Paradigm Monitor 90p v4 User Manual

CONTROL FACILITIES

•

AUTO-ON/OFF:

This innovative feature eliminates the need for a manually operated power switch.
PARADIGM’s auto-on/off simply turns the speaker on whenever there is an input signal.
If no input signal is sensed after a period of time the speaker will switch off
automatically.

•

ALWAYS ON:

In addition, a power switch is provided which may be positioned to allow the speaker
to remain on at all times.

•

SPEAKER LEVEL:

This allows you to set the input level of the speaker. O nce set, the level control on your
Pre-amp/Processor/Receiver or other source component, is used to adjust loudness
volume.

•

HIGH-FREQUENCY CONTOUR:

This allows you to make fine adjustments (±2dB) to the high-frequency balance of the
powered speaker system.

•

LOW-FREQUENCY CONTOUR:

This allows you to make fine adjustments (±4dB) to the low-frequency balance of the
powered speaker system.

•

HIGH-PASS:

When using PARADIGM REFERENCE ACTIVE speakers with a subwoofer you can
decrease the ACTIVE speaker’s low bass output by switching in it’s built-in High-Pass.
This increases the maximum playing ceiling of the powered speaker, resulting in
reduced low frequency distortion, improved dynamic range and overall clarity at
high levels.

INPUT FACILITIES

• LOW LEVEL INPUT:

Allows for connection from the low level outputs of a Pre-amplifier, Processor,
pre-outs of an A/V Receiver, or other suitable low level source. Both normal (RCA)
and balanced (XLR) inputs are provided.

CONNECTION

Connection is as shown in the following diagrams. Be sure your source components and
ACTIVE speakers are switched off before making any connections. This will avoid any
grounding noises which may occur when inserting input connectors.

For optimum sound reproduction the use of high-quality interconnect cable is essential.
We recommend AUDIOSTREAM cable. Please see your dealer for more information.

SELECT ONE OF THE TWO LOW LEVEL INPUTS PROVIDED:

1

3

FROM PREAMP/PROCESSOR

OR OTHER SUITABLE LOW LEVEL

SOURCE TO MAIN

(RCA) INPUT.

S

WITCH LOW LEVEL INPUT TO “MAIN”.

2

• MAIN (RCA) INPUT:
For normal use, switch the Low Level Input switch to the “Main” position and connect
the interconnect cable from your Preamp/P rocessor or other sour ce component, to the
RCA Input Jack on the speaker.

• CORNER MOUNTED

A

CTIVE

“

ADP” Surrounds can be used on speaker stands and positioned across the
back corners of the room – forming a triangle with the converging walls. The
speakers output will then be dispersed by the converging walls.

LOCATION OF “ADP” SURROUND SPEAKERS

P

ARADIGM

R

EFERENCE

A

CTIVE

“

ADP” Surround speakers can be positioned in various

locations with outstanding results.

N

OTE: In all cases position the speakers so that the PARADIGM

R

EFERENCE

“P”

nameplate on front is aimed towards the listening position.

• FREE SPACE MOUNTED

A

CTIVE

“

ADP” Surrounds can also be used as outlined in #2, but placed as close as

1m (3 ft) to the listening area, flanking either side.

• WALL MOUNTED

Position A

CTIVE “ADP” Surrounds vertically with drivers firing toward the front and

back walls. Place one speaker to either side of the main listening area, 1 meter (3ft) or
more above the floor.*

For mounting this speaker on the wall:

1. Allow ≈8cm (≈2”) for amplifier ventilation and access to controls.

2. Have a professional contractor install the speaker to ensure secure mounting.

(For added convenience the speakers may also be placed on shelves or high
furniture (bookcases) as long as there is at least 45cm (18in) of free space on
either side of the speaker. Allow for adequate ventilation.)

*N

OTE: Always use a secondary safety device ie. strap or cable when wall

mounting.

C

ongratulations, you are about to experience the incredible sonic performance of
a highly advanced P

ARADIGM

REFERENCE ACTIVE

SPEAKER SYSTEM. This fully
powered system utilizes state-of-the-art design technology and sets all new standards
for spectral precision, midrange clarity, low distortion and sound power vs. size.
Please take the time to read this manual. Follow all instructions to ensure proper
installation and operation for maximum listening enjoyment.

Comprehensive R&D has been undertaken to achieve optimum performance of
every

individual component part at every design stage. This has enabled

P

ARADIGM’S

R

EFERENCE

DIVISION

to produce fully powered speaker systems with breathtaking

high-end sonic abilities!
Use of the finest components and materials along with sophisticated manufacturing

and quality control techniques ensure that this exceptional level of performance will
be maintained for many years.

PARADIGM R

EFERENCE ACTIVE SPEAKERS have a high quality finish which is both

attractive and durable. To clean use a damp, soft cloth. Avoid getting any part of the
speaker system wet. Always unplug the AC cord whenever you clean the rear panel.

NOTE!

If your

PARADIGM

REFERENCE speakers have been transported or stored at temperatures
below 10°C (50°F) they should be allowed to warm up to normal room temperature
before using, otherwise performance may be affected. This is because of two factors:

1. The surround material used in the bass/midrange drive unit(s) is made of a compound

that may stiffen in colder temperatures.

2. The ferro-fluid used in the high frequency drive unit thickens in colder temperatures.
Although

P

ARADIGM

REFERENCE

ACTIVE

SPEAKERS

sound great “right out of the carton”,
they will sound even better after they are “broken-in”. We therefore recommend that you
operate the speakers for several hours before you do any critical listening.

READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY
BEFORE PROCEEDING!

B

EFORE OPERATING YOUR POWERED SPEAKERS, READ AND FOLLOW ALL

INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS

! RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE

REFERENCE

.

CAUTION!

To protect against electrical shock and risk of fire do not expose to rain or moisture,
do not use powered speakers near sinks, showers, bathtubs, swimming pools, saunas, in
wet basements or near any source of water. Always unplug AC cord before cleaning.

To protect against electrical shock do not remove the amplifier from the speaker
enclosure. There are no user serviceable parts inside. If the unit has been dropped,
damaged, exposed to water or does not operate normally, it must be serviced. Refer
any servicing to your A

UTHORIZED PARADIGM REFERENCE DEALER, who will return

the product to PARADIGM ELECTRONICS INC., AUDIOSTREAM (in the U.S.) or IMPORT
DISTRIBUTOR.

CAUTION!

These powered speakers have a polarized electrical plug. To protect against electrical
shock do not use with any receptacle, extension cord or any other outlet unless the
metal arms of the plug can be fully inserted so that they are not exposed.

Use only with the AC voltage rating indicated on the rear panel. Do not overload
outlets or extension cords, as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock. Install
so that the power cord will not get damaged over time. Unplug the AC cord when
not using it for an extended period of time to prevent damage due to lightning and
power surges.

CAUTION!

PARADIGM REFERENCE ACTIVE speakers have built-in high-power amplifiers. To
prevent over heating, always provide adequate ventilation to allow for cooling. Do
not place close to any type of heat source, such as furnace registers or in fully enclosed
spaces or near any soft surfaces such as sofas or curtains/drapes that can restrict
ventilation.

YOUR LISTENING ROOM

PARADIGM

R

EFERENCE ACTIVE speakers are designed to provide excellent sonic results in

a wide variety of domestic settings. It is important to note however, that listening room
construction, dimensions and furnishings all play a part in the quality of sound you will
ultimately achieve. Your listening room will impose it’ s o wn character on the performance
capabilities of any speaker system. The extra care you take in setting-up these speakers in
your room will result in greater listening enjoyment. Please consider and try to follow
these guidelines:

a) Concrete floors and walls (i.e. basement rooms) tend to aggravate low frequency

standing wave problems and are less preferred.

b) Rooms where the height, width and length are similar should be avoided as they can

exhibit significant low frequency standing wave problems. This may result in
reduced clarity. If no other room is possible, experiment with speaker placement in
your room to minimize the problem.

c) Mid and high frequencies are affected by the amount of soft furnishings in your

room such as curtains, carpets, sofas, wallcoverings, etc. An excess of such items can
produce a dull sound. The same room without any soft furnishings will produce a
brighter sound. A “normal” quantity of soft furnishings found in most living
situations provides the right acoustic space so that the speaker will sound balanced.

LOCATION OF FRONT SPEAKERS

PARADIGM

REFERENCE ACTIVE speakers are designed to allow flexible placement and
provide a very large “window” of sound into your listening room. To optimize
performance, however, we do suggest that you observe these guidelines:

a) Accurate Timbre:The most accurate timbrel balance will be achieved with the

tweeters at approximately ear level. We recommend PREMIER™speaker stands for
non-floorstanding models. (See your dealer for more information.)

b) Optimized Imaging: Measure the approximate distance from your listening position

to the speakers. The speakers should be positioned approximately 2/3 of that
distance from each other. (For example, if the listening-position to speakers-position
distance is ≈3m (9ft) then the speakers should be ≈2m (6ft) apart). Turning the speakers
so they are “aimed” toward the listening position can also enhance imaging ability.

c) Bass Performance: As a general rule placing speakers closer to the rear wall increases

low bass output (this is true for front ported, rear ported or sealed enclosures). For
optimal bass performance the speakers should be positioned so that the distance to
the side walls is different than the distance to the rear wall. Avoid corner placement
as this usually produces excessive bass and reduces clarity.

LOCATION OF MATCHED

LEFT/CENTER/RIGHT SPEAKERS

PARADIGM REFERENCE ACTIVE Left/Center/Right speakers are designed to provide
precisely matched timbrel performance. Left/Right (vertical) and Center Channel
(horizontal) versions are available to allow for greater flexibility in placement. While the
Center Channel speaker is designed to provide exceptional timbre matching with all
PARADIGM REFERENCE speakers, using three identical ACTIVE Left/Center/Right speakers
“across-the-front” further optimizes timbrel accuracy.

•

PLACEMENT FOR THE CENTER SPEAKER:

PARADIGM REFERENCE ACTIVE Center Channel speakers are designed to provide a
very large listening “window” and therefore allow listeners throughout the room to
hear center channel information with unprecedented clarity and intelligibility.
REFERENCE ACTIVE Center Channel speakers are designed for placement directly
above or below your TV monitor or large screen TV. (See your dealer for more

information and recommendations).

•

PLACEMENT FOR LEFT AND RIGHT SPEAKERS:

Placement of REFERENCE ACTIVE Left/Right speakers is the same as indicated in the
previous section - “Location of Front Speakers”.

min. 45cm (18in / 18po)

1-3 m (3-9ft / 3-9pi)

NOTE: Speaker can be mounted

on speaker stand (at
approximately ear level),
or on the wall with
mounting bracket
(optional extra).

min. 1 m (3ft / 3-pi)

HIGH
PASS

SWITCH IN
WHEN USING
SUBWOOFER

WARNING:

SHOCK HAZARD,

DO NOT OPEN!

AVIS :

RISQUE DE CHOC
ÉLECTRIQUE, NE

PAS OUVRIR!

NRTL /C

LR 103255

THIS PRODUCT HAS

BEEN CERTIFIED

BY CSA

®

LOW

FREQUENCY

CONTOUR

-4dB +4dB

0

HIGH

FREQUENCY

CONTOUR

-2dB +2dB

PARADIGM® REFERENCE

PATENTS PENDING

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-6

0

GROUND IS NOT ATTACHED TO

ALWAYS ON

•

AUTO ON/OFF

•

PARADIGM ELETRONICS INC.

MADE IN / FABRIQUÉ AU CANADA

MAIN

WARNING:

POWER CORD

AMPLIFIER CHASSIS

LOW LEVEL INPUT

BALANCED

AVIS:

LE CORDON DE MISE
À LA TERRE N'EST PAS ATTACHÉ
AU BOÎTIER DE L'AMPLIFICATEUR

120V
60Hz
350W

SPEAKER

LEVEL

-50

-46

-52

0

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-64

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IN CANADA: PARADIGM ELECTRONICS INC., 101 HANLAN RD., WOODBRIDGE, ON L4L 3P5 IN THE U.S.: AUDIOSTREAM, MPO BOX 2410, NIAGARA FALLS, NY 14302

OM-700

REV.02.97

Active

FULLY POWERED

SPEAKER SYSTEMS

PARADIGM REFERENCE

© PARADIGM ELECTRONICS INC.+BAVAN CORPORATION

PRINTED IN CANADA

SET-UP PROCEDURE

NOTE:

The PARADIGM REFERENCE “P” nameplate on the front of your ACTIVE speaker lights
up green whenever the speaker is operational. It will also turn red indicating that you
have reached the maximum loudness capability of the speaker system – in this case

be sure to reduce the volume to avoid damaging your speakers.

1. Proceed only when you have properly completed all hook-up instructions.

2. Turn the Speaker Level Control on the back panel of your ACTIVE speaker to
approximately half volume.

3. The level control on your

Preamp/Processor or source component

now controls the
volume. If full volume cannot be reached, increase the Speaker Level Controlon
the ACTIVE speaker until full volume is established. If the “P” logo turns red
reduce volume.

4.

Use the High-Frequency Contour Control to increase (up to +2dB) or decrease (up
to -2dB) high frequency output as may be desired.

High-frequency balance adjustment allows you to compensate for rooms that may reduce
high frequencies because of absoptive furnishings – sofas, curtains, carpets, wallcoverings,
etc., or other rooms which may have more reflective surfaces and thereby tend to increase
high frequencies.

5.

Use the Low-Frequency Contour Control to increase (up to +4dB) or decrease (up to

-4dB) low frequency output as may be desired.

Low-frequency balance adjustment allows you to compensate for speaker placement, and the
acoustics of your listening room. Speakers placed well away from back and side walls will
provide best midrange clarity with good bass balance. In some rooms, however, this may
result in too little bass. If speakers are placed closer to back and side walls, bass will tend to
increase and there could be too much bass.

6. Switch the High-Pass to “In” when

using your PARADIGM REFERENCE ACTIVE
speaker with a subwoofer. This decreases the low bass output of the speaker
thereby increasing it’s maximum playing ceiling, resulting in reduced low
frequency distortion, improved dynamic range and overall clarity at high levels.

WARRANTY

PARADIGM REFERENCE ACTIVE

speakers

described in this manual are warranted to be and
remain free of manufacturing and/or material defects for a period of 3 years from the date
of the original retail purchase. Within this specified period, repair, replacement or
adjustment of parts for manufacturing and/or material defects will be free of charge.
(Retain this manual for proof of warranty term).

Note: Thermal damage is not covered by warranty.

Limitations:

• Warranty begins on date of original retail purchase from an A

UTHORIZED

PARADIGM

R

EFERENCE DEALER

only. It is not transferable.

• Warranty applies to product in normal home use.

• Warranty does not apply if the product is used in professional or commercial

applications.

Warranty is Void if:

• The speaker has been abused (intentionally or accidentally).

• The speaker has been used in conjunction with unsuitable or faulty equipment.

• The speaker has been subjected to damaging signals, derangement in transport,

mechanical damage or any abnormal conditions.

• The speaker (including cabinet) has been tampered with or damaged by an

unauthorized service facility.

• The serial number has been removed or defaced.

Owner Responsibilities:

• Provide normal/reasonable operating care and maintenance.

• Provide proof of purchase (your sales receipt given at time of purchase from your

AUTHORIZED PARADIGM REFERENCE DEALER must be retained for proof of
purchase-date).

• Provide or pay for transportation charges for product to service facility.
Should servicing be required contact your nearest AUTHORIZED PARADIGM REFERENCE

DEALER, PARADIGM ELECTRONICS INC. (in Canada), AUDIOSTREAM, DIVISION OF BAVAN
CORPORATION (in the U.S.) or IMPORT DISTRIBUTOR (outside the U.S. and Canada) to
arrange, bring in or ship, prepaid, any defective unit.

PARADIGM ELECTRONICS INC. reserves the right to improve the design of any product
without assuming any obligation to modify any product previously manufactured.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, of merchantability,
fitness for any particular purpose and may not be extended or enlarged by anyone. In no
event shall PARADIGM ELECTRONICS INC. their agents or representatives be responsible for
any incidental or consequential damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

F

ROM PREAMP/PROCESSOR

OR OTHER SUITABLE LOW LEVEL

SOURCE TO BALANCED

(XLR) INPUT.

S

WITCH LOW LEVEL INPUT TO

“BALANCED”.

• BALANCED (XLR) INPUT:
The Balanced input should be used if there is the potential of picking up any
exteraneous electrical noise from other sources. The use of this input requires...

1. That your Preamp/Processor (or source component) has Balanced (XLR) Outputs.

2. The use of Balanced interconnect cable with “XLR” connectors. See your dealer for

further information and recommendations.

To use the Balanced Input, switch the Low Level Input switch to the “Balanced”
position and connect the Balanced interconnect cable from your Preamp/Processor or
source component, to the Balanced (XLR) input jack on the speaker.

PARADIGM

®

REFERENCE

OWNERS MANUAL

-42

-38

-34

-30

-24

-18

-12

-6

0

GROUND IS NOT ATTACHED TO

ALWAYS ON

•

AUTO ON/OFF

•

PARADIGM ELETRONICS INC.

MADE IN / FABRIQUÉ AU CANADA

MAIN

WARNING:

POWER CORD

AMPLIFIER CHASSIS

LOW LEVEL INPUT

BALANCED

AVIS:

LE CORDON DE MISE
À LA TERRE N'EST PAS ATTACHÉ
AU BOÎTIER DE L'AMPLIFICATEUR

120V
60Hz
350W

HIGH
PASS

SWITCH IN
WHEN USING
SUBWOOFER

WARNING:

SHOCK HAZARD,

DO NOT OPEN!

AVIS:

RISQUE DE CHOC
ÉLECTRIQUE, NE

PAS OUVRIR!

NRTL /C

LR 103255

THIS PRODUCT HAS

BEEN CERTIFIED

BY CSA

®

LOW

FREQUENCY

CONTOUR

-4dB +4dB

0

HIGH

FREQUENCY

CONTOUR

0

-2dB +2dB

PARADIGM® REFERENCE

PATENTS PENDING

SPEAKER

LEVEL

-50

-46

-52

-54

-56

-58

-60

-62

-64

-66

-68

-70