Micca PB42X Powered Bookshelf Speakers, 30-Watt RMS Power-Complete Features/Instruction Guide

Thank you for purchasing the Micca PB42X Powered Bookshelf Speaker! This product has been designed for optimal audio reproduction performance in a variety of home entertainment configurations, with accuracy, clarity, and impact that discerning audiophiles listen for.
Please take the time to become familiar with the PB42X and the placement options as detailed in this manual.

General Placement Recommendations

Height – For stereo listening from a fixed listening area, the PB42X should ideally be placed at the ear-level of the listener, with the listener comfortably in the listening location.
Separation – The distance between a pair of PB42X speakers should be shorter than the distance from the speakers to the listener. Tilt the two speakers inward toward the listener slightly for best results.
Location – Place the PB42X along a wall or near the corner of a room for best results. Since the speakers are rear ported, keep the speakers at least 4 inches away from the wall.

Usage-Specific Recommendations

Bookshelf Speakers
When placed on bookshelves, it is important to keep both speakers at the same height. Avoid placing the speakers at different heights as this will degrade the sound. Speaker height should be selected so that it is as close to ear level as possible while considering whether listeners will be seated or standing in the listening area.

Stereo Speaker on Stands
When used with speaker stands, it is important to select speaker stands that place the speakers to the ear level of the listener. Do this by measuring the height of the listener’s ear when seated in the listening area, and subtracting 6 inches. For example, if the listener’s ear is measured at 36 inches from the floor when seated, select speaker stands that are approximately 30 inches high.

Desktop Near-field Monitor
The PB42X can be used as desktop/near-field monitor speakers, such as when placed to the either side of a display or mixing console. If the COVO-S cannot be located near ear level, foam monitor isolation wedges can be used to slightly tilt back the speakers and to decouple the speakers from the desk surface. Be aware that the PB42X is not shielded and thus should not be placed in proximity to CRT displays or other magnetic-sensitive equipment.

Setup and Connections

WARNING
The PB42X contains a built-in amplifier. DO NOT use any other amplifier to power the PB42X. Doing so will result in severe damage to the amplifier and the PB42X.

Speaker Wire Connection
The built-in amplifier is contained in the right PB42X speaker. This amplifier is also used to power the left speaker through the “Output to Left” connection terminal. Speaker wires are included for making this connection.

Turn off the PB42X before making speaker wire connections. Use the included speaker wire to connect the “Output to Left” terminals from the back of the right speaker, to the input terminals on the left speaker. Ensure that the correct polarity is observed by connecting black to black, and red to red.

Connecting Power
The PB42X is supplied with a 18V/2A AC to DC power adapter. Ensure that the power switch on the PB42X is in the OFF position before connecting the power adapter.
Input Connections

The PB42X has two input connections: a 3.5mm stereo mini jack, and RCA stereo input jacks. Only one input source can be connected at a time. Connecting two different input sources to both the 3.5mm and RCA inputs may result in damage to the input equipment.

Using For the First Time

Set the PB42X’s volume knob to a minimum and double-check all speaker wire, input, and power connections before turning on the PB42X. After turning on the PB42X, slowly turn up the volume knob until the output is at the desired volume. Congratulations, your setup is complete!

Removing the Grill

The PB42X has a removable grill that is held in place by four high-strength magnets. To remove the grill, carefully pry the grill off from edge until the magnets are fully disengaged. To avoid damaging the speaker drivers, do not touch them either with or without the grill in place. The PB42X can be used without the grills installed as long as care is taken to prevent the drivers from damage such as by hard/sharp objects, liquids, pets, or hands. Store the grills in a safe dry place when not in use.

Usage Tips

The PB42X is most convenient when used with audio sources that have their own volume control, such as MP3 players, computers, or audio mixers. Set the volume knob of the PB42X such that when the audio source is at max volume, the sound from the PB42X is free of audible stress or distortion. Once the volume on the PB42X has been set, use the audio source’s volume control to control playback volume.

Information in this manual is believed to be accurate and reliable but Micca assumes no responsibility for its use nor for any infringement of patents or other rights of third parties which may result from the use of this manual or the product. Micca reserves the right to change product specifications at any time without notice. Micca, PB42X, and the Micca logo are trademarks of Micca. Other trademarks referenced in this manual are the properties of their respective owners.
© 2012-2015 Micca. All rights reserved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Just to verify, this product comes as a PAIR, correct? As in, if I make one purchase, I’ll receive two speakers? Just want to make sure.
I gotta say something here. This page is linked to a center channel speaker (with 3 SPEAKERS AND A CROSSOVER). The bookshelf speakers at the left are NOT the right ones to be linked to this ad. As for the “single speaker” nonsense, even a base unit 5.1 system uses a center channel speaker for accurate reproduction of dialog. Placed as close as you can to the front center spot in front of your tv can yield clear and precise sound for TV and movies.
Is there a noticeable difference between the 42 and 42X?
I originally bought the mb42s and ordered/installed the $30 crossover kit from Micca. While I could not directly compare the two, I did have the originals “unaltered” long enough to notice an improvement in the sound, especially at louder levels. Also, I felt the mb42s lacked a little high-end. After installing the upgrade, the highs were much better. There is a website that gives an equalizer adjustment that really makes them shine. basically, you knock down the 1K frequency by 4/5 DB, and boost the 6K about the same a tad less.

When will these become available again? Or are they discontinued?
The message changed from “we don’t know when or if these will be available” to “sign up when these become available”, so I am taking that as a good sign. It appears that these have been a sales success, so I would think that they will be back. I do hope they drop the price back down though. They recently raised the price to $99 a pair. They are worth that, but they are no longer a great deal at that price.
Does anyone have experience using these as front speakers in a surround sound setup? Would they be loud enough with a Yamaha receiver for music and movies?
I’m using them as front stereo speakers with a subwoofer in my living room. I use them for stereo music and we use them when watching movies. They should be plenty loud. You’ll have to find the right balance with them if you are using a center channel. Otherwise, they will work fine. I have these and an 8-inch Yamaha subwoofer and it fills the room with sound during music and movies.

I want to use these speakers with an Audio Technica turntable and a Lepai amp. If I buy all 3 items, do I need to buy any additional cables? Thanks.
I also have a turntable that is audio Technica AT LP60, do I also have to buy an amp or can you tell me what to use. It is for a 13-year-old and I don’t want to have to spend 70 for this and then buy an amp. Somebody, please help. I didn’t know there were no speakers. i need it fast. Sorry, this is a question, not an answer.
Is there any way to hook up a powered sub? If I hooked it up to the power remotes peak out would that cause an issue or imbalance?
The only way would be to use a crossover board that has a sub-out connector. Your source would go into the crossover, and then it would have a sub out feed to the sub, and the other feed would go to the powered speakers. You can get these in the musical instrument section (professional audio).

Are these speakers compatible with the audio-Technica AT-LP60 turntable (without a receiver)?
I believe the AT-LP60 has a built-in pre-amp that allows direct connection to a device with a line-level input (the white and red RCA connectors) so you should be able to just plug into those connectors on the speakers. If it doesn’t have a pre-amp, there are several on Amazon, like the Pyle-Pro PP444 at about $20. You simply plug the turntable into the pre-amp and then the pre-amp into the speakers.
I’m torn between Micca PB42X, Monoprice 605300, and Mackie CR3 for TV, music, and instrument monitoring. Any input on which sounds best and most reliable?
I understand your agony in choosing between these handsomely performing yet affordable monitors. I would personally recommend PB42X as they are 4″ drivers (minimum recommended size, as 3″ is simply too small for accurate monitoring), have built-in crossovers, and availability of compatible DSP correction for the MB42X on audiophile dot com to make these great speakers perform even better.
Is the center channel speaker shielded?
Yes, it is. No interference with the TV picture. It really is a great speaker for the money.
Do these have a shutdown or standby mode or is it required that you power them on every time you fire up the music?
There is no standby mode, however, the power switch on the back is large and easy to find if you just reach around.

View Fullscreen

References

User Manual

Micca PB42X Powered Bookshelf Speakers, 30-Watt RMS Power

Specifications

Introduction