NAMM 2006 Show News

Sunday, July 24, 2005

NAMM Update: M-Audio Ships New BX8a Reference Monitor

Get M-Audio BX8a at zZounds!

2005 NAMM Summer Session: M-Audio, a leading provider of creative tools for computer-centric musicians, is proud to announce the Studiophile BX8a, an updated version of the company’s highly successful BX8 near-field reference monitor. Like the recently released BX5a, the upgrade centers on improved driver materials and a stylish new industrial design.

The 8” low-frequency driver cone of the BX8a is crafted from Kevlar in contrast to the polypropylene used in the original BX8. Kevlar is the same material used in bulletproof vests, and its high resilience makes it ideal for use in speaker cones—although it is typically reserved for monitors with higher price tags than the BX8a. Curved conical design improves room dispersion, and high-damping rubber surrounds insure that the cone reaches exactly its optimal excursion for accurate reproduction. Our high-temperature voice coils guarantee that the monitors will deliver full performance no matter how many hours they are used.

The high-frequency dome of the BX8a is made from natural silk to counter the ringing that is inherent in the stiffer metallic materials common to other monitors. As a result, the monitors are much easier on the ears, especially over the course of long sessions. M-Audio’s use of ferrofluid liquid cooling dissipates heat for maximum efficiency and extended usage.

The cabinet of the BX8a is integrally designed with its other components for optimal performance. Rounded corners reduce edge diffraction and provide superior imaging. The custom rear-port design delivers extended bass and eliminates the turbulence and resulting distortion caused when front ports project low frequency waves in the same path as the speakers’ direct signal.

Bi-amplified design features 70 watts for low frequencies, 60 watts for high frequencies, and expertly tuned crossovers to insure that only the optimal frequencies are fed to each driver. Magnetic shielding also makes the BX8a ideal for desktop use. Each unit has a power indicator and volume control.

Specifications for the BX8a includes 40Hz-22kHz frequency response, 2.2kHz crossover frequency, greater than 100dB signal-to-noise (typical, A-weighted), input impedance of 20k ohms balanced (10k ohms unbalanced) and input sensitivity of 85 mV pink noise input producing 90dBA output SPL at 1 meter (with volume control at maximum). The BX8a is factory programmed for either 115V ~50/60Hz or 230V ~50/60Hz. Protective features include RF interference, output current limiting, over temperature, turn-on/off transient, subsonic filter, and external mains fuse. Size is 12” x 10” x 15”; 30.48cm x 25.4cm x 38.1cm. Weight is 26.4 lbs./unit; 11.97 kg.

“The M-Audio BX series has been used by some of the best artists and engineers in the business,” says Adam Castillo, marketing director at M-Audio. “The BX8a represents our commitment to continually improving our products. In particular, our use of curved Kevlar cones delivers enhancements to both fidelity and durability."

The BX8a is currently shipping at an MSRP of USD $599.95 per pair.

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