If NS-10s are so bad, then why the hell were they so popular?

[nbrecording]

When NS10's came out in the 80's the real debate was about the use of tissue or toilet paper, 1 ply or two over the tweeters........

[DavieB]

As monitors they are pretty much useless because they tell you nothing about what's happening in the studio. You can't hear things like; hum problems, buzzing, dodgy connections, faulty mics etc etc and if not spotted by the monitors and corrected all that crap will end up in a recording.

As a way of testing out a mix on something resembling a hifi they are ok.

[rhizomeman]

Originally Posted by drBill

A lot of it has to do with the fact that there weren't a lot of options for pro nearfields when they came out. If they came out now they'd never make it.

This^ Very inaccurate monitors. I prefer to hear all the frequencies I am dealing with. My pair sits in a room unused.

[kennybro]

Originally Posted by MarcB

I find the NS-10s thing quite funny really..

The GS mantra is get the best sounding room you can (ie spend quite a bit on room design or fluffy panels) , get top end ruler flat converters, mixers etc, but then plonk in these junk lo-fi speakers with a frequency response similar to your nearest rollercoaster.

Good.

Originally Posted by MarcB

"But if you can make it sound good on NS10s then it'll sound good anywhere"

I've owned and sold them a few times, worked with them in many studios, and I don't find this to be true of NS10 any more than other decent sounding small monitor.

Regarding transient response, really? NS10's. Maybe the hyped mids emphasize transients in the most audible range, making them more apparent in the mix. never really noticed them reproducing transients any better than other well-designed small monitors.

I think they are so prevalent, engineers got used to hearing (and seeing) them. They kind of prove that anything can become "indispensable" if you use it enough.

But as with all opinions, YMMV. And considering their general popularity and current resale value, it probably does.

[Crash]

This jurassic thread started in '07, let it die....