EVENT Opal Studio Monitor User manual

user manual

important safety instructions

1.

Read these instructions.

2.

Keep these instructions.

3.

Heed all warnings.

4.

Follow all instructions.

5.

Do not use this apparatus near water.

6.

Clean only with dry cloth.

7.

Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8.

Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus

9. This is a Class I product and shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

10.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety.

If the provided plug does not fi t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

11.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

12.

Only use attachments/accessories specifi ed by the manufacturer.

13.

Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specifi ed by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus.

When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to

avoid injury from tip-over.

14.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

15.

Refer all servicing to qualifi ed service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

16.

Keep packaging out of reach of children.

17.

Take care when lifting the speaker. The supplied bag is not designed to support the speaker’s weight.

18.

The EVENT Opal is a precision monitoring tool capable of producing high sound pressure levels that could cause permanent hearing loss.

Please exercise caution when listening, ideally using an SPL meter to monitor output levels.

19.

Never touch the heatsink (blue) while in operation. Never cover the Opal while turned on. Ensure there is suitable ventilation around the rear of the cabinet for heat dissipation.

20.

The appliance coupler shall remain operable once the product is installed.

21.

Warning - To reduce the risk of fi re or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

22.

Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects fi lled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

23.

The Opal is a free-standing speaker and is designed for operation on open surfaces such as speaker stands or a work surface. Do not operate the Opal within cabinets or any enclosed space with limited ventilation.

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15

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introduction

Thank you for purchasing the EVENT Opal. Before you set up your speakers for the fi rst time, please read through this user manual to ensure you are able to get the most out of your investment.

The ‘no compromise’ design brief for these speakers was essentially the impossible. The Opal was to be an 8-inch two-way speaker with the same dynamic and extended mid-range as the most expensive three-way systems.

It had to feature extended and powerful bass response, and have seamless and transparent integration through all the frequency range. Distortion was entirely unacceptable.

After many years of research and engineering, EVENT has defi ed conventional audio philosophy and created the Opal. Its woofer, tweeter, amplifi er and cabinet all feature innovative and unique design and technology elements, combined to create one of the fi nest studio monitoring system ever released.

The EX8 driver provides characteristics previously unheard of in any other 8” speaker. It provides a raw response of 30Hz-10KHz and a power handling of 1000 watts.

Its high-power neodymium motor offers 36mm of linear excursion which gives the listener an extremely detailed and high level of high-speed bass.

The Opal’s patented X-Coil confi guration increases the EX8 driver speed and lowers harmonic distortion by up to 18dB, which results in mid-range accuracy that truly surpasses even the fi nest three-way studio monitors. The EX8 proprietary cone material provides extension and control to complete this revolutionary driver.

The Opal’s tweeter combines an ultra-light and rigid aluminiummagnesium alloy with a low resonance Sonomax surround to provide the Opal with unbelievable high frequency defi nition while minimising any distortion.

It is mounted in a fully rotatable waveguide to provide complete versatility in application.

The Opal cabinet is moulded from aluminium to provide strength and minimise resonance. It is curved in a combination of complex radii, completely minimising fl at or cornered sections that can cause diffraction issues. A “no compromise” approach to port design has resulted in front mounted variable impedance bass refl ex ports that eliminate problems created by rear refl ection ports that rely on room acoustics, and also air distortion artifacts found in conventional front ported systems. This gives the

Opal fast, deep and accurate bass response.

The Opal’s drive electronic system is purely high fi delity analogue, providing

750 watts of peak power in two-way confi guration and giving the Opal a transient response and low distortion that surpasses the capabilities of any other monitoring system.

All these elements combine to provide the Opal dynamic extended mid range and powerful low end with seamless integration across the frequency range, and the widest sweet spot of any system currently available.

The EVENT Opal is truly a revolution in studio monitoring.

the opal - front

tweeter rotatable badge driver

AES/EBU expansion module status LED rotatable waveguide status LEDs front ports front control panel cover

heatsink rear panel serial number

the opal - rear

handle speaker mounting points (M8) accessory mounting points (M4)

AES/EBU expansion module port

front control panel

Level: Allows for modifi cation of the input sensitivity, from -6dB to +6dB in regards to the reference sensitivity of 0.775v RMS. The default setting is 0.

Space: Allows for the setting of Full, Half and Quarter space to compensate for the low frequency output caused by the speaker location. If placed in an open environment, select ‘Full’ space. If placed against a wall, select ‘Half’ space. If placed in a corner, select ‘Quarter’ space.

Room EQ Controls

The room equalisation controls allow for the implementation of an acoustic fi lter that can be used to eliminate room resonance under 200Hz that can cause less defi ned bass reproduction.

Q: Adjusts the bandwidth (in frequency) of the acoustic fi lter -

1=Q of 50, 2=Q of 30, 3=Q of 20, 4=Q of 15, 5=Q of 10, 6=Q of 5

Depth: Adjusts the intensity of the acoustic fi lter - 1 (0dB), 2 (-1.5dB), 3 (-3.0dB), 4 (-6.0dB), 5 (-12.0dB), 6 (-18.0dB).

The default setting is 0dB - fi lter not engaged.

LF shelf: Allows for the implementation of a shelving fi lter, centered at 200Hz. Available options are -1.5, -.75,

0, +.75 and +1.5dB. The default setting is 0 - fi lter not engaged.

HF shelf: Allows for the implementation of a shelving fi lter, centered at 5kHz. Available options are -1.5, -.75,

0, +.75 and +1.5dB. The default setting is 0 - fi lter not engaged.

DIM: Allows for the adjustment of the brightness of the EVENT rotatable badge on the front of the cabinet.

Settings range from 0 (completely off) to 5. The default setting is 5.

Space Filter

0

-1

-2

+3

+2

+1

-3

-4

-5

-6

20

1/1

1/2

1/4 1/1 Space

1/2 Space

1/4 Space

SPACE

50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

Frequency (Hz)

Freq Filter

-12

-15

-6

-9

-18

+3

0

-3

-21

-24

-27

20 50 100 200 500 1k

55

65

85

45

40

FREQ

180

280

Freq control sweep

40Hz to 280Hz

(Q @ 6, Depth @ 6)

2k 5k 10k 20k

Frequency (Hz)

Low Frequency Shelving Filter

+1

0

-1

+3

+2

-2

-3

20 50 100 200

-0.75

-1.5

0

+0.75

+1.5

LF SHELF

500 1k 2k

+1.5dB

+0.75dB

0dB

-0.75dB

-1.5dB

5k 10k 20k

Frequency (Hz)

fi lter response graphs

Q Filter

-12

-15

-6

-9

+3

0

-3

-18

-21

-24

-27

20 50 100 200

1

2

3 4

5

6

Q

Position 1

Position 2

Position 3

Position 4

Position 5

Position 6

(Freq @ 200Hz, Depth @ 6)

500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

Frequency (Hz)

Depth Filter

-12

-15

-6

-9

-18

+3

0

-3

-21

-24

-27

20 50 100 200 500

1

2

3 4

5

6

DEPTH

Position 1

Position 2

Position 3

Position 4

Position 5

Position 6

(Freq @ 200Hz, Q @ 6)

1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

Frequency (Hz)

High Frequency Shelving Filter

+3

+2

+1

0

-1

-2

-3

20

-0.75

-1.5

0

+0.75

+1.5

HF SHELF

50 100 200

+1.5dB

+0.75dB

0dB

-0.75dB

-1.5dB

500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

Frequency (Hz)

rear panel

Mains Input: Connect the mains supply here. Ensure that you use only the cable supplied or a genuine

EVENT replacement. Note that the amplifi er is not entirely disconnected from mains power unless this cable is completely disconnected.

Mains Switch: Use the Mains Switch to turn the Opal on or off.

Module Dock: The Module Dock is a proprietary EVENT expansion Input/Output, allowing connection of the

Opal AES/EBU optional interface. If the module is connected, the expansion module status LED at the bottom left of the front of the Opal will illuminate.

Balanced/Unbalanced Signal Input: The Opal allows for the input of a balanced or unbalanced line input.

The port accepts an XLR style cannon jack or a ¼” mono jack.

Please note that the Opal is fi xed to operate in the voltage range in the region that it is sold in.

status LEDs

The EVENT Opal is an extremely powerful studio monitoring tool, therefore care needs to be taken when listening. Professional monitoring should ideally be performed between 85-95dB. While the Opal provides ample headroom above these levels, extended listening can cause permanent hearing damage as well as over excurt the EVENT EX8 driver.

The Opal features four status LEDs to indicate the speaker and amplifi er status. It is important to familiarise yourself with the function of these LEDs as they will communicate the status of your speaker and the inputs.

Startup sequence : When the Opal is fi rst switched on and is running a self diagnosis, the output will be muted and the middle LED will illuminate white for twelve seconds, then fl ash for ten seconds.

Following this the Opal will be ready for use.

Top light (green/yellow): The top light will fl ash green in indication of the input signal level. In the event that the signal begins to overload the amplifi er, the light will change to yellow .

This is intended as a warning only and it is up to the listener to determine if the audio level needs to be decreased.

Middle light (white/orange) : Following the startup sequence, the middle light will only illuminate white in the event of an excessive input level. The Opal will automatically attenuate output levels for ten seconds to allow the operator time to correct the source level.

The middle light will illuminate orange in the event of excessive temperature, and the speaker output will automatically attenuate to allow the Opal to reset. In this case it is important to lower the speaker temperature to reasonable level, after which the Opal will automatically reset.

Bottom light (red) : The bottom light will only illuminate red in the event of a fault condition. In this case the

Opal requires factory service (see warranty information ).

Operation of the AES/EBU expansion module status LED (blue) will depend on the actual module being used. Consult the expansion module user guide for more information.

positioning your speakers

The EVENT Opal monitors are physically identical. When used in a stereo confi guration, there is no physical or acoustic distinction between the left and right speakers. While we recommend mounting the Opal in vertical orientation, it has been designed to allow horizontal alignment (see horizontal mounting ).

For precise calibration within your monitoring environment please utilise the Event StudioEQ system, available free of charge when you register your monitors online at www.eventelectronics.com

.

sweet spot

Mount the speakers slightly inward, so that the driver components directly face the listening position. When oriented this way, the listener is in the “sweet spot” which yields the most accurate stereo reproduction. If you need a wider sweet spot to allow for greater listener movement or for group monitoring, face the speakers in a slightly more open position, but never more than necessary.

While not ideal, if you must mount the speakers substantially above or below ear level, you will also need to tilt the cabinets downward or upward to keep the driver components directly facing you.

It is important to note that the listening space has a large effect on the performance of speakers, particularly the low frequency response. It is best to try your monitors in a variety of positions to acheive optimum results. Additionally the Opal’s in-built acoustic fi lters can be introduced (see front control panel ).

horizontal mounting

The EVENT Opal has been designed to overcome the performance issues exhibited in traditional monitoring systems when mounting the speaker horizontally.

The key to this performance gain is the Opal’s rotatable high-frequency waveguide.

For more information on rotating the Opal waveguide please visit www.eventelectronics.com

. Please note that this operation should only be carried out by qualifi ed service personnel.

Note that when mounting the Opal horizontally, the tweeter should always be on the inside, as shown below.

The EVENT badge is also rotatable. To lift the badge from its magnetic mounting gently pry from the bottom with a fl at screwdriver.

Please note that the supplied rubber plinth should always be used when mounting the speaker either vertically or horizontally, to prevent any movement of the cabinet.

warranty information and support

The EVENT Opal is supplied with a two year manufacturer’s warranty from date of purchase, covering defect in product or workmanship.

The warranty excludes defects caused by modifi cation, shipping damage, or failure to use the speaker as per the instruction guide.

Please retain your sales receipt as proof of purchase.

If you experience any problems with your Opal, please contact the EVENT Customer

Service department via the details below.

Before calling, however, we ask that you please consult the Technical Support section of our web site, www.eventelectronics.com.

Please note that there are no user serviceable parts within the EVENT Opal. For any servicing please refer to an authorised service technician.

If you believe your monitor is in need of repair, please contact the Event Customer

Service department to request a Return Authorization Number (RA#). We can accept for servicing only those units that are accompanied by an RA#. Units shipped without an RA# number will be refused.

EVENT Electronics Customer Support:

Email : [email protected]

studioEQ calibration system

The EVENT StudioEQ system allows for precise calibration and measurement of your speakers, with respect to your listening space and position.

EVENT offers a StudioEQ system free of charge to every customer who purchases a pair of Opals. To register for your free StudioEQ please visit www.eventelectronics.com

For more information on the system, please visit www.eventelectronics.com/studioeq

specifi cations system

Frequency Response

Crossover Frequency

Crossover Type

3rd Harmonic Distortion @ 90dB SPL, 1m

Acoustic Output - SPL @ 1m

Long Term (80Hz - 20kHz)

Peak (80Hz - 20kHz)

Signal Input

Input Sensitivity

AC Input Voltage

AC Input Connector

Average Long-Term Power Consumption

Quiescent Power Consumption

35Hz – 22kHz (see graph)

1600Hz

Acoustic 8th Order (48dB/Oct)

500 - 7kHz - 0.08%

200 - 20kHz - 0.2%

<200Hz - 1.5%

111dB

114dB

Combo XLR, ¼” TRS (bal/unbal)

.755 v/rms is 0dBu

90-110V, 110-120V or 220-240V

(preset at factory)

3-Pin IEC

220 watts

<20 watts

Frequency Response

80

60

120

100

40

20

20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k

Frequency (Hz)

70

50

30

110

Freq Response vs 3rd Harmonic Distortion

80

Freq Response

90 60

10

200 500 1k

0

3rd Harmonic Distortion

2k 5k

Frequency (Hz)

-20

40

20

low frequency transducer - EX8

Piston Diameter

Voice Coil Confi guration

Voice Coil Diameter

X-Coil Diameter

Former Material

Voice Coil Wire

Magnet Type

Magnetic Gap Design

Impedance Nominal in Cabinet

Cone Type

Power Handling

Continuous Pink Noise

Program Power

Peak Power

180mm (7.1”)

X-Coil double voice coil

Low distortion design

66mm (2.6”)

65.2mm (2.56”)

High Strength Polyamide -

Glass Fiber

Copper Clad Al

Neodymium

XBL - Split Gap

5 Ohms

Carbon fi ber composite

240 watts

360 watts

720 watts

high frequency transducer

Dome Diameter

Voice Coil Diameter

Magnet Type

Impedance DCr

Impedance Nominal in Cabinet

Dome Type

25.4mm (1”)

25.0mm (0.98”)

Ferrite

6 Ohms

5 Ohms

Anodized Aluminium Magnesium

Alloy

Power Handling

Continuous Pink Noise

Program Power

Peak Power

25 watts (above 1.6kHz)

50 watts (above 1.6kHz)

100 watts (above 1.6kHz)

specifi cations

specifi cations low frequency amplifi er

Frequency Response

Operating Band Pass

Total Harmonic Distortion

Voltage Gain

Long Term Power @ 5 Ohms*

Continuous Power @ 5 Ohms**

Burst Power @ 5 Ohms***

Output Topology

Cooling

high frequency amplifi er

Frequency Response

Operating Band Pass

Total Harmonic Distortion

Voltage Gain

Long Term Power @ 5 Ohms*

Continuous Power @ 5 Ohms**

Burst Power @ 5 Ohms***

Output Topology

Cooling

20Hz - 20kHz (±0.1dB)

20Hz - 1,600Hz

0.009% @ 300 watts into 5 ohm load

24dB

270 watts

387 watts

600 watts

Class AB

Convection - Aluminium Heat Sink

20Hz - 20kHz (±0.1dB)

1,600Hz - 20,000Hz

0.003% @ 90 watts into 5 ohm load

15dB

50 watts

112 watts

140 watts

Class AB

Convection - Aluminium Heat Sink

* Both high frequency and low frequency were measured simultaneously for this specifi ctation.

** Continuous power was measured using 1kHz sine wave signal

*** Burst power was measured using a 1kHz burst tone waveform where the burst portion contains four cycles (on) and the low level (off) signal contains 200 cycles. This test signal succinctly represents the strain and demands placed on the amplifi er by music content containing high transients.

physical

Cabinet Volume

Cabinet Construction

Cabinet Finish

Low Frequency Vents

Waveguide Construction

Waveguide

Mounting Points

Cabinet Dimensions

Cabinet Weight

Shipping Dimensions

Shipping Weight

Operating Temperature Range

Agency Approvals

28 Litres

High Pressure Injection-Moulded

Aluminium

Black Powdercoat

Two Variable Impedance Ports

(patent pending)

High Pressure Injection-Moulded

Aluminium

Elliptical waveguide - Rotatable

Four each

M8 Omni-mount Pattern

295mmW x 450mmH x 273mmD

11.6”W x 17.7”H x 10.8”D

21.2kg

46.74lb

390mmW x 575mmH x 380mmD

15.4”W x 22.6”H x 15”D

24.3kg

53.57lb

5-35 ° C / 40-95 ° F

CE, UL, CCC, C-Tick, SASO, NON,

EK, PSE

specifi cations

International

107 Carnarvon Street

Silverwater NSW 2128 Australia www.eventelectronics.com

USA

P.O. Box 4189

Santa Barbara, CA 93140-4189 [email protected]