Are NS-10s Worth It in 2024??

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[ZachMeadowsMusic]

The amp powering the ns10s is a huge part of the equation. I still use them as a mix reference, although rarely, and I’ll admit there’s some nostalgia involved, as I borrowed them from my dad’s studio and never gave them back lol

[teddine]

I actually agree with a lot with what this guy is telling. Not everyday you run into a youtuber that knows what they are talking about. A like and a subscribe for you good buddy!

[EvanOlsonChannel]

As I watch this, hearing it come through my NS-10M Studio speakers, I'm reminded why I love these speakers so much.

[TroyCastellano]

One of my two monitor sets I use, NS10s, and Mackie HR24s! Super useful to me!

[simonportlock]

Colt as always, FANTASTIC video!!!! I'm a huge advocate for NS10's. I love how you're bringing the principal and ethos of them to the masses. Top job brother, I'm deffo felling nostalgic now!

[matteonolli]

Ns10studio user here for over 10 years: the problem with these speakers is linked to amplification, not having a standard-industry amplifier to use them in the studio drastically changes the response based on what we use. "yours" will sound different from "mine" even if they are the same model produced consecutively. your analysis in the video is correct. after years of work I think that only the time domain (woofer release control) matters and the flat frequency response matters nothing, but this depends VERY much on the amplifier used! Marketing that has bent people's decisions by thinking that "flat is better" is a problem. damn no. the speaker in the studio must have as much control as possible and you can only achieve this with a sealed design, without bass reflex and the right amplifier. if you want bass add an additional subwoofer but from 100hz up you only need precision and control, but a few Db of boost on medium frequencies is not a problem, after 15 minutes of use your ear tends to compensate for deficiencies and excesses naturally. I can only add that the real tangible problem of the Ns10 is the limit on very high frequencies. this is why I always use alternative listening. I can guarantee that those who come to mix with me and work with me with the Ns10 immediately realize details, problems, wrong dynamics (if they want to hear what happens below 100 Hz I turn on the main monitors). the yamaha HS5s are a valid alternative and have no problems with having to pair an amplifier. the 2010 HS50s were even better with the EQ controls they sounded 97% like the ns10studio in my room, but they always stop producing functional (not beautiful) things. like the ns10.

[AllboroLCD]

Beautiful breakdown of these classic monitors!
Of course their still relevant! You start with your Auratone cubes, then your NS-10's, and end with JBL Ureis for full range. Cant go wrong.

[DojoOfCool]

I've never heard NS-10's maybe one day. I got into recording in the 70's and the popular monitors were ones with Altec 604e monitors in them. A duplex speaker with a tweeter coming out of the center of the speaker. Then Urei came out with their own version called the Time Aligned monitors so saw them a lot. Where I worked was different we had these huge Tannoy monitors that were amazingly flat sounding. During this time the Auratones showed up, but were very hard to get. A friend of mine worked at the Village and they were ordering some and I was able to get in on that and bought a pair. I really enjoy them especially on my home system combining them with a subwoofer and tweeters. I think today Yamaha's HS 5's are kind of like the NS 10's they have a big midrange bump that the HS 7 and HS 8's don't have.

[rickydee]

Great video Colt. Yes, I'm still using my NS-10Ms (since I bought them new in the 90's) but now as a mono translation for checking where my mix is at. Consequently, I do have to tweak the mid range a little.

[jermainelong]

I think when you understand WHY the NS10's are so useful then you don't necessarily need to have a pair to mix, but you do need the sensibility that they give you. I have two rough stereo eq curves on my master buss which I switch in and out as I need - one that replicates the Yamahas and another that does the old Auratone thing. My midrange management improved a lot since I did this.

[crisrose]

Definitely one of your best video’s . . Thanks and keep up the good work 🌟

[thomasgreer]

I keep mine. Not as my main speakers but because my ears have known them for 35 years. That experience is near impossible to replace at my age. No matter where I am, I can put them on the bridge and instantly know if I’m in the ballpark or not.

[lilchayz]

I adore them! I've been for some years away from them. About a few months ago, put them back and stopped using my Barefoot M27. I'm a defently a Ns10 guy

[BernardShreveJr]

Probably the best explanation as of today (2024) with the "why" the NS-10(M) was made popular as and than; became the "studio" monitors of choice. I actually use several monitors on a serious project, including (and don't hate) on a Bluetooth portable speaker set called the Sylvana SP333_FD for finial evaluation of a mix and master. So when you think about why I would go from respectable quality monitors to a "disposable sound" $20-$25 box- it will make sense. 🤔

[jerrylmusic]

I love my two CLA 10a from Avantone … so there are worth today and will be valuable also in the future, thanks for your great video. WL Jerryl

[captureacid]

In my opinion, they work so much better when they are close together!

I have mine 2 inches apart. They show me the true relationship between kick, bass and vocals.

Then again..my mains are not great! 😅

[TonyThomas]

The NS10s were used by many producers and engineers back in the 80s is because they were small and transportable. Many of the folks recording and mixing had their own pairs that they brought with them to the studio because they did not trust the studio monitors in the various studios they mixed in. I remember seeing them in every studio when I wrote for Mix back then. When I started recording in the the 70s, JBLs and Altecs were the thing. The first studio I worked for in my teens had four 4350s powered my McIntosh amps. But there was no real studio standard monitor. Also, keep in mind that they were mixing for AM & FM radio and for their audio processing. A totally different game. I was in radio for 30 years and I know how broadcast radio processing can transform a mix. Most stations wanted "big and loud". To some extent, it is the same thing today, but broadcast audio processing is better and much more refined.

[ernieg]

I think so!! Just hooked mines up and boy it took me back and made me feel brand new

[jswen]

As an old guy who currently owns 4 pairs, other 3 are for parts now, starting in 1996 I can add this perspective. I/we never turned the speakers inward, or angled, to a “sweet spot”.

We were always moving. We listen to them angled straight with the console ledge about 3-4’ apart. You would walk or slide your chair until your ear was in a position with the speakers, usually one ear (mine was left)

It’s impossible to sit in the sweet spot all day with theses without having a migraine.

Try putting them at the edge of your ears if you sit in one spot. Then move your head left or right into a more favorable position.❤

[Bry-dtkz]

Dude, your studio set up looks so nice!!! Good job