FOCAL SOLO6 6.5 Inch Active 2-Way Nearfield Studio Monitor User Guide
- June 9, 2024
- FOCAL
Table of Contents
FOCAL SOLO6 6.5 Inch Active 2-Way Nearfield Studio Monitor
READ FIRST!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!
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The bolt of lightning in an equilateral triangle warns the user that the
device has high voltage that could result in a risk of electric shock.|
WARNING:
To prevent any risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover (or the back) from the device. There are no user-serviceable parts in this device. For maintenance or repairs, contact a qualified professional.
| An exclamation mark in an equilateral triangle warns the user that the manual contains important instructions on how to use and look after the device.
| 1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Take note of all the warnings.
4. Follow all the instructions.
5. Do not use this device near water.
6. Only clean with a dry cloth.
7. Do not obstruct ventilation openings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the device.
8. Do not install the device close to a heat source such as a radiator, cooker, heat vents or any other appliance (including amplifiers) that gives
out heat.
9. Do not bypass the safety device of the polarised plug. A polarised plug has two prongs, one of which is wider than the other. The wider prong is provided for your safety. If the plug provided does not fit into your socket, consult an electrician to replace the obsolete socket.
10. Make sure the power cable cannot be trodden on, crushed or pinched. Take particular care with the plug and the cable connection to the device.
11. Only use accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
12. Only use trolleys, stands, tripods, mounts or tables recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the device. If using a trolley, take extra care when moving the trolley and device together, to prevent the device from falling off and causing injury.
13. Unplug the device in the event of a storm or if the device is to remain unused for long periods.
14. All maintenance tasks should be performed by a qualified
professional. Maintenance is required in case of any kind of damage to
the device (damaged cable or plug, spillages or objects inserted into the device, exposure to rain or humidity, if the device malfunctions or overturns, etc.).
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| 15. This product is a Class 1 appliance.
Only plug in the device using the mains plug provided, which
incorporates an earth connection. The device must be plugged into an earthed mains socket.
16. When either the mains plug, an adapter connected to the product or the On/Off switch is used as a
power cut-off device, this device must remain readily accessible.
17. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this device to water, rain or moisture. In addition, the device must not be exposed to dripping or splashing liquid and no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should be placed on the device.
18. Do not insert any objects into the device’s ventilation openings. They could come into contact with one
of the high-voltage components or short-circuit them and cause a fire or electric shock. Never pour liquid on the device.
19. Do not attempt to repair this device yourself. Opening the device may expose you to dangerous voltages or other risks. Contact
a qualified professional for all maintenance work.
20. When using the device, the ambient temperature should not exceed 95°F (35 degrees Celsius).
21. Do not use this device in tropical climates.
22. Do not use this device at altitudes of more than 2,000m.
23. Do not overload wall sockets, extension leads or multiple socket outlets, as this could cause fire or electric shock.
24. The appliance should only be mounted on a wall or ceiling if the manufacturer allows for this.
25. If the device has been transported from a cold environment to a
warm environment, make sure no condensation has accumulated before connecting the power cable.
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(CEI 60417-6044)
| 26. No naked flame sources, such as lit candles, should be placed on top of the device.
27. Only connect this product to the type of mains electrical supply indicated on the device. If you are
unsure what type of mains electrical supply is required for the product or your electrical installation, ask your retailer or your electricity supplier. For devices intended for use with a battery or another power source, see the user manual.
28. Always leave a distance of at least 2″ (5cm) around the product for proper ventilation
29. When replacement components are needed, make sure that the maintenance technician uses the components recommended by the manufacturer or components with exactly the same technical features as the original product. Using non- compliant components could cause fires, electric shocks or other risks.
30. After any maintenance or repair work on the device, ask the maintenance technician to test it to check that it is working safely.
31. To avoid damaging your hearing, do not listen to loudspeakers at high volumes for long periods of time. Listening to loudspeakers at an excessive volume can cause damage to the user’s ears and may lead to hearing problems (temporary or permanent deafness, buzzing in the ears, tinnitus, hyperacusis). Exposing your ears to a volume higher than 85dB SPL-LAeq for several hours can irreversibly damage your hearing.
32. This device cannot be used by children under 14, people with physical or mental disabilities or
people with inadequate experience or knowledge, unless they are supervised or have received prior instruction on how to use this device safely and in compliance with this user manual and safety instructions. Do not leave children near the products unsupervised.
SOLO6 – TWIN6 – SUB12
Professional Analogue Monitoring System
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Audio signal input connector
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Automatic stand-by switch
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Input sensitivity switch
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Crossover control
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Focus mode input
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Focus mode output
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Power switch – On/Off
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Voltage selector
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Fuse box/mains socket
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On/off mode indicator
POWER LED:- on (continuous green)
- stand-by (continuous red)
- protection (flashing red)
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Focus mode indicator
FOCUS LED:- on (continuous green)
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Inserts for wall fastening
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Midrange speaker driver selection switch
SOLO6 – TWIN6 – SUB12
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Input sensitivity switch
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Automatic stand-by switch
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LEF input and output switches
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Left signal input and output switches
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Right signal input and output switches
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1/4″ (6.35mm) jack connector for 2.1 Bypass remote control
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Focus mode input and output switches
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Polarity switch
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Phase control
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Low-pass crossover potentiometer
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Volume control
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High-pass crossover switch
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On/off mode indicator
POWER LED:- on (continuous green)
- stop (continuous red)
- protection (flashing red)
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2.1 BYPASS/mute LED: on (continuous green
Please validate your Focal-JMlab warranty, it is now possible to register your product online: www.focal.com/warranty
Thank you for purchasing a Focal product. Welcome to our High-Fidelity world. Innovation, tradition, excellence and pleasure are our values; our one and only aim is to bring you a sound that is rich, pure and true. To get the most out of your product, we recommend that you read the instructions in this booklet, then store it in a safe place to refer to in the future.
Package contents
Loudspeakers are delivered with the following items:
- 1 quickstart guide
- 1 power cable
- A plastic wallet containing a user manual (inverted dome Beryllium tweeter) and an adhesive strip to affix to the tweeter in case of damage to the dome
Check that nothing is missing and remove all the accessories from the box. In order not to damage your products while unpacking them, please follow these steps: open the flaps of the cardboard box completely. Fold them back down the sides. Remove the top protective packaging. Lift out the loudspeaker carefully. Check that the packaging does not show any signs of damage. If the packaging has been damaged, let the carrier and the supplier know. It is important to keep the packaging in good condition for any future use. For the Sub12, refer to the unpacking instruction leaflet.
Recommendations
We would like to point out that our products can generate high sound pressure,
particularly in the 5.1 configuration. As the distortion level is low and user
fatigue is minimal, it is not always easy to realise how high the sound
pressure actually is. Remember that exposure to high volumes beyond a certain
amount of time can lead to irreversible hearing loss.
Conditions of warranty
All Focal loudspeakers are covered by warranty drawn up by the official Focal
distributor in your country. Your distributor can provide all details
concerning the conditions of warranty. Warranty cover extends at least to that
granted by the legal warranty in force in the country where the original
purchase invoice was issued.
Quick-start guide
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Before you do anything, check that the loudspeakers and audio source (console, etc.) are in the Off position and that all settings at the back of the loudspeakers are in the 0 position. Ensure that the sensitivity switch is in the +4dBu position.
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Connect the audio signal from the source to the loudspeakers, using the XLR inputs.
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Use the power cable supplied to connect the loudspeaker to the mains.
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Power on the audio source and check that the output level of the audio source connected to loudspeaker is set to – ∞ or a very low level.
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Switch on the loudspeakers. The loudspeakers are now in “Stand-by” mode.
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Increase the level of the audio source until the signal is detected by the loudspeakers, so that they automatically switch into “On” mode.
After the loudspeakers are powered on and after the automatic stand-by mode is enabled (see page 21 for more information on this function), the audio signal detection circuit in the loudspeaker will automatically switch from “Stand-by” to “On” mode, a few seconds after a signal is received. -
Once you have finished your recording, mixing or mastering session, we recommend switching off the equipment in the following order:
- a. Switch off the loudspeakers
- b. Switch off the audio sources
Solo6
Solo6 is an active 2-way near-field professional loudspeaker (2 internal
amplifiers), comprising a Focal 61/2″ (16.5cm) bass/midrange speaker driver
with ‘W’ composite sandwich cone, fitted with a large-section laminar port and
a Focal pure Beryllium inverted dome tweeter (fig. A).
Twin6
Twin6 is an active 2.5-way semi near-field professional loudspeaker (3
internal amplifiers), comprising two Focal 61/2″ (16.5cm) speaker drivers with
‘W’ composite sandwich cone, fitted with a large-section laminar port and a
Focal pure Beryllium inverted dome tweeter. Both 61/2″ (16.5cm) speaker
drivers reproduce the bass but only one of them (you can choose the
positioning) reproduces the “midrange” frequencies (fig. B).
Sub12
Sub12 is an active subwoofer (1 internal amplifier) for professional
monitoring systems. The transducer used is a Focal 13″ (33cm) subwoofer with
‘W’ composite sandwich cone, fitted with a large-section laminar port (fig.
F). Sub12 can be used:
- in addition to bass or sub-bass for stereo + subwoofer installations (2.1 or 2.2). For this purpose, the rear panel connectivity of the Sub12 allows you to connect a traditional stereo source (Left In and Right In), but also to pick up a signal (Left Out and Right Out) processed via the “high-pass” crossover included in the Sub12, designed to supply any linked “satellite” loudspeakers.
- as an LFE (Low Frequency Effect) channel for use in a multichannel system (5.1, 5.2, 6.1, etc.) via a specific LFE input located on the rear panel of the Sub12. As an LFE channel, the low-pass crossover is no longer active.
INSTALLATION
Mains power
After unpacking your products, first check that the selected operating voltage
is correct, depending on the supply voltage chosen using the selector, also
check (and if necessary replace) the fuse, whose amperage is dependent on the
operating voltage (see fuse characteristics in the specifications table).
Warning
Your products must be earthed using the power cable supplied for that purpose.
Check that your electrical system (circuit breaker, plugs, extension cord,
extension block, etc.) is compatible with the power consumed by Solo6, Twin6
and, in particular, Sub12.
Audio input connections
The audio signal is input via a female XLR socket. This connector allows you
to connect a balanced signal source and uses a standard cabling diagram:
Pin 1 = earth (shield)
Pin 2 = hot point (in-phase signal)
Pin 3 = cold point (out-of-phase signal)
When the input signal source is unbalanced, the “cold point” (Pin 3) is
usually connected to the earth (Pin 1). This connection is usually made with
cables.
Automatic stand-by
The monitors in the ST6 range are equipped with a “Stand-by” mode. When you
switch on the monitors, the “Stand-by” mode is enabled. To disable it, send an
audio signal to the monitor by gradually increasing the volume of the audio
source. After around 15 minutes without receiving an audio signal, the
monitors automatically switch to “Stand-by” mode. In “Stand-by” mode, the
power consumption is less than 0.5W. This “Stand-by” function can be disabled
using the stand-by switch (page 17).
Connections specific to the Sub12 (fig. F)
Using the Sub12 in a stereo + subwoofer configuration (2.1 or 2.2)
Left IN: this input is intended to receive the left output from your source
(mixing desk, etc.). Right IN: this input is intended to receive the right
output from your source (mixing desk, etc.).
Left OUT: this output is reserved for the power from the left loudspeaker of
your 2.1 system. The signal picked up will have been previously filtered by
the high-pass crossover of your Sub12.
Right OUT: this output is reserved for the power from the right loudspeaker of
your 2.1 system. The signal picked up will have been previously filtered by
the high-pass crossover of your Sub12.
Using the Sub12 as an LFE channel
LFE: this input is intended for powering your Sub12 for a multichannel
application (5.1, 5.2, 6.1, 6.2, 7.1, 7.2 etc.). The LFE input is used
exclusively for low frequencies.
Positioning
The Solo6 and Twin6 have been designed for use as near-field loudspeakers and
therefore to be positioned at a distance of around 1 to 3 metres from the
listener, pointing towards him or her. They can be easily positioned above a
mixing desk or placed on suitable stands, bearing in mind that in all
scenarios we strongly recommend locating the tweeter at a similar height to
that of the listener’s ears. If necessary you can easily reverse the normal
layout of the loudspeakers and position the tweeter at the bottom to bring it
closer to the recommended height (fig. C, D).
You can position both of
the Solo6 either vertically or horizontally (fig. C) depending on the
environment, preferably pointing towards the listener. We do, however,
recommend the vertical position.
The Twin6 are designed to be listened to horizontally, however, they can also
be used vertically in some cases. The Twin6 has a “switch” to choose the
location of the speaker driver intended to reproduce the midrange frequencies
(See Use – Controls – Midrange Driver Left/Right Switch) – (fig. E)
Consequently, you should
always choose a “balanced” or “mirror” configuration with respect to the
listener.
Wall/ceiling mounting
The mounting points allow you to fix the Solo6 monitors to the wall and/or
ceiling using the K&M® accessories. The centre-to-centre distance is 70mm. Use
M6 screws. Please refer to the table below for the compatible K&M® products.
As with any wall or ceiling mounting, installing the monitors can involve
risks and the methods of drilling and mounting to walls, ceilings and other
surfaces depend on the conditions and standards of construction,
refurbishment, safety and cabling in force and applicable to the brackets
involved. For this reason, the relevant drilling, mounting and installation
operations must be performed by a qualified professional who is familiar with
the installation and safety standards. Focal does not provide any end-of-use
warranty for a given bracket or installation, as installing the monitors is
the customer’s sole responsibility. Focal is therefore not liable in any
capacity whatsoever in the event of unhooking, fall, accident and/or any other
result or damage of any kind related to the installation of monitors.
| Wall mounting | Ceiling mounting | |
|---|---|---|
| SOLO6 | K&M® 24471 fixing kit |
+ K&M® 24359 adapter
| K&M® 24496 fixing kit K&M® 24491 fixing kit
+ K&M® 24359 adapter
Stereo positioning
We recommend that you position the loudspeakers so as to achieve an
equilateral triangle. The 3 corners are formed by the listening position, the
right loudspeaker and the left loudspeaker.
Multi-channel positioning
In the case of a 5.1 installation, we recommend you position the loudspeakers
in a circle so that they are equidistant from the listening point. The central
channel will be positioned at 0°, the front right channel at 30°, the rear
right channel at 110°, the rear left channel at 250° and the front left
channel at 330°.
The optimum positioning of the Sub12 varies depending on the size, shape and
acoustics of the listening room. We recommend that you try various possible
positions and select whichever one delivers the best listening quality. It is
not unusual to get the best results by positioning the Sub12 in a corner.
Running-in
The transducers used in the Solo6, Twin6 and Sub12 are complex mechanical
assemblies that require a running-in period to operate at their best and to
become acclimatised to the temperature and humidity conditions of your
environment. The length of time this takes can vary depending on the
conditions and may extend over several weeks. To reduce the process, we
recommend operating the different products for about twenty consecutive hours
at medium volume, with music that is rich in bass frequencies. Once the
transducers’ characteristics have stabilised, you will be able to enjoy the
full potential of your Focal products.
CONTROLS
Controls specific to the Solo6 and Twin6
Midrange Driver switch (Left / Right) – Only on Twin6
This switch allows you to choose which of the two 6.5″ (16.5cm) speaker
drivers will reproduce the midrange. By convention, choosing the “Midrange
Driver Left” position will effectively select the left speaker driver (when
facing the loudspeaker) as the one intended to reproduce the midrange.
Conversely, the right speaker driver (when facing the loudspeaker) will be
selected when the switch is set to “Midrange Driver Right”. It is clear to see
how valuable such a control is to achieving the best possible image by how it
balances the two loudspeakers, regardless of the devised layout (fig. E).
Input sensitivity switch
The input sensitivity can be adjusted using this two-position switch. The
+4dBu position is best for standard professional audio equipment, whereas
-10dBV can be used for other types of sources providing a lower level.
“HF” SHELVING
This control adjusts the level of high frequencies above 4.5kHz to ± 3dB (fig.
G).
“LMF” EQ
The LMF EQ knob activates or deactivates a volume correction at a central
frequency of 160Hz for a Q factor of 1. We recommend that you set the switch
to -1, -2, -3dB if the loudspeakers are positioned on a table, console strip
or any other support generating reflections (fig. H).
“LF” SHELVING
This control adjusts the level of low frequencies below 150Hz to ± 3dB (fig.
G). This setting will be very useful depending on the positioning of the
loudspeakers on a console, near a wall or in a corner, where we tend to reduce
these frequencies to varying degrees.
Light
There is an On/Off “LED” indicator on the front panel of the loudspeaker,
above the Focus mode indicator, near to the “Focal” logo.
Focus mode
FOCUS mode is used to switch from 2-way (and 2.5-way for Twin6) to 1-way mode.
Solo6 and Twin6 (in FOCUS mode) offer a frequency response of 110Hz to 10kHz,
making it possible to check the transfer quality of mixes on systems with a
limited bass frequency response like televisions, computers, cars, iPod®
docking stations or any other multimedia system. Focus mode also makes it
possible to check the midrange and mid-bass registers, which are always very
critical to equalise and balance in terms of volume compared to the other
information contained in the audio signal. It provides a listening experience
that is as close as possible to the sound signature of 2-way mode (and 2.5-way
for Twin6). This way of listening to a full-range speaker driver also permits
another approach to the stereo image whilst retaining the same sweetspot.
INPUT
Input for connecting the footswitch-type control pedal to a switch, or for
receiving the signal transmitted by the OUTPUT of the FOCUS mode of a Solo6,
Twin6 or Sub12 loudspeaker.
OUTPUT
Output for connecting the Solo6 or Twin6 loudspeaker to a second Solo6, Twin6
or Sub12 loudspeaker. Ensure that you use an instrument cable equipped with 2x
1/4″ (6.35mm) jack connectors (or Stereo, depending on the pedal) to connect
the control pedal to a Solo6 or Twin6, as well as to connect two loudspeakers
together. Controls specific to the Sub12 (fig. F)
Level
The Sub12 level adjustment is used to set the subwoofer’s volume according to
that of the monitors. This setting also offers the option to optimise the
choice of the subwoofer’s positioning, taking into account the acoustic
consequences inherent in positioning the Sub12 (in a corner: +6dB, therefore
necessity to attenuate the level to achieve perfect linearity of the frequency
response curve for the whole system).
High pass
This zone is dedicated to controlling the “high-pass” crossover of the
loudspeakers linked with the Sub12 when in 2.1 configuration. The
45Hz/60Hz/90Hz switch is used to select a cut-off frequency, so as to optimise
the coupling of the latter with the Sub12 subwoofer.
Low pass
This rotary potentiometer is used to adjust the subwoofer’s low-pass cut-off
frequency in order to determine the highest frequency that the Sub12 will have
to re-transcribe. The aim of this setting is to optimise the Sub12’s cut-off
frequency. The aim is of course to obtain the most linear frequency response
curve possible from the whole system (subwoofer + loudspeakers). The low-pass
crossover is no longer active as an LFE channel.
- enable the subwoofer’s “Mute” function.
- disable the high-pass crossover for the linked satellite loudspeakers. The loudspeakers will then operate at their full bandwidth.
This action will authorise the instant comparison through rapid switchover, between a “2.1” system (Sub12, linked to 2 loudspeakers) and a traditional stereo system. This option will be particularly useful when optimising the crossover settings (phase, cut-off frequency, volume) between the Sub12 and its linked loudspeakers
Power light
POWER LED : on (continuous green), stand-by (continuous red), protection
(flashing red) 2.1 BYPASS/Mute LED: on (continuous green)
Focus
The Sub12 can be linked to the Focus mode of satellites using the dedicated
Focus input and output.
WARNING
Correct
elimination of this product.
This marking indicates that within the EU this product should not be disposed
of with other household wastes. To prevent any risk to the environment or
human health, please recycle them responsibly to encourage the reuse of
material resources. To return your used device, please use the return and
collection systems available, or contact the retailer where you purchased the
product. They can recycle this product safely.
FOCAL JMLab® – www.focal.com Tel. (+33) 04 77 43 57 00 – Fax (+33) 04 77 43 57 04 – SCTL – 17/10/2022 – v2
References
- Top-of-the-range speakers and hi-fi equipment | Focal
- Top-of-the-range speakers and hi-fi equipment | Focal
- Extension de garantie | Focal
- Se connecter à focal-naim
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