Nubert nuBoxx A-125 pro - 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 nuBoxx speakers!

Unpacking and Scope of Delivery

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:

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 nuBoxx A-125 pro are high-quality, very neutral active stereo loudspeakers. They impress with an extremely homogeneous, precise, and „direct" sound reproduction with the finest resolution in the entire frequency spectrum. However, even „honest loudspeakers" are 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:

• The rear-facing bass reflex ports should be at least 3 centimetres away from walls in order to avoid air flow noise. Some distance to the back- and side walls also helps 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.
• Within horizontal listening angles up to 30 degrees off the main axis, you will experience no significant change or loss in sound quality. Only at wider listening angles does the sound lose its brightness slightly. It is then advisable to point the speakers towards the listening position.
  
• The most natural sound is achieved when the tweeters are approximately at ear level. But even 20 degrees above or below the tweeter axis, the sound is still homogeneous. If your active speakers need to be placed lower or higher, they should ideally be angled so that the tweeters are aimed at the listening position.
  

Connection instructions

All connections to the A-125 pro must be made before you connect the loudspeaker to the mains!
The right speaker is the so-called master. All source devices are connected here. The connection to the left loudspeaker (the client) is made with the supplied loudspeaker cable with four-pin round plug connectors.

1. Connect the loudspeaker cable
   First connect the two speakers to each other. A suitable loudspeaker cable with round plugs is included in the scope of delivery. Longer speaker cables can be purchased as accessories at www.nubert.de.
   Please note:
   Pay attention to the orientation of the connectors in the sockets.
   1. The groove on the connector must point to the left.
      
   2. Push the clamping nut forward and fasten it tightly clockwise to prevent the connector from falling out.
      
2. Connect the signal cables
   Now connect all source devices (and optionally a subwoofer) to the master loudspeaker.
3. Connect the power cable
   First connect the power cable to the power jack on the back of the master speaker and then to the mains.
   The wiring of your speakers is now complete!

USB input

Source device with USB port such as computer and laptop.
The nuBoxx loudspeaker functions as an external sound card.

OPTICAL and COAX input

Source device with digital output, for example CD player, network player, satellite receiver, television.

AUX IN input

Source device with analog line output, for example CD player, network player, preamplifier, smartphone, tablet via 3.5 mm headphone jack.

SUB OUT output

For analog connection of an active subwoofer. By inserting a cinchplug into the SUB OUT, a high pass is automatically activated to relieve the loudspeakers of deep bass and ensure proper integration with the subwoofer. (Crossover frequency 80 Hz, 12 dB/Oct)

Status LED

The infrared receiver and the status LED are located on the front of the master loudspeaker. In standby mode, this LED is off. During operation, it indicates the selected input by its colour, see table below. In addition, the status LED confirms the triggering of a command by the remote control by flashing briefly.

Input:	Colour:
USB	Purple
COAX	White
BLUETOOTH	Blue
AUX	Green
OPTICAL	Red

Remote control

The nuBoxx A-125 pro speakers can only be operated by the supplied remote control:

on/off
Use the on/off key to activate the A-125 pro or switch it to standby mode. If the loudspeaker is turned off with the remote control, automatic switch-on will be deactivated.

volume and mute

The volume can be adjusted with the volume keys and .
The mute key allows the A-125 pro to be muted and unmuted.

bass and mid-hi
The bass keys allow the bass intensity to be raised and lowered, while the mid/high keys can be used to adjust the mid/high range by up to +/- 6 dB in 2 dB increments. After reaching the end points of the available range, the status LED does flash three times to indicate that no more adjustments are possible.

usb, coax, (bluetooth), aux, opto
These 5 buttons on the remote control are for source selection.
Push the particular button to switch to the desired input.

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

music, movie
Pressing the music or the movie button allows to add additional room information to the signal in order to achieve a virtual enhancement of the stereo stage. See also „Virtual enhancement of the stereo stage".

EQ bypass
Pressing this button deactivates all of the speaker´s sound settings: bass, mid-hi, music and movie.

Operation and Functions

Bluetooth: Pairing
Press the bluetooth button on the remote control to switch to the BLUETOOTH input (the status LED lights up or flashes blue).

Pairing mode can be activated by briefly pressing the pairing 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 a compatible smartphone, tablet, or computer. If no pairing is performed within two minutes, the A-125 pro 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 nuBoxx active loudspeaker.

Auto power off
This speaker system can switch to the stand-by mode (< 0.5 Watt) via an automatic power off function. Independent of the input, the loudspeakers will switch to standby mode after a maximum of 15 minutes without audio input. When switched to a digital input (OPTICAL, COAX or USB), the auto-off circuit also reacts directly to the absence of the digital data stream or the supply voltage and thus allows for a faster switch-off. The playback device must deactivate the data stream or the supply voltage accordingly.
Note: The auto power off feature can be enabled (factory setting) or disabled. To do this, restart the speaker and within 5 seconds press the EQ bypass-key on the remote control and hold it for 5 seconds.

• The Status-LED flashes seven times, to confirm that the Auto power function is deactivated.
• The Status-LED flashes four times, to confirm that the Auto power function is (re-)activated.

Auto power on
The electronics of the loudspeakers have an automatic switch-on function, that automatically wakes them from stand-by mode as soon as a sound signal is present. The signal must be applied to the input that was selected during the automatic switch-off process.

• This function is not available for Bluetooth devices.
• At the other inputs, Auto power on is only active if the speakers are set to standby mode by the Auto power off function. If standby mode has been set manually by pressing the buttonon/off on the remote control, the automatic switch-on function is deactivated.

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

Construction and technology

Virtual expansion of the stereo stage
A sophisticated DSP algorithm in the nuBoxx active loudspeakers calculates additional room information which, when added to the source signal, leads to a virtual expansion of the stereo stage. There are two intensities to choose from:

• By pressing the music button, the effect is rather soft. The LED on the speaker front confirms the activation of the effect by flashing seven times.
• By pressing the movie button, the ratio of processed information added to the original signal is increased. This mode is recommended especially if a very large soundstage is desired and the precision of the stage image is less important.
  The LED on the speaker front confirms this change by flashing seven times.
• Pressing the EQ bypass button disables this effect.

Signal processing
The complete active electronics including signalling, control electronics and all amplifiers are located in the right speaker, the so-called master. The two chassis of the left speaker, the so-called client, are connected by means of a four-pole loudspeaker cable. The nuBoxx Stereo Set is therefore a fully active system, as each chassis is powered from its own amplifier channel. The electronic module consequently has four digital amplifiers that receive their signals directly from a high-quality digital signal processor. This processor also works as a crossover network and takes care of the optimization of the frequency response.

PCM sound format
The nuBoxx A-125 active loudspekers process 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.

Further applications

Operation with a subwoofer
If your nuBoxx A-125 is to be used in combination with a subwoofer, you can connect it to the SUBOUT output. This output provides a summed mono signal. The relative volume of the subwoofer, its crossover frequency and phase settings must be adjusted at the subwoofer itself. When you connect a RCA plug to this output, an 80 Hz low-cut is automatically applied to the A-125 to ensure proper integration between the A-125 and the subwoofer.

USB-connection to a computer
Select the USB input on the master-loudspeaker.

Windows 10 / 11

Automatic Installation
Connect the master speaker to your computer with a suitable USB cable (included) and switch on the loudspeaker. Normally, Windows will automatically install the correct driver and set the speaker as the default playback device.

Selecting the playback device manually
If the loudspeakers are not set as the standard playback device automatically or if you want to select a different playback device, open the system settings and navigate to

• System settings
• System
• Sound
• Output device

Click on the desired output device.

Manually selecting the output format in shared mode
Windows allows you to set which sound output format should be sent to the USB-DAC when operating in shared mode. To do this, navigate to the > Output section as described above. Click on the speaker whose settings you want to adjust. You can now select the output format from the drop-down menu.

Within Windows 10, navigate to

• System
• Sound
• Device properties
• Advanced device properties
• Tab "Advanced"

Note: Playback from applications that uses the exclusive mode is not affected by this setting. In this case, the output settings are determined by the application.

macOS

Automatic installation
Connect the master speaker and the computer using the supplied USB cable and turn on the loudspeaker. Normally, macOS will automatically install the correct driver and set the speaker as the default playback device.

Manually selecting the output device
If the loudspeakers are not set as the standard playback device automatically or if you want to select a different playback device, open the system settings and navigate to

• System settings
• Sound
• Output device

Click on the desired output device.

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 correct, that there are no short circuits and that the speaker is completely dry.
• Never use strong cleaning agents or solvents such as petrol, spirit 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 servic team:

Phone: +49 (0) 7171 8712-0
E-mail: info@nubert.de
Please have your customer number ready!

Technical Data nuBoxx A-125 pro

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 did get 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 expose the speaker or the remote control 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 loudspeaker 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 connec- tions! 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 profes sionally 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 requi rements 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 dama- ged (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!

Remote control and battery

This product comes with a remote control and a battery. The following must be observed when handling remote controls and batteries:
If the batteries are discharged, the range of the remote control will decrease significantly. If this happens, replace the batteries immediately. Always use high-quality CR2025 lithium button cells as replacement batteries. Make sure that the polarity is correct when inserting the battery into the battery compartment!

Improper handling can lead to material damage.

• Do not drop the remote control!
• Do not expose the remote control and battery to water or other liquids!
• Do not operate or store the remote control and battery in locations with high humidity or high or low temperature!

Leaking or exploding batteries can pose a health hazard and cause damage to goods.

• If you do not use the device for a long time or if the batteries are depleted, remove the batteries from the remote control to prevent discharge, leakage of acid or explosions.
• Leaking batteries must be replaced immediately.
• If you find a leaking battery, do not touch the leaking material and dispose of the batteries immediately!
• Do not touch leaking batteries!
• Should your skin, eyes or mouth come into contact with the leaking material, clean the affected area immediately with water and contact a doctor!

Do not ingest battery, chemical burn hazard! Ingestion of batteries can cause severe internal burns and death within a short time span.

• Ensure that batteries do not get into your body by any means, in particular that they cannot be swallowed!
• Keep new and used batteries away from children.
• If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the product and keep it away from children.
• If you think that batteries might have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention!

If you have any questions or problems with the commissioning of your Nubert system, please feel free to contact our service team. Please have your customer number ready.
Phone: +49 (0)7171 87120
E-Mail: info@nubert.de