ESI uniK 04 User manual

Professional Active Reference
4” Studio Monitors
User’s Guide

ESI - Copyright © 2011
Revision 1, October 2011
www.esi-audio.com

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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..................................................................................................................................................................5
4. Technical Data..............................................................................................................................6
Specifications.............................................................................................................................................................6
Rear Panel..................................................................................................................................................................6
Front Panel.................................................................................................................................................................7
5. General Information....................................................................................................................8

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1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the ESI uniK 04.
Our active uniK 04 reference studio monitors deliver drastically improved sound distribution with
high transparency compared to other speakers of this level. The sound system has been optimized
for both phase and level and has been engineered in Germany following extensive tests and
measurements. As the smallest model of our uniK series, the uniK 04 pair features many of the
distinctive elements of its larger siblings like a special mechanical design that provides an
exceptionally rich sound without any unwanted resonance. Just don’t get fooled by the remarkable
small size, your pair of uniK 04 will be an important part of your recording studio very quickly!
2. Basics & Installation
For optimal performance of uniK 04, read the instructions in this manual thoroughly and carefully
before you are using the speakers. We tried to keep this manual short so that you are not loosing
much time to read through it completely.
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.
One monitor has to be connected to power connection, the other monitor is connected via the
supplied speaker wire to the first monitor. Make sure the power of the main monitor is switched off
before you connect any audio cables. Also turn down the volume initially.
TRS balanced / unbalanced connection
Connect male side of TRS balanced or unbalanced cable to the TRS input of uniK 04. Do this for
both the left and right audio channels with separate cables. Make sure the power cable is connected
as well.
Second speaker connection
After that, connect the second speaker with the included speaker wire. Make sure the + / - (red /
black) connectors are not swapped with each other to avoid phase problems during playback.

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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 uniK 04 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.
Orientation
It’s very important to place the uniK 04 vertically. Never place them horizontally.
Comments
Please also make sure to 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. Also, don’t put plants in pots on top or too close to your monitoring speakers. Keep a
certain distance to the wall behind the speakers, as it could block air flow.

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4. Technical Data
Please note that technical specifications are subject to change without any prior notice. The specs
given in this manual are up-to-date at the time of the creation of this document.
Specifications
Model: uniK 04
Type: 2-way, 1 speaker with amplifier, 1 speaker passive
System Type: Active Studio Monitor Speaker
Dimensions (W x H x D): 150 x 210 x 160 mm
Weight: 2,45 kg / 2,1 kg
HF Driver: 1" silk dome tweeter
LF Driver: 4" kevlar curved cone (Magnetic shielding Type)
Output Power: 50W (HF: 30W, LF: 20W)
Working Voltage: AC100-240V 50/60Hz
Frequency Response: 55Hz-20kHz -10dB SPL
Input Impedance: 27kOhm
Crossover Point: 5.7kHz
SPL: 82dB ±3dB @1W / 1M at 300. 400. 500. 600 Hz
Rated Noise Power: 15W (THD1%, 4ohm load, 1kHz)
Input Sensitivity: 135mV@1W; 525mV@15W (1kHz)
Input Connectors: 2 TRS1/4" balanced / unbalanced inputs
Output Connectors: Output R+ / R- for right passive speaker
Volume Control: Min - Max
Indicator: Power ON: Blue LED
Rear Panel

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1. TRS input (Left / Right) – these jacks accept 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.
2. vent port – uniK 04 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.
3. speaker wire connection – use these connectors to connect the included speaker wire with the
second passive uniK 04 speaker.
4. power switch – when you push the power switch, uniK 04 will be turned on, and
–surprise– it will be turned off when you push the power switch again.
5. 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 contains a replaceable fuse (T1AL/250V).
Front Panel

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6. volume control knob – use the volume control to set the proper output level of uniK 04. Please
be careful and never set the volume too high as it could damage your equipment otherwise.
7. power indicator – the blue LED on the front shows if uniK 04 is switched on or not.
5. General Information
Trademarks
ESI, uniK and uniK 04 are trademarks of 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.