Yamaha HS5 MP Matched Pair Active Monitors Overview
Building on the astounding success of the Yamaha HS Series, used in studios throughout the world, Yamaha present a new special edition that brings previously unheard of accuracy to your mixes - the HS Matched Pair monitors. In order to give you the best performance possible, the special edition HS MP speakers use specially selected components to match the performance of the speakers in each pair to each other as closely as possible, just like in an expensive matched pair of microphones! In addition, the serial numbers of the speakers in each pair will be consecutive.
In creating these matched pairs, Yamaha have managed to actually improve the performance of some of the world’s best loved studio monitors.
If you’re starting to get serious about your mixes, the Yamaha HS series is by far and away one of the top choices. Whilst lesser speakers can inhibit the quality of your mix by enhancing the bass or colouring your music’s character in some way, the defining and most appealing quality of the HS Series is how accurately and precisely it represents your music.
Don’t mistake the honest nature of this range for inferior quality, the HS Series is renowned for its excellent signal reproduction, superior sound and high-performance. The fact that they are utilised in professional studios all over the world is a testament to this.
The HS5 range features the same pro-level features and quality of the slightly bigger HS range, with a 5” cone woofer and 1” dome tweeter, 54Hz - 30kHz frequency response, 45W LF plus 25W HF bi-amp system, 70W power amplification, ROOM CONTROL and HIGH TRIM response controls, XLR and TRS phone jack inputs.
Low and midrange frequencies are tight and defined thanks to the 5-inch ultra-responsive woofer - don’t be fooled by its size! The 1-inch dome tweeter is responsible for the HS5’s glistening top-end. The HS range’s innovative bi-amped design features an individual amp for the woofer and the tweeter, which ensures high-definition sound. This technology combined with the flat-response of the HS Series means you have a speaker that sounds amazing with a clean and true tone.
The HS5’s state-of-the-art design eliminates undesirable resonant frequencies and reduces vibration, resulting in a pristine sound that is perfect for detailed mixing of complex arrangements. The sturdy MDF construction guarantees durability and boasts a damped acoustic response, with unwanted noise further reduced by the rear speaker port.
The HS range can adapt to any room environment thanks to a Level control located on the back as well as handy switches that let you adjust the high frequencies (High Trim) and reduce unnatural low frequencies if you place your monitors close to walls (Room Control).
The versatility of the HS Series is topped off by Yamaha’s inclusion of XLR and TRS jack which enable them to be used with a wide variety of sound sources such as interfaces, mixers and keys.
If you require extended low frequency response or speakers that are a bit more suited to larger rooms, check out the HS7 and HS8 versions (as they feature slightly larger woofer cones) and the HS8S subwoofer for studio-shaking bass!
Overview by Yamaha
The Yamaha HS5 is the second generation of ‘HS’ near-field reference monitors, like the models before them, share the same design philosophy and concepts as the industry standard and legendary NS-10M studio monitors. The Yamaha HS5 provide accurate signal reproduction and superior sound quality.
Ever since the 1970’s the iconic white woofer and signature sound of Yamaha’s near-field reference monitors have become a genuine industry standard for a reason—their accuracy.
Unlike studio monitors with added bass or treble frequencies which may sound more flattering at first, HS Series speakers were designed to give you the most honest, precise reference possible, providing an ideal sonic platform to build on throughout the mixing process. By combining acquired knowledge and expertise with state-of-the-art sound technologies, Yamaha’s speaker engineering team have examined, then optimised, every aspect that has contributed to making these monitors the most trusted in the business.
The second generation HS Series also adds a new 6.5” model to the lineup, bringing its exceptional accuracy to an even greater variety of recording environments.
2-way bass-reflex bi-amplified near-field studio monitor with 5” cone woofer and 1” dome tweeter, 54Hz - 30kHz frequency response, 45W LF plus 25W HF bi-amp system for high-performance, 70W power amplification, ROOM CONTROL and HIGH TRIM response controls, XLR and TRS phone jack inputs.
We recently sat down with one of our ProAudio specialists to go through some of our customers frequently asked questions. Here’s some of the feedback:
What input connectors do the Yamaha HS5’s have?
The Yamaha HS series provides you with Male XLR and 1/4 Stereo Jack inputs on the rear panel.
How loud is a pair of the Yamaha HS5’s?
The Yamaha HS5’s features a 45W LF woofer and a 25W HF tweeter. Together, each speaker has a 70W output or 140W as a pair.
Will they suit a small studio?
Yes, the Yamaha HS5’s are ideal for small commercial or home-based studios confined by space or noise spill.
Are they available in different colours?
Yes. The Yamaha HS series also comes in white!
See HERE: https://www.gak.co.uk/en/yamaha-hs5-active-monitor-white-single/93139
Are they Bluetooth?
No. There is no onboard Bluetooth as of yet, however, they can be used with external Bluetooth devices to be used wirelessly.
What style of music do they suit best?
Much like the Yamaha HS’s ‘big brother’, the NS10s, the HS series can be used for all styles.
The unforgiving and uncomplimentary nature of these monitors makes them ideal for problem-finding and referencing. Unlike studio monitors with boosted bass or treble frequencies, which may sound more flattering at first, HS Series speakers were designed to give you the most honest, precise reference possible across all styles of music.
Having said this, my. personal opinion is that the Yamahas truly shine on instrument-based music like Rock, Indie and Pop
What Frequency range do the Yamaha HS5’s cover?
The HS5’s range from 54Hz to 30kHz. The high-end control of these monitors is next to none at this price range!
What is Room Control and High Trim?
On the rear panel, you will find ROOM CONTROL and HIGH TRIM. These allow you to adjust the performance of your monitors to better suit your space.
Room Control is used to adjust the bass performance depending on how close your speakers are to the wall. 0 is no attenuation (reduction of amplitude). -2 and -4 attenuate the low end from 500hz down by either 2db or 4db. I recommend you find a song you know really well, then find which setting works best for your ears and space.
High Trim is used for boosting or cutting the HS5’s response 2dB above 2kHz, to adjust accordingly for a dull (boost) or live (cut) space.
Do I need a Subwoofer?
You do not need a Subwoofer with these monitors, however, it is advised if you want an extra level of control over the bass response.
The Yamaha HS8S Subwoofer is ideal for those of you who desire the signature flat-frequency character of Yamaha’s nearfield reference monitors, yet would like to hear more bass than is provided by just the HS monitors alone. This could be the case with bass-driven genres like Electronic music for instance.
Bass Extension with HS8S - 22Hz
Bass Extension without HS8S - 54Hz
