A U D I O STUDIO REFERENCE MONITORS Two-way Active Ribbon Reference Monitor
Safety Instructions/Consignes de sécurité/Sicherheitsvorkehrungen/Instrucciones de seguridad WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. To reduce the hazard of electrical shock, do not remove cover or back. No user serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to qualified personnel.
Table of Contents Introduction 2 Rubicon R8a Features 3 Rubicon R8a Layout 4 Front View Layout 4 Rear Panel Layout - R8a 5 Setting up the Rubicon R8a 6 Background on the Rubicon R8a Studio Reference Monitor 6 Positioning the Rubicon R8a 6 Connecting the Rubicon R8a 8 Operating the Rubicon R8a 9 Connecting to the Rubicon R10s Subwoofer 11 Rubicon R8a Connections 12 Rubicon R8a Specifications 13 Copyright 2005 - 2006, Samson Technologies Corp. Printed December, 2006 v1.
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Rubicon R8a Studio Reference Monitors by Samson Audio. The Samson Rubicon R8a are self-powered, near-field monitors featuring bi-amp power, superior electronics, robust woofers and advanced designed velocity ribbon tweeters. The proper implementation of these elements results in a monitor with a linear response from bottom to top with tight lows and articulate highs.
Rubicon R8a Features The Samson Rubicon R8a reference monitors provide a smooth response that is accurate, and at the same time, pleasant to listen to. Here are some of its main features: • Two-way, active ribbon studio monitor with ported tuned enclosure providing extremely accurate monitoring for recording studio, post-production and multi-media applications. • The Rubicon R8a employes a 8” Copolymer Butyl Surround woofer providing both monitors with a tight and controlled low frequency response.
Rubicon R8a Layout Front View Layout 1 - ” X 2” RIBBON TWEETER Planer ribbon 1 transducer provides low distortion with a linear high frequency response resulting in a clear, precise and sweet top end. 4 ENCLOSURE - Rigid MDF construction. 5 UNED PORT - Quiet port design offering linear T extended low frequency response. 2 POWER LED - Red LED illuminates indicating the unit is powered on, ready for operation. 6 FINISH - Sleek black textured finish.
Rubicon R8a Layout Rear Panel Layout - R8a 1 2 3 ibbon LEVEL – Four-position switch used R to adjust the high frequency response (in 2dB increments). 4 POWER SWITCH – Main power switch. 5 C INLET - Connect the supplied IEC power A cable here. 6 1/4-INCH PHONE – Balance TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) 1/4-inch phone plug used to connect balanced or unbalanced +4dBu line level signals. 7 CA – Used to connect signals from unbalanced, R –10dBV devices. VOLUME - Controls the amount of output level.
Setting up the Rubicon R8a Background on the Rubicon R8a Studio Reference Monitor The Rubicon R8as' are self-powered, near-field reference monitors, featuring robust power, advanced electronics and custom designed drive units. For pristine highs, the Rubicon R8a boasts a 1-inch by 2-inch velocity ribbon tweeter. The Rubicon ribbon tweeters are constructed using a Kapton diaphragm with vaporized aluminum applied to the surface.
Setting up the Rubicon R8a Positioning the Rubicon R8a - continued Speaker Orientation The Rubicon R8as' can be used in either the vertical or horizontal position, however for best results they should be set up in the vertical position. When using the monitors in the horizontal position, be certain to place the left and right side tweeters on the outer most sides. (Figure 2) This will improve the stereo imaging and bass response by increasing the coupling of the low-end drivers.
Connecting the Rubicon R8a Rubicon R8a Quick Connections Note: Before plugging in and turning on, remember the “last on, first off” rule of power amplifiers (and powered monitors). When powering up your system, be sure that all the wires are connected, turn your mixer and any other outboard gear on, and then last turn your Rubicon R8as' on. When powering down, turn your Rubicon R8as' off first and then your mixer and outboard gear.
Operating the Rubicon R8a Rubicon R8a Control Panel The Rubicon R8as' rear control panels are where you will make your connections for both AC power and audio signals. The rear panel also contains the controls to make adjustments to the overall volume and frequency response curve. The following section details the rear panel controls and connections.
Operating the Rubicon R8a Rubicon R8a Control Panel - continued 3 Ribbon Level Control 5 1 3 4 2 6 7 The four-position Ribbon Level control switch is used to adjust the monitor's high-frequency response, providing 4 four equalization curves to select from. By using the Ribbon Level control, the Rubicon’s high 2 frequency response is adjusted with the application of a high-end tilt (equalization circuit) centered at 12kHz, with selectable levels of –2dB, 0dB (flat), + 2dB and +4dB.
Connecting to the Rubicon R10s Subwoofer Rubicon R8a with Mono Sub Adding a subwoofer and extended low frequency response to your Rubicon R8a's system is easy using the Rubicon R8a’s LINE LEVEL inputs. Below is a typical system set-up using the Samson Rubicon R10s 1 with a mixer and a pair of Rubicon R8a satellite speakers. The Rubicon R8a’s inputs utilize industry standard RCA and XLR connectors. For a detailed wiring diagram, see the section “Rubicon R8a Connections” on page 12.
Rubicon R8a Connections Rubicon R8a Wiring Guide There are several ways to interface the Rubicon R8a, depending on your exact monitoring set-up. Follow the cable diagrams below for connecting your monitor system.
Rubicon R8a Specifications Specifications Transducers: Frequency response: R8a Amplifier: Power Rating: Crossover Frequency: 8.
Samson Technologies Corp. 45 Gilpin Avenue Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816 Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) Fax: 631-784-2201 www.samsontech.
