Two-way Active Ribbon Reference Monitor
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Table of Contents
Introduction
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3
Rubicon R8a Features
Rubicon R8a Layout
Front View Layout
Rear Panel Layout - R8a
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4
5
Setting up the Rubicon R8a
6
Background on the Rubicon R8a Studio Reference Monitor
Positioning the Rubicon R8a
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Connecting the Rubicon R8a
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Operating the Rubicon R8a
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Connecting to the Rubicon R10s Subwoofer
Rubicon R8a Connections
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12
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Rubicon R8a Specifications
Copyright 2005 - 2006, Samson Technologies Corp.
Printed December, 2006 v1.2
Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Avenue
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: 631-784-2201
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the Rubicon R8a Studio Reference Monitors by Samson Audio. The Samson
Rubicon R8a are self-powered, near-field monitors featuring bi-amp power, superior electronics,
robust woofers and advanced designed velocity ribbon tweeters. The proper implementation of
these elements results in a monitor with a linear response from bottom to top with tight lows and
articulate highs. The R8a features Samson's proprietary 1 x 2-inch velocity ribbon tweeter, which
offer extremely low distortion and sweet highs that are clear and precise. For the thunderous lows,
the R8a features an 8-inch copolymer woofer. Like all Rubicon monitors, the R8a is bi-amped, with
75 watts of low frequency power and 25 watts for the highs. The Rubicon R8a monitors provide an
ideal near-field monitor system for studios, video post production suites, fixed installations or where
great sound is desired.
In these pages, you’ll find a detailed description of the features of the Rubicon R8a monitors, as well
as a guided tour through its control panel, step-by-step instructions for its setup and use, and full
specifications. You’ll also find a warranty card enclosed—please don’t forget to fill it out and mail it in
so that you can receive online technical support and so we can send you updated information about
sontech.com) for complete information about our full product line.
With proper care and adequate air circulation, your Rubicon R8a will operate trouble free for many
years. We recommend you record your serial number in the space provided below for future refer-
ence.
Serial number:_____________________________________
Date of purchase: ___________________________________
Should your unit ever require servicing, a Return Authorization number (RA) must be obtained
before shipping your unit to Samson. Without this number, the unit will not be accepted. Please call
Samson at 1-800-3SAMSON (1-800-372-6766) for a Return Authorization number prior to shipping
your unit. Please retain the original packing materials and if possible, return the unit in the original
carton and packing materials. If you purchased your Samson product outside the United States,
please contact your local distributor for warranty information and service.
2
Rubicon R8a Features
The Samson Rubicon R8a reference monitors provide a smooth response that is accurate, and at the same
time, pleasant to listen to. Here are some of its main features:
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Two-way, active ribbon studio monitor with ported tuned enclosure providing extremely accurate moni-
toring for recording studio, post-production and multi-media applications.
The Rubicon R8a employes a 8”Copolymer Butyl Surround woofer providing both monitors with a tight
and controlled low frequency response.
1 x 2”Planer Ribbon tweeter provides sweet and accurate high frequency response for the R8a with low
distortion.
The Rubicon R8a features active electronics including a Bi-Amp power amplifier with 75 watts on the low
frequency driver and 25 watts on the high frequency ribbon.
Four-position high frequency Ribbon Level control allows the listener to contour the response curve to
custom tailor the response that works best in the mix environment.
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Active crossover utilizing a multi-pole design for linear response from bottom to top.
Interfacing the monitors to most any -10 or + 4db signal source is quick and easy thanks to the R8a’s bal-
anced input on an XLR and 1/4-inch jack and unbalanced input on an RCA jack.
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A/V shielded for multimedia applications providing clean operation near computer monitors.
Solid MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) construction, extremely rigid delivering maximum SPL.
Black satin finish is attractive and durable thanks to the heavy textured epoxy paint.
Three-year extended warranty.
3
Rubicon R8a Layout
FrontꢀviewꢀLayout
ꢁ
ꢀ
ꢂ
ꢅ
ꢃ
ꢄ
1
ꢀ1”ꢀXꢀ2”ꢀRIBBONꢀTWEETER -ꢀPlaner ribbon
transducer provides low distortion with a linear
high frequency response resulting in a clear, pre-
cise and sweet top end.
4ꢀ ꢀENcLOSuRE - Rigid MDF construction.
5ꢀ ꢀTuNEDꢀPORT - Quiet port design offering linear
extended low frequency response.
2ꢀ ꢀPOWERꢀLED - Red LED illuminates indicating
6ꢀ ꢀFINISH - Sleek black textured finish.
the unit is powered on, ready for operation.
3ꢀ ꢀLOWꢀFREquENcyꢀDRIvER - Heavy duty 8"
extended range low frequency transducer.
4
RubiconꢀR8aꢀLayout
RearꢀPanelꢀLayoutꢀ-ꢀR8a
1ꢀ ꢀRIBBONꢀLEvEL – Four-position switch used
to adjust the high frequency response (in 2dB
increments).
4ꢀ ꢀPOWERꢀSWITcH – Main power switch.
5ꢀ ꢀAcꢀINLET - Connect the supplied IEC power
cable here.
2ꢀ ꢀvOLuME - Controls the amount of output level.
6ꢀ ꢀ1/4-INcHꢀPHONE – Balance TRS (Tip, Ring,
Sleeve) 1/4-inch phone plug used to connect
balanced or unbalanced +4dBu line level signals.
3ꢀ ꢀXLRꢀINPuT - Balanced, +4dBu line level input is
connected here via standard XLR (microphone)
cable.
7ꢀ ꢀRcA – Used to connect signals from unbalanced,
–10dBV devices.
5
Setting up the Rubicon R8a
BackgroundꢀonꢀtheꢀRubiconꢀR8aꢀStudioꢀReferenceꢀMonitor
The Rubicon R8as' are self-powered, near-field reference monitors, featuring robust power, advanced electron-
ics and custom designed drive units. For pristine highs, the Rubicon R8a boasts a 1-inch by 2-inch velocity rib-
bon tweeter. The Rubicon ribbon tweeters are constructed using a Kapton diaphragm with vaporized alumi-
num applied to the surface. The diaphragm is then set between an array of neodymium magnets creating an
opposing magnetic field. Since the ribbon is both the coil and the diaphragm, the diaphragm can accelerate
and decelerate quickly resulting in un-matched transient response. Unlike conventional dome tweeters, the
ribbon tweeter exhibits no coloration due to resonance, as well as, extremely low intermodulation distortion.
The result is a wide, linear response producing high frequencies that are sweet, while clear and accurate. For
the low frequency response, the R8a employees an 8-inch, copolymer, low frequency drive unit with butyl
rubber surround. The woofer is well matched to the tuned enclosure and provides punchy and focused bass
frequency response.The monitor’s crossover has been carefully designed with high quality components insur-
ing a linear frequency and phase response. The Rubicon R8a enclosures are constructed from MDF (Medium
Density Fiberboard) and are finished in scuff resistant, textured paint. The monitor’s enclosure also includes
a tuned vent port that provides extended low-end response, and with a low turbulence design, the low fre-
quency driver can move freely with minimal effect on the overall impedance. On the rear of the enclosure,
you’ll find the Rubicon R8a control panel, which features a variety of input connections including both XLR
balanced input, and a1/4-inch TRS balanced input plus an RCA unbalanced input. These inputs are connected
to Rubicon R8a’s internal active crossover and bi-amp power module providing 75 watts of power for the low
frequency woofer and 25 watts of power to the high frequency ribbon. You will also find the pre-amp controls,
including VOLUME knob, used to adjust the overall level of the internal power amplifier, as well as the innova-
tive Ribbon Level control. This four-position switch allows the mix engineer to contour the high frequency
response of the monitor allowing you to adjust for room acoustics or listening preference. The Rubicon R8a
has been designed to provide flat, accurate monitoring, and at the same time, to provide an adjustable
response curve so that the sound of other popular near-field monitors can be easily emulated.
PositioningꢀtheꢀRubiconꢀR8a
Near field monitoring has become the choice of many engineers in large and small studios because it mini-
mizes the effect of room acoustics. This is especially important in today’s project studios since the budget
for room acoustics is often close to nothing. By positioning the reference monitors in the near field (close to
the listeners), you can greatly reduce the effects of room acoustics. The most important considerations when
evaluating the effects of room acoustics are reflective surfaces that are around the monitoring area. These can
include flat tabletops, glass mirrors or framed pictures, large open walls and even the surface of your mixing
console. Mostly all reflecting sound will eventually reach the listening position, but since it is slightly delayed
from the direct source, the result is random cancellation of some frequencies, or comb filtering. If possible,
remove any and all reflective surfaces. You
may also want to hang some acoustic foam
on walls that are close to the monitors. When
positioning the monitors you’ll want to set
up what is commonly referred to as the “mix
triangle”. In this ideal configuration, the
Equal Distance
space between the left and right monitor
is equal to the distance from the listener to
each monitor, forming an equilateral trian-
gle. (Figure 1.)
Prime Listening Spot
Figure 1.
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SettingꢀupꢀtheꢀRubiconꢀR8a
Positioning the Rubicon R8a - continued
Speaker Orientation
The Rubicon R8as' can be used in either the vertical or horizontal position, however for best results they
should be set up in the vertical position. When using the monitors in the horizontal position, be certain to
place the left and right side tweeters on the outer most sides. (Figure 2) This will improve the stereo imaging
and bass response by increasing the coupling of the low-end drivers.
t f fct
Figure 2.
When choosing the height of your monitor system, be careful to avoid reflections off the surface of the mixing
console. (Figure 3.) These reflections arrive at the listening position slightly delayed from the original sound
resulting in strange cancellations and overall unpredictable response. Visualize straight lines representing the
beams of sound radiating from the monitors and choose a height that reduces the occurrence of reflections
that will end up in the prime listening spot. (Figure 4.) In most cases, the ideal position is slightly behind and
above the mixing console’s meter bridge.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
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Connecting the Rubicon R8a
Rubicon R8a Quick Connections
Note: Before plugging in and turning on, remember the “last on, first off”rule of power amplifiers (and pow-
ered monitors). When powering up your system, be sure that all the wires are connected, turn your mixer
and any other outboard gear on, and then last turn your Rubicon R8as' on. When powering down, turn your
Rubicon R8as' off first and then your mixer and outboard gear.
The Rubicon R8a connections can be made via one of the three rear panel Audio Inputs. You can use RCA
inputs for unbalanced -10dBV level signals, or either the 1/4-inch or XLR inputs for balanced +4dBu level sig-
nals. Follow the simple steps and diagram below for a quick connection using a standard recording console’s
control room outputs.
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Lower your mixer’s master outputs to all the way off.
Connect the mixer’s Left Control Room output to the left-side Rubicon R8a LINE INPUT and the mixer’s
Right Control Room output to the right-side Rubicon R8a LINE INPUT.
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Set the Rubicon R8a’s input Volume control to the 2 o’clock position.
Run an audio signal (like some music from a CD) through your mixer and raise the Control Room level
to a comfortable listening level.
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Operating the Rubicon R8a
Rubicon R8a Control Panel
The Rubicon R8as' rear control panels are where you will make your connections for both AC power and
audio signals. The rear panel also contains the controls to make adjustments to the overall volume and
frequency response curve. The following section details the rear panel controls and connections.
Powering the Rubicon R8a
Since the Rubicon R8as' are active studio monitors with an on-board power amplifier and electronic
crossover, it is necessary to connect the unit to an AC power supply. Make sure that the main Power
switch is set to the OFF position and connect the supplied IEC power cable into the AC inlet.
Things that go Hum!
When running power cables, be careful not to run the AC power cords or AC extension cords in paral-
lel to your input cables. This will help reduce any AC hum that can be picked up. If your have to cross
an AC line with an audio line, try to
cross them at a 90 degree angle for
the least amount of induced hum.
Using the Rubicon R8a’s balanced
input connectors will greatly protect
against the induced hum thanks to
the common mode rejection (the
induced hum is phase canceled) that
it's balanced input circuit provides.
1
2
POWER SWITCH – The POWER
switch is used to turn on the Rubicon
R8a’s active electronics. When set
to the ON position, the front panel
LED will illuminate red, indicating
the Rubicon R8a is powered up and
ready for operation.
AC INLET - Connect the supplied IEC
power cable here.
1
The Rubicon R8a's rear panel pro-
vides two important controls for
adjusting the overall sound of
the monitor, RIBBON LEVEL and
Volume. Eventually, you will adjust
2
these controls to your preferable
position and “set it and forget it”.
That’s assuming that the monitors
remain in the same spot, in the same studio. If you take your monitors to other studios you may find the
controls extremely useful in adjusting the sound for the new room.
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Operating the Rubicon R8a
Rubicon R8a Control Panel - continued
RIBBONꢀLEvELꢀcONTROL
3
The four-position Ribbon Level control switch is used to adjust the monitor's high-frequency response,
providing four equalization curves to select from. By using the Ribbon Level control, the Rubicon’s high
frequency response is adjusted with the application of a high-end tilt (equalization circuit) centered
at 12kHz, with selectable levels of –2dB, 0dB (flat), + 2dB and +4dB. You’ll find that the change is very
subtle. Many mix engineers prefer the sound of near field monitors with a little lift in the high frequency
response, some like more focus on the midrange, and therefore, desire a flatter or rolled off high frequen-
cy response. The best way to set the controls is what sounds good to you. Therefore, you should experi-
ment with the various settings to find the combination of the Ribbon Level and Volume controls you like.
To do this, play several CD’s of music that you are familiar with. Remember, if you think you’re getting
lost, the Rubicon R8a is flat when the Ribbon Level control is set to the “0”position.
4
vOLuMEꢀcONTROL
The volume control is used to adjust the
overall output level of the Rubicon R8a.
When operating the unit for the first time,
start with the volume control set all the
way off. Slowly raise the Volume control
to reach a comfortable listening level.
The Ins and The Outs
The Rubicon R8a features a full comple-
ment of input connectors providing
3
easy installation with a variety of audio
devices like recording consoles, hard
disk recorders, CD players and computer
sound cards, to name a few. The following
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5
section details the Rubicon R8a's input
connectors. In addition, there is a detailed
cable-wiring diagram on page 12.
BALANCED XLR AUDIO INPUT - The
Rubicon R8a features a female XLR con-
nector that will accept balanced or unbal-
anced +4dBU line level signal. If you are
using a mixer that has balanced outputs
on XLR connectors, you can make the
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6
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connections via standard XLR (microphone) cable.
1/4-INCH PHONE AUDIO INPUT – A balanced TRS (Tip, Ring, Sleeve) 1/4-inch phone plug is used to con-
nect balanced or unbalanced line level signals. The 1/4-inch input is a switching jack, so when a 1/4-inch
connector is inserted into the jack, the RCA and/or XLR inputs are switched off and the 1/4-inch input
is switched on. This provides a convenient patch-point for quick insertion of a secondary input signal
source for testing or expanded operation.
RCA AUDIO INPUT – The RCA input accepts unbalanced signals used to connect signals from unbal-
anced –10dBV devices.
10
Connecting to the Rubicon R10s Subwoofer
Rubicon R8a with Mono Sub
Adding a subwoofer and extended low frequency response to your Rubicon R8a's system is easy using the
Rubicon R8a’s LINE LEVEL inputs. Below is a typical system set-up using the Samson Rubicon R10s 1 with a
mixer and a pair of Rubicon R8a satellite speakers. The Rubicon R8a’s inputs utilize industry standard RCA and
XLR connectors. For a detailed wiring diagram, see the section “Rubicon R8a Connections”on page 12. Follow
the steps in the diagram below to set up your system.
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•
Lower your mixer’s master outputs to all the way off.
Connect the mixer’s left output to the Rubicon R10s' LEFT LINE INPUT and the mixer’s right output to
the Rubicon R10s' RIGHT LINE INPUT. Now connect the Rubicon R10s’LEFT LINE OUTPUT to the input
of the left Rubicon R8a , and the Rubicon R10s' RIGHT LINE OUTPUT to the input of the right Rubicon
R8a .
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•
Run an audio signal (like some music from a CD) through your mixer and raise the level to a comfort-
able listening level.
Now adjust the FREQUENCY control to the desired frequency. You can also use your ears by adjusting
the FREQUENCY control to the frequency that sounds good to you. A good place to start is about 70
Hz.
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Rubicon R8a Connections
Rubicon R8a Wiring Guide
There are several ways to interface the Rubicon R8a, depending on your exact monitoring set-up. Follow the
cable diagrams below for connecting your monitor system.
RCA to RCA Cable
Un-Balanced 1/4” to 1/4” Cable
Balanced 1/4” to 1/4” Cable
Balanced XLR to XLR Cable
Unbalanced 1/4” to RCA Cable
Un-Balanced XLR to RCA Cable
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Rubicon R8a Specifications
Specifications
Transducers:
8.0" , copolymer woofer with butyl surround,
1x 2-inch velocity ribbon tweeter
Frequency response:
R8a
40Hz - 27KHz +/-3 dB
Amplifier:
Power Rating:
Low-frequency - 75 Watts RMS
High-frequency - 25 Watts RMS
3KHz, 4 pole (24dB/Oct) filter
Crossover Frequency:
Inputs:
Unbalanced Connector:
Balanced Connector:
-10dBV Line Level
RCA
+4dBu Line Level
1/4-inch Phone TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve)
XLR
Enclosure:
Construction:
Finish:
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)
Black Textured Epoxy Paint
Dimensions:
Weight:
17.25 (H) x 11.18 (W) x 12 (D)
437 mm x 284 mm x 305 mm
26.5 lbs. ( 12.02 kg)
Rubicon R8a Ribbon Level Frequency Plot
Rubicon R8a Frequency Plot with Ribbon Level Set to 0dB
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Samson Technologies Corp.
45 Gilpin Avenue
Hauppauge, New York 11788-8816
Phone: 1-800-3-SAMSON (1-800-372-6766)
Fax: 631-784-2201
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