Avantone Pro Active MixCubes reference monitor (set of 2)

General

This monitor is often used for active recordings and mix downs. The Avantone Pro Active MixCube has been designed as a high-resolution, full-range, active mini reference monitor for fixed or mobile setups. Its timeless design also incorporates a single full-range transducer.

Avantone Pro Active MixCube: background

Studios mainly use large 2-way and 3-way monitors to allow for a wide range of reference points at high audio quality, but in this age of high-def audio you also need to know how your mix holds up when played through a car stereo or iPod docking station! Judgments on your mix need to be partially based on reference monitors that don't cause tonal differentiations (because of their crossovers or inferior full-range drivers, for instance). Additional attention needs to be paid to the mid-range vocal/guitar/keyboard parts, which is where a full-range monitor without crossover really comes into its own. Ten months of R&D have been put to good use in the Avantone MixCubes, resulting in a smooth, full-range improvement of the original 5C Sound Cubes. Listening tests have shown that the MixCubes produce a flat, open and transparent top range and response with an extensive bass, while they retain their original sonic character.

Housing Design

The old 5C Sound Cubes have a housing of half-inch particleboard covered with a glue-on wood grain contact paper. Avant Electronics have opted for thicker, denser MDF to allow for a more durable construction and low resonance. The 165mm sealed cuboid design features rounded-off corners, and a polyurethane polished retro-cream finish! Whereas the original contained screws (or synthetic bindings on newer models), mounted on a flushed synthetic cup, Avant Electronics have now opted for something else! What would that be? Durable, high-end, nickel-plated, machine-made binding posts with double banana spacing, mounted on a black, anodised, silk-screened aluminium end plate! Quite a mouthful really. A 7mm thick neoprene pad is built into the base of the housing, to function as an anti-slip acoustic isolator. For further creative mounting situations, an industry-standard 5/8"-27 microphone stand mounting point is flushed in the base.

The original 5C Sound Cubes had a simple 5-inch stamped frame driver. This modern incarnation features a customised 5.25-inch die-cast aluminium frame driver/cone composition for improved performances. Furthermore, the mounting rim was brushed for an elegant look. The paper cone is used because of its musical character, and it's been manually designed and made in Japan, in accordance with uniform gauges. The top plate and T-Yoke of the driver are made of Sumitomo 1008 low-carbon steel, for the highest modelling flux density in the opening. 40 oz. of high-power low-distortion motor structure is made possible by the Y-40 grade magnets (Mil-Spec).

Technology

The monitor's amp module is designed from scratch as a highly professional unit. “Overkill” concepts are features in the component selection as well as safety, resulting in a an uncompromising amp with robust headroom characteristics - a true competitor for much more expensive rack-mounted amps! The MixCube features a balanced combo XLR input connector, which is suited for balanced male XLR plugs as well as 3-pin balanced 6.3mm TRS connectors or unbalanced 6.3mm TS male plugs. Automatic grounding of the negative-polarity signal is featured for unbalanced operations with a TS connector.

The variable system gain control adjusts the sensitivity of the input signal. By rotating the knob counter-clockwise, the sensitivity is increased, while the opposite direction attenuates the sensitivity. The adjustable gain range reaches from -30 to +6 dB. A setting of +6 dB allows for a full, unattenuated signal to the amp. Non-ticking gain positions can be used for repetitive settings between speakers for proper matching. With the built-in Ground Lift switch, the pin-1 shielding of the input connector is eliminated, so that a ground loop of the incoming line signal can be removed.

• If the input signal's too hot, the amp might overload, causing distortion and possible damage to the speaker. When overloading occurs, you can attenuate the input level by rotating the gain knob counter-clockwise.
• The backlit on/off switch allows you to turn the amplifier on/off. In the latter case, the device is still powered via the transformer. The AC input should only be used with the official Avantone power adapter. You can secure the cable/connector for reliable operations. A switch on the power adapter lets you select the right voltage for your location. Take note! In the Netherlands/Belgium this is always equals 230 V - a wrong adapter set might damage your speaker irreversibly!
• If you want to mount the Avantone MixCubes on stands or console bridges, you might want to keep them at ear height, and close to the user. As the MixCubes are magnetically shielded, you can position them near to a CRT video screen or TV. With the microphone stand mounting point, you can also try out creative positioning options in uncommon studio playback situations.