Fostex RM-2 User Manual

Owner’s Manual

STEREO RACK MONITOR

(DIGITAL I/O VERSION)

Model RM-2

436827

PHONES

DIGITAL

MUTEMONO

R

RL

MIN MAX

28 7 320 16 10 5

-

60 12 6 4 2 0 OL52 44 36 28 16

-

CH SEL

20

+6420

INPUT

ANALOG
DIGITAL

VU

PEAK

[dBFS]

-

60

-

STEREO RACK MONITOR

20

RM-2

5101620

3728

1628364452 OL024612

0246+ L

Introduction

Thank you very much for purchasing the Fostex Model RM-2.
The Model RM-2 is a rack-mountable powered monitor system which allows

you to monitor digital or analog audio signals.
It incorporates a 10 W x 2 power amplifier and outputs signals from the inter-

nal speakers (or from the headphones output jack). You can check the input
level via the 26-dot LED meters.

Read this owner's manual thoroughly before using. We hope you will use the
RM-2 for a long time.

Table of contents

Safety instruction .....................................................................................................2

Names and functions ...............................................................................................4

After turning on the power ..........................................................................4

Indication of channel selection ...................................................................6

"System mute" and "user mute" .................................................................6

Main specifications ..................................................................................................7

Model RM-2 Owner’s Manual

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).

NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

"WARNING"

"TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE."

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.

2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should
be followed.

5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used
near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen
sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming
pool, and the like.

6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with
a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.

An appliance and cart combination should be moved with
care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces
may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.

7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted
to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.

8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its
location or position dose not interfere with its proper
ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated
on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such
as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air
through the ventilation openings.

9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a
power supply only of the type described in the operating
instructions or as marked on the appliance.

11. Grounding or Polarization - The precautions that should be
taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an
appliance is not defeated.

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE
OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

ATTENTION:

POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES,
INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE
DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET
POUSSER JUSQU' AU FOND.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.

12. Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched
by items placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and
the point where they exit from the appliance.

13. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.

14. Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the appliance should
be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long
period of time.

15. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects
do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through
openings.

16. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be
serviced by qualified service personnel when:

A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance;

or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or

exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

17. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the
appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service
personnel.

18. The appliance should be situated away from drops of water
or spray of water.

19. Objects containing liquid such as vase must not be put on
the appliance.

20. The appliance is not completely isolated from the power
supply even if the power switch is at off position.

21. Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing
and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be
placed on the apparatus.

22. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.

23. An appliance with a protective earth terminal should be
connected to a mains outlet with a protective earth
connection.

24. An appliance should be placed in a position where an AC
plug / inlet can be easily pulled out by hand.

25. Main plug is used as the disconnection device. It shall remain
readily operable and should not be obstructed during
intended use. To be completely disconnected the apparatus
from supply mains, the mains plug of the apparatus shall be
disconnected from the mains socket outlet completely.

2

Model RM-2 Owner’s Manual

Important Safety Instructions

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings.
Install in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug.
A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade or the third prong
are provided for your safety.
If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

11) Only use attachments/accessories
specified by the manufacturer.

12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination
to avoid injury from tip-over.

13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods
of time.

14) Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power-supply cord or plug
is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or
has been dropped.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.

3

Model RM-2 Owner’s Manual

Names and functions

After turning on the power

Each time you turn on the power, the RM-2 is muted and the "MUTE" indicator flashes. (Figure 1 below
shows the condition of the status information section when you first turn on the power after purchas­ing the RM-2.)
To use the RM-2, therefore, press the [CH SEL] key to unmute the RM-2 (see Figure 2 below).
The "MUTE" indicator turns off. In particular conditions, the system mute function works and the RM­2 is automatically muted, while you can manually mute it whenever you want. See page 6 for details.

L

Lighting

Figure 1

DIGITAL

1

VU

PEAK

[dBFS]

Flashing

-

60

-

MUTEMONO

R

Lighting

VU

-

PEAK

60

-

[dBFS]

STEREO RACK MONITOR

2

5101620

3728

1628364452 OL024612

20

RM-2

STEREO RACK MONITOR

VU

-

PEAK

60

-

[dBFS]

<Front panel>

MUTEMONO

RM-2

20

5101620

1628364452 OL024612

0246+ L

3728

PHONES

DIGITAL

R

RL

MIN MAX

3

0246+ L

DIGITAL

PHONES

7

5101620

1628364452 OL024612

20

RM-2

STEREO RACK MONITOR

-

28 7 320 16 10 5

60 12 6 4 2 0OL52 44 36 28 16

20

-

CH SEL

INPUT

MUTEMONO

-

R

28 7 320 16 10 5

60 12 6 4 2 0 OL52 44 36 28 16

-

RL

MIN MAX

6

0246+ L

3728

ANALOG
DIGITAL

CH SEL

5

Figure 2

MUTEMONO

-

R

28 7 320 16 10 5

60 12 6 4 2 0 OL52 44 36 28 16

-

DIGITAL

RL

PHONES

MIN MAX

Press the [CH SEL] key.

+6420

2

20

INPUT

ANALOG
DIGITAL

4

CH SEL

1

+6420

ANALOG
DIGITAL

+6420

20

INPUT

1) Internal speakers

2) LED level meters

These meters show the input levels of digital or
analog input signals.

When the [INPUT]
switch is set to
DIGITAL

When the [INPUT]
switch is set to
ANALOG

The levels of digital input signals
are shown by peak metering.
The peak value is hold for three
seconds.

The levels of analog input signals
are shown by VU metering.
The peak value is hold.

When digital input is selected:

Peak metering, 0 dB: 0dBFS

When analog input is selected:

VU metering, 0dB: +4 dBu/-10 dBV

3) Status information section

This section indicates the status of the [CH SEL]
key and [INPUT] switch, as well as mute on/off
status. See page 6 for details.

4) [INPUT] (input select) switch

This switch selects the input signal between
analog and digital.

ANALOG

(

DIGIT AL

(

<Notes>:

tween analog and digital), the system mute
function works and unit is automatically
muted for a while (the [MUTE] indicator
lights). This prevents the noise from being
generated from the speaker units when
switching the signal. Muting is automatically
released after a few seconds.
See page 6 for details about the system mute
function.

You can monitor the analog signals re­ceived via the [ANALOG INPUT] connec-

)

tors.
Y ou can monitor the digital signal received

via the [DIGITAL INPUT] connectors.
When the unit receives a correct digital
signal and works correctly , the "DIGITAL"

)

indicator in the status information section
lights. When the unit does not receive a
correct digital signal or does not work cor­rectly, the "DIGITAL" indicator flashes.

When switching the input signal (be-

4

Model RM-2 Owner’s Manual

5) [CH SEL] (channel select) key

This key switches the channel(s) to be
monitored.
Each press of the key switches the channel(s)
in the following order (by default when
turning on the power, "stereo" is selected).
The current selection is shown by the
indicators in the status information section (see
page 6 for the indication of channel selection).

Stereo

Mono (L+R)

Mono (L only)

Mono (R only)

By long press of the [CH SEL] key, you can mute
the unit, while the [MUTE] indicator flashes (this
is called "user mute"). Pressing the [CH SEL] key
again release muting and the [MUTE] indicator
turns off. See page 6 for the user mute func­tion.

The following shows which signal is output from
each internal speaker unit for each channel se­lection.

When "Stereo" is selected

RM-2

STEREO RACK MONITOR

RM-2

STEREO RACK MONITOR

RM-2

STEREO RACK MONITOR

MUTEMONO

0246+ L

-

R

28 7 320 16 10 5

RL
MIN MAX

MUTEMONO

RL
MIN MAX

MUTEMONO

RL
MIN MAX

R

R

60 12 6 4 2 0OL5244 36 28 16

-

-

28 7 320 16 10 5

60 12 6 4 2 0OL5244 36 28 16

-

-

28 7 320 16 10 5

60 12 6 4 2 0OL5244 36 28 16

-

+6420

20

CH SEL

INPUT

ANALOG
DIGITAL

20

CH SEL

INPUT

ANALOG
DIGITAL

20

CH SEL

INPUT

ANALOG
DIGITAL

R

+6420

L+R

+6420

5101620

3728

1628364452 OL024612

20

DIGITAL

PHONES

0246+ L

5101620

3728

1628364452 OL024612

20

DIGITAL

PHONES

0246+ L

5101620

3728

1628364452 OL024612

20

DIGITAL

PHONES

VU

-

PEAK

60

-

L

[dBFS]

When "Mono (L+R)" is selected

VU

-

PEAK

60

-

L+R

[dBFS]

When "Mono (L only)" is selected

VU

-

PEAK

60

-

LL

[dBFS]

When "Mono (R only)" is selected

RM-2

STEREO RACK MONITOR

MUTEMONO

0246+ L

-

R

28 7 320 16 10 5

RL
MIN MAX

60 12 6 4 2 0OL5244 36 28 16

-

+6420

20

CH SEL

INPUT

ANALOG
DIGITAL

5101620

3728

1628364452 OL024612

20

DIGITAL

PHONES

VU

-

PEAK

60

-

RR

[dBFS]

6) Monitor output level controls

These dual concentric controls adjust the
speaker output (or headphones output) levels.
The outer control adjusts the left channel level,
while the inner control adjusts the right
channel level.

7) PHONES jack

This jack is used for connecting headphones.
When a plug is inserted, the internal speakers
are cut.

<Rear panel>

RL

ANALOG INPUT

DIGITAL INPUT

9

8) [ANALOG INPUT] connectors (XLR / 1/4" combi-

jacks)

You can connect an XLR-3-12C connector or
1/4" plug to each of these combi-jack type
[ANALOG INPUT] connectors (you cannot
insert both together). Each connector accepts a
+4 dBu analog signal via XLR connection or a

-10 dBV analog signal via 1/4" connection.

2

1

3

XLR

HOT (+) COLD (-)

Pin 2

Pin 3 Pin 1

9) [DIGIT AL INPUT] connector (XLR connector)

This connector accepts an AES/EBU digital
signal at the sampling frequency within the 44.1
kHz to 96 kHz range. You can connect an XLR­3-12C connector.

Ground

CAUTION

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

AVIS:

NE PAS OUVRIR

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

10) [POWER] s witch

11) [AC IN] connector

ON

OFF

POWER

AC IN

11108

This switch turns the power on or off.
Each time you turn on the power, the RM-2 is
muted for preventing the noise from being
generated from the speaker units (the "MUTE"
indicator flashes).

Connect to the AC outlet using the supplied
power cord.
Make sure that the AC outlet voltage matches
the unit.

1

3

XLR

Pin 2

Pin 3 Pin 1

2

HOT (+) COLD (-)

Ground

5

Model RM-2 Owner’s Manual

Indication of channel selection

You can see which channel(s) is/are now selected by the [CH SEL] key via the status information
section, as below.

• When the [INPUT] switch is set to "Analog"

L

Stereo

MUTEMONO

R

Mono (L+R) Mono (L only) Mono (R only)

L

MUTEMONO

R

L

MUTEMONO

R

L

MUTEMONO

R

Illuminated

DIGITAL

Illuminated

DIGITAL

Illuminated Illuminated Illuminated

DIGITAL

DIGITAL

• When the [INPUT] switch is set to "Digital"

Stereo

L

Illuminated Illuminated Illuminated

MUTEMONO

R

DIGITAL

Mono (L+R) Mono (L only)

L

Illuminated

MUTEMONO

R

DIGITAL

Illuminated Illuminated Illuminated

L

MUTEMONO

R

DIGITAL

Mono (R only)

L

Illuminated Illuminated

MUTEMONO

R

DIGITAL

"System mute" and "user mute"

The RM-2 has two mute functions. One is the "user mute" function which allows you to manually
mute the unit whenever you want, while the other is the "system mute" function which automatically
mute the unit in particular conditions.

User mute: The user mute function allows you to mute the unit manually by pressing and hold-

ing down the [CH SEL] key until the [MUTE] indicator lights up (the level meters show the input
levels regardless of the mute condition). You can release muting by pressing the [CH SEL] key
briefly.

System mute: The RM-2 is automatically muted in any of conditions (1) through (3) below (un-

like the user mute, the level meters do not show the input levels in this case). The system mute
function is activated to prevent the noise from being generated from the speaker units. In the
cases of (1) and (2) below, muting is released after a few seconds. In the case of (3), muting is
released when the unit locks to the external digital signal.

(1) When you turn on the power.
(2) When you press the [INPUT] switch to switc h the input.
(3) When the unit does not lock to the external digital cloc k while selecting the digital input.

<Note>:

activated. Therefore, system muting is automatically released after a few seconds but user
muting is not released automatically. So you have to press the [CH SEL] key to release user
muting.

The MUTE indicator shows mute status. When the system mute is active, the MUTE indicator is lit.
When the user mute is active, the MUTE indicator flashes. As the user mute status takes priority to
the system mute status, the MUTE indicator shows the status as follows.

When you turn on the power, both the user mute and system mute functions are

System mute

OFF

ON

Unlit Lit

Flashing

L

MUTEMONO

DIGITAL

MUTE LED

R

User mute

OFF

ON

Flashing

6

Model RM-2 Owner’s Manual

Main Specifications

<Speaker section>

• Unit: 110 x 40 mm, cone type, magnetically shielded type x 2

• Impedance: 8 ohms

• Output sound pressure level: 84 dB/W (1m)

• Frequency response: 200 Hz to 20 kHz

<Power amplifier section>

• Rated output power: 10 W or more (8 ohms, 1 kHz)

• Residual noise: -60 dBV or less (DIN AUDIO)

• Distortion: 0.5 % or less (10 W/4ohms, 1 kHz)

• Digital input
Connector: XLR-3-31 type
Format: IEC 60958 (AES/EBU)
Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz to 96 kHz

• Analog input
Connector: XLR/ 1/4 combi-jack
Nominal input level: +4 dBu (XLR), -10 dBV (1/4")
Input impedance: 10 kohms or more

• PHONES
Connector: 1/4-inch stereo jack
Applicable load impedance: 8 ohms or more
Rated output power: 20 mW + 20 mW (32 ohms, 1 kHz)

• Level meters: 26-dot LED meter x 2
When digital input is selected: Peak metering, 0 dB: 0dBFS
When analog input is selected: VU metering, 0dB: +4 dBu/-10 dBV

<General>

• External dimensions: 430 (W) x 44 (H) x 260 (D) mm

• Weight: Approximately 3.5 kg

• Power requirement: 120VAC 60Hz (for US and CANADA version)

230VAC~240VAC 50/60Hz (for Europe version)

• Power consumption: 10 W

• Supplied accessories: Power cord, Owner's manual, Rack mount adaptor x 2, Rubber foot x 4

* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for product improvement.

260

VU

PEAK

[dBFS]

-

60

-

STEREO RACK MONITOR

RM-2

430
482

MUTEMONO

0246+ L

3728

5101620

1628364452 OL024612

20

PHONES

DIGITAL

R

RL

MIN MAX

28 7 320 16 10 5

-

60 12 6 4 2 0OL52 44 36 28 16

-

CH SEL

+6420

20

INPUT

ANALOG
DIGITAL

44

7

FOSTEX CO.

3-2-35, Musashino, Akishima-shi, Tokyo, Japan, 196-0021

FOSTEX AMERICA

13701 Cimarron A venue Gardena, CA 90249 U.S.A.

© PRINTED IN JAPAN OCT. 2005 FX (436827)