What is a monitor speaker as apposed to PA or bookshelf in acoustic applications?

Answer 1

Traditionally, monitor speakers were studio speakers used for recording and mixing. They were designed to provide a flat and uncolored response and that allowed the engineer to hear the content without it being affected by the speakers. Domestic speakers tend to color the sound and this makes them less suitable for critical listening. On the other hand, the coloration makes them easier to listen to and adds characteristics that make them more appealing to listeners. The difference between monitor speakers and other domestic speakers is rather less pronounced these days. Often, domestic speakers are marketed as a "monitor speaker" to reflect the accurate sound they produce. PA speakers are designed to deliver high power over longer distances than studio or domestic speakers. They use drivers designed to be robust, cope with high input power and the cabinets built to withstand the worst that a road crew can do to them. Not only will most PA speakers look out of place in a home but they will normally sound very harsh compared to those designed to work in smaller rooms. However, every listener has a different opinion of sound quality and every speaker has different characteristics. Sometimes, a speaker designed for one task may perform equally well in other situations. One example is the Bose 900 speaker series. Designed for domestic use, it was also produced as the Bose 802 - a commercial PA speaker. Loved my some, hated by others, these speakers are still used in a wide range of applications from hi-fi to live music and even outside events.