FAR AV-2 - User Manual

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OWNER’S MANUAL
ACTIVE MONITOR AV-2(C)

Summary

Installation

Mains Power Connection

Connect the power cord to the IEC socket. A green front LED indicates power is on.

Technical Description

General Characteristics

Technical Drawing

Fine Frequency Tuning

Low Frequency Adjustment

Use dip switches for low frequencies: -1, flat, +1, +2 dB settings.

High Frequency Adjustment

Use dip switches for high frequencies: -3, -2, -1, flat, +1, +2 dB settings.

Limiter Function

Limiter Operation

Built-in limiter protects drivers by reducing signal at clipping level via rear panel switch.

Overload LED

Rear Panel Level Control

Main Level Adjustment

Adjust sound level with the main level knob from 0 (attenuation) to max (no attenuation).

Remote Control RC-2; RC-3

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The FAR AV-2(C) is an active two-way monitor designed for a variety of audio applications, including video and film post-production, the music industry, and all near-field and close-field listening environments. This owner's manual provides comprehensive information to ensure optimal performance and safe operation of the device.

Function Description

The AV-2(C) is an active monitor, meaning it incorporates its own amplification, eliminating the need for external power amplifiers. It features a two-way design, utilizing separate drivers for high and low frequencies to achieve a balanced and accurate sound reproduction. The monitor is equipped with internal components that handle signal processing, crossover functions, and power amplification for both the woofer and tweeter. A key feature is the built-in limiter, designed to protect the drivers from harmful signals by actively decreasing the input signal when it reaches clipping levels. This ensures the longevity and reliability of the speakers.

The monitor also offers fine-tuning capabilities for both high and low frequencies through dip switches on the rear panel, allowing users to optimize the sound for their specific listening environment. Additionally, it includes preset curves that simulate various listening environments, such as TV, car, and club, which are particularly useful for sound engineers to adapt recordings to their final destination.

Important Technical Specifications

Sensitivity:

• Maximum pressure level (2 cabinets @ 1 m): 117 dB SPL

Frequency Range:

• ± 3 dB: 50-22000 Hz

Crossover Frequencies:

• Low pass section: 3500 Hz at 24 dB/Octave
• High pass section: 7500 Hz at 24 dB/Octave

Components:

• Woofer: 17 cm / 6.5 inch
• Tweeter: 1 inch soft dome

Amplifier Specifications:

• Peak Power:
  • Tweeter: 100 W
  • Woofer: 150 W
• Nominal Power:
  • Tweeter (8 Ohm): 70 W
  • Woofer (4 Ohm): 100 W

Characteristics:

• Power bandwidth: 20-25000 Hz
• Slew rate: 35 V/µs
• SN ratio: > 100 dB

Distortion:

• Intermodulation: 0.01%
• Total: 0.05%

Input:

• Sensitivity: 0 dB
• Impedance: > 10 kOhm

Connectors:

• Input (symmetric): XLR & Jack
• Link: XLR
• Remote: RJ-45

External Dimensions:

• Height: 300 mm
• Width: 210 mm
• Depth: 320 mm
• Weight: 12 kg

Usage Features

Installation and Connectivity:

• Mains Connection: The monitor connects to the mains via an IEC socket. A green LED on the front panel indicates when the power is on.
• Signal Input: Input signals are accepted via XLR or Jack plugs, both of which are electronically symmetric.
• Linking Function: The AV-2(C) includes a "Link" function, which allows connecting multiple speakers. The link input functions identically to the main inputs. Up to four AV-2(C) units can be linked.
  • Maximum symmetric link cable length: 15 meters
  • Maximum asymmetric link cable length: 8 meters

Fine Frequency Tuning:

• High Pass Section: Dip switches on the rear panel allow for six dB level positions: -3, -2, -1, flat, +1, +2 dB. This enables users to adjust the high-frequency response for optimal sound.
• Low Pass Section: Separate dip switches provide four dB level positions: -1, flat, +1, +2 dB, for fine-tuning the low-frequency response.

Limiter Function:

• The built-in limiter protects the drivers from harmful signals by reducing the input signal when it reaches clipping.
• It can be activated or deactivated using a dip switch on the rear panel (ON/OFF).
• An overload LED indicates the limiter's operation: red when not in use, orange when active.

Rear Panel Level Control:

• A main level knob on the rear panel allows adjustment of the sound level from 0 (maximum attenuation) to max (no attenuation). This is crucial for achieving a perfect stereo image.

Optional Curves (Preset Curves):

• The AV-2(C) offers integrated preset curves to simulate different listening environments, aiding sound engineers in adapting their mixes. These curves include:
  • TV Curve: Replicates the frequency limitations of television speakers.
  • Academy Curve: Designed for film mixing.
  • CAR Curve: Reproduces the frequency response found in car radio speakers.
  • CLUB Curve: Simulates the sensations experienced in discotheques.
• These curves allow mixers to hear how their audio will sound to the end-user in various common environments, eliminating the need for additional, lower-quality speakers for reference.

Optional Remote Control (RC-2 / RC-3):

• An optional remote control (RC-2 or RC-3) enhances usability by allowing users to select the desired listening environment (preset curve).
• The remote features a four-position knob, with an LED indicating the active curve (green light).
• A "flat" switch allows working with a flat frequency curve, also indicated by a green LED.
• A "mute" switch silences the audio.
• The remote can connect to any speakers via a slave connector, enabling control in stereo or 5+1 modes.
• The RC-3 model offers an upgrade over the RC-2 by adding an 8-step volume level adjustment.

Maintenance Features

Safety and Service:

• Do Not Open The Cabinet: Users are explicitly warned not to open the cabinet or attempt to service the unit. Tampering with internal components can cause fire or shock and will void the guarantee.
• Liquid/Object Ingress: If water or small objects enter the unit, the power cord must be unplugged immediately, and an authorized FAR dealer should be consulted.
• Fuse Replacement: For continued protection against fire risk, only replace the fuse with the same type.

Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section to address common operational issues:

• No Power Light: Check if the unit is plugged into a live outlet.
• No Sound: Verify that the rear level control is not at minimum, the remote control is correctly plugged in, audio connections are proper, and the remote is not on mute or -80 dB.
• Sound Stronger from One Side: Check if the remote control is not set to one side only and if both rear level controls are set to the same position.
• Reversed Left/Right Sounds: Ensure that the left and right wires are connected correctly.
• Weak Surround Sound (more than 12 surround speakers): Confirm that the link connection between speakers is proper and that no more than six speakers are connected to the link connector.
• Too Much/Not Enough Low Frequencies: Check the low-frequency dip switch adjustments and ensure connections are not out of phase. Also, verify that speakers are not positioned too close to corners if there's too much low frequency.

This detailed description covers the essential aspects of the FAR AV-2(C) active monitor, from its core functions and technical specifications to its user-friendly features and important maintenance guidelines.

FAR AV-2 Specifications