HK AUDIO POLAR 8 Active High-Performance 6x 2.5″ Midrange Speakers Instruction Manual

HK AUDIO POLAR 8 Active High-Performance 6x 2.5″ Midrange Speakers

Important Safety Instructions!

Read before connecting!
This product has been built by the manufacturer in accordance with IEC 62368-1 and left the factory in safe working order. To maintain this condition and ensure non-risk operation, the user must follow the advice and warning comments found in the operating instructions. If this product shall be used in vehicles, ships or aircraft or at altitudes exceeding 2000 m above sea level, take care of the relevant safety regulations which may exceed the IEC 62368-1 requirements.
WARNING:
To prevent the risk of fire and shock hazard, do not expose this appliance to moisture or rain. Do not open case – no user serviceable parts inside. Refer service to qualified service personnel.

• This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

• This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of externally accessible hazardous voltage. External wiring connected to any terminal marked with this symbol must be a “ready made cable” complying with the manufacturers recommendations, or must be a wiring installed by instructed persons only.

• This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Read the manual.

• This symbol, wherever it appears, tells you: Take care! Hot surface! To prevent burns you must not touch.

• All electrical and electronic products including batteries should be disposed of separately from the municipal waste stream via designated collection facilities appointed by the government or the local authorities.

• Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product and in this manual.

• Do not use this product near water. Do not place the product near water, baths, wash basins, kitchen sinks, wet areas, swimming pools or damp rooms.

• Do not place objects containing liquid on the product – vases, glasses, bottles etc.

• Clean only with dry cloth.

• Do not remove any covers or sections of the housing.

• The set operating voltage of the product must match the local mains supply voltage. If you are not sure of the type of power available consult
  your dealer or local power company.

• Before connecting the device, please ensure that the mains supply you are using is equipped with adequate protection against short circuiting and grounding faults when the device is plugged in.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock, the grounding of this product must be maintained. Use only the power supply cord provided with this product, and maintain the function of the center (grounding) pin of the mains connection at any time. Make sure the mains outlet used provides a proper protective ground connection.

• Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the device! Power supply cords should always be handled carefully. Periodically check cords for cuts or sign of stress, especially at the plug and the point where the cord exits the device.

• Never use a damaged power cord.

• Unplug this product during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

• This product can be fully disconnected from mains only by pulling the mains plug at the unit or the wall socket. The product must be placed in such a way at any time, that disconnecting from mains is easily possible.

• Fuses are to be replaced exclusively by qualified personnel, and then only with fuses of the proper type and rating.

• Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the unit has been damaged in any way, such as:

  • When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.
  • If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the product.
  • If the product has been exposed to rain or moisture.
  • If the product does not operate normally when the operating instructions are followed.
  • If the product has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.

• Do not connect external speakers to this product with an impedance lower than the rated impedance given on the product or in this manual. Use only cables with sufficient cross section according to the local safety regulations.

• Keep away from direct sunlight.

• Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other devices that produce heat.

• This apparatus is for moderate climates areas use, not suitable for use in tropical climates countries.

• Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. This product must not be placed in
  a built-in installation such as a rack unless proper ventilation is provided.

• Always allow a cold device to warm up to ambient temperature, when being moved into a room. Condensation can form inside it and damage the product, when being used without warming up.

• Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles on the product.

• The device must be positioned at least 20 cm/8″ away from walls.

• Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the product. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/product combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

• Use only accessories recommended by the manufacturer, this applies for all kind of accessories, for example protective covers, transport bags, stands, wall or ceiling mounting equipment. In case of attaching any kind of accessories to the product, always follow the instructions for use, provided by the manufacturer. Never use fixing points on the product other than specified by the manufacturer.

• This appliance is NOT suitable to be used by any person or persons (including children) with limited physical, sensorical or mental ability, or by persons with insufficient experience and/or knowledge to operate such an appliance. Children under 4 years of age must be kept away from this appliance at all times.

• Never push objects of any kind into this product through cabinet slots as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in risk of fire or electric shock.

• This product is capable of delivering sound pressure levels in excess of 90 dB, which may cause permanent hearing damage! Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause a permanent hearing loss. Wear hearing protection if continously exposed to such high levels.

• The manufacturer only guarantees the safety, reliability and efficiency of this product if:

  • Assembly, extension, re-adjustment, modifications or repairs are carried out by the manufacturer or by persons authorized to do so.
  • The electrical installation of the relevant area complies with the requirements of IEC (ANSI) specifications.
  • The unit is used in accordance with the operating instructions.

• This product is optimized for use with music and speech signals. Using this product with sine wave, square wave or other kind of measuring signals at higher level may lead to severe damage of the product.

General Notes on Safety for Loudspeaker Systems
Mounting systems may only be used for those loudspeaker systems authorized by the manufacturer and only with the mounting accessories specified by the manufacturer in the installation instructions. Read and heed the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The indicated load-bearing capacity cannot be guaranteed and the manufacturer will not be liable for damages in the event of improper installation or the use of unauthorized mounting accessories. The system’s load-bearing capacity cannot be guaranteed and the manufacturer will not be liable for damages in the event that loudspeakers, mounting accessories, and connecting and attaching components are modified in any way. Components affecting safety may only be repaired by the manufacturer or authorized agents, otherwise the operating permit will be voided.

• Installation may be performed qualified personnel only, and then only at pick-points with sufficient load-carrying capacity and
  in compliance with local building regulations. Use only the mounting hardware specified by the manufacturer in the installation instructions (screws, anchors, etc.). Take all the precautions necessary to ensure bolted connections and other threaded locking devices will not loosen.

• Fixed and portable installations (in this case, speakers and mounting accessories) must be secured by two independent safeties to prevent them from falling. Safeties must be able to catch accessories or parts that are loose or may become loose. Ensure compliance with the given national regulations when using connecting, attaching, and rigging devices. Factor potential dynamic forces (jerk) into the equation when determining the proper size and load-bearing capacity of safeties.

• Be sure to observe speaker stands’ maximum load-bearing capacity. Note that for reasons of design and construction, most speaker stands are approved to bear centric loads only; that is, the speakers’ mass has to be precisely centered and balanced. Ensure speaker stands are set up stably and securely. Take appropriate added measures to secure speaker stands, for example when:

  • the floor or ground surface does not provide a stable, secure base.
  • they are extended to heights that impede stability.
  • high wind pressure may be expected.
  • there is the risk that they may be knocked over by people.

Special measures may become necessary as precautions against unsafe audience behavior. Do not set up speaker stands in evacuation routes and emergency exits. Ensure corridors are wide enough and put proper barriers and markings in place when setting speaker stands up in passageways. Mounting and dismounting are especially hazardous tasks. Use aids suitable for this purpose. Observe the given national regulations when doing so.

• Wear proper protection (in particular, a helmet, gloves, and safety shoes) and use only suitable means of ascent  (ladders, scaffolds, etc.) during installation. Compliance with this requirement is the sole responsibility of the company performing the installation.

WARNING!
After installation, inspect the system comprised of the mounting fixtures and loudspeakers to ensure it is properly secured. The operator of loudspeaker systems (fixed or portable) must regularly inspect or task a third party to regularly inspect all system components in accordance with the given country’s regulations and have possible defects repaired immediately.  We also strongly recommend maintaining a logbook or the like to document all inspections. Also be sure to provide sufficient safety margins for the rigging points used for flown systems. Observe the given national regulations when doing so.

• Professional loudspeaker systems can produce harmful volume levels. Even prolonged exposure to seemingly harmless levels (starting at about 95 dBA SPL) can cause permanent hearing damage! Therefore we recommend that everyone who is exposed to high volume levels produced by loudspeaker systems wears professional hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs).

Manufacturer: Stamer Musikanlagen GmbH, Magdeburger Str. 8, 66606 St. Wendel, Germany
Welcome to the HK Audio family!
Thank you for choosing a brand-name product made by our company. It was engineered and built with the greatest care so it will serve you well for many tomorrows to come.
Even if your experience with sound systems runs deep, some things about this product are sure to be new to you. This is why we ask that you do not set this manual aside without reading it first. Be sure to keep it in a safe place for later reference.
Here’s wishing you the best sound at every occasion!
Your HK Audio Team
Strong electromagnetic interference or electrostatic discharge may prevent the product from functioning normally. If this happens, the product may be returned to normal operation by powering off and on again. Should this not result in the product functioning normally again, please move the product away from the source of disturbance and try again.

Warranty

Register online with ease at www.hkaudio.com.
The warranty registration is only valid if made within 30 days of the date of purchase.

HK Audio Technical service

Postfach 1509
66595 St. Wendel, Germany
Fax: +49 6851 905 100

General Information

Unpacking and Inventory

Please check that all items are included in the delivery when unpacking the system. The POLAR 8 system consists of a subwoofer, a mid/high unit
(column top) and a spacer (distancing element without speakers). The box also contains a padded protective cover for the subwoofer, a carrying bag for the two column elements and the mains cable.

The Components

The Subwoofer
The active system subwoofer houses the woofer and the system electronics including power amplifiers. The signal-carrying plug-in base for connecting the column elements as well as a carrying handle are located on the top. The control panel with controllers and connections is recessed to protect the controls from damage. The bass reflex ports are located at the bottom on the front, and the power switch and mains socket are on the rear.
The Column
The column consists of the Mid/High unit and the spacer. The spacer is plugged into the subwoofer’s plug-in base using the integrated signal-carrying connector. The mid/high unit is attached to the spacer using the same connector system.
This connects the mid/high unit and spacer both mechanically and electrically, with no additional wiring of the speakers required.

Setting up the System

Connecting Components

• Place the subwoofer on a level, stable surface.
• Connect the spacer and the mid/high unit to the subwoofer as described in 1.2.
• Make sure the elements are firmly connected to each other.
• Plug the power cord into the rear mains socket.

Information: The system can also be operated without spacer (e.g. when positioned on a stage or on a table). To achieve the best sound distribution, the mid/high unit should be placed at about head height.


Heads up! Do not transport or move the POLAR 8 when it is assembled. This could damage the system or cause damage to property or personal injury!
Stereo setup
If two POLAR 8s are used as a stereo system, the left POLAR 8 receives the left mixer signal, whilst the right POALR 8 receives the right signal. Both systems should be set to sound identically (sub, treble, volume, master).

Connections and controls

Rear

1. Mains
   Please use the factory-included power cable to connect this IEC mains socket to a wall outlet.
   Good to know: The power supply unit is an automatic switching power supply unit with a wide-range input and can be operated on AC voltages from 100 V to 240 V at 50 or 60 Hz.

2.   Power
   Mains switch for switching the power supply on and off.
   Channel 1 and Channel 2 (Line/Mic)
   Channels 1 and 2 are identically equipped and are used to connect micro-phones as well as devices with a line output such as a keyboard or (DJ) mixer.

3. Input
   Balanced XLR/jack combo input socket. Connection is possible via XLR plug or 6.35 mm jack plug (balanced or unbalanced).
   Heads up: A balanced signal is always preferable because it is less susceptible to HF and other interference.

4. Line/Mic
   Selector switch for adjusting the sensitivity and impedance of the pre- amplifier.
   The Line position is intended for connecting a device with line level, such as a mixing console, keyboard or similar. The Mic position is intended for connecting a dynamic microphone.

5. Volume
   Rotary control for adjusting the signal volume of the channel.
   In the full left position, the signal is completely turned down; in the full right position, the maximum volume is reached.
   Channel 3 (Aux +Bluetooth)
   Channel 3 is used to connect devices such as CD/MP3 players or comput-ers, as well as for music playback via Bluetooth audio streaming. Aux and Bluetooth signals can be used simultaneously.

6. Input
   Unbalanced input (2x RCA jack) for connecting high-level audio sources such as CD/MP3 players, smartphones, DJ mixers or computers.

7. Volume
   Rotary control for adjusting the signal volume of Channel 3.
   In the full left position, the signal is muted; in the full right position, the maximum volume is reached.
   Good to know : This control affects both the Aux input and the Bluetooth input. This means both signal sources can be used simultaneously and the volume can be controlled together.
   Heads up : To ensure optimal, noise-free playback of the audio stream via Bluetooth, the outgoing signal level on the Bluetooth player should be set to maximum. The desired volume should be controlled via the volume control for Channel 3, which allows for sensitive adjustment without level jumps.

8. Pairing
   Push button to establish a Bluetooth connection between POLAR 8 and a Bluetooth-enabled device in order to play music via Bluetooth audio streaming. Press the Pairing button to start a Bluetooth connection. POLAR 8 will then be ready to connect to a Bluetooth device for the next 120 seconds.
   When ready to connect, the blue LED on the button will flash. Once POLAR 8 is connected to the Bluetooth device, it will light up permanently.
   See also the chapter on Bluetooth

9. TWS Link
   Switch to establish a Bluetooth TWS connection between two POLAR 8 in order to play music via Bluetooth audio streaming in TWS (True Wireless Stereo).
   The first POLAR 8 should already be connected to the Bluetooth device. Now press the TWS switch on both POLAR 8 one after the other to start setting up a Bluetooth TWS connection. Once ready for a TWS connection,
   the blue TWS LEDs will flash. When both POLAR 8 are connected, the TWS LEDs will light up permanently.

10. Treble
    This rotary control is used to adjust the sound of the system’s high frequencies. Control range -6 dB to +6 dB, with 0 dB in the centre position.
    Good to know : Use this control to make the overall sound “darker”
    (useful for treble-heavy signals or microphones with excessive feedback) or “brighter” (e.g. if the microphone sound is too muffled, MP3s are too dull, or in heavily damped rooms), depending on the application and personal taste.

11. Sub
    This rotary control is used to adjust the sound of the system’s low frequencies. Control range -12 dB to +6 dB, with 0 dB in the centre position.
    Turn the control to the middle position for a balanced volume ratio between the column and the subwoofer.
    Good to know: It is often a good idea to back off the bass slightly when placing the subwoofer in a corner or in very small rooms. Reducing
    the amount of bass also increases the system’s peak volume without
    triggering its limiter circuits.

12. Mix Out
    Balanced wired XLR output jack. The mixed sum signal of all input channels is output via this output.
    Good to know : The Mix Out output is used to “pass on” the sum signal, for example to another POLAR 8, an FoH mixer, to control a monitor box or an in-ear system. An additional active subwoofer can also be connected here.
    Good to know : The Mix Out signal is tapped after the volume controls of the channels and before the Master Volume, i.e. “Pre Master”. The settings of the Treble and Sub controls do not affect the Mix Out signal – they only affect the speaker reproduction.

13. Master
    The Master control regulates the overall system volume.
    Good to know: To achieve optimum system control, always apply the following rule: Make the individual channels as loud as possible and the Master only as loud as necessary.

14. Status Indicators
    The green On LED lights up when the system is switched on. The red Limit LED indicates when the protection circuit is responding.
    Good to know: POLAR 8 has sufficient headroom to cope with occasional signal peaks. However, if the Limit LED is lit up continuously or an overload becomes audible, the volume should be turned down to prevent acoustic distortion of the signal and overloading of the system. If the Limit LED is lit up continuously, even if no signal is present, this indicates that there is an error.

Bluetooth

POLAR 8 offers Bluetooth audio streaming, or in other words, wireless music playback from Bluetooth-enabled players such as smartphones or tablets. In addition, two POLAR 8 can be paired in stereo via Bluetooth TWS (True Wireless Stereo) in order to stream music in stereo.
Information: Bluetooth TWS only transmits the audio streaming signal of the Bluetooth device to the two POLAR 8s. Because of this, microphone or line signals from one POLAR 8 cannot be transmitted to the other POLAR 8 via Bluetooth – this is only possible via a cable connection.
Before streaming, the Bluetooth device must first be paired with the POLAR 8. This process, as well as the way in which the Bluetooth connec-tion works, may vary slightly depending on the Bluetooth device used, however, in principle, it works as follows:

Connecting to a Bluetooth device for Bluetooth audio streaming

To connect the Bluetooth player to POLAR 8, follow the steps below:

1. Press the Pairing button 8 to create a Bluetooth connection. During the pairing time window (120 seconds), the Pairing button flashes slowly to indicate that a connection can be established.
2. In the Bluetooth menu of your Bluetooth device, select “HK Audio POLAR 8” (followed by the individual 4-digit ID code of this particular POLAR 8) to establish the connection.

• The Pairing button will light up continuously once the connection has been successfully established.
• If a Bluetooth connection cannot be established within 120 seconds, this is indicated by rapid flashing at the end of the time window, after which the pairing process is terminated.
• The Pairing button will also flash for 120 seconds if there is no connection to a connected Bluetooth device (e.g. when leaving the connection radius). If the Bluetooth device is returned within range within this time, the connection is automatically re-established.

Heads up! If the connection is interrupted for more than 120 seconds, the Bluetooth connection must be re-established manually. To do this, simply press the POLAR 8 Pairing button briefly.
Heads up! Pressing the Pairing button always activates a new Bluetooth connection setup and disconnects any existing connection (including TWS).

Connecting a second POLAR 8 for Bluetooth TWS (True Wireless Stereo)

Two POLAR 8 can be paired with each other using Bluetooth TWS, enabling wireless music playback in stereo. The POLAR 8 connected to the Bluetooth player receives the stereo signal and plays back the right side. The left side is forwarded to the second POLAR 8 via Bluetooth.
To pair two POLAR 8 using Bluetooth TWS, follow the steps described below:

1. Press the TWS Link switch 9 of the POLAR 8 that is already con After successfully setting up the connection, the Pairing buttons and the TWS LEDs of both POLAR 8 will be lit up continuously.
2. Press the TWS Link switch 9 and then the Pairing button 8 of the second POLAR 8. Its LEDs also start to flash; the Bluetooth TWS connection to the first POLAR 8 is established

To terminate the Bluetooth TWS connection, press the TWS Link switch(es) of one or both of the POLAR 8s. The TWS LEDs will go out, the TWS connection will be disconnected ad also no longer established automatically. As long as both TWS switches are pressed, the two POLAR 8s will automatically establish a Bluetooth TWS connection, even after stitching off and on again, if they are within range of each other.
Heads up! If the connection with the Bluetooth device is interrupted for more than 120 seconds, the Bluetooth connection must be reestablished manually. To do this, simply select the POLAR 8 previously connected to the Bluetooth device again in the Bluetooth menu of the Bluetooth device.
If you press the Pairing button on one of the two POLAR 8 instead, any existing TWS connection between the two POLAR 8 will be disconnected and must be re-established.
Heads up! Pressing the Pairing button always activates a new Bluetooth connection setup and disconnects any existing connection, including the Bluetooth TWS connection between two POLAR 8.

Changing the Bluetooth player

• Press the Pairing button 8 of the POLAR 8 connected to the Bluetooth device to disconnect the currently connected Bluetooth device and connect another Bluetooth device.
  Heads up! Pressing the Pairing button always activates a new Bluetooth connection setup and disconnects any existing connection, including the Bluetooth TWS connection between two POLAR 8s.

• If two POLAR 8 are in TWS mode, the first POLAR 8 must also be paired again with the second POLAR 8 via TWS after changing the Bluetooth device. To do this, press the TWS switches of both POLAR 8 off and back on again.

More details about Bluetooth

Automatic connection to Bluetooth devices
After switching POLAR 8 off and on again, it will automatically search for the last connected Bluetooth device for a period of 120 seconds and establish a connection if the Bluetooth device is within range. After 120 seconds, the automatic Bluetooth searching process ends. A new search can be started at any time by pressing the Pairing button.
Range
POLAR 8 supports Bluetooth 5. When using a Bluetooth 5-enabled device, ranges of up to 40 m are possible, whilst with devices that do not support Bluetooth 5, the range is usually up to 10 m. However, the range depends on various factors such as the quality and transmission power of the Bluetooth device as well as environmental factors (such as walls obstructing the radio communication path or even a protective cover over the Bluetooth device). If the radius of the Bluetooth connection is exceeded, the connection and thus the audio playback will be interrupted, and the Pairing button will flash. If the Bluetooth device is returned within range within 120 seconds, the connection is automatically re-established. If the connection is interrupted for longer, the Bluetooth connection must be re-established manually. To do this, simply press the Pairing button again.
Stuttering or dropouts when using Bluetooth audio streaming
Audio streaming via Bluetooth is, by its nature, more susceptible to interference than a cable connection, as a constant data stream without interruption is required during music playback.
Ideally, there needs to be direct line-of-sight contact between POLAR 8
and the Bluetooth device to enable interference-free playback without dropouts. In case of doubt, a cable connection is always preferable.
Good to know : When connected via Bluetooth, system sounds, notifica-tion sounds and ring tones from the Bluetooth device may also be played. You will need to deactivate these functions on the Bluetooth device if you wish to avoid unwanted interference during audio playback.
Visit www.bluetooth.org to learn more.

Technical Specifications

POLAR 8 System

Max. SPL peak| 118 dB half space
Frequency response +/- 10 dB| 50 Hz – 20 kHz
Power amp output (RMS)| 300 W
Power amp output (peak power)| 1200 W
Amplifier type| Class D – biamped
Crossover frequency| 220 Hz, 24 dB/oct.
Active protective circuits| Under-voltage, Thermal and Over-current Protection, Limiter
Inputs| 2x XLR Combo balanced,
2x RCA/Cinch, Bluetooth audio stream
Outputs| Mix Out, Bluetooth TWS Link
Max. input level| +19 dBu
EQ| Treble, Sub Level
Bluetooth| 5.0
Housing| PP/ABS
Surface| 2K-painting, black
Overall system height| 202.9 cm
Weight| 18.5 kg/40.8 lbs

POLAR 8 Subwoofer

Woofer| 1x 8″, 1.5″ voice coil
Front grille| 1.2 mm metal grille backed with black acoustic foam
Dimensions (WxHxD)| 30.2 x 54 x 39 cm
Weight| 13 kg/28.6 lbs

POLAR 8 Mid/High Unit

Speaker| 6 x 2.5″, 1″ voice coil, Neodym
Characteristics| 120° x 45°
Front grille| 1 mm metal grille backed with black acous- tic foam
Dimensions (WxHxD)| 9.4 x 82 x 9.8 cm
Weight| 3.2 kg/7.1 lbs

POLAR 8 Spacer

Front grille| 1 mm metal grille backed with black acous- tic foam
Dimensions (WxHxD)| 9.4 x 82 x 9.8 cm
Weight| 2.3 kg/5.1 lbs

General Technical Specifications

Current consumption pursuant to EN 62368-1| 0.8 A/100-240 V AC

References

• Bluetooth® Technology Website
• HK Audio - HKAudio

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