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M-Audio CX5 manual It’s in the details

Models: CX5

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*About anechoic chambers:
An anechoic chamber is a room in which the floor, ceiling, and all walls are covered with sound-absorbent acoustical wedges. These wedges prevent sounds created within the room from reflecting back and influencing the acoustic measurement of the loudspeaker.
Anechoic chambers are considered to be acoustically “neutral” spaces since the room itself does not impart any kind of sound to an acoustical source contained within the room. Because of this, loudspeakers (including CX monitors) are commonly measured and tuned in such rooms.

Note that the placement and orientation of the CX monitors within your studio is important and correctly placed speakers will result in improved imaging, clarity, and overall performance. This topic is covered in detail in the “Setting up CX Monitors” section of this guide.

Also note that the CX monitors feature several switches that help you contour the speaker to your specific studio. When these switches are left in their default positions, the CX monitor

will exhibit the response characteristics found on the printed acoustic frequency response plot that ships with each speaker. These anechoic* measurements represent performance of the speaker in an “ideal” environment similar to that found in a high-end recording studio with carefully tuned acoustics. In the real world, however, the acoustics of your specific studio (or the placement of your speakers within the studio) may cause your monitors to exhibit too little (or too much) bass, midrange, or treble.

To help compensate for this, the rear-panel switches contour the frequency response of the speaker specifically to your studio. These switches are covered in detail in the “About the Rear-Panel EQ Contour Switches” section of this guide.

It’s in the details:

Did you know the shape and materials of a speaker cabinet can greatly affect the overall sound of a speaker?

Your CX monitors feature thick walls and a carefully placed internal brace to prevent the speaker from resonating at low frequencies. This means that the speaker cabinet itself will not ring along with the low frequency sounds in your mix (such as a kick drum or a bass). This translates into more accurate bass response.

Furthermore, the rounded (“radiused”) edges and contoured waveguide surrounding the tweeter are not just cosmetic touches intended to improve the appearance of the speaker. These features help spread high frequencies evenly around the room and widen the “sweet spot” between the two speakers.

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M-Audio CX5 manual It’s in the details
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CX5 specifications

The M-Audio CX5 is a powerful studio monitor designed for both professional and home studio environments. Known for its exceptional sound quality and acoustic precision, the CX5 is an ideal choice for musicians, producers, and audio engineers seeking a reliable monitoring solution.

One of the standout features of the CX5 is its 5-inch high-performance woofer, which delivers dynamic bass response and exceptional clarity in the low-frequency range. This is complemented by a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter, which provides smooth and detailed highs, ensuring that every nuance in the audio is accurately reproduced. Together, these drivers allow the CX5 to produce a wide frequency response, ranging from 45 Hz to 22 kHz, making it suitable for various musical genres and audio projects.

The CX5 incorporates a bi-amped design, utilizing separate amplifiers for the woofer and tweeter. This dual amplification ensures that each driver receives an optimal amount of power, allowing for higher output levels without distortion. The built-in amplifiers deliver a total power output of 80 watts, providing sufficient headroom for critical listening and mixing.

In terms of connectivity, the M-Audio CX5 features balanced XLR and TRS inputs, along with an unbalanced RCA input. This variety of connection options makes it compatible with a wide range of audio interfaces and equipment, ensuring versatility in any studio setup. Additionally, the rear of the monitor has acoustic tuning controls, which allow users to adjust the speaker’s performance based on their environment. This includes settings for room positioning, helping to minimize unwanted reflections and improve overall sound clarity.

The cabinet of the CX5 is designed for optimal acoustic performance, featuring a ported rear design that enhances low-end response and reduces standing waves. The sleek, modern aesthetic makes it a visually appealing addition to any studio, while its sturdy construction ensures durability and longevity.

In conclusion, the M-Audio CX5 is a versatile, feature-rich studio monitor that excels in sound reproduction. With its combination of high-quality drivers, bi-amped design, and adjustable acoustic controls, the CX5 provides an accurate listening experience essential for any serious audio professional. Whether you are mixing tracks, producing music, or simply enjoying your favorite tunes, the CX5 stands out as a reliable choice for exceptional sound clarity and performance.