Studio reference monitors are some of the most crucial pieces of equipment on professional sets. Thanks to these external monitors, you can keep an eye on the footage you’re shooting in real-time instead of catching mistakes in post-production. That said, high-quality monitors require care if you want them to function correctly for a long time. To avoid making costly mistakes on or off set, check out this guide about how to maintain and store a studio reference monitor.
Carefully Handle It in the Field
One of the essential tips for taking care of any video production tech is handling it properly. Furthermore, when other crew members on set use the monitor, provide them with thorough training so they’ll use it as professionally as you. Tossing the monitor on the table like a book isn’t a great way to ensure longevity.
Likewise, be mindful of eating or drinking near the equipment so the screen remains clean, clear, and functional. So, immediately upon buying a monitor, read through the user’s manual and run some tests, familiarizing yourself with how it functions inside and out. That way, you can learn to respect the monitor just as you do any other piece of production gear.
Keep It Somewhere Secure
Learning how to maintain and store a studio reference monitor requires focusing on in-studio organization. If you’re a professional, you should never store video equipment randomly throughout the studio. Not having dedicated storage units for video equipment is an easy way to lose, damage, or completely break costly devices. For example, lenses and cameras are the perfect fit for smaller, durable storage containers.
Larger devices such as monitors can fit nicely on sturdy shelving units. No matter the device’s size, find a suitable storage solution in the studio. Good storage is of the utmost importance. Set up storage in a place with an optimal environment—such as somewhere that’s nowhere near water.
Invest in Reliable Portable Storage
Having suitable storage in the studio is excellent, but you’ll also need a reliable way to transport the monitor off-site. So, to ensure it remains intact on its way to and from the set, invest in reliable carrying bags or cases.
More specifically, invest in portable storage from reliable brands; dive into the customer reviews, and read what others are saying. Even better, if you know another professional in the industry, ask how they carefully transport monitors. Now that you know how to care for them, you can have the confidence and knowledge to invest in professional-grade studio reference monitors for your next production.