Home Studio Monitors Unveiling Audio Excellence: Yamaha NS10M Review – The Studio Legend

Unveiling Audio Excellence: Yamaha NS10M Review – The Studio Legend

by Stuart Charles Black
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Greetings mate and Welcome aboard!

Stuart Charles here, HomeStudioBasics.com helping YOU make sound decisions, so…

Exploring the world of audio equipment can be an exciting journey, and sometimes, unexpected opportunities arise that allow us to experience legendary gear firsthand.

In my case, I had the unique privilege of getting up close and personal with a pair of Yamaha NS10M studio monitor speakers, all thanks to an unexpected source: my mom’s husband.

These iconic speakers have left an indelible mark on the music industry, and having the chance to try them out provided a glimpse into the world of professional audio production.

In this exploration, I’ll share my firsthand experience with the Yamaha NS10Ms and delve into what makes them so renowned among audio enthusiasts and professionals alike.

So let’s delve into the story of an unassuming speaker that became a legend.

The Birth of the Yamaha NS10M

The NS10M was introduced in the late 1970s by Yamaha Corporation, a Japanese conglomerate known for its musical instruments, audio equipment, and other consumer electronics.

The NS10M was not initially designed as a studio monitor; instead, it was marketed as a bookshelf speaker for home audio use.

Accidental Discovery

The NS10M’s rise to fame was largely accidental.

In the early 1980s, a few recording engineers, most notably Bob Clearmountain and Chris Lord-Alge, began using the NS10Ms as secondary speakers in their studio setups.

They found that the NS10M had a unique and uncolored sound profile that allowed them to hear imperfections and nuances in their mixes that other speakers couldn’t reveal.

These engineers began recommending the NS10M to their colleagues, and its popularity grew within the recording community.

Characteristics that Set it Apart

The NS10M’s popularity as a studio monitor can be attributed to several characteristics:

Flat Response

The NS10M had a relatively flat frequency response, which made it ideal for critical listening and mixing tasks.

It didn’t embellish or mask audio flaws, forcing engineers to address issues in their recordings..

Do keep in mind that the NS10 isn’t completely neutral, but it places emphasis on areas that are mandatory in getting a mix to sound right.

Speaking of…

Mid-range Emphasis

Its mid-range frequencies were particularly pronounced, making it easier to hear vocal and instrument details, which are often critical in music production.

Lack of Bass

The NS10M had a limited bass response, which helped engineers focus on low-end frequencies separately, often using dedicated subwoofers.

Durability

Built to last, NS10Ms were known for their robust construction and reliability.

This makes sense; my mom’s husband has owned his pair since the 80s and they are still incredibly pristine-looking and in fantastic overall shape.

Ubiquity in Recording Studios

As more and more engineers adopted the NS10M, it became a fixture in recording studios worldwide.

Its distinctive white-coned speakers and black cabinets were instantly recognizable, and it was often found perched on mixing consoles.

Legacy and Influence

The Yamaha NS10M’s impact on the music industry is immeasurable.

Its neutral and revealing sound signature forced engineers to improve the quality of their recordings and mixes.

Countless hit albums from the 1980s and beyond were mixed using NS10Ms, making it a symbol of that era’s music production.

Despite its discontinuation in the early 2000s, the NS10M’s legacy lives on, and vintage models remain highly sought after by recording enthusiasts and collectors.

My Experience

Yamaha NS10M Review

My experience with the NS10 was a testament to its legendary status in the world of audio production.

These speakers are often described as mostly flat and uncolored, and my time with them confirmed this reputation.

They were flat almost to a fault, revealing every nuance, flaw, and imperfection in the audio source.

Again, keep in mind parts of the mid-range are not completely neutral, but this is actually a good thing as it helps differentiate between important parts of the frequency response.

The NS10Ms were not known for delivering a lush or bass-heavy sound; in fact, they often left me wanting more in the low-end department.

However, it’s precisely this lack of bass and their honest, unforgiving nature that makes them invaluable as reference monitors.

They force you to address issues in your mix and truly understand your music’s balance.

That said, if you plan to purchase them, definitely set aside some cash for a subwoofer unless you want to cry yourself to sleep at night. xD

While they may not be everyone’s cup of tea, their very unique sound signature ensures that users, whether professionals or audiophiles, are well-prepared for the distinctive and unapologetic world of the Yamaha NS10M.

Mid-Range

The mid-range frequencies are the essence of music, encompassing the richness of vocals, the intricacies of guitar solos, and the warmth of pianos.

In the world of audio production, a precise and uncolored representation of the mid-range is paramount.

This is where the Yamaha NS10M studio monitor speakers truly shine.

With their almost surgical precision in reproducing mid-range frequencies, these iconic monitors become invaluable tools for engineers and producers.

They reveal every subtlety and detail, allowing professionals to fine-tune their mixes and ensure that every element sits perfectly in the sonic landscape.

The NS10s’ mastery of the mid-range is not just about accuracy; it’s about uncovering the soul of the music.

They provide an unfiltered window into what’s happening in this critical frequency range, making them an essential reference point in any studio.

While they may not be known for their bass prowess or visual appeal, their unmatched ability to capture the essence of music in the mid-range cements their legacy as a must-have tool for those who are passionate about crafting exceptional soundscapes.

The NS10Ms are Passive Monitors

Yamaha NS10M Review

If you’re looking to snag a pair of these online, be aware that they are passive.

Passive vs. Active Speakers

Passive Speakers

Separate Amplification: Passive speakers, like the Yamaha NS10M, require an external amplifier to power them. The speakers themselves do not have built-in amplifiers.

Flexibility: This separation of amplifier and speaker allows users to select amplifiers with specific characteristics that match their preferences or the requirements of their audio setup.

Customization: Users can choose amplifiers with various power ratings, features, and tonal qualities, giving them greater control over their sound.

Active Speakers

Built-in Amplification: Active speakers, such as the Yamaha HS7, have amplifiers built directly into the speaker cabinets.

This integration simplifies setup, as users don’t need an external amplifier.

Compact and Convenient: Active speakers are more compact and convenient, making them ideal for smaller studios or portable setups.

Matched Components: The amplifier is usually optimized for the specific speaker driver, ensuring a seamless synergy between the two.

Need for Separate Amplification (Passive Speakers)

Power Handling: As mentioned, passive speakers require an external amplifier to provide sufficient power for optimal performance.

This power handling capacity is often expressed in watts and dictates the speaker’s ability to handle both low and high-volume audio signals without distortion or damage.

Control and Tuning: By selecting an amplifier separately, users can fine-tune the sound to their liking.

They can choose amplifiers with different tonal characteristics, equalization options, and even use external processors for more advanced control.

Scalability: Passive speaker systems can be easily scaled to accommodate larger spaces or more demanding audio requirements by selecting amplifiers with higher wattage.

Repair and Upgrades: Passive speakers are typically easier to repair and upgrade.

If an amplifier fails, it can be replaced without having to discard the entire speaker system.

Users can also upgrade individual components to improve sound quality.

Passive Speaker Design

Crossover Networks: Passive speakers often include crossover networks, which separate audio signals into different frequency bands and direct them to the appropriate drivers (e.g., tweeters for high frequencies, and woofers for low frequencies).

Crossovers are typically built into the speaker cabinet and are designed to work seamlessly with the speaker’s drivers.

Driver Matching: Passive speakers are carefully designed to match specific drivers (woofers, tweeters, etc.) to create a balanced and coherent sound.

This driver matching is critical for accurate audio reproduction.

Cost and Maintenance: Passive speaker systems can be more cost-effective and easier to maintain in the long run since users can replace individual components as needed without discarding the entire speaker.

The choice between passive and active speakers depends on various factors, including the user’s specific audio needs, preferences, and budget.

Passive speakers with separate amplification offer greater flexibility, customization, and control over the audio system, making them the preferred options for many audiophiles and professional audio engineers.

However, active speakers provide a more convenient and compact solution suitable for smaller setups or users looking for a straightforward plug-and-play experience.

Ultimately, the decision should align with the intended use and desired level of control over the audio system.

Closing Thoughts

If you’re looking for an alternative to the NS10M and don’t want to purchase a separate amp, I may suggest the Yamaha HS7s pictured above.

Recommended: Yamaha HS7 Review: Unveiling Studio Precision

The Yamaha NS10M is a story of a seemingly ordinary speaker that found its way into recording studios and changed the way music was produced.

Its mostly flat response, mid-range emphasis, and unique character made it an indispensable tool for engineers and a symbol of the golden age of music production.

Their revealing nature, while sometimes perceived as almost too accurate, has made them iconic reference monitors in recording studios around the globe.

Their lack of bass and unforgiving character challenge engineers and producers to create the best possible mixes.

Despite not being known for their pleasing aesthetics or sound, the NS10Ms have become a symbol of authenticity and accuracy in the music industry.

While they may not be the ideal choice for all listening purposes, their unique sound signature and historical significance ensure that they will continue to be revered and remembered for years to come.

Well that’s about it for today my friend! I hope you’ve enjoyed this Yamaha NS10M Review and came away with some valuable insight.

Questions? Comments? Requests? Did I miss the mark on something? Please let me know down below or Contact me!!

Are you looking to purchase a pair of these? I would love to hear from you. Until next time..

All the best and God bless,

 

 

-Stu

[Xtr@Ba$eHitZ]

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