Nubert nuBox AS-225 - Active Speaker Manual

Introduction

You will be able to set up your system without any problems if you read these operating instructions carefully. We will explain the operation, connection and installation so that you can achieve the optimum sound quality and fully enjoy your nuBox Stereoboard!

Unpacking and Scope of Delivery

Unpacking
When unpacking your speaker, do not use sharp or pointed objects to avoid possible damage to the enclosure. Please keep the packaging in a safe place in case you need to transport the speaker at a later date.

Scope of delivery
If the delivery is complete, it contains the following parts:

• 1 nuBox AS-225 active loudspeaker
• 1 Cloth grille
• 1 Remote control with battery
• 1 Mains cable, 1.8 m
• 1 Fibre optic cable with TOS-Link plugs, 1.5 m

Low temperatures and Sound

When speakers are shipped and delivered during the cold months of the year, it is imperative that they adapt to the temperature of the living area. Low temperatures have a considerable influence on the moving parts of a loudspeaker such as diaphragm, voice coil, bead and spider. The ability of these components to follow rapid oscillations or to perform large excursions is thus significantly restricted. This is not dangerous, but "frozen" speakers are far from their acoustic peak.
Hence our tip:
When your new speakers arrive on a cold winter's day, just give them a few hours to acclimatise. Your Nubert speakers will thank you with the superior sound quality you have come to expect from us.

Cloth grille

The cloth grille protects the loudspeaker drivers (for example from curious children who like to press in tweeter domes) and provides a visual contrast for those who do not like the technical appearance of loudspeaker drivers. It is carefully placed against the front of the speaker and held in place magnetically. Please make sure that the surface of the baffle is not damaged. With cloth grill removed, the loudspeaker sounds somewhat brighter and clearer - the choice is yours!

Setup

The nuBox stereoboard AS-225 is a high-quality, very neutral stereo active loudspeaker. It impresses with an extremely homogeneous, precise, and „direct" sound reproduction with the finest resolution in the entire frequency spectrum. However, even an „honest loudspeaker" is exposed to the manifold influences of room acoustics. In order to achieve the most natural and true-to-life reproduction possible, please observe the following general installation instructions:
With some distance to the wall you can prevent an increase in the bass- and fundamental ranges. When placed on a shelf, the best sound is achieved when the front edge of the speaker is either flush with the shelf or even protrudes slightly. This allows the loudspeaker to radiate the sound freely into the room and helps to avoid voices sounding like coming through a funnel.

Ideal horizontal listening area
You will get the best sound directly in front of the AS-225, but due to the extremely good dispersion characteristics, a balanced sound image is achieved even in a relatively wide listening angle range to the left and right of this position.

The right height of the speaker
The most natural sound is achieved when the tweeters are approximately at ear level. But even 30 degrees above or below the tweeter axis, the sound is still homogeneous. If, for example, the nuBox AS225 stereoboard is placed directly under your television set, this is already largely fulfilled. If your AS-225 needs to be placed lower or higher, it should ideally be angled so that the tweeters are aligned with the listening position.

Connections

All connection to the AS-225 must be made before you connect the loudspeaker to the mains!

Remote control

The nuBox AS-225 stereoboard can only be operated by the supplied remote control:

on/off
Use the on/off key to activate the AS-225 or switch it to standby mode. If the loudspeaker is turned off with the remote control, automatic switch-on will be deactivated. (Exception: HDMI ARC input)

volume und mute
The volume can be adjusted with the volume keys and . The mute key allows the AS-225 to be muted and unmuted.

input
Press the input key to switch to the next input. Refer to the table above for order and colour assignment of the inputs.

pair
If the Bluetooth input is activated (indicated by the blue status LED on the front panel), pressing this button will initiate the pairing process. Refer to section 'Bluetooth: Pairing' for details.

music and movie
Pressing the music or movie buttons activates special DSP algorithms, resulting in a greater sense of depth and width. Pressing the respective key again deactivates this function. For details, see "Virtual expansion of the stereo stage".

When changing the battery:

• Make sure the polarity of the battery is correct when inserting it into the battery compartment.
• Always use high-quality CR2032 lithium button cells as replacement batteries.

Operation and Functions

Bluetooth: Pairing
Press the input button on the remote control repeatedly to switch to the BLUETOOTH input (the LED on the front panel lights or blinks blue).

Pairing mode can be activated by briefly pressing the pair button on the remote control. The loudspeaker emits a confirmation tone, disconnects the current Bluetooth connection and is visible to other devices. You can now pair with an compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer. If no pairing is performed within one minute, the AS225 returns to the previous operating mode and reconnects to the last device used.

Bluetooth: Volume control
Virtually all devices that output an audio signal via Bluetooth have their own volume control. For the best possible quality it is recommended to set the volume of the source device to maximum and adjust the playback volume with the remote control of the nuBox active loudspeaker.

Auto power off
The AS-225 has an automatic power off function that cannot be deactivated. If one of the inputs Bluetooth or AUX is selected, the loudspeaker switches to standby mode after a maximum of 20 minutes without audio input.
With the digital inputs COAX, OPTICAL and HDMI the auto-off circuit reacts directly to the absence of a digital data stream and thus allows a faster switch-off. The playback device must deactivate the data stream accordingly.

Auto power on
The electronics of the nuBox active loudspeaker have an automatic switch-on function that automatically wakes them from standby mode as soon as a sound signal or a digital data stream is present. This function is only active if the AS-225 has been put into standby mode by the automatic switch-off function.

• At the HDMI input, the automatic switch-on function is always active.
• However, this function is not available for Bluetooth devices.
• At the other inputs, Auto Power On is only active if the AS-225 is set to standby mode by the Auto Power Off function.

If standby mode has been set manually by pressing the button on/off on the remote control, the automatic switch-on function is deactivated.

HDMI-ARC and CEC
To enable sound transmission from the TV set to the nuBox stereo- board, both the CEC and the ARC functionality must be activated on the TV set. Usually this is the default condition and the TV should automatically detect the speaker. Refer to the TV manual if necessary.
If these functions are active, both the TV and the remote can control the volume of the AS-225.

PCM sound format
The nuBox AS-225 uses signals in the „PCM" format at the digital inputs. It may therefore be necessary to adjust the settings of players such as TV sets or game consoles accordingly. To do this, select "PCM" as the audio output format in the playback menu. Please also refer to the manual of your player.

Factory Default
To reset the speaker to it's factory settings, turn the speaker on and press the mute key x on the remote control for 3 seconds within the first 5 seconds. The loudspeaker confirms the process with a green LED and switches to standby mode. At the next start, all settings are in the factory settings.

Construction and technology

Virtual expansion of the stereo stage
A sophisticated DSP algorithm in the nuBox active loudspeakers calculates additional room information which when added to the source signal, leads to a virtual expansion of the stereo stage. There are 2 versions:

• If themusic function is selected the effect is rather soft.
• If themovie function is selected, the ratio of processed information to the original signal is increased; this mode is recommended especially if a very large soundstage is desired and the locating precision is less important.

Pressing the respective button activates the effect. The LED on the loudspeaker front acknowledges the activation by flashing seven times. If the key is pressed again, the effect is deactivated again. The LED on the loudspeaker front flashes only once to confirm.

Further applications

Operation with a subwoofer
If your nuBox AS-225 is to be used in combination with a subwoofer, you can connect it to the SUBOUT output. This output provides a full-range summed mono signal. The relative volume of the subwoofer, its crossover frequency and phase settings must be adjusted at the subwoofer itself.
If you connect a subwofer to this output, an 80 Hz low-cut is automatically applied to the AS-225 to ensure proper integration between the AS-225 and the subwoofer.

Care and cleaning tips

Improper handling of the speaker may result in damage.

• Always unplug the speaker before cleaning it!
• Before recommissioning, make sure that all connections are cor-rect, that there are no short circuits and that the speaker is completely dry.
• Never use strong cleaning agents or solvents such as petrol, spir-it or similar!

Enclosure
We recommend commercial window cleaner sprayed onto a cotton cloth. This allows almost all fingerprints and dust to be easily removed. Alternatively, you can also use window active foam. We advise against the use of microfibre cloths! These can cause mini scratches in the surface.

Diaphragms and Speaker Chassis
To remove dust from a loudspeaker chassis, a lint-free cotton cloth is sufficient to wipe the membrane lightly with very little pressure. The tweeters of all Nubert loudspeakers are equipped with a protective grille so that they can also be wiped off with low pressure. If the dust cannot be completely removed, a make-up brush from the drugstore is suitable.

Service

If you have any questions or problems during the commissioning of your Nubert system, please do not hesitate to contact our service team:
Phone: +49 (0) 7171 8712-0
E-mail: info@nubert.de
Please have your customer number ready!

Technical Data

Intended use

This speaker is designed exclusively for sound reproduction in dry rooms. Use the speaker only as described in this manual. Any other use (particularly safety-relevant or medical use, installation in open environment like IP-certified products) is considered improper and may result in property damage or even personal injury. Nubert electronic GmbH does not assume any liability for damages caused by improper use.

Safety instructions

The entire operating manual, in particular the safety instructions, must be read in full before connecting and commissioning the device. For your own safety, be sure to follow all warnings and safety instructions in this manual and on the speaker. The user is not permitted to carry out any work on the loudspeaker other than the described work. Keep this document so that you have access to it at all times. Furthermore, it must also be handed over to possible re-owners.

Key to the symbols

The triangle symbol with exclamation mark (without additional comment) indicates important instructions for commissioning, operation and maintenance of the device.
The term next to the triangle symbol indicates a medium risk. Failure to observe this warning may result in property damage.
The term next to the triangle symbol indicates a high risk. Failure to observe this warning may result in death or personal injury

	This symbol indicates that you must read and observe the operating instructions and the safety and warning notices in order to operate the device.
	This symbol (triangle with lightning) warns of dangerous voltages inside the enclosure and of hazards due to electric shock.
	This symbol indicates that the device complies with electrical protection class 2 and therefore does not require earthing.
	Devices with this symbol may only be used in a dry indoor environment.

General information

Never operate the loudspeaker unattended!

of electric shock! To avoid the risk of electric shock, the speaker may not be opened by the user. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the speaker. Service work and repairs are reserved for qualified specialists authorized by Nubert. If you need service, please contact Nubert electronic GmbH directly (info@nubert.de)!

of suffocation! Never let children use or play with neither speaker, remote control or packaging unattended. There is a risk that children will get caught in the packaging film and suffocate. Make sure that children cannot remove any small parts from the devices! These parts, like the remote control battery, could be swallowed and cause suffocation. In case of swallowing any parts, contact a doctor immediately!

of injury or damage! When moving the speaker, take care to avoid injury and damage!

Since the speaker can only be completely disconnected from the mains at the mains input on the rear of the unit or by pulling the mains plug from the socket, it must be positioned so that you have free access to the mains input or mains plug.
If any of the following situations occurs, the loudspeaker must be switched off immediately and disconnected from the mains. Contact Nubert electronic GmbH (info@nubert.de) immediately!

• The speaker has been damaged or has fallen down.
• Power cord or plug is damaged
• Objects or liquid have got into the loudspeaker
• The speaker has been exposed to excessive moisture or rain.
• The speaker does not work properly or exhibits a significant reduction in performance.
• The loudspeaker smells burnt, develops smoke or makes unusual noises.

Only use accessories recommended by Nubert!

Installation instructions

An unstable location can damage the speaker.

• Only place the loudspeaker on a flat, stable surface and make sure that it cannot be knocked over!
• Also make sure that no unintentional pulling can occur on the cables to avoid knocking over the speaker or damaging the connection sockets!
• Keep strong mechanical shocks away from the loudspeaker!

Excessive heat build-up inside the unit can shorten its service life or lead to fire.

• Never cover the back of the speaker! Make sure that there is a clearance of at least 10 cm and sufficient air circulation in the back area!
• Do not operate the speaker and remote control near heat sources such as radiators or stoves!
• Do not set the speaker and remote control to direct sunlight.
• Do not expose to direct sunlight!
• Never place burning candles or similar open fire sources on the loudspeaker!

of explosion! Installation in unsuitable locations can cause explosions. Do not use the speaker or remote control

• in environments where there is a risk of fire or explosion!
• at extremely low or extremely high temperatures!
• near flammable gases or vapours!
• near strong dust!
• near flammable materials!

of electric shock! The loudspeaker carries mains voltage and voltages higher than 35 V AC or DC inside. It has no special protection against the intrusion of liquids or objects into the system. There is therefore a risk of lethal electric shock.

• Never touch the speaker with wet hands!
• Only use the speaker in a dry place!
• Do not operate it outdoors or in damp rooms!
• The loudspeaker must be protected from liquids of all kinds, including dripping and splashing water.
• Do not place any containers containing liquids (e.g. flower vases) on the speaker or in the immediate vicinity!
• If the loudspeaker is moved from a cold environment to a warm room, condensation may form inside the unit. Wait at least six hours until the loudspeaker has reached room temperature and is dry before switching it on!
• No objects or foreign bodies may get into the device.
• Should the loudspeaker come into contact with liquids or should objects have got inside, please unplug the mains plug immediately and contact Nubert electronic GmbH (info@nubert.de)!

of injury or damage! For speakers with threaded bushings on the underside:
The threaded bushings may be used for upright mounting of the loudspeaker on suitable base plates only. The threaded bushings on the underside of the loud speaker enclosures are not designed for tensile loads and must therefore not be used as holders for hooks or similar devices in order to suspend the loudspeaker cabinet. A falling speaker may cause serious injury and damage.

Connection instructions

General connection instructions

• Disconnect the mains plug before changing any wiring on the system!
• Make sure that all connections have been made correctly and that all plugs are firmly seated in the sockets before connecting the speaker to the mains.
• Use only the intended cables or plug connections for the connections! Failure to do so may result in damage or malfunction.
• If you want to disconnect connections on the loudspeaker, always pull the plug, never the cable!
• Ensure that all plugs are firmly seated in the sockets!
• Only use cables and accessories recommended by Nubert!

of electric shock! Faulty mains supply systems or excessive mains voltage can lead to electric shocks.

• All power supply or antenna systems connected to the loudspeaker must comply with all applicable laws and regulations and be professionally installed by an approved installation company.
• Use only the appropriate power cord to connect the speaker. Do not modify the power cord or its plug.
• Make sure that the mains voltage at your location matches the requirements of the loudspeaker! The correct power supply can be found on the label on the back of the speaker. It must not be connected to other power supplies.
• Devices of Class 1 construction must be connected to the mains power socket outlet with a protective earth connection. Make sure that the installation of the protective earth is carried out correctly!
• When laying the power cables, make sure that they cannot be damaged (e.g. by heating or mechanical stress)! Pay particular attention to the areas of the connectors and distributors!

Overvoltage in the power supply system (e.g. due to lightning) can damage or destroy the device and power supply unit.

• An overvoltage protection element can provide a certain degree of protection against excessively high voltages in the power grid.
• However, the greatest possible protection against damage can only be achieved with the complete separation from the mains supply. In case of thunderstorms or danger of lightning strikes, disconnect the mains cable from the socket and any antenna plugs from your hi-fi system!
• If the speaker is not used for a long period of time or is unattended, the power supply should be disconnected. Disconnect the mains plug from the socket!