| User Review | | Sound Quality | | 8 | | Ease of use | | 10 | | Features | | 9 | | Bang for buck | | 9 | |
Score: 90%
|  Yamaha HS80M | | Yamaha HS80M
The Yamaha HS80M monitors throw a nod to the classic NS-10 monitors. The white cones, black enclosures and honest referencing are the features that will immediately remind you of the classics. But the HS80M is a newer version - featuring new updates...
The monitors are powered, with 120 watts of bi-amped power for the 8 inch woofer (75w) and 1 inch tweeter (45w). The monitors accept input from both balanced and unbalanced XLR and TRS signals. Also found on the rear of each monitor is a flexible EQ section. This includes four parts: Mid EQ, Room Control, High Trim and Low Cut. Boosts and cuts can be made here to help fine tune your listening environment. Or one can choose to leave the settings in the "flat" position, to neutralize the monitors from influencing a tuned room.
Overall, in my experience these monitors are simple, and provide easy listening. Clarity has not been a problem. For around $350 each (retail) they represent the leader in my mind for value and performance in the "Under $1,000/pair" category. Compared to other monitors in this category in a head to head listening situation, I noticed that the HS80M's were not as beautiful in the high mids. They were not harsh, by any means, but not as enjoyably pristine. In mixes, I've found no problems with this range of frequencies. Ear fatigue has not been an issue, even after extended sessions.
Low end: The 8 inch woofer certainly helps the user find those low end frequencies easier, with the HS80M capable of reproducing tones from 42Hz to 20kHz. After studying some reference tracks and listening to the low end on these monitors, I was able to reproduce a nice bass and kick sounds without much guessing-burning CD-running to the car-etc... It is nice to be able to trust your monitors and ears in this regard.
CONCLUSION: While the Yamaha HS80M are not the most fantastic sounding monitors available in their price range, they are tremendous for performing their specific duty: producing a listening experience that allows the engineer to produce a mix that will translate well to other systems/environments. They truly follow in the footsteps of the NS-10, by the old mantra: "If it sounds good on the HS80M's then it will sound good anywhere." And being able to trust a mix, it is a benefit that an engineer cannot overlook. | | | | | | | User review | | Sound Quality | | 3 | | Ease of use | | 10 | | Features | | 1 | | Bang for buck | | 3 | |
Score: 43%
|
| Lamer NS-10s
These arnt worth it. They are trying to sound like NS-10s but there more expensive and they don't sound like NS-10s. If your looking at these you might as well just go on eBay and find an old pair of NS-10s and call it good. | | | | | | I don't think these are trying to sound like ns-10's. They evoke the look of the older speakers but I think they were going for a better overall sound. Flatter and easier to work on, instead of being a "real world reference."
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using Gearslutz.com | | | | | | User review | | Sound Quality | | 8 | | Ease of use | | 10 | | Features | | 8 | | Bang for buck | | 10 | |
Score: 90%
|
| sound great
picked these up about two months ago. they are quite large and heavy monitors but are built to last.
so much value for money with these monitors. picked them up for $800 and they sound great. really flat and clear response which helps your mixes translate well. would recommend for anyone looking for monitors under $1000. although there is the option to purchase a yamaha subwoofer, the 8 inch cones provide plenty of bass without sounding muddy. the frequency range is large from 42hz to 20khz, which may be a problem for really small rooms. although at the back of the monitors are eq controls; mid eq, room control and high trim. this allows for control of the eq for rooms that can't afford proper treatment, so may still have frequency issues.i haven't had any issues with ear fatigue regardless of the fact that many claim the highs are harsh.
about the comparisons to the ns10s, yamaha are not trying to make them sound the same, they have improved them while still maintaining the key feature of the ns10s, the fact that the mixes translate well to many environments. the yamahas are very solidly built, the tweeters have a metal grill. they are also magnetically shielded.
would like to finish by saying that these are very clear monitors and great for people starting out as they will help produce great mixes due to everything sounding flat on them, nothing is glossed meaning you will work harder to improve your mixes. | |
Last edited by vivid435; 20th December 2011 at 02:43 PM..
Reason: didn't finish
| | | | User review | | Sound Quality | | 8 | | Ease of use | | 10 | | Features | | 5 | | Bang for buck | | 10 | |
Score: 83%
|
| Look at the price
I had these for about a month for testing (until I decided to go for a completely other and more expensive model) but I did like them.
I cannot comment on how they compare to the NS-10, but I think these are serious monitors at an attractive price point. Not the most neutral ones, not without any issues, but with a solid overall tone, good imaging and lots of bass (for their size).
At smaller rooms, I'd say there is not really the need for an extra subwoofer. If you're on a budget, you can get a lot of work done with a pair of these and nothing else. | |
Last edited by skellington; 21st December 2011 at 07:38 PM..
Reason: typo
| | | | User review | | Sound Quality | | 6 | | Ease of use | | 10 | | Features | | 7 | | Bang for buck | | 10 | |
Score: 83%
|
| good
first off, these are not supposed to sound like ns10's. the speaker box is quite a bit bigger than an ns10's and the cones are different sizes so go figure they do not sound the same.
this is a good set of speakers to track with and to use as a reference when mixing along with a mono mixcube and a high end pair of near fields.
Great for the price. Look good. Solid Build. Only $800 for the pair tax in and delivered  | | |
By
Cody
on
1st January 2012
| | Yamaha HS-80
I have had the Yamaha HS-80's in my possession for a couple years, and although I have lusted over more expensive monitors, I have yet to pull the trigger. Why? They get the job done!
I must preface this review - I am not a professional, more of a gear-manic hobbyist. That being said, I do take mixing very seriously and have taken steps to improve my skills and workspace.
The HS-80 is a neutral monitor, not as quick as the NS-10, but at the same time capable of clear sound and robust bass. For mixing rock, I have had no trouble using these monitors to tighten up the low-mids and tame sub bass. If you are into mixing hip-hop or R&B, you may want a sub to check the ultra low end.
What I find keeps me happy with these monitors is the mid range, especially between 1-3khz. On the back of these active monitors is a switch that lets you dial in more or less mid range, centered around 2khz. When I first started mixing, I had this switch set to +2db so that I could really hone in on this part of the frequency spectrum. As my ears sharpened up, I was able to switch this to it's flat setting.
There are also room control switches, enabling you to attenuate the low end, and boost or cut the high frequencies. In the last couple years I have moved to a couple different homes (with different challenges for room treatment) and I have found these switches very helpful, especially for the low end.
To round out the switches on the back of the monitor, there is a low cut (either bypassed, 100hz, or 80hz) and a level pot that accommodates balanced to unbalanced incoming level.
This has been a positive review because, for my personal needs, I felt that these speakers were a tremendous value for what they deliver. I truly do plan on upgrading my monitoring down the line, but I will never get rid of my HS-80's. They reference well with other systems... my mixes translate very well and I feel that even with better monitors, I'll find the Yammy's useful. If I could point out any flaws, it would be that they don't have the 3D depth of comparable sized Genelecs that I have used, and the high end isn't quite as revealing as the Genelecs. However, they are not fatiguing to use (which was the case with the Genelecs for me) and they cost way less. | | | | | | User review | | Sound Quality | | 8 | | Ease of use | | 8 | | Features | | 8 | | Bang for buck | | 8 | |
Score: 80%
|
| Fine
These are my first pair of decent speakers. I bought them after making music with some normal computer speakers and obviously it was fantastic to be listening to proper monitors.
I bought them because basically I was clueless and all my friends who are students (budget) have them and they are pretty serious about mixing. So I trusted them and I don't regret it.
I can't compare them to very much, because I haven't heard that many speakers before. Though in my school they have mackies. When dealing with sub these are very different from the Mackies. I get it lovely and smoothe sounding here at home and then I go to school and the mackies turn my mix into dubstep, sounds like a wobble bass. I don't know if that's these speakers that are giving me the wrong picture (they are cheaper than the mackies) or whether it's the mackies that have harsh lo.
I've never really had any problems with them. Make sure you don't turn down the volume knob on the back, strange things happen. Keep it on 12 o clock.
I like the sound, they sound very transparent and smoothe. The hi's expecially are very lively, but I think that also has something to do with my room.
I'm no expert in this field, I've been working seriously on productions slightly less than a year. I can tell the difference between these and some behringer ones that I heard at a friends place.
These sound really smoothe and clear.
I like 'em!
My website: AudioTailor - Music and Sound Design | | | | | | User review | | Sound Quality | | 9 | | Ease of use | | 10 | | Features | | 10 | | Bang for buck | | 10 | |
Score: 98%
|
| hs80m
i agree with all the other reviewers here- these monitors are the best for the price and even if you already have a pair of expensive speakers get these as well! you wont be dissapointed. if i was stuck on a desert island with only one choice of speakers these would be it. ive had a lot of monitors in my time and these are genuine keepers.
theres a lot of love for these monitors on gearslutz, and its got nothing to do with the visual comparisons to the ns10's. they sound nothing alike but follow the same philosphy. they wont tell you want you want to hear, but what you need to hear.
i also highly recommend that you check out the yamaha msp7 studio monitors and their subwoofer combinations. see my comparison review of the hs80m and msp7 here- yamaha msp7 studio + sw10 vs. yamaha hs80m + hs10w | | | | | | User review | | Sound Quality | | 8 | | Ease of use | | 10 | | Features | | 10 | | Bang for buck | | 10 | |
Score: 95%
|
| Love my Yammys.
These monitors are awesome. I got them for $500 for the pair for a price match from Zen Pro Audio at my local GC when they had them on sale. They have plenty of low end (which is awesome), they aren't harsh to listen to, and they look awesome. I have yet to try them with the sub, but they sound good enough as is. One day I'll probably get the sub, but i'm good for now.
Whenever I get a better set, these will serve as a great secondary reference set. They were a great price, and are well built. Best set of starter monitors in my book. | | | | | | User review | | Sound Quality | | 8 | | Ease of use | | 10 | | Features | | 10 | | Bang for buck | | 10 | |
Score: 95%
|
| Yamaha HS80m
I think these are a great all-around reference monitor. They say monitors fall in a range from beautiful sounding speakers that "dangerously make your mixes sound better than they really are" to "absolutely accurate" to "sound so bad your mixes actually sound good." I think the Yamaha HS80m definitely falls somewhere in between the first two points.
I picked them out because they sounded better than every other monitor at the store but when I got them home they completely changed the mixing process for me.
No more running around to every speaker system in the house/car/friend's houses/friend's cars. When I mix with the HS80ms I know I have a mix I can trust. Not only that but they have great room referencing switches that can boost/cut the highs/mids/and lows depending on your taste/room.
That said I definitely enjoy using a pair of "garbage" speakers in conjunction with these speakers. Before I bought the HS80m's and was only mixing on junk speakers I had absolutely zero idea how it sounded anywhere else. Now when my mix sounds good on my HS80ms and my junk speakers I know it's a phenomenal mix.
Overall: Just listening is a pleasure on them but I feel I'm getting a very honest reference point. | | | | |
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