Manufacturers of acoustic equipment often tend to combine the qualities of amateur and professional systems. The Japanese company Yamaha has repeatedly confirmed the prospects of this area with specific examples. The HS series can be attributed specifically to such equipment, although not in all versions. Monitoring implemented in the Yamaha HS50M kit, for example, raised the level of the family in several ways at once. Among them, the design, optimized dimensions, original form factor and playback dynamics are noted. But this is not limited to the features of the system, in which, of course, weaknesses were revealed.
Kit Overview
The kit saw the light back in 2005, when the Yamaha developers considered it necessary to achieve a combination of a smooth frequency response and a clear sound picture. The result is a reference studio monitors that are suitable for a wide range of tasks. We can say that each manufacturer sets such goals, but not every company chooses unique ways to achieve them. For example, many systems of this class have a characteristic drawback in the form of emphasized bass and treble. Sometimes it justifies itself, but the concept of the Japanese is rather oriented to a balanced playback. However, not without the original qualities of the system, outstanding from the traditional genre. The kit was designed to provide clarity and detail, but without unnecessarily highlighting segments at different levels of the frequency range. This is how the Yamaha HS50M system is positioned on the market, an overview of the characteristics of which is presented below.
Specifications
As in most of its developments, the company did not seek to achieve record performance, so the main parameters look pretty average, if not modest. One way or another, not impressive data maximizes the potential of the system. It is this feature, coupled with the flexibility of configuration, that has led to a wide range of tasks that Yamaha HS50M studio monitors can solve. The characteristics of the kit can be represented as follows:
- The frequency spectrum is from 55 Hz to 20 kHz.
- The total power potential is 70 watts.
- The size of the emitter dome is 1.9 cm.
- LF / MF emitter - 12.7 cm.
- Connector - 6.3mm TRS Jack.
- Dimensions - 16.5x26.8x22.2 cm.
- Installation weight - 5.8 kg.
It is worth noting that much of the working qualities of monitors were determined by contraction. The creators did not skimp on materials and components, so the elemental base was very decent.
Construction device
Almost the entire HS series is distinguished by the use of large magnets with increased bandwidth. And this model was no exception. Together with an improved magnetic circuit device, the surrounding infrastructure was developed. As a result, engineers achieved not only optimal power, but also magnetic flux density, which ultimately contributed to the development of smooth, but at the same time dynamic sound in a wide frequency spectrum. The combination of a branded landing ring and Yamaha HS50M screws also minimized the negative vibration effect with resonances. As a result, the full potential of loudspeakers with increased response in the low-frequency region is ensured. And on the other hand, the use of dense membrane materials has improved readability at a high sound range. As for the case, it, of course, is not happy with the use of MDF, although it will not work either to reproach the creators for saving on materials. In this case, we can talk more about not striving for optimization, but about following the traditional rules for the performance of acoustic equipment.
Design features
At the first glance at the speakers, even an inexperienced look will highlight a snow-white 5-inch diffuser. The Yamaha brand logo is also hidden there. In fact, elegant diffusers are the only thing that allows us to talk about the originality of this model. For the rest, she completely copies the previous generations of studio monitoring of the series. Constructed by modern principles, the suspension system also deserves attention, although with such additions today you will not surprise anyone in the premium segment. In general, the Yamaha HS50M studio monitors look quite decent, given the commitment of Japanese designers to the classic style. Practicality and minimalism in forms are the main qualities that characterize the appearance of this equipment. Therefore, we can say that the kit will look decent in any environment.
Sound quality
To begin with, it is worth noting that the user has the ability to make flexible and extensive settings across the entire frequency spectrum. In particular, with proper adjustment starting from 5 kHz, the influence of harmonics is noticeably reduced. The general characteristics of sound can be attributed to exposure to irregularities, which is not bad for studio equipment of this class. The distortion indices are normal and do not significantly affect the acoustic picture. The sound is broadcast naturally, excluding lunges and violations in the transmission of tones.
On the other hand, Yamaha HS50M monitors can disappoint those who are looking for a detailed study of the bass. In general, the lower spectrum, although it does not have obvious distortions and draws the regulatory load in terms of power, unfortunately, is spared from naturalness. Mid and high frequencies in this sense are more advantageous. But again, much is decided by the settings initially made, as well as the operating conditions of the equipment.
Sound Enhancement Technology
Since monitors are positioned as studio equipment, it is worth considering the nuances of sound under the influence of various external factors. Thanks to the special fixing system and the conical shape of the structure, the creators managed to reduce the influence of vibrations. For example, they effectively eliminate resonance and vibrations that can affect the sound picture. In addition, the Yamaha HS50M has an ultra-thin tweeter frame, which also eliminates resonance, providing a soft damping effect. The design of the speakers was also modernized compared to previous generations, as a result of which the volume of passage of shades of the high-frequency spectrum was minimized.
Positive feedback about the system
Of course, the fact that the manufacturer was able to at least maintain the corporate level of sound quality, in itself, causes respect from the main part of the fans of the brand. As they note, the sound is high-quality and reliable. The demanding music lovers were bribed by the presence of switches with several levels of tweaks and spotters. The ability to configure the equipment made it flexible in operation and almost universal. The minor characteristics of the Yamaha HS50M are also noted. Responses of ordinary fans, for example, indicate the ergonomics of the controls, the balanced design in size and the original design.
Negative reviews
There is no perfect sound, and in this case, flaws appeared in the mentioned bass. They are not enough. Although there is enough power, the study of the lower range is far from natural sound. The way out, however, may be to supplement the system with a subwoofer. Given the quality of manning, the idea of an acoustic ideal would not be so fantastic. Observed by many users and a rather rare behavior of the volume control, which is equipped with studio monitors Yamaha HS50M. Reviews indicate that lowering it leads to uneven sound fading over the range. In particular, the lower spectrum loses in volume faster than the middle and upper. Accordingly, the entire sound picture is distorted.
Who should use the system?
First of all, of course, the equipment was developed with the support of professional qualities. Not in all parameters, this level was fully realized, but in terms of its main characteristics, the set can be characterized precisely as a studio one. The manufacturer himself recommends a model for synthesizing sounds, writing digital music, servicing workstations, etc. Of course, Yamaha HS50M is of considerable interest to home users. The characteristics of the frequency study in the range from 55 Hz to 20 kHz, backed up by a power of 70 W, can cover the needs of any creator within the framework of a home studio. You can consider the purpose of the kit in a broader way - the same options for setting operating parameters allow you to fine-tune the equipment for various tasks. Another thing is that in highly specialized areas the potential of monitors may not live up to expectations.
Conclusion
The system turned out balanced, practical and at the same time affordable. The manufacturer has released a solid studio kit for a wide mass of users with a price tag of about 10-12 thousand rubles. According to experts, the operational properties of the Yamaha HS50M fully justify its cost. What is more important, in addition to pure and powerful sounding, Japanese monitors are distinguished by structural thoughtfulness, which is rare even in the middle segment of peripheral equipment of this type. The developers paid attention not only to the basic elemental basis with the same magnet and dense membranes, but also to auxiliary fittings, which significantly facilitate the physical handling of the kit. Added to this is the fact that the market simply does not have similar offers of appropriate quality at the same price. Still, the technological capabilities of developing solutions that are optimal in terms of characteristics and cost are available to few manufacturers, and the Japanese manufacturer in this case managed to occupy, in a sense, a free niche.