What are Far Field Monitors?

Answer 1

'Farfield Monitors' are Studio Reference Monitors directed toward the room, rather than to mix position.

These monitors are generally used for the 'fun' listening, where high dB ratings are required, and fine accoustics are generally not. (Though, given proper accoustic design and treatment, they can be useful even in the mix environment)

That being said, Farfields can be somewhat useful as an A / B scenario, or to simulate other environments. When monitoring with farfields, the dynamics of what you hear are different, and there is a larger spacial element present. They also usually introduce more low and mid frequency.

Generally these will show you a different dimension of the mix, as it would be in a larger environment, and will give the mix engineer a better stereo image than he may receive with nearfields.

Because farfields are not 'directed' or 'pointed' to a certain position, they are also useful for playback necessary for other areas of the room, where nearfields won't suffice.

And finally..... they just look good..... and they're loud

SMC

Table Syrup Studios

Minneapolis, MN