idea to check the inputs on any monitors you use for music production. You need to be able to connect your computer, whether that’s a laptop or other device, to the additional screen. Most monitors come equipped with an HDMI port in addition to several others that can include USB, VGA, etc.
If you know that you require a specific input, you’ll want to make sure that the monitor you are looking at comes with it.
You can always get cords that will help you adapt one connection to another but it’s a lot easier, and often cheaper, to make sure that you can easily connect your computer and monitor together from the get-go.
Useful Tips & Resources
Once you have your new monitor, you need to connect it to your laptop or other computer. That can be as easy as simply connecting the proper cord between the two, but you might need to jump through a few steps to get everything working properly.
If you do, check out this video on how to connect your computer to a monitor. Keep in mind that the steps are little different between Macs and PCs.
Final Words
An additional monitor can improve the quality and capability you have in your music production. While there’s no guarantee that they will help you write a hit song, you’re sure to be working at full capacity and increasing your abilities.
If you run a professional studio and often work with other musicians, a larger screen is a must for anyone who wants to easily share a track or edit audio.
Do you have any other tools, software, or tech that you would recommend for music production? Let us know in the comments below!
