Klein + Hummel O 300 User manual

Active
Studio Monitor
Installation
and
Operation
O 300 D
KLEIN + HUMMEL GmbH
Zeppelinstr. 12 73760 Ostfildern/Germany
Tel.: + 49 - (0)711 - 45893 - 0
Fax: + 49 - (0)711 - 45893 - 35
e-Mail:[email protected]
Internet:www.klein-hummel.de
058-E0007
Version 27-11-2003

Page 2 Active Studio Monitor O 300 D
Safety Instructions
It is absolutely essential that you read these safety instructions carefully before connecting and using this K+H
product. Your safety depends on it. Furthermore, failure to follow these instructions voids the warranty. To ensure
safe operation for years to come, keep these instructions in a safe place for future reference. K+H has manufactured
this product in accordance with IEC 92 (SEC) 39 standards, then tested and delivered it in safe operating condition.
To maintain it in this condition, you must:
•observe all safety instructions,
•use the product only as described herein,
•have any maintenance, repairs, or modifications performed only by K+H or other authorized personnel, and
•ensure that the room in which you use this product is wired in accordance with the local electrical code.
Warning!
•When the interior of the cabinet is exposed, touching some parts can lead to an electric shock.
•If you need to gain access to the interior electronics of the unit, always disconnect the unit from any and all power
sources first.
•Any repairs, maintenance, or other service of the unit when its interior compartment is exposed may only be
performed safely (in accordance with VBG 4) by authorized technicians familiar with all the risks involved. Even in
an unplugged state, a fully charged capacitor in the unit can zap the unsuspecting.
•Loudspeaker output jacks labeled with the IEC 417/5036 emblem (Fig. A, right) may be carrying
dangerously high voltages. If your unit has this emblem, ensure that any connections to be
made between these jacks and the speakers themselves are made before powering up the
unit, and are done so only with manufacturer-approved interconnecting cables.
•If you need to replace any fuses, ensure that the replacements are of exactly the same type,
value and voltage as the originals, as spelled out in the technical specifications at the rear of
this manual.
•Do not use "repaired" fuses.
•If you do not have any fuses on hand of the specified size, type, and value, do not hot-wire the
contacts in the holder by short-circuiting them.
•Certain areas of the cabinet, cover, and rear panel can achieve extreme temperatures and are
therefore marked with a "HOT" label (Fig. B). Refrain from touching any heat sink or ventilation
grille.
•High volume levels are known to cause permanent - i.e. irreversible - hearing damage, especially
when listened to without sufficient breaks. The higher the levels, the more frequent and exten-
ded must be the breaks. Avoid standing too close to loudspeakers that are being driven at high
levels. If you must be exposed to high sound pressure levels over an extended period of time,
use hearing protection.
Mains Connection:
•This unit is designed for continuous operation.
•Ensure that the operating voltage of the unit matches that of the local mains current (AC line voltage).
•Always check before connecting the power cable to the mains socket that the power switch on the unit itself is set
to off ("O").
•Use the power cable or power supply that came with the unit to connect to the mains socket (wall outlet).
•Power supply: a damaged power cable may not be repaired. Use a new cable.
•Avoid plugging the mains cable into a power strip that already has several other power-consuming devices
connected to it.
•Avoid using extension cables. The unit must be connected to a mains socket close to it, and that socket should
be freely accessible.
Installation:
•This product may only be placed on a stable, clean, horizontal surface.
•Do not expose this product to vibration.
•Do not operate this product anywhere near water or other liquids. Do not use it near a sink, swimming pool,
bathtub, or in any damp room or area. Electrical shocks carried through water can kill. Do not place any beverages
whatsoever on or near this product, as liquids can kill electronic components.
•Ensure sufficient ventilation around the product to allow for adequate heat dissipation, especially near the rear
panel and the sides of the cabinet (minimum of 8 inches from the nearest wall). The unit may only be installed in
a rack if measures are taken to ensure sufficient ventilation and if the mounting instructions of the manufacturer
are followed. Do not block or cover any heat sink, fan, or vent.
•Do not place the product where it will be in the path of direct sunlight, and keep it a safe distance away from
radiators and other heaters of any kind.
•If you bring this product from a cold environment into a warm one (such as from a vehicle into a studio), it is quite
possible that condensation will form inside the cabinet. Please allow the unit sufficient time for acclimatisation
to room temperature (minimum thirty minutes) before connecting and powering up.
•To avoid accidents, do not use any accessory equipment with this product which is not approved by the manufacturer,
particularly mounting accessories. Do not place this unit on any unstable platform, cart, stand or table. Should the
unit fall, it can cause bodily injury to persons, or can be damaged itself.
•To protect this product from lightning damage during a thunderstorm or from power surges during an extended
absence, disconnect the power cable from the wall outlet.
Fig. A
Fig. B

Active Studio Monitor O 300 D Page 3
Figure 1 Front view
Table of Contents:
SafetyInstructions............................................2
TableofContents..............................................3
1. InstallationandOperation..........................4
1.1ImportantNotesonSafety.........................4
1.2OperatingConditions.................................4
1.3SpeakerPlacement...................................4
1.4MAINSConnection....................................4
1.5MAINSSwitch.............................................4
1.6MAINSFuse...............................................4
1.7Level/RoomCompensation/GroundLift..5
1.7.1XLRInput.................................................5
1.7.2BNCInput................................................5
1.7.3LevelATT(ENUATOR)...........................6
1.7.4INPUTSELECTORSwitch..................6
1.7.5 EQ(RoomCompensation)...................6
1.7.6GROUNDLIFT.......................................7
1.8CONTROLLER..........................................7
1.8.1CONTROLLERSELECTSwitch........7
1.9DisplayFunctions......................................7
1.10FrontGrille................................................7
1.11CareoftheCabinet.................................7
2.TestMeasurements......................................8
3.WarrantyInformation..................................10
4.TechnicalSpecifications...........................11

Page 4 Active Studio Monitor O 300 D
1. Installation and Operation
1.1 It is absolutely essential that you read
and observe the Safety Instructions on
page 2 before connecting or using this
device.
1.2 Operating conditions
The K+H model O 300 D active studio monitor
is intended for use over a range of ambient
temperatures from +10° C to +40° C (+50° F to
+104° F). During transport or storage,
temperatures from -25° C to +70° C (-13° F to
158° F) are permissible.
1.3 Speaker placement
The loudspeaker chassis used in the O 300 D
aremagnetically shielded,so youarefree toset
thespeakersrightnext to avideomonitorwithout
needing to worry about adversely affecting the
screen. Furthermore, the baffle of the O 300 D
is designed in such a way as to disperse the
soundvery evenlynot just onaxis butoverquite
awide listening area. Any engineer who hassat
ataconsole foranylength of timewillappreciate
theconsiderable freedom ofmovementafforded
bytheO300D.The cabinetis normallydesigned
to be used in the horizontal position, as the
verticalangleofdispersionhasintentionallybeen
madenarrowerthan the horizontal.Thecabinets
are constructed in a left version and a right
version. For best stereo imaging and depth of
soundstage, position the cabinets with the
tweeters on the outside, at ear height, pointing
directly at the listening position. If you use the
O 300 D as a center speaker, set the cabinet
vertically, with the tweeter and midrange dome
atthe top.
In certain applications where there are hard
reflectivesurfaces immediately totheleft orright
of the speakers, it may make more sense to set
the cabinets vertically, in which case the
narrower dispersion pattern will help reduce
comb-filter effects.
When choosing a location for the speakers, be
aware that you can take advantage of the inte-
gralroom-compensating equalizer, whichwillbe
described in detail in section 1.7.5 .
The cabinet can be mounted directly to a wall or
ceiling with the aid of the LH 25 mounting
bracket.On theleftand right sidesofthe cabinet
youwillfindthreaded bushingsof 8mmdiameter
to which this bracket attaches. As an alternati-
ve,you canuse theLH 28 stand-mountadapter
to set the speaker on a standard 35-mm
(1-3/8”) tripod.
Please make certain that these two threaded
openings are always sealed, either with the
plastic plugs that come standard with the
cabinetsorwith the screwsholdingthemounting
adapterinplace. Otherwiseyoumayexperience
some air noise and possibly some degradation
in low-frequency response.
1.4 MAINS Connection
The amplifier electronics of the standard
Europeanmodelaresetupfor an ACline voltage
of 230 volts, 50 or 60 Hz. Export versions with
other voltages are also available. If the power
plug of the mains cable should ever need to be
replaced, ensure that the connection to the
protective earth is maintained.
1.5 MAINS Switch (POWER)
When you switch on power to the unit, there is a
five-second delay before the amplified signal is
sent to the drivers. This delay avoids the loud
popping sounds that otherwise may be
generated by devices earlier in the signal chain
as power reaches them. You will find this
arrangement particularly useful if your studio
uses a master switch to power up all the
equipmentatonce. Whenpoweronthe O 300 D
is turned off, on the other hand, or if there is a
general power failure, the signal flow to the
speaker is immediately cut off, preventing any
loud pops.
1.6 Mains FUSE
When replacing the fuse, first disconnect the
mains cable and ensure that the new fuse is of
the following type only:
for 230 volts AC 1.6 A Slo-Blo (5 x 20 mm)
for 117 volts AC 3.15 A Slo-Blo (5 x 20 mm)
for 100 volts AC 4 A Slo-Blo (5 x 20 mm)
12
10
13

Active Studio Monitor O 300 D Page 5
1.7LEVEL/ROOMCOMPENSATION/GROUNDLIFT
1.7.1 XLR INPUT
ANALOG / DIGITAL - AES/EBU
The sensitivity of the tranformer-balanced
floating input is +6 dBu (1.55 V). The three-
pin female XLR jack is wired in the standard
manner (pin 1 = ground, pin 2 = +, pin 3 = -).
If you are connecting unbalanced analog
sources, you will need to solder a bridge
between pins 1 and 3:
In digital mode, this same XLR input accepts
the digital signal according to the AES/EBU
specification (110 Ohm balanced).
1.7.2 INPUT:
DIGITAL INPUT / THROUGH
This digital input, configured as a 75-Ohm
BNC connector, is intended to receive signal
sources in S/P-DIF or AES 3id format. The
incoming digital signal line requires one
75 -Ohm terminator at the very end, as the
O 300 D has no internal termination.
The XLR input and the BNC input are wired
inparallel acrossa transformer. Thefact that
thetermination iswired externally allowsyou
to make connections in a wide variety of
ways:
1.7.2.1 Source 1x AES/EBU, monitors
connected with each other via BNC cable
Toobtainanoutputvoltageof1VppattheBNC-
output connector (with 75 - Ohm terminator),
aninputvoltageof5VppattheAES/EBUinput
is required. This complies with the rules for
AES/EBU level. If the input level varies, the
output level does so accordingly.
2
1
Figure 2 Rear View
unbalanced balanced
as seen from solder terminals of male XLR

Page 6 Active Studio Monitor O 300 D
1.7.2.2 Source 2x AES/EBU
1.7.2.3 Source 1x S/P-DIF or 1x AES 3id,
connection using two T - connectors
1.7.2.4 Source 2x S/P-DIF or 2x AES 3id
1.7.3 Level ATT(ENUATOR)
Thisrotary levelcontrolallows forcontinuous
damping of the input signal in a range from 0
to -24 dB in both analog and digital modes.
1.7.4 INPUT SELECTOR Switch
Use a screwdriver to change the position of
this recessed switch in order to select ana-
log or digital mode of operation. Since one
digitalinput carriesboth stereo channels,the
Input Selector has three additional positions
for establishing how the monitors are
assigned to the channels. This works as
follows:
Position A = Analog mode (XLR input)
Position R = Digital mode right channel
Position L = Digital mode left channel
Position M = Digital mode mono (summed
frombothleftandrightchannels)
Simultaneousoperation from oneanalogand
onedigitalsourceisnot possible. Atanygiven
timeyoumay connect onlyonetypeofsource
tothe pair.
1.7.5 EQ (Room compensation)
Three 4-way recessed rotary switches
(adjustable with a screwdriver) are available
for frequency compensation due to room
acoustics and speaker placement.
1.7.5.1 BASS Switch
For equalizing anomalies in the lower
frequencies due to proximity to room
boundaries:
Position 0 = free space
Position -3 = 1 boundary (wall)
Position -6 = 2 boundaries (corner)
Position -9 = 3 boundaries (corner + ceiling)
1.7.5.2 MID Switch
Forequalizinganomaliesin themidrangedue
to reflections arising from placement on the
console’s meter bridge:
Position 0 = free space
Position -2 = mid reduction of -2 dB
Position -4 = mid reduction of -4 dB
Position -6 = mid reduction of -6 dB
1.7.5.3 HIGH Switch
Compensates for high-frequency anomalies
due to excessive reflection or absorption in
the room:
Position 1 = treble boost of +1 dB
Position 0 = linear
Position -1 = treble reduction of -1 dB
Position -2 = treble reduction of -2 dB
Note:Since itisnot feasibletolist allpossible
combinationsofspeakerplacementand room
acoustics, we strongly recommend checking
the switch settings acoustically or by
measurement.
4
3
6
5
7

Active Studio Monitor O 300 D Page 7
The controls protected beneath the
plastic caps may not be
tampered with under any
circumstances!
1.7.6 GROUND LIFT
Since the input is transformer-balanced and
floating, you should rarely experience any
hum. In unusual cases, or if the source is
unbalanced, it may be necessary to lift the
connection between signal ground and
chassis ground, in which case you will find
this little switch convenient. The chassis
ground remains always connected to the
protective earth conductor.
Warning!
The protective earth conductor must
never be interrupted even for test
purposes! This may be dangerous to
life!
1.8 CONTROLLER
The O 300 D Studio Monitor includes controller
electronics (limiter and analog filtering) that are
finelytuned tomatchits threedrivers. Inorderto
be compatible with future developments (such
as FIR - filter technology), a connector for
external controllers was included. Using this
connection renders the internal D/A converters,
analog input stages, filters and limiters inactive,
with the sole exception of the bass peak limiter.
For optimal power amp utilization even under
varying voltage conditions and loads, the peak
limiter in the woofer channel was left in, but the
thermo limiter is deactivated.
1.8.1 CONTROLLER SELECT Switch
This switch is used to deactivate the internal
controller. By way of the jack labeled
POWER - AMP DIRECT INPUT
youcan feedin signalsintendedfor thethree
internal power amplifiers. This 7-pin female
XLR jack is wired as follows:
Pin 1 = woofer input +
Pin 2 = woofer input -
Pin 3 = midrange input +
Pin 4 = midrange input -
Pin 5 = tweeter input +
Pin 6 = tweeter input -
Pin 7 = ground
1.9 Display functions
The illuminated K+H logo serves as a status
indicator for the loudspeaker cabinet.
Constant red: Normaloperation, internal
power in order
Blinking red: Overload protection circuitry
engaged
If the light is blinking, this indicates that the
overload-protectioncircuitry hasbeentriggered,
as may happen while cuing up a tape deck or
while running sine wave signals through the
speakers for measurement purposes. Output
power is reduced to a level that takes the
speakersoutofdanger.Ifthishappens,you must
search for the cause and possibly reduce the
monitoringlevel.
1.10 Front grille
Afrontgrille forthespeakerbaffle isnotincluded
as standard equipment, but one is available as
an option. This fine mesh metal grille (article
GO 300) is easy to attach and offers added
protection to the exposed components. The
acousticaleffect onthespeakers isminimal and
can only be detected at all with test equipment.
1.11 Care of the cabinet
The cabinet housing of the K+H O 300 D active
studio monitor is available in either a flocked or
enamel finish (charcoal: RAL color 7021). With
the flocked housing, a certain amount of “hair
loss” within the first few weeks is normal, and
8
9
14
11
Figure 3 Effects of room compensation on
frequency
!
!

Page 8 Active Studio Monitor O 300 D
Figure 4 Horizontal Dispersion Pattern
Figure5 VerticalDispersion Pattern
canbe avoidedsimplyby goingoverthe cabinet
with a vacuum cleaner once it has been set in
place. The housing should be cleaned of dust
from time to time in like manner. If you plan on
taking your monitors from studio to studio, the
flocked finish is preferable since it wears well.
For non-mobile use, the enamel finish is
preferred, as it won’t be subject to any extreme
wear and tear. Take care when handling the
enamel-coatedcabinetnottodamagethe finish.
To clean the cabinet, use a soft cloth with a mild
cleaning agent only. Under no circumstances
should you use alcohol - based or chemical
agents, nor any cleaners with abrasive action.
2. Test Measurements
The outstanding acoustic impression made by
the O 300 D is confirmed by measurements usingtoday’smost criticaltestmethods.Thetest
plotsshown hereand onthenext severalpages
arebutasmallsamplingofthesemeasurements.

Active Studio Monitor O 300 D Page 9
Using the new material LRIM (Low Resonance
Integral Molding) allowed us to seamlessly
integratea waveguideintothe bafflethatis ideal
for optimal dispersion, with a mild horn-shape
aroundthemid-rangedomeandanelliptical horn
for the tweeter. Thus came to be the dispersion
pattern we mentioned earlier which is narrower
vertically and broader horizontally, as is clearly
evident in the test plots presented in Figures 4
and 5.
Figure 6 Free-field response
Figure 7 Distortion @ 95 dB at a
distance of 1 meter
Figure 8 Group delay

Page 10 Active Studio Monitor O 300 D
Since the enclosure is sealed, the increase in
groupdelayat lowfrequencies(Figure8)is quite minimal, resulting in particularly tight, precise bass response.
The spectral decay plot of the loudspeaker
reveals excellent decay and an absence of
Figure9Cumulativespectral decay(waterfall)
3. Warranty Information
All K+H products undergo an extensive pro-
cedure of quality control testing before leaving
thefactory.Before semiconductorsaremounted
on the circuit board, they are subject to rigorous
tests. Every single unit is guaranteed to match
its technical specifications within strict pre-
determined tolerances.
Please store the original carton in a safe, dry
place.If youshould ever needwarranty service,
put the unit in its original packing material and
cartontogether withadetailed descriptionofthe
problem, and ship it (freight prepaid) to our
distributor or directly to:
KLEIN + HUMMEL GmbH
Customer service
Zeppelinstrasse 12
73760 Ostfildern / Germany
K+H warrants, that the product is free from any
defects in both material and manufacturing and
thatit meetsthe specifications.A warrantycase
can only be acknowledged under condition that
the complaint is filed to our distributor or to us in
writing within 8 days after delivery or detection
of the fault. Not covered under this warranty are
damagesdue toinexpertpacking and shipment,
wear and tear, improper handling, installation,
operationand maintenance.
The limitation period for warranty claims is
described in the terms and conditions of K+H
GmbH. Its our choice to repair, to supply a new
product or to withdraw from the contract.
In the event warranty service is required,
presentation of a warranty card will not be
necessary.Proof ofpurchasedate canbemade
by filing copies of appropriate documents (in-
voice, delivery note).
unwanted overtones and standing waves.

Active Studio Monitor O 300 D Page 11
4. Technical Specifications O 300 D
Maximum SPL
in half-space, 3% THD at 1 m distance 112.8 dB/SPL
averaged between 100 Hz and 6 kHz
Free-field Frequency Response 40 Hz - 20 kHz ( ± 2 dB)
Self-noise @10 cm 20 dB(A)
Total Harmonic Distortion
100 Hz and above @1m < 0.5% @95dB/SPL
Electronics
Poweramplifiers Bass amplifier 150 watts RMS (THD < 0.1%)
250 watts peak
Midrangeamplifier 65 watts RMS (THD < 0.1%)
75 watts peak
Trebleamplifier 65 watts RMS (THD < 0.1%)
110 watts peak
Controller type analog, active (also accepts external controller)
Crossover Crossover frequencies 650 Hz / 3.3 kHz
Crossover slopes 24 dB / octave
Room EQ Bass 0;-3; -6; -9 dB
Mid 0; -2; -4; -6 dB
High +1; 0; -1; -2 dB
Subsonic filter Cut-off frequency 30 Hz
Slope 6 dB / octave
Protection circuitry Limitagainst overloadingofLF, MF, andHFdrivers
Analoginput Impedance 14 kOhm (transformer-balanced and floating)
Sensitivity +6 dBu
Volumecontrol continuously variable from 0 dB to -24 dB
Common mode rejection >70 dB @ 15 kHz
Digital inputs and outputs
XLR: AES/EBU impedance 110 Ohms, transformer balanced and
floating
BNC: S/P-DIF, AES 3id 75 Ohms, unbalanced
Terminator 75 Ohms, for BNC jack (external, not included)
Sensivity –12,5 dBFs
Volumecontrol continuously variable from 0 dB to -24 dB
Switch analog / digital left / digital mono / digital right
Digital convertor Resolution,Type 24-bit DA, Delta - Sigma
Samplingrate 32 - 96 kHz

Page 12 Active Studio Monitor O 300 D
Indicators Operational status K+H logo constantly illuminated
Limit/Clip K+H logo blinking
Mains 230 volts AC, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption
Idle 18VA
Full power 240VA
Physical characteristics
Connectors Mains Three terminal Euro connector
Analog / digital inputs XLR connector, 3-pin
Digital inputs / outputs BNC
Direct ins to power amps XLR connector, 7-pin
Drivers, magnetically shielded
LF system 210 mm (8’’) Ø, 8 Ohms, polypropylene cone
Midrange system 76 mm (3’’) Ø, 8 Ohms, soft dome
HF system 25 mm (1’’) Ø, 6 Ohms, Titanium dome tweeter
Cabinet finish enamel or nylon-fiber flock
Cabinet color Standard version charcoal-gray (RAL 7021)
Other colors optional
Loudspeaker covering optionalfine-mesh metalgrille
Mountingoptions 2x M 8 threaded bushings on sides
for use with LH 25 mounting bracket
2x rear angle brackets with predrilled ¼’’ holes
Mountingadapters LH 28 tripod fixture
for use only with LH 25 mounting bracket
LH 29 TV pin
for use only with LH 25 mounting bracket
Dimensions (W x H x D) 383 mm x 253 mm x 290 mm (310 mm with grille)
15’’x 10’’x11½’’ (12¼’’ withgrille)
Volume 28 litres
Weight 13.5 kg
KLEIN + HUMMEL
KLEIN + HUMMEL GmbH
Zeppelinstr. 12 73760 Ostfildern/Germany
Tel.: + 49 - (0)711 - 45893 - 0
Fax: + 49 - (0)711 - 45893 - 35
email: [email protected]
http://www.klein-hummel.de