Focal ELECTRA BERYLLIUM 1000 BE User manual

Electra®1000 Be 2
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Electra®1000 Be 2

That which stirs emotion
Electra 1000 Be 2
The Electra line 1000 was founded on
an obvious fact: to make the heritage,
technologies and performance once
reserved for Utopia Be more accessible
… on an economic level of course but
not only. We wanted to create a high-
end line of loudspeakers in harmony
with the integration requirements in the
nowadays interiors, compact, attractive,
sleek and balanced at the same time.
We added an “object” dimension to
our high-end line that entirely became
a decoration element, while our
technologic patrimony is maintained
to tend towards very high-end sound
definition…
We entrusted our ideas and our
innovations to a design group in Paris
Pineau & Le Porcher who sketched out
the first contours in order to unite style
and performance.
In 2009, this loudspeaker line has known
a major technologic evolution with new
drivers and new settings for even more
sophisticated and dynamic sound and
has become Electra 1000 Be 2. New
finishes are appearing: Basalt and
Champagne, in addition to the timeless
Black Lacquer finish (piano black) and in
2011, another finish comes to complete
the Electra 1000 Be 2 offer: Mahogany.
But this line even goes further by offering
the choice of color customization, on-
demand. In the end, Electra 1000 Be 2
is a complete line for high-fidelity and
home-theatre, easy to install and use. A
speaker that truly stirs emotion through
its sophisticated esthetics, customizable
and its stunning performance.
Pleasure, innovation, tradition, be the
best: this is the approach we have with our
products, from the worldwide reference
loudspeaker Grande Utopia EM to the
Focal XS multimedia system. These are
Focal values, the four dimensions of
“the Spirit of Sound”.

>The unique structure of the IAL tweeter
permits a free space behind the dome
of the tweeter, charged with a practically
infinite air volume. The resonant
frequency, which is the principal factor
limiting a tweeter in the midrange, is
considerably lower.
The full range treble
IAL Be tweeter
In 2003, the Utopia line inaugurated
a revolutionary technology: the pure
Beryllium inverted dome for which Focal
now holds two manufacturing patents.
Ultra-light (21mg), but rigid (7 times
more rigid than titanium or aluminum
for the same volume-mass), Beryllium
possesses absolutely fantastic properties
to create an exceptional tweeter. Add
to this the capability to surpass 40kHz
without break-up, and at high-pressure
levels. Last but not least, it stands out
with excellent linearity thanks to its high
internal damping, which inhibits reso-
nance and distortion at the far reach of
its frequency range.
For Electra 1000 Be 2, we decided
however to direct our attention to an
entirely other direction, as we felt
that there remained other challenges
to pursue and that the 40kHz that we
had achieved was certainly sufficient for
perfect reproduction of treble.
Our new goal with the IAL (Infinite
Acoustic Loading: the creation of an
extremely high-bandwidth tweeter, that
would be able to descend in frequency
as far as possible, in order to take over
from the midrange as early as pos-
sible. The stakes: create a design where
the critical frequency range of 2000 to
5000Hz, where the ear is most sensitive,
can be reproduced by an ultra-light
tweeter dome. The 2009 version, which
dome diameter goes from 25 to 27mm,
optimizes the recovery of the cut-off
frequency and improves dynamics and
precision.
>Focal is the only manufacturer in the
world to master all the steps in the
fabrication of a pure Beryllium dome on
its production site, from development
and optimization to forming (patented
process).

>With equal cone mass and diameter, the rigidity and flexibility
index of the “W” sandwich outclasses the most employed
materials.
>Single-skin, 3” (8cm) midrange in “W”
composite cone, for the centre channel
Electra CC 1008 Be.
>Double-skin, 7” (18cm) woofer in “W”
composite cone, Electra 1038 Be.
The W composite sandwich technology
is one of Focal’s most famous inven-
tions, an innovation that’s still at the top,
because its progress has never stopped.
The ”W“ cone was born at the same
time as the Grande Utopia of 1995. At
the time, the goal was to get closer to the
theoretical ideals that consisted in get-
ting simultaneously 3 essential qualities:
create a material that is both ultra-light
and more rigid than any other that bene-
fits from high internal damping to avoid
any sound coloration. The ”W“ sandwich
was the perfect answer.
Seven years later, the ”W“ knows a
patented major evolution. Combining
glass coats of different densities and in
different layers (from 1 up to 3 on the
front and back sides of the cone), but
also internal foams of different thickness,
we are learning how to sculpt the response
curve of the drivers and to control one by
one the cone characteristics whether it is
used for a woofer or a midrange.
The third generation of ”W“ cone
appears with the Utopia 3 line with laser
triming that permits to progress once
again. The laser’s precision permits cut
outs that were impossible so far, that’s
a major point when we consider the
influence of the edge profile on the
driver characteristics. Electra 1000 Be 2
benefits once again from the Utopia 3
innovations and very soon after the
launching of this reference line. That’s
one of the numerous advantages we can
get from designing and making the dri-
vers on the same site in France: we can
quickly adapt an important innovation to
all our ranges.
Mastery through our know-how
The “W” composite cone
>Electra 1028 Be Black Lacquer.

When style and technology meet, harmony arises
Gamma "a"
structure
Entrusted to the design house Pineau &
Le Porcher with which Focal collaborated
on its other speaker lines, we wished
to create a pure line of simple, natural
beauty with Electra 1000 Be 2, where
each style element would harmonize with
the technical necessities to create the
best speaker possible. With Electra 1000
Be 2, nothing comes for free. Each curve
is studied to bring a tangible response
and correction to a given problem. The
tweeter housing and coupling is a
moulded, solid piece of aluminum
alloy, which represents an ultra-stable
mechanical reference, with absolutely
no vibration.
Every aspect of Electra 1000 Be 2 has
a purpose, such as the non-parallel
side panels which lighten the geometry
and diffuse standing waves, or the base
that conceals the otherwise unattractive
port, while at the same time radically
reduces the phenomena of dynamic
compression in the lower bass. But the
principal innovation would be the roun-
ded aluminum baffle of the loudspeaker.
This form, which is taken up in the shape
of the tweeter housing and into the side
panels, suppresses hard edges which
are usually responsible for diffraction
or edge effects surrounding the tweeter.
A novel and original approach to the high-
end loudspeaker segment which lends all
its strength to the Electra 1000 Be 2 line.

We haven’t forgotten the magic that is Home Theatre!
Multi-channel sound
New high-definition video formats
are arriving, with matching high qua-
lity sound: little compression of weak
signals, very high dynamics, very wide
bandwidth, exceptional definition…
home theatre sound finally achieves
“high-definition”.
The multi-channel Electra 1000 Be 2
series was designed in this spirit in order
to allow truly exceptional performance
at all levels, whether it be in terms
of definition, power and obviously 3D
coherence. All our technologies that
are so appreciated in stereo, such as
Beryllium domes, IAL, “W” sandwich
cones, Advanced (Gamma) structure,
lend themselves admirably to this new
high-resolution multi-channel environ-
ment… And for the rest, we innovated
with a three-way centre channel spea-
ker, with perfectly controlled directi-
vity, BASH®subwoofer, Bi/Twin surround
sound speaker which enables a multitude
of configurations…
>Electra CC 1008 Be: 3”(8cm) IAL tweeter
on a solid aluminum housing.

>Thanks to the Bi/Twin selector, the SR 1000 Be
can function in two different modes. It is ideal to
create a 6.1 or 7.1 configuration with only one pair
of speakers or for multi-purpose listening of home
theatre and SACD. For the enthusiast of bipole
or direct effects : this switch is an offering of true
simplicity.
>Electra SR 1000 Be
Surround
The Electra SR 1000 Be effect loudspeaker is a true
speaker-cabinetwork masterpiece with an incredibly
complex assembly. The design of its round baffle
in solid MDF was dictated by the same philosophy
as the other loudspeakers in the Electra 1000 Be 2 line:
eliminate the cabinet edge effects in terms of diffraction,
bandwith non-linearity as well as a poorly-controlled
directivity.
Center
The Electra CC 1008 Be center speaker takes up
the same principle as the Focal three-way phase
geometry for a homogeneous distribution of energy.
The timbre, perfectly in symbiosis with the sonic
signature of the other speakers in the Electra 1000 Be 2
series, the very minimal horizontal directionality and
exceptional linearity over a large frequency band
constitute many rare qualities for these truly excep-
tional centre speakers.
>The expanded profile of the port
pushes the air noise turbulence
responsible for distortion and dynamic
compression down into the infrabass.
Subwoofer
24bits digital processor, extended setting possibili-
ties, BASH®amplifier, W cone, the SW 1000 Be is of
high technology nature and has numerous possibili-
ties. The processor control through the remote can
now become inactive to avoid the interference with
other remote controls.
>The wireless remote control permits access to all
digital parametric filtering functions and menus of
the subwoofer.

Integration
Body Body
Side panel Side panel
The traditional Electra 1000 Be 2
loudspeakers are completed by 4 high-
performance In-Wall and In-Ceiling
loudspeakers, which benefit from the
advance made with Electra 1000 Be
(drivers and filtering). The magnetic
leveled grille of the In-Wall loudspeakers
is very thin and can be painted,
integration as well as easy mounting
are optimized. Optional MDF mounting
frames are available in black or white
lacquered finish, or in rough wood
ready-to-be-painted. They enable easy
On-Wall mounting of the In-Wall or
On-Wall loudspeakers when flush-fitting
is not possible or simply not wanted.
The Electra 1000 Be 2 line offers a
dedicated stand: S 1000 High Gloss,
in Black Lacquer finish, with an internal
metal bar. The loudspeaker is directly
fixed to the stand to guaranty the greatest
stability and a perfect mechanical
coupling.
Living with your loudspeakers
>Structure of the S 1000
High Gloss stand with
an internal metal bar.
BodyBody
Side panelSide panel
Black Lacquer:
High Gloss Lacquer
Mahogany:
Red Cherry, 11 coats
Champagne:
Light Cherry, 11 coats
Black Lacquer:
High Gloss Lacquer
Basalt:
Dark Cherry, 11 coats
Black Lacquer:
High Gloss Lacquer
Black Laquer/Black Lacquer:
High Gloss Lacquer
Black Lacquer:
High Gloss Lacquer
All the Electra 1000 Be 2 models can be personalized on demand
(see the conditions with your local dealer).
>Powerful Neodymium magnets placed all
around the loudspeaker support the very thin
and discreet metallic grille of the In-Wall
loudspeakers.
>Electra IW 1003 Be mounting on optional wall frame.
Finishes
Electra 1000 Be 2
>Standard
>Electra 1008 Be on the
S 1000 High Gloss stand.

Electra 1000 Be 2
True technology concentrate, the
Electra IW 1003 Be integrates the
best of Focal: Beryllium IAL tweeter,
Utopia 3 latest generation ”W“
cones, OPC filtering, passive radia-
tor, this reference In-Wall louds-
peaker is the high-end traditional
alternative loudspeaker. On-Wall
mounting available with optional
frame.
Its sophisticated design enables
it to compete with any high-end
loudspeaker thanks to its pure
Beryllium inverted dome tweeter
and its latest generation W cone
woofer loaded with integrated
sealed volume. The highest-fide-
lity in invisible version.
Electra SR 1000 Be
Black Lacquer finish
Electra SW 1000 Be
Basalt finish
Electra IW 1003 Be
White finish
Electra IW 1002 Be
White finish
UÊType 2-way sealed bipole/twin mono
effects speaker Active bass-reflex subwoofer 3-way sealed enclosure In-Wall speaker. 2-way sealed enclosure In-Wall speaker.
UÊDrivers
Two 61/2" (16.5cm) "W" midbass.
Two 1" (25mm) pure Beryllium
inverted dome tweeters.
13" (33cm) "W" woofer.
61/2"(16.5cm)"W" passive radiator.
61/2"(16.5cm) "W" woofer.
3" (8cm) "W" midrange.
11/4" (27mm) pure Beryllium IAL
inverted dome tweeter.
61/2"(16.5cm) "W" midbass.
11/4" (27mm) pure Beryllium IAL
inverted dome tweeter.
UÊÊFrequency response
(±3dB) 72Hz - 40kHz 20Hz - 150Hz 49Hz - 40kHz 60Hz - 40kHz
UÊÊLow frequency point
(-6dB) 59Hz 18Hz
UÊÊSensitivity
(2.83V/1m) 91dB -
UÊÊNominal
impedance 4 Ohms/8 Ohms -
UÊÊMinimum
impedance
3 Ohms/6 Ohms
(bi/twin) -
UÊÊCrossover frequency 2 400Hz
UÊÊRecommended
amplifier power 40 - 200W 600W (750W max.) BASH® amplifier
UÊÊDimensions
(HxWxD)
153/8x17x71/2"
(390x430x190mm)
211/16x1911/16x17"
(535x500x432mm)
UÊNet weight 27.7lb (12.6kg) 92.4lb (42kg) 22lb (10kg) 14.1lb (6,4kg)
Subwoofer features
Adjustable LPF: 50Hz to 150Hz
(24dB/oct.),
48dB/oct. adjustable subsonic filter,
adjustable phase, Boost mode,
Night mode, 3 user memories,
LFe/Stereo/Digital enter.
Remote Control Locking System
Features
Sensibility (2.83V/1m): 90dB
Nom. impedance: 8 Ohms
Protection: autoreset Polyswitch fuse
Recommended amplifier power:
25 - 240W
Midrange and tweeter adjustment:
- 3dB / 0dB / + 3dB
Crossover frequencies : 400Hz / 2000Hz
Cut-out dimensions(HxW):
261/8x103/8” (664x262mm)
Depth from wall: 37/8”(99mm)
Features
Sensibility (2.83V/1m): 88dB
Nom. impedance: 8 Ohms
Protection: autoreset Polyswitch fuse
Recommended amplifier power:
25 - 150W
Tweeter adjustment: - 3dB / 0dB / + 3dB
Crossover frequencie : 2600Hz
Cut-out dimensions(HxW):
1415/16x103/8” (379x262mm)
Depth from wall: 37/8”(99mm)
All of the models in the Electra 1000 Be 2 range (except SR 1000 Be) are available in Basalt, Champagne, Black Lacquer and Mahogany finishes.
But may not be available in some countries and/or in some retail outlets. Other special finishes on demand.
>24" (60cm) High Gloss S 1000 stand.
Electra 1008 Be
Champagne finish
Electra 1028 Be
Black Lacquer finish
Electra 1038 Be
Mahogany finish
Electra CC 1008 Be
Basalt finish
UÊType 2-way bass-reflex bookshelf speaker. 3-way bass-reflex floor standing
speaker, Powerflow.
3-way bass-reflex floor standing
speaker.
3-way bass-reflex shielded center
speaker.
UÊDrivers
61/2" (16.5cm) "W" midbass.
11/4" (27mm) pure Beryllium IAL
inverted dome tweeter.
Two 61/2" (16.5cm) "W" woofers.
61/2"(16.5cm) "W" midrange.
11/4" (27mm) pure Beryllium IAL
inverted dome tweeter.
Three 7" (18cm) "W" woofers.
61/2"(16.5cm) "W" midrange.
11/4" (27mm) pure Beryllium IAL
inverted dome tweeter.
Two 61/2" (16.5cm) "W" woofers.
3" (8cm) "W" midrange.
11/4" (27mm) pure Beryllium IAL
inverted dome tweeter.
UÊÊFrequency response
(±3dB) 46Hz - 40kHz 34Hz - 40kHz 33Hz - 40kHz 55Hz - 40kHz
UÊÊLow frequency point
(-6dB) 41Hz 28Hz 26Hz 50Hz
UÊÊSensitivity
(2.83V/1m) 89dB 91.5dB 93dB 91dB
UÊÊNominal
impedance 8 Ohms 8 Ohms 8 Ohms 8 Ohms
UÊÊMinimum
impedance 3.9 Ohms 3.5 Ohms 3.3 Ohms 4.1 Ohms
UÊÊCrossover frequency 2 200Hz 350Hz / 2 200Hz 230Hz / 2 200Hz 500Hz / 2 200Hz
UÊÊRecommended
amplifier power 25 - 150W 40 - 300W 40 - 400W 40 - 200W
UÊÊDimensions
(HxWxD)
153/16x103/8x133/4"
(385x264x350mm)
4311/16x103/8x133/4"
(1 110x264x350mm)
493/16x1115/16x153/4"
(1 250x303x400mm)
91/4x24x133/4"
(235x609x350mm)
UÊNet weight 33lb (15kg) 72.6lb (33kg) 112.2lb (51kg) 41.8lb (19kg)
24 bits digital processor, 600W
BASH®amplifier, 13” (33cm) “W”
woofer, the Electra SW 1000 Be
offers high-level performance with
a 18Hz cut-off and a 119dB sound
power. The SW 1000 Be now
benefits from a remote control lock
when infrared conflicts appear with
other boxes.
Not much evolution for the SR
1000 Be that benefits from the
3 third “W” cone generation. But
its exclusive “Be/Twin” structure
with dual input permits to use the
SR 1000 Be as well as in a 5.1
system (in bipolar mode) as in a
7.1 (in dual mono mode) without
increasing the number of effect
loudspeakers in the Home Theatre
room.
The Electra CC 1008 Be follows
the same evolutions as the louds-
peakers so that the tones are in
perfect harmony. Low horizontal
directivity, high power-handling,
definition and precision are part
of the common points of Electra Be 2.
The Electra 1027 Be was a
flagship of the Focal range, the
1028 Be goes even further, espe-
cially in the bass with the dual port
Powerflow system. The dynamic
leaps forward to be in harmony
with the generosity and definition
of the midrange-treble register
that has always been a reference.
A compact floorstander with
irrefutable charm.
As the whole Electra Be 2 line,
the 1038 Be benefits from new
components and settings. The
awesome strength of the three 7”
(18cm) woofers, endless power,
is now added to the new qualities
gained in terms of sound image
and definition. A true weapon of
mass seduction.
The Electra 1008 Be embodies
Focal’s know-how in terms of high-
end compact loudspeakers.Added
to the essential qualities of the
1007 Be, a more spacious and
natural sound image, improved
definition and more precise bass.
The high power-handling enables
it to work in rooms of big dimen-
sions.
>Also available, the Electra IW 1002
and IC 1002 equipped with an
Aluminum/Magnesium tweeter