M-AUDIO BX3 Speakers User Guide
- June 16, 2024
- M-AUDIO
Table of Contents
M-AUDIO BX3 Speakers
Introduction
Box Contents
- BX3 Speakers (Stereo Pair)
- Foam Feet
- 2-Prong IEC Power Cable
- 1/8” TS Speaker Interconnect Cable
- 1/8” to 1/8” TRS Aux Cable
- 1/8” TRS to RCA Cable
- User Guide
- Safety & Warranty Manual
Product Registration and Support
To download your included software, follow the instructions below:
- Vist m-audio.com/softwaredownload.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to register your product.
- Upon successful registration, any applicable software downloads, product codes and promotions will show in your account.
Note: A high-speed internet connection is recommended. If you need assistance, do not return your product to the dealer. Instead, please contact our helpful technical support team by visiting m audio.com/support.
Setup
The configuration and placement of your BX3 monitors on speaker stands or your desktop workstation may affect the performance of the speakers. Use the following tips to achieve the best performance out of your BX3 monitors.
Tip: If possible, place your BX3 monitors on speaker stands instead of your desktop. Desks tend to resonate sympathetically at low frequencies and may adversely affect the bass response of your monitors. If speaker stands are not possible due to space restrictions and you notice a buildup in bass, try placing the monitors on isolation pads to acoustically de-couple the monitors from the desk
Precautions
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Correct Power Operation: Since the BX3 contains amplifiers, it must be connected to a power outlet.
Before connecting power, please make sure that the Vol/Power knob is set to the off position. -
Standby Mode: BX3 includes a Standby Mode to conserve energy used when powered on but not in use for 25 minutes. To wake from Standby Mode, simply begin playing audio at any level for 3-5 seconds and BX3 will resume normal functionality.
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Foam Feet: In order to maximize physical stability, we recommend you use the provided foam feet on the bottoms of the BX3 monitors.
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Connecting to a Computer Sound Card or Other Audio Output Device: Your BX3 speakers have a variety of inputs for use with a multitude of devices. Before connecting the BX3 speakers, make sure the power from the computer or other output device has been turned off and the BX3 speakers are also turned off. Connect the RCA or 1/4″ (6.35 mm) input jacks to the corresponding output connectors of a computer sound card, portable music player, etc. You can also use the included 1/8″ (3.5 mm) TRS stereo aux cable to connect a secondary audio device to the Aux input on the front of the BX3.
Speaker Placement
The placement of your speakers has a huge impact on how well they will perform in your studio. Although nearfield studio monitors are designed to be more forgiving when it comes to placement, you should do your best to make sure they form an equilateral triangle relative to your head. In other words, make sure that each speaker is equally distant from both your head as well as the other speaker. Once each speaker has been placed, rotate the speakers slightly so that the drivers are pointing toward the listener.
Take a look at the diagram on the right.
Notice that the distance from the listener’s head to each speaker is the same
as the distance between the left and right speakers. Also note that the
speakers are turned slightly so that the drivers are facing the listener. This
is an ideal setup but if it is not practical (or possible) to do this, try to
match this setup as closely as possible.
The speakers and listener should be at the three corners of a triangle having
equal length sides,
Speaker Height
The ideal height for BX3 is so that the speaker is parallel to the ground and
that the midpoint of the woofer and tweeter is at ear height.
The diagram to the right demonstrates the ideal placement height of the
speakers relative to the listener. Notice that the listener’s ears are
directly between the woofer and tweeter.
Speaker Orientation
If possible, place the BX3 monitors in their upright position and avoid laying the speakers on their sides. The BX3 woofer and tweeter are vertically aligned and will provide the best performance when the speakers are placed upright. Placing them on their sides may create strong reflections from nearby surfaces resulting in spectrally unbalanced sound.
If your BX3 monitors must be oriented horizontally due to space or line-of-
sight considerations, place the speakers so that their tweeter is on the
“inside” to improve imaging.
Connection Diagrams
Items not listed under _Introduction > Box Contents _are sold separately.
Example 1 – Connecting to an Audio Interface
Example 2 – Connecting to A DJ Controller
Example 3 – Connecting to an Auxiliary Media Player
Features
Rear Panel
- Rear Port: The rear port enhances the bass generated by the woofer, increasing the low frequencies. Make sure these ports are not obstructed since this will adversely affect bass response.
- RCA Inputs: Use the included audio cable or other RCA cables (sold separately) to connect external sound sources to these inputs.
- 1/4″ (6.35 mm) TRS Inputs: Use 1/4” (6.35 mm) audio cables (sold separately) to connect external sound sources to these inputs.
- 1/8” (3.5 mm) TS Output to Passive Speaker: This is the audio connection to the passive speaker. Use the included 1/8” (3.5 mm) TS interconnection cable to connect the active speaker to the passive speaker.
- 1/8” (3.5 mm) TS Input from Active Speaker: Use the included 1/8” (3.5 mm) TS interconnection cable to connect the active speaker to this passive speaker.
- Active Speaker Position: Adjust this to set the position for the active speaker in the stereo field. This allows you to choose to have the active speaker on either your left or right depending on your preferences and where your connections are.
- High EQ: Turn this knob to boost or cut the high-frequency equalization of the speakers.
- Low EQ: Turn this knob to boost or cut the low-frequency equalization of the speakers.
- Power Connector: Plug the included 2-prong IEC power cable here.
Front Panel
- Tweeter: This outputs the high frequencies.
- Woofer: This outputs the low frequencies.
- 1/8″ (3.5 mm) TRS Aux Input: This stereo 1/8” (3.5 mm) TRS input can be used to connect an MP3 player or other audio source.
- Headphones: Connect your 1/8” (3.5 mm) headphones to this output to hear the mix through your headphones. Note that while headphones are connected to BX3, you will not be able to hear sound out of your speakers until the headphones are disconnected.
- Vol/Power: This knob is used to turn the speakers on and adjust their volume. To turn on, simply turn up the knob. You will feel a click when the speakers turn on. An LED on the speaker will illuminate. To turn off, simply turn the volume all the way down; the LED will turn off to let you know that the speakers are off.
Appendix
Technical Specifications
| Frequency Response | 80 Hz – 22 kH |
|---|---|
| Output Power | 120 W (total peak), 2 x 25 W (RMS) |
| LF Driver | 3.5” / 88.9 mm |
| HF Driver | 1” / 25.4 mm; silk dome |
| Audio Inputs | 1 RCA stereo input pair |
2 1/4″ (6.35 mm) TRS inputs
1 1/8″ (3.5 mm) stereo auxiliary input
Headphone Output| 1/8” (3.5 mm) stereo output
Interconnection Cable| 1/8” (3.5 mm) TRS
Power| 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 85 W
Dimensions (width x depth x height, per speaker)| 5.5” x 5.7” x 8.2” 140
x 145 x 208 mm
Dimensions (width x depth x height, per speaker)| 7.39 lbs. 3.35 kg
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Trademarks & Licenses
M-Audio is a trademark of inMusic Brands, Inc., registered in the U.S. and
other countries.
All other product or company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.
