Monitor MSX5 is a headphone monitoring system tailored for musicians and mix engineers working exclusively with headphones. Traditional headphone mixing often limits the ability to accurately perceive frequencies, dynamics, stereo width, and reverbs, mainly because left and right channels are isolated to each ear. This separation disrupts the natural listening experience and eliminates the phantom center, making it challenging to focus on critical mix elements. Monitor MSX5 addresses these issues by simulating the spatial characteristics of studio monitors, enhancing headphone mixing precision.

The plug-in uses advanced spatial processing algorithms to recreate the experience of listening through speakers. It simulates monitor angle and distance, replicating how professional studio monitors are positioned relative to the listener. By adjusting the center balance, users can control the phantom center's presence to achieve a wider stereo image. The system also features volume control for overall output, ensuring comfortable monitoring levels. This approach helps users better evaluate their mixes, making it easier to focus on frequency balance, stereo imaging, and dynamic range.

Monitor MSX5 also includes detailed speaker simulation features such as woofer size and tweeter sharpness. The woofer size control mimics the bass response of different monitors, allowing users to hear deep sub-bass frequencies or emphasize clarity by simulating smaller woofers. The tweeter sharpness parameter adjusts the treble character to resemble the precise and aggressive sound of popular studio monitors. A comparison control lets users seamlessly switch between the original headphone sound and the simulated monitor sound, providing a practical tool for refining mixes on headphones with greater confidence.