ESI
aktiv 05
4
1. Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the ESI aktiv 05.
The aktiv 05 top quality near field reference monitor has been developed especially for high level
home studios and special project studios. They take 5" near field monitoring speakers to a new
level, boasting an ultra-flat low frequency response and a top quality kevlar 5" driver delivering
unparalleled punch in the low-mid frequency – a major improvement over the paper and
polypropylene drivers used in most comparable products. ESI was the first vendor using kevlar for
studio monitors in this price range as material inside the low frequency driver. Other vendors have
since copied our idea, however there is much more to excellent sound: aktiv 05 also feature a
German optimized version of ESI's cross over technology that is perfect to provide the best output
signal and frequency response 100% matching the installed drivers and cabinet design. Of course
aktiv 05 is magnetically shielded for desktop operation next to your other electronic equipment
without interference.
2. Basics & Installation
For optimal performance of aktiv 05, read the instructions in this manual thoroughly and carefully
before you are using the speaker. We tried to keep this manual short so that you are not loosing
much time to read through it completely.
Unpacking / Handling
To remove the monitor from the carton its best to turn the package carefully upside down on the
floor or on a table and then lift the carton vertically up slowly to leave the monitor resting in the
packaging foam. Make sure that you don’t grab the speaker driver units on the front to avoid
damage. Now check the monitor for signs of damage that might have occurred in shipping. In the
unlikely event of this, please contact the reseller of the product immediately. Be careful when you
remove the packaging foam. Please keep all packing materials.
Connection
High quality XLR balanced or TS unbalanced audio cables are recommended for input connection.
The monitor typically connects to the line level output of a mixing console or to a computer audio
card. Make sure the power of the monitor is switched off before you connect any audio cables. Also
turn down the volume initially.
XLR balanced connection
Connect male side of XLR balanced cable to the balanced XLR input of aktiv 05. Make sure the
power cable is connected as well. Setup all speakers (i.e. left / right channels) with the same type of
cable.
TS unbalanced connection
Connect male side of TS unbalanced cable to the input jack of aktiv 05. Make sure the power cable
is connected as well. Setup all speakers (i.e. left / right channels) with the same type of cable.
