Dutch & Dutch 8c User manual

Dutch & Dutch
8c.
Owner’s manual
Version 2.0
March 2019

DUTCH & DUTCH B.V.
CLAES DE VRIESELAAN 164
3021 JZ ROTTERDAM
THE NETHERLANDS
[phone]
WWW.DUTCHDUTCH.COM

Important safety information
Read this manual before first use and retain it for future reference
Follow all safety instructions
·Electrical safety
This is a Class I appliance which requires a protective earth connection. Always ensure that the device
is properly grounded.
Take care to route the power cord in such a manner that it is unlikely to be pinched, walked on, or
stressed in any other way. If the power cord is damaged, replace it with an equivalent type.
Unplug the power cord during a thunderstorm or when the product is left unused for a long time.
·Moisture
Do not use this product in moist or wet conditions. Make sure that no liquids can be spilled or splashed
on the product. Do not place objects containing liquids on the product. If liquid should spill into the
product, do not use it anymore. Unplug the power cord and have the product serviced by a qualied
technician.
·Heat and ventilation
This product contains components that can get warm and require proper ventilation in order to function
properly. Do not block any of the ventilation openings on the bottom panel.
Additionally, make sure not to use the product in the direct vicinity of a heat source.
·Sound pressure
Professional audio equipment is capable of producing sound pressure levels that can cause hearing
impairment. Local laws regarding exposure to such sound pressure levels should be observed and
hearing protection should be used if necessary.
·Rigging and mounting precautions
When mounting or installing loudspeakers, use accessories that have been approved by Dutch & Dutch.
This is the only way that safe operation is guaranteed. Furthermore, make sure that all load–bearing
components and structures have suitable load limits, taking legally applicable safety factors into account.
When either mounting accessories or rigging points on the loudspeaker cabinet have visible damage
such as cracks, corrosion, bending or warping, damaged screw threads and so forth, the aected device
should be taken out of service immediately. Safe operation can not be guaranteed when any damage is
present. Perform a thorough visual inspection before use to ensure that this is not the case.
·Cleaning
Use only a dry or damp cloth to clean the product.
·Maintenance and service
This product may only be serviced by a qualied technician. Any attempt at servicing or disassembling
the product beyond the measures explicitly mentioned in this manual will void the manufacturer’s
warranty.
3

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT THE TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN, SPECIFICATIONS, OPERATION,
ACCESSORIES OR APPLICATIONS OF YOUR DUTCH & DUTCH PRODUCT, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO
CONTACT US AT [e-mail]
DUTCH & DUTCH RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THE SPECIFICATIONS OF ITS PRODUCTS AND/OR
THE CONTENTS OF THIS MANUAL WITHOUT NOTICE. THE UP-TO-DATE VERSION OF THIS MANUAL CAN
ALWAYS BE FOUND AT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.DUTCHDUTCH.COM
4

Important safety information 3
Contents 5
General information 6
Introduction 6
Quality assurance & control 6
Contents of the box 6
Accessories 6
Product conguration 7
Tweeter and waveguide 7
Midwoofer and acoustic cardioid cabinet 7
Cabinet construction 7
Subwoofers and sealed cabinet 7
Crossover and electronics 7
Front panel overview 8
Rear panel overview 9
Product operation 10
Connecting to mains power 10
Status LED 10
Connecting to a local area network 10
Audio input 10
Outputs 10
Settings pushbutton 10
Cooling fan 11
Fuse 11
Sound optimization 12
Basic triangle 12
Listening distance 12
Listening height 12
Toe-in 12
Boundary coupling 13
Limited warranty 15
Coverage 15
Handling 15
Contents
5

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Dutch &
Dutch 8c.
The Dutch & Dutch 8c is a powerful studio monitor
for listening distances from 0.8 meter upwards. Its
advanced electronics and software provide many
ltering, system integration, and equalization
options.
This manual contains information on how to handle,
install and use the product, how to maintain its
quality and important safety instructions.
Quality assurance & control
Every Dutch & Dutch product is thoroughly
inspected and tested before shipping. If, upon
arrival, there is any sign of damage or if the product
is malfunctioning, please do not throw away any of
the packaging material and immediately contact
your Dutch & Dutch sales representative.
Contents of the box
The box should contain:
··1 Dutch & Dutch 8c loudspeaker;
··1 IEC power cord matching your regional power
outlets;
··1 CAT5e network cable;
··1 pair of gloves; for carefully handling your
loudspeakers
··Per set of two 8c's, 1 manual and 1 AES
terminator should be included.
If any of these items is missing, please contact your
Dutch & Dutch representative.
General information
6

Product conguration
Tweeter and waveguide
A ferrouid–enhanced 1” aluminium-magnesium
dome tweeter is coupled to an 8” constant directivity
waveguide. Thanks to extensive optimization of
the waveguide, bae dimensions and bae edge
roundovers, its frequency response is virtually at,
both on and o-axis. The sti and light membrane
is resonance-free throughout the audible frequency
range.
Midwoofer and acoustic cardioid
cabinet
The 8” woofer has a light, sti aluminium cone.
Its high stiness and advanced surround design
suppress resonances in the woofer’s operating
range. The long voice coil is wound around an
aluminium former, providing high power handling
and low thermal compression.
The acoustic cardioid cabinet reduces rearward
radiation by over 15 dB, for improved exibility of
loudspeaker placement in the room and at power
response. As an additional advantage, the semi-
open cabinet reduces panel vibrations and cabinet
colouration to an absolute minimum.
Subwoofers and sealed cabinet
The rear section of the cabinet houses two long-
stroke, high-power 8" subwoofer drivers in a sealed
cabinet. The low-Q alignment results in tight,
controlled, and extended bass. The subwoofers are
crossed over with a 4th order Linkwitz-Riley lter at
100 Hz.
Cabinet construction
The exterior panels of the cabinet are made of
19 mm solid oak wood, whereas the internal
construction is made of 18 mm birch plywood. In
combination with rabbeted joints and extensive
bracing, this results in a strong, rigid construction.
The front bae is made of spray painted ABS and
damped with a special sound deadening compound
to prevent resonances. It is invisibly axed with six
threaded steel rods.
Crossover and electronics
The midwoofer and tweeter are crossed over with a
4th order Linkwitz-Riley lter at 1250 Hz for optimal
driver integration and minimal interference. FIR
ltering ensures a linear phase perfect impulse
response.
A separate compartment houses the ampliers,
which provide 500W to the subwoofers, 250W
to the midwoofer and 250W to the tweeter, as
well as the signal processing and communication
electronics. Filtering, Active Room Matching and
equalization options are accessible through a
platform independent web-app, which is hosted on
your 8c itself.
Browse to http://8c-<serial number> or http://8c-
<serial number>.local (dependent on your browser
conguration) to open the app. For serial number
123, browse to http://8c-123 or http://8c-123.local.
The app can also be found online at www.
lanspeaker.com.
7

Front panel overview
4. MIDWOOFER
5. LED
3. TWEETER
1. WAVEGUIDE
2. RADIUS
8

Rear panel overview
8. AUDIO INPUT
9. AUDIO
THROUGPUT
10. SUBWOOFER
OUTPUT
11. NETWORK
CONNECTION
13. INPUT
INDICATOR
12. INPUT
PUSHBUTTON 14. POWER
SWITCH
15. FUSE
DRAWER
16. MAINS
INPUT
6. SUBWOOFER
7. SERIAL NUMBER
9

Product operation
Connecting to mains power
The 8c accepts AC mains voltages between 110V
and 230V and net frequencies between 50 and 60
Hz. There is no dierence in amplier output power
between 110V and 230V mains voltages. An IEC
power cord, suited to your regional power outlets,
is supplied with the 8c. Plug it into the IEC receptacle
(16), then plug the other end into your wall socket.
Status LED
The LED on the 8c’s functions as a status indicator.
··O: the loudspeaker is switched o entirely OR
the led is disabled via the app.
··On: the loudspeaker is switched on.
In case the illumination of the logo is undesirable,
it can be switched o from via the app or www.
lanspeaker.com. Please keep in mind that the
loudspeaker’s status can only be monitored through
the app in this case.
Connecting to a local area network
The 8c has an RJ45 receptacle (11), which can be
used to connect to your local area network (LAN),
allowing the Dutch & Dutch app to nd your
speakers.
The 8c will work perfectly without a LAN connection:
it is only required in case you wish to access settings.
Audio input
The 8c can be connected to either digital (AES3) or
(preferably balanced) analog sources. A female XLR
connector labelled 'in' (8) is used to present these
signals to the 8c. Make sure the correct preset is
selected (see “Settings”).
Although it may be possible to connect unbalanced
sources with adapter cables, proper functioning
with regard to hum and noise is not guaranteed.
Dutch & Dutch strongly recommends that balanced
sources be used in order to obtain optimal gain and
sound quality.
Outputs
AES3 signals can be looped through the 8c. A male
XLR loopthrough connector labelled 'thru' (9) can be
used to loop the signal through the 8c. Make sure
that both loudspeakers are set to the correct AES3
channel in case you are looping an AES3 signal from
one 8c to the other. (See “Settings”).
The second male XLR connector is labelled 'sub'
(10), which is a balanced analog output intended
primarily for use with an external active subwoofer.
The sub output has no standard pre-set lters; it
can also be used as a fullrange ltered output for
other applications than a subwoofer.
Settings
Basic settings can be adjusted with either the app
or the "Set input" pushbutton (12) on the rear
panel. The webapp can be reached in two ways:
1. Via www.lanspeaker.com, where you
speakers automatically will show up if they
are connected to the same network as the
computer, tablet or smartphone you are
accessing the website on
2. By connecting to your speaker directly; in
your browser, enter 'http://8c-serial#'; e.g.
'http://8c-123'.
Pushing the "set input" button briey will toggle
the input setting between the analog high level (+4
dBu), analog low level (-10 dBV), AES3 left channel,
AES3 right channel and AES3 mono input settings.
The four LEDs indicate the selected setting.
··Analog high level (+4 dBu): this setting should
be used with professional audio equipment that
uses the +4 dBu alignment level. The maximum
peak input level before clipping is +24 dBu.
10

··Analog low level (-10 dBV): this setting can be
used with equipment that has a lower output
level, such as consumer electronics The
maximum peak input level before clipping is
+10 dBV.
··AES3 left (AES3 L): the left channel of a supplied
AES3 signal will be used.
··AES3 right (AES3 R): the right channel of a
supplied AES3 signal will be used.
··AES3 mono (both “AES3 L” and “AES3 R”
indication LEDs are illuminated): the AES3 signal
will be mixed to a mono signal.
Cooling fan
The 8c is equipped with a hybrid cooling system.
During normal use, natural convection cooling
will suce to keep the amplier and electronics
at normal operating temperature range. In case
of heavy use, a fan provides additional cooling as
necessary. The fan speed is regulated to maintain a
low noise level.
In case of extreme overheating, the 8c will shut
down to prevent damage to its electronics.
Fuse
A 10A fuse is located in the fuse drawer (15) in
between the mains input and power switch. If the
loudspeaker should not switch on upon operation
of the power switch, inspect the fuse to make sure
that it is intact. Disconnect the power cable and pry
open the fuse drawer with a small at screwdriver
and, if necessary, replace the fuse inside. Make sure
to use the correct rating (10A).
If a fuse fails, it is most likely due to an internal
electrical fault and replacing the fuse will not solve
the problem. In case the new fuse also fails, the
product needs to be serviced.
11

Sound optimization
Besides having constant directivity, the 8c has a very at power
response. These traits make it relatively insensitive to acoustic
imperfections of the listening room.
Carefully positioning and conguring the 8c will result in
remarkable in-room performance.
Basic triangle
When using 8c's in a two–channel stereo setup, position them
in an equilateral triangle with your listening position.
Listening distance
The normal equalizer settings for the 8c yield a perfectly at
response at listening distances of 1 metre (3’3”) or more.
The strength of the (accurate) direct sound from your monitors
decreases by 6 dB per doubling of the listening distance.
However, the strength of the (uncorrelated) reverberant sound
in your room is more or less constant. As such, choosing a
smaller listening distance will increase the ratio of direct to
reverberant sound, which increases clearity. Listening from a
larger distance makes the soundscape more spacious.
Listening height
The reference axis of the 8c is perpendicular to the bae and
equidistant to the woofer and tweeter axes, 26.5 cm from the
bottom. The loudspeakers should ideally be positioned in such
a manner that the axis is near ear height. However, as long
as you are within around 15° of the vertical reference axis,
variations in frequency response are near imperceptible.
Toe-in
The horizontal on and o axis frequency responses of the 8c
are very similar; the 8c sounds virtually the same whether
you’re straight in front of it or at an angle of up to 45°. As such,
the direct sound will not be signicantly aected by toeing the
loudspeakers in (aiming them at or in front of your listening
position) or out (aiming them so that they are parallel to each
other). This, in turn, allows you to adjust stereo imaging without
compromising the spectral balance of the sound.
Generally speaking, more toe–in will yield a more focused,
precise, and drier sound by reducing the strength of lateral
A two–channel stereo setup
Recommended listening distance
Recommended listening height
A setup without toe–in
60°
> 1 M
30°
12

reections from 100 Hz upwards. Using less toe-in will increase
lateral reections, usually resulting in livelier sound and a wider
perceived sound stage. You can experiment with dierent toe–
in angles to tweak the stereo image to your requirements or
taste.
A setup with toe–in
Conventional speaker showing
interference due to early reflections
The 8c's directional design avoids early
reflections
13

Boundary Coupled Bass (BCB)
By placing the 8c’s close to the front wall*, the two
rear-ring subwoofers of the 8c can be used in
boundary coupling mode. When the 8c and the wall
are acoustically coupled, the two will eectively act
as a single source. In the 8c Boundary Coupled Bass
(BCB) has three advantages:
• Boundary coupling avoids the destructive
interference between the speaker's direct
sound and the boundary reection.
• Low frequency headroom is increased by up to
6 dB.
• Increased directivity in the bass, for a good
directivity match between the Boundary-
Coupled Bass and the cardioid midrange.
With conventional loudspeakers, boundary
coupling has signicant drawbacks. That is because
placement close to the wall negatively aects the
sound quality in the midrange. In the midrange
the front-wall reection will cause coloration and
smearing in the time-domain. The problems in
the midrange do not outweigh the advantages of
boundary coupling in the bass. However, thanks to
the high directivity of its acoustic cardioid cabinet
and its internal Digital Signal Processor the 8c can
take advantage of boundary coupling and retain
perfect clarity in the midrange.
For boundary coupling to work best, place the
8c between 10 and 50 cm from the front-wall.
Placement within this range of distances will result
in a maximum increase of headroom by up to 6
dB and a phase-coherent rst-wave front without
smearing in the time-domain.
When the 8c’s are placed farther than 50 cm from the
front-wall, there will be some time-smearing of the
wave-front, caused the gradual falling apart of the
10-80 CM
Distance range for boundary coupling
acoustic coupling between the 8c’s subwoofers and
the wall. Although front-wall distance presets will
correct for part of the negative eects of reection,
as you move the 8c farther from the front-wall, you
will progressively lose the benets of BCB.
You can further atten the in-room response with
the parametric equalizer if necessary. Dutch & Dutch
recommends that you use in-room measurements
to properly optimize the equalizer settings.
Generally speaking, the closer to the wall, the
better boundary coupling works. However, the
subwoofers need some free space to operate
properly. Therefore, make sure that there is at least
10 cm between the rear wall and the rear of the
cabinet.
14

15

DRIVERS:
CROSSOVERS:
ENCLOSURE TYPE:
MAX LINEAR SPL @ 1M:
AMPLIFIER POWER:
AMPLIFIER TYPE:
MAINS INPUT VOLTAGE:
DIMENSIONS (H X W X D):
WEIGHT:
CABINET CONSTRUCTION:
ANALOG INPUT:
ANALOG OUTPUT:
DIGITAL INPUT:
DIGITAL OUTPUT:
NETWORKING:
PROTECTION FUNCTIONS:
LF: 8” ALUMINIUM CONE (2X)
MF: 8” ALUMINIUM CONE
HF: 1” ALUMINIUM / MAGNESIUM ALLOY DOME
100 HZ & 1250 HZ, 4TH ORDER LINKWITZ-RILEY,
LINEAR PHASE
LF: SEALED
MF: ACOUSTIC CARDIOID
106 DB CONTINUOUS FROM 35 HZ UPWARDS*
LF: 500 W
MF: 250 W
HF: 250 W
CLASS D, POWER FACTOR CORRECTION, HYBRID COOLING
110V – 230V AC, 50 – 60 HZ
485 X 270 X 380 MM (19 X 10.5 X 15 IN)
26 KG (57 LBS)
SIDE AND TOP PANELS: 19 MM SOLID OAK WOOD
INTERNAL CONSTRUCTION: 18MM BIRCH PLYWOOD
OUTER BAFFLE: INJECTION MOULDED ABS, DAMPED
BALANCED AUDIO OVER XLR
SENSITIVITY SWITCH: +4 DBU / -10 DBV
PEAK INPUT LEVEL: +24 DBU (+4 DBU SETTING)
DSP CONTROLLED OUTPUT FOR ACTIVE SUBWOOFER
AES3 OVER XLR
LEFT / RIGHT / MONO CHANNEL SWITCH
AES3 LOOP THROUGH OVER XLR
ETHERNET OVER RJ45
THERMAL
DC / CLIPPING
Technical specifications
*IN HALF SPACE RADIATION CONDITIONS
16

Limited warranty
Dutch & Dutch designs its products for longevity
and uses only the best available components.
However, no amount of care can fully exclude
product failure. In the unfortunate event that the
product malfunctions, we will repair or replace it.
Coverage
The Dutch & Dutch limited warranty on this product
is valid for 2 years after the rst consumer purchase
and covers any defect or failure directly attributable
to faulty design, materials, and workmanship.
Warranty is extended to 5 years after product
registration. The Dutch & Dutch limited warranty
does not cover:
··Damage sustained during shipment;
··Damage resulting from improper use, abuse,
accidents, neglect, or failure to comply with the
safety instructions in this manual;
··Damage resulting from repairs or modications
made by anyone who is not a technician
approved by Dutch & Dutch;
··Damage to any product on which the Dutch
& Dutch serial number is missing, illegible or
modied;
··Claims based on misinformation or
misrepresentation by a reseller.
Handling
If your product is faulty, contact your Dutch & Dutch
dealer or reseller. The product will be investigated,
and if necessary you will receive instructions on
how to ship the aected product to us.
If the fault is covered by warranty, Dutch & Dutch will
pay all expenses involved in repairing or replacing
the product and shipping it back to you.
17