52
Yamaha NS-10M
$550.00
Released January, 1982
The Pros:Standard equipment in recording studios. Widely popular among audio professionals. They are flat, which is how you want to mix. trust me, if you mix too hot, ( low/hi) you'll be sorry.
The Cons:Limited frequency response - especially on low end. Cardboard woofer. No longer being produced.
The Yamaha NS-10M studio reference monitor speaker (aka NS10M) is widely popular amongst audio professionals, and is notorious for its very flat frequency response even to the point that they are not pleasant to listen to.
The wants and needs of the audio engineer are different than the typical consumer, so this is a welcome thing as the NS-10M monitors will reveal the truth of mix. The NS-10M studio monitors are almost an industry standard for mixing and are easily recognized by their standout white mid-range driver.
Features
- 2-way studio reference speaker
- mid/woofer: 18 cm (7") sheet-formed white-cone
- tweeter: 3.5 cm soft dome dome tweeter
- frequency response: 60 Hz - 20 kHz
- input power: rated for 25 Watts (max. 50 Watts)
- impedance: 8 ohms
- sensitivity: 90 dB SPL (1W, 1m, on axis)
- crossover point: 2 kHz (12 dB/oct)
- enclosure: wood, black finish
- volume: 34 L
- dimensions: 382 x 215 x 198 mm (15" x 8-1/2" x 7-7/8")
- weight: 6.3 kg (13 lbs 14 oz)
- price: ~$550
Tissue Paper Phenomenom
Engineers unhappy with the "ugliness" of tHe NS-10M speakers in their studio have devised a scheme in which they cover the tweeter driver with tissue paper to reduce some of the high frequencies, giving them a warmer sound. Bob Hodas has done an in-depth analysis of this practice. A redesigned NS-10M Studio model appeared later that rectified the problem with the tweeter, making the tissue paper solution obsolete.
Availability
Originally released circa 1982, Yamaha discontinued the production of the Yamaha NS-10M speakers (somewhere before 2003, reference needed), and replaced them with the Yamaha MSP5, and Yamaha MSP10 studio monitors. In spite of being discontinued, the NS-10M are still widely used in studios and even won Yamaha Corporation a Grammy in 2007 for their technical excellence and impact on the recording industry. You can find them online sold as a balanced pair on eBay selling for around $550.
User Reviews (29)
Pros & Cons
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9
Standard equipment in recording studios
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5
widely popular among audio professionals
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4
they are flat, which is how you want to mix. trust me, if you mix too hot, ( low/hi) you'll be sorry
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3
Creates great sounding mixes in the studio
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3
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3
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3
won a grammy technical award
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2
reflects the most basic/common listening experience
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2
it lacks the bass, but it truly reflects what
your mix will sound like on a common user's player
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2
Mixes transfer to consumer systems well when mixed on NS10M speakers. They help you concentrate on the midrange.
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1
Much flatter frequency response when used with well matched amplifier. Quad or Bryston.
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6
Limited frequency response - especially on low end
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5
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5
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4
poor value - can purchase higher quality monitors for the price
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4
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3
designed by Yamaha as a medium quality Hi Fi speaker
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2
Not suitable for everyday listening
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1
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-7
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