Yamaha’s HS5 and HS8 studio monitors are without a doubt the company’s most popular models. If you’re a producer looking for studio monitors, this article will prove helpful.
We will be comparing these two studio monitors to help you decide which is best for you. Read on!
In summary, even non-professional ears can detect a significant change in audio quality when comparing the HS5 and HS8. But, even when comparing pricing and performance, the HS8 is on top in both aspects and is certainly the better option because it produces superior sounds.
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Yamaha HS5 Powered Studio Monitor | Check Latest Price | |
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YAMAHA HS8 Studio Monitor, Black, 8 Inch | Check Latest Price |
Yamaha HS5
The Yamaha HS5 is a bi-amplified nearfield studio monitor with a 2-way bass-reflex, 1″ dome tweeter, and a 5″ cone woofer. It’s the smallest one in the Yamaha HS series.
Yamaha intends to create a quality, smaller-sized display with newly developed transducers. It’s aimed at both experts and newcomers. This serves a big purpose, offering a balanced sound at an inexpensive price.
If you’re interested in reading more about the Yamaha HS series, you can visit the Yamaha website for more information here.
What’s in the box?
- Yamaha HS5.
- Power Cable.
- Documentation.
Sound quality
Yamaha’s HS5 sounds amazing, but they do have flaws. The mids and highs have so much clarity, with a flat and neutral response, perfect for musicians who want to mix and master their work.
If you’re using low-quality studio monitors, pinpointing flaws in your mixes can be challenging. You will not be disappointed with these. However, some producers may be disappointed by its poor frequency response.
The acclaim for these speakers may come as a surprise if you’re used to standard Hi-Fi systems. Remember, studio monitors are used for monitoring your audio in its purest form, unlike Hi-Fi systems or regular home speakers.
Build quality
The HS5 fits into even the smallest control room, measuring only 6.7″ x 11.25″ x 8.75″ (WxHxD) and weighing only 11.7 pounds. Its room control filters provide 2 or 4dB low-frequency shelving below 500 Hz when activated.
These controls compensate for speaker-boundary effects that would otherwise muddy low-frequency response when the monitor is placed near a wall.
The HS5 has a bi-amplified 5″ woofer and 1″ dome tweeter, allowing a stereo pair of these speakers to be quite loud. Its woofer is powered by a 45W amplifier, while a 25W amplifier drives the tweeter with a continuously changing level control.
Alternate input is provided by balanced XLR and TRS connectors, the latter of which can receive unbalanced signals.
Key Features
- A 2-way bass reflex.
- Bi-amplified nearfield studio monitor.
- 5″ cone woofer.
- 1″ dome tweeter.
- The frequency response is 54Hz to 30kHz.
- Room control.
- High trim response controls.
- XLR and TRS compatible with balanced and unbalanced signals via phone jack inputs.
Setting Up
Below is a step-by-step guide to help you set up your studio monitors. If you prefer to follow along with a video, you can watch this tutorial on YouTube.
Things You’ll Need:
- Yamaha HS5.
- Audio interface.
- Monitor/Speaker stands.
- Audio cables.
- Power cable.
1. Get Away From The Walls And Corners
Set up your monitor stands on the booths sides of your computer. Assuming your computer should already be near a wall, a balanced listening position is found near the center of a wall. Make sure your speakers are at the same distance from the room’s walls.
If your left speaker is six feet away from the left-side wall and two feet from the back wall, your right speaker should be symmetrically opposite.
Make sure your speakers aren’t too close to the walls. Sound waves hit the wall and reflect on you, creating phase cancellation and possibly hazardous acoustic interactions.
These instances can be prevented by a distance of eight to twelve inches, which isn’t always practicable. However, there are other ways of dealing with crowded mixing areas.
Putting some distance between your speakers and the walls has the added benefit of allowing you easy access to the back of your setup, which is always a good thing. Avoid placing your desk in a corner as much as possible to avoid the bass buildup that occurs when two shiny surfaces collide.
2. Set The Proper Monitor Orientation
Yamaha has advised that the HS5 be mounted vertically. It’s useful to note that when studio monitors are horizontally oriented, their audio forms a mirror image of one another, with the tweeters on the outside.
Many studio monitors are not meant to be set horizontally because this can damage the stereo image. So make sure to check the documentation that comes in the box carefully.
You should always feel free to explore, regardless of whether the manufacturer suggests horizontal or vertical positioning. Even if it’s not the manufacturer’s recommendation, you can find that you prefer the sound of different orientations in your room.
3. Set The Proper Height
The high-frequency driver’s height should be the same as your ears. High-frequency information is far more targeted than content with a low frequency.
As a result, if high frequencies are directed at your ear, you will better understand what is going on. Sit down and line your ears with the middle of the tweeter once you’ve found the perfect place.
In some cases, especially with large speakers, the vertical placement of the speakers causes the tweeter to be too high over your ears. One approach is to invert both monitor speakers to see the tweeters on the bottom. It may seem unusual at first, but it works.
You can read more about setting the right speaker height here.
4. Connect Your Audio Interface
Next, ensure that your computer has the appropriate drivers installed, and your audio interface is connected.
Before you connect your monitors, turn down the gain/volume on your audio interface and studio monitors to avoid harsh feedback when the cable and the input ports make contact. Don’t connect your studio monitors to the power socket yet.
Typically, audio interfaces label the line inputs as left or right, so make sure you plug each monitor into its respective port. You should connect your right monitor to the right input, and you should connect the left monitor to the left input.
5. Power Your Yamaha HS5
Now that your audio interface and studio monitors are set up, it’s time to plug your Yamaha HS5 into the power socket and flip the switch to turn it on.
Finally, you can turn the gain on your audio interface to a comfortable level and play sounds or start producing music. Feel free to adjust the gain on your interface and monitors to fit your tastes.
Is the Yamaha HS5 Good for Mixing?
The Yamaha HS5 is an excellent monitor for any intermediate or beginner producer looking to get a solid audio mix. It has a crisp and clear sound thanks to its incredible capabilities.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Clear and flat.
- Elegant and eye-catching design.
- Excellent construction quality.
- Perfect for mixing and mastering.
- Installation version available.
Cons
- Low End is not great.
- Doesn’t come with audio cables.
Yamaha HS8
The Yamaha HS8 is the closest speaker to the Yamaha NS10 and is an excellent monitor for studio recording, whether in a home or a professional studio. Like the Yamaha NS10, this speaker provides unrivaled clarity, allowing you to hear every detail, both good and poor.
There’s also no need for a subwoofer due to the bass reflex system and the 8-inch, 75-watt cone woofer. Generally, if you like the Yamaha NS10 and seek a more modern option, the Yamaha HS8 is a great choice.
What’s in the box?
- Yamaha HS8.
- Power Cable.
- Documentation.
Sound quality
The HS8, especially the smaller HS5 variant, provides amazing sound quality. It’s a clear difference between the low-end and the high-end. The bass, which has a strong and satisfying wallop, is handled well.
These may be used without a subwoofer with ease. This will gratify you if you enjoy bass-heavy music. It’s not just about the low end, though. The highs and mids are also fantastic. Mid frequencies are warm and have a lot of depth, and the highs are light and airy.
Its frequency balance is very good, with a nice flat response. You’ll be able to hear where your mix needs adjustment if you’re mixing and mastering your songs.
Yamaha, without a doubt, knows what they’re doing. Some speakers cost twice as much as these and still don’t give the same level of clarity and precision.
Build quality
Yamaha is well-versed in the production of high-quality speakers. These speakers are made to last a long time. The body is a dense MDF board, making the speakers more tough and lasting, reducing resonance.
Additionally, Yamaha has transferred their piano design expertise to the Yamaha HS8. A three-way mitered junction is included for additional resonance suppression. The end product is a sturdy speaker that actively contributes to sound improvement.
Key Features
- 8” Cone Woofer.
- 1” Dome Tweeter.
- Combined 120-Watt Amplification.
- 38Hz – 30kHz Frequency Range.
- 2-Way Bass Reflex System.
- Room Control.
- High Trim Control.
- MDF Enclosure.
Setting Up
Setting up your Yamaha HS8 is pretty much the same as other studio monitors. Once again, if you prefer to follow along with a video tutorial, you can check out the link mentioned before.
Things You’ll Need:
- Yamaha HS8.
- Audio interface.
- Monitor/Speaker stands.
- Audio cables.
- Power cable.
1. Get Away From The Walls And Corners
Place your stands on the computer’s left and right sides. Make sure your speakers are all at the same distance from the room’s walls. Your right speaker should be positioned symmetrically opposite your left speaker, which should be six feet from the left-side wall and two feet from the back wall.
2. Set The Proper Monitor Orientation
Yamaha recommends mounting the HS8 vertically when studio monitors are positioned horizontally. Their audio forms a mirror image of one another, with the tweeters on the exterior.
Many studio monitors are not designed horizontally and will distort the stereo image. As a result, double-check the paperwork included with the box.
3. Set The Proper Height
When you’re seated normally, the height of the high-frequency driver should be the same as your ears. Content with a high frequency is considerably more targeted than content with a low frequency.
4. Connect Your Audio Interface
Next, ensure your computer is linked to your audio interface and has the necessary drivers loaded. Do not plug in your studio monitors to the power outlet yet.
Ensure that each monitor is connected to the correct port. You should connect your right monitor to the right input, and you should connect your left monitor to the left input.
5. Power Your Yamaha HS8
It’s time to plug your Yamaha HS8 into the wall outlet and turn it on. Set your monitors’ gain to 0dB or regular gain/volume.
Finally, set the gain on your audio interface to a comfortable setting and start listening to or creating music. Adjust the gain on your interface and monitors to suit your preferences.
Is the Yamaha HS8 Good for Mixing?
They sound perfect for mixing. Audio translates well and eliminates the need for “trial and error” in mixing. The Yamaha HS8 not only provides a clear picture of what you’re working with during the mixing process, but it also sounds pleasant enough to listen to casually.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent clarity.
- Solid bass output.
- Well built.
- Good range of tuning options.
- Install options available.
Cons
- Not budget-friendly.
Which is better?
There’s no clear winner between these two studio monitors because each has its uses, strengths, and weaknesses. However, the Yamaha HS8 is clearly superior in flexibility, sound quality, and overall performance. It has more versatility and may be used as a house speaker and a professional studio monitor.
In fact, The HS5 and HS8 are nearly identical in terms of build and design. Still, the HS8 offers the higher sound quality, indicating that it is well worth the extra money considering its high price.
What does Room Control do for Yamaha HS5 and Yamaha HS8?
The ROOM CONTROL switch reduces low frequencies below 500 Hz by -2dB or 4dB. They take a wide range of sources thanks to balanced XLR and TRS inputs, which is where you’ll plug in your mixer, audio interface, or HS8S subwoofer.
Conclusion
The Yamaha HS8 comes out on top because it has adaptability and functionality. However, whether you’re a beginner producer or have a limited budget, the Yamaha HS5 might be good enough.
