As a long time NS-10m user, I'd like to add that the transient response of the yams is really really good, another reason why they became so popular... Thanks for the video mate. 😊
@@JamesArterMusic I wasn´t realy shure if the speaker is the right choice for me but after your video and your great explanation I will buy a pair soon. I will start with a yama p2500s because its just sitting here.
@@Stahlengelmusic good plan. As mentioned in the video, I started with a Yamaha p3500 and it was good. Really allowed me to get to know the speakers and their benefits. It might take a little while to get into them but when you get them, let me know how you get on!
Had Yamaha NS-40 in the nineties and traded them in for Mackies HR824’s, but bought NS-10M Studio’s back in 2023. They are powered by a Sansui AU-X911DG amp. The NS-10’s are placed on the Mackies and my main monitors are the Hedd Type 07’s 😂
Nice setup! What were the NS40s like? Also, how is that amp with the NS10s? Lastly, you can’t go wrong with those Mackies. They’ve always been a bit of a gem!
@ The NS-40 sounded the same but had more low end but not sub-like bass. They could take much more power from (at the time) my vintage Onkyo A-10 amp and made good sounding mixes that translated very well, even by today standards. Eventually I needed more bass because I switched to EDM and trip-hop and in came the Mackies. The Sansui sounds great with the NS-10s but I never ABed with any Quad or Bryson so I can’t comment on that. I think my NS-10s sound really nice with this amp (albeit with quality mastered music).
I still have and use my NS-10M Studio's I bought back in 1992 powered by an Alesis RA-100 amp I bought at the same time. Why do I hang on to them? The mixes Bob Clearmountain made in the 80s, such as Roxy Music's Avalon, still sound better than most albums made these days.
Nice - you’ve had those a long time! Are you happy with the amp? Ever tried a different one? Absolutely, his mixes - and that one in particular - are still incredible!
Nice video on the key points of why anyone still uses bookshelf speakers from the 80's lol. I got to the section where you discuss your mixing process and I have the exact same speaker set up as you haha. 8341's (with 2 Genelec subs)and my NS10's for the mid-range magnifying glass. Great combo. I would love to upgrade to the genelec one's eventually...
Thanks for watching, I'm glad you found it interesting. pleased to hear you've got a similar setup, it really does work! Although, the 8341's are The Ones. Or do you mean you have the 8340's? Either way, Genelec and NS10's are a great combo!
My brother bought a pair of Yamaha N-144's at our local thrift shop and they're right next to me now, because he sold them to me for a decent price. Well, having worked with "crappy" KRK Rokit monitors for over a decade, I do have to say they sound very, VERY different, the Yamaha's but also in a pleasing way and what I've heard/read about these NS-144's, they're like NS-10's but with a slightly bigger woofer. Same tweeter though oh and the speakers themselves are a bit bigger than the NS-10's as well, but what I really like about these is the fact that they have a knob on them which says "high level", so I'd turn it up or down (down of course, haha) so no need for a piece of toilet paper, haha. I do like them, but I have to get used to them. I never liked the KRK Rokits much as far as frequencies are concerned. They sound like your neighbour's having a BBQ party and he's playing the music from his cellar with it's doors closed. BUT.... I'm actually thinking of getting the KRK Rokit 3 way BIG speakers, because their bass-end representation's incredible and above that: the stereo imaging on those Rokits is pehnomenal!!!! :O I've mixed songs at many different studios and on varous different speakers (usually with someone else helping me out) and when I was moving the panners on their DAW controllers, I had to move them way to the left or right to hear a difference whilst sitting in the sweet spot and when I was back home, I had to turn the panner just a little bit bit to the left or right and I'd immediately hear the instrument's at a different spot in the stereo mix, even though it's just slightly turned to whatever position and lastly: by now I KNOW how to work with the KRK's, so I'm definitely gonna upgrade to their bigger brothers, keep the NS-144's and try to work on/with them as well, some Auratones and maybe some Dynaudio's for surround mixing, haha. I'll stop now. I type way too fast and there you've got it...... --------->>>>> A BOOK!!! Release date: now. :P Great video!
Thanks for the comment and for watching! Those Yamaha speakers definitely sound quite interesting, would be cool to hear how you’re getting on with them. I agree about the Rokits. I’ve always found them to be glorified HiFi speakers really. Whereas the VXT’s are great - different price point, of course. The big Rokits are definitely better. You need to make sure your room is an adequate size though; they’re no good for a very small room. Cheers!
I have owned NS-10s for many years now. I also own ATCs. To me, the NS-10s still really hide a ton of information that you can’t hear unless you’re on higher-spec monitors. Not saying you can’t get great mixes on them, but I personally think they aren’t as “magical” as everyone makes them out to be. Since purchasing the ATCs, the NS-10s really don’t see a ton of use anymore.
ATCs are lovely! Totally hear ya. I don’t consider them magical either really, but it’s more about the point of focussing on the mid range really and ensuring that is right. The NS10s just help to hone in on it. My genelecs are way more detailed and that’s where my main decisions are made. That’s where all the real work is done. NS10s just help to get a mix in a good place very quickly, especially if it’s cluttered.
If you spend , what 4-500% more money, anything should sound better:) You are kind of obscuring the argument for ns10’s which is that if you can get your mix sounding good, it will likely translate well. No one , ever said, they are an high end detailed monitor .
Behringer makes a reference amp that is surprisingly good, I think it’s called the A500? I had the Yamaha amp that was recommended and used it with my NS10Ms for quite a while. I didn’t realize how much of a part the amp plays with these near fields. They want POWER. My Yamaha amp was cranked at 100w. Not good. These babies want 200w or more. Yes, you will blow them so DO NOT crank them. You don’t need to, that’s not what they are for. Prepare to replace your tweeters if you do. The Behringer amp with its outputs 3/4 turned up sounds WAY better than the Yamaha amp turned up all the way.
That’s interesting to hear! And good to know a cheap amp did a good job. Yep, it’s definitely interesting seeing how the amp can affect the sound so much, and an important thing to know. Thanks for watching!
Hello James. My Yamaha HS8 has a linear response after 1k. Is it possible to compensate this characteristic by equalization to obtain the same effect as in ns10? Thank you for your answer.
Hi there, I’m not sure it would quite do the same job. However, having a roll off around 120hz (12db per octave), might get you somewhat closer to what the NS10’s are doing around that area. That’s a start at least!
I had a pair of NS10m's for years. But unfortunately, long story, I lost them. And yes, if you get a good mix on these bad boys, it'll usually sound good anywhere. And when I now send out new music, it is under STRICT instructions to never use phone/laptop etc speakers. Headphones or decent system only. 😊😊
Hahaha, for sure. Please don’t judge the mix only from a listen on your iPhone! Shame to hear you lost them. Maybe you’ll get a pair back again one day!
With some sarcasm, it's maybe more about color than sound. It's not the only midrange box out there, but this one people recognise instantly. People simply buy what they see multiple others are using.
There are certainly others. And this video is about the importance of nailing the midrange as much as it is about praising these speakers. I had Avantones for years and really liked them. They do a similar job. However, when I got NS10s, I connected with them far more and gave me something the Avantones didn’t have. It’s whatever works for you really, isn’t it? But yes, they’re also very well recognised and have a strong history. Thanks for watching and for the comments!
Hello James, thanks for sharing your experience with the NS10's. I have just bought a pair of NS10m Studios and am now looking for an amplifier. The Quad 306 looks super interesting. I just have a question regarding the output connections for the speakers. How do you connect them? The outputs on the 306 look unfamiliar to me. Do you use normal wire speaker cables for it? Thanks! 🙂
Hi there! Thanks for watching. Nice one, pleased to hear you’re checking out the Quad 306. For the connections; yes, it’s speaker wire but to get it into the Quad you’ll need to put Banana Plugs on the end. They’re very readily available but give me a shout if you can’t find any. Let me know if you have any other questions. Enjoy!
@@marquezvanroeschen5340if you have a monitor controller with a dedicated sub output, you can use that. If not - and how I’ve done it here - is that you send the audio signal into the sub first and then the sun will have an output to connect that to your Quad. This way, the sub takes care of the crossover (mine you can choose between 80-120hz), and sends the rest of the signal to the amp. Does that make sense?
Any basic 50-120 watt per channel QSC , CROWN , CARVER , ADCOM, or equivalent will do just fine for these. You don’t need a tube amp or super expensive amps to make these work properly. Be wise and you can find used or “budget” that can work well
It really does. I actually mention that in the video; originally I had a Yamaha amp and liked it, but replaced it for a Quad and it sounded heaps better!
People still mix on NS 10s, because boomers still have lots of reach. Even back in the 80s/90s they were highly controversial and if you use vintage speakers as your main monitoring source, i feel sorry for you. if you want to focus on midrange, just use EQ, don't use speakers that can't do anything else.
As a long time NS-10m user, I'd like to add that the transient response of the yams is really really good, another reason why they became so popular...
Thanks for the video mate. 😊
Very much agree there!
Thanks for watching and for the comment. Keep on enjoying the yams!
Well made Video. This was what I was looking for! Looking for some NS10s since a few month.
Fantastic - glad it was helpful!
Have you found some yet? And which amp were you going for?
@@JamesArterMusic I wasn´t realy shure if the speaker is the right choice for me but after your video and your great explanation I will buy a pair soon. I will start with a yama p2500s because its just sitting here.
@@Stahlengelmusic good plan.
As mentioned in the video, I started with a Yamaha p3500 and it was good. Really allowed me to get to know the speakers and their benefits.
It might take a little while to get into them but when you get them, let me know how you get on!
Had Yamaha NS-40 in the nineties and traded them in for Mackies HR824’s, but bought NS-10M Studio’s back in 2023. They are powered by a Sansui AU-X911DG amp. The NS-10’s are placed on the Mackies and my main monitors are the Hedd Type 07’s 😂
Nice setup!
What were the NS40s like?
Also, how is that amp with the NS10s?
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with those Mackies. They’ve always been a bit of a gem!
@ The NS-40 sounded the same but had more low end but not sub-like bass. They could take much more power from (at the time) my vintage Onkyo A-10 amp and made good sounding mixes that translated very well, even by today standards. Eventually I needed more bass because I switched to EDM and trip-hop and in came the Mackies. The Sansui sounds great with the NS-10s but I never ABed with any Quad or Bryson so I can’t comment on that. I think my NS-10s sound really nice with this amp (albeit with quality mastered music).
Interesting to hear all that, nice one.
And the Mackies definitely make sense with the genre of music you're making, they'll fit right in there!
I still have and use my NS-10M Studio's I bought back in 1992 powered by an Alesis RA-100 amp I bought at the same time. Why do I hang on to them? The mixes Bob Clearmountain made in the 80s, such as Roxy Music's Avalon, still sound better than most albums made these days.
Nice - you’ve had those a long time!
Are you happy with the amp? Ever tried a different one?
Absolutely, his mixes - and that one in particular - are still incredible!
Been Using a Naim Nap 110 on mine for years...
And how you getting on with that - loving it?
I'm also loving it ns10 studio
Great speakers!
Nice video ❤❤.... Please make a comparison video among Yamaha NS10, Avanton CLA 10 (Passive or active) and Avanton Gauss 7....
That would be great. If I could get my hands on them I’d do it!
Nice video on the key points of why anyone still uses bookshelf speakers from the 80's lol. I got to the section where you discuss your mixing process and I have the exact same speaker set up as you haha. 8341's (with 2 Genelec subs)and my NS10's for the mid-range magnifying glass. Great combo. I would love to upgrade to the genelec one's eventually...
Thanks for watching, I'm glad you found it interesting.
pleased to hear you've got a similar setup, it really does work!
Although, the 8341's are The Ones. Or do you mean you have the 8340's?
Either way, Genelec and NS10's are a great combo!
Mixed on them for 10 years, no complaits, says something I would think.
Had 8331 had issues with low mid , and high lows regardless
Thank you..
My brother bought a pair of Yamaha N-144's at our local thrift shop and they're right next to me now, because he sold them to me for a decent price. Well, having worked with "crappy" KRK Rokit monitors for over a decade, I do have to say they sound very, VERY different, the Yamaha's but also in a pleasing way and what I've heard/read about these NS-144's, they're like NS-10's but with a slightly bigger woofer. Same tweeter though oh and the speakers themselves are a bit bigger than the NS-10's as well, but what I really like about these is the fact that they have a knob on them which says "high level", so I'd turn it up or down (down of course, haha) so no need for a piece of toilet paper, haha. I do like them, but I have to get used to them. I never liked the KRK Rokits much as far as frequencies are concerned. They sound like your neighbour's having a BBQ party and he's playing the music from his cellar with it's doors closed. BUT.... I'm actually thinking of getting the KRK Rokit 3 way BIG speakers, because their bass-end representation's incredible and above that: the stereo imaging on those Rokits is pehnomenal!!!! :O I've mixed songs at many different studios and on varous different speakers (usually with someone else helping me out) and when I was moving the panners on their DAW controllers, I had to move them way to the left or right to hear a difference whilst sitting in the sweet spot and when I was back home, I had to turn the panner just a little bit bit to the left or right and I'd immediately hear the instrument's at a different spot in the stereo mix, even though it's just slightly turned to whatever position and lastly: by now I KNOW how to work with the KRK's, so I'm definitely gonna upgrade to their bigger brothers, keep the NS-144's and try to work on/with them as well, some Auratones and maybe some Dynaudio's for surround mixing, haha. I'll stop now. I type way too fast and there you've got it...... --------->>>>> A BOOK!!! Release date: now. :P Great video!
Thanks for the comment and for watching!
Those Yamaha speakers definitely sound quite interesting, would be cool to hear how you’re getting on with them.
I agree about the Rokits. I’ve always found them to be glorified HiFi speakers really. Whereas the VXT’s are great - different price point, of course.
The big Rokits are definitely better. You need to make sure your room is an adequate size though; they’re no good for a very small room. Cheers!
Great video lad! Thanks so much!
Thanks for watching!
Great vid James
Thanks mate! Cheers for watching 🙂
I have owned NS-10s for many years now. I also own ATCs. To me, the NS-10s still really hide a ton of information that you can’t hear unless you’re on higher-spec monitors. Not saying you can’t get great mixes on them, but I personally think they aren’t as “magical” as everyone makes them out to be. Since purchasing the ATCs, the NS-10s really don’t see a ton of use anymore.
ATCs are lovely!
Totally hear ya. I don’t consider them magical either really, but it’s more about the point of focussing on the mid range really and ensuring that is right. The NS10s just help to hone in on it.
My genelecs are way more detailed and that’s where my main decisions are made. That’s where all the real work is done.
NS10s just help to get a mix in a good place very quickly, especially if it’s cluttered.
If you spend , what 4-500% more money, anything should sound better:) You are kind of obscuring the argument for ns10’s which is that if you can get your mix sounding good, it will likely translate well. No one , ever said, they are an high end detailed monitor .
Well supposedly, you shouldn’t use them alone. You should have an accurate fuller range speaker.
Behringer makes a reference amp that is surprisingly good, I think it’s called the A500? I had the Yamaha amp that was recommended and used it with my NS10Ms for quite a while. I didn’t realize how much of a part the amp plays with these near fields. They want POWER. My Yamaha amp was cranked at 100w. Not good. These babies want 200w or more. Yes, you will blow them so DO NOT crank them. You don’t need to, that’s not what they are for. Prepare to replace your tweeters if you do. The Behringer amp with its outputs 3/4 turned up sounds WAY better than the Yamaha amp turned up all the way.
That’s interesting to hear! And good to know a cheap amp did a good job. Yep, it’s definitely interesting seeing how the amp can affect the sound so much, and an important thing to know.
Thanks for watching!
Hello James. My Yamaha HS8 has a linear response after 1k. Is it possible to compensate this characteristic by equalization to obtain the same effect as in ns10? Thank you for your answer.
Hi there, I’m not sure it would quite do the same job. However, having a roll off around 120hz (12db per octave), might get you somewhat closer to what the NS10’s are doing around that area.
That’s a start at least!
Thank you.
I had a pair of NS10m's for years. But unfortunately, long story, I lost them. And yes, if you get a good mix on these bad boys, it'll usually sound good anywhere.
And when I now send out new music, it is under STRICT instructions to never use phone/laptop etc speakers. Headphones or decent system only. 😊😊
Hahaha, for sure.
Please don’t judge the mix only from a listen on your iPhone!
Shame to hear you lost them. Maybe you’ll get a pair back again one day!
With some sarcasm, it's maybe more about color than sound. It's not the only midrange box out there, but this one people recognise instantly. People simply buy what they see multiple others are using.
There are certainly others. And this video is about the importance of nailing the midrange as much as it is about praising these speakers.
I had Avantones for years and really liked them. They do a similar job. However, when I got NS10s, I connected with them far more and gave me something the Avantones didn’t have.
It’s whatever works for you really, isn’t it? But yes, they’re also very well recognised and have a strong history.
Thanks for watching and for the comments!
good stuff, thank you
Thanks for watching!
i would think having a sub to switch on and off to check on the low end would be key
It’s definitely useful to have a sub!
Not everyone with NS10s will use a sub though, as a different set of speakers will be used to check the low end
Hello James can i use a normal Yamaha Ampiler and druwmer Controller and mono button for NS10?
By ‘normal Yamaha amplifier’, which one do you mean? I used to use a Yamaha amp.
And yes, I’d say all monitor controllers would be fine!
CLA use sub with ns10 🙂
Yep!
Hello James, thanks for sharing your experience with the NS10's.
I have just bought a pair of NS10m Studios and am now looking for an amplifier.
The Quad 306 looks super interesting. I just have a question regarding the output connections for the speakers.
How do you connect them? The outputs on the 306 look unfamiliar to me. Do you use normal wire speaker cables for it?
Thanks! 🙂
Hi there!
Thanks for watching.
Nice one, pleased to hear you’re checking out the Quad 306. For the connections; yes, it’s speaker wire but to get it into the Quad you’ll need to put Banana Plugs on the end. They’re very readily available but give me a shout if you can’t find any.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Enjoy!
@@JamesArterMusic Gotcha! Thanks :)
And one more question.
How did you set up your Subwoofer? (I doubt that you've plugged it into Quad 306: right?)
@@marquezvanroeschen5340if you have a monitor controller with a dedicated sub output, you can use that.
If not - and how I’ve done it here - is that you send the audio signal into the sub first and then the sun will have an output to connect that to your Quad.
This way, the sub takes care of the crossover (mine you can choose between 80-120hz), and sends the rest of the signal to the amp.
Does that make sense?
@@JamesArterMusic thank you, sir!
Makes total sense! ☺
@@marquezvanroeschen5340 no worries, glad I could help! 🙂
Let me know how you get on with the Quad!
Any basic 50-120 watt per channel QSC , CROWN , CARVER , ADCOM, or equivalent will do just fine for these. You don’t need a tube amp or super expensive amps to make these work properly. Be wise and you can find used or “budget” that can work well
What I heard is that the amp makes a huge difference. Also you want one that is overpowered for this speaker. Some good choices are Bryston, BGW.
It really does. I actually mention that in the video; originally I had a Yamaha amp and liked it, but replaced it for a Quad and it sounded heaps better!
This will make you laugh...I have used KRK and Genelecs monitors and subs and they are great, but today I use Logitech PC speakers primarily.
Are you serous about using Logitech consumer speaker for mixing?
Wow. And how are you getting on with those?!
what sub are you rocking bro ?
Nothing too fancy, an Adam T10s. Affordable and good quality, works well with the NS10s!
@@JamesArterMusic thanks man
People still mix on NS 10s, because boomers still have lots of reach. Even back in the 80s/90s they were highly controversial and if you use vintage speakers as your main monitoring source, i feel sorry for you.
if you want to focus on midrange, just use EQ, don't use speakers that can't do anything else.
Yes, sure, using EQ is a great way to focus on midrange too.
Have you tried any of the other midrange-focused speakers like Avantones etc?