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Do you need a reliable and honest review of the Yamaha HS5 monitors? Look no further! With decades of experience in audio engineering and production, the author brings their expertise to evaluate the I/O, controls, power, frequency response, build quality, and more.
Find out if the HS5 monitors are suitable for your needs, with adjustable controls to compensate for room acoustics and a flat frequency response.
Read on to discover the verdict and if the Yamaha HS5 monitors are worth the investment!
Key Takeaways
- The Yamaha HS5 monitors are suitable for mixing purposes, but not recommended for casual mixing or lightweight creative endeavors.
- The monitors are designed to reveal flaws in mixes rather than sound good, with a flat frequency response being a positive feature.
- The HS5 monitors have a bass-shy sound and may require a subwoofer for a fuller low-end response.
- The Yamaha HS5 monitors have balanced TRS and XLR inputs, as well as Room Control and High Trim filters for adjusting the sound to the environment.
About the Author
You can trust the author’s expertise when it comes to evaluating the Yamaha HS5 monitors—he’s a producer and audio engineer with decades of experience. He’s worked with many monitoring systems, from Genelec to Neumann, Adam Audio, Focal, JBL, and Yamaha.
His knowledge of gear and recording techniques gives him a unique perspective on the Yamaha HS5. He’s a reliable source of credibility and expertise when it comes to reviewing the HS5. He’s well-versed in the nuances of the different monitoring systems, and can provide insight into the nuances of the Yamaha HS5.
His experience in the audio industry gives him a unique perspective when evaluating the Yamaha HS5.
Final Verdict
Having considered the author’s expertise and the features of the Yamaha HS5, the final verdict on these monitors is that they’re suitable for mixing purposes, but not recommended for casual mixing or lightweight creative endeavors.
Sound quality is good with a flat frequency response and a peak between 650 Hz and 1.3 kHz. The Room Control and High Trim filters help compensate for room acoustics, while the build quality is solid and durable.
Pros include a sleek design and portability, while the cons include a bass-shy response that may require a subwoofer.
Power and Frequency Response
It offers a frequency response of 74 Hz to 25 kHz at -3 dB, but its bass response starts to roll off around 200 Hz. The Yamaha HS5 also has a notable peak between 650 Hz and 1.3 kHz, followed by a sudden drop-off. To understate vocal sibilance, there’s a small dip around 710 kHz.
While the range of frequencies is good, the bass response is bass-shy and may require a subwoofer for a fuller low-end. The HS5 also has balanced TRS and XLR inputs, and features a Room Control switch for low-cut below 500 Hz, as well as a High Trim filter to cut frequencies above 2 kHz.
All these features allow for greater flexibility in adjusting the sound to the environment.
I/O and Controls
Continuing on from the power and frequency response, the HS5 offers balanced TRS and XLR inputs for greater control. These I/O options provide flexibility and allow you to adjust the sound to the environment.
The Room Control switch gives you the ability to cut low frequencies below 500 Hz, while the High Trim filter cuts frequencies above 2 kHz. The control features of the HS5 make it easier to compensate for room acoustics and get the most out of the sound.
The thoughtful design and inclusion of these features make the HS5 a great choice for professional mixing and recording.
Build Quality
Carrying on the classic look and design of older Yamaha monitors, the HS5 features a boxy cabinet and white cone design that’s both stylish and durable. Its solid and sturdy construction ensures long-lasting use and its portability makes it easy to transport.
Along with the classic design, the HS5 offers alternative color schemes to customize its look and fit any space. The enclosure is constructed from MDF and is designed to reduce resonance and unwanted sound coloration. The connection options include balanced TRS and XLR inputs which offer flexibility and are suitable for many environments.
The HS5 also includes a Room Control switch for low-cut below 500 Hz and a High Trim filter to cut frequencies above 2 kHz, allowing you to adjust the sound to the environment.
Setup Tips
Setting up the Yamaha HS5 monitors for optimal performance requires some consideration.
Placement is key, so make sure to place the monitors away from any walls, corners, and other reflective surfaces.
Monitor positioning should be slightly angled towards the listener and at ear-level for the best sound quality.
When it comes to room acoustics, treat your room with acoustic foam and panels to reduce sound reflections and create an optimal listening environment.
Make sure the monitors are equidistant from each other and from the listening position for a balanced sound.
Alternatives
For those who want a different sound, there are plenty of alternatives to the Yamaha HS5. When comparing monitors, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of each model.
For example, the JBL LSR305 has a frequency response of 43 Hz to 24 kHz, offering a fuller low-end response than the Yamaha HS5. The LSR305 also has a larger sweet spot and a more pronounced mid-range, but lacks the clarity of the HS5.
The Focal Alpha 65 is another viable option, boasting a frequency response of 45 Hz to 20 kHz and four selectable EQ settings. The Alpha 65 has a tight and accurate low-end response, but doesn’t provide the same level of detail as the HS5.
Ultimately, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences before making a decision.
Conclusion
Overall, the Yamaha HS5 monitors are a great choice for any producer or audio engineer looking for accurate sound reproduction. With a flat frequency response and adjustable controls, you can compensate for room acoustics and get the sound you’re looking for.
The build quality is solid and the I/O and controls are user-friendly. Setup is easy and the included tips will help get you up and running quickly.
If you’re looking for an affordable, reliable studio monitoring system, the Yamaha HS5s are an excellent option.
I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!