YAMAHA HS4 Powered Studio Monitor Owner’s Manual
- June 15, 2024
- Yamaha
Table of Contents
YAMAHA HS4 Powered Studio Monitor
Product Information
Specifications
- Product: Powered Studio Monitor
- Model: HS4, HS3
- Compact and high-quality studio monitors
- Designed for use in music and video production
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing this Yamaha product. The HS4 and HS3 are compact,
high-quality studio monitors that are designed for use in music and video
production.
About this Manual
How the manuals are organized:
- Safety Guide (included with this product) – Lists the safety-related points you need to be aware of when using this product.
- Quick Start Guide (included with this product) – Explains the steps from setting up this product through playing sound, with illustrations.
- Owner’s Manual (this guide) – Explains all functions of this product. Refer to this manual if there is something about the installation or operations in the Quick Start Guide that you didn’t understand.
The precautions and related points in this manual are categorized as follows:
- WARNING: This content indicates a risk of serious injury or death.
- CAUTION: This content indicates risk of injury.
- NOTICE: Matters must be observed to avoid product breakdown, damage or malfunction, as well as to prevent the loss of data and to protect the environment.
- NOTE: Points of note when using this product, limitations in functionality, and supplementary information that’s useful to know.
Keep the manuals included with this product in a place where you can refer to them whenever needed. You can also download these manuals from the Yamaha website, so please make use of these resources as necessary. https://download.yamaha.com/
Product Usage Instructions
Setting Up for Superior Sound
To achieve superior sound quality, follow these steps for setting up your
powered studio monitor:
Controls and Connectors
Rear: Air blowing out of the bass reflex ports is normal, and often occurs when the speaker is handling program material with heavy bass content.
Speaker Input and Response Control
-
ROOM CONTROL switch
Adjust the speaker’s low-frequency response. This switch can be used to compensate for exaggerated low-frequency response that can be caused by reflections in some listening environments. Setting the switch to the [0] position produces a flat frequency response. The [−2 dB] setting attenuates the range below 500 Hz by 2 dB, and the [−4 dB] setting attenuates the range below 500 Hz by −4 dB. -
HIGH TRIM switch
Adjust the speaker’s high-frequency response. Setting the switch to the [0] position produces a flat frequency response. The [+2 dB] setting boosts the range above 2 kHz by 2 dB, while the [−2 dB] setting attenuates the range above 2 kHz by −2 dB. -
ST MINI chassis connector
This is an unbalanced input connector used to plug in a stereo mini-plug cable. Connect your smartphone or other device here. -
LINE 2 (L/R) chassis connectors
These sockets are unbalanced RCA input chassis connectors (L/R). Connect devices such as a computer, MP3 player or CD player here. You can use the included stereo mini-to-RCA cable. -
LINE 1 (L/R) chassis connectors
These balanced input combo connectors are compatible with XLR connectors and phone plugs. Connect a linelevel synthesizer, mixer or audio interface here. -
OUTPUT TO RIGHT SPEAKER
Connect the included speaker cable here to transmit signals from the left speaker to the right speaker. -
[ /I] (standby/on) switch
Turns the power of this product standby/on. Flip the switch to the [ / I ] side to turn the power on, and flip the switch to the [ /I ] side to turn the power standby. NOTICE
Flipping the [ /I ] switch to standby/on repeatedly in quick succession may cause the product to malfunction. Wait at least five seconds after turning the switch to standby before you turn it on again.
This product features a built-in protective circuit. Excessive input signals will activate the protective circuit and shut down the power. If this happens, turn this switch to standby and wait at least three seconds before turning it on again.
A small amount of electrical current still flows through this product’s circuitry even after you’ve turned the [ ] switch to standby (the switch being in the [ ] position). If you are not going to use this product for a long time, make sure to unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.
NOTE: There is a [ ]/volume knob on the front panel of speaker L, which you must also turn on when you want to use the speakers. -
Power cord
Connect this cord to an AC outlet.
Front: The front panel of the powered studio monitor also includes important controls. Make sure you understand the following:
[ ]/volume knob
This knob combines the features of a power and volume adjustment knob.
Slightly turn the knob clockwise to turn the power on.
Volume adjustment
When the power is on, turn the knob clockwise to increase the volume, and turn
the knob counterclockwise to decrease the volume.
Power standby
When you want to turn the power to standby, turn the knob all the way
counterclockwise to its original position (the indicator goes dark).
NOTICE
- Turning the [ ****]/volume knob to standby/on repeatedly in quick succession may cause the product to malfunction. Wait at least five seconds after turning the power/volume knob to standby before you turn it on again.
- This product features a built-in protective circuit. Excessive input signals will activate the protective circuit and shut down the power. If this happens, turn the power switch on the rear panel of this product off and wait at least three seconds before turning it on again.
- A small amount of electrical current still flows through this product’s circuitry, even after you’ve turned the [ ]/volume knob to standby and the indicator goes dark. If you are not going to use this product for a long time, make sure to unplug the power cord from the AC outlet.
Headphones socket
Connect a pair of headphones here. No sound comes out of the speakers while
headphones are connected.
NOTICE
To avoid the possibility of malfunction/damage to the product or damage to other property, follow the notices below.
Handling and maintenance
- • Do not obstruct the hole (bass reflex port) on the back of the speaker unit.
- This reduces the quality of the sound.
- Do not use the product in the vicinity of a TV, radio, or other electric products.
- Otherwise, the product, TV, or radio may generate noise.
- Do not expose the product to excessive dust or vibration, or extreme cold or heat, in order to prevent the possibility of unstable operation or damage to the internal components.
- Do not install in locations where temperature changes are severe.
- Otherwise, condensation may form on the inside or the surface of the product, causing it to break or deform the wood. Do not leave condensation on the wood; wipe immediately with a soft cloth.
- If there is reason to believe that condensation might have occurred on the inside, leave the product for several hours without turning on the power until the condensation has completely dried out, in order to prevent possible damage.
- Do not touch the speaker driver unit, since it might cause malfunction.
- Do not place vinyl, plastic or rubber objects on the product, since this might cause alteration or discoloration.
- Clean the product with a dry and soft cloth. Do not use a chemically infused wiping cloth, chemical products or the like to clean this product,
as these may cause discoloration or deterioration.
Information
About functions bundled with the product
XLR-type connectors are wired as follows (IEC60268 standard): pin 1:
ground, pin 2: hot (+), and pin 3: cold (−).
About the manuals
The illustrations in the Owner’s Manual (this document), the Safety Guide
and the Quick Start Guide are used for explan-ation. The company names and
product names in the Owner’s Manual (this document), the Safety Guide and the
Quick Start Guide are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies. iPhone and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc.
registered in the United States and other countries. Android is a trademark of
Google LLC.
Included Items
Cables
You’ll need to acquire appropriate cables to connect the HS series monitor
speakers to your audio interface or other source equipment.
Short, high-quality cables
Use high-quality cables of the shortest practical length. The longer the
cable, the more chance there is that noise will creep in to degrade your
sound.
Balanced cables
Balanced cables are more resistant to noise than unbalanced cables. If you
have to use unbalanced cables because the source equipment only has unbalanced
outputs, be sure to use the shortest possible unbalanced cables.
Connectable cables
XLR type
XLR-type connectors are widely used in professional audio equipment and
installations. The XLR-type connectors provided on the HS series speakers are
primarily intended for use with balanced connections.
Phone type
Phone-type connectors can be used for both unbalanced and balanced
connections. Cables fitted with TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) phone plugs are
necessary for balanced connections to the HS series speakers. The construction
of TRS phone plugs is basically the same as stereo phone plugs. For unbalanced
connections, connect standard mono phone plug cables to the HS speaker phone
connectors.
RCA plugs
You can use the included stereo mini-to-RCA cable. This is an unbalanced
connection.
Stereo mini-plugs
Use an audio cable with stereo mini plugs.
Balanced connections| These effectively cancel noise picked up from
external sources. Balanced connections allow for longer cable runs that would
probably otherwise result in more noise being picked up.
---|---
Unbalanced connections| Commonly used to connect electronic musical
instruments and guitars, etc., to amplification equipment. If your cable runs
do not extend past one or two meters, unbalanced cables can probably be used
without any problems.
Setting Up for Superior Sound
This product features two speakers: an active (with built-in amplifier)
speaker L and a passive speaker R. To monitor the sound accurately, position
the L speaker angled towards your left side and the R speaker angled towards
your right side. Speaker L is marked on the rear panel as “LEFT”.
NOTICE
Do not set the speakers up with the front side of the baffles facing down.
Keep the following points in mind when setting up your monitor speakers.
- Position the speakers away from walls or corners Ideally, the speakers should be located away from walls or corners. In situations where it is not possible to position the speakers a sufficient distance from walls or corners, the ROOM CONTROL switch can be used compensate for excessive bass. As you move the speaker closer to walls or corners, a higher compensation setting may be required to achieve naturalsounding response ([0] → [−2] → [−4]).
- Position the left and right speakers symmetrically. The left and right speakers should be positioned as symmetrically as possible in relation to the room. In other words, the left and right speakers should be the same distance from the rear wall and the respective left and right walls.
- The optimum listening position is at the apex of an equilateral triangle. For the most accurate sound and balance, position yourself at the apex of an equilateral triangle formed by the left and right speakers and yourself, with the speakers angled inward so that they’re facing you.
- Position the tweeters at ear height. High frequencies are quite directional, so for the most accurate monitoring the speakers should be set up so that the tweeters are at approximately the same height as your ears when you’re seated at the listening position.
Connections
WARNING
- Before connecting the product to other devices, turn off the power for all devices. Also, before turning the power of all devices on or off, make sure that all volume levels are set to the minimum. Failing to do so may result in hearing loss, electric shock, or device damage.
- When turning on the AC power in your audio system, always turn on the product LAST, to avoid hearing loss and speaker damage. When turning the power off, the product should be turned off FIRST for the same reason.
Connecting the speakers with the included cable
- Connect the red lead to the red terminal and the black lead to the black terminal.
Connecting to an Audio Interface
When connecting an audio interface to HS series speakers, connect the audio
interface output connectors directly to the speakers’ input connectors.
Normally you’ll connect to the LINE OUT 1 and 2 (1L and 2R outputs), although
that might depend on the specific audio interface and DAW (Digital Audio
Workstation) settings used.
Recommended cables
- For connection to a balanced phone chassis connector
- For connection to an unbalanced phone chassis connector
NOTE
Refer to “Connectable cables” for more connector details. The configurations
of the balanced and unbalanced phone chassis connectors are different.
Connecting to a Mixer
When connecting a mixer to HS series speakers, connect the mixer’s MONITOR OUT
or C-R OUT (Control Room) connectors directly to the speakers’ input
connectors. This makes it possible to control the monitor level independently
from the mixer’s main bus level.
Recommended cables
- For connection to a balanced XLR chassis connector
- For connection to a balanced phone chassis connector
- For connection to an unbalanced phone chassis connector
NOTE
Refer to “Connectable cables” for more connector details. The
configurations of the balanced and unbalanced phone chassis connectors are
different.
Connecting to a Synthesizer or Other Electronic Musical Instrument
When connecting an electronic musical instrument to the HS series speakers,
connect the instrument’s L/MONO and R outputs to the HS speaker inputs.
Recommended cables
- For connection to an unbalanced phone chassis connector
NOTE
Refer to “Connectable cables” for more connector details. The
configurations of the balanced and unbalanced phone chassis connectors are
different.
Connecting to a computer
- Use the included stereo mini-to-RCA cable to connect the headphones output connector on your computer to the RCA connectors on this product.
- Use a commercially available stereo mini-plug cable to connect the headphones output connector on your computer to the ST MINI connector on this product.
Connecting to a smartphone
- Use the included stereo mini-to-RCA cable to connect the earphone connector on your smartphone to the RCA connect-ors on this product.
- Use a commercially available stereo mini-plug cable to connect the earphone connector on your smartphone to the ST MINI connector on this product.
NOTE
For smartphones running Android with a USB-C port for audio input/output,
use a USB-C to 3.5 mm four-conductor earphone jack adapter cable. For iPhones
with a Lightning connector, use a Lightning-3.5 mm headphone jack adapter.
Connecting headphones
Connect a pair of headphones features a stereo mini-plug cable.
Turning on the power and making a sound
Once you’ve set up the speakers, make the settings by following the steps below.
-
Before connecting this product, make sure that all the devices connected to this product are turned off.
-
Turn the output level of the connected devices (such as audio interfaces) down to a minimum.
-
Connect speakers L and R with the included speaker cable.
CAUTION
You can also use a commercially available speaker cable, but make sure that the cable is designed only for use with speakers. Using other kinds of cables may cause a fire. -
Connect any external devices, and plug in the power cord of this product.
-
Set the ROOM CONTROL and HIGH TRIM switches on this product to 0 dB.
-
Turn on the power of your connected devices, and then turn this product on (first the rear switch and then the front knob).
The power/volume knob on the front panel turns the speakers on when you slightly turn the knob clockwise, and the indicator lights up.
WARNING
When turning the power off, turn off the power of this product (first the front knob and then the rear switch), and then turn off any connected devices. -
Adjust the volume.
The [ ]/volume knob on the front panel is also used to adjust the volume. Turn this knob in either direction while the indicator is lit to adjust the volume. In this example, turn the knob to the 12-o’clock position. -
Output a signal from the connected device and gradually increase the level.
NOTICE
Be careful not to suddenly apply an excessively loud signal to the system. Excessive levels can damage the speakers. -
Set the knob to a level that’s comfortable to listen at for an extended period of time.
NOTE
Change the ROOM CONTROL and HIGH TRIM switch settings as necessary.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|
The speakers do not turn on, or the front panel indicator does not light up.| ****
The power cord might not be connected properly.
| ****
Connect the power cord properly.
The power switch might not be turned on.| Turn the power switch and knob on
(first the rear switch and then the front knob). If the power still does not
turn on, contact your Yamaha dealer.
No sound.| One or more cables might not be connected properly.|
Connect the cables properly.
No signal output is received from external devices.| Make sure that the
external devices are outputting signals.
The level setting might be too low.| Raise the output level from the exter-
nal devices.
The sound is noisy or distorted.| One or more cables might be corrod-
ed, shorted or otherwise broken.| Replace any faulty cables.
The speakers might be picking up external noise.| Try changing the position or
layout of the cables.
Try changing the location of other devices near the speakers.
Specifications
| HS4 | HS3 |
|---|
General Specifications
System Type| 2-way Powered speaker
Frequency Response (−3 dB)| 83 Hz – 20 kHz| 85 Hz – 20 kHz
Frequency Response (−10 dB)| 60 Hz – 22 kHz| 70 Hz – 22 kHz
Crossover Frequency| 2.3 kHz| 3.2 kHz
Maximum Output Level (Measured peak, IEC noise@1m)| 102 dB SPL| 100 dB SPL
Dimensions (W×H×D)| L Side| 150×240×213 mm| 132×223×189 mm
R Side| 150×240×203 mm| 132×223×177 mm
Weight
| L Side| 3.7 kg| 2.8 kg
R Side| 3.1 kg| 2.1 kg
Input Connector
|
L Side
| COMBO (XLR/TRS Phone) ×2
RCA ×2
Stereo Mini
R Side| Speaker Input
Output Connector L Side
| Headphone
Speaker Output
Speaker section
Enclosure| Bass-reflex type, Material: MDF
Speaker Components
| HF: 1″ Dome| HF: 0.75″ Dome
LF: 4.5″ Cone| LF: 3.5″ Cone
Nominal Impedance| 6 Ω
Amplifier section
Maximum Output
| Dynamic, RL=6 Ω| 26 W + 26 W
THD 0.1%, 1kHz, RL=6 Ω| 20 W + 20 W
Input Impedance| LINE 1 (COMBO): 20 kΩ, LINE 2 (RCA, ST Mini): 10 kΩ
Input Sensitivity (Volume: Maximum)| LINE 1 (COMBO): +4 dBu, LINE 2 (RCA, ST
Mini): −10 dBu
Maximum Input| LINE 1 (COMBO): +20 dBu, LINE 2 (RCA, ST Mini): +6 dBu
Input Connectors
| LINE 1: COMBO (XLR/TRS PHONE)
LINE 2: RCA, Stereo Mini
Controls
| | Front: Volume
ROOM CONTROL SWITCH| 0/−2/−4 dB under 500 Hz
HIGH TRIM SWITCH| +2/0/−2 dB above 2 kHz
Indicator| Power ON (White LED)
Power Requirements (*)| Depending on area of purchase; 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption| 15 W
Accessories
Included in the package| Stereo Mini – RCA Cable 1.5 m
Speaker Cable 2.5 m
Anti Slip Pad
Quick Start Guide
Safety Guide
While this product will work at a voltage of between 100 V to 240 V, as limiter settings vary depending on the supply voltage, make sure to use this product at the supply voltage indicated on the rear panel of this product. The contents of this manual apply to the latest specifications as of the publishing date.
Dimensions
Frequency Response
- HS4
- HS3
Block Diagram
Yamaha Pro Audio global website
https://www.yamahaproaudio.com/
Yamaha Downloads
https://download.yamaha.com/
© 2023 Yamaha Corporation Published 11/2023 MW-A1
FAQ’s
Can I use the powered studio monitor with my computer?
Yes, you can connect the powered studio monitor to your computer using the appropriate audio cables.
How do I clean the powered studio monitor?
Do not use any abrasive materials or cleaning agents on the powered studio monitor. Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the surface.
References
- HS4, HS3
- Yamaha Downloads
- E-Schrott Entsorgung in Deiner Nähe – Kostenlos, Sicher und Einfach – Plan-E
- Computer-Related Operations
- stiftung-ear.de/de/startseite