M-Audio LX4-2.1 User Manual

Users Manual

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

What’s in the Box? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Studiophile LX4-2.1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Front and Rear Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Speaker Wire Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Connecting to Preamp, Computer or Game Console Outputs . . .7

Placing the LX4-2.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Technical Support & Contact Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Studiophile LX4 2.1 Warranty Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

Appendix A - Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Appendix B - Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Studiophile LX4-2.1

version: LX421-061603

Introduction

Thank you for choosing the LX4-2.1 Studiophile Series 2.1 / 5.1 studio nearfield
monitor speakers. M-Audio is well known for digital audio interface technology,
digital converters, audio preamps and mixers. Now, after extensive research and
development, the Studiophile LX4-2.1 is born to change the concept of studio
reference monitoring in 2.1 / 5.1 systems.

The LX4-2.1 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 LX4-2.1
monitor is self-powered from amplifiers contained in the Subwoofer enclosure,
which directly accepts a line level signal from a variety of sources.

The Subwoofer of LX4-2.1 provides extended low frequency down to 40Hz,
making it possible for LX4 system to be comprised of much smaller Left, Right,
and Surround satellite speakers, offering highly accurate frequency response
from 40 to 20KHz and ultimate convenience for desktop music production.

LX4-2.1 is designed with option to add the LX4-3.0 package, upgrading the
LX4-2.1 into a 5.1 system for music production or playback of 5.1 music and
sound tracks.This feature makes the LX4 system extremely flexible, fitting into
all modern digital music production and playback applications.

The Studiophile LX4 is designed to overcome the size limitations of conventional
studio reference monitors within the digital audio environment. This compact
system delivers a wide range frequency response by employing two
extraordinary drivers and unique crossover and equalization technology licensed
by M-Audio.Both drivers are magnetically shielded for desktop music production.

From pro engineers at commercial studios to home studio owners, the
Studiophile LX4 sets a new affordable standard in studio monitoring.

What’s in the Box?

Your Studiophile LX4-2.1 box contains:

• Two LX4 Left and Right speakers

• One LX4 Subwoofer speaker

• Two Speaker wires

• One detachable AC power cord

• Actual test results of the LX4 system that you purchased

• This manual

2

Studiophile LX4-2.1 Features

1.Woofer - the woofer unit is 4 inches in diameter with a magnetically shielded
mineral-filled polypropylene cone, high-temperature voice coil and damped closed
cell foam surround. It is designed to deliver balanced mid- and low- frequency
response. Polypropylene is used to react against the input signals accurately, and
to deliver even minimal input precisely while minimizing distortion.

2. Tweeter - by employing a specially developed 1-inch mylar dome with
magnetic shielding, the tweeter can deliver distortion-free original sound and
offer extremely natural response. It minimizes reaction time by using a uniquely
shaped mylar dome for excellent delivery, and also minimizes resonance by
adapting a unique internal damping technology.

3. Sub-Woofer - the Sub-woofer unit is 8 inches in diameter with a specially
developed curved profile pulp cone, high-temperature voice coil and damped
closed cell foam surround. It is designed to deliver subwoofer sound pressure at
very high efficiency with extremely low distortion.

4. Enclosure - just as other components do, the LX4’s enclosure has an
important role. In order to provide more stable performance, the LX4’s
enclosure employs a special high-density MDF and unique interior
reinforcement designed to absorb vibration and impact generated under
extreme conditions.

5. Network & Power Amplifiers - the active equalization and crossover
networks, as well as the power amplifiers for the LX4-2.1 are specially designed
for the specific woofer, tweeter and sub-woofer chosen.The network properly
distributes low, mid, and high frequencies to the components in order to reduce
distortion and loss of signal, thereby achieving a naturally balanced sound.

In order to generate powerful, ultra-crisp sound, there are six separate power
amplifiers inside the LX4-2.1 Subwoofer module.These drive the Sub-Woofer,
plus Left, Right, and Surround speakers separately, in a high-end
multiple-amplifier structure. The power delivered to the sub-woofer driver is
60W, while 27W is delivered to the Left and Right Speakers, and to each
Surround speaker, when LX4-3.0 is installed (see the next feature).

6. Expandable System - LX4-2.1 is designed with the option to add the
LX4-3.0 package, and upgrade the LX4 into a 5.1 system for music production
of 5.1 music and sound tracks. The feature makes the LX4 system extremely
flexible, able to fit all modern digital music production and playback applications.

3

Front and Rear Panel Features

Rear Panel

1. TRS Inputs: These jacks accept 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)

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).

There are 6 TRS Inputs, as follows:

L - Left Ch. Input R - Right Ch. Input
SL - Surround Left Ch. Input SR - Surround Right Ch. Input
C - Center Ch. Input LFE - Low Frequency Effect Input

4