Yamaha has expanded its HS Series powered studio monitor line with three new models that incorporate mounting points to meet a broader range of monitoring and sound reinforcement installations, including environments outside of the recording realm.
The new bi-amped, 2-way models – HS5I, HS7I and HS8I available in both black and white finishes – can be used in conjunction with three optional bracket types — wall, ceiling and baton — which simplifies installation in studios or commercial environments with dimensions or surfaces that might otherwise present a challenge.
Adhering to the Yamaha philosophy of sonic purity, the HS Series has carried on the tradition of one of the most trusted loudspeakers for near-field monitoring applications, lauded for their signature sound and accuracy.
The HS enclosures are constructed from a very dense and resilient MDF with a dampened acoustic response and employ a traditional three-way mitered-joint technique that firmly anchors the corners of the enclosure to improve durability and eliminate unwanted resonance.
“Our primary goal with the HS-I models was to give installers, as well as owners of recording studios or commercial installations a faster and easier setup and configuration process for their monitoring or sound reinforcement systems,” said Nithin Cherian, marketing manager, Pro Audio, Yamaha Corporation of America. “HS speakers are trusted by countless audio professionals around the world for studio monitoring applications. With the addition of very flexible mounting options, we can bring the speaker’s signature sound to commercial and professional spaces where superior sound quality is a priority.”
The HS Series features proprietary Yamaha transducers that achieve smooth response over a wide bandwidth. A highly efficient 1-inch dome tweeter extends the usable frequency range, while the woofer utilizes large, carefully selected magnets that produce low distortion sound with a well-defined bottom end at any output level. The amplifier features a bi-amp design with a separate dedicated amp for both the woofer and the tweeter, ensuring that each HS Series speaker consistently delivers high-resolution sound with a flat response across the sound spectrum.
Engineers at Yamaha harnessed an advanced noise reduction technology that incorporated a thorough analysis of a visual representation of the sound, to arrive at an ideal port design that resulted in a reduction of audible noise by up to 6dB.
HS Series full-range models feature two response controls with detailed settings that allow them to adapt to the surface acoustics of rooms of varying shape and size; room control and high trim, as well as XLR and TRS phone jack inputs to accommodate a wide range of balanced and unbalanced sources such as mixers, keyboards and audio interfaces.
As with the original models in the series, the new HS-I models can be used in conjunction with the HS8S, an 8-inch bass-reflex powered subwoofer that delivers low frequencies down to 22Hz.
Yamaha HS-I models powered studio monitors will be available in black or white finishes; shipping in September; price to be determined.