Top Quality 8” Active
Studio Reference Monitor
User’s Guide
ESI - Copyright © 2012
Revision 2, July 2012
www.esi-audio.com
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INDEX
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................4
2. Basics & Installation.................................................................................................................... 4
Unpacking / Handling................................................................................................................................................4
Connection.................................................................................................................................................................4
3. Placement......................................................................................................................................5
Stereo / 2.0 Positioning..............................................................................................................................................5
Stereo with Subwoofer / 2.1 Positioning....................................................................................................................5
5.1 Positioning...........................................................................................................................................................6
7.1 Positioning...........................................................................................................................................................6
Orientation................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Comments..................................................................................................................................................................7
4. Technical Data.............................................................................................................................. 7
Specifications............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Rear Panel..................................................................................................................................................................8
5. General Information....................................................................................................................9
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1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the ESI aktiv 08.
The aktiv 08 top quality near field reference monitor has been developed to generate a professional
level sonic reproduction in any studio environment. With an extended low frequency response and a
top quality kevlar 8" driver, the stylish aktiv 08 delivers unparalleled punch in the low-mid
frequency – a major improvement over the paper and polypropylene drivers used in many
comparable products. The monitor also provides frequency response adjustment controls, allowing
you to tune the sound, specific to the needs inside your studio environment. They feature a German
optimized version of ESI's cross over technology that is perfect to provide an optimal output signal
and frequency response properly matching the used drivers and the cabinet design. aktiv 08 is
magnetically shielded for desktop operation next to your other electronic equipment without
causing interference.
2. Basics & Installation
For optimal performance of aktiv 08, read the instructions in this manual thoroughly and carefully
before you are using the speaker. We tried to keep this manual short so that you are not loosing
much time to read through it completely.
Unpacking / Handling
To remove the monitor from the carton its best to turn the package carefully upside down on the
floor or on a table and then lift the carton vertically up slowly to leave the monitor resting in the
packaging foam. Make sure that you don’t grab the speaker driver units on the front to avoid
damage. Now check the monitor for signs of damage that might have occurred in shipping. In the
unlikely event of this, please contact the reseller of the product immediately. Be careful when you
remove the packaging foam. Please keep all packing materials.
Connection
High quality XLR balanced or TS unbalanced audio cables are recommended for input connection.
The monitor typically connects to the line level output of a mixing console or to a computer audio
card. Make sure the power of the monitor is switched off before you connect any audio cables. Also
turn down the volume initially.
XLR balanced connection
Connect male side of XLR balanced cable to the balanced XLR input of aktiv 08. Make sure the
power cable is connected as well. Setup all speakers (i.e. left / right channels) with the same type of
cable.
TS unbalanced connection
Connect male side of TS unbalanced cable to the input jack of aktiv 08. Make sure the power cable
is connected as well. Setup all speakers (i.e. left / right channels) with the same type of cable.
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3. Placement
The placement of monitoring speakers is very critical and can compromise their performance. This
is a general rule for every loudspeaker. To monitor with aktiv 08 utilizing their maximum
capabilities, an appropriate listening environment and a correct placement are important.
Typically you would be using 2 units of aktiv 08 as one stereo pair – or more in surround setups
(i.e. in a 5.1 setup you would use 5 units of aktiv 08 together with a subwoofer).
Stereo / 2.0 Positioning
Two units and the listener should be positioned or aligned in a regular triangle form. Please refer to
the following diagram to understand how to position your monitors. Each distance x should be
identical.
Stereo with Subwoofer / 2.1 Positioning
In a stereo setup with an added subwoofer, the subwoofer speaker should be positioned ideally in
the exact middle in front of the listener (with the same distance x). If this is not possible, it should
be as close to that position as possible.
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5.1 Positioning
In a 5.1 surround set, the center speaker should ideally be placed on top of the subwoofer. If this is
not possible, the subwoofer can be moved to the left or right but should be as close as possible. The
rear surround speakers should be positioned around 110° from the center speaker (all with the same
distance x).
7.1 Positioning
In a 7.1 surround set, the center speaker should also ideally be placed on top of the subwoofer or as
close as possible. The surround speakers are best placed 90° from the center speaker and the back
surround speakers are best placed 135° to 150° from the center speaker. All speakers should be
placed with the same distance x to the listener.
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Orientation
It’s very important to place the aktiv 08 vertically. Never place them horizontally.
Comments
Please also make sure to not place any obstacles that may block the flow of air or that could
generate sound reflections (especially highly reflective material including glass or metal) in front of
the monitor. Also, don’t put plants in pots on top or too close to your monitors. Keep a certain
distance to the wall behind the speaker, as it could block air flow.
4. Technical Data
Please note that technical specifications are subject to change without any prior notice. The specs
given in this manual are up-to-date at the time of the creation of this document.
Specifications
Model: aktiv 08
Type: 2-way powered speaker
System Type: Active Studio Monitor Speaker
Dimensions: 358 mm (H) x 255 mm (W) x 322 mm (D)
Weight: 10.2 kg
HF Driver: 1" silk dome tweeter
LF Driver: 8" kevlar curved cone (magnetic shielding type)
Output Power: 90W (HF 30W, LF 60W), 130W AC consumption power
Working Voltage: AC100-240V 50/60Hz, with 115V / 230V AC selection switch
Frequency Response: 40 Hz – 20kHz
Input Impedance: 23.3 kOhm balanced, 13.3 kOhm unbalanced
Crossover Point: 2kHz
SPL: 90dB+/- 3dB
Rated Noise Power: 60 Watt (THD=1%, 4ohm@1kHz)
Input Sensitivity: 130mV@1Watt, 1V@60Watt
Input Connectors: XLR / TS1/4" combo connector, balanced / unbalanced input
Volume Control: min - center - max
Indicator: power LED on front panel, blue
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Rear Panel
1. XLR input – this connector accepts balanced XLR input connections (optimised for +4dBu).
XLR input is wired like this:
INPUT SIGNAL XLR CONNECTIONS
+ PIN 2
- PIN 3
Shield PIN 1
2. TS input – this jack accepts TS input connections, unbalanced (optimised for -10dBV). The TS
input is wired like this:
INPUT SIGNAL TRS CONNECTIONS
Signal Tip
Shield Sleeve
The TS input should not be used with balanced TRS signals. Although this is possible, the input
level will not be correct in that case. For balanced connection, please use a XLR cable whenever
possible.
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3. vent port – aktiv 08 is a vented box speaker system with a vent port on the rear panel. Make sure
you are not blocking the vent port (i.e. by putting the speaker too close to a wall) or the sound
colour will be changed.
4. volume control knob – use the volume control knob to set the proper input level from the sound
source. Make sure to setup all speakers accordingly. When set to the center position, the output
level is set to the recommended calibrated level to reach the most optimised dynamic response
(expecting a balanced XLR +4dBu or unbalanced TS -10dBV input signal).
5. treble attenuation adjustment – to match your aktiv 08 to certain room acoustic requirements, a
change in the treble attenuation can be made with this switch. The default and recommended setting
is 0dB and normally you can always keep it there. Always make sure to setup all speakers
identically.
6. bass roll off adjustment – this switch allows you to match aktiv 08 better to a subwoofer and in
special situations where the room acoustics require it. The default and recommended setting is 50Hz
and normally you can always keep it there. Always make sure to setup all speakers identically.
7. power switch – when you push the power switch, aktiv 08 will be turned on, and –surprise– it
will be turned off when you push the power switch again.
8. power port with ext. fuse – use this connector to plug in the detachable 3-circuit line cord that
connects to the power outlet. The connector contains a replaceable fuse (T2AL/250V).
9. AC Selection – you can select either 115V or 230V AC power according to your local
requirements. Make sure this is selected properly before you switch on aktiv 08 for the first time or
your equipment could be damaged.
5. General Information
Trademarks
ESI, aktiv and aktiv 08 are trademarks of ESI Audiotechnik GmbH. Other product and brand names
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Correspondence
For technical support inquiries, contact your nearest dealer, local distributor or ESI support online at
www.esi-audio.com
.
Disclaimer
All features and specifications subject to change without notice.
Parts of this manual are continually being updated. Please check our web site www.esi-audio.com
occasionally for the most recent update information.
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