M-Audio BX5 Carbon, User Manual

 5 

Installation 

For optimal performance of the BX5 Carbon, please read the following thoroughly and carefully 
prior to installation. 

Precautions 

•

Handling:

 Please do not touch the speaker cones. The BX5 Carbon set is packaged in 

the box tightly, so your attention is required when taking the monitors out of the box. To 
avoid possible damage to the speaker units, hold both sides of the monitor in order to pull 
it out of the box. The speaker cones should not be touched in order to avoid damage even 
after they are out of the box. 

•

Correct Power Operation:

 Since the BX5 Carbon contains its own amplifier, it must be 

connected to a power outlet using the detachable AC cable provided. Before connecting 
power, please make sure that the Voltage-Select Switch located on the speaker's rear 
panel is set to the appropriate position, as described in the rear-panel features list 
appearing earlier in this manual. 

WARNING!

 Use of improper Voltage-Select Switch combinations may result in hazardous 

conditions and/or damage to speaker components not covered by speaker warranty. 

•

Connections:

 You can connect either an XLR balanced cable or TRS 

balanced/unbalanced cable from the input of each BX5 Carbon to your corresponding 
preamp, computer or game console outputs. We recommend that you use high-quality 
balanced or unbalanced cables for input connections. Also, ALWAYS turn off the power of 
the BX5 Carbon and turn the volume of the BX5 Carbon down to a minimum before 
making the necessary connections. 

Setup 

The configuration and placement of your BX5 Carbon 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 BX5 Carbon monitors. 

Tip:

 If possible, place your BX5 Carbon 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. 

XLR Balanced Connection

Assure that the power switch of the BX5 Carbon is turned off and that the volume control of the 
BX5 Carbon is turned down to a minimum. Connect the male end of an XLR balanced cable to 
the balanced input of the BX5 Carbon (refer to the following diagram for balanced connection). 

TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Connection 

Assure that the power switch of the BX5 Carbon is turned to off and that the volume control of 
the BX5 Carbon is turned down to a minimum. Connect the male end of a TRS balanced or TS 
unbalanced cable to the TRS input of the BX5 Carbon (refer to the following diagram for TRS 
connection). 

Connecting to Preamp or Computer Outputs 

Before connecting, make sure the output device's power has been turned off. Plug the XLR 
balanced, TRS balanced or TS unbalanced cable to the corresponding output connectors of a 
pre

‑

amplifier, computer or game console.