ESI nEar08 classic User manual

Professional 8” Studio Reference Monitors
User’s Guide

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INDEX
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................4
2. Basics & Installation....................................................................................................................4
Unpacking / Handling................................................................................................................................................4
Connection.................................................................................................................................................................4
3. Placement of the speakers...........................................................................................................5
Positioning.................................................................................................................................................................5
Orientation.................................................................................................................................................................5
Comments..................................................................................................................................................................6
4. Technical Data..............................................................................................................................6
Specifications.............................................................................................................................................................6
Rear Panel..................................................................................................................................................................7
5. General Information....................................................................................................................8
ESI - Copyright © 2008
Revision 1, November 2008
www.esi-audio.com

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1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the ESI nEar08 classic.
With an extended low frequency response and a top quality 8" driver, the nEar08 classic delivers
unparalleled punch in the low-mid frequency. The nEar08 also provide frequency response
adjustment controls, allowing you to tune the sound, specific to the needs inside your studio
environment. nEar08 classic also features ESI's cross over control technology that is perfectly
optimized and upgraded to provide perfect output level and frequency response properly matching
the installed drivers and cabinet design. nEar08 classic is magnetically shielded for desktop
operation next to your other electronic equipment without causing interference.
2. Basics & Installation
For optimal performance of nEar08 classic, read the instructions in this manual thoroughly and
carefully before you are using the speakers.
Unpacking / Handling
To remove the monitors from the carton its best to turn the package carefully upside down on the
floor or on a table and then lift the carton vertically up slowly to leave the monitors resting in the
packaging foam. Make sure that you don’t grab the speaker driver units on the front to avoid
damage. Now check the monitors for signs of damage that might have occurred in shipping. In the
unlikely event of this, please contact the reseller of the product immediately. Be careful when you
remove the packaging foam. Please keep all packing materials.
Connection
High quality balanced or unbalanced audio cables are recommended for input connection. The
monitors typically connect to the line level output of a mixing console or to a computer audio card.
Each monitor has to be connected to a separate power connection. Make sure the power of the
monitor is switched off before you connect any audio cables. Also turn down the volume initially.
XLR balanced connection
Connect male side of XLR balanced cable to the balanced input of nEar08 classic
– as show on the picture on the right. Make sure the power cable is connected as
well. Setup left & right speakers with the same type of cable.
TRS balanced / unbalanced connection
Connect male side of TRS balanced or unbalanced cable to the TRS input of
nEar08 classic – as show on the picture on the right. Make sure the power cable
is connected as well. Setup all speakers (left / right channels) with the same type
of cable.

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3. Placement of the speakers
The placement of monitoring speakers is very critical and can compromise their performance. This
is a general rule for every loudspeaker. To monitor with nEar08 classic utilizing their maximum
capabilities, an appropriate listening environment and a correct placement are important.
Positioning
In principle, two units and the listener should be positioned or aligned in a regular triangle form.
Please refer to the following diagram to understand how to position your monitors.
The height of the units, more precisely the top of the woofer, is recommended to be at the ear level
of the listener. Keep in mind that in a typical monitoring environment, you are sitting in front of
your workstation. Refer to the following diagram:
Orientation
It’s very important to place the nEar08 classic vertically. Never place them horizontally.

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Comments
Please also make sure not place any obstacles that may block the flow of air or that could generate
sound reflections (especially highly reflective material including glass or metal) in front of the
speakers. Please do not put pot plants on top or too close to your monitoring speakers.
4. Technical Data
Please note that technical specifications are subject to change without any prior notice. The
specifications given in this manual are up-to-date at the time of the creation of this document.
Specifications
- Type: 2-Way Bookshelf
- LF Driver: 8 inch curved cone with high temperature voice coil and damped rubber surround
- HF Driver: 1 inch neodymiun soft dome tweeter with ferro fluid
- Frequency Response: 40Hz - 24kHz
- LF Amplifier Power: 70W
- HF Amplifier Power: 70W
- S/N Ratio: > 100dB below full output, 20kHz Bandwidth
- Input Connectors: 1 x XLR Balanced Input Connector
1 x TRS Balanced/ Unbalanced Input Connector
- Polarity: Positive signal at + input produce outward LF cone displacement
- Input Impedance: 20k ohms balanced,10k ohms unbalanced
- Input Sensitivity: 250 mV input produces full output with Volume control at maximum
- Protection: RF interference, output current limiting, over temperature, turn on/off
transient, subsonic filter, external mains fuse
- Indicator: Power ON/OFF indicator on rear panel
- Power Requirements: Factory programmed for either 115V ~50/60Hz or 230V~50/60Hz;
Power via detachable 3 circuit line cord
- Cabinet: vinyl laminated MDF
- Dimension: 358 mm(H) x 255 mm(W) x 322 mm(D)
- Net Weight: 10.0 kg/unit (without packing)
- Shipping Weight: 22.0 kg/pair (standard shipping box)

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Rear Panel
1. XLR input – this connector accepts balanced XLR input connections. The XLR input is wired
like this:
INPUT SIGNAL XLR CONNECTIONS
+ PIN 2
- PIN 3
Shield PIN 1
2. TRS input – this jack accepts TRS input connections, either balanced or unbalanced. For
balanced connections, a 3-conductor TRS plug is necessary. The TRS input is wired like this:
INPUT SIGNAL TRS CONNECTIONS
+ Tip
- Ring
Shield Sleeve
Unbalanced wiring works with either a 2- or 3-conductor TRS connector. A 2-conductor TRS plug
(or sometimes also just called TS plug) automatically grounds the minus signal input, whereas a 3-
conductor TRS plug wired unbalanced provides the option of leaving the minus open or grounded.
We recommend that you ground the unused input.
3. serial number – this label contains the product serial number.
4. vent port –nEar08 classic is a vented box speaker system with a vent port on the rear panel.
Make sure you are not blocking the vent port (i.e. by putting the speaker too close to a wall) or the
sound colour will be changed.

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5. volume control knob – use the volume control knob to set the proper input level from the sound
source. Make sure to setup the left / right speakers accordingly.
6. high frequency level selection – this rotary switch allows you to change the level of the high
frequencies in the signal to control room dumping in the range -2 to +1 dB in 1dB steps. Depending
to your specific listening environment whether they require such a change, you can adjust it here.
The recommended default is the 0dB setting.
7. low frequency boost selection – this rotary switch allows you to change the level of the low
frequencies in the signal great for tuning the nEar08 if you are using a separate subwoofer like the
ESI SW10K eXperience.
8. power switch – when you push the power switch, nEar08 classic will be turned on, and
–surprise– it will be turned off when you push the power switch again.
9. power port with ext. fuse – use this connector to plug in the detachable 3-circuit line cord that
connects to the power outlet. The connector also contains the mains fuse for protection.
5. General Information
Trademarks
ESI, nEar, nEar08, nEar08 classic and SW10K eXperience are trademarks of EGOSYS, Inc. and
ESI Audiotechnik GmbH. Other product and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective companies.
Correspondence
For technical support inquiries, contact your nearest dealer, local distributor or ESI support online at
www.esi-audio.com.
Disclaimer
All features and specifications subject to change without notice.
Parts of this manual are continually being updated. Please check our web site www.esi-audio.com
occasionally for the most recent update information.
Declaration of Conformity (for the European Union)
The product described in this manual is manufactured in China by ESI Audiotechnik GmbH,
Brennerstraße 48, D-71229 Leonberg, Germany. The product is labelled with the CE mark and
conform to the protection requirements of the European Electromagnetic Compatibility Standards
and Directives. The product is designed and constructed such that electromagnetic disturbances
generated do not exceed levels allowing radio and telecommunications equipment and other
equipment to operate as intended, and, the product has an adequate level of intrinsic immunity to
electromagnetic disturbance to enable operation as specified and intended.
The product is marketed as ESI nEar08 classic studio monitoring speaker.

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With reference to regulations in the directives 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC, the equipment listed above
is covered by this certificate and labelled with the CE mark conforms to the following standards:
EN60065 Safety requirements for mains operated electronic and related
apparatus for household and similar general use.
EN55103-1 & EN55103-2 Product family standard for audio, video, audio-visual and
entertainment lighting control apparatus for professional use.
This declaration is made by Claus Riethmüller (Managing Director).
_____________________ ______________ ___________________________
City Date Signature
Leonberg, Germany 27.11.2008