M-Audio CX5 User Manual
Studiophile™
CX5
User Guide
English
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English
StudiophileTM CX5 User Guide
1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the M-Audio CX5 bi-amplified studio monitors. The CX line of
loudspeakers build on M-Audio’s legacy of high performance studio monitors and provide
accurate, high-resolution playback that is free of audible distortion and coloration. This
allows you to hear everything that is in your source recordings so that you can create better
mixes.
Even if you are experienced with recording and mixing, please take a moment to read
through this guide. It will give you valuable information about how to set up your CX
monitors and will help you get the most out of your new purchase.
2. What’s in the Box?
This package contains:
Pair of CX5 studio monitors
Pair of IEC power cables
Printed acoustic frequency response plot for each speaker
This User Guide
3. About CX Studio Monitors
Typical mass-market loudspeakers sound pleasing because their designs incorporate a
deliberately uneven, non-linear frequency response that artificially enhances certain bass
and treble frequencies. While it may be quite enjoyable to hear finished albums on such
speakers, actually mixing on this type of monitor is not recommended since such speakers
tend to “smooth over” problem areas and do not reveal everything that should be fixed
during a mix.
Unlike typical mass-market speakers, M-Audio’s CX line of bi-amplified studio monitors
have been designed to provide accurate, highly detailed, reliable playback that is free of
distortion or coloration. This is done by having a tightly integrated system in which the CX
drivers, internal electronics (amplifiers, crossover, etc.), and enclosure all work together
to provide accurate bass, smooth high-frequency transient response, and a highly linear
frequency response through the entire audible range of the speaker. This allows you to
hear everything in your recorded tracks—the good and the bad things—so that you can spot
and fix problems and ultimately create great mixes that “translate” well to other speakers
and audio playback systems.
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Note that the placement and
orientation of the CX monitors
within your studio is important
and correctly placed speakers will
result in improved imaging, clarity,
and overall performance. This
topic is covered in detail in the
“Setting up CX Monitors” section
of this guide.
Also note that the CX monitors
feature several switches that
help you contour the speaker
to your specific studio. When
these switches are left in their
default positions, the CX monitor
will exhibit the response characteristics found on the printed acoustic frequency
response plot that ships with each speaker. These anechoic* measurements represent
performance of the speaker in an “ideal” environment similar to that found in a
high-end recording studio with carefully tuned acoustics. In the real world, however, the
acoustics of your specific studio (or the placement of your speakers within the studio)
may cause your monitors to exhibit too little (or too much) bass, midrange, or treble.
To help compensate for this, the rear-panel switches contour the frequency response
of the speaker specifically to your studio. These switches are covered in detail in the
“About the Rear-Panel EQ Contour Switches” section of this guide.
*About anechoic chambers:
An anechoic chamber is a room in which the
floor, ceiling, and all walls are covered with
sound-absorbent acoustical wedges. These
wedges prevent sounds created within the room
from reflecting back and influencing the acoustic
measurement of the loudspeaker.
Anechoic chambers are considered to be
acoustically “neutral” spaces since the room itself
does not impart any kind of sound to an acoustical
source contained within the room. Because of
this, loudspeakers (including CX monitors) are
commonly measured and tuned in such rooms.
It’s in the details:
Did you know the shape and materials of a speaker cabinet can greatly affect the overall
sound of a speaker?
Your CX monitors feature thick walls and a carefully placed internal brace to prevent the
speaker from resonating at low frequencies. This means that the speaker cabinet itself will
not ring along with the low frequency sounds in your mix (such as a kick drum or a bass).
This translates into more accurate bass response.
Furthermore, the rounded (“radiused”) edges and contoured waveguide surrounding the
tweeter are not just cosmetic touches intended to improve the appearance of the speaker.
These features help spread high frequencies evenly around the room and widen the “sweet
spot” between the two speakers.
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English
StudiophileTM CX5 User Guide
4. Product Features & Specifications
CX5
5 ¼” woofer with 1 ½” voice coil
Waveguide loaded silk-dome tweeter with 1¼” voice coil
Bi-amplified class A/B amplifiers
50W woofer
40W tweeter
Frequency response: 50Hz to 30kHz
(+/- 3dB)
XLR, 1/4” TRS, and RCA inputs
Magnetically shielded for placement near CRT (tube-based) monitors and
televisions
Rear panel contour switches to optimize placement within any studio
Sturdy, acoustically inert 1” front and rear MDF baffles to prevent cabinet
resonances
Flared rear firing port for audibly increased system headroom
Optimized internal bracing to minimize sonic “coloration” caused by the cabinet
Radiused (rounded) cabinet edges and acoustical waveguide for even highfrequency dispersion
Speaker protection:
• Output current limiting
• Over-temperature
• Transient on/off protection to prevent speaker “pops”
• Subsonic lter
• External mains fuse
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5. Hardware Controls and Indicators
Rear Panel
1
Input Gain Knob: This knob adjusts
the gain level of the XLR/TRS
3
and RCA 2 inputs. The gain is at
minimum when the knob is turned fully
counter-clockwise; the gain is set to its
maximum level when the knob is turned
fully clockwise.
2
RCA Input: This connector accepts
line-level signals from audio sources
with unbalanced RCA-style outputs.
3
XLR/TRS Input: This “combo” input
jack accepts both XLR and 1/4”
TRS-type connectors. Connect your
audio interface, mixer, or other line-level
audio source to this jack.
▶ NOTE: The XLR/TRS and RCA inputs are summed (i.e., mixed together) before arriving
at the CX amplifier and it is possible to have two sound sources connected to a speaker
at the same time. However, it is recommended that you do not play audio through both
connectors simultaneously as this may overload the inputs and result in clipping (distortion)
at the inputs.
4
Power Switch: This switch powers your
CX monitors on and off.
5
Power Connector: This socket accepts
a standard IEC-type power cable.
6
Input Voltage Selector: This recessed
switch adjusts the input voltage from
100-120V or 220-240V and allows your
CX monitor to be used worldwide. Make
sure this switch is set correctly for your
country to prevent damage to the speaker.
TIP: Power outlets in North
America, Japan, and many parts
of South America usually supply
between 100V and 120V whereas
outlets in Europe and most of Africa
and Asia provide between 220V and
240V. If you are not sure about your
region, be sure to check your power
outlet’s rating and set the Input
Voltage selector before connecting
and switching on your CX monitors.
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