1 Overview
1.1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Eris Studio-Series studio monitors. With their superb high-frequency response, extended low-end, powerful amplification with plenty of headroom, and acoustic-tuning features to mitigate any acoustic issues in your mixing environment, the Eris Studio-Series monitors ensure your mix translates from the studio to the stereo.
PreSonus Audio Electronics is committed to constantly improving products, and your suggestions are greatly appreciated. We believe the best way to achieve our goal of constant improvement is to listen to the real experts: our valued customers. We appreciate the support you have shown through the purchase of this product, and we are confident that you will enjoy your Eris Studio-Series studio monitors.
About this manual: We recommend using this manual to familiarize yourself with the features, applications, and workflows for the Eris Studio-Series monitors before attempting to connect them to the rest of your studio equipment. This will help you achieve better performance and results.
In this manual, you will find tips for expert users that can quickly turn you into an Eris expert so you can get the most out of your investment. If this is your first pair of studio monitors, check out Section 3 for details on how to set them up correctly in your mix environment. More information is available at My.PreSonus.com.
1.2 Product Registration
PreSonus is committed to providing the best experience for our customers. MyPreSonus is a one-stop portal for all of our registered customers' needs. From your MyPreSonus account, you can view all of your PreSonus hardware and software registrations, contact support, track orders, and more.
To register your Eris studio reference monitors, go to My.PreSonus.com and follow the on-screen instructions.
Alternatively: Download the MyPreSonus app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
1.3 Package Contents
The Eris Studio-Series package contains the following:
- (1) Eris Studio 4, Studio 5, or Studio 8 Monitor
- (4) Foam isolation pads for speaker placement
- Quick Start Guide
- IEC power cable
2 Connections
2.1 Rear-Panel Connections and Controls
2.1.1 Inputs
Line-Level Inputs: The Eris Studio-Series monitors offer a choice of three line-level input types: balanced XLR, balanced 1/4" TRS, and unbalanced RCA. Do not connect more than one source to the Eris studio monitors simultaneously.
Expert User Tip: Whenever possible, it is recommended to use the balanced line-level inputs on the Eris Studio-Series monitors. Balanced cables and connections are resistant to noise induced by radio frequencies and electromagnetic interference (RMI and EMI). If your audio source only has unbalanced connections (1/4" TS or RCA), it is recommended to use the RCA input. 1/4" TS-to-RCA cables and adapters are available at most music supply stores. Whether using balanced or unbalanced inputs, always use the shortest possible cable length to minimize the risk of noise induction into the studio monitors.
Input Gain: Sets the input signal level before it is amplified.
2.1.2 Power
IEC Power Connector: This is the power input for the Eris Studio-Series monitor.
WARNING: Do not remove the center ground pin or use a ground-lift adapter, as this could cause electrical shock.
Power Switch: This is the On/Off switch for the Eris Studio-Series monitor. When the Eris Studio-Series monitor is powered on, the blue LED on the front panel illuminates.
AC SELECT Switch: The input power voltage is factory-set to match the country to which the Eris Studio-Series monitor was shipped. Use this switch only if you are using the Eris monitor in a country that uses a different standard voltage than the country in which the monitor was originally purchased.
2.1.3 User Controls
Standby: When standby is activated, the Eris monitors enter power-saving mode when there is no audio playback for more than 40 minutes. Once audio resumes, the power-saving mode turns off.
Power LED: The LED at the center of the speaker indicates the power status as follows:
- Solid White: The Eris speaker is powered on and in standby mode.
- Solid Blue: The Eris speaker is powered on and not in standby mode.
High Frequency: Boosts or cuts all frequencies above 10 kHz by ±6 dB.
Expert User Tip: The High control on the Eris Studio-Series monitors is a shelving EQ that boosts or cuts all frequencies above 10 kHz. This equalizer is very similar to the treble control on a car stereo and, in the same way, can make significant changes to the sound very quickly. If you find your mixes are translating too dark on other speaker systems, try cutting this control. Too much brightness? Boost this control a bit. In either case, room anomalies may negatively affect the performance of the Eris Studio-Series monitors. See Section 3 for setup and calibration tips.
Mid Frequency: Boosts or cuts frequencies around 1 kHz by ±6 dB.
Expert User Tip: The Mid control is a peak EQ that allows you to boost or cut the level of a two-octave frequency band centered at 1 kHz that can make slight changes to the frequency response of the Eris Studio-Series monitors. In general, you do not want to change this control, as it will change the flat frequency response of the Eris Studio-Series monitors. However, if you want to quickly emulate the performance of consumer loudspeakers, cutting this control will mimic the midrange scoop that is the hallmark of consumer designs.
Low Cutoff: Rolls off all frequencies below the specified frequency (80 or 100 Hz) with a slope of -12 dB/octave. Setting this control to Flat allows the Eris Studio-Series natural roll-off to take over.
2.2 Connection Schematics
2.2.1 Basic Configuration
This section illustrates the basic connection of an audio interface to Eris Studio monitors.
[Diagram showing an audio interface (e.g., PreSonus Studio 1824c) connected via balanced TRS cables to two PreSonus Eris Studio 8 monitors.]
2.2.2 Advanced Configuration with Monitor Controller and Speaker Switching
This section illustrates an advanced setup using a monitor controller and multiple speaker pairs.
[Diagram showing a monitor controller connected to an audio interface, with outputs routed to multiple pairs of Eris monitors (e.g., Eris Pro 8, Eris Studio 5).]
3 Tutorials
3.1 Monitor Placement and Acoustic Space Settings
Before placing your studio monitors in your mixing environment, position your desk or monitor stands so that the speakers are at least 8" to 12" (20-30 cm) away from walls and corners. This will be sufficient to prevent sound waves from hitting the wall and reflecting back to you, causing phase cancellation and other potentially damaging acoustic interactions. This may not always be possible, and there are several ways to mitigate cramped mixing spaces.
When a monitor is placed near a wall or in a corner, low frequencies tend to be emphasized more than if the monitor is placed some distance from any room boundary. Commonly referred to as "boundary bass boost," it is most pronounced when the monitor is in a corner and less pronounced, but still present, when the monitor is near a wall. While a greater bass response may be desirable in a listening environment, for studio mixing, this can cause your mix to sound too bright when played back on consumer stereo systems because the engineer will instinctively reduce the bass content in the mix to compensate for what they are hearing in the studio.
To compensate for this phenomenon, the Eris Studio-Series monitors are equipped with an Acoustic Space control that cuts all frequencies below 800 Hz by a specified amount:
- If your Eris Studio-Series monitors are placed near room corners, start by setting the Acoustic Space switch to -4 dB. This will provide maximum bass attenuation.
- When the Eris Studio-Series monitors are positioned closer to the rear wall, set the Acoustic Space switch to -2 dB.
- If your mixing environment offers sufficient space to place the studio monitors away from room boundaries, leave the Acoustic Space switch at 0 dB, as no bass attenuation should be necessary.
If possible, your mix position should be centered on a wall, as this will provide a more balanced listening position. Position the speakers so they are equidistant from the sides of the room. That is, if the left speaker is two meters from the wall to its left and 50 cm from the wall behind it, the right speaker should be two meters from the wall to its right and 50 cm from the wall behind it. By centering your mix position, your monitoring system will provide more reliable low-frequency intelligibility. In a rectangular room, it is best to position yourself along one of the long walls, especially in a smaller room. This will minimize problems caused by side-wall reflections.
Just as it is not a good idea to set your mix position in a corner, it is not a good idea to create a corner with your mix position. Ensure that the distance from the speaker to the wall behind it is different from the distance to the nearest side wall. For example, if the left speaker is 30 cm from the wall to its left, it should not also be 30 cm from the wall behind it.
The Eris Studio-Series' focused EBM waveguide design ensures wide horizontal coverage with tight vertical dispersion that helps limit first reflections from the desk or console. Unlike other Eris monitors that can be positioned horizontally or vertically, this design requires the Eris Studio-Series monitors to always be positioned in their vertical orientation.
Whenever people talk about listening to loudspeaker systems, they talk about the "sweet spot." As mentioned previously, this is the central position between the two sides of a stereo system, where the speakers overlap, and where the stereo image will be best.
Creating the sweet spot is relatively easy. Simply angle, or "toe in," each speaker so that the tweeters form an equilateral triangle with your head—that is, the speakers are as far apart from each other as they are from you. The monitors should be angled, or "toed in," so that each is directed toward an ear, rather than pointed straight ahead.
Ideally, near-field studio monitors like the Eris Studio-Series should be positioned so that the high-frequency drivers (commonly known as "tweeters") are at the same height as your ears when you are seated in the mix position. High-frequency content is much more directional than low-frequency content. For this reason, you can hear more accurately what is happening if the high frequencies are directed at your ears. Once you have created the sweet spot, sit down and ensure your ears are level with the center of the tweeter.
3.2 Calibration to 85 dB "Standard" SPL Reference
After correctly positioning your studio monitors and listening position, it is beneficial to set all levels in your studio to optimize each component. Taking the time to properly calibrate your loudspeakers can be very valuable in this regard and will also give you a great starting point for troubleshooting or perfecting your mixing environment.
The primary purpose of loudspeaker calibration is to ensure that a specific audio level measured in your DAW or mixer equals a predetermined SPL in your studio environment. Depending on the method and reference levels used during calibration, proper calibration can help reduce unwanted noise, minimize the risk of damage to your studio monitors and ears, maximize the reference capabilities of different types of loudspeakers, and ensure you are listening to audio as accurately as possible.
When calibrating studio reference monitors, the acoustic level or Sound Pressure Level (SPL) must be measured from the mix position at seated ear height. There are an assortment of fantastic SPL measurement apps on the market for smartphones, and many are free! You can also find accurate SPL meters at your local electronics store.
The SPL meter should be held at a distance, with the microphone pointed at the center between the left and right speakers (where your head will be), angled at 45 degrees to ensure an accurate reading. If your SPL meter is also your mobile phone, make sure your finger or phone case is not covering the microphone!
The left and right monitors must be calibrated independently to ensure that both monitors are set to the same acoustic level. This will ensure that stereo mixes are balanced and translate well across different loudspeaker systems.
The goal of this standard reference calibration is to ensure that when your output meters in your DAW or mixer read 0 dB, the SPL at your mix position is 85 dB.
- Connect the main outputs of your audio source to the studio monitors. The left output should be connected to the speaker on the left. The right output should be connected to the speaker on the right.
- Begin by turning the input gain of the Eris Studio-Series monitors to the lowest setting.
- Bring the output of your audio source (audio interface, mixer, or speaker management device) to its lowest setting. Note: If you have external processors (equalizers, limiters, etc.) connected between the audio source and the monitors, disconnect or bypass them. If the audio source is a mixer, ensure it is zeroed out.
- Play full-bandwidth 20 Hz to 20 kHz pink noise through your main audio source outputs at 0 dB.
- Bring up the outputs of your primary audio source to the unity gain setting. "Unity gain" is the setting where the signal level is neither boosted nor attenuated. It is usually marked with a "0" or a "U" on the audio device's fader or level knob. On many digital interfaces and digital devices, the maximum level of the device is also the unity gain setting. Consult your audio device's user manual or the manufacturer's website for more information on its levels and adjustments. You should not hear the pink noise. If you do, repeat step 2.
- While measuring the output level with an SPL meter, begin to slowly increase the input gain (volume) of the left speaker until the acoustic level of the test tone playback reaches 82 dB SPL. When both speakers are playing simultaneously, the overall SPL will increase by approximately +3 dB (85 dB).
- Turn off the left speaker.
- Slowly increase the input gain (volume) of the right speaker until the acoustic level of the test tone playback reaches 82 dB SPL.
- Stop the pink noise and turn the left speaker back on. Play a music program that you are familiar with through the speakers and sit in your mix position. You may need to fine-tune the speaker placement until the sound is balanced and you have a nice sweet spot from which to mix.
Note: If 85 dB is too loud for your room, due to noise constraints or because the room is too small, you can repeat the calibration steps above and bring each speaker up to 79 dB. The important thing is that both speakers are set to the same SPL level, not necessarily the same level itself.
4 Resources
4.1 Technical Specifications
The following table details the specifications for the Eris Studio 4, Studio 5, and Studio 8 monitors:
| Studio 4 | Studio 5 | Studio 8 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 55 Hz to 20 kHz | 48 Hz to 20 kHz | 35 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Peak SPL | 99 dB (@ 1M) | 102 dB (@ 1M) | 106 dB (@ 1M) |
| LF Amplifier Power | 25W, Class AB | 45W, Class AB | 75W, Class AB |
| HF Amplifier Power | 25W, Class AB | 35W, Class AB | 65W, Class AB |
| LF Driver | 11.4cm composite woven | 5.25" composite woven | 8-inch composite woven |
| HF Driver | 1-inch, silk dome | 1-inch, silk dome | 1.25-inch, silk dome |
| Inputs (1 each) | Balanced XLR 1/4" Balanced TRS Unbalanced RCA | Balanced XLR 1/4" Balanced TRS Unbalanced RCA | Balanced XLR 1/4" Balanced TRS Unbalanced RCA |
| Controls | Volume High Frequency Mid Frequency Acoustic Space Low Cut Power Saving | Volume High Frequency Mid Frequency Acoustic Space Low Cut Power Saving | Volume High Frequency Mid Frequency Acoustic Space Low Cut Power Saving |
| Dimensions (H x L x W) | 10" x 7.01" x 7.28" (254 mm x 178 mm x 184.8 mm) | 11.48" x 8" x 8.78" (291.5 mm x 203.2 mm x 223 mm) | 16.5" x 9.84" x 11.73" (419 mm x 250 mm x 298 mm) |
| Weight | 8.82 lbs (4 kg) | 5.2 kg (11.46 lbs) | 10.1 kg (22.27 lbs) |
4.2 Setting Up Eris Monitors for Best Performance
- Use balanced cables to connect the monitors to your audio device. A balanced cable is a type of audio cable that uses three conductors (two signal conductors and a ground conductor) to transmit audio signals. Balanced cables help to cancel out any noise or interference picked up along the cable's length. Unbalanced cables are more susceptible to noise and interference and should be avoided.
- Ensure your monitors are connected to a good power source. Unstable or noisy power sources can cause unwanted noise in the audio signal. If necessary, use a surge protector or power conditioner.
- Keep cables away from power sources and other electronic devices to avoid electromagnetic interference that can cause hum or other noise in the audio signal.
- Position your monitors correctly to minimize noise. Keep them a reasonable distance from other electronic devices to avoid interference.
- Proper gain staging can help you avoid noise in the audio signal. Gain staging refers to the process of setting the input and output levels of audio signals in a recording or mixing system to achieve optimal sound quality and avoid distortion. Ensure that your input levels are not too low or too high. Keep your levels within a reasonable range and avoid overloading your audio interface or mixer.
4.3 Troubleshooting
No Power: First, ensure that the Eris Studio-Series monitor is plugged in. If it is plugged into a power conditioner, verify that the power conditioner is turned on and functioning. If the problem persists, unplug the power cord from the studio monitor and check the fuse on the rear panel. The type of fuse required for the monitor is listed below the power receptacle. Be sure to use the correct fuse for the input voltage setting. If the fuse blows again, you will need to contact PreSonus for a repair.
No Sound: If the Eris Studio monitor appears to power on but no sound is heard when playing audio from your audio source (lights are on but no one is home), first ensure that the cable connecting the audio source to the monitor is functioning correctly. Also, check that the Input Gain control is set to provide sufficient gain for the signal.
Hum: Hum is typically caused by a ground loop. Ensure that all audio equipment is plugged into the same power source. If you are not using a power conditioner, it is highly recommended that you add one. This will not only help minimize hum but will also better protect your equipment from voltage spikes, sags, etc. Use balanced cables whenever possible. If your audio device does not offer a balanced output, you can connect it to a DI box, which will provide a ground-lift switch and a balanced output. Finally, ensure that your audio cables are not in close proximity to power cables and use cables of the appropriate length for your application. Using cables that are too long not only increases the risk of noise but also increases the likelihood that the cables will become coiled, essentially creating an antenna that picks up all types of audio interference.
