DA-BM6A

OWNERS MANUAL

Congratulations on your purchase of the Dynaudio Acoustics BM6A monitor system. With the right care and attention it will give you many years of trouble free audio reproduction. It is most important, however, that you take a few minutes at this early stage in your BM6As life to read the following paragraphs. They contain essential information to enable you to get the best from your monitors.
Electrical Safety Warning
This unit is supplied with a 3 wire power cord. Under no circumstances should the earth wire be disconnected. To prevent possibility of shock hazard do not expose the unit to moisture There are no user serviceable parts inside. Do not open cover. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only Ensure correct mains voltage and fuse are selected before connection to mains

Setting Up

Mains Power Connections Mains power is applied via a fused IEC inlet. The unit must be earthed. The voltage selector switch is used to match the unit to the mains voltage in your territory. The mains fuse must be the correct value for the voltage selected, 115V requires a T3.15A fuse while 230V requires a T1.6A fuse. The T signifies a slow blow type fuse. You must ensure that the correct voltage and fuse have been selected before switching the unit on. Audio Connections Audio input is via a female XLR connector. The input is electronically balanced with +ve on pin 2, -ve on pin 3 and ground on pin 1. If your signal source is unbalanced it is usual to connect the unused signal pin (i.e. Pin 3) to ground. This is normally done inside the connecting cable. For best results use only good quality screened cables and connectors. Your local dealer will be able to advise you Positioning The BM6A is designed primarily as a nearfield monitor and would normally be positioned 1-3m from the listener. They can be mounted on stands or on the meter bridge of the console (providing this is substantial enough). For best results the speakers should be aimed at the listener in both vertical and horizontal planes. In any situation ensure that there is adequate space for ventilation around the heatsink.
BM6A Owners Manual - Issue 2 November 1997

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Operation
Controls Level switch. This sets the input sensitivity of the unit. The +4 position is intended for professional use and means that full power is reached with an input level of +4dBm (balanced). The -10 position is intended for semi-professional or domestic use and means that full power is reached with an input level of -10dBm (unbalanced). This control allows the high frequency level to be adjusted. The control works from 3kHz upwards and has a range of 5dB (see figure 1). This control allows the low frequency level to be adjusted. The control works from 100Hz downwards and has a range of 5dB (see figure 1). This section uses a special equaliser design which effectively swaps bandwidth for power. As you turn the LF trim level down the low frequency extension is improved.

HF Trim.

LF Trim.
The trim controls are intended to allow the user to make some adjustment of the speaker response to accommodate personal tastes and variations in acoustic environment.
Figure 1 - Trim Control Response
Indicators There are two LED indicators on the front baffle of the BM6A. The right hand one is the power/fault indicator. On switching the unit on this will shine red for about ten seconds and then turn green to indicate normal operation. If for any reason the amplifier protection circuitry is engaged the LED will turn back to red. The left indicator is a true clip indicator and lights when the low frequency amplifier clips. It is acceptable to run the system with this lighting occasionally but avoid running the system with this lighting most of the time Running In
BM6A Owners Manual - Issue 2 November 1997 Page 3

The drivers in your BM6A must be run in before optimum performance is achieved. Avoid using the system at high levels for the first 24 hours of operation. Full run in is usually achieved after about one week of normal operation. Protection The BM6A has a comprehensive electronic protection system. Thermal overload and dc voltage on the outputs will cause the system to engage. This will disconnect the drive units from the amplifier and change the power LED to its red/fault condition. In addition the HF amplifier has an optical limiter in circuit which prevents excessive long term power reaching the tweeter whilst allowing transients to pass uncompressed.

Troubleshooting

If the speaker stops working and the power LED turns red (fault condition) switch the unit off and leave it for a while. If the unit works again when you switch back on the fault was probably due to thermal overload, ensure the heatsink is clear of obstruction and has free air circulation around it. If however the fault condition persists the unit should be inspected by qualified personnel (your DA dealer). If the speaker stops working and no LEDs are alight then the mains fuse on the back panel should be checked and replaced if necessary. If this does not rectify the problem the unit should be inspected by qualified personnel (your DA dealer).
Components of the highest quality are used in the BM6 A. and should give a long trouble free life. Here are a few hints to help them on their way. Avoid running the system into clipping or distortion. When an amplifier clips it can send potentially damaging DC components to the drive units. They may not fail at once but prolonged exposure to this will result in eventual failure. Avoid unplugging or switching off any equipment that is connected to the monitor system without first turning off the BM6A. Large voltage spikes are often generated when equipment is switched off which will be amplified to a potentially damaging level. Do not touch the drive units. The tweeter especially uses a very fine fabric diaphragm which is easily damaged.

Options

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The BM6 A may be used in conjunction with the Dynaudio Acoustics Active Bass Extension System. The ABES comprises a single 2 x 12" Bass cabinet, with an integrated crossover and amplifier mounted on the rear. The ABES will extend the frequency response of the BM6 A down to 35Hz. Please consult your local dealer for a demonstration.

Service

There are no user serviceable parts inside the BM6A so consult your dealer if service is required or contact one of the addresses below. Dynaudio Acoustics A/S Sverigesvej 15 DK-8660 Skanderborg Denmark Tel: +11 Fax: +16 Dynaudio Acoustics (UK) Ltd. Unit 21, Riverside Workshops 28 Park Street, London SE1 9EQ. UK. Tel: +Fax: +403 0957

Warranty

This product is guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship for 1 year from date of purchase. This warranty is void if the unit has been tampered with or modified in any way, or in our opinion has not been used in accordance with the instructions above.

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Technical Specifications
Type: SPL (Peak/Cont.): Drive units: Internal amplifiers: 2 way active nearfield monitor 116dB / 101dB one cabinet @ 1m. 170 mm bass driver, 26 mm high frequency driver Dual 100W discrete MOSFET power amps. Convection cooled. 2.2 kHz electronic crossover, 4th order phase aligned. Instrumentation type balanced input section, with input overload protection. Protection: User Controls: Dimensions: Positioning: Accessories: DC, Thermal on both channels, photo-active limiter on HF Variable HF and LF trim, Input sensitivity 338 x 216 x 285 millimetres (h x w x d) (Allow 35 mm for rear connectors clearance) Free standing near field, desktop mounting. Rigid high performance stands recommended. Power cable supplied.
Frequency Response: 42 Hz to 21 kHz (+/- 2.5dB).

Schematic Diagram

100W Hexfet Amplifier
HF limiter Instrumentation type electronically balanced input stage

DA D260

Mid range eq HF trim control

4th order crossover

Driver protection DA 17W75

Clip indicator

BM 6A mkII

Users manual
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The lightning flash with an 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 product.
Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with dry cloth. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 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 apparatus. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Warning! To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the equipment. This apparatus must be earthed. Use a three wire grounding type line cord like the one supplied with the product. Be advised that different operating voltages require the use of different types of line cord and attachment plugs. Always observe the local safety regulations. Ensure that the factory-set power requirements for the device (refer to the label on the back of the monitor) corresponds to the mains supply in your region. This equipment should be installed near the socket outlet and disconnection of the device should be easily accessible. To completely disconnect from AC mains, disconnect the power supply cord from the AC receptacle. The mains plug of the power supply shall remain readily operable. Do not install in a confined space. Do not open the unit - risk of electric shock inside. Caution: You are cautioned that any change or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment. Service There are no user-serviceable parts inside. All service must be performed by qualified personnel.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION Important Safety Instructions & Certificate of conformity.a Table of Contents.3 Introduction.4
OPERATING Rear Panel - Overview.5 Setting Up.6 Indicators.7 Positioning.7
MISCELLANEOUS Troubleshooting.8 Care.8 Options.8 Service.8 Technical specifications.9
TC Electronic, Sindalsvej 34, DK-8240 Risskov tcdk@tcelectronic.com

English Version

Rev 1.00

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the Dynaudio Acoustics BM 6A mkII active monitor system. With the right care and attention it will provide many years of excellent and trouble free audio reproduction. It is most important, however, that you take a few minutes at this early stage of your BM 6A mkIIs life, to read this manual. It contains essential information to make you get the best from your new monitors. Break-In time The transducers of your BM 6A mkII monitor will achieve better sound quality after breaking in. Especially after the first hours of use, you may notice a significant advance in sound quality. Still after first few hours improvement take place, but lesser noticeable. The latest manual revision is always available at our website: www.dynaudioacoustics.com For support please also refer to: www.dynaudioacoustics.com

Please enjoy

OVERVIEW - REAR PANEL
Correct setup and connections is essential to achieve optimal performance from your monitors. Please follow the instructions on the following pages.
1. AC power Input and fuse 2. Power On/Off switch 3. Balanced analog Input 4. High Pass filter switch
5. Level trim 6. LF - Low filter setting 7. MF - Mid filter setting 8. HF - Hi filter setting

SETTING UP

1/2. Power On/Off switch/AC Power In Before switching on, make sure Mains Voltage matches your areas Mains Voltage specification. Replace fuse only with the fuse-type marked on the rear-panel label. 3. Balanced analog Input Audio Input is via a female XLR connector. The Input is electronically balanced with following connections. The connections are printed on the rear for easy reference. 5. Level Trim Use this switch to match the sensitivity of the BM 6A mkII monitor to your source. High-output Source If your source has a high output, set switch to the -10 position to reduce sensitivity by 10dB. Low-output source If your source has a low output, set switch to the +4 position to gain 4dB more sensitivity. 6. LF This switch controls the bass gain level using shelf-type EQ. The level can be set to +2dB, 0dB or -2dB. This filter is used to adjust for the proximity of boundaries, so if positioned close to wall or corner, use the -2dB setting. If positioned far from walls use the +2dB or 0 position, depending on other equipment, and personal taste. 7. MF This switch sets a notch filter, used to compensate for the acoustic effect of a console. Such placement usually results in a response peak in lower midrange. The MF switch activates a bell shaped notch filter, which can compensate. Use either the -2 or the -4dB setting. You may experiment finding the setting, which provides the flattest response. 8. HF This switch controls the Treble level and it is used to match the high end of the monitor to your other electronic equipment, and your acoustical environment. Use the setting providing the preferred timbre. If the sound is too bright; try to set to -1dB to reduce treble by 1dB. If too dull sound, use +1dB setting to raise the treble by 1dB.

If your signal source is unbalanced, usually the unused pin is connected to ground. This is normally done inside the connecting cable. Special adapters (not supplied) can be bought that converts xlr input to single ended RCA type input. For best result use only good quality screened cables and connectors.

Switches

On the rear of the monitor you will find 5 switches for setting up the monitor for optimum performance in different acoustic environments. Each switch is explained in the following. 4. High Pass filter switch This switch sets the lower cut-off frequency of the monitor. It is used to match the monitor to a subwoofer. You can select between 60Hz or 80Hz X-over. Flat is used in case you do not use a subwoofer to assist your monitors. When used with a subwoofer it is recommended to use either 60Hz or 80Hz filter, thus allowing a higher undistorted sound-pressure level.
INDICATORS & POSITIONING

Indicators

On the front you will find 2 diodes. These are positioned just above the Dynaudio Logo.

Positioning

The BM 6A mkII is designed as a near to midfield monitor and can be equally well used in both stereo and surround setups. Optimal performance is achieved when positioned 1-3 meters from the listener. It can be placed on stands or on the meter bridge of a console provided that the meter bridge is sufficiently sturdy. For best results the speakers may be aimed towards the listener in both vertical and horizontal planes. Note: Be aware that proper air circulation around the monitor for sufficient cooling is necessary. Also notice that the heat sink is designed to provide maximum cooling when the monitor is positioned vertically.
The green power diode indicates speaker on/off status. Green indicates; power on. The second diode has two functions. When the output stage is close to clipping the LED will light up orange. And it will light up red when the amplifier gets too hot. At the same time the monitor will be muted, in order to reduce the temperature.

Protection

The BM 6A mkII monitor has several built in protection systems to reduce the risk of hazard or damage due to overloading. Both power amplifiers have thermal protection. This activates if a problem should occur, and helps protect both the electronics and the loudspeaker drivers. There is also a thermal sensor measuring the temperature on the heat sink. An electronic circuit will mute the signal when too high temperature is reached. The protection diode on the front will light up when this happens. On the tweeter output there is an overload protection to prevent burning the tweeter driver in case of overloading. This circuit will mute the tweeter signal if too much current is fed to the tweeter.

MISCELLANEOUS

Troubleshooting
If Power LED lights green and no sound, check your input signal f.ex. by switching speakers. If power LED does not light at all and no sound, check the fuse. If replaced and still no sound contact your Dynaudio Acoustics Dealer. If protection LED lights red check the temperature of the heat sink. If it feels hot turn off the speaker and wait for some 10 minutes to allow the amplifier to cool off. Turn it on again. If it works now it is ok, but you may need more air circulation around your speaker to avoid overheating to take place again.

Service

There are no user serviceable parts inside the monitor. If service is required please contact service via: www.tcsupport.tc or TC Electronic Sindalsvej 34 DK-8240 Risskov Denmark Tel: +45 87427000
Components of the highest quality is used in your BM 6A mkII. This assures years of trouble free operation. Following precautions should still be made though. Avoid running the system into severe clipping. Even there is an advanced protection system, you may be able to destroy your speakers by severe overpowering. When a noticeable distortion occurs, please turn down the level to your speakers. Avoid hot plugging the equipment connected to the monitors. Always turn off the speaker and other equipment when plugging or unplugging signals, or switching equipment on or off. Do not touch the drive units by hand. The tweeter especially uses a very fine fabric dome with a ultra thin coating.

Options

The BM 6A mkII may be combined with a Dynaudio Acoustics subwoofer for extended bass performance, and higher spl if highpass filter is used. See Setting Up.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

System Frequency Response (+/- 3 dB) Input level for 85 dB SPL @1m Input Impedance Power consumption Amplifier power Bass Principle Vent tuning frequency Internal Cabinet Volume Crossover Frequency Crossover Slope Tweeter
Two-way Active Nearfield Monitor 40Hz - 21kHz -14dBu RMS @ 0dB setting 65kOhm each branch Idle: 15W / Max: 130W Tweeter: 50W / Woofer: 100W Bass reflex 37Hz 11.7 liters 1500Hz 6dB/oct Esotec 28 mm/1.1" soft dome, rear chamber, Magnetic fluid. 4 mm alu front, pure alu wire voice coil 170 mm/6.5", One-piece thermo formed polyprop cone, 75 mm/3" pure alu voice coil 10.5kg / 23.1lbs 203 x 335 x 327mm / 8" x 13.2" x 12.9"