Yamaha HS5 - one piece

The Yamaha HS5 is a 2-way active near-field monitor designed for mixing and production in home studios or small studios. It is sold individually: you’ll need two for stereo mixing.

Key Features

• Bi-amplified active speaker: the amplifiers are built-in, so no external amplifier is needed.
• 5-inch woofer and 1-inch dome tweeter: each driver is dedicated to its own frequency range, making it easier to hear both bass and treble.
• ROOM CONTROL setting: it attenuates the bass (0, -2, or -4 dB below 500 Hz) when the speaker is placed near a wall.
• HIGH TRIM setting: This slightly adjusts the high-frequency level (±2 dB) based on your room and listening preferences.
• Balanced XLR and TRS jack inputs for connecting to your audio interface or mixing console.
• Bass-reflex port: Yamaha claims that the HS series features port noise reduction technology of up to 6 dB.

Speakers and Sound Reproduction

In a 2-way speaker, the woofer handles the bass and midrange, while the tweeter handles the treble. This division makes it easier to hear the details in a mix, particularly the balance between vocals and instruments. Bi-amping powers each driver separately; the final sound also depends on speaker placement and room acoustics, which are critical factors for the listening area and stereo image.

Listening Settings

ROOM CONTROL allows you to attenuate the bass when it becomes too prominent, for example, when the speaker is placed near a wall or in a corner. HIGH TRIM slightly adjusts the treble level if the sound seems too bright or too subdued in your room.

These controls make subtle adjustments to the tonal balance but are no substitute for proper speaker placement or room acoustic treatment.

Connectivity and Setup

The HS5 features balanced XLR and TRS jack inputs; Yamaha notes that the input also accepts unbalanced signals. Its compact design makes it suitable for limited workspaces. When placed near a wall, its bass is boosted, which is why the ROOM CONTROL setting is useful.

FAQ

Should I buy one or two HS5 speakers?

The HS5 is sold individually. For stereo mixing, you’ll need two—one for the left channel and one for the right channel. A “Matched Pair” version and bundles with stands or foam pads are also available.

Do I need an external amplifier for the HS5?

The HS5 is an active speaker: each speaker has its own built-in amplifier (45 W for the woofer, 25 W for the tweeter, for a total of 70 W). Simply connect it to an audio source, such as an audio interface or mixing console, and plug it into a power outlet.

What cables do you need to connect the HS5?

The HS5 has an XLR input and a 6.35 mm TRS jack input, both of which are balanced. Choose the cable that matches the outputs on your audio interface or mixing console. Only the power cord is included with the speaker; audio cables must be purchased separately.

What are the ROOM CONTROL and HIGH TRIM settings for?

ROOM CONTROL attenuates bass frequencies below 500 Hz (0, -2, or -4 dB), which is useful when the speaker is placed near a wall or in a corner. HIGH TRIM adjusts the high-frequency level by ±2 dB if the sound seems too bright or too subdued. These settings refine the listening experience but are no substitute for proper speaker placement or room acoustics.

Does the HS5 come with stands or isolation pads?

These accessories are sold separately. You can purchase them individually or choose one of the HS5 bundles with stands or isolation pads listed on the product page.