TAKSTAR MT5 Active Studio Monitor

Specifications

• Power Amp: Class AB dual amp
• Input Adjustment: HF, LF 3 band adjustment EQ HF filter
• Input Connector: 1 x 1/4 TRS, 1 x XLR, 1 x RCA
• Weight: approximate 4.7kg
• Dimension: 180mm*220mm*280mm (W x D x H)

Product Usage Instructions

Function Instruction

• Vent Tube: The vent tube boosts bass effect of the speaker cabinet.
• LED: Turn on the power switch, and LED lights up white. This means the speaker cabinet enters into operation status.

Operation

1. Connect audio source signal with mixer input connector.
2. Connect mixer L/R output with the input connector of MT5.
3. Play and enjoy the music.

Cleaning
Regularly clean the monitor speaker cabinet using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that may damage the surface of the product.

Troubleshooting
FUSE: If the fuse burns continuously, it indicates a serious problem. Push the fuse holder into the IEC socket. Contact your local dealer for maintenance if needed.

FAQ

• Q: What are the different input connectors provided?
  
  • A: Three types of input connectors are provided – Bal XLR input, Bal TRS/unbal TS input, and Unbal RCA input to meet the connection needs of various audio source devices.
• Q: How do I know if the speaker cabinet is in operation status?
  
  • A: The LED on the speaker cabinet lights up white when the power switch is turned on, indicating that the speaker is in operation status.

Powered Studio Monitor

Preface
Dear Customer,
Thank you for purchasing TAKSTAR MT5 studio monitor speaker cabinet. MT5 features reliable quality and professional performance to reproduce the original sound. MT5 can meet your requirement
no matter it’s hip-hop, rock & roll. User can adjust frequency response according to different studio space.
Please read the user manual carefully before operation and keep it for reference in future. If you have any question or suggestion, please contact our local dealer.

Features

• Tailored for recording and achieved professional effect in the studio;
• Stereo boosts the effect and listening;
• Accurate acoustic calibration, frequency bal adjustment
• Silk dome speaker ensures quick transient response and more HF details and clearer sound.
• Polypropylene woofer, powerful LF dynamic response
• Adjustable filtering design, optimized monitoring effect
• HPF boosts or decays the relative frequency band, and adjusts the sound brightness
• Customized structure, durable MDF enclosure
• Acoustic foam decreases noise and optimizes the sound field

Specification

• Peak SPL (one pair）：108 dB SPL @ 1M/1W
• Frequency Response：57Hz-20kHz (±3dB)
• Crossover： 24 dB/octave @ 2kHz
• HF： 1 inch silk dome
• LF： 5.25 inch polypropylene cone
• HF Unit：4Ω 20W/ 40W（peak）
• LF Unit：4Ω 30W/60W（peak）
• Power Amp： Class AB dual amp
• Input Adjustment: HF, LF 3 band adjustment
• EQ： HF filter
• Input Connector：1 x 1/4″ TRS, 1 x XLR, 1 x RCA
• Weight: approximate 4.7kg
• Dimension：180mm*220mm*280mm（W x Dx H）

Note: The above data are obtained by Takstar Laboratory and have the right of final interpretation has the right of final interpretation.

Product content

• MT5 monitor speaker cabinet: 1 pair
• Power cord: 2 pcs
• User manual: 1 pcs

Application
pro recording monitoring, music appreciation

Function instruction

1. Power connection and fuse: firmly connect the power cord with the IEC socket, and insert the other end into the AC power socket. Ensure that the voltage of the AC power socket is consistent with the AC voltage selected on the monitor speaker cabinet.
   It is dangerous to disconnect the ground pin of the plug. Do not do it!
   The fuse is located at the back of the fuse cover, at the bottom of the IEC socket. For information on replacing the fuse, refer to the “trouble shooting” section;
2. Voltage selection switch: the default voltage is 230V, which does not need to be adjusted, so as to prevent the fuse from fusing automatically in case of voltage instability and sudden power failure, and protect the accessories from damage
3. Power switch: before turning on the power switch, please make sure that the volume is turned to the minimum position. When the power switch is turned to the “ON” position, it turns on the speaker. The LED on the front keeps lighting up white, indicating that the speaker has entered the working state
4. Acoustic space calibration: three step adjustment, which can adjust the low frequency response of the monitor speaker, and make appropriate compensation according to the different positions of the monitor speaker in the room. If you put the monitor speaker away from the wall and corner (the whole space), please set the switch to the “0” position (normal). If you put the monitor speaker against the wall (half space), please set the switch to “- 2” position, which will activate a filter and reduce the low-frequency output 2dB to compensate for half space. If you put the monitor speaker in the corner of the room (1 / 4 of the space), please set the acoustic space switch to “- 4” position to reduce the low-frequency output 4dB to compensate for 1 / 4 of the space.
5. HF filter adjustment: this switch adjusts HF response. It defaults that this switch is kept in the “0” (normal) position, unless: You only like bright or dark mixing style. You want to make the sound from the speakers bright or dark. If the mixing sounds too bright, you can set the high-frequency switch to – 2dB position to reduce the high-frequency output of the monitor speaker. On the contrary, if the mixing is always too dim, you can set the high-frequency switch to + 2dB position to increase some high-frequency to meet your needs.
6. Input level adjustment: This is the input level signal control knob, which can adjust the gain according to the signal level of the input.
   When the level control knob is turned to the leftmost position anticlockwise, it is the minimum input level state. When the level control knob is turned to the rightmost position clockwise, it is the maximum input level state (please refer to the operation instructions for the level setting steps).
7. Signal input: connect the line level signal from the mixer or other signal source to one of the input jacks. There are three types of input options: balanced XLR, balanced 1 / 4 “TRS / unbalanced 1 / 4” ts, and unbalanced RCA. Since the three interface circuits are all connected together, do not connect multiple signals to the input socket at the same time.
   When the cable length is more than 6 meters, balanced transmission connection can provide good noise suppression and is the preferred connection method.
   According to the standard, their wiring is as follows, designated by AES (Audio Engineering Society): Bal XLR Hot（＋）pin 2 ,cold（‒）pin 3, shield (ground) pin 1
   Bal TRS（Φ6.35mm）
   Hot（＋）tip, cold, shield (ground) sleeve Unbal TS（Φ6.35mm） Hot（＋） tip, shield sleeve Unbal RCA
   Hot（＋）tip，shield（ground）sleeve
8. Vent tube: the vent tube boosts bass effect of the speaker cabinet.
9. LED: turn on the power switch, and LED lights up white. This means the speaker cabinet enters into

Operation

1. Quick start
   Rea d this part carefully before operation please.
   1. Turn the input level control knob of the monitor speaker counterclockwise to the minimum position.
   2. Before power on, turn off power switch to prevent from the damage by power surge.
   3. Set the calibration/filter switch to normal position.
   4. Connect mixer, preamp or other audio equipment with monitor speaker cabinet (1/4″, XLR or RCA）.
   5. Connect one end of power cord with speaker cabinet power socket, and the other end with AC socket.
   6. Turn on the audio source (mixer, CD player, DAW or other equipment). Set the volume control to minimum position.
   7. Turn on the monitor speaker cabinet. LED on front panel lights up white.
   8. Set the input level control clockwise to proper position.
   9. Set the master volume control of mixer or preamp to proper position. If the speaker volume is too high, decrease the input volume, and then adjust the volume control of mixer of preamp.
2. Connection diagram At first, connect audio source signal with mixer input connector, and then connect mixer L/R output with the input connector of MT5, and then you can play and enjoy the music.
3. Frequency response control
   Many elements have impact on the LF expansion. We design compensation control to optimize the frequency response.
   When you place the monitor speaker in the corner or against the wall, the low frequency is changed by various reflections. When you place it near the wall, the low frequency loudness will increase significantly, and when you place it in the corner, the low frequency loudness will increase even more.
   If the monitor speaker is placed against the wall and you want to reduce the bass, set the filter switch to ‒2dB. If the speaker cabinet is placed in the corner, set the switch to ‒4dB.
   HF response MT5 has a flat MFHF response range. You can adjust it according to the mixing needs. When it is weakened, the sound will be dimmed, and when it is enhanced, the sound will be bright.

Other suggestions
Do not listen to music at high volume for a long time. For information about hearing protection, please refer to the notes section.
When turning off the equipment, please firstly turn off the MT5 to prevent the high-level surge by the previous level equipment from damaging the speaker cabinet. When turning on the power supply of the equipment, turn on speaker cabinet at last.

Protection circuit
MT5 has the protections below to protect the speaker cabinet and amplifier.

Note: the protection circuit is designed to prevent damage to the speaker under reasonable conditions. If you ignore the warning sign (i.e. the sound has been over distorted) and still over play to cause speaker damage, it will not be covered by the warranty.

1. Over shift protection
   A 12dB /Oct HPF is designed in front of the LF amplifier to effectively prevent the extremely low frequency from being amplified. Excessive low-frequency energy below the available frequency range can damage the woofer, also known as over-excitation.
2. Thermal protection
   All amplifiers will generate heat. The monitoring speaker uses thermal protection circuit for protection.
   If the heat sink overheats for some reason, the thermal switch will be started and the amplifier will be turned off. The protection device is independent of LF and HF amplifier operation.
   When the heat sink cools to a safe temperature, the thermal switch resets and returns to normal operation. If the heat sink temperature is too high again, the closing process will repeat. If this happens, make sure that the air flow to the back of the enclosure is limited.
3. Magnetic shield
   MT5 monitor speaker cabinet contains a magnetic structure. The speaker magnet is not shielded. If the speaker cabinet is placed too close to CRT, it may cause image jitter and color distortion. If you have a particularly sensitive computer monitor or TV, you may need to keep the monitor speaker about 20cm away from the computer monitor or TV.
4. Input signal connection
   We recommend using high quality shielded audio cable to connect the signal source to the signal input connector on the monitor speaker cabinet.
   Three types of input connectors are provided to meet the connection of various audio source devices: Bal XLR input Bal (TRS/unbal (TS)input
   Unbal RCA input

Note: separate the audio cable from the AC power cord. High voltage AC will cause interference in the audio cable.

Caution: do not try to connect the speaker output directly with the input of the monitor speaker cabinet! The level of the speaker is much higher than the line level, which will damage the input circuit of the monitor speaker cabinet.
However, you can insert a level signal attenuator between the speaker output and the MT5 monitor speaker input. You can ask for help from an authorized local dealer.

Cleaning

• Avoid the monitor speaker being affected by moisture.
• Avoid exposure to extremely cold (below freezing) temperatures
• Turn off the power switch and clean the equipment with a dry cloth.

Trouble shooting

If you think there is a problem with your MT5 monitor, please try the following troubleshooting methods. If the problem still hasn’t been solved effectively, we suggest you contact our local dealer.

Power failure

1. Is the power supply plugged in?
2. Ensure the power cord is firmly fixed in the IEC socket and inserted into the AC socket;
3. Ensure that the AC power socket is powered on (check with a tester or lamp).
4. If the power switch set to ON.
5. Is the front LED on? If not, make sure the AC outlet is powered. If yes, refer to the “no sound” Troubleshooting section of this user manual
6. If the power LED is not on, and you are sure that the AC power socket is powered on, the fuse may be broken

Removing and replacing fuses

1. Disconnect the power cord from the IEC socket
2. Use a small screwdriver to open the fuse holder and remove it (as shown in the right figure)
3. Remove the fuse and replace the fuse of the same type; 230V AC:T500mAL/250V 115V AC: T1AL/250V
4. Push the fuse holder into the IEC socket. If the fuse burns continuously, the problem will be serious. It is recommended that you contact your local dealer for maintenance.

No sound

1. Is the power LED on? If not, refer to the “power failure” section of troubleshooting.
2. Is input level control on?
3. Is the signal source on? Ensure that the signal level output from the mixer (or other sound source equipment) is high enough.
4. If one of the speakers has no sound, please try to adjust the signal cable. For example, if the left speaker has no sound, connect the right audio input cable with the left speaker. If it still has no sound. This speaker must be broken.

Abnormal sound

1. Is the input connector fully plugged into the socket? If 1 / 4 “(Φ 6.35mm) plug is used, make sure it is connected fully.
2. Is it loud and distorted? Please reduce the signal level of mixer;
3. If possible, connect the headphones to the preamplifier to listen to the signal source. If it sounds still bad, it’s not a problem of monitor speaker.
4. Too much or not enough bass? Move the speakers to different positions to check if the bass changes. It is possible that your listening position is the same as the room mode, in which the low frequency is either exaggerated or offset; if so, try to move the monitor speakers to different positions or changing your listening position.

Noise / buzz

1. Check the signal cable between the mixer and the monitor speaker to make sure all connections are secure. If not, these problems usually produce crackling or buzzing.
2. If you connect the unbalanced output to the balanced input of the MT5 monitor speaker, make sure to connect the shield layer to the unbalanced ground of the signal source and pin 1 and 3 of the XLR.
3. If the cable is connected to the system, try to disconnect it. If the buzz disappears, check that the cable is properly grounded.
4. Ensure that the signal cable is not close to the AC cable, power transformer or other electromagnetic interference sources, otherwise it leads to generate buzz.
5. Is there a tuner on the same AC circuit of the monitor speaker? The tuner generates buzz. Please use the AC power filter or insert the monitor speaker into other AC circuit.
6. A high hiss indicates that the gain setting of a sound source device in front of the monitor speaker is incorrect.
7. If possible, plug in the headset to listen to the signal source. If the signal source sounds noisy, it’s not a problem with the monitor speaker.

Caution
To avoid electric shock, over temperature, catching fire, explosion, mechanical risk and hurt or property loss caused by improper use, please read the following items carefully before operation

1. Please check if the power of the connected equipment matches with that of this product before operation. Adjust the volume to proper level during operation. Do not operate at over-power or high volume level for a long time to avoid abnormal functioning or hearing loss.
2. If abnormal phenomenon (smoke, abnormal smell) happens, please turn off the power switch and disconnect the power plug with power socket, and send the product to local dealer for maintenance.
3. The product and accessories should be put in dry and ventilated place rather than humid or dusty environment. Prevent the product from liquid, rain, water, over-colliding, throwing, vibrating, vent hole covered to avoid function destroyed.
4. Please unplug the device during thunderstorm or when it is not used for a long time;
5. Do not overload the wall socket or extension cable, otherwise it may cause fire risk or electric shock;
6. Do not damage the grounding plug for safety purpose. If the plug provided is not suitable for your socket, please consult the electrician for replacement;
7. Protect the power cord from being stepped on or squeezed, especially the plug, socket and the position where they are connected with the power cord;
8. When the product needs to be installed on wall or ceiling, please fix it tightly to avoid dropping risk.
9. Please abide by safety rules during operation. Do not use the product in the place prohibited by regulation or law to avoid accident.
10. Do not disassemble or repair the product by yourself to avoid hurt. If you have question or need service, please contact the local dealer.
11. Only use the supplied power adapter or equivalent.
12. Warning: This equipment is of class I structure design, and must be connected to the power socket through the protective grounding connection (the third grounding pin).
13. In accordance with part 15 of the FCC rules, the device has been tested to comply with the restrictions for class B digital devices. These restrictions are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference to residential facilities. The device generates, uses and radiates radio frequency energy, which, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that special installation has no interference. If the equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or TV reception, it can be eliminated by turning off or on the equipment, and the user can try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures
    • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
    • Increase the range between the equipment and the receiver.
    • Connect the device to a socket on a circuit different from the receiver connection circuit.
    • Consult the dealer or experienced radio / TV technician for assistance.
14. Any noise exceeding the allowable limit may cause certain hearing loss. In order to prevent the potential risk of exposure to high sound pressure level, it is recommended that all personnel exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure level shall use hearing protectors during equipment operation period. When operating the equipment, ear plugs or protective devices above the ear canal must be worn.
15. The product shall not be subject to water drops or splashes, and items containing liquid such as vases shall not be placed on the product;
16. The equipment is only suitable for safe use in areas with an altitude of 2000 meters and below;
17. The equipment is only suitable for safe use in non-tropical climate. The maximum working environment temperature is 35 ℃.

This decibel (dB) table compares some common sounds and lists their potential levels of harm to hearing

Risk of electric shock, do not open

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE.NE PAS OUVRIR.

• The icon reminds the user that there is uninsulated “dangerous voltage” in the product housing, which may cause electric shock to personnel.
• The icon reminds the user of important operation and maintenance (repair) instructions of the equipment.
• This icon indicates that the equipment is only suitable for safe use in areas with an altitude of 2000 meters and below.
• The icon indicates that the equipment is only suitable for safe use in non tropical climate, and the maximum operation environment temperature is 35 ℃;
• Dispose the product correctly

This symbol indicates that according to WEEE Directive (2012/19/EU) and national laws, this type of waste will have potential harmful substances, which may have a negative impact on the environment and human health, so this product should not be disposed together with your household waste, and should be handed over to the authorized electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycling station for recycling. At the same time, when you dispose this product correctly, it will help the effective use of natural resources. For more information on where you can place your waste recycling equipment, please contact your local city office, Waste Management Bureau or household waste treatment service.

Scan for more product information

• Guangdong Takstar Electronic Co., Ltd.
• Address: No. 2 Fu Kang YiRd., Longxi Boluo
• Huizhou, Guangdong 516121 China
• Tel: 86 752 6383644
• Fax: 86 752 6383952
• Email: sales@takstar.com
• Website: www.takstar.com

Documents / Resources

TAKSTAR MT5 Active Studio Monitor [pdf] User Manual MT5 Active Studio Monitor, MT5, Active Studio Monitor, Studio Monitor, Monitor

References

• User Manual