Roland RSM-90 User Manual

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (Owner’s Manual p. 2, p. 3). 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, Owner’s Manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be
saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

Owner’s Manual

Features

The Roland Studio Monitor RSM-90 speaker system was designed, developed,
and manufactured in the United States. The high-quality sound these studio
monitors deliver make them perfect for mixing duties in digital recording
studios.

2-Way Speakers with Superior Sound Quality

To achieve such high-quality sound, the low-frequency driver uses a 160-mm
polypropylene foam cone, and the high-frequency driver features a dome
tweeter with a high-precision face plate.

3/4’’ MDF Cabinets with 1” MDF Baffles

Cabinet construction prevents excess vibration, which greatly improves sound
quality.
* MDF = Middle Density Fiberboard

Bi-Wiring Connections

Bi-wiring reduces problems (intermodulation distortion) caused by the effect
the high-frequency and low-frequency drivers have on each other.

Gold-Plated Post Connectors

Gold plating provides long-lasting protection for the connectors, preventing
degradation of sound quality over time. Additionally, the binding post
connectors are compatible with heavy-gauge speaker cables.

Magnetically Shielded Low- and High-Frequency Drivers

This allows you to use the speakers next to CRT displays.

Front-Facing Bass Reflex Ports

These ports ensure consistent low-end sound regardless of placement.

Copyright © 2000 ROLAND CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the
written permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

70

80

90

100

110

60

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

(dB)

(Hz)

Frequency

Response

2

4

8

16

32

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

(Ω)

(Hz)

Frequency

Impedance

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.

010

• This unit combinated with an amplifier may be

001

• Before using this unit, make sure to read the
instructions below, and the Owner’s Manual.

..........................................................................................................

002a

• Do not open or perform any internal modifica­tions on the unit.

..........................................................................................................

003

• 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

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.

..........................................................................................................

011

• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material,
coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft
drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.

all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland
Service Center, or an authorized Roland
distributor, as listed on the "Information" page.

..........................................................................................................

004

• Never use or store the unit in places that are:

• Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct
sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating
duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or
are

• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors);
or are

• Humid; or are

• Exposed to rain; or are

• Dusty; or are

• Subject to high levels of vibration.

..........................................................................................................

007

• 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.

..........................................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

012d

• Immediately turn off the power of the device
connected to this unit, and request servicing by
your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or
an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the
"Information" page when:

• Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been

spilled onto the unit; or

• The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise

has become wet); or

• The unit does not appear to operate normally or

exhibits a marked change in performance.

..........................................................................................................

013

• 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.

..........................................................................................................

014

• Protect the unit from strong impact.

(Do not drop it!)

2

..........................................................................................................

108

c

291

• Disconnect all cords coming from external devices

104

• Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming
entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be
placed so they are out of the reach of children.

...........................................................................................................

106

• Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on
the unit.

...........................................................................................................

before moving the unit.

..........................................................................................................

118

• Should you remove screws of input jacks and the
short bar, make sure to put them in a safe place out
of children's reach, so there is no chance of them
being swallowed accidentally.

..........................................................................................................

Important Notes

a

In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2,3 please read and observe the
following:

Important Notes

Placement

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 unit 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 unit. 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.

Maintenance

401a

• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth
or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To
remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild,
non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe the
unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.

402

• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind,

to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or defor­mation.

Additional Precautions

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.

3

Making the Connections

Connect the output connectors of your power amp to the RSM-90 input connectors with speaker cable.

Before connecting the speakers, confirm that the power is off on all connected
devices. Also check to make sure that the power amp and mixer volume
levels are turned down completely.

Cautions

• Make sure to match the polarity (+, -) of the connectors.

• Avoid causing shorts when connecting the speaker cables. Also take care not to connect the
cables incorrectly. Failure to follow these precautions may result in damage to your equipment.

• The screws and short bar on the input connectors are made to be removable. When you do
remove these, be sure to store them in a secure place out of the reach of small children. Consult
a physician or get other appropriate medical help immediately if any of these pieces is
swallowed accidentally.

• With high-output power amps (100 W or above), touching the amp’s input connectors may
cause electric shock. Take care not to come into contact with the input connectors.

• These speakers have a rated impedance of 4 ohms. Confirm that the recommended load
impedance of the power amp you are using is compatible.

• Do not connect any power amp with output higher than the maximum allowable input for
these speakers. Failure to follow this precaution may result in damage to the equipment.

• Don't touch the diaphragm of the HF driver or the cone of the LF driver.

Connections on the Speakers

Use the short bar on each speaker to bridge the speaker’s high- and low-frequency “+” connectors
(or “-” connectors), then connect the speakers to the power amp with speaker cable.

fig.1

HF+HF–

LF+LF–

–

+

Power Amplifier

Short Bar

HF: HIGH FREQUENCY
LF: LOW FREQUENCY

4

Bi-Wiring Connections

Remove the short bar horizontally, then connect the power amp to each speaker using two sets of cables.

fig.2

–

Making the Connections

HF+HF–

LF+LF–

+

HF:HIGH FREQUENCY
LF:LOW FREQUENCY

Bi-wiring is a method of connecting the power amp to the speakers using
separate sets of speaker cables for the low- and high-frequency portions.
Using separate cables for the low- and high-frequencies reduces
intermodulation distortion, thus improving the high-end sonic quality.

fig.3

Power Amplifier

+
–

Tips for High Quality Playback

Power Amplifier

High Frequency

Low Frequency

Network

Network

HF

LF

- Think carefully beforehand to determine the optimum location for the speakers. To fully
realize the speakers’ excellent low-end reproduction capabilities, place the speakers on stands
that will provide firm, stable support.

- Use bi-wiring connections to bring out the speakers’ superior high-end response.

- To help ensure great sound, use high-quality, heavy-gauge speaker cables.

5

Appendices

Syst

Nominal I

Specification

em

2 Way Monitor Speaker

Enclosure

Bass-reflex type

Cabinet

3/4”MDF, Baffle:1”MDF

LF Driver

160 mm(6-1/2”) Foamed polypropylene cone type,
magnetically shielded

HF Driver

25 mm(1”) Soft dome type, magnetically shielded

Power Handling

rated: 90 W *1
max: 270 W
*1 EIA RS426A

Frequency Response

62 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-3dB)

* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change

without prior notice.

4 ohms

Sensitivity(1W/1m)

88 dB

Crossover Frequency

2.6 kHz

Crossover Network

Advanced second order filter

Connectors

Binding posts x 4 (LF input, HF input)

Dimensions

228.6(W) x 322.3(D) x 371.5(H) mm
9(W) x 12-11/16(D) x 14-5/8(H) inches

Weight

11 kg/24 lbs. 5 oz.

Accessory

Owner’s Manual

mpedance

Dimensions

fig.4

228.6 (9")

7.5

(5/16")

371.5 (14-5/8")

311.2 (12-1/4")

322.3 (12-11/16")

120 (4-3/4")

57(2-1/4")

3.5

(1/8")

92 (3-5/8")

6

Frequency Response

70

80

90

100

110

60

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

(dB)

(Hz)

Frequency

Response

2

4

8

16

32

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

(Ω)

(Hz)

Frequency

Impedance

Impedance

Appendices

Polar Response

330°

300°

270°

0°

30°

dB

-50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0

60°

90°

270°

(Horizontal)

330°

300°

dB

0°

30°

-50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0

60°

90°

330°

300°

270°

240°

210°

180°

1 kHz 2 kHz 4 kHz 8 kHz

150°

120°

240°

210°

180°

150°

120°

240°

210°

0°

30°

dB

-50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0

150°

180°

60°

120°

90°

270°

300°

240°

210°

330°

0°

30°

dB

-50 -40 -30 -20 -10 0

150°

180°

60°

90°

120°

7

Information

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (Owner’s Manual p. 2, p. 3). 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, Owner’s Manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be
saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as
shown below.

AFRICA

AFRICA

EGYPT

Al Fanny Trading Office

P.O. Box 2904,
El Horrieh Heliopolos, Cairo,
EGYPT
TEL: [phone]

REUNION

Maison FO - YAM Marcel

25 Rue Jules Merman, ZL
Chaudron - BP79 97491
Ste Clotilde REUNION
TEL: 28 29 16

SOUTH AFRICA

That Other Music Shop
(PTY) Ltd.

11 Melle Street (Cnr Melle and
Juta Street)
Braamfontein, 2001,
Republic of SOUTH AFRICA
TEL: [phone]

Paul Bothner (PTY) Ltd.

17 Werdmuller Centre Claremont
7700
Republic of SOUTH AFRICA

P.O. Box 23032
Claremont, Cape Town
SOUTH AFRICA, 7735
TEL: [phone]

ASIA

CHINA

Beijing Xinghai Musical
Instruments Co., Ltd.

6 Huangmuchang Chao Yang
District, Beijing, CHINA
TEL: [phone]

HONG KONG

Tom Lee Music Co., Ltd.
Service Division

22-32 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen
Wan, New Territories,
HONG KONG
TEL: [phone]

INDIA

Rivera Digitec (India) Pvt. Ltd.

409, Nirman Kendra Mahalaxmi
Flats Compound Off. Dr. Edwin
Moses Road, Mumbai-400011,
INDIA
TEL: [phone]

INDONESIA

PT Citra IntiRama

J1. Cideng Timur No. 15J-150
Jakarta Pusat
INDONESIA
TEL: [phone]

KOREA

Cosmos Corporation

1461-9, Seocho-Dong,
Seocho Ku, Seoul, KOREA
TEL: [phone]

MALAYSIA

Bentley Music SDN BHD

140 & 142, Jalan Bukit Bintang
55100 Kuala Lumpur,MALAYSIA
TEL: [phone]

PHILIPPINES

G.A. Yupangco & Co. Inc.

339 Gil J. Puyat Avenue
Makati, Metro Manila 1200,
PHILIPPINES
TEL: [phone]

SINGAPORE

Swee Lee Company

150 Sims Drive,
SINGAPORE 387381
TEL: [phone]

CRISTOFORI MUSIC PTE
LTD

Blk 3014, Bedok Industrial Park E,
#02-2148, SINGAPORE 489980
TEL: [phone]

TAIWAN

ROLAND TAIWAN
ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.

Room 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung Shan
N.Road Sec.2, Taipei, TAIWAN,
R.O.C.
TEL: [phone]

THAILAND

Theera Music Co. , Ltd.

330 Verng NakornKasem, Soi 2,
Bangkok 10100, THAILAND
TEL: [phone]

VIETNAM

Saigon Music

138 Tran Quang Khai St.,
District 1
Ho Chi Minh City
VIETNAM
TEL: [phone]

AUSTRALIA/
NEW ZEALAND

AUSTRALIA

Roland Corporation
Australia Pty., Ltd.

38 Campbell Avenue
Dee Why West. NSW 2099
AUSTRALIA
TEL: [phone]

NEW ZEALAND

Roland Corporation (NZ) Ltd.

97 Mt. Eden Road, Mt. Eden,
Auckland 3, NEW ZEALAND
TEL: [phone]

CENTRAL/LATIN
AMERICA

ARGENTINA

Instrumentos Musicales S.A.

Florida 656 2nd Floor
Office Number 206A
Buenos Aires
ARGENTINA, CP1005
TEL: [phone]

BRAZIL

Roland Brasil Ltda.

R. Coronel Octaviano da Silveira
203 05522-010
Sao Paulo BRAZIL
TEL: [phone]

COSTA RICA

JUAN Bansbach
Instrumentos Musicales

Ave.1. Calle 11, Apartado 10237,
San Jose, COSTA RICA
TEL: [phone]

CHILE

Comercial Fancy S.A.

Avenida Rancagua #0330
Providencia Santiago, CHILE
TEL: [phone]

EL SALVADOR

OMNI MUSIC

75 Avenida Notre YY Alameda,
Juan Pablo 2, No. 4010
San Salvador, EL SALVADOR
TEL: [phone]

MEXICO

Casa Veerkamp, s.a. de c.v.

Av. Toluca No. 323, Col. Olivar
de los Padres 01780 Mexico D.F.
MEXICO
TEL: [phone]

La Casa Wagner de
Guadalajara s.a. de c.v.

Av. Corona No. 202 S.J.
Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico
C.P.44100 MEXICO
TEL: [phone]

PANAMA

SUPRO MUNDIAL, S.A.

Boulevard Andrews, Albrook,
Panama City,
REP. DE PANAMA
TEL: [phone]

PARAGUAY

Distribuidora De
Instrumentos Musicales

J.E. Olear y ESQ. Manduvira
Edeficio, El Dorado Planta Baja
Asuncion PARAGUAY
TEL: [phone]

PERU

VIDEO Broadcast S.A.

Portinari 199 (ESQ. HALS),
San Borja, Lima 41,
REP. OF PERU
TEL: [phone]

URUGUAY

Todo Musica S.A.

Cuareim 1844, Montevideo,
URUGUAY
TEL: [phone]

VENEZUELA

Musicland Digital C.A.

Av. Francisco de Miranda,
Centro Parque de Cristal, Nivel
C2 Local 20 Caracas
VENEZUELA
TEL: [phone]

EUROPE

AUSTRIA

Roland Austria GES.M.B.H.

Siemensstrasse 4, P.O. Box 74,
A-6063 RUM, AUSTRIA
TEL: [phone]

BELGIUM/HOLLAND/
LUXEMBOURG

Roland Benelux N. V

Houtstraat 3, B-2260, Oevel
(Westerlo) BELGIUM
TEL: [phone]

DENMARK

Roland Scandinavia A/S

Nordhavnsvej 7, Postbox 880,
DK-2100 Copenhagen
DENMARK
TEL: [phone]

FRANCE

Roland France SA

4, Rue Paul Henri SPAAK,
Parc de l'Esplanade, F 77 462 St.
Thibault, Lagny Cedex FRANCE
TEL: [phone]

FINLAND

Roland Scandinavia As,
Filial Finland

Lauttasaarentie 54 B
Fin-00201 Helsinki, FINLAND
TEL: [phone]

GERMANY

Roland Elektronische
Musikinstrumente HmbH.

Oststrasse 96, 22844 Norderstedt,
GERMANY
TEL: [phone]

GREECE

STOLLAS S.A.
Music Sound Light

155, New National Road
26422 Patras, GREECE
TEL: [phone]

HUNGARY

Intermusica Ltd

Warehouse Area ‘DEPO’ Pf.83
H-2046 Torokbalint, HUNGARY
TEL: [phone]

IRELAND

Roland Ireland

Audio House, Belmont Court,
Donnybrook, Dublin 4.
Republic of IRELAND
TEL: [phone]

.

.

ITALY

Roland Italy S. p. A.

Viale delle Industrie 8,
20020 Arese, Milano, ITALY
TEL: [phone]

NORWAY

Roland Scandinavia Avd.
Kontor Norge

Lilleakerveien 2 Postboks 95
Lilleaker N-0216 Oslo
NORWAY
TEL: [phone]

POLAND

P. P. H. Brzostowicz

UL. Gibraltarska 4.
PL-03664 Warszawa POLAND
TEL: [phone]

PORTUGAL

Tecnologias Musica e Audio,
Roland Portugal, S.A.

RUA DE SANTA CARARINA
131/133, 4000-450 PORTO
PORTUGAL
TEL: [phone]

ROMANIA

FBS LINES

Plata Libertatii 1.
RO-4200 Cheorgheni
TEL: [phone]

RUSSIA

Slami Music Company

Sadojava-Triumfalnaja st., 16
103006 Moscow, RUSSIA
TEL: [phone]

SPAIN

Roland Electronics
de España, S. A.

Calle Bolivia 239, 08020
Barcelona, SPAIN
TEL: [phone]

SWEDEN

Roland Scandinavia A/S
SWEDISH SALES OFFICE

Danvik Center 28, 2 tr.
S-131 30 Nacka SWEDEN
TEL: [phone]

SWITZERLAND

Roland (Switzerland) AG
Musitronic AG

Gerberstrasse 5, CH-4410 Liestal,
SWITZERLAND
TEL: [phone]

UKRAINE

TIC-TAC

Mira Str. 19/108
P.O. Box 180
295400 Munkachevo, UKRAINE
TEL: [phone]

UNITED KINGDOM

Roland (U.K.) Ltd.

Atlantic Close, Swansea
Enterprise Park, SWANSEA
SA7 9FJ,
UNITED KINGDOM
TEL: [phone]

MIDDLE EAST

BAHRAIN

Moon Stores

Bab Al Bahrain Road,
P.O. Box 20077
State of BAHRAIN
TEL: 211 005

CYPRUS

Radex Sound Equipment Ltd.

17 Diagorou St., P.O. Box 2046,
Nicosia CYPRUS
TEL: [phone]

ISRAEL

Halilit P. Greenspoon &
Sons Ltd.

8 Retzif Fa'aliya Hashnya St.
Tel-Aviv-Yaho ISRAEL
TEL: [phone]

JORDAN

AMMAN Trading Agency

Prince Mohammed St. P.O. Box
825 Amman 11118 JORDAN
TEL: [phone]

KUWAIT

Easa Husain Al-Yousifi

Abdullah Salem Street,
Safat KUWAIT
TEL: [phone]

LEBANON

A. Chahine & Fils

P.O. Box 16-5857 Gergi Zeidan St.
Chahine Building, Achrafieh
Beirut, LEBANON
TEL: [phone]

QATAR

Badie Studio & Stores

P.O. Box 62,
DOHA QATAR
TEL: 423554

SAUDI ARABIA

aDawliah Universal
Electronics APL

P.O. Box 2154 ALKHOBAR 31952,
SAUDI ARABIA
TEL: [phone]

SYRIA

Technical Light & Sound
Center

Khaled Ibn Al Walid St.
P.O. Box 13520
Damascus - SYRIA
TEL: [phone]

TURKEY

Barkat muzik aletleri ithalat
ve ihracat Ltd Sti

Siraselviler cad.Guney is hani 84­86/6, Taksim. Istanbul. TURKEY
TEL: [phone]

U.A.E.

Zak Electronics & Musical
Instruments Co. L.L.C.

Zabeel Road, Al Sherooq Bldg.,
No. 14, Grand Floor DUBAI
U.A.E.
TEL: [phone]

NORTH AMERICA

CANADA

Roland Canada Music Ltd.
(Head Office)

5480 Parkwood Way Richmond
B. C., V6V 2M4 CANADA
TEL: [phone]

Roland Canada Music Ltd.
(Toronto Office)

Unit 2, 109 Woodbine Downs
Blvd, Etobicoke, ON
M9W 6Y1 CANADA
TEL: [phone]

U. S. A.

Roland Corporation U.S

5100 S. Eastern Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938,
U. S. A.
TEL: [phone]

.

As of June 1, 2000 (Roland)

17055209 ’00-6- -RAD