Barefoot Sound Footprint02 User manual

Owner’s Manual
TM

We will keep the model number and date of
purchase of your new Barefoot Sound product on
file to help you refer to this information in the event
of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.
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PROTECT YOUR BAREFOOT MONITORS
Please complete the product registration form
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CONTENTS
1.0 Description 04
2.0 Warnings! (please read carefully) 05
3.0 Inputs and Controls 06
4.0 Startup 07
5.0 Protection 07
6.0 Signal Flow Diagram 08
7.0 Positioning 09
7.1 Widening the Stereo Field 10
7.2 Cooling 10
8.0 Maintenance 11
8.1 Technical Support and Service 11
9.0 MEME™ 12
9.1 MEME Voices 12
9.2 MEME™ Voicing Frequency Responses 13
9.3 MEME™ Voice Selector Connection 13
10.0 Dual-Force™ Technology 14
11.0 Specifications 15
12.0 Limited Warranty 16
12.1 Warranty Conditions 16
12.2 Obtaining Warranty Service 17
12.3 Post Warranty Repair 17
12.4 Warranty Exclusions 18
12.5 Service Request 18
13.0 Product Registration 19
Owner’s Manual
TM

The Footprint02 is a 3-way active system with 4 drive
units housed in sealed enclosures spanning 42 Hz to
45 kHz with low distortion, wide dynamic range and
ultra-fast transient response. The 1” ring radiator
tweeter is exceptionally detailed and produces very
wide dispersion beyond the highest audible frequencies.
The 4” midrange is housed in a sealed enclosure for
fast transient response. Its ultra-stiff and lightweight
aluminum cone moves as a perfect piston well beyond
its intended frequency range. The 6.5” side-firing
woofers are housed in a sealed enclosure for fast
1.0 Description
1.0 DESCRIPTION
transient response and feature Barefoot’s renowned
Dual-Force™ vibration cancelation technology. The
net result is incredible transparency and detail across
the entire audio spectrum. Barefoot’s innovative Multi
Emphasis Monitor Emulation™ technology, or MEME™,
enables the Footprint02 to emulate the frequency,
phase and transient responses, dynamic compression
and overall translation characteristics of other classic
studio monitors.
04

2.0 Warnings
Please read and follow the safety information below:
The Mains power voltage must never exceed 250 VAC.
Connecting the power cord to AC power line voltages
over 250 VAC will damage the amplifier and may cause
the risk of fire. Such damage is NOT covered under
warranty.
• Do not remove the rear amplifier panel. There is a risk
of electric shock. No user serviceable parts are inside.
Please refer service issues to a qualified technician.
• Do not operate this devicet with an ungrounded mains
power cable or a mains connection that is ungrounded.
This may result in personal injury.
• Do not place open flames such as lighted candles on
or near this device .
• Do not expose this device to water, rain or high
humidity. Do not place objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, on or near this device.
Rear panel Mains power input layout.
• This speaker requires adequate airflow to maintain
proper cooling. Do not obstruct airflow around
the speaker.
• Do not operate this device in ambient temperatures
above 30°C (85°F). Over-temperature may cause
device failure.
Caution! This speaker is capable of producing sound
pressure levels in excess of 85dB which may cause
permanent hearing damage. Always verify that input
wsignal levels are attenuated before powering on
the speaker.
2.0 WARNINGS
05

3.0 INPUTS & CONTROLS
1. [INPUT] XLR
Connector is designed to receive analog balanced line
level audio signals from sources such as preamplifiers,
sound cards, monitor controllers and mixing consoles.
Pin 1 is tied to chassis ground. Pins 2 & 3 are fully
floating differential inputs. Pin 3 must be referenced
to ground for single-ended input signals. The analog
signal is converted to 24bit/192kHz digital audio via a
precision, ultra-high-fidelity analog to digital converter
section inside the Footprint01.
2. [LEVEL]
Eight position rotary switch adjusts the loudness in
precise increments ( +3dB, 0, -1, -2, -3, -5, -7 and
-9dB. ) The 0dB setting corresponds to a sensitivity of
90dB at 1 meter distance using a -15dBv input signal.
3. [MEME IN]
3.5mm stereo phone jack for connection from MEME™
Selector Switch. See Section 9 for MEME™ settings and
connection details. The default setting with no switch
connected is Flat.
4. [MEME THRU]
3.5mm stereo phone jack for daisy chain connection to
MEME IN of another Barefoot monitor. See Section 9 for
MEME™ settings and connection details.
5. [FACTORY CALIBRATION]
The universal serial bus connector is for factory
adjustments and calibrations. This connector is NOT an
audio input.
3.0 Inputs & Controls
06

4.0 STARTUP
5.0 LIMITERS
1. Plug in the grounded mains power cable (see warnings
on previous page for details) .
2. Plug in an analog balanced audio signals from a
source such as a pre amplifier, sound card, monitor
controller or mixing console to INPUT XLR connector.
Ensure that the audio signal is fully attenuated.
4.0 Startup
5.0 Limiters
3. Power on the speaker with the rocker switch located
on the rear panel above the mains connector. The LED
indicator on the front of the speaker will illuminate Red
for a couple of seconds and then turn Aqua.
4. Turn up the audio signal and enjoy!
Peak Limiter
The Low and High frequency channels have individual
Peak Limiters designed to protect each driver from high
amplitude, short duration audio input signal spikes that
might cause damage due to over excursion of the voice
coil. These limiters are implemented digitally within
the DSP in such a manner that they have zero effect on
the audio signal below their thresholds. The front LED
indicator light will flash RED when a Peak Limiter on any
of the driver channels is triggered. The duration of such
events is only a fraction of a second. Therefore, the LED
flash may appear pink or orange as the eye naturally
blends the normally aqua-blue color of the LED with the
red.
RMS Limiter
The Low and High frequency channels have individu-
al RMS Limiters designed to protect each driver from
long duration, high amplitude audio input signals that
might cause thermal damage due to the voice coil. These
limiters are implemented digitally within the DSP in such
a manner that they have zero effect on the audio signal
below their thresholds. The front LED indicator light
will flash RED when an RMS Limiter on any of the driver
channels is triggered.
Caution: Signals large enough to trigger any of the
limiters can generate very high sound pressure levels
that may result in permanent hearing damage.
Over Current
In the event of a large audio input signal that might
damage the amplifiers or power supply due to current
overload, the power supply is designed to enter into Over
Current protect mode. This state typi-cally results from
a large, broadband input signal burst that flat lines the
limiters on all four channels simultaneously. While the
fault persists the amplifier power rails shut down, the
speaker goes quiet, and the front panel LED turns red.
Once the audio input signal is turned down the speaker
should reboot within a few seconds. If the speaker fails to
reboot or the LED light goes out completely, dis-connect
the audio input cable and power cycle the speaker. Verify
the signal level is attenuated be-fore reconnecting audio
input cable.
Caution: Signals that cause Over Current protection
to trigger can generate very high sound pressure levels
that may result in permanent hearing damage.
07

6.0 SIGNAL FLOW DIAGRAM
6.0 Signal Flow Diagram
08

The acoustic center of the Footprint02 is located at the
LED indicator just above the tweeter. The Footprint02 is
designed to work equally well as a nearfield or mid-
field monitor. The minimum recommended listening
distance is 3.0 feet (91 cm). This provides enough
distance so the sound waves from the individual drivers
can coalesce and the speaker sounds like a single source.
While speaker positioning can often be dependent on
the nature of the room, a good starting point is to create
an equilateral triangle between the two speakers and
the listening position. The speakers should be angled
inward, so the tweeter axes aim towards the listener’s
ears, crossing a few inches behind the head.
7.0 Posititioning
7.0 POSITIONING
A “typical” placement scenario might have the speakers
positioned 1.5 feet (46 cm) from the front wall, the
LEDs at ear level and the speakers and listening position
forming an equilateral triangle with 4.0 feet (120 cm)
sides. However, every room has its unique characteris-
tics. Therefore, the optimal listening distances, speaker
height and distances from walls are matters for experi-
mentation. The Footprint02 is well equipped to work at
a variety of listening distances.
09

7.1 - 7.2 POSITIONING
We generally recommend angling the speaker axes in
towards the listening position to create an equilateral
triangle as described above. This yields the most accu-
rate high frequency response and the sharpest stereo
image at the center listening position. In some cases,
however, the listener might change positions frequently.
Or there might be multiple listeners. In such situations
it may be desirable to have a wider and less focused
stereo field which provides better coverage over a range
of listening positions. This can be achieved by aiming
the speaker axes more forward such that the axes cross
further behind the center listening position. The figure
below illustrates the general principle and is not meant
to be an exact measure of speaker angles or optimal
listening positions.
Since the Footprint02 has such wide off-axis dispersion,
the horizontal angle relative to the listener can be
7.1 Widening the Stereo Field
While the amplifier modules that drive the Footprint02
are very efficient, the speaker still generates a sig-
nificant amount of heat that must be dissipated. This
heat is transmitted to the air via convection from the
rear amplifier plate. In order to ensure proper airflow,
a minimum of 2.0 inches (51 mm) clearance should be
maintained between the speaker and any large obstruc-
tions like walls. An ambient room temperature below
30°C (85°F) should be maintained. Over-temperature
may cause the speaker to overheat and shut down.
7.2 Cooling
changed by up to 10 degrees with less than 1 dB variance
in the frequency response across the audible spectrum.
Angling the speakers forward in this manner will somewhat
defocus the center stereo image while providing generally
better imaging over a range of listening positions. For some
users this may be an acceptable compromise.
10

8.0 - 8.1 MAINTENANCE
8.0 Maintenance
Exterior surfaces of this product may be cleaned using a
non-abrasive lint-free cloth lightly damped with water.
Disconnect the mains power cable when cleaning to
avoid risk of electric shock. Do not use alcohol-based
cleaners.
Driver active surfaces such as diaphragms and surrounds
may be cleaned using dry soft bristle brushes. Driver
diaphragms are very delicate and easily damaged. So,
proceed with great care. Clean new sable artist brushes
Your Barefoot authorized dealer/distributor is usually the best resource for technical support
regarding your specific application. You can also contact Barefoot Sound directly:
[e-mail]
1-503-894-8602
To obtain repair service please refer to Warrenty Section in this manual.
8.1 Technical Support and Service
or cosmetic brushes work well for this task. Gently brush
dust away from the surface starting at the center of the
driver diaphragm and moving radially outward. Avoid
applying inward pressure to the driver diaphragm.
Repairs, maintenance, or other servicing of this product
when its interior compartment is exposed should only be
performed under specific advice from Barefoot Sound by
a qualified technician or by the Barefoot Service Center.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside this product.
11

9.0 MEME™
(Multi Emphasis Monitor Emulation)
Barefoot MEME (pronounced “meam” like “team”)
technology allows you to box up your secondary
reference monitors for good. Despite the numerous
advantages of high-resolution monitors like the
Footprint01, many engineers still rely on their NS10s
and mix cubes as secondary references. These speakers
have long traditions and people find them familiar and
useful for focusing in on certain aspects of their mix.
FLAT
Optimal setting for accuracy, transparency and out-
standing translation. Setting has a flat frequency
response and extremely fast transient response. This
is the default voice when the MEME Selector Switch is
not connected to the speaker.
HI-FI
While it does not emulate any one speaker in particular,
this setting is indicative of “hi-fi” in the colloquial sense
of the term. The midrange is a bit scooped and highs are
a little accentuated. The bass response is altered to have
less damping, yielding a hybrid character somewhere
9.0 MEME™
However, it’s also a fact that crowding your console
with those extra boxes degrades the sound field of
the primary reference monitors. Not to mention, these
speakers are no longer manufactured, need amplifiers,
require cable runs, and consume more studio space.
MEME offers an elegant solution by emulating the
sound and translation characteristics of those other
classic monitors.
between the fast, tight, articulate sound of a sealed
cabinet and the slower, fatter sound of a ported speaker.
The result is a sweeter more forgiving sonic character.
OLDSCL
This setting emulates the frequency, phase and transient
response of the NS10M.
CUBE
This setting emulates the frequency, phase and transient
response of classic mix cubes.
9.1 MEME Voices:
12

9.2 MEME™ Voicing Frequency Responses:
9.3 MEME™ Voice Selector Connection:
The MEME™ Voice Selector switch box is connected
to the MEME IN jack of the speaker via any standard
3.5 mm stereo phone cable. The switchbox is passive
and requires no batteries. Two or more speakers can be
connected to the switch box by daisy chaining cables
from the MEME OUT of one speaker to the MEME IN of
the next speaker. The Footprint02 MEME IN and
MEME OUT jacks are opto-isolated to prevent ground
loops between devices.
Barefoot MicroMain Gen2 series monitors with
MEME™ can also be connected to the MEME OUT of
the Footprint02.
9.0 MEME™
13

10.0 Dual-Force™ Technology
Cabinet vibrations are a significant source of distortion
and coloration in most loudspeakers. The primary mech-
anism that generates cabinet vibrations is simple New-
tonian action and reaction. As the driver motor (magnet
and voice coil) forces the cone to move back and forth in
order to generate sound, the cone exerts an equal and
opposite force on the motor. This force is transmitted
through the driver frame to the cabinet, vibrating the
cabinet walls and coloring the sound emitted by the
cone. This effect is most especially prevalent in the low
frequency drivers where the cone motion is greatest.
While, the Footprint02 is built with a well braced
cabinet, we also tackle the problem at its source by
eliminating vibrations before they even begin. This is
achieved through our innovative force cancellation
10.0 DUAL-FORCE™ TECHNOLOGY
design. The low frequency drivers are mounted on
opposing sides of the cabinet and their motors are
locked together. As the cones are driven in and out in
opposite directions the forces exerted on the motors
cancel one another. The vibrations never make it to the
cabinet because they are not allowed to develop in the
first place.
This layout has further benefits. Since the drivers are
locked together, the motors and frames function as a
massive internal metal cabinet bracing. And because the
wavelengths generated by the woofers are much larger
than the speaker cabinet dimensions, the drivers radiate
as if they were a single point source.
14

11.0 Specifications
11.0 SPECIFICATIONS
Description: 3-way active monitor with MEME™ voice emulation
Controls: Input level stepped attenuator, MEME voice select
Input Impedance: Balanced XLR, 50k Ohm Impedance
Sensitivity: 90dB @ 1 meter with -15dBV input signal (Level control set to 0dB)
Frequency Response: 42Hz – 45kHz (±3dB), 52Hz – 40kHz (±1dB)
Bass Response: -3 dB @ 36Hz, Q = 0.707 Slope = 18 dB/octave
Crossover Frequencies: 180 / 3600 Hz (Passive crossover between Midrange and Tweeter)
Cabinet: 13 liters total internal volume, Sealed woofer and midrange en-
closures, Machined aluminum baffle plate, Polyurethane acoustic
damping throughout
Tweeter: 1” ring radiator, Low distortion motor, Rear waveguide chamber
Midrange: 4.0” aluminum cone, Aluminum phase plug, Low distortion motor, +/-
3.5 mm linear excursion
Woofers: 6.5” paper cone, +/- 8.2 mm linear excursion
High Frequency
Amplifier:
150W
Low Frequency
Amplifier:
200W
AC Power Input: 100 VAC to 230 VAC
Power Consumption: Idle: 2W, Maximum: 320W
Weight: Speaker: 27.9 lbs each (12.66 kg)
Shipping: 33.6 lbs each (15.25 kg)
Dimensions HxWxD: 12.12 x 8.7 x 13.0 inches (308 x 222 x 330 mm)
15

12.0 Limited Warranty
BAREFOOT SOUND warrants electronic components and
cabinetry for a period of three (3) years against manu-
facturing defects, covering parts and labor for necessary
repairs. Moving speaker components such as tweeters,
midranges and woofers are warranted for a period of one
(1) year against manufacturing defects.
Shipping fees incurred from returns for under-warranty
service in the first 30-days will be paid by BAREFOOT
SOUND. All shipping fees both to and from BAREFOOT
SOUND following this 30-day period must be paid by
the customer. All returns, both during and following the
30-day period, must be affected via the Procedures for
Obtaining Warranty Service described below.
BAREFOOT SOUND makes no other warranty, either
express or implied, including but not limited to implied
warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular
purpose, or conformity to any representation or de-
scription, with respect to this product other than as set
forth below. BAREFOOT SOUND makes no warranty or
representation, either express or implied, with respect
to any other manufacturer’s product or documentation,
its quality, performance, merchantability, fitness for a
particular purpose, or conformity to any representation
or description.
Except as provided below, BAREFOOT SOUND is not
liable for any loss, cost, expense, inconvenience or
damage that may result from use or inability to use
the product. Under no circumstances shall BAREFOOT
SOUND be liable for any loss, cost, expense, inconve-
nience or damage exceeding the purchase price of the
product.
The warranty and remedies set forth below are exclusive
and in lieu of all others, oral or written, expressed or
implied. No reseller, agent or employee is authorized
to make any modification, extension or addition to this
warranty.
12.0 - 12.1 LIMITED WARRANTY
The above Limited Warranty is subject to the
following conditions:
This warranty covers only normal use of the product.
BAREFOOT SOUND shall not be liable under this
warranty if any damage or defect results from (i) misuse,
abuse, neglect, improper shipping or installation; (ii)
disasters such as fire, flood, lightning or improper
electric current; or (iii) repairs, service or alteration by
anyone other than an authorized BAREFOOT SOUND
representative; (iv) damages incurred through incorrect
connection or handling, abnormal conditions, high
humidity, deliberate abuse, power surges, water spills,
or any other accidents.
You must retain your bill of sale or other proof of
purchase to receive warranty service.
No warranty extension will be granted for any
replacement part(s) furnished to the purchaser in
fulfillment of this warranty.
To return a defective product, please contact our
Customer Service Department at service@barefoot-
sound.com for a Return Merchandise Authorization
(RMA) number and follow the Return of Products
Instructions below. The RMA is valid for 10 days from
date of issuance. Returns will not be accepted without
an RMA.
12.1 Warranty Conditions
16

12.2 - 12.3 LIMITED WARRANTY
RMA (Returning Merchandise Authorization) Policy:
If repairs are required, the customer must obtain a
RMA number and provide proof of purchase. RMA and
services are rendered by BAREFOOT SOUND only. Any
shipping costs after 30 days (starting from the original
date of purchase) on any item returned for repair is the
customers’ responsibility. All returned parts must have
a RMA number written clearly on the outside of the
package along with a letter detailing the problems and a
copy of the original proof of purchase. No COD packages
will be accepted. No package will be accepted without a
RMA number written on the outside of the package.
1. If the product must be repaired, a RMA number
(Return Merchandise Authorization Number) will be
issued for shipment to our repair department. Please
follow the instructions given by BAREFOOT SOUND
technical support staff to ship your product. BAREFOOT
SOUND will not accept any shipments without a RMA
number.
2. Pack the product in its original box or a well-protect-
ed box, as outlined by BAREFOOT SOUND Customer
Service. BAREFOOT SOUND will not be responsible for
shipping damage/loss of any product not shipped in
its original packaging. BAREFOOT SOUND will not be
responsible for shipping damage/loss of any product
outside the original 30-day paid service period. It is
very important that you write the RMA number clearly
on the outside of the package. Ship the product with a
copy of your bill of sale or other proof of purchase, your
name, address, phone number, email address, descrip-
tion of the problem(s), and the RMA number you have
obtained to the address provided to you by BAREFOOT
SOUND Customer Service.
3. Upon receiving the product, BAREFOOT SOUND will
repair or replace your product (at BAREFOOT SOUND’s
discretion) and will ship it back to you within 2 weeks
(dependent on parts availability) via FedEx.
4. Cross-exchange (Parts only): You will need to provide
a valid credit card number as a deposit guarantee when
the RMA number is issued. Once approval has been
obtained on your credit card, the part(s) will be shipped
FedEx. You will need to ship defective part(s) back to
BAREFOOT SOUND within 15 days to avoid charges
to your credit card. If such charges are incurred, the
shipped part(s) will be billed at the then current price.
5. BAREFOOT SOUND will pay for shipping to and from
the customer only within the first thirty days following
the original product ship date. Following this 30-day
period all shipping fees both for under warranty and
post warranty repairs are the sole responsibility of the
customer. The customer also assumes full liability for
losses or damages resulting from shipping as well as all
responsibility to pursue remuneration for such issues
with their selected carrier.
12.2 Procedures for Obtaining Warranty Service
12.3 Post Warranty Repair
BAREFOOT SOUND accepts no liability for problems
caused by after-market software or hardware modifica-
tions or additions. BAREFOOT SOUND is not responsible
for any loss of work (“down time”) caused by a product
requiring service. This warranty is null and void if the
defect or malfunction was due to damage resulting from
operation not within manufacturer specifications. It will
also be null and void if there are indications of misuse
and/or abuse. BAREFOOT SOUND has the option of
voiding the warranty if anyone other than an BAREFOOT
SOUND technician attempts to service the product.
BAREFOOT SOUND will not warrant any problems
arising from an act of God (lighting, flooding, tornado,
etc.), electrical spikes or surges, or problems arising out
of hardware, software, or additional devices added to
17

complement any product manufactured by BAREFOOT
SOUND. Under no circumstances will BAREFOOT
SOUND be responsible for any refund or remuneration
exceeding the original purchase price of the product less
any shipping fees. BAREFOOT SOUND will not be held
responsible for typographical errors on sales receipts,
BAREFOOT SOUND accepts no liability for problems
caused by after-market software or hardware modifica-
tions or additions. BAREFOOT SOUND is not responsible
for any loss of work (“down time”) caused by a product
requiring service. This warranty is null and void if the
defect or malfunction was due to damage resulting from
operation not within manufacturer specifications. It will
also be null and void if there are indications of misuse
and/or abuse. BAREFOOT SOUND has the option of
voiding the warranty if anyone other than an BAREFOOT
SOUND technician attempts to service the product.
BAREFOOT SOUND will not warrant any problems
repair tickets, or on our website. BAREFOOT SOUND
makes every effort to make sure all information on our
website is correct.
12.3 - 12.4 LIMITED WARRANTY
arising from an act of God (lighting, flooding, tornado,
etc.), electrical spikes or surges, or problems arising out
of hardware, software, or additional devices added to
complement any product manufactured by BAREFOOT
SOUND. Under no circumstances will BAREFOOT
SOUND be responsible for any refund or remuneration
exceeding the original purchase price of the product less
any shipping fees. BAREFOOT SOUND will not be held
responsible for typographical errors on sales receipts,
repair tickets, or on our website. BAREFOOT SOUND
makes every effort to make sure all information on our
website is correct.
12.4 Warranty Exclusions
12.5 Service Request
In order to serve you better, please complete the service request form in the following link for your Barefoot
Sound studio monitors. Once submitted and reviewed, a service representative will contact you. https://
barefootsound.com/service-request/
18

We will keep the model number and date of
purchase of your new Barefoot Sound product on
file to help you refer to this information in the event
of an insurance claim such as loss or theft.
Please complete the product registration form
for your Barefoot Sound studio monitors
to be registered for warranty and product updates.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
PROTECT YOUR BAREFOOT MONITORS
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW
19

Barefoot Sound LLC
barefootsound.com