PRESONUS Sceptre CoActual S6 User manual

Sceptre
™S6 / S8
CoActual™Active Studio Monitors
Owner’s Manual
www.presonus.com
®

Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
1.0 Overview — 1
1.1 Introduction — 1
1.2 Summary of Sceptre S6/S8
Features — 2
1.3 What is in the Box — 2
1.3.1 Special Handling
Instructions — 2
2 Hookup — 3
2.1 Rear Panel Connections and
Controls — 3
2.1.1 Inputs — 3
2.1.2 Power — 3
2.1.3 Acoustic Tuning
Controls — 4
2.2 Hookup Diagrams — 5
2.2.1 Basic Setup — 5
2.2.2 Advanced Setup with Speaker
Switching — 6
3 Tutorials — 7
3.1 Monitor Placement — 7
3.2 Connections — 8
3.3 Input Level Setting — 8
3.4 Equalizer Setting Suggestions — 9
3.5 Acoustic Space Setting
Suggestions — 10
4 Resources — 11
4.1 Technical Specifications — 11
4.1 Troubleshooting — 13
4.2. PreSonus Limited Warranty — 13
Table of Contents

1.0 Overview
1.1 Introduction
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
1
1.0 Overview
1.1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the PreSonus®
Sceptre™ S6/S8 CoActual™ active studio
monitor. PreSonus Audio Electronics has
designed the S6 and S8 utilizing high-
grade components to ensure optimum
performance that will last a lifetime.
The S6 and S8 self-powered near-
field monitors differ in cabinet and
driver size, crossover frequency, low-
frequency extension, and maximum
sound-pressure level; all other specs are
identical. Both models are based on CoActual™ Speaker
Coherence Alignment and TQ™ Temporal Equalization
Technology from Fulcrum Acoustic. The design starts with
a horn-loaded compression tweeter mounted coaxially
at the center of a cone woofer to provide true point-
source imaging, which is generally considered to be a
superior driver configuration, especially for near-field
monitoring. Complementing the coaxial drivers is a 32-bit
floating-point DSP engine that optimizes the drivers’
performance. The result is that you hear every nuance
of your mix with astonishing clarity and coherence.
We encourage you to contact us at [phone]
(9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time) with questions or comments
regarding your PreSonus Sceptre S6/S8. PreSonus
Audio Electronics is committed to constant product
improvement, and we value your suggestions highly.
We believe the best way to achieve our goal of constant
product improvement is by listening to the real experts:
our valued customers. We appreciate the support you
have shown us through the purchase of this product and
are confident that you will enjoy your Sceptre S6/S8!
ABOUT THIS MANUAL: We suggest that you use this manual
to familiarize yourself with the features, applications,
and correct connection procedures for your Sceptre S6/S8
before connecting it to the rest of your studio gear. This will
help you avoid problems during installation and setup.
In addition to all the basic info you’ll need to connect
and operate your Sceptre S6/S8, this manual
also provides several tutorials that cover monitor
placement and connections, as well as how to set
the Input Level, EQ, and Acoustic Space controls.

1.0 Overview
1.2 Summary of Sceptre S6/S8 Features
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
2
1.2 Summary of Sceptre S6/S8 Features
•Temporal Equalization™by Fulcrum Acoustic
combines 32-bit floating-point DSP with coaxial cone
woofer and horn-loaded compression tweeter
•2x90W, Class D amplifiers optimized
for the woofer and tweeter
•Front-ported cabinet extends and
smoothes out bass response
•2 balanced inputs: XLR and ¼”TRS
•Input-level control with 10 dB of gain above unity
•High-frequency driver adjust (linear, +1
dB, -1.5 dB, -4 dB) above 2 kHz
•High-pass filter switch (linear, 60 Hz, 80 Hz,
100 Hz) with -24 dB/octave slope
•Acoustic Space switch (linear, -1.5 dB, -3 dB, -6
dB) to compensate for bass boost near a wall
1.3 What is in the Box
In addition to this manual, your Sceptre S6/
S8 package contains the following:
•(1) PreSonus Sceptre S6 or S8 active studio monitor
•(1) IEC power cable
1.3.1 Special Handling Instructions
The horn on your Sceptre S6/S8 is very delicate and should
be handled with extreme care. Do not use the horn to turn
or adjust your Sceptre S6/S8 or as a handgrip by which to
pick it up. Doing so will damage your Sceptre monitor and
will require it to be repaired by PreSonus. Damage caused
by mishandling may not be covered by your warranty.

2 Hookup
2.1 Rear Panel Connections and Controls
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
3
2Hookup
2.1 Rear Panel Connections and Controls
2.1.1 Inputs
Line-level Inputs. The Sceptre S6/S8
provides a choice of two balanced
inputs: XLR and ¼”TRS. These inputs
accept a line-level signal from your
audio source and feed that signal
to the monitor’s built-in power
amplifiers. When both balanced
connections are in use, the TRS
input supersedes the XLR input.
Note: Make sure your audio source’s
XLR or ¼” TRS wiring corresponds
to that of the Sceptre S6/S8.
Input Level: Sets the amount of gain applied to the
input signal. This is not a volume control in the traditional
sense; instead, it sets the level of the input signal before
it is amplified.
2.1.2 Power
IEC Power Connection: Your Sceptre S6/
S8 accepts a standard IEC power cord.
Warning: Do not remove the center grounding prong or
use a ground-lift adapter, as this could result in electric
shock.
Sleeve:
Ground
Ring:
[-]
Tip:
[+]
12 3Ground
XLR TRS
[-]
[+]

2 Hookup
2.1 Rear Panel Connections and Controls
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
4
Power Switch: This is the On/Off switch. The power status is
indicated by an LED on the front of the cabinet.
Note: The input-power voltage is set internally at the factory to
correspond with the country to which your Sceptre monitor was
shipped. Do not use your Sceptre monitor in a country that uses a
different standard voltage than is used in the country where you
purchased your Sceptre S6 or S8.
2.1.3 Acoustic Tuning Controls
Acoustic Space: Cuts the level of all frequencies below 250 Hz
by the specified amount (-1.5, -3, or -6 dB) to compensate for
the bass boost that occurs when the monitor is placed near a
wall or corner. Can be defeated by setting it to Linear.
Repeatedly pushing the corresponding button cycles through
the available settings.
HF Driver: Boosts or cuts all frequencies above 2 kHz by the
specified amount (+1, -1.5, or -4 dB). Can be defeated by
setting it to Linear. Repeatedly pushing the corresponding
button cycles through the available settings.
HP Filter: Rolls off the level of all frequencies below the
specified frequency (60, 80, or 100 Hz), with a slope of -24 dB/
octave. Can be defeated by setting it to Linear, in which case,
the monitor’s natural rolloff takes over (42 Hz for S6,
38 Hz for S8). Repeatedly pushing the corresponding button
cycles through the available settings.

2.2 Hookup Diagrams
2.2.1 Basic Setup
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
5
2.2 Hookup Diagrams
2.2.1 Basic Setup
On
100 - 240 VAC 50-60Hz

2.2 Hookup Diagrams
2.2.2 Advanced Setup with Speaker Switching
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
6
2.2.2 Advanced Setup with Speaker Switching
Power
POWER
12-18VDC
10Watts
Sceptre S6
Eris E5
AudioBox 1818VSL
Central Station Plus

3 Tutorials
3.1 Monitor Placement
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
7
3Tutorials
3.1 Monitor Placement
Ideally, near-field monitors should be placed
so that the tweeters are at the same height
as your ears when you are mixing.
NOTE: The unique design of the Sceptre monitors
requires that they be placed vertically. Positioning
Sceptre monitors horizontally will result in incorrect
horn dispersion and reduced fidelity.
The speakers should be separated so that the coaxial
drivers form an equilateral triangle with your head.
The monitors should be“toed in,” or angled, so that
they are pointed at you, not pointed straight ahead.
60˚ 60˚

3 Tutorials
3.2 Connections
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
8
3.2 Connections
If your audio source has balanced XLR or ¼”TRS outputs,
make sure the wiring of those outputs corresponds
with the wiring of the Sceptre S6/S8’s inputs as
illustrated below. If it doesn’t, you’ll need “crossover”
cables that reverse the two signal conductors.
If your audio source has only unbalanced outputs,
connect each of them to a DI (direct-injection) box,
which typically has an unbalanced input and a balanced
output, and connect the DI box’s balanced output to
the corresponding input on the Sceptre S6/S8.
In all cases, use the shortest possible cables in order
to minimize the chance of picking up electromagnetic
or radio-frequency interference (EMI or RFI).
3.3 Input Level Setting
The Input Level control determines the level of the
input signal before it is sent to the built-in power
amp. This lets you attenuate or amplify the signal’s
level at the monitor’s input, providing the flexibility
to adapt to various audio source output levels.
Set the Input Level so that all other level controls in
the system needn’t be turned way up or way down to
achieve a comfortable listening volume. If you set it
too low, you’ll have to crank your audio source’s output
level way up, which will increase the audible noise from
the source signal. If you set it too high, any noise in the
signal will be amplified, which you don’t want, either!
The best place to start is to set the control at its 12 o’clock
position, which is labeled “U” for “unity gain.”That means the
level of the signal reaching the amplifier is the same as the
level of the signal entering the monitor’s input. This ensures a
good, strong signal level without amplifying any noise that
might be in the signal. Of course, you should make sure that
the gain controls in your audio source have been optimized for
maximum signal level and minimum noise. This process is
called “gain staging,”and you can learn about it from many
online sources.
Sleeve:
Ground
Ring:
[-]
Tip:
[+]
12 3Ground
XLR TRS
[-]
[+]

3 Tutorials
3.4 Equalizer Setting Suggestions
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
9
If setting the input gain to Unity is unsatisfactory, you
can try different settings, but remember that it’s better
to avoid settings above U if possible. PreSonus included
these settings in case nothing else will work but any noise
in the signal will be amplified if the control is set higher
than U. On the other hand, if the volume is too loud at
unity gain, feel free to turn the Input Level control down
a bit—but not so far that you have to crank your audio
source’s output level to its maximum setting. Again,
if you properly gain-stage your audio source, setting
Input Level to U or slightly lower should work fine.
Once the monitor’s Input Level control is set, leave it
alone; don’t use it as a system-volume control. Leave
that job to the source signal’s output-level control.
3.4 Equalizer Setting Suggestions
The Sceptre S6/S8 provides two EQ controls in its
Acoustic Tuning section: HF Driver and HP Filter. (There’s
also an Acoustic Space control, which is covered in the
next section.) The HF Driver control is a high-frequency
shelving filter that boosts or cuts all frequencies above
2 kHz by +1 dB, -1.5 dB, or -4 dB. Use this control
to fine-tune the reproduction of high frequencies,
depending on your room’s acoustic characteristics.
In general, setting the HF Driver control to Linear (no
boost or cut) will produce the best results. However, if
the sound is generally too bright or shrill, try the -1.5
dB setting or, in extreme cases, the -4 dB setting; if the
sound is too dull and lifeless, try the +1 dB setting. (In
either case, check your source signal’s EQ settings to see if
anything’s amiss.) Keep in mind that the +1 dB setting will
also emphasize any high-frequency noise in the signal. It’s
always better to cut than to boost, if possible, and it’s best
to use the least cut or boost needed to get the job done.

3 Tutorials
3.5 Acoustic Space Setting Suggestions
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
10
The HP Filter control rolls off the low frequencies below the
specified frequency (60, 80, or 100 Hz) at a slope of -24 dB/
octave. Engage this control if you are using a subwoofer in
conjunction with the Sceptre S6/S8 monitors, and set it to
the same frequency as the crossover to the subwoofer. If
you’re not using a subwoofer, set the control to Linear.
3.5 Acoustic Space Setting Suggestions
When a monitor is placed close to a wall, or in a corner,
the low frequencies tend to be emphasized more than
if the monitor is far from any room boundary; this effect
is called “boundary bass boost.” It is most pronounced
if the monitor is in a corner and less pronounced,
but still present, if the monitor is near one wall.
To compensate for this bass boost, the Sceptre S6/S8 provides
an Acoustic Space switch that cuts all frequencies below
250 Hz by a fixed amount.
If the monitors are close to the
corners of the room, start by
setting the Acoustic Space switch
to -6 dB, which provides the most
bass attenuation.
If the monitors are close to the
back wall, try setting the Acoustic
Space switch to -3 dB or -1.5 dB for
less attenuation.
If the monitors are far from any
wall, there will be no bass boost, so
set the switch to 0 dB.
These are merely starting suggestions; use
your ears, experiment, and go with what works
best for your listening environment.

4 Resources
4.1 Technical Specifications
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
11
4Resources
4.1 Technical Specifications
INPUTS (S6 and S8)
1- Balanced XLR
1- Balanced ¼”TRS
PERFORMANCE
Frequency Response (-3 dB)
S6 52 Hz – 20 kHz
S8 46 Hz – 20 kHz
Frequency Response (-10 dB)
S6 42 Hz – 23 kHz
S8 38 Hz – 23 kHz
Crossover Frequency
S6 2.2 kHz
S8 2.4 kHz
LF Amplifier Power (@ 4Ω)
S6 90W
S8 90W
HF Amplifier Power (@ 10Ω)
S6 90W
S8 90W
Peak SPL at 1M
S6 109 dB
S8 116 dB
Horn Dispersion
S6 and S8 110° x 90°
LF Driver
S6 6.5”glass-reinforced paper
S8 8”glass-reinforced paper
HF Driver
S6 1”diaphragm compression driver
S8 1”diaphragm compression driver

4 Resources
4.1 Technical Specifications
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
12
Input Impedance
S6 10 kΩ
S8 10 kΩ
USER CONTROLS
Volume Range
S6 and S8 A-type taper
HF Control
S6 and S8 Linear,+1, -1.5, -4 dB
Low Cut
S6 and S8 Linear, 60, 80 Hz, 100 Hz
Acoustic Space
S6 and S8 Linear, -1.5, -3, -6 dB
PROTECTION (S6 and S8)
RF interference
Output-current limiting
Over-temperature
Turn-on/off transient
Subsonic filter
Internal mains fuse
POWER
S6 and S8 100-120V ~50/60 Hz or 220-240V ~50/60 Hz
CABINET
S6 and S8 Vinyl-laminated MDF
PHYSICAL
(Width/Height/Depth)
S6 9”(230 mm)/ 11”(280 mm)/ 13.2” (335 mm)
S8 11.4”(290 mm)/ 11.8”(300 mm)/ 15.75” (400 mm)
Weight
S6 18.8 lbs (8.53 kg)
S8 24.25 lbs (11 kg)

4 Resources
4.1 Troubleshooting
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
13
4.1 Troubleshooting
No power. First ensure that your Sceptre S6/S8 is
plugged in. If it’s connected to a power conditioner,
verify that the power conditioner is turned on
and functioning. If so, yet there is still no power
to the monitor, contact PreSonus for a repair.
No audio. If your Sceptre S6/S8 appears to power on but
you hear no sound when playing audio from the source
signal (the lights are on but nobody’s home), first make
sure that the cable connecting the source signal to the
monitor is working correctly. Also, verify that the Input Gain
control is set to provide enough amplitude for the signal.
Hum. Usually, hum is caused by a ground loop. Verify
that all audio equipment is connected to the same
power source. If you are not using a power conditioner,
we highly recommend that you add one. Not only will
this help to minimize hum, it will better protect your
equipment from power surges, brownouts, etc.
Use balanced cables whenever possible. If your audio
device does not offer a balanced output, you can
connect it to a DI (direct-injection) box, which will
provide a ground-lift switch and a balanced output.
Finally, make sure that your audio cables are not run near
power cables, and use cables that are the appropriate length
for your application. Using cables that are too long not
only increases the risk of noise, it increases the likelihood
that the cables are coiled, which will essentially create an
antenna that picks up all kinds of audio interference.
4.2. PreSonus Limited Warranty
PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., warrants this product to
be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period
of one year from the date of original retail purchase. This
warranty is enforceable only by the original retail purchaser.
To be protected by this warranty, the purchaser must
complete and return the enclosed warranty card within
14 days of purchase. During the warranty period PreSonus
shall, at its sole and absolute option, repair or replace,
free of charge, any product that proves to be defective
on inspection by PreSonus or its authorized service
representative. If you are located in the USA and need
warranty repair, please submit an online technical support
request at http://support.presonus.com to receive a return-
authorization number and shipping information. If you are
located outside of the USA, please contact the PreSonus

4 Resources
4.2. PreSonus Limited Warranty
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
14
distributor for your region for warranty repairs. All inquiries
must be accompanied by a description of the problem. All
authorized returns must be sent to the PreSonus repair facility
postage prepaid, insured, and properly packaged. PreSonus
reserves the right to update any unit returned for repair.
PreSonus reserves the right to change or improve the design
of the product at any time without prior notice. This warranty
does not cover claims for damage due to abuse, neglect,
alteration, or attempted repair by unauthorized personnel and
is limited to failures arising during normal use that are due to
defects in material or workmanship in the product. Any implied
warranties, including implied warranties of merchantability
and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited in duration to
the length of this limited warranty. Some states do not allow
limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above
limitation may not apply to you. In no event will PreSonus be
liable for incidental, consequential, or other damages resulting
from the breach of any express or implied warranty, including,
among other things, damage to property, damage based on
inconvenience or on loss of use of the product, and, to the
extent permitted by law, damages for personal injury. Some
states do not allow the exclusion of limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from
state to state. This warranty only applies to products sold and
used in the United States of America. For warranty information
in all other countries, please refer to your local distributor.
PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc.
7257 Florida Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70806 USA
1-225-216-7887
www.presonus.com

4 Resources
4.2. PreSonus Limited Warranty
Sceptre™S6 and S8
Owner’s Manual
15
Added bonus: PreSonus’previously Top Secret recipe for…
Rice Dressing
Ingredients:
•1lb ground beef
•1 lb chopped chicken liver
•1 onion (diced)
•2 green peppers (diced)
•4-6 celery stalks (diced)
•2 garlic cloves (minced)
•¼C. chopped fresh parsley
•3 C. chicken stock
•6 C. cooked rice
•1 Tbs. oil
•Salt and pepper to taste
•Cayenne pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat oil on medium high and add meat, salt, and pepper to taste.
Stir until meat begins to brown.
2. Lower heat and add all vegetables. Cook until onions are transparent and celery
is very tender. Add stock as necessary to prevent burning.
3. Stir in cooked rice. Add remaining stock and simmer on low until ready to serve.
© 2013 PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. All Rights Reserved. AudioBox, CoActual, DigiMax, Eris, FireStudio, Nimbit,
PreSonus, QMix, Riff to Release, Sceptre, StudioLive, and XMAX are trademarks or registered trademarks of PreSonus Audio
Electronics, Inc. Capture, Impact, Mixverb Presence, RedLightDist, SampleOne, Studio One, andTricomp are trademarks
or registered trademarks of PreSonus Software Ltd. Mac and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc., in the U.S.
and other countries.Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries.Temporal EQ and
TQ are trademarks of Fulcrum Acoustic. Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective
companies. All specifications subject to change without notice...except the recipe, which is a classic.
Dinner is Served

®
7257 Florida Boulevard • Baton Rouge,
Louisiana 70806 USA • 1-225-216-7887
www.presonus.com Part# 820-PAE0025-B
Sceptre
™S6 / S8
CoActual™Active Studio Monitors
Owner’s Manual