Thank you for purchasing the Roland Bi-Amp Monitor DS-50A.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “IMPORTANT
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” (p. 2), “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (p. 3), and
“IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 5). These sections provide important information
concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel
assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your
new unit, this manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be
saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Main Features
●
In Pursuit of High Sound Quality
The DS-50A powered monitor uses a two-way, bi-amplifier design to
achieve high sound quality.
The monitor features a 120-mm LF Driver and a 19-mm soft-dome HF
Driver as speakers. The amplification includes 30-watt and 20-watt
amplifiers designed to achieve high sound quality.
●
Digital Input
In addition to XLR and TRS phone analog input, the DS-50A is provided with digital input connectors
(coaxial and optical) that support 96 kHz sample rate and 24-bit digital audio.
Digitally input signals are reproduced faithfully through 24-bit D/A conversion, thus preventing noise
or a drop in sound quality.
You can use the monitors with a wide variety of equipment and applications through selective use of
the analog and digital settings.
Amplifier
20W
Amplifier
30W
●
Reproduction of a Variety of Speaker Sounds
(combination with the VS or VM)
By connecting the Roland V-Studio (VS series) or V-Mixer (VM series) to the DS-50A and using
Speaker Modeling Function of VS or VM, the DS-50A can reproduce the
sounds from a wide range of speakers, ranging from the professional
monitors from other manufacturers to the speaker in a small household
television set.
You can use the DS-50A in combination with the V-Studio or V-Mixer to
simulate the sound checks at mixdown, which conventionally have required
switching between multiple pairs of monitors set up to compare the sound.
* Please be aware that not all VS/VM series units are capable of providing
speaker modeling. Before making your purchase, you should confirm that
the unit you are considering does indeed provide the features you desire.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without
the written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR
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.
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 product.
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO A RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING - When using electric products, basic precautions should always be followed, including the following:
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 a damp cloth.
7. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturers 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. When the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
WARNING:
IMPORTANT:
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying
the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured GREEN-AND-YELLOW must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked by the
letter E or by the safety earth symbol or coloured GREEN or GREEN-AND-YELLOW.
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.
GREEN-AND-YELLOW: EARTH, BLUE: NEUTRAL, BROWN: LIVE
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.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12. Never use with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
or table except as 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.
For the U.K.
2
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of death or severe
injury should the unit be used
improperly.
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of injury or material
damage should the unit be used
improperly.
* Material damage refers to damage or
other adverse effects caused with
respect to the home and all its
furnishings, as well to domestic
animals or pets.
The symbol alerts the user to important instructions
or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is
determined by the design contained within the
triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for
general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
The symbol alerts the user to items that must never
be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that
must not be done is indicated by the design contained
within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it
means that the unit must never be disassembled.
The ● symbol alerts the user to things that must be
carried out. The specific thing that must be done is
indicated by the design contained within the circle. In
the case of the symbol at left, it means that the powercord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
• Before using this unit, make sure to read the
instructions below, and the Owner’s Manual.
• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts
within it (except when this manual provides
specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer
all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland
Service Center, or an authorized Roland
distributor, as listed on the "Information" page.
• Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is
level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on
stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.
• Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord,
nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can damage
the cord, producing severed elements and short
circuits. Damaged cords are fire and shock
hazards!
• This unit, either alone or in combination with an
amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be
capable of producing sound levels that could cause
permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long
period of time at a high volume level, or at a level
that is uncomfortable. If you experience any
hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should
immediately stop using the unit, and consult an
audiologist.
• In households with small children, an adult should
provide supervision until the child is capable of
following all the rules essential for the safe
operation of the unit.
• Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share
an outlet with an unreasonable number of other
devices. Be especially careful when using extension
cords—the total power used by all devices you
have connected to the extension cord’s outlet must
never exceed the power rating (watts/amperes) for
the extension cord. Excessive loads can cause the
insulation on the cord to heat up and eventually
melt through.
• Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult
with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service
Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as
listed on the "Information" page.
• Should you remove the optical connector caps,
make sure to put them in a safe place out of
children's reach, so there is no chance of them
being swallowed accidentally.
Frequency Response.................................................................................................................................11
4
IMPORTANT NOTES
In addition to the items listed under “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” and “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on pages 2
and 3, please read and observe the following:
Power Supply
301
• Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any
device that will generate line noise (such as an electric
motor or variable lighting system).
307
• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the
power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions
and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
Placement
352
• This device may interfere with radio and television
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such
receivers.
354b
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near
devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed
vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes.
Also, do not allow lighting devices that normally are used
while their light source is very close to the unit (such as a
piano light), or powerful spotlights to shine upon the
same area of the unit for extended periods of time.
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
355
• To avoid possible breakdown, do not use the unit in a wet
area, such as an area exposed to rain or other moisture.
356
• Do not allow rubber, vinyl, or similar materials to remain
on the piano for long periods of time. Such objects can
discolor or otherwise harmfully affect the finish.
357
• Do not put anything that contains water (e.g., flower
vases) on the piano. Also, avoid the use of insecticides,
perfumes, alcohol, nail polish, spray cans, etc., near the
unit. Swiftly wipe away any liquid that spills on the unit
using a dry, soft cloth.
359
• Do not paste stickers, decals, or the like to this instrument.
Peeling such matter off the instrument may damage the
exterior finish.
• During Operation, this device must be placed at a distance
of no less than 50 cm from any walls.
• Do not allow objects to remain on top of the unit while it is
in operation.
• If you cover the heat sink, their function is defeated,
and their temperature can rise to overly high levels,
which could cause burns if they are accidentally
touched.
• Placing heavy objects on this unit may result in injury if
it overturns or falls.
Please also refer to “Important Notes on Placement”
(p. 8).
Maintenance
401b
• To clean the unit, use a dry, soft cloth; or one that is
slightly dampened. Try to wipe the entire surface using an
equal amount of strength. Rubbing too hard in the same
area can damage the finish.
402
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any
kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or
deformation.
Additional Precautions
553
• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s
buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks
and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.
556
• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the
connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you
will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s
internal elements.
557
• A small amount of heat will radiate from the unit during
normal operation.
558b
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s
volume at reasonable levels (especially when it is late at
night).
559a
• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box
(including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise,
you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.
562
• Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using
some other make of connection cable, please note the
following precautions.
• Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use
cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this
unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level
to be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of the cable.
5
Names of Things and What They Do
HF Driver
* Do not touch the diaphragm.
LF Driver
* Do not touch the speaker cone.
Bass-reflex Ducts
These are conduits
for rich, bass-range reproduction.
10
Power Indicator
Lights when power is on.
Digital In Indicator
This lights up when output is
received from a connected digital
device or during standby.
Connect the digital-signal output
device, set the "Input Select switch"
to DIGIT AL INPUT, and set the
"Digital Input select switch"
according to the connector to which
the device is attached (Coaxial or
Optical).
When the connected digital-signal
*
output device is not powered up,
the Digital In indicator does not
light up.
1 Analog Input
XLR/TRS Phone Input Connector
(Analog Input)
This is for connecting XLR or TRS phone plugs.
6
7
6
8
9
5
2
3
1
XLR type
Phone type
(Unbalanced)
Both balanced and unbalanced connections are
possible.
TRS
phone type
(Balanced)
NOTE
The pin assignment for the connector is as shown below.
Before making any connections, make sure that this pin
assignment is compatible with that of all your other devices.
GND(SLEEVE)
1:GND
2:HOT
3:COLD
HOT(TIP)
COLD(RING)
Names of Things and What They Do
2 Digital Input
Coaxial Input Connector (Digital Input)
This is the digital input connector for coaxial cable.
NOTE
It cannot be used for input of analog audio signals (no sound is
produced).
Optical Input Connector (Digital Input)
This is the digital input connector for optic-fiber cable.
Use commercially available optical cable for audio
equipment to make the connection.
NOTE
Optical-connector Protective Cap
• After removing the protective cap, put in a safe place
so that it doesn’t get lost.
• When not using the optical connector, attach the cap
to keep the connector safe.
• When using the optical connector, be sure that the cap
you removed is placed out of the reach of children. If
a child has accidentally swallowed a cap, see a doctor
immediately.
Digital Input Select Switch
This switch selects Optical or Coaxial. Select the
connector used for the input signal.
Assign Switch
This switch selects the stereo position of the digital signal.
It selects Right, L+R, or Left when using two DS-50A
monitors for stereo sound (with digital signals).
Choose the setting appropriate for your setup.
MEMO
3 Input Select Switch
Used to select Digital Input or Analog Input.
Select the connector used for the input signal.
4 Thru (Digital Out) Connector
When connecting multiple DS-50A monitors with digital
signals, this connector is used for output to the second
DS-50A.
Refer to “Connection Examples” (p. 8, 9).
5 Level Control
This adjusts the input level. Turning the control
clockwise increases the sound from the speakers.
6 HF Trim Control
This adjusts the sound quality of the treble range
(10 kHz, +/-3 dB).
7 LF Trim Control
This adjusts the sound quality of the bass range
(80 Hz, +/-3 dB).
MEMO
The LF Trim and HF Trim controls on the DS-50A are
designed to correct the sound quality of the sonic field.
Use these to make fine adjustments to match the usage
conditions.
8 Power Switch
This switch turns the power on/off.
NOTE
• Before turning the power on or off, you must lower the
volume of this unit and your connected device etc.
• This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief
interval (a few seconds) after power up is required
before the unit will operate normally.
With the DS-50A, there is no difference between L and R.
When using the digital input connectors of two DS-50A
monitors for stereo sound, the digital signal can be input
to either L or R.
9 AC Inlet
Connect the included Power cord here. Plug it firmly in,
so that the cable does not accidentally become
disconnected.
10 Heat Sink
This is a heat-radiating plate that dissipates excess heat.
7
Connection Examples
●
●
●
●
●
●
Important Notes on
Placement
During setup and transport, be careful not to damage the
vibrating portions (the speaker cone and diaphragm).
Be sure to place the monitor so that the heat sink on the
rear panel is not obstructed. Also, make sure the monitor
does not touch any curtains or other fabrics.
The heat sink performs cooling when the monitor is
placed as shown below. Do not place the monitor on its
side or upside down.
When this device is in operation, the heat
sink located on the rear panel will
become hot. Take care not to touch them
with your hands.
* Please also refer to “Placement” in IMPORTANT NOTES (p. 5).
Precautions When Connecting
and Turning on the Power
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or
other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off
the power on all devices before making any connections.
●
Once the connections have been completed, turn on
power to your various devices in the order specified. By
turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing
malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other
devices.
procedure.)
Connected devices ➔ DS-50A
This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief
interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before
the unit will operate normally.
(When turning the power off, reverse this
Using Two DS-50A Monitors for Stereo Sound
Example for
Using Analog Input Connectors
Recording Equipment,etc.
Using Digital Input Connectors
Example for
DIGITAL IN
(COAXIAL)
(DIGITAL OUT)
DIGITAL IN
(COAXIAL)
(OPTICAL)
Select
THRU
8
Mixer,etc.
DIGITAL OUT
CD Player, MD Player,etc.
Connection Examples
Using As a Reference Monitor for the V-Studio or V-Mixer
The DS-50A supports the "Speaker Modeling" function that is included in the Roland V-studio (VS series) and V-mixer
(VM series).
NOTE
• Please be aware that not all VS/VM series units are
capable of providing speaker modeling. Before making
your purchase, you should confirm that the unit you
are considering does indeed provide the features you
desire.
• Speaker Modeling is not possible using just the DS50A. Take a look at the documentation for the VS/VM
series.
What’s Speaker Modeling?
This feature uses digital signal processing to model the
changes in sound quality produced by a particular speaker
during audio output. This lets you use one type of monitor
speaker to emulate speakers from other manufacturers, and
even the speakers from small household-use television sets
and other equipment. You can use the DS-50A in combination
with this to simulate the sound checks at mixdown, which
conventionally have required switching between multiple
pairs of monitors set up to compare the sound.
Connection Example
(VS-890)
DIGITAL IN
(COAXIAL)
(DIGITAL OUT)
It is also possible to connect to
the Analog Input using analog cable.
THRU
DIGITAL IN
(COAXIAL)
(OPTICAL)
VS-890
Select
MEMO
Tips about high sound quality playback
• Please pay careful attention to the placement location. In order to take full advantage of the low-frequency playback
capabilities of this device, we recommend that you place it on a hard and strong base.
• When using digital in connections, turn down the LEVEL knob of this device and raise the output level of the connected
device. This will take advantage of the full number of bits in the digital signal, improving the audio quality.
9
Reference
Troubleshooting
If there is no sound or if the unit does not operate as you expect, please check the following points first. If this does
not resolve the problem, contact the nearest Roland service center or authorized Roland distributor.
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
There’s No Sound
Make sure the Input Level control has not been turned
fully counterclockwise.
Make sure the Input Select switch has been set to the
connector where the input signal is connected (Digital
Input or Analog Input).
Make sure the Digital Input select switch has been set
to the connector where the input signal is connected
(Optical or Coaxial).
●
Input a digital signal to the Digital Input connector.
No sound is produced when an analog signal is input.
Specifications
System
2 Way Bi-Amplified Monitor
Enclosure
Bass-reflex type
Cabinet
1/2" MDF, Baffle: 3/4” MDF
LF Driver
120 mm (5") Foamed polypropylene
cone type, magnetically shielded
HF Driver
19 mm (3/4") soft dome type,
magnetically shielded
Frequency Response
68 Hz to 22 kHz (+/-3dB)
Crossover Frequency
2.3 kHz (active third order)
Dimensions
197 (7-3/4")
312
(12-1/4")
6
(1/4")
The volume level of the instrument
connected to ANALOG INPUT is too low
Could you be using a connection cable that contains a
resistor? Use a connection cable that does not contain a
resistor.
During Digital Signal Input, the Stereo
Image Is Reversed or Sounds Unnatural,
or Output Doesn’t Sound Like Stereo
Check the setting of the Assign switch (Right, L+R, or
Left). The DS-50A uses an identical construction for the
left and right monitors, and makes no distinction between
left and right. During digital signal input, set the Assign
switch L or R as appropriate for your setup.
LF Amplifier Power
30 W
HF Amplifier Power
20 W
◆◆◆◆◆
Analog in
Input Sensitivity
0 dBu (0.775 Vrms)
Input Impedance
20k ohm (Balanced/Unbalanced)
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
◆◆◆◆◆
Digital in
Format
Conformity with S/P DIF
Sample Rate
32 kHz to 96 kHz (de-emphasis: OFF)
D/A Converter
24 bit
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
261 (10-1/4")
267 (10-1/2")
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
Controls
LEVEL Knob
LF TRIM Knob (80 Hz, +/-3dB)
HF TRIM Knob (10 kHz, +/-3dB)
INPUT SELECT SW
(Analog In/Digital In)
ASSIGN SW (Right/L+R/Left)
DIGITAL INPUT SELECT SW
(Optical/Coaxial)
POWER SW
Indicators
POWER
DIGITAL IN
●
Connectors
ANALOG INPUT(XLR/TRS PHONE,
Balanced/Unbalanced)
DIGITAL INPUT (Optical)
DIGITAL INPUT (Coaxial)
DIGITAL THRU OUT (Coaxial)
●
Power Supply
AC117 V,AC230 V or AC240 V
●
Power Consumption
50 W
●
Dimensions
197 (W) x 267 (D) x 312 (H) mm
7-3/4 (W) x 10-1/2 (D) x 12-1/4 (H)
inches
●
Weight
8 kg / 17 lbs. 11 oz.
●
Accessories
Owner’s Manual
Power cord
* In the interest of product improvement, the
specifications and/or appearance of this unit
are subject to change without prior notice.
10
Reference
Frequency Response
(dB)
20
10
0
Response
-10
-20
-30
20501002005001k2k5k10k20k
LF: max
flat
LF: min
HF: max
Frequency
This product complies with the requirements of European Directives EMC 89/336/EEC and LVD 73/23/EEC.
flat
HF: min
(Hz)
For EU Countries
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.
For Canada
NOTICE
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
AVIS
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
11
Information
When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as
shown below.