Triple Monitor Advice Needed for Accurate Colour Reproduction

[groove-agent]

Hey all,

I'm trying to execute a triple monitor setup with my Macbook Pro. I'm using a 32" 4K in the center and want to add 2x 4K 27" monitors on the left and right side. I went with a 32" 16:9 ASUS ProArt which I love because they're colour calibrated from the factory. I ordered a second ProArt 4K in a 27" hoping that the colours would match under the same colour profile but they don't, and it hurts my OCD. Does this mean I should get a calibration tool for multiple monitors?

Any advice or monitor recommendations are appreciated.

As an aside, I learned the hard way that MacOS doesn't support MST so you cannot daisy chain your monitors via DP 1.4. However the ProArt has USB C as well so right now I have my main screen running off my Caldigit TS3+ dock DP, and the 27" running USB-C. Because I only have an M1 Pro, I'm limited to 2x external monitors but I was thinking of just running the third off my iPad Pro USBC via sidecar to play Youtube, Twitch etc, at least for now until the new MBPs are disclosed in Oct.

Thanks again.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

If you truly have OCD... you're gonna hate the SideCar display compared to the direct connect 😬

 

[phrehdd]

Hey all,

I'm trying to execute a triple monitor setup with my Macbook Pro. I'm using a 32" 4K in the center and want to add 2x 4K 27" monitors on the left and right side. I went with a 32" 16:9 ASUS ProArt which I love because they're colour calibrated from the factory. I ordered a second ProArt 4K in a 27" hoping that the colours would match under the same colour profile but they don't, and it hurts my OCD. Does this mean I should get a calibration tool for multiple monitors?

Any advice or monitor recommendations are appreciated.

As an aside, I learned the hard way that MacOS doesn't support MST so you can daisy chain your monitors via DP 1.4. However the ProArt has USB C as well so right now I have my main screen running off my Caldigit TS3+ dock DP, and the 27" running USB-C. Because I only have an M1 Pro, I'm limited to 2x external monitors but I was thinking of just running the third off my iPad Pro USBC via sidecar to play Youtube, Twitch etc, at least for now until the new MBPs are disclosed in Oct.

Thanks again.

You were wise to get same maker screens for the most part and especially when using mid to high end screens. However, you should really investigate doing your own calibration whether it is hard calibration (not all monitors can do this) or a "profile" created.

Things to consider - screens of different sizes that are calibrated to be withing minimal error or difference from each other might look very different based on how they are positioned and brightness may be misleading.

I would highly suggest you go to Asus Pro Art forums and present your situation. They might give the same answer as I did or, something entirely different.

I use a factory calibrated monitor that is quite good. However, my needs of colour space are not that great as I deal with mostly photo restoration which of course is a limited colour space. When I deal with with new digital photos, that is where the monitor really shines. I use a counterpart to your monitor from BenQ. You might want to check out Youtube videos by "Art is Right" and find the videos on monitor calibration. Though he does BenQ monitors, the principles are mostly the same.

 

[groove-agent]

Thanks very much for replying. I was using the monitors yesterday and just dragging an image between the two monitors and it was driving me crazy. My 32" ProArt looked great, and close to my MBP, but the 27" looked completely desaturated. It was almost night and day. I can't see how they can be so far apart when allegedly factory calibrated, the same series, and make.

Ironically, my first attempt involved a BenQ (with the hockey puck). It was a great monitor and also close to my MBP, but what I didn't notice was the brightness was only 250 nits! I generally work near large windows during the day and I could hardly see the screen. It was unusable so I had to send it back.

This whole situation reminds me of why I used to use an ultra-wide screen so I didn't have to worry about disparity between panels.

I think it's sound advice to try to the Asus forums but I don't think there are any that I know of.

Thanks again.

 

[phrehdd]

Thanks very much for replying. I was using the monitors yesterday and just dragging an image between the two monitors and it was driving me crazy. My 32" ProArt looked great, and close to my MBP, but the 27" looked completely desaturated. It was almost night and day. I can't see how they can be so far apart when allegedly factory calibrated, the same series, and make.

Ironically, my first attempt involved a BenQ (with the hockey puck). It was a great monitor and also close to my MBP, but what I didn't notice was the brightness was only 250 nits! I generally work near large windows during the day and I could hardly see the screen. It was unusable so I had to send it back.

This whole situation reminds me of why I used to use an ultra-wide screen so I didn't have to worry about disparity between panels.

I think it's sound advice to try to the Asus forums but I don't think there are any that I know of.

Thanks again.

Just a couple of off the cuff thoughts -

Have you tried putting up a temp baffle between your window and your screens? Also, you didn't really get into specifics on how you are hooking up all these monitors (connection types etc.).

 

[groove-agent]

Just a couple of off the cuff thoughts -

Have you tried putting up a temp baffle between your window and your screens? Also, you didn't really get into specifics on how you are hooking up all these monitors (connection types etc.).

Thanks for the reply. The last time it was dark out when I tried it so I don't think it has to do with the window. I have my main monitor connected through a Caldigit dock via DP, but the second monitor is connected via USB-C (they're USB C monitors). I wouldn't think the connection type would matter given it's all digital.

 

[phrehdd]

Thanks for the reply. The last time it was dark out when I tried it so I don't think it has to do with the window. I have my main monitor connected through a Caldigit dock via DP, but the second monitor is connected via USB-C (they're USB C monitors). I wouldn't think the connection type would matter given it's all digital.

I won't get into it too much but yes, cable type can impact output. There has been discussions of both colour and chroma differences found when using say HDMI vs DP with some Macs. Perhaps you might try rotating your connections so your main monitor is attached to your MBP...see if there is a difference... BTW I am a fan of CalDigit and use their Elements dock for additional devices (but not for a monitor so can't comment).

 

[groove-agent]

I won't get into it too much but yes, cable type can impact output. There has been discussions of both colour and chroma differences found when using say HDMI vs DP with some Macs. Perhaps you might try rotating your connections so your main monitor is attached to your MBP...see if there is a difference... BTW I am a fan of CalDigit and use their Elements dock for additional devices (but not for a monitor so can't comment).

I managed to get the monitors to an acceptable level by adjusting the "blue light" settings. For anyone looking to pick up an ASUS monitor I would suggest going with a different company as ASUS's support portal is pure garbage. Their system for even registering products fails constantly. I would be open to a different monitor company and starting fresh.

 

[phrehdd]

Seems you might be back to BenQ or spend some serious money on Eizo monitors.

 

[CalMin]

You're not going to like this answer but there's a reason that I run 2x Apple Studio displays (ASD) and that's because they are the only displays I have found that 'look right' with my MacBook Pro. I'm not a graphics pro or color pro - so I can't vouch for the overall color accuracy of these displays. All I know is that they all look good together.

I've been a bit of an apologist for the ASD in these forums. Truthfully though, the only thing bad about them is the price (and the webcam could be better, but Center Stage makes up for it). I picked up my second ASD for $1,000 used but in perfect condition and that now seems to be the going rate.

Prior to getting the ASD, I tried a bunch of different 27" and 32" 4K displays, but there was always something not right. Most annoying to me was that I could never get the colors matched right. I spent hours futzing with settings and calibrations and could never get it matched. The ASD looks perfect out of the box, and now I have two all of them look amazing.

Oh and it also looks right against my iPhone and iPad which is nice. Curse you Apple ecosystem...

Again - I am not a GFX pro and my living does not depend on color accuracy. I'm just a Mac user with a bit of OCD. YMMV.

 

[phrehdd]

You're not going to like this answer but there's a reason that I run 2x Apple Studio displays (ASD) and that's because they are the only displays I have found that 'look right' with my MacBook Pro. I'm not a graphics pro or color pro - so I can't vouch for the overall color accuracy of these displays. All I know is that they all look good together.

I've been a bit of an apologist for the ASD in these forums. Truthfully though, the only thing bad about them is the price (and the webcam could be better, but Center Stage makes up for it). I picked up my second ASD for $1,000 used but in perfect condition and that now seems to be the going rate.

Prior to getting the ASD, I tried a bunch of different 27" and 32" 4K displays, but there was always something not right. Most annoying to me was that I could never get the colors matched right. I spent hours futzing with settings and calibrations and could never get it matched. The ASD looks perfect out of the box, and now I have two all of them look amazing.

Oh and it also looks right against my iPhone and iPad which is nice. Curse you Apple ecosystem...

Again - I am not a GFX pro and my living does not depend on color accuracy. I'm just a Mac user with a bit of OCD. YMMV.

I don't mean to over post here...but yes, sometimes there is a "tax" of sorts to get consistency or feel confident in a purchase and use of a product. I have a different take on monitor colour calibration etc. Buying two identical decent monitor should allow one to at least soft profile calibrate to match within acceptable error. The look of a laptop screen isn't always the most accurate but it too can be somewhat calibrated. BenQ and perhaps other makers do have models that have a specific setting to match retina displays as found with Apple. For me, having used a 2015 MBP for years, would calibrate it to more closely resemble the monitor which in turn had to match certain print criteria. Back to your set up - YES again it might have a price tag or Apple tax but it meets your needs and you don't have to get buyer's remorse (other than a thinner wallet).

 

[whitestar27]

End of the day if you're going to do colour critical work you need a hardware calibration device. Otherwise you're just guessing

 

[lostPod]

Are LG monitors any good? or does Samsung and Apple have the best panels? Although didn't they used to use LG panels?

 

[CalMin]

I don't mean to over post here...but yes, sometimes there is a "tax" of sorts to get consistency or feel confident in a purchase and use of a product. I have a different take on monitor colour calibration etc. Buying two identical decent monitor should allow one to at least soft profile calibrate to match within acceptable error. The look of a laptop screen isn't always the most accurate but it too can be somewhat calibrated. BenQ and perhaps other makers do have models that have a specific setting to match retina displays as found with Apple. For me, having used a 2015 MBP for years, would calibrate it to more closely resemble the monitor which in turn had to match certain print criteria. Back to your set up - YES again it might have a price tag or Apple tax but it meets your needs and you don't have to get buyer's remorse (other than a thinner wallet).

I actually bought a BenQ display to keep at my parents house. It look decent enough and close enough to the MBP display. I only use it a couple of weeks a year when I need to check on aging parents - it's not ASD, but good enough for what I paid.

 

[phrehdd]

I actually bought a BenQ display to keep at my parents house. It look decent enough and close enough to the MBP display. I only use it a couple of weeks a year when I need to check on aging parents - it's not ASD, but good enough for what I paid.

Well again, some of the most recent models has a display setting to match more closely to MBP screens. I forgot twice to ask, have you tried doing any good calibration to your monitors to get them to more closely match using a proper metering tool and software?

 

[CalMin]

Well again, some of the most recent models has a display setting to match more closely to MBP screens. I forgot twice to ask, have you tried doing any good calibration to your monitors to get them to more closely match using a proper metering tool and software?

the ones i bought before the ASD were Dell, ASUS, SONY and at least one or two others. I returned all of them. Yes I bought a meter too, but after all manner of fussing and tweaking it still wouldn’t look right. Then it would and I’d be fine for a couple of days, then I’d open a document and something was off, and I’d start adjusting. This kept happening for days until the end of the return window and I’d give up vs keeping the monitor.

Bottom line was I got annoyed. My old Apple Thunderbolt Display never had this issue of colors not matching. I purchased the ASD and literally havent changed a single setting. I just got a second one a couple of months ago. I got it used but it also just matches.

5K also helps keep the retina look with fonts etc.

its a lot of Money, but it feels well spent.

 

[HDFan]

I use a Spyder X Elite calibrator. I find that over time my Studio Display calibration changes. Checking just now brightness was 35 rather than the optimal 80. This may be due to the fact that I often change the display resolution. It supports calibration synching between monitors:

 

[groove-agent]

You're not going to like this answer but there's a reason that I run 2x Apple Studio displays (ASD) and that's because they are the only displays I have found that 'look right' with my MacBook Pro. I'm not a graphics pro or color pro - so I can't vouch for the overall color accuracy of these displays. All I know is that they all look good together.

I've been a bit of an apologist for the ASD in these forums. Truthfully though, the only thing bad about them is the price (and the webcam could be better, but Center Stage makes up for it). I picked up my second ASD for $1,000 used but in perfect condition and that now seems to be the going rate.

Prior to getting the ASD, I tried a bunch of different 27" and 32" 4K displays, but there was always something not right. Most annoying to me was that I could never get the colors matched right. I spent hours futzing with settings and calibrations and could never get it matched. The ASD looks perfect out of the box, and now I have two all of them look amazing.

Oh and it also looks right against my iPhone and iPad which is nice. Curse you Apple ecosystem...

Again - I am not a GFX pro and my living does not depend on color accuracy. I'm just a Mac user with a bit of OCD. YMMV.

I thought about and bought/ returned an ASD but I also have a PC I game on which wont work because ASDs don't have HDMI. Plus I've grown accustomed to a 32" for my center display and a 32" apple display would be too costly for the work I do.

 

[groove-agent]

I actually bought a BenQ display to keep at my parents house. It look decent enough and close enough to the MBP display. I only use it a couple of weeks a year when I need to check on aging parents - it's not ASD, but good enough for what I paid.

Before the ASUS I had a bought the counterpart BenQ which had the hockey puck controller to change color profiles. I didn't realize it was only 250 nits. While the color was good, it was so dim in the daytime and still too dim at night I had to return it. It was unusable.

 

[groove-agent]

I use a Spyder X Elite calibrator. I find that over time my Studio Display calibration changes. Checking just now brightness was 35 rather than the optimal 80. This may be due to the fact that I often change the display resolution. It supports calibration synching between monitors:

View attachment 2432185

Can you get your monitors pretty close color-wise with hardware calibration?

 

[groove-agent]

I tried sales chat on the LG website and they recommended two completely different monitors which doesn't give me much faith lol. He didn't even listen to what I said properly, probably because he was multi-tasking too many customers.

At least LG has a sales chat which is more than I can say about ASUS.