Avantone Pro Active MixCube User manual

ACTIVE

Powered Mini-Reference Monitors for the NEW MILLENNIUM
APPLICATION
Active recording / mixdown monitors
ENGINEERING OBJECTIVES
The AVANTONE Active MixCubesare designed to be high resolution, full-range powered mini-
reference monitors for fixed or remote locations.
The secondary engineering facet was to create a timeless design that compliments a single full
range transducer.
PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE
Studios primarily use 2-way & 3-way large monitors designed to represent a wide range reference
viewpoint at higher listening levels.
However …… in the newly developing age of High Definition Audio, there is still a need to hear
what your mix will sound like when played back over small “bass-challenged” systems such as
televisions, clock radios, computers, car stereos, iPod docking stations, etc.
It is important to make mixing judgments based partially on listening to reference monitors that will
not impart tonal anomalies caused by crossovers or inferior full range drivers. Particular attention is
always paid to the critical mid-range vocal/guitar/keyboard areas. This is where having a full-range
monitor without a crossover is truly revealing.
More than twelve months of R&D, comparative listening & tweaking went into the voicing of the
AVANTONE MixCubes.
The result is a very smooth sounding, full range upgrade from those old familiar 5C Sound Cubes
engineers were so fond of in the 1980’s-1990’s.
Listening tests reveal that the MixCubeshave a smoother midrange, more accurate, transparent
top end response with extended bass while maintaining the basic characteristics of those original
little cubes.

Cabinet Design
Constructed of non-layered, high rigidity MDF board due to its natural low-resonance
characteristics. All cabinet edges are radiused.
Elegant Polyurethane high gloss “Butter-Cream” finish
7mm thick neoprene pad embedded into the base of the cabinet serves as a skid-resistant
acoustic isolator.
For creative mounting situations, we recessed an industry standard 5/8”-27 mic stand mount
into the base.
Driver Design
The paper cone, (chosen for its musical character) was custom designed utilizing the latest in FEA
modeling and “old-school” speaker design artistry. The finest New Zealand pulp material is blended
with mica fibers for rigidity and longevity.
The cloth surround material is made in Japan and has unique damping characteristics, enabling a
predictable compliance over the lifespan of the driver.
The motor structure is made of certified 1008 low carbon steel by Sumitomo. The magnets are Y-
40 GRADE (MIL-SPEC) yielding a 43oz. High-power/low-distortion motor structure.
Our proprietary 5.25” Die-cast aluminum frame supports the driver/cone minimizing mechanical
transfers.
The outer mounting face of the aluminum frame is polished for an elegant appearance.
Amplifier Design
We designed the amp module from the ground up to be a true professional-grade amplifier. It
incorporates “overkill” concepts in component selection as well as safety. The result is a “no-
compromise” amp with robust headroom characteristics that will rival the performance of much
higher priced studio rack mount amps.
REAR PANEL CONTROLS / CONNECTIONS
BALANCED INPUT: This “combo XLR” input accepts a BALANCED male XLR plug as well
as a 3-conductor BALANCED TRS ¼” or a 2 conductor UNBALANCED TS ¼” male plug. For
unbalanced operation with a TS connector the minus signal is automatically grounded.
SYSTEM GAIN: This variable control adjusts the sensitivity of the signal that appears at the
input. Rotating the control clockwise increases the sensitivity while a counter-clockwise
rotation decreases sensitivity. The adjustable gain range is from -30 to +6 dB. A setting of +6
allows a full, unimpeded signal to be sent to the amplifier. The detented gain positions allow
for repeatable settings between speakers for proper matching. Please Note… when the signal
appearing at the input is too hot, the amplifier can overload causing distortion and possible
damage to the speaker. If overload occurs, attenuate (decrease) the input level by turning the
knob counter-clockwise a few clicks.
ON/OFF Switch: This illuminated switch turns the amplifier section on and off. The unit is
still receiving power from the transformer however.
AC INPUT: This input is only to be use with the proprietary AVANTONE Power Supply.
Tighten the cable/connector securely for reliable operation. Note: There is a switch on the
power supply for selecting the proper AC/MAINS operating voltage for your location.
GROUND LIFT Switch: By engaging this switch the pin 1 shield is lifted at the input jack.
This can be used to aid in ground loop control of the incoming analog line signal.

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PLACEMENT
When positioning the AVANTONE MixCubeson stands or console bridges it is best to keep
them at ear level and slightly angled in towards the engineer. The optimum stereo listening
perspective is achieved by keeping the monitors at an equal distance from each other and to the
engineer’s ears.
Since MixCubes are shielded it is ok to place them near a CRT video monitor or TV without causing
any problems. The bottom 5/8”x27 mic stand mount will also allow you creative positioning options
in unusual studio playback situations.
MixCubes
Positioning

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CONNECTING your MixCubes
Before plugging in and powering up your MixCubes please take a moment to be certain that
the proper AC MAINS operating voltage setting has been selected on the transformer/power
supply.
Set all faders and level controls to minimum on your console/monitors feed. All other
equipment should be powered up before turning on the MixCubes so as to avoid loud turn-
on spikes and surges. The input “SYSTEM GAIN” control is set at minimum at the factory so
as to avoid an accidental overload upon initial hookup. This is intended to force the
engineer to purposefully set the gain where appropriate and safe in reference to the monitor
send output level from the console.
SPECIFICATIONS
SYSTEM TYPE: Active (Self-Powered) shielded full-range stereo pair
SYSTEM FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 90Hz-17,000Hz (Accessible musical range)
MAX SPL: 104dB 1 meter @1%THD (PINK NOISE)
AMPLIFIER: Class A/B
AMP POWER: 60 watts RMS@ .005% THD (1KHz)
AMP FREQ. RESPONSE: 22Hz-50KHz +0dB/- 3dB (90Hz-50KHz +/-0dB)
NOISE: S/N -113 dB “A” Weighted
COOLING: Convection / Heat Sink-Aluminum Fins
DRIVER: Proprietary Design-8 ohm 5.25” Cast Aluminum Frame / Paper Cone/Shielded
CABINET: Sealed design /18mm MDF/ with Dacron Acoustical stuffing
INPUTS: XLR & TRS +4/Balanced and -10 unbalanced
SENSITIVITY: 0dBu (.775VRMS) input at maximum volume (+6dB) = 104dB SPL
CABINET DIMENSIONS: 165mm x 165mm x 165mm ( 6 ½”x 6 ½”x 6 ½” )
CABINET WEIGHT: 3.55kgs / 7.8 Lbs (each)
WARRANTY: 5 Year Limited Warranty to original purchaser
MixCubes “ Break-In ”suggestions:
Because any new full range speaker exhibits a certain amount of “tightness” when first played, you
will most likely benefit from a “break-in” of the MixCubes if you are going to be doing critical work
almost immediately. Normally, standard usage of the speakers over a short period of time is all that
is required before you recognize the tonal changes taking place with the driver “flexing” from some
hours of use. However, if you need to “get to work” immediately; then we do have a suggested
“break-in” mode that will advance the “natural time process” much quicker. Here is the “quick
version”!
Though the MixCubes do perform solidly right out of the box it is beneficial to actually run them
through a “burn-in” period before using them in professional mix situations.
Some High-end speaker manufacturers claim that many speakers need a 100-200 hour break-in
period before they are “normalized” which most professional engineers do just to get use to their
new monitors.
We feel that simply playing any commercial music CD with good low frequency content through
them on a loop for 24-72 hours at a medium volume level can easily do this.
This procedure serves to “normalize” the driver surrounds by flexing them.
Users have reported that this sped up the break-in process and the MixCubes seemed to “open-up”
a bit more than when first powered up.
Whatever process you utilize, rest assured that you have purchased an amazing tool that will aid in
determining the proper levels and tones of your all-important mixes!
This “Break-In” suggestion is being recommended to remind you that like all things new, (i.e. a new
sports car), a short break-in time is a good time for the driver to flex and normalize. Enjoy and
here’s to accurate mixes!

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IMPORTANT !
Be sure to select the proper operating voltage on
the power supply/transformer before plugging in
the transformer to the AC power source.
Improper selection can result in damage to the
unit that will not be covered under the warranty.
NOTE: We take great care in packing the units in a well protected box at the factory and it is rare
that any shipping damage can occur. However, should this happen please contact your shipper
immediately to report the damage. We encourage you to keep the original packing materials in the
event you need to ship or transport them.
The AVANTONE Active MixCubes comply with all applicable / RoHS/ WEEE
European Union directives.
Do not attempt to service this unit yourself, as it will void your warranty. Please check your
unit carefully upon receipt and return to place of purchase immediately if there are any
problems with the product. After that, the standard AVANTONE 5 YEAR warranty will apply
to defects in materials and workmanship.
(U.S.A) Should your AVANTONE product require service, please contact the
AVANT ELECTRONICS Service Department. [phone] -or-e-mail
[email protected]
You must obtain an RA # (Return Authorization number) from us before shipping a unit back
to us. This RA # must be clearly written on the outside of the box.
Please safely pack the units…It is best to use the original packing materials. AVANT
ELECTRONICS can not be responsible for any damages incurred in shipping to us due to
poor packaging. PLEASE PACK CAREFULLY and FULLY INSURE THE SHIPMENT.
(INTERNATIONAL) For service or warranty assistance, please contact the
AVANT ELECTRONICS distributor in your country through the dealer from
whom you purchased this product.

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LIMITED 5 YEAR WARRANTY
Avant Electronics AVANTONE Active MixCubesare warranted by Avant
Electronics to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of
5 YEARS to the original purchaser. In the event of such defects, the Avant
Electronics product will be repaired without charge or, at our option, replaced
with a new one if delivered to Avant Electronics prepaid, together with a copy of
the sales slip or other proof of purchase date. The warranty excludes problems
due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage or failure to use the product in
accordance with the specifications.
All speaker systems are vulnerable to damage from sustained amplifier clipping.
This can be described as a distortion of the signal caused by the amplifier running
out of headroom. Heat will then be generated in the voice coil of the driver beyond
the heat handling capabilities of wire and glue. At some point the voice coil will
burn, causing the speaker to sound very distorted; eventually the driver will stop
working.
All parts and labor are covered under this Limited Warranty. However, if it is
determined by AVANT ELECTRONICS that the voice coil was burned due to
sustained amplifier clipping, we reserve the right to charge the customer for the
cost of the repair, since this is considered abuse.
Avant Electronics shall not be liable for damages based upon inconvenience, loss
of use of the product, loss of time, interrupted operation or commercial loss or
any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or otherwise. This warranty
gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights, which will vary
from state to state.
This warranty is not transferable.
Another fine product from…
www.avantonepro.com
Avantone Pro
PO Box 748
Tallman NY 10918
[phone]

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The Story of the AVANTONE MixCubes
I first became aware of the value of using an alternate mini reference monitor when I was
introduced to the Auratone speakers in my early studio engineering days around 1979. During the
last 25+ years the Auratone 5c SoundCubes found widespread usage among numerous studios the
world over. They were nicknamed ”Horrortones” for their purposeful limited sound capabilities.
Savvy engineers however, were quick to understand their usefulness in the studio.
They have not been commercially available for a long time. With the ever- increasing demands of
today’s playback mediums, it was time to take a serious look at redesigning a “mini reference
monitor for the new millennium”
- Ken Avant-
At AVANT ELECTRONICS, we saw not only the importance of replacing those older; fatiguing units
… We saw an opportunity to greatly improve on their original performance, construction and quality.
First it is important to understand what this type of speaker can do and what it cannot…
It is not at all intended to be an engineers’ only mix monitor.
It is not an entry-level monitor.
It is an important and unique professional tool… an alternate small monitor system.
There are 3 PRIMARY uses for these monitors….
MixCubes are designed as a “reference standard” example of a worst-case scenario / bass-
challenged playback system.
Let’s face it… music is not only heard on nice, full range systems, but also on small systems like
clock radios, iPod docking stations, inexpensive car systems as well as small televisions. There is
very little bass present on those systems…hence the phrase “bass challenged”. The mix engineer
must make sure that his mix will also sound good when listened to over such a system. As an
example…When working on a kick drum sound on a larger full-range 2-way or 3-way system it is
fairly easy to come up with the sound that satisfies the engineer. The next step in evaluating the
mix potential is to audition the sound on the MixCubes. The sound will be certainly less exciting…
forget about “chest pressure” etc. The challenge is now to locate a secondary EQ frequency point
which augments what the engineer dialed in while referencing on the larger monitors. What he then
looks for is a way to bring out the awareness of the kick in the mix on the small speakers while
preserving the integrity on the larger system. Indeed, a very revealing and significant process.
MixCubes serve as a “reference standard” to judge the critical midrange area of a mix without
clouding the acoustical linearity with a crossover. There is simply no perfect crossover… they
all affect the sound by causing phase problems and non-linear performance at and near the
crossover frequency. MixCubes are very useful in judging where the vocals, guitars,
keyboards and snare drum sit in relation to each other thus helping to establish a clean “mix
field”.
The MixCubes serve as an excellent reference example of a Mono TV mix. This allows an
engineer to really put himself in the listener’s seat to check out phase cancellation issues as
well as balance.
Experienced engineers have developed their own personal methods for integrating these speakers
into their mix down sessions.
A very revealing perspective can be achieved in the overall mix balance when turned down to be
barely audible… is the lead vocal there? Are the snare, hi-hat and guitars each present or is one of
them masking the others… or jumping to the forefront in the mix? You can best answer these mix
questions by checking your mix with low level listening through a full range, single driver system.
MixCubes address all of the issues mentioned above. They provide a powerful secondary
reference monitor that can allow the engineer/producer to confidently recognize how their mixes or
audio productions will translate across a wide variety of different types of playback systems!
When employed for their designed purpose, you will not find a better product for the price or
intended application. Avant Electronics has taken a piece of studio history and improved upon it,
reintroducing it to the audio world in the AVANTONE MixCubes.