Samson Marine Instruments R8A User Guide

Two-way Active Ribbon Reference Monitor  
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Table of Contents  
Introduction  
2
3
Rubicon R8a Features  
Rubicon R8a Layout  
Front View Layout  
Rear Panel Layout - R8a  
4
4
5
Setting up the Rubicon R8a  
6
Background on the Rubicon R8a Studio Reference Monitor  
Positioning the Rubicon R8a  
6
6
Connecting the Rubicon R8a  
8
Operating the Rubicon R8a  
9
Connecting to the Rubicon R10s Subwoofer  
Rubicon R8a Connections  
11  
12  
13  
Rubicon R8a Specifications  
Copyright 2005 - 2006, Samson Technologies Corp.  
Printed December, 2006 v1.2  
Samson Technologies Corp.  
45 Gilpin Avenue  
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816  
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)  
Fax: 631-784-2201  
 
Introduction  
Thank you for purchasing the Rubicon R8a Studio Reference Monitors by Samson Audio. The Samson  
Rubicon R8a are self-powered, near-field monitors featuring bi-amp power, superior electronics,  
robust woofers and advanced designed velocity ribbon tweeters. The proper implementation of  
these elements results in a monitor with a linear response from bottom to top with tight lows and  
articulate highs. The R8a features Samson's proprietary 1 x 2-inch velocity ribbon tweeter, which  
offer extremely low distortion and sweet highs that are clear and precise. For the thunderous lows,  
the R8a features an 8-inch copolymer woofer. Like all Rubicon monitors, the R8a is bi-amped, with  
75 watts of low frequency power and 25 watts for the highs. The Rubicon R8a monitors provide an  
ideal near-field monitor system for studios, video post production suites, fixed installations or where  
great sound is desired.  
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Rubicon R8a monitors, as well  
as a guided tour through its control panel, step-by-step instructions for its setup and use, and full  
specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it in  
so that you can receive online technical support and so we can send you updated information about  
sontech.com) for complete information about our full product line.  
With proper care and adequate air circulation, your Rubicon R8a will operate trouble free for many  
years. We recommend you record your serial number in the space provided below for future refer-  
ence.  
Serial number:_____________________________________  
Date of purchase: ___________________________________  
Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) must be obtained  
before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call  
Samson at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping  
your unit. Please retain the original packing materials and if possible, return the unit in the original  
carton and packing materials. If you purchased your Samson product outside the United States,  
please contact your local distributor for warranty information and service.  
2
 
Rubicon R8a Features  
The Samson Rubicon R8a reference monitors provide a smooth response that is accurate, and at the same  
time, pleasant to listen to. Here are some of its main features:  
Two-way, active ribbon studio monitor with ported tuned enclosure providing extremely accurate moni-  
toring for recording studio, post-production and multi-media applications.  
The Rubicon R8a employes a 8Copolymer Butyl Surround woofer providing both monitors with a tight  
and controlled low frequency response.  
1 x 2Planer Ribbon tweeter provides sweet and accurate high frequency response for the R8a with low  
distortion.  
The Rubicon R8a features active electronics including a Bi-Amp power amplifier with 75 watts on the low  
frequency driver and 25 watts on the high frequency ribbon.  
Four-position high frequency Ribbon Level control allows the listener to contour the response curve to  
custom tailor the response that works best in the mix environment.  
Active crossover utilizing a multi-pole design for linear response from bottom to top.  
Interfacing the monitors to most any -10 or + 4db signal source is quick and easy thanks to the R8a’s bal-  
anced input on an XLR and 1/4-inch jack and unbalanced input on an RCA jack.  
A/V shielded for multimedia applications providing clean operation near computer monitors.  
Solid MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) construction, extremely rigid delivering maximum SPL.  
Black satin finish is attractive and durable thanks to the heavy textured epoxy paint.  
Three-year extended warranty.  
3
 
Rubicon R8a Layout  
FrontꢀviewꢀLayout  
1
1”ꢀXꢀ2”ꢀRIBBONꢀTWEETER -ꢀPlaner ribbon  
transducer provides low distortion with a linear  
high frequency response resulting in a clear, pre-  
cise and sweet top end.  
4ꢀ ENcLOSuRE - Rigid MDF construction.  
5ꢀ TuNEDꢀPORT - Quiet port design offering linear  
extended low frequency response.  
2ꢀ POWERꢀLED - Red LED illuminates indicating  
6ꢀ FINISH - Sleek black textured finish.  
the unit is powered on, ready for operation.  
3ꢀ ꢀLOWꢀFREquENcyꢀDRIvER - Heavy duty 8"  
extended range low frequency transducer.  
4
 
RubiconꢀR8aꢀLayout  
RearꢀPanelꢀLayoutꢀ-ꢀR8a  
1ꢀ RIBBONꢀLEvEL – Four-position switch used  
to adjust the high frequency response (in 2dB  
increments).  
4ꢀ POWERꢀSWITcH – Main power switch.  
5ꢀ AcꢀINLET - Connect the supplied IEC power  
cable here.  
2ꢀ vOLuME - Controls the amount of output level.  
6ꢀ 1/4-INcHꢀPHONE – Balance TRS (Tip, Ring,  
Sleeve) 1/4-inch phone plug used to connect  
balanced or unbalanced +4dBu line level signals.  
3ꢀ XLRꢀINPuT - Balanced, +4dBu line level input is  
connected here via standard XLR (microphone)  
cable.  
7ꢀ RcA – Used to connect signals from unbalanced,  
–10dBV devices.  
5
 
Setting up the Rubicon R8a  
BackgroundꢀonꢀtheꢀRubiconꢀR8aꢀStudioꢀReferenceꢀMonitor  
The Rubicon R8as' are self-powered, near-field reference monitors, featuring robust power, advanced electron-  
ics and custom designed drive units. For pristine highs, the Rubicon R8a boasts a 1-inch by 2-inch velocity rib-  
bon tweeter. The Rubicon ribbon tweeters are constructed using a Kapton diaphragm with vaporized alumi-  
num applied to the surface. The diaphragm is then set between an array of neodymium magnets creating an  
opposing magnetic field. Since the ribbon is both the coil and the diaphragm, the diaphragm can accelerate  
and decelerate quickly resulting in un-matched transient response. Unlike conventional dome tweeters, the  
ribbon tweeter exhibits no coloration due to resonance, as well as, extremely low intermodulation distortion.  
The result is a wide, linear response producing high frequencies that are sweet, while clear and accurate. For  
the low frequency response, the R8a employees an 8-inch, copolymer, low frequency drive unit with butyl  
rubber surround. The woofer is well matched to the tuned enclosure and provides punchy and focused bass  
frequency response.The monitor’s crossover has been carefully designed with high quality components insur-  
ing a linear frequency and phase response. The Rubicon R8a enclosures are constructed from MDF (Medium  
Density Fiberboard) and are finished in scuff resistant, textured paint. The monitor’s enclosure also includes  
a tuned vent port that provides extended low-end response, and with a low turbulence design, the low fre-  
quency driver can move freely with minimal effect on the overall impedance. On the rear of the enclosure,  
you’ll find the Rubicon R8a control panel, which features a variety of input connections including both XLR  
balanced input, and a1/4-inch TRS balanced input plus an RCA unbalanced input. These inputs are connected  
to Rubicon R8a’s internal active crossover and bi-amp power module providing 75 watts of power for the low  
frequency woofer and 25 watts of power to the high frequency ribbon. You will also find the pre-amp controls,  
including VOLUME knob, used to adjust the overall level of the internal power amplifier, as well as the innova-  
tive Ribbon Level control. This four-position switch allows the mix engineer to contour the high frequency  
response of the monitor allowing you to adjust for room acoustics or listening preference. The Rubicon R8a  
has been designed to provide flat, accurate monitoring, and at the same time, to provide an adjustable  
response curve so that the sound of other popular near-field monitors can be easily emulated.  
PositioningꢀtheꢀRubiconꢀR8a  
Near field monitoring has become the choice of many engineers in large and small studios because it mini-  
mizes the effect of room acoustics. This is especially important in today’s project studios since the budget  
for room acoustics is often close to nothing. By positioning the reference monitors in the near field (close to  
the listeners), you can greatly reduce the effects of room acoustics. The most important considerations when  
evaluating the effects of room acoustics are reflective surfaces that are around the monitoring area. These can  
include flat tabletops, glass mirrors or framed pictures, large open walls and even the surface of your mixing  
console. Mostly all reflecting sound will eventually reach the listening position, but since it is slightly delayed  
from the direct source, the result is random cancellation of some frequencies, or comb filtering. If possible,  
remove any and all reflective surfaces. You  
may also want to hang some acoustic foam  
on walls that are close to the monitors. When  
positioning the monitors you’ll want to set  
up what is commonly referred to as the “mix  
triangle. In this ideal configuration, the  
Equal Distance  
space between the left and right monitor  
is equal to the distance from the listener to  
each monitor, forming an equilateral trian-  
gle. (Figure 1.)  
Prime Listening Spot  
Figure 1.  
6
 
SettingꢀupꢀtheꢀRubiconꢀR8a  
Positioning the Rubicon R8a - continued  
Speaker Orientation  
The Rubicon R8as' can be used in either the vertical or horizontal position, however for best results they  
should be set up in the vertical position. When using the monitors in the horizontal position, be certain to  
place the left and right side tweeters on the outer most sides. (Figure 2) This will improve the stereo imaging  
and bass response by increasing the coupling of the low-end drivers.  
t f fct
Figure 2.  
When choosing the height of your monitor system, be careful to avoid reflections off the surface of the mixing  
console. (Figure 3.) These reflections arrive at the listening position slightly delayed from the original sound  
resulting in strange cancellations and overall unpredictable response. Visualize straight lines representing the  
beams of sound radiating from the monitors and choose a height that reduces the occurrence of reflections  
that will end up in the prime listening spot. (Figure 4.) In most cases, the ideal position is slightly behind and  
above the mixing console’s meter bridge.  
Figure 3.  
Figure 4.  
7
 
Connecting the Rubicon R8a  
Rubicon R8a Quick Connections  
Note: Before plugging in and turning on, remember the “last on, first offrule of power amplifiers (and pow-  
ered monitors). When powering up your system, be sure that all the wires are connected, turn your mixer  
and any other outboard gear on, and then last turn your Rubicon R8as' on. When powering down, turn your  
Rubicon R8as' off first and then your mixer and outboard gear.  
The Rubicon R8a connections can be made via one of the three rear panel Audio Inputs. You can use RCA  
inputs for unbalanced -10dBV level signals, or either the 1/4-inch or XLR inputs for balanced +4dBu level sig-  
nals. Follow the simple steps and diagram below for a quick connection using a standard recording console’s  
control room outputs.  
Lower your mixer’s master outputs to all the way off.  
Connect the mixer’s Left Control Room output to the left-side Rubicon R8a LINE INPUT and the mixer’s  
Right Control Room output to the right-side Rubicon R8a LINE INPUT.  
Set the Rubicon R8a’s input Volume control to the 2 o’clock position.  
Run an audio signal (like some music from a CD) through your mixer and raise the Control Room level  
to a comfortable listening level.  
8
 
Operating the Rubicon R8a  
Rubicon R8a Control Panel  
The Rubicon R8as' rear control panels are where you will make your connections for both AC power and  
audio signals. The rear panel also contains the controls to make adjustments to the overall volume and  
frequency response curve. The following section details the rear panel controls and connections.  
Powering the Rubicon R8a  
Since the Rubicon R8as' are active studio monitors with an on-board power amplifier and electronic  
crossover, it is necessary to connect the unit to an AC power supply. Make sure that the main Power  
switch is set to the OFF position and connect the supplied IEC power cable into the AC inlet.  
Things that go Hum!  
When running power cables, be careful not to run the AC power cords or AC extension cords in paral-  
lel to your input cables. This will help reduce any AC hum that can be picked up. If your have to cross  
an AC line with an audio line, try to  
cross them at a 90 degree angle for  
the least amount of induced hum.  
Using the Rubicon R8a’s balanced  
input connectors will greatly protect  
against the induced hum thanks to  
the common mode rejection (the  
induced hum is phase canceled) that  
it's balanced input circuit provides.  
1
2
POWER SWITCH – The POWER  
switch is used to turn on the Rubicon  
R8a’s active electronics. When set  
to the ON position, the front panel  
LED will illuminate red, indicating  
the Rubicon R8a is powered up and  
ready for operation.  
AC INLET - Connect the supplied IEC  
power cable here.  
1
The Rubicon R8a's rear panel pro-  
vides two important controls for  
adjusting the overall sound of  
the monitor, RIBBON LEVEL and  
Volume. Eventually, you will adjust  
2
these controls to your preferable  
position and “set it and forget it.  
That’s assuming that the monitors  
remain in the same spot, in the same studio. If you take your monitors to other studios you may find the  
controls extremely useful in adjusting the sound for the new room.  
9
 
Operating the Rubicon R8a  
Rubicon R8a Control Panel - continued  
RIBBONꢀLEvELꢀcONTROL  
3
The four-position Ribbon Level control switch is used to adjust the monitor's high-frequency response,  
providing four equalization curves to select from. By using the Ribbon Level control, the Rubicon’s high  
frequency response is adjusted with the application of a high-end tilt (equalization circuit) centered  
at 12kHz, with selectable levels of –2dB, 0dB (flat), + 2dB and +4dB. You’ll find that the change is very  
subtle. Many mix engineers prefer the sound of near field monitors with a little lift in the high frequency  
response, some like more focus on the midrange, and therefore, desire a flatter or rolled off high frequen-  
cy response. The best way to set the controls is what sounds good to you. Therefore, you should experi-  
ment with the various settings to find the combination of the Ribbon Level and Volume controls you like.  
To do this, play several CD’s of music that you are familiar with. Remember, if you think you’re getting  
lost, the Rubicon R8a is flat when the Ribbon Level control is set to the “0position.  
4
vOLuMEꢀcONTROL  
The volume control is used to adjust the  
overall output level of the Rubicon R8a.  
When operating the unit for the first time,  
start with the volume control set all the  
way off. Slowly raise the Volume control  
to reach a comfortable listening level.  
The Ins and The Outs  
The Rubicon R8a features a full comple-  
ment of input connectors providing  
3
easy installation with a variety of audio  
devices like recording consoles, hard  
disk recorders, CD players and computer  
sound cards, to name a few. The following  
4
5
section details the Rubicon R8a's input  
connectors. In addition, there is a detailed  
cable-wiring diagram on page 12.  
BALANCED XLR AUDIO INPUT - The  
Rubicon R8a features a female XLR con-  
nector that will accept balanced or unbal-  
anced +4dBU line level signal. If you are  
using a mixer that has balanced outputs  
on XLR connectors, you can make the  
5
6
6
connections via standard XLR (microphone) cable.  
1/4-INCH PHONE AUDIO INPUT – A balanced TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) 1/4-inch phone plug is used to con-  
nect balanced or unbalanced line level signals. The 1/4-inch input is a switching jack, so when a 1/4-inch  
connector is inserted into the jack, the RCA and/or XLR inputs are switched off and the 1/4-inch input  
is switched on. This provides a convenient patch-point for quick insertion of a secondary input signal  
source for testing or expanded operation.  
RCA AUDIO INPUT – The RCA input accepts unbalanced signals used to connect signals from unbal-  
anced –10dBV devices.  
10  
 
Connecting to the Rubicon R10s Subwoofer  
Rubicon R8a with Mono Sub  
Adding a subwoofer and extended low frequency response to your Rubicon R8a's system is easy using the  
Rubicon R8a’s LINE LEVEL inputs. Below is a typical system set-up using the Samson Rubicon R10s 1 with a  
mixer and a pair of Rubicon R8a satellite speakers. The Rubicon R8a’s inputs utilize industry standard RCA and  
XLR connectors. For a detailed wiring diagram, see the section “Rubicon R8a Connectionson page 12. Follow  
the steps in the diagram below to set up your system.  
Lower your mixer’s master outputs to all the way off.  
Connect the mixer’s left output to the Rubicon R10s' LEFT LINE INPUT and the mixer’s right output to  
the Rubicon R10s' RIGHT LINE INPUT. Now connect the Rubicon R10sLEFT LINE OUTPUT to the input  
of the left Rubicon R8a , and the Rubicon R10s' RIGHT LINE OUTPUT to the input of the right Rubicon  
R8a .  
Run an audio signal (like some music from a CD) through your mixer and raise the level to a comfort-  
able listening level.  
Now adjust the FREQUENCY control to the desired frequency. You can also use your ears by adjusting  
the FREQUENCY control to the frequency that sounds good to you. A good place to start is about 70  
Hz.  
11  
 
Rubicon R8a Connections  
Rubicon R8a Wiring Guide  
There are several ways to interface the Rubicon R8a, depending on your exact monitoring set-up. Follow the  
cable diagrams below for connecting your monitor system.  
RCA to RCA Cable  
Un-Balanced 1/4” to 1/4” Cable  
Balanced 1/4” to 1/4” Cable  
Balanced XLR to XLR Cable  
Unbalanced 1/4” to RCA Cable  
Un-Balanced XLR to RCA Cable  
12  
 
Rubicon R8a Specifications  
Specifications  
Transducers:  
8.0" , copolymer woofer with butyl surround,  
1x 2-inch velocity ribbon tweeter  
Frequency response:  
R8a  
40Hz - 27KHz +/-3 dB  
Amplifier:  
Power Rating:  
Low-frequency - 75 Watts RMS  
High-frequency - 25 Watts RMS  
3KHz, 4 pole (24dB/Oct) filter  
Crossover Frequency:  
Inputs:  
Unbalanced Connector:  
Balanced Connector:  
-10dBV Line Level  
RCA  
+4dBu Line Level  
1/4-inch Phone TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve)  
XLR  
Enclosure:  
Construction:  
Finish:  
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)  
Black Textured Epoxy Paint  
Dimensions:  
Weight:  
17.25 (H) x 11.18 (W) x 12 (D)  
437 mm x 284 mm x 305 mm  
26.5 lbs. ( 12.02 kg)  
Rubicon R8a Ribbon Level Frequency Plot  
Rubicon R8a Frequency Plot with Ribbon Level Set to 0dB  
13  
 
Samson Technologies Corp.  
45 Gilpin Avenue  
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816  
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)  
Fax: 631-784-2201  
 

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