Setting up the RESOLV 50a
Background on the RESOLV 50a Studio Reference Monitor
The RESOLV 50a is a near field reference monitor featuring a custom designed, 5ʺ, copolymer, low frequency driver and a
1" titanium tweeter, employing a Ferro fluid cooled voice coil and neodymium magnet. The monitor's crossover has been
carefully designed with high quality components insuring a linear frequency and phase response. The RESOLV 50a enclo-
sure is constructed from MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and is finished in scuff resistant, textured paint. The monitor's
enclosure also includes a tuned vent port that provides extended low-end response. With a low turbulence design, the
low frequency driver can move freely with minimal effect on the overall impedance. On the rear of the enclosure, you'll
find the RESOLV 50a's control panel, which features two input connections including a 1/4-inch, TRS balanced input and
RCA unbalanced input. These inputs are connected to RESOLV 50a's internal bi-amp power module providing 50 watts of
power for the low frequency woofer, an active crossover, and 20 watts of power for the high frequency tweeter. You will
also find the pre-amp controls, including VOLUME knob, as well as the innovative MID PRESENCE control. This four-posi-
tion switch allows the mix engineer to contour the mid-range response of the monitor from a traditional hi-fi sound to
flat and then through two levels of aggressive mid-range response. The RESOLV 50a 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
nearfield monitors can be easily emulated.
Positioning the RESOLV 50a
Near field monitoring has become the choice of many engineers in large and small studios because it minimizes 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 pic-
tures, large open walls and even the surface
of your mixing console. Mostly all reflected
sound will eventually reach the listening
position, but since it is slightly delayed from
the direct source, the result is random can-
cellation of some frequencies, or comb filter-
ing. If possible, remove any and all reflective
surfaces. You may also want to hang some
Equal Distance
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 space between the left
and right monitor is equal to the distance
from the listener to each monitor, forming an
equilateral triangle. (Figure 1.)
Prime Listening Spot
Figure 1.
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