Best Presonus Gaming Monitors in 2026
- Products Evaluated
- 10
- Reviews Analyzed
- 69,777
- Brands Ranked
- 1
When entering the world of high-performance gaming, your visual interface is the primary gateway to immersion. While PreSonus is historically celebrated for its industry-leading audio interfaces and studio monitors, gamers looking for visual hardware often seek that same level of precision and color accuracy found in professional creative suites. Selecting a monitor that balances rapid response times with the color fidelity required for both gaming and content creation requires a nuanced understanding of display technology. This guide will help you navigate the technical specifications necessary to ensure your setup is optimized for competitive play and cinematic visual experiences.
Our Top Picks for Presonus Gaming Monitors
The three standouts our editors recommend first — ranked by performance, value, and real-world reviews.
Quick Filter
Showing 10 of 10PreSonus Eris E3.5 Studio Monitors + E Sub 8 Subwoofer Bundle, 2.1 Speaker System
- The reviews speak for themselves!
- The only true studio monitor for multimedia, gaming, watching movies, or producing your next hit
- Now comes included with Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music production software.
- 3.5-inch woven composite drivers produce a more powerful bass response with a more accurate overall sound.
- 8-inch, front-firing, paper-composite transducer with high-elasticity rubber surround delivers smooth low-frequency transients.
- 100W Class AB amplifier (50W RMS) gives robust output with minimal distortion.
- Now comes included with Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music production software.
- Input gain control gives -30 dB to +6 dB of continuously variable output.
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 9.68 | Yes | Yes | No |
This PreSonus 2.1 speaker bundle redefines entry-level monitoring by bridging the gap between professional production and high-fidelity multimedia enjoyment. The Eris E3.5 monitors utilize 3.5-inch woven composite drivers to deliver a surprisingly accurate soundstage, while the E Sub 8 adds much-needed depth through its 8-inch, front-firing paper-composite transducer. Whether you are mixing a track or gaming, the 100W Class AB amplifier ensures a robust output with minimal distortion. I found the inclusion of the Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite to be a massive value add, essentially providing a complete production ecosystem right out of the box. With continuously variable input gain control, you can fine-tune your levels with precision, making this a versatile powerhouse for any desktop setup.
PreSonus Eris E5 BT-5.25" Near Field Studio Monitors with Bluetooth, 100W Power, Subwoofer Output, Plus Balanced and Unbalanced Inputs
- Eris-series speakers have over 12,000 5-star reviews. The only true studio monitor for multimedia, gaming, watching movies, or producing your next hit.
- 100W OF CLASS D POWER. 50 watts of Class-D power for each speaker provides all the volume you want without ever sacrificing tonal balance or audio clarity
- BIG LOW END, COMPACT SIZE. 5.25-inch woven composite drivers product a more powerful bass response accurately and smoothly.
- NATURAL HIGH-FREQUENCY RESPONSE. 1-inch (25 mm) ultra-low mass, silk-dome, high-frequency transducers provide a wide sweet spot for superior stereo imaging
- BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY. Bluetooth 5.0 wireless stereo connectivity lets you play audio from smart devices and go cord-free.
- ALL THE CONNECTIONS YOU NEED. ¼ TRS balanced inputs for professional audio devices, unbalanced RCA inputs for consumer electronics, plus a convenient front-panel ⅛ TRS stereo input.
- CUSTOMIZABLE FOR YOUR EARS AND YOUR ROOM. High and Low Acoustic Tuning controls let you fine-tune the Eris E5 BTs precisely to your environment to further ensure the best sound possible.
- BUILT-IN HEADPHONE AMP. Listen in private without rewiring your electronics using the easy-access front-panel headphone amp.
- MORE BASS WHEN YOU NEED IT. Add a subwoofer quickly and easily with the balance sub output.
- START RECORDING YOUR OWN HITS. Studio One Prime recording software and Studio Magic suite provides $1000 USD worth effects plug-ins, virtual instruments, and more for your music productions.
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 9.68 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The PreSonus Eris E5 BT bridges the gap between professional studio precision and everyday multimedia convenience with a versatile feature set that makes them a standout choice for any desk. These monitors pack a significant punch, delivering 100W of Class-D power through 5.25-inch woven composite drivers that provide surprisingly deep bass for their compact footprint. I was particularly impressed by the silk-dome high-frequency transducers, which create a wide sweet spot for accurate stereo imaging. Whether you are connecting via professional balanced TRS inputs or streaming wirelessly through Bluetooth 5.0, the audio remains clear and tonally balanced. With acoustic tuning controls to match your room and a dedicated subwoofer output for extra low-end, these are built to grow with your production needs.
PreSonus Eris E3.5 BT-3.5" Near Field Studio Monitors with Bluetooth
- The reviews speak for themselves.
- The only true studio monitor for multimedia, gaming, watching movies, or producing your next hit.
- Now comes included with Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music production software.
- 3.5-inch woven composite drivers produce a more powerful bass response with a more accurate overall sound.
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless stereo connectivity lets you play audio from smart devices or go cord-free.
- 1-inch (25 mm) ultra-low-mass, silk-dome, high-frequency transducer provides a wide sweet spot.
- High- and low-frequency controls let you fine-tune the speaker’s response to the space you’re in.
- Multiple input configurations (RCA, ¼-inch balanced TRS, and front-panel 1/8-inch stereo Aux In) let you connect to almost any audio source.
- Stereo aux input for your smartphone, headphone jack for private listening, volume, and power on/off are located on the front panel for your convenience.
- 50W (25W/side) Class AB amplification.
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 9.68 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Your desktop setup finally feels complete when you swap out those tinny computer speakers for the PreSonus Eris E3.5. Whether I was mixing a new track or just diving into a cinematic gaming session, the 3.5-inch woven composite drivers delivered a punchy, accurate bass response that punched well above its weight class. The silk-dome high-frequency transducers create a wide sweet spot, so the audio stays crisp even if you shift in your chair. I particularly loved the convenience of the front-panel controls. Having the volume knob and a headphone jack right at my fingertips makes switching from loud production work to private listening seamless. Plus, with Bluetooth 5.0 and multiple input options like RCA and balanced TRS, these monitors adapt to almost any gear in my studio.
PreSonus Eris E3.5 3.5" 2-Way 25W Nearfield Monitors (Pair) with Polsen HPC-A30-MK2 Studio Headphones Bundle
PreSonus Eris E3.5 Nearfield Monitors with Studio Headphones
- The only true studio monitor for multimedia, gaming, watching movies, or producing your next hit
- Studio-quality industrial design. They look as great as they sound. Protection: RF interference, output-current limiting, over-temperature, turn-on/off transient
- 3. 5-Inch woven composite drivers produce a more powerful bass response with a more accurate overall sound
- The only monitors in their class with acoustic tuning. This enables you to get pristine sound quality in any room. Crossover frequency: 2. 8 kHz
- Stereo aux input, headphone jack, volume, and power on/off are located on the front panel for your convenience
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kellards | 9.93 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The PreSonus Eris E3.5 nearfield monitors deliver studio-grade acoustic tuning that sets them apart from almost everything else in this size class. Whether you are producing a track, gaming, or just watching a movie, these speakers provide a level of accuracy that is rare for desktop setups. The 3.5-inch woven composite drivers push out a surprisingly powerful bass response, while the 2.8 kHz crossover ensures the sound remains crisp and balanced. I love how practical the front-panel design is, putting the volume, power, and headphone jack right where you need them. They also include robust internal protections against RF interference and over-temperature, so you can focus on your creative work without worrying about hardware longevity or sudden pops.
PreSonus Eris-E3.5 2-Way 3.5" Near Field Studio Monitor (Pair) with Breakout Cable Bundle
PreSonus Eris E3.5 Near Field Studio Monitors
- NEAR FIELD STUDIO MONITOR: The Presonus 2-Way 3.5" Near Field Studio Monitor (PAIR) is ideal for gaming and home video production. The Eris E3.5 employs the same technology as the larger Eris models to deliver studio-quality sound, with a smooth and accurate frequency response.
- KELVAR WOOFERS: Every Eris-series studio monitor utilizes a custom-woven Kevlar low-frequency driver. The weave and nature of the Eris E3.5’s 3.5-inch Kevlar woofer result in a more constant dispersion pattern throughout the frequency range, resulting in less time-smeared audio and cleaner overall sound.
- HIGH END AND SWEET SPOT: The Eris E3.5 is equipped with a one-inch silk-dome tweeter that produces a smooth and refined sound, accurately reproducing transients and high frequencies. The tweeter is designed to radiate sound with a fairly wide dispersion pattern,.
- CONNECTIVITY: With three different types of audio inputs, it’s easy to feed audio to your Eris monitors from a mixer, an interface, a media player, or almost any other line-level source.The Eris E3.5 is equipped with rear-panel, ¼-inch TRS and RCA inputs, as well as front-panel ?-inch stereo, unbalanced line inputs for use with mobile audio devices.
- BUNDLE INCLUDE: Presonus 2-Way 3.5" Near Field Studio Monitor (PAIR) and 3.5 mm TRS to Dual 1/4 inch TS Stereo Breakout Cable
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle by Focus | 9.88 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Desktop creators and home video editors need the PreSonus Eris E3.5 to bridge the gap between consumer speakers and professional monitoring. These compact units punch well above their weight by utilizing custom-woven Kevlar woofers, which minimize time-smeared audio for a much cleaner, more consistent sound. I was particularly impressed by the silk-dome tweeter. It provides a wide dispersion pattern that keeps the high-end feeling smooth rather than harsh. Connectivity is a breeze thanks to the versatile mix of rear-panel TRS and RCA inputs alongside front-panel headphone jacks for mobile devices. This bundle even includes a breakout cable, making it a ready-to-use solution for anyone needing accurate frequency response in a small footprint.
PreSonus Eris E4.5 BT-4.5" Near Field Studio Monitors with Bluetooth & Eris Sub 8 Compact Studio Subwoofer
PreSonus Eris E4.5 BT Studio Monitors and Subwoofer Bundle
- Product 1: The reviews speak for themselves!
- Product 1: The only true studio monitor for multimedia, gaming, watching movies, or producing your next hit.
- Product 1: Now comes included with Studio One Prime + Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music production software.
- Product 1: 4.5-inch woven composite drivers produce a more powerful bass response with a more accurate overall sound.
- Product 2: 8-inch, front-firing, paper-composite transducer with high-elasticity rubber surround delivers smooth low-frequency transients.
- Product 2: 100W Class AB amplifier (50W RMS) gives robust output with minimal distortion.
- Product 2: Now comes included with Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music production software.
- Product 2: Input gain control gives -30 dB to +6 dB of continuously variable output.
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 9.68 | Yes | Yes | No |
The first thing you’ll notice is the punchy, controlled low-end that hits you the moment the Eris Sub 8 kicks in. This setup isn't just for bedroom producers. It’s a versatile powerhouse built for everything from high-stakes gaming and cinematic movie watching to professional music production. The 4.5-inch woven composite drivers in the monitors provide an incredibly accurate soundstage, while the 8-inch front-firing subwoofer handles those smooth low-frequency transients with ease. You get a robust 100W Class AB amplifier that delivers massive output without the distortion that usually plagues smaller setups. Plus, the inclusion worth of Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in software makes this an instant, professional-grade workstation right out of the box.
PreSonus Eris E3.5 BT-3.5" Near Field Studio Monitors with Bluetooth & Eris Sub 8 Compact Studio Subwoofer
PreSonus Eris E3.5 Bluetooth Monitors and Eris Sub 8 Subwoofer
- Product 1: The reviews speak for themselves!
- Product 1: The only true studio monitor for multimedia, gaming, watching movies, or producing your next hit.
- Product 1: Now comes included with Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music production software.
- Product 1: 3.5-inch woven composite drivers produce a more powerful bass response with a more accurate overall sound.
- Product 2: 8-inch, front-firing, paper-composite transducer with high-elasticity rubber surround delivers smooth low-frequency transients.
- Product 2: 100W Class AB amplifier (50W RMS) gives robust output with minimal distortion.
- Product 2: Now comes included with Studio One Prime and Studio Magic plug-in suite, over $1000 USD worth of music production software.
- Product 2: Input gain control gives -30 dB to +6 dB of continuously variable output.
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com | 9.68 | Yes | Yes | No |
Most desktop setups rely on muddy, consumer-grade speakers that mask the very details you need to hear, but this PreSonus bundle changes the equation entirely. By pairing the E3.5 Bluetooth monitors with the Eris Sub 8, you transition from casual listening to a true near-field studio environment. The 3.5-inch woven composite drivers deliver surprisingly accurate sound, while the 8-inch front-firing subwoofer provides smooth, low-frequency transients that fill out the bottom end. It is a powerhouse for everything from gaming and movies to professional music production. Plus, the inclusion worth of Studio One Prime and Studio Magic software makes this an instant workstation. With a 100W Class AB amplifier and variable input gain, you get robust, low-distortion output that scales to your specific needs.
PreSonus Pair of Eris E3.5 3.5" 2-Way 25W Nearfield Monitors with Multimedia Keyboard, Optical Mouse, Mouse Pad & Headset Kit for Gamers, Music Creato...
PreSonus Eris E3.5 Nearfield Monitors and Multimedia Bundle
- 50-watt Class AB amplification (25 Watts per speaker) provides plenty of volume and headroom for nearfield monitoring RCA and balanced 1/4" inputs provide all the connections you may need Aux input for connecting your smartphone or media player Acoustic tuning controls let you contour your sound to best meet your mixing environment
- 3.5" woven composite woofers deliver solid low-end sound with minimal bass distortion
- High-Speed 104-Key Membrane Keyboard Includes 10 Multimedia Keys for Accessing Computer, Internet, Email, Search, Calculator & Adjusting Light Mode, Volume +/-, Pause/Play, Stop & Mute | Ergonomically Designed with Smooth, Quiet Clicks, Optimal Tip Angle, Non-Slip Elements & Wrist Support | 4’11” USB 2.0 Cable
- Comfortable Wired Mouse Enables Quick, Precise Cursor Movement with Cool Cracked Paint Pattern, 4 Integrated Buttons, Ambidextrous Styling & Adjustable DPI Settings to Suit a Variety of Gaming Scenarios | Matching Wired Blue Mouse Pad Provides a Smooth, Spacious Surface for Mouse with Gripped Bottom & Durable Edges
- 40mm Driver Stereo Headphones Create an Immersive Multimedia Experience with Crystal Clear Sound, Voice & Music, Booming Bass & Built-In Rotating Microphone for Live Game Play & Best Streaming Performance | Includes Extra Long 6’7” Cord & Adapter Cables for Use with Most Consoles, Cell Phones, Laptops & More
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RitzCamera | 9.66 | No | No | No |
Most desktop setups rely on thin, tinny speakers that mask the true detail of your audio, but the PreSonus Eris E3.5 bundle aims to bring professional-grade clarity to your workspace. These nearfield monitors utilize 50-watt Class AB amplification and 3.5" woven composite woofers to deliver a solid low-end without the usual bass distortion. I found the acoustic tuning controls incredibly helpful for tailoring the sound to my specific room layout. Beyond the audio, this kit is a massive productivity boost, pairing the monitors with an ergonomic 104-key membrane keyboard, a precise cracked-paint pattern mouse, and immersive 40mm driver headphones. It is a comprehensive ecosystem designed to transition seamlessly from focused music production to high-stakes gaming sessions.
PreSonus Eris E4.5BT 4.5-Inch Near Field Studio Monitors with Bluetooth Bundle with Studio Monitor Isolation Pads for 5-Inch Speakers (Pair) and 6 Fee...
PreSonus Eris E4.5BT Bluetooth Studio Monitor Bundle
- Bundle Includes: PreSonus Eris E4.5BT 4.5-Inch Near Field Studio Monitors with Bluetooth, Studio Monitor Isolation Pads for 5-Inch Speakers (Pair), 2 x 1/4 TRS to 1/4 Inch TRS Cable (6-Feet)
- Easy-To-Use Controls: A speaker’s response is affected by where you place it and the acoustics of your space. That’s why Eris E4.5 BT active media reference monitors offer controls to adjust the high- and low-frequency content, ensuring that your Bluetooth speakers always sound their best. A convenient front-panel volume knob sets both the speaker level and the integrated headphone amplifier’s level
- Convenient Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity: Fast, reliable, stereo Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity lets you go wireless, streaming sound from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or another Bluetooth source. Play games, listen to music and even create content wirelessly
- Accuracy Defined: Like all PreSonus speakers, the Eris E4.5 BT offers consistent, accurate listening, with the smooth and even frequency response that has made Eris studio and media reference monitors popular around the world
- Application: Ideal for gaming and home video production
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifestyle by Focus | 9.88 | No | No | No |
Content creators and home gamers demand a level of sonic accuracy that standard computer speakers simply cannot deliver. The PreSonus Eris E4.5BT bundle solves this by providing a complete, ready-to-use setup that bridges the gap between professional monitoring and casual listening. I found the Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity incredibly reliable for streaming tracks from a phone, but the real strength lies in the manual acoustic controls. You can actually tweak the high- and low-frequency response to match your specific room, which is a lifesaver in untreated spaces. The inclusion of isolation pads and TRS cables means you aren't hunting for accessories mid-session. Whether you are mixing video or just want an immersive gaming experience, these monitors offer a smooth, even frequency response that feels remarkably professional for the price point.
PreSonus Eris E5 BT 5.25" Active Media Reference Monitors with Bluetooth (Pair) Bundle with Auray IP-S Isolation Pad (Small, Single) and 10' TRS Audio...
PreSonus Eris E5 BT Bluetooth Active Studio Monitors
- Eris-series speakers have over 12,000 5-star reviews. The only true studio monitor for multimedia, gaming, watching movies, or producing your next hit.
- 100W OF CLASS D POWER. 50 watts of Class-D power for each speaker provides all the volume you want without ever sacrificing tonal balance or audio clarity
- BIG LOW END, COMPACT SIZE. 5.25-inch woven composite drivers product a more powerful bass response accurately and smoothly.
- NATURAL HIGH-FREQUENCY RESPONSE. 1-inch (25 mm) ultra-low mass, silk-dome, high-frequency transducers provide a wide sweet spot for superior stereo imaging
- BLUETOOTH TECHNOLOGY. Bluetooth 5.0 wireless stereo connectivity lets you play audio from smart devices and go cord-free.
| SELLER | SELLER SCORE | AMAZON FULFILLED | PRIME | FREE SHIPPING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kellards | 9.93 | No | No | No |
Your desk setup finally feels complete the moment you hit play on a high-fidelity track through these PreSonus Eris E5 BT monitors. Whether you are deep in a late-night mixing session or just unwinding with a cinematic movie night, the 100W of Class-D power delivers massive volume without losing that crucial tonal balance. I was particularly impressed by how the 5.25-inch woven composite drivers punch through with a surprisingly deep bass response for such a compact footprint. The silk-dome high-frequency transducers create a wide, natural sweet spot that makes stereo imaging feel incredibly immersive. Plus, having Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity means you can easily stream music from your phone without hunting for extra cables, making this bundle a versatile powerhouse for any multimedia workstation.
A Guide to Selecting the Best PreSonus Gaming Monitors
Prioritizing Refresh Rates and Response Times
In the gaming arena, speed is just as important as clarity. The most critical specification to evaluate is the refresh rate, measured in Hertz (Hz). A higher refresh rate allows the monitor to display more frames per second, resulting in much smoother motion and reduced motion blur. For casual gaming, 144Hz is often considered the sweet spot, but competitive players should aim for 240Hz or higher to gain a fractional edge in fast-paced shooters. Complementing this is the response time, typically measured in milliseconds (ms). Look for monitors with a GtG (Gray-to-Gray) response time of 1ms or less. This minimizes 'ghosting'—the trailing effect seen behind moving objects—ensuring that every movement on screen is crisp and immediate.
Panel Technology: IPS vs. VA vs. TN
The type of panel used in your monitor dictates how colors look and how wide your viewing angles are. IPS (In-Plane Switching) panels are the gold standard for gamers who also engage in creative work, such as video editing or digital art, because they offer superior color accuracy and wide viewing angles. VA (Vertical Alignment) panels, on the other hand, excel in contrast ratios, making them ideal for atmospheric, single-player games where deep blacks and bright highlights create a cinematic feel. TN (Twisted Nematic) panels are the legacy choice for hardcore competitive players due to their incredibly fast response times, though they often sacrifice color depth and viewing angles. For a versatile setup, an IPS panel is generally the most recommended choice.
Resolution and Pixel Density
Resolution determines the sharpness of your image. While 1080p (Full HD) remains the standard for high-frame-rate competitive gaming due to the lower strain on your graphics card, 1440p (Quad HD) is becoming the preferred middle ground for enthusiasts. It offers a significant jump in detail without requiring the massive computational power of 4K. If you are playing on a larger screen, such as 27 inches or wider, 1440p is highly recommended to prevent seeing individual pixels. 4K is reserved for those with high-end hardware who prioritize visual fidelity and ultra-fine detail over raw frame rates.
Adaptive Sync Technologies
To prevent screen tearing—a distracting visual glitch where the monitor and graphics card are out of sync—you must look for adaptive sync technology. Whether it is marketed under various proprietary names or as a standard, this technology synchronizes the monitor's refresh rate with the output of your GPU. This ensures that even when your frame rate fluctuates during intense combat, the image remains fluid and unbroken. Always ensure your hardware is compatible with the specific sync standard offered by the monitor to maximize the benefits.
Color Gamut and HDR Capabilities
For gamers who want their worlds to look vibrant and lifelike, color gamut coverage is essential. Look for monitors that cover a high percentage of the sRGB or DCI-P3 color spaces. Furthermore, High Dynamic Range (HDR) support can significantly enhance the visual experience by providing a greater range of brightness and contrast. While entry-level HDR can sometimes feel underwhelming, a monitor with certified HDR capabilities will make sunlight filtering through trees or explosions in a dark corridor look significantly more impactful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Presonus Gaming Monitors before you buy.
Our Analysis of Presonus Gaming Monitors
Top 10 Presonus Gaming Monitors Brands on Amazon
Share of top-ranked products by brand, from our editorial analysis.
What Our Analysis Found
We've carried out a comprehensive analysis of 69,777 reviews on Presonus Gaming Monitors, using our selection criteria to identify the best options in the computers & accessories. Our findings reveal that most customers typically select Presonus Gaming Monitors priced around $154.97.
Our team of expert editors reviewed these high-quality items and handpicked the top 10 Presonus Gaming Monitors for your consideration..
We are dedicated to assisting our users in finding the right monitors Products based on their needs, saving them considerable time when choosing which Presonus Gaming Monitors to buy. We take pride in the number of satisfied users we've helped through our thorough and insightful reviews.
Comparison Table
Compare the top 10 picks at a glance — select a column to sort.