AUDAC ARES5A User Manual

Introduction

Active Speaker System

The ARES5A is a 2-way active speaker system consisting of an active and passive unit, designed to be linked together. It offers an easy and flexible solution for a wide variety of applications, producing a clear and powerful sound.

The integrated amplifier delivers a power of 2 x 40 Watt and includes a stereo line input that is implemented as both balanced and unbalanced, allowing convenient connection to any kind of audio source. Unbalanced audio sources are connected via a 3.5 mm jack connector, while balanced sources can be connected to the terminal block input connection, allowing for long signal runs without interference. A volume potentiometer allows the user to adjust the level of loudness, while the two-band tone control allows equalization of treble and bass. The auto-standby mode reduces power consumption when no input signal is detected. The active speaker includes a stereo amplifier module that also delivers the input signal to the passive unit.

A specially designed bracket system allows for close-to-wall installation of the speakers, while the recessed bracket structure guarantees an optimal cosmetic outlook of the system.

A remote input connection, implemented through an RJ45 connector, allows for wall panel connections, enabling system expansion through optional remote input modules. A variety of optional remote input units with different input possibilities are available.

Precautions

READ FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY

• ALWAYS KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS. NEVER THROW THEM AWAY.
• ALWAYS HANDLE THIS UNIT WITH CARE.
• HEED ALL WARNINGS.
• FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS.
• NEVER EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN, MOISTURE, ANY DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUID. NEVER PLACE AN OBJECT FILLED WITH LIQUID ON TOP OF THIS DEVICE.
• NO NAKED FLAME SOURCES, SUCH AS LIGHTED CANDLES, SHOULD BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.
• DO NOT PLACE THIS UNIT IN AN ENCLOSED ENVIRONMENT SUCH AS A BOOKSHELF OR CLOSET. ENSURE THERE IS ADEQUATE VENTILATION TO COOL THE UNIT. DO NOT BLOCK THE VENTILATION OPENINGS.
• DO NOT STICK ANY OBJECTS THROUGH THE VENTILATION OPENINGS.
• DO NOT INSTALL THIS UNIT NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS OR OTHER APPARATUS THAT PRODUCE HEAT.
• DO NOT PLACE THIS UNIT IN ENVIRONMENTS WHICH CONTAIN HIGH LEVELS OF DUST, HEAT, MOISTURE OR VIBRATION.
• THIS UNIT IS DEVELOPED FOR INDOOR USE ONLY. DO NOT USE IT OUTDOORS.
• PLACE THE UNIT ON A STABLE BASE OR MOUNT IT IN A STABLE RACK.
• ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS & ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
• UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
• ONLY CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A MAINS SOCKET OUTLET WITH PROTECTIVE EARTHING CONNECTION.
• THE MAINS PLUG OR APPLIANCE COUPLER IS USED AS THE DISCONNECT DEVICE, SO THE DISCONNECT DEVICE SHALL BE READILY OPERABLE.
• USE THE APPARATUS ONLY IN MODERATE CLIMATES.

⚠️ CAUTION: The symbols shown are internationally recognized symbols that warn about potential hazards of electrical products. The lightning flash with arrow point in an equilateral triangle (⚡️) means that the unit contains dangerous voltages. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle (⚠️) indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the user manual.

These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void the manufacturer's warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is spilled on the unit, shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service. Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent damage.

CAUTION - SERVICING

This product contains no user serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Do not perform any servicing (unless you are qualified to).

ATTENTION: Pour réduire les risques d'incendie ou d'électrocution, ne pas exposer cet appareil à la pluie ou à l'humidité.

EC Declaration of Conformity

This product conforms to all the essential requirements and further relevant specifications described in following directives: 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD).

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

The WEEE marking (♻️) indicates that this product should not be disposed of with regular household waste at the end of its life cycle. This regulation is created to prevent any possible harm to the environment or human health.

This product is developed and manufactured with high quality materials and components which can be recycled and/or reused. Please dispose of this product at your local collection point or recycling centre for electrical and electronic waste. This will ensure that it will be recycled in an environmentally friendly manner, and will help to protect the environment in which we all live.

FCC Warnings

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications or changes to this equipment. Such modifications or changes could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This radio transmitter (identify the device by certification number or model number if Category II) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements.

To maintain compliance with FCC's RF exposure guidelines, this equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.

Chapter 1: Connections and Connectors

Connection Standards

The in- and output connections for AUDAC audio equipment are performed according to international wiring standards for professional audio equipment.

3-Pin Terminal Block

For unbalanced line input connections:

• Left: Signal - (XLR Pin 3)
• Center: Signal + (XLR Pin 2)
• Right: Ground (XLR Pin 1)

For balanced signal input connections:

For unbalanced signal input connections:

3.5 mm Jack

For unbalanced line input connections:

• Tip: Left
• Ring: Right
• Sleeve: Ground

RJ45 (Audio, +24V DC) Remote Input Units

Chapter 2: Overview ARES5A: Rear

The rear panel of the ARES5A features various controls and connectors:

• 1. Volume Control: This knob controls the general volume of the speaker system.
• 2. Treble Control: This knob allows you to increase or decrease high frequencies by 12 dB. Adjusting high frequencies can improve intelligibility. The center position provides a neutral sound.
• 3. Bass Control: Adding bass can enhance warmth in music. Decreasing bass can improve the intelligibility of spoken messages, especially in reverberant rooms. These values can be increased or decreased by 12 dB.
• 4. Unbalanced Line Input 3.5mm: This input is for connecting audio sources from portable devices like laptops or phones. The applied signal should be a line-level signal.
• 5. Balanced Line Input: These inputs are used for connecting source devices with a balanced output signal, typically via three-pin Terminal block connectors. Balanced signals are less sensitive to interference from external devices, making them recommended for long cable runs or areas with high interference.
• 6. Remote Connector: This RJ45 input connector is for connecting remote input units. Refer to AUDAC's website or optional accessory documentation for compatible devices and detailed information on pinouts and cable runs.
• 7. Stereo/Mono Switch: This switch allows selection between mono and stereo operation modes. In mono mode, left and right input signals are mixed and fed to the amplifier.
• 8. Standby Switch: In normal operation, the speaker enters standby mode after approximately 20 minutes of inactivity (no signal detected). It automatically wakes up when an input signal is present. This switch allows enabling or disabling the auto-standby mode. When ON, the power LED is blue; when in standby, it is orange.
• 9. Speaker Output: This two-pin terminal block connector is used to connect the supplied passive loudspeaker. Using other loudspeakers may yield poor results or damage the main unit. Ensure correct speaker polarity.
• 10. Power Supply Socket: The unit connects to the mains circuit using a standard IEC C7/C8 power cord.

Overview ARES5: Passive

The passive unit features a terminal block connector for connection to the active unit.

Chapter 3: Placement and Mounting

The ARES5A is designed to be fixed to the wall using two screws and plugs. The supplied screws and plugs should be selected based on the mounting surface. The screws fit into the provided slots of the bracket. The shape of the slots allows screws to be inserted into the wall first, after which the speaker is suspended. There are three mounting possibilities for the ARES5A: horizontally, vertically, or in a corner. Ensure appropriate fasteners are used depending on the mounting surface (e.g., brick, concrete, wood).

Mounting Possibilities

• 1) Vertical mounting
• 2) Horizontal mounting
• 3) Corner mounting

Inclination Angle

The speaker can be tilted:

• 45° tilt up
• 45° tilt down

Installation Dimensions

The mounting dimensions are approximately 192.00 mm and 110.00 mm.

Installation

Follow these steps for installation:

1. Attach the bracket to the mounting surface.
2. Insert the bracket into the provided slots in the cabinet and tighten the two bolts.
3. Fix the ARES in the preferred position.
4. Adjust the AUDAC logo into the correct position by pulling and rotating it.

Drop Safety Bushing

The ARES5 features an M6 safety bushing, providing an option for mounting drop safety wires. Please check your local regulations if this is required.

Attention Points

• Installation must be carried out by qualified personnel only.
• Incorrect assembly can result in severe personal injury and property damage. If you intend to install this product yourself, you must check for installations such as electrical wiring and plumbing that may be buried inside the wall.
• It is the installer's responsibility to verify that the wall will safely support the total load of the unit and wall brackets.
• Additional tools (not included) are required for the installation.
• Do not overtighten screws.
• Keep this instruction manual for future reference.

CAUTION: To reduce risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.

ATTENTION: Pour réduire les risques d'incendie ou d'électrocution, ne pas exposer cet appareil à la pluie ou à l'humidité.

Remote Input Connector

It is optional to connect the ARES5A to a remote input unit. The connection is made using a CAT cable, with a minimum requirement of CAT5E. The maximum connection length with a CAT5E cable is up to 100 meters. It is highly recommended to keep the distance as short as possible to avoid signal degradation due to crosstalk. Power to the wall panel is distributed from the speaker. Check audac.eu for all compatible devices.

UTP CAT5E cabling (or better) is recommended for connections up to 100m.

Connecting Multiple ARES Sets to a Single Remote Input

A maximum of 4 sets of ARES5A can be connected to a single remote. The recommended cable length between each connection point (ARES5A-ARJ03P-WP205) is 10 meters.

AUDIO PAIRS: PIN 1 & 2 + PIN 7 & 8

POWER SUPPLY: PIN 3 & 6

Technical Specifications

Accessories Included

• Wall mounting bracket set
• Mains power cable (1.5 meter)
• Speaker cable (3.5 meter)
• Mounting screws + plugs

Optional Accessories

• AUDAC wall panel (check www.audac.eu for compatible products)
• 90° bracket: MBK455/B (black), MBK455/W (white)

Notes