M-Audio BX8CARBONXUS User manual

User Guide

English ( 3 – 6 )

Guía del usuario

Español ( 7 – 10 )

Guide d'utilisation

Français ( 11 – 14 )

Guida per l'uso

Italiano ( 15 – 18 )

Benutzerhandbuch

Deutsch ( 19 – 22 )

Appendix

English ( 23 )

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User Guide (English)

Introduction

The BX8 Carbon was designed and tested by veteran audio engineers to meet your needs in a
studio monitoring environment. It is focused on the functional goal of delivering pure, original
sound without any additional coloration. The BX8 Carbon monitor is self-powered, directly
accepting a line-level signal from a variety of sources.

The BX8 Carbon is designed to overcome all the limitations of conventional studio reference
monitors within the digital audio environment. This system delivers a wide-range frequency
response by employing two extraordinary drivers and unique crossover technology licensed by
M-Audio. It boasts a stable and balanced low-mid frequency response along with a defined mid
and high frequency response as well. Both drivers are magnetically shielded for desktop music
production.

For pro engineers at commercial studios to home studio owners, the BX8 Carbon sets a new
affordable standard in studio monitoring.

Box Contents

• BX8 Carbon Monitor (1)

• Power Cable

• User Guide

• Safety & Warranty Manual

Support

For complete system requirements, compatibility information, and product registration, visit the
M-Audio website: m-audio.com/bx8carbon.

For additional product support, visit m-audio.com/support.

Features

Rear Panel

1. XLR Input: This jack accepts XLR input connections
with either balanced or unbalanced wiring. The input
wiring of an XLR connector should be as follows:

• XLR Pin 1: signal ground (shield)

• XLR Pin 2: signal positive (+)

• XLR Pin 3: signal negative (–)

2. TRS Input: This jack accepts 1/4" connections with
either balanced or unbalanced wiring. For balanced
wiring, a three-conductor TRS plug is necessary.
The input wiring of a TRS connector should be as
follows:

• TRS Tip: signal positive (+)

• TRS Ring: signal negative (–)

• TRS Sleeve: signal ground (shield)

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Unbalanced 1/4" wiring can be done with either a two- or three-conductor (TS or TRS)
plug. A two-conductor (TS) plug automatically grounds the signal negative input, whereas
a three-conductor (TRS) plug, wired unbalanced, provides the option of leaving the
negative input open or grounded. We recommend that you ground the unused negative
input (this can be done by wiring the ring and sleeve of the TRS plug together). The TRS
input is summed through a balanced input amplifier with the XLR input, allowing both
inputs to be used simultaneously. Input specifications apply to both.

3. Acoustic Space Switch: Your BX8 monitors should ideally be placed at least one foot
away from the nearest wall, ceiling, or other large, flat surface. In the real world, this may
be impractical due to space limitations within your studio. For that reason, BX8 monitors
feature an acoustic space switch. This switch compensates for placement near walls.

Tip: Be sure to leave at least 3" of space between the rear of the speaker and a wall to
allow the rear-firing port to "breathe" properly. Placing the speaker any closer than 3" may
adversely affect low-frequency response.

4. Sub-Frequency Vent Port: This port aids in reproduction of very low frequencies by
discharging frequencies below 60 Hz and to act as a cooling mechanism to prevent
overheating. This port should not be blocked.

5. Volume Control: Use the volume control to set the output sound pressure from the BX8
Carbon to proper levels as required.

6. Power Switch: This switch turns the monitor on and off.

7. Power Receptacle: Accepts a detachable 3-circuit line cord in order to power the monitor.

8. Fuse Holder: Holds the external main fuse.

9. Voltage-Select Switch: Provides two selections, 115V AC and 230V AC, and should be
set to match the "house supply" (receptacle) voltage of the country or location in which the
speaker is used. The 115V setting is correct for the USA, while the 230V setting is correct
for most of the UK and Europe.

Front Panel

The front panel houses the Power LED, which
indicates whether the speakers (amplifier) power
is on or off.

1. Power LED

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BX8

2. HF Driver (tweeter)

3. LF Driver (woofer)

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Installation

For optimal performance of the BX8 Carbon, please read the following thoroughly and carefully
prior to installation.

Precautions

• Handling: Please do not touch the speaker cones. The BX8 Carbon set is packaged in
the box tightly, so your attention is required when taking the monitors out of the box. To
avoid possible damage to the speaker units, hold both sides of the monitor in order to pull
it out of the box. The speaker cones should not be touched in order to avoid damage even
after they are out of the box.

• Correct Power Operation: Since the BX8 Carbon contains its own amplifier, it must be
connected to a power outlet using the detachable AC cable provided. Before connecting
power, please make sure that the Voltage-Select Switch located on the speaker's rear
panel is set to the appropriate position, as described in the rear-panel features list
appearing earlier in this manual.

WARNING! Use of improper Voltage-Select Switch combinations may result in hazardous
conditions and/or damage to speaker components not covered by speaker warranty.

• Connections: You can connect either an XLR balanced cable or TRS
balanced/unbalanced cable from the input of each BX8 Carbon to your corresponding
preamp, computer or game console outputs. We recommend that you use high-quality
balanced or unbalanced cables for input connections. Also, ALWAYS turn off the power of
the BX8 Carbon and turn the volume of the BX8 Carbon down to a minimum before
making the necessary connections.

Setup

The configuration and placement of your BX8 Carbon monitors on speaker stands or your
desktop workstation may affect the performance of the speakers. Use the following tips to
achieve the best performance out of your BX8 Carbon monitors.

Tip: If possible, place your BX8 Carbon monitors on speaker stands instead of your desktop.
Desks tend to resonate sympathetically at low frequencies and may adversely affect the bass
response of your monitors. If speaker stands are not possible due to space restrictions and you
notice a buildup in bass, try placing the monitors on isolation pads to acoustically de-couple the
monitors from the desk.

XLR Balanced Connection

Assure that the power switch of the BX8 Carbon is turned off and that the volume control of the
BX8 Carbon is turned down to a minimum. Connect the male end of an XLR balanced cable to
the balanced input of the BX8 Carbon (refer to the following diagram for balanced connection).

TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Connection

Assure that the power switch of the BX8 Carbon is turned to off and that the volume control of
the BX8 Carbon is turned down to a minimum. Connect the male end of a TRS balanced or TS
unbalanced cable to the TRS input of the BX8 Carbon (refer to the following diagram for TRS
connection).

Connecting to Preamp or Computer Outputs

Before connecting, make sure the output device's power has been turned off. Plug the XLR
balanced, TRS balanced or TS unbalanced cable to the corresponding output connectors of a
pre‑amplifier, computer or game console.

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Speaker Placement

Placing the speakers is one of the most important
procedures in order to monitor sound accurately. To
monitor with the BX8 Carbons performing to their
maximum capability, an appropriate listening
environment and correct placement are required.
Please refer to the following for correct BX8 Carbon
placement.

1. The two units and the listener should basically
align to form a regular triangle. Refer to the
following diagram.

2. Position the monitors so that the top of the
woofers are level with your ears in a normal
listening environment. Refer to the following
diagram.

3. Place the monitors vertically with the woofer on
the bottom. Placing the BX8 Carbon horizontally is
not recommended.

Remarks: DO NOT place any obstacles that may block
the flow of air in front or between the monitors. Also
remove reflective materials such as glass, mirrors or
metal from the monitoring environment. PLACE
THOSE MATERIALS AWAY FROM THE PATH OF
THE SOUND FROM THE BX8 Carbons.

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Guía del usuario (Español)

Introducción

Los BX8 Carbon han sido diseñados y comprobados por expertos ingenieros de sonido con el
fin de satisfacer sus necesidades de monitorización en el estudio. El principal objetivo de estos
monitores consiste en ofrecer sonido original, de la máxima pureza y sin ninguna clase de
coloración. Los BX8 Carbon son monitores activos, compatibles con señales de línea
procedentes de numerosas fuentes de audio.

Los monitores BX8 Carbon han sido concebidos para superar las limitaciones propias de los
monitores de estudio convencionales en el entorno del audio digital. El sistema ofrece una
amplia respuesta en frecuencia gracias a la extraordinaria calidad de sus unidades de agudos
y graves y a la exclusiva tecnología de sus crossovers. Estos monitores proporcionan una
respuesta estable y equilibrada en los bajos-medios, así como una excelente definición en las
frecuencias medias y altas. Gracias a la protección magnética de las unidades de agudos y
graves, los BX8 Carbon resultan ideales en cualquier entorno de producción multimedia
basado en computadora.

Con su precio asequible, los monitores BX8 Carbon establecen un nuevo estándar en la
monitorización de estudio, tanto para el usuario profesional como para el propietario de un
studio doméstico.

Contenido de la caja

• Monitor BX8 Carbon (1)

• Cable de alimentación

• Guía del usuario

• Manual sobre la seguridad y garantía

Soporte

Para conocer los requisitos completos del sistema, la información de compatibilidad y realizar
el registro del producto, visite el sitio web de M-Audio: m-audio.com/bx8carbon.

Para soporte adicional del producto, visite m-audio.com/support

Características

Panel trasero

1. Entrada XLR: Este conector XLR admite señales de
entrada balanceadas y no balanceadas. El cableado de
la entrada XLR se realiza de acuerdo con el siguiente
esquema:

• Patilla 1: Tierra (Masa)

• Patilla 2: Positivo (+)

• Patilla 3: Negativo (–)

2. Entrada TRS: Este conector 1/4" (6,35 mm) admite
señales de entrada balanceadas y no balanceadas. Si
desea establecer una línea balanceada deberá utilizar
conectores TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) balanceados, con
cables de tres conductores. El cableado de la entrada
TRS se realiza de acuerdo con el siguiente esquema:

• Punta: Positivo(+)

• Anillo: Negativo (–)

• Pantalla: Tierra (Masa)

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El cableado no balanceado puede realizarse con dos o con tres conductores (TS y TRS,
respectivamente). Si utiliza un conector TS de dos conductores, la señal de entrada
negativa se conecta automáticamente a la masa, mientras que si emplea un conector
TRS de tres conductors soldado en modo no balanceado tendrá la opción de dejar el polo
negativo abierto o conectarlo a la masa. Es aconsejable conectar a la masa la entrada
negativa no utilizada. Para ello basta con unir el anillo y la pantalla del conector TRS. La
señal presente en la entrada TRS se suma a la de la entrada XLR a través de un
amplificador de entrada balanceada, por lo que ambas entradas pueden ser utilizadas de
manera simultánea. Las especificaciones de entrada son aplicables a ambas entradas.

3. Interruptor de acústica de espacio: Los monitores BX8 deben colocarse idealmente
como mínimo a 30 cm (1 pie) de distancia de la pared más cercana, el cielo raso u otra
superficie grande y plana. En el mundo real, esto puede no ser factible debido a las
limitaciones de espacio de su estudio. Por esta razón, los monitores BX8 incluyen un
interruptor de acústica de espacio. Este interruptor compensa la ubicación de las paredes
cercanas.

Consejo: Asegúrese de dejar como mínimo 7,5 cm (3 pulg.) de espacio entre la parte
trasera del altavoz y la pared, para permitir que el puerto trasero "respire"
apropiadamente. Si se coloca el altavoz a menos de 7,5 cm, puede afectarse
perjudicialmente la respuesta en frecuencias bajas.

4. Puerto de subfrecuencias: Este puerto ayuda en la reproducción de frecuencias muy
bajas al descargar las frecuencias inferiores a 60 Hz y actuar como mecanismo de
enfriamiento para evitar el recalentamiento. Este puerto no debe bloquearse.

5. Control de volumen: Este control de volumen permite establecer el nivel de presión
sonora emitido por el BX8 Carbon.

6. Switch de encendido: Prende y apaga el monitor.

7. Toma de alimentación: Esta toma admite un cable de alimentación de tres polos, a
través del cual el monitor recibe la alimentación necesaria.

8. Portafusible: Acoge el fusible externo principal.

9. Conmutador de selección de tensión: Dispone de dos opciones (115V CA y 230V CA).
Coloque este interruptor de manera que el valor de tensión corresponda con el tipo de
corriente eléctrica disponible en el país o región donde desee utilizar los monitores. El
ajuste "115V" es el adecuado para los Estados Unidos de América, mientras que en la
mayoría de los países europeos se emplea una tensión de 230V.

Panel frontal

El panel frontal de los monitores dispone de un LED de
alimentación que indica el estado de los mismos
(encendido/apagado).

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1. LED de alimentación

2. Driver de frecuencia agudos (tweeter)

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