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Avantone Pro Active Mixcubes
The Avantone Active Mixcubes are designed to be high-resolution, full-range powered mini-reference monitors. Studios primarily use 2-way & 3-way larger monitors designed to represent a wide range reference viewpoint at higher listening levels (e.g., like my Kali IN-8 monitors). However, in this newly developing age of high definition Audio, there is still a need to also hear what a mix will sound like when played back over small “bass-challenged” systems such as televisions, computers, car stereos, iPod docking stations, etc. It is important to make mixing judgments based partially on listening to reference monitors that will not impart tonal anomalies caused by crossovers or inferior full range drivers. Particular attention is always paid to the critical mid-range vocal/guitar/keyboard areas. This is where having a full-range monitor without a crossover is truly revealing. See also the soundonsound review.
The Avantone monitors are based on the
“The Avantone monitors are based on the Auratone speakers which have a long history in music recording. Its little six-inch wide cabinet and single small driver cone can often be seen perched atop the console meterbridge in pictures of classic studio sessions from the ‘70s and ‘80s, and its important mixdown role for some the biggest records of the era (the Bee Gees’ Saturday Night Fever soundtrack and Michael Jackson’s Thriller, to name but two) has been well documented. Indeed, some engineers used Auratones as their primary monitors during mixdown. There remains, however, a good deal of conflicting opinion about why exactly this little speaker was so popular.” (source: soundonsound)
Gallary
Monitor setup Skippy Studio
I use the Avantones together with my main Kali IN-8 2nd Wave speakers and the Yamaha HS8S subwoofer. The HS8S subwoofer is connected to a separate output bus of the Behringer X32 instead of connecting the IN-8 to the output of the subwoofer (i.e., in serial). My setup allows me to easily switch the subwoofer on and off when needed, and by using the X32 EQ I can easily control the high and low cut-off frequencies of the subwoofer. Most of the mixing I perform without the subwoofer. The Avantone and the IN-8 are connected to the separate output busses of the Mackie Big Knob. This allows me to easily switch between both monitoring systems. In addition, I have connected two stereo output busses of the X32 to the input of Big Knob. On one bus I have the main computer and Cubase stereo out signal, while on the second bus I have a master mix bus from Cubase. In this way, while mixing, I can easily switch the the raw mix, and a prelimanary mastered version.
The original vintage Auratones
Specifications Avantones
System Type: Active (Self-powered) shielded full-range stereo pair
Frequency Response: 90Hz – 17,000Hz (useful musical range)
Impendance: Nominal 8 ohms
Max SPL: 104db @ 1 meter = 1%THD (PINK NOISE)
Amplifier Type: Class A/B
Amplifier Power: 60 watts RMS@ .005% THD (1KHz)
Amp Frequency Response: 22Hz-50KHz +0dB/- 3dB (90Hz-50KHz +/-0dB)
Noise: S/N -113 dB
Sensitivity: 0dBu (.775VRMS) input at maximum volume (+6dB) = 104dB SPL
Driver: Proprietary design 5.25″ cast aluminum frame / paper cone / shielded
Cabinet: sealed / 18mm MDF / Dacron acoustical stuffing
Features
- Balanced Input: This “combo XLR” input accepts a BALANCED male XLR plug as well as a 3-conductor BALANCED TRS ¼” or a 2 conductor UNBALANCED TS ¼” male plug. For unbalanced operation with a TS connector the minus signal is automatically grounded.
- System Gain: This variable control adjusts the sensitivity of the signal that appears at the input. Rotating the control clockwise increases the sensitivity while a counter-clockwise rotation decreases sensitivity. The adjustable gain range is from -30 to +6 dB. A setting of +6 allows a full, unimpeded signal to be sent to the amplifier. The detented gain positions allow for repeatable settings between speakers for proper matching. Please Note… when the signal appearing at the input is too hot, the amplifier can overload causing distortion and possible damage to the speaker. If overload occurs, attenuate (decrease) the input level by turning the knob counter-clockwise a few clicks.
- On/Off Switch: This illuminated switch turns the amplifier section on and off. The unit is still receiving power from the transformer however.
- Ground Lift Switch: By engaging this switch the pin 1 shield is lifted at the input jack. This can be used to aid in ground loop control of the incoming analog line signal.
- Placement: When positioning the Avantone Active MixCubes on stands or console bridges it is best to keep them at ear level and slightly angled in towards the engineer. Since they are shielded it is ok to place them near a CRT video monitor or TV without causing any problems.
Figure 1. Avantone frequency response (source: monitor benchtest; see documents)
Reviews on YouTube
Documents
