KRK SYSTEMS RP5 G5 Generation Five Monitoring Systems User Manual

KRK SYSTEMS RP5 G5 Generation Five Monitoring Systems

Introduction

KRK Systems has been the unwavering cornerstone of professional audio monitoring for over three decades, earning its reputation as an industry leader through a rich history of innovation and precision. Founded in 1986, KRK Systems set out to revolutionize the way music professionals and enthusiasts experience audio.

From its inception, KRK Systems prioritized precision and accuracy in studio monitor design. The company’s commitment to delivering pristine sound has led to numerous breakthroughs in speaker technology, including the development of the iconic woven Kevlar® aramid fiber woofer and the scientifically tuned front bass reflex port system, both of which have become synonymous with KRK’s commitment to delivering unparalleled sound clarity and precision.

Through the years, KRK has continued to refine its studio monitors, blending cutting-edge technology with the time-tested principles of audio engineering, and with a legacy built on trust and performance, KRK Systems remains the right choice for those who demand the very best in sound quality and reliability.

You are about to experience the difference for yourself and elevate your audio production to new heights with the KRK Systems ROKIT Generation Five product line that caters to the diverse needs of musicians, producers, and sound engineers worldwide. Whether you’re working on a chart-topping hit, a film score, or a personal project, KRK Systems ROKIT Generation Five monitors provide the tools you need to capture every nuance of your sound with astonishing clarity.

Welcome to our family.

Important Safety Information

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.

2. Retain instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.

5. Cleaning – Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

6. Attachments – Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

7. Water and Moisture – Do not use this product near water – for example, near a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.

8. Accessories – Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product. Any mounting of the product should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and should use a mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

9. Cart – A product and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to overturn.

10. Ventilation – Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation to ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. The openings should never be blocked by placing the product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface. This product should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

11. Power Sources – This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label and connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company.

12. Power- Cord Protection – Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.

13. Mains Plug – Where the mains plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

14. Lightning – For added protection for this product during a lightning storm or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power-line surges.

15. Overloading – Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles, as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

16. Flame Sources – No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the product.

17. Object and Liquid Entry – Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings, as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

18. Loudspeakers – Excessive sound pressure from loudspeakers can cause hearing loss.

19. Damage Requiring Service – Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
    a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
    b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product.
    c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
    d. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions, as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
    e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
    f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance – this indicates a need for service.

20. Replacement Parts – When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

21. Safety Check – Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.

WARNING

The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

THE EQUIPMENT MUST BE CONNECTED TO AN EARTHED MAINS SOCKET OUTLET.

CAUTION REGARDING PLACEMENT

To maintain proper ventilation, be sure to leave a space around the unit (from the largest outer dimensions, including projections) that is equal to or greater than shown below.
Top, Bottom, Front, Rear, Left, and Right Sides: 10 cm.

CAUTION
Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by KRK SYSTEMS for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

CAUTION

To prevent electric shock, match the wide blade of the plug to the wide slot and fully insert.

CAUTION

The marking and rating plate can be found at the rear panel of the apparatus.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

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

The mains plug is used as a disconnect device, and it should remain readily operable during intended use. In order to disconnect the apparatus from the mains completely, the mains plug should be disconnected from the mains socket outlet completely.

Battery shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire, or the like.

CAUTION

An appliance with a protective earth terminal should be connected to a mains outlet with a protective earth connection.
IF IN DOUBT, CONSULT A COMPETENT ELECTRICIAN.

NOTES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

At the end of its useful life, this product must not be disposed of with regular household waste but must be returned to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. The symbol on the product, user’s manual, and packaging point this out.
The materials can be reused in accordance with their markings. Through re-use, recycling of raw materials, or other forms of recycling of old products, you are making an important contribution to the protection of our environment.

Your local administrative office can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point.

FCC STATEMENT

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

System Setup

Overall system setup is crucial to avoid unnecessary room acoustic interaction. A room’s natural acoustics may alter the sound level at various frequencies due to abnormal damping or reflections. Follow the checklist below for more details.

1. The system setup (studio monitors and work desk) should be placed within the front 1/3 of the room. Doing so will reduce reflection buildup of peak frequencies.
2. The left and right sides of the system setup should be centered at an equal distance from the left and right walls. Treat sidewalls with acoustic absorption at the first reflection point. This will ensure a more even frequency response and preserve stereo imaging.
3. Avoid a listening position (your ears) that is closer than 3 feet (1 meter) from any wall. Also, avoid large objects (such as lamps or decorations) near the studio monitor and listening position.
4. Diffusers and absorption material in the corners and back of a room will further help remove destructive room modes.
5. Carpeting will help prevent reflections from hard floor surfaces.
6. Studio monitor isolators (foam or rubber pads) will help remove low-frequency coupling between the stands and desk. Low-frequency coupling will cause the stand or desk to vibrate, causing unwanted sounds.
7. A low noise floorin your room (no outside interference from refrigerators or fans) is important to prevent the masking of low-frequency detail. Rattles due to studio monitor playback should be fixed as well.
   

Within the system setup, the studio monitors and listening placement should be positioned in a near-field configuration as follows: The left and right studio monitors should be approximately 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) apart and directed at a 60-degree angle towards the listening location. Measure the distance between the left and right studio monitors and sit in the listening position that is equal distance to both sides. This will form an equilateral triangle. It is important that both left and right studio monitors are level- matched (same volume).

The ROKIT G5 monitors are two-way studio monitor systems with a tweeter (producing high frequencies) and a woofer (producing mid and low frequencies) in one enclosure. In between the tweeter and woofer is the acoustic axis point. The acoustic axis point should be directly pointed to ear level in the listening position.

It is acceptable to angle the studio monitors to ensure the acoustic axis is pointed in the correct direction.

Important: Before powering up the ROKIT G5 monitors, be sure all connections have been made. All faders and controls should be set to their minimum levels, and all other equipment should be turned on prior to powering up your KRK monitors.

Note : Your ROKIT G5 monitors have friction lock Neutrik® combo input connectors.
Use an XLR cable or TRS (tip, ring, sleeve) 1/4” balanced cable to connect to your interface, mixing board, or monitor controller. Alternatively, you can use an 1/8” stereo to dual 1/4” unbalanced adapter cable to hook up directly to a phone, computer, or music player. (CAUTION: Be sure the volume on your device is set to minimum and then adjust to taste.)

Power up

When you first power up the ROKIT G5, the logo on the front of the unit illuminates, the monitor will perform a boot sequence (the LCD will display the KRK logo followed by a ROKIT G5 Logo) for approximately 5 seconds, then the monitor is ready to use.

Standby

Your monitors have the ability to automatically enter standby mode when they are not used for more than 30 minutes. Automatic standby mode can be disabled by switching off the standby feature in the SETUP menu (see below). If you prefer to use automatic standby to save energy, or if the power switches are hard to reach, leave the automatic standby on. You will know the monitors are on standby when the KRK logo begins to slowly pulse on and off (even if you normally have the KRK logo light off). Alternatively, the monitor can be forced into standby mode by pressing the function knob and holding it for 7 seconds.

To re-activate the monitors from standby mode, just add a minimum of -50 dB of signal to the input. This will automatically re-activate the monitors. We recommend slowly increasing your source level to avoid a full volume “jolt” of sound when the monitors suddenly re-activate. Alternatively, simply press the function knob to quickly re-activate from standby.

Monitor Break In

Now that you have set up your system, you should take the time to break in your new monitors before performing any critical work or critical listening. The transducers (also known as speakers or drivers) in your monitors are complex electromechanical devices that need to “settle in” a bit to bring them to their optimal operating condition. During the design and development process, KRK Systems’ final tuning and voicing are performed after the transducers are properly broken in, so after your monitors are broken in, they will be in optimum operating condition.

We recommend either listening to or playing a broad range of dynamic music for about 30 hours at a slightly higher volume than you would normally listen to or playing full-bandwidth pink noise at approximately +85dB for 20 hours. The break- in time does not need to be done continuously, so take your time and enjoy listening to some music while you condition your monitors.

Faceplates and Protective Grille Faceplates

The ROKIT G5 monitors come with their protective grille faceplates installed. These not only look great but are there to protect the monitor drivers from any advertent finger pokes or accidental bumps. Your ROKIT G5 monitors also come with nonprotective faceplates that can be used if there is no danger of your monitor drivers being damaged or if you prefer the look of the ROKIT G5 without the protective grilles. If you do decide to use the protective grille faceplates, you can have confidence that they will not affect the sound of your ROKIT G5 monitors. Because of the design of the grille, there is no change in frequency response from grille to no grille.

The faceplates are attached magnetically. To change the faceplate, simply reach into the port near the left or right side and pull the faceplate forward and off, then snap on the faceplate of your choosing.

Foam Wedge Monitor Isolation Pads

Your ROKIT G5 monitors come with Foam Wedge Isolation Pads to provide sonic and vibrational isolation between your monitors and your workstation, which will improve the accuracy of your entire monitoring system. They also provide a mechanism to better position your monitors to angle them toward ear level in the listening position. We recommend using the isolation pads even if you do not need to angle your monitors.

ROKIT 5 Generation Five Shown for Reference

A – LCD Function Screen – Displays Level, Voicing Modes, EQ, and System Settings
( Note: The LCD screen will automatically turn off after 5 minutes of non- use to preserve the life of the LCD; it will re-illuminate with the press of the function knob)
B – Analog Input – Balanced XLR / ¼” balanced TRS or unbalanced TS phone jack
C – Power On / Off Switch
D – Function Knob – Rotate and push to access functions and adjust parameters
E – IEC320 C14 AC Inlet
F – 5×20 mm Fuse Holder (Fuse rating printed below holder)

The HOME SCREEN is visible when the monitor is powered on and it finishes the boot sequence. As a quick overview of the system, a visual indication of the Level, Voicing Mode, and EQ setting is shown (MIX Mode shown here). From the Home Screen, rotate the FUNCTION knob to raise or lower the level or press the FUNCTION knob to access EQ, SETUP, and more.

LEVEL is set at the factory to 0 dB (+4 dBu input sensitivity). Increase/decrease this equally on both monitors in 0.1 dB steps to set the volume to your desired level or to match these to other monitors in your studio.

From the MENU screen, select EQ to access the EQ settings.

Voicing Modes can be changed by pressing the function knob to switch between the modes.

Mix Mode – Flat frequency and phase response best used for mixing, mastering, and critical listening.
Create Mode – Inspirational voicing that is best used for writing, producing, and casual listening.
Focus Mode – Mid-focused voicing for a critical analysis of the midrange band.

Turn the function knob and press to select Low EQ. Turn the function knob to scroll to the desired Low EQ setting and press to select.

L. SHELF Cut (-dB) settings are boundary condition filters. These EQ settings roll off the additional low-end that becomes present when the monitors are set close to walls or other large hard surface boundaries.
L. SHELF Boost (+dB) setting will add additional low-end if you need more low frequency content; set these to your taste.

L.PEQ is a parametric EQ with a wide Q centered at 200 Hz. This is known as a desk filter, and it helps minimize the low-mid buildup created by large reflective surfaces like a large mixing board, aka “desk,” or a large workstation.
Note: Setting “2” utilizes both the boundary condition filter and the desk filter.

Turn the function knob and press to select High EQ. Turn the function knob to scroll to the desired High EQ setting and press to select.

H. SHELF and H. PEQ EQs are often needed for use in a lessthan-optimum acoustical environment. Depending on your room configuration and amount of acoustic absorption, some studios are more reflective or bright sounding and need less high-frequency content, while other studios are highly damped or dark sounding and need additional HF content. These EQ selections will help you dial in your monitors for your specific environment. Scroll to the Back button and press to return to the previous MENU screen.

From the MENU screen select SETUP to adjust overall system preferences.

BACKLIGHT adjusts the brightness of the LCD’s backlight. In a dim studio, a darker backlight is easier on the eyes. To adjust your backlight to the lighting in the room, we recommend turning it down until it’s too dim and then slowly bringing it up until it feels comfortable to look at.

CONTRAST: Once your monitors are in place, set for maximum image focus based on your viewing angle.

STANDBY: Use this to engage or disengage the standby function. If standby is engaged, the unit will go into sleep mode 30 minutes after no audio signal is detected. The monitors will wake up when a -50 dB audio signal is present at the input.

LOGO selects the front KRK logo: ON, DIM, or OFF. Set it to your desired setting according to the ambient light in your studio. The logo also indicates power and standby. When the monitor is in standby mode, the logo will slowly fade on and off.

FACTORY RESET : Use this to restore the monitor to the default factory settings.

LOCK : Settings can’t be changed until you unlock.

Integrated Mounting Points

The ROKIT G5 monitors include integrated mounting points on the bottom of the enclosures. These mounting points are used with KRK mounting brackets, available as a separate purchase, or with other brands of mounting brackets that have the same hole mount pattern. (Note: See the specification data sheet for detailed dimensional drawings.)

TROUBLESHOOTING

If there is no power…

• Check to see if the power cord is plugged into both the IEC socket on the rear panel of the active speaker and into the AC mains. Verify that the AC mains are active by using an approved AC tester or simply connect a lamp with a working light bulb. In some cases, the AC mains may be controlled by a light switch or power strip with a suppressor that may not be in the ‘on’ position.
• Verify that the power switch on the active speaker is in the ‘on’ position.
• Check to see if the power light is illuminated. The power light is the KRK logo on the monitor’s front panel. If the power light is not illuminated, turn the power switch OFF and check the A/C mains fuse(s). The fuse is located directly below the power receptacle.

NEVER USE A LARGER AMPERAGE FUSE THAN SPECIFIED!

• After the fuse has been checked and replaced, turn the power switch back on. The power light should illuminate.
• Check to see if a fuse change was needed. If you power the monitor back on and the fuse blows again, the monitor needs to be returned to the dealer or distributor where you purchased it or to KRK for servicing.

If you can’t hear certain sounds…

• Repeat the steps in the previous troubleshooting section above before continuing to the next steps.
• Check whether all other audio devices using the same AC outlet are still operating.
• Check to see if the audio source cable is plugged into both the source output and the monitor input.
• Check to see if the signal source (E.g., mixing console, workstation, CD player, etc.) is turned up to a level that can properly send a signal to the monitors.
• Check to see if the audio source is in mono or stereo, or information in the mix may also be panned differently, which will result in differing cancellation. Audio heard in stereo and not heard in mono may be a result of phase cancellation due to long delays between left and right channels or polarity inversion. Avoid polarity inversion by using matching cables.
• Check to see if one of the monitors is working. Exchange the audio input cable from the non-working monitor to the working unit. This will determine whether it’s really the monitor, a faulty cable, or some other glitch in the audio chain.
• If the monitor is still not responding, it should be returned to the dealer where you purchased it or to KRK for servicing.

If the monitor suddenly stops working…

• Turn the monitor level down or off.
• Repeat the steps in the troubleshooting sections above before continuing to the next steps.
• Carefully check to see if the amplifier’s back plate is hot! If the monitor has been running at its highest power output for an extended period of time, it could be that the unit has become overheated, and the protection circuitry has shut the system down momentarily. The monitor provides maximum circuitry protection against AC power surges, amplifier overdrive, and overheating of the amplifiers. Turn the monitor off, then wait 30 minutes to allow the back plate to cool down. Turn the power switch back on.
• Increase the volume to check for normal operation.
• If the monitor is still not responding, it should be returned to the dealer where you purchased it or to KRK for servicing.

The sound quality changes…

• Repeat the steps in the previous troubleshooting section above before continuing to the next steps.
• It is possible that the change in sound quality is due to changes in the room or listening position. Low frequencies (bass response) can be increased or reduced by changes such as furniture and/or large equipment placement. Try moving the speakers or listening area to a different position or return the room back to where the sound quality was acceptable.
• A reduction in bass frequencies may result from polarity inversion between the left and right channels or long delays between the left and right channels. Information in the mix may also be panned differently, which will result in differing cancellation. Check the audio source and verify if one channel is polarity-flipped or if long delays are being used. Avoid polarity inversion by using matching cables.
• Disconnect the signal cable at monitor’s input and adjust the volume control to the minimum setting. With power on, place your ear close to each driver (tweeter/woofer) and listen for noise (i.e., a slight hiss or hum) while slowly increasing the volume from the minimum setting. It is important that the volume is slowly adjusted from the minimum setting to avoid any spike in sound levels while the ear is close to the driver (tweeter & woofer). If there’s absolutely no sound whatsoever, it could be that the driver is at fault. It’s also possible that the problem lies somewhere in the electronics.
• Play some non-distorted source material at a low volume. Carefully cover the woofer (to block the sound) without touching the diaphragm. Is the woofer producing a clean sound? If there is not a clear tonal quality or any sound at all, then the woofer probably needs to be replaced.
• Verify the source signal level has not changed, or the source has changed. This can be tested by connecting the source headphone outputs to a set of headphones and verifying the sound is not loud or distorted. If the sound is poor at the source (preamp stage), then it is not the active speakers.

The monitor hums or makes other loud noises…

• Make sure that the power cord is plugged snugly into the IEC socket on the rear of the monitor.
• Check the connections between the signal source and the monitor. Make sure all connections are secure and that the cable is not damaged or wired incorrectly.
• If you are using an unbalanced output to balanced cable conversion, make sure it is correct. The shield is connected to the unbalanced ground of the source and pins 1 and 3 of the XLR (or the sleeve and ring on the ¼” TRS jack).
• All audio equipment should use the same ground point. Check all other devices using the same AC output in the building, like light dimmers, neon signs, TV screens, and computer monitors. These devices should not be using the same circuit.
• Verify that the signal cables are not routed near AC power lines or other EMI sources (including wall power adapters and computers).
• Excessive hiss may be a result of an incorrect gain setting before the speaker connection. Verify the source signal is not noisy before connecting the monitors. This can be tested by connecting the signal source’s headphone output to a set of headphones.
• Once you have a better idea of what may be at fault, then contact our service department. They will help you determine the best solution to correct your issue.

KRK Product Warranty Registration

www.krkmusic.com/warranty

KRK Product Warranty for Headphones and Speakers

If used in strict accordance with KRK instructions and only for products operated in the United States, Gibson Brands, Inc. warrants parts and labor on all monitors and grill accessories for a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase for all products purchased from a US Authorized Dealer. For goods purchased outside of the United States, please contact your local dealer or distributor for specific information on warranty terms and conditions. Gibson Brands, Inc. warrants parts and labor on all headphones, computer audio devices, including room correction devices, for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase. Defective parts will be repaired under this warranty when a defect occurs under normal installation and use.

This warranty is limited to repair of parts and replacements necessitated by defective workmanship or materials. Gibson Brands, Inc. accepts no responsibility for damage or malfunction which, in the sole opinion of Gibson Brands, Inc., is the result of misuse, abuse, neglect, accident, shipping damage or unauthorized repair. Any such misuse, abuse, neglect, accident, shipping damage or unauthorized repair will result in the voiding of this warranty.

Except as set forth herein, Gibson Brands, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, whether expressed or implied, including any implied warranties of merchantability or suitability for a particular purpose, all of which are expressly waived and disclaimed hereby, as to any Gibson Brands, Inc. products.

In no event shall Gibson Brands, Inc. be liable for special, incidental, consequential, punitive, or indirect damages, including without limitation loss of profits or loss of data. For any action brought against Gibson Brands, Inc., whether intort, contract or any other theory of law, in no event shall Gibson Brands, Inc.’s liability exceeds the total amount paid by the purchaser to an authorized dealer or representative for the product given rise to the underlying claim.

Some states and countries do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. This warranty only applies to Gibson Brands, Inc. products purchased by the consumer from an authorized Gibson Brands, Inc. dealer.

In the United States: In Europe:
Gibson Brands, Inc. Gibson Brands, Inc.
ATTN: Consumer Service ATTN: Consumer Service
209 10th Ave South Smallepad 15
Suite 460 3811 MG Amersfoort
Nashville, TN 37203 The Netherlands
1-800-4GIBSON (1-800-4442766) 00800-4Gibson1 (00800-44427661)
service@gibson.com / service.europe@gibson.com

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