With powerful onboard DSP and EQ presets, along with three Voicing Modes, the KRK ROKIT Generation Five monitors are the most advanced nearfield reference monitors in their class. Here’s how to get the most out of the EQ presets and Voicing Modes
To say that KRK’s ROKIT studio monitors have been popular is an understatement. They have been the #1 selling studio monitors in the world since their introduction. Now in their fifth generation, they have been further refined and are better than ever, with DSP technology that can make your life easier in the studio. In this article, we’ll look into some of the ways they can do precisely that by using their EQ presets and Voicing Modes to your advantage.
The advantages of multiple monitors—and the challenges they present
Many studios have multiple sets of monitors, each selected for specific studio tasks. For example, a studio may have a large set of main monitors, a smaller set of nearfields, and an even smaller set of specialty speakers. Due to the acoustical challenges of creating a truly accurate low-frequency monitoring environment, the large main speakers will often present the mix with a bass-forward emphasis, and are usually the loudest speakers in the studio. They can sound impressive and inspiring with their larger-than-life bass response, but are not always the first choice for mixing. However, when it comes time to play back a mix for a visiting A&R rep or potential studio clients, they’re often the go-to choice for their ability to present the mix impressively. They’re also frequently used when you’re writing or jamming in the studio due to how big and inspiring they can sound.
Specialty speakers can include anything from a favorite boom box to a car stereo speaker in a custom enclosure, or even small, bandwidth-limited Bluetooth® speakers. Regardless of their design, the reasoning behind using any of them is similar: to give you a better sense of what the mix will sound like on a less-than-stellar playback system, or when played back in mono, whether it is over an inexpensive car stereo, a portable radio, a Bluetooth® speaker, or laptop speakers. Another valuable attribute of such speakers is their subdued highs and lows and their emphasis on the midrange, which can help you hear details in the critical band where vocals and lead instruments contain most of their information.
Nearfield monitors are usually selected for their accuracy across the entire audible spectrum. They are generally placed much closer to you as you’re working (usually within 3-5 feet) compared to the larger main monitors, thus reducing the impact the room acoustics have on what you’re hearing. Many nearfields cannot reproduce the very lowest frequencies as authoritatively as the larger main studio monitors. However, they can be supported by subwoofers, such as the latest KRK models . A good sub can fill out those low frequencies, and, when appropriately balanced with the nearfield monitors, create a very accurate representation of the mix across the entire frequency spectrum, which is precisely the type of honest representation you’re looking for when you’re mixing or mastering.
The disadvantages of a multi-monitor setup include the significant space multiple speaker systems require, the hassles and cost of setting up a multi-monitor switching and control system, and the cost of purchasing multiple speaker setups. That’s where the KRK ROKITs and their three Voicing Modes come in.
Three-in-one monitoring flexibility
Each of the three models in the KRK ROKIT Generation Five lineup—the ROKIT 5 Generation Five, ROKIT 7 Generation 5, and ROKIT 8 Generation Five features three onboard Voicing Modes that give you the flexibility that would otherwise require three different monitors to achieve. The DSP also features 25 boundary and room tuning EQ combinations that can help minimize and correct problems in your recording environment. You can easily switch between the Voicing Modes using the rear-panel LCD and Function knob to select and recall whichever of the three Voicing Modes or the various EQ combinations you want to use.
The Home Screen on the ROKIT LCD, showing the Level, current Voicing Mode, and EQ settings
Proper monitor positioning and setup recommendations are included in the KRK ROKIT Generation Five Product Manual, available as a free download here. Once the speakers are set up and powered on, and the boot sequence completes, the Home Screen will be displayed on the rear panel LCD. It provides a visual indication of the current Level, Voicing Mode, and current EQ settings for each speaker. Rotate the Function knob to raise or lower the Level, or press the Function knob to access the Menu, where you’ll find the EQ and Setup functions. Within the EQ Menu, you can choose from the three Voicing Modes or select from the High and Low EQ presets. Make sure you make the same adjustments to both speakers.
Mix Mode offers flat frequency and phase response and is best used for mixing, mastering, and critical listening. Create Mode delivers an inspirational voicing that is ideal for writing, producing, and casual listening. Focus Mode is a mid-focused voicing that is great for keying in on midrange-rich sources, such as lead instruments and vocals. How can you be sure which EQ settings to use? That’s where the KRK App comes in.
The KRK App
The KRK App, which is available for iOS and Android, is a powerful, free app that provides multiple monitor setup and optimization tools, including a Spectrum RTA, Level Meter, Monitor Alignment and Polarity tools, and EQ Recommendation tools.
Once you have your monitors properly positioned and angled, connect the phone’s headphone output to the ROKIT monitors’ inputs using a Y-splitter cable. Then, sit at the listening position and point your phone microphone, at ear level, towards the monitors. Then tap the Play button on the app’s EQ Recommendation page. A pink noise signal will play, and the KRK app will analyze the audio and recommend the best high and low EQ settings to deliver the most accurate sound in your room. The complete instructions for the procedure are included in the KRK App. It only takes about 20 seconds or so for the analysis and results. From there, use the rear-panel LCD and the Function knob to select the recommended EQ settings.
The KRK App can analyze your room and recommend EQ settings to optimize the playback accuracy
Switching Modes
To switch between the three Voicing Modes, press the Function knob to access the Menu screen, then rotate the Function knob and press it to select EQ. Then, by pressing the Function knob, you can cycle through the three Voicing Modes. Again, you will find complete instructions in the KRK ROKIT Generation Five Manual. Don’t forget to make the same adjustments on both speakers.
If you have an acoustically well-treated home studio, once your speakers are correctly set up and positioned, you can use Mix Mode as your primary mixing reference. If your room acoustics or system setup is less than ideal, you may be better served by using the KRK App’s suggested EQ settings as your primary setting for mixing and critical listening. Try both, and see what you prefer. Remember, these are just suggested settings, so feel free to experiment and find what works best for you. Whatever gives you the best results and mixes that sound good wherever you play them is what you should use.
When you’re trying to dial in the levels, EQ, and proper balance for lead vocals, snare drums, lead guitars, or other critical midrange-focused mix elements, give the Focus Mode a try. It reduces both the low and high frequencies a bit, making it easier to pick out details in the crucial midrange band.
The Focus Mode emphasizes the midrange, allowing you to hear details in this critical band clearly
You can also switch to Create Mode when writing, practicing, or whenever you want to impress clients. While it’s not ideal for critical listening, like many hi-fi speakers, it boosts bass and treble slightly to deliver a larger-than-life sound that many people find inspiring and exciting.
Use Create Mode when writing, jamming, and creating for an inspiring, larger-than-life sound
When to use EQ instead of the Voicing Modes
If you are working in an untreated room with significant acoustical issues, you may want to forgo Mix Mode and instead use the EQ settings to dial in the monitors’ response to achieve the most accurate sound quality in your room.
Once you’ve used the KRK App to determine the optimal EQ settings for your room, make sure you write them down so you can easily return to them. These optimal settings should be your default for any critical listening tasks, such as when you’re working on a mix. Then, if you wish, feel free to switch to Mix Mode for an alternative perspective on how your mix sounds, with the caveat that the optimized EQ settings for your individual room should still be your most trusted reference. Of course, you can also still utilize the Focus Mode as you’re mixing to zero in on issues in the midrange, or the Create Mode when you’re writing or sharing the mix with friends or clients and really want to impress them.
For accurate mixes that translate, KRK ROKIT studio monitors deliver
When it comes to recording and mixing audio, accuracy is essential. You have to be able to trust what you’re hearing, because practically every decision you make depends on what your speakers are telling you. Every mix done on your speakers needs to translate well to other playback systems outside your studio, with no surprises. That’s the kind of accuracy that the KRK ROKIT Generation Five studio monitors were designed to deliver.
Whether you rely on EQ settings that are optimized for your room or the flat frequency response of the Mix Voicing Mode for the majority of your monitoring needs while mixing, don’t overlook the other two Voicing Modes. By incorporating them into your workflow, you’ll gain many of the advantages of a multi-speaker setup without the extra cost and space, which makes the Generation Five ROKIT nearfield monitors some of the most cost-effective and flexible studio monitors ever released, and a must-try option for anyone considering setting up a cost-effective, yet highly flexible and capable studio monitoring system.
Visit KRK to read more and shop now.
