ESI uniK 08 User manual

Professional Active Reference
8” Studio Monitor
User’s Guide

ESI - Copyright © 2012
Revision 2, April 2012
www.esi-audio.com

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INDEX
1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................4
2. Basics & Installation....................................................................................................................4
Unpacking / Handling ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Connection ................................................................................................................................................................. 4
3. Placement......................................................................................................................................5
Stereo / 2.0 Positioning .............................................................................................................................................. 5
Stereo with Subwoofer / 2.1 Positioning.................................................................................................................... 5
5.1 Positioning ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
7.1 Positioning ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Orientation ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Comments .................................................................................................................................................................. 7
4. Technical Data..............................................................................................................................7
Specifications............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Rear Panel.................................................................................................................................................................. 8
5. General Information....................................................................................................................9

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1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the ESI uniK 08.
uniK 08 are the result of extensive development work done in Germany, to provide a professional
active reference monitor that defines a new level of quality in this class. The monitor features a new
8" kevlar low frequency driver and a custom engineered and powerful high frequency ribbon
tweeter with an extraordinary light membrane. This provides a very clear, strong and precise sound
image especially in the high frequencies. With less moving mass compared to conventional
tweeters, a new level of impulse response with minimized distortion is achieved. In combination
with the optimized mechanical design of the cabinet, uniK 08 provides special and truly unique
sound characteristics that allow this monitor to satisfy the highest demands in a professional studio
environment.
2. Basics & Installation
For optimal performance of uniK 08, read the instructions in this manual thoroughly and carefully
before you are using the speaker. 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 monitor 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 monitor 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 monitor 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 XLR balanced or TS unbalanced audio cables are recommended for input connection.
The monitor typically connects to the line level output of a mixing console or to a computer audio
card. 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 XLR input of uniK 08. Make sure the
power cable is connected as well. Setup all speakers (i.e. left / right channels) with the same type of
cable.
TS unbalanced connection
Connect male side of TS unbalanced cable to the input jack of uniK 08. Make sure the power cable
is connected as well. Setup all speakers (i.e. left / right channels) with the same type of cable.

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3. Placement
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 08 utilizing their maximum
capabilities, an appropriate listening environment and a correct placement are important.
Typically you would be using 2 units of uniK 08 as one stereo pair – or more in surround setups
(i.e. in a 5.1 setup you would use 5 units of uniK 08 together with a subwoofer).
Stereo / 2.0 Positioning
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. Each distance xshould be
identical.
Stereo with Subwoofer / 2.1 Positioning
In a stereo setup with an added subwoofer, the subwoofer speaker should be positioned ideally in
the exact middle in front of the listener (with the same distance x). If this is not possible, it should
be as close to that position as possible.

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5.1 Positioning
In a 5.1 surround set, the center speaker should ideally be placed on top of the subwoofer. If this is
not possible, the subwoofer can be moved to the left or right but should be as close as possible. The
rear surround speakers should be positioned around 110° from the center speaker (all with the same
distance x).
7.1 Positioning
In a 7.1 surround set, the center speaker should also ideally be placed on top of the subwoofer or as
close as possible. The surround speakers are best placed 90° from the center speaker and the back
surround speakers are best placed 135° to 150° from the center speaker. All speakers should be
placed with the same distance xto the listener.

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Orientation
It’s very important to place the uniK 08 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 monitor. Also, don’t put plants in pots on top or too close to your monitors. Keep a certain
distance to the wall behind the speaker, as it could block air flow.
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 08
Type: Biamp 2-Way Powered speaker
System Type: Active Studio Monitor Speaker
Dimensions (W x H x D): 252 x 352 x 319mm
Weight: 7.9 kg
HF Driver: Ribbon tweeter Φ49 x 26 mm
LF Driver: 8" kevlar curved cone (magnetic shielding type)
Output Power: 90W (HF: 30W, LF: 60W), 130W AC consumption power
Working Voltage: AC100-240V 50/60Hz
Frequency Response: 37Hz – 22kHz
Input Impedance: 42kOhm (balanced) / 8.5kOhm (unbalanced)
Crossover Point: 2.4kHz
SPL: 90dB ±3dB @1W / 1M at 300. 400. 500. 600 Hz
Rated Noise Power: 45W (THD=1%, 4ohm load, 1kHz)
Input Sensitivity: 75mV@1W; 485mV@45W (1 kHz)
Input Connectors: XLR / TS1/4" combo connector, balanced / unbalanced input
Volume Control: min – 0dB – max
Indicator: power LED on front panel, blue

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Rear Panel
1. XLR input – this connector accepts balanced XLR input connections (optimised for +4dBu).
XLR input is wired like this:
INPUT SIGNAL XLR CONNECTIONS
+ PIN 2
- PIN 3
Shield PIN 1
2. TS input – this jack accepts TS input connections, unbalanced (optimised for -10dBV). The TS
input is wired like this:
INPUT SIGNAL TRS CONNECTIONS
Signal Tip
Shield Sleeve
The TS input should not be used with balanced TRS signals. Although this is possible, the input
level will not be correct in that case. For balanced connection, please use a XLR cable whenever
possible.

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3. vent port – uniK 08 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.
4. input level adjustment (volume control knob) – use the volume control knob to set the proper
input level from the sound source. Make sure to setup all speakers accordingly. When set to 0dB
(middle position), the input level is set to the recommended calibrated level to reach the most
optimised dynamic response on the output (expecting a balanced XLR +4dBu or unbalanced TS -
10dBV input signal).
5. treble attenuation adjustment – to match your uniK 08 to certain room acoustic requirements, a
change in the treble attenuation can be made with this switch. The default and recommended setting
is 0dB and normally you can always keep it there. Always make sure to setup all speakers
identically.
6. bass roll off adjustment – this switch allows you to match uniK 08 better to a subwoofer and in
special situations where the room acoustics require it. The default and recommended setting is 50Hz
and normally you can always keep it there. Always make sure to setup all speakers identically.
7. power switch – when you push the power switch, uniK 08 will be turned on, and –surprise– it
will be turned off when you push the power switch again.
8. 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 (T2AL/250V).
5. General Information
Trademarks
ESI, uniK and uniK 08 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.

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