Tannoy Proto-J Reference Manual page 4

1.0 INTRODUCTION
You're thinking, "Come on, a user's manual for speakers? That's like a user's manual for a tooth-
brush." You know enough not to plug your speakers into an AC outlet, and you know you should
hook them up in phase and then you listen to them. How much more do you need to know? We
know these speakers are headed for the professional or semi-professional studio market, so we
know we don't need to tell you about putting your potted plants on top of the speakers, or to avoid
putting the right one on the bookshelf, and the left one on the floor behind the sofa. We know you
are serious listeners or you wouldn't have bought Tannoy monitors. We decided that someone need-
ed to produce this type of manual, and because we're actually interested in monitoring, not just
speaker sales, we figured it would have to be us. This user's manual will tell you how to get the
absolute best performance out of your new monitors.
2.0 THE BASICS
The Proto-J is the latest playback monitor from Tannoy, a company with unrivalled experience in stu-
dio monitoring. It has an extremely detailed, dynamic sound with a wide, flat frequency response –
all of which are essential for monitoring with reliable accuracy.
The 1/2" (12.5 mm) soft dome HF unit is seamlessly matched to a 6.5" (165 mm) long throw bass
unit by the precision low loss crossover network. The drive units are discretely mounted on a 3/4"
(18.5 mm) MDF baffle. The front edges of the vented enclosure are champhered to reduce high fre-
quency difraction. The back panel features two 5-way binding post inputs and integral inserts to
accommodate Omni Mount™ 50 Series wall brackets to accommodate wall mounting for easy and
flexible 5.1 surround sound installs. Proto-J is designed to blend seamlessly with the Tannoy
PS110B 5.1 Subwoofer to complete this package.
Don't put potted plants on top of your speakers, don't plug them into AC outlets, or hook them up out
of phase. Now that we've got that out of the way, let's talk about some of the technical things to
keep in mind.
2.1 Unpacking and visual checks
To remove the speakers from the carton without damage open the end flaps fully and bend them
right back (remember they are packed in pairs). Turn the package upside-down on the floor and lift
the carton vertically up to leave the speakers resting on their packing tray. Nothing on or in your
speakers should rattle about. Inspect each speaker for signs of transit damage. In the unlikely event
of this having occurred inform the carrier and the supplier. Keep all the packaging if damage has
occurred, as this will show evidence of excessive handling forces. It is also a good idea to keep the
carton if possible for future transportation.
2.2 Preliminary recommendation
Initially we would like to give a word of warning on high sound levels, which these speakers are
capable of generating over sustained periods of time. Levels over 95 dB for 8 hours per day will
eventually cause permanent hearing loss. Because Tannoy monitors have very low levels of time,
amplitude and frequency distortion it is not always obvious that the sound level is high while working
with them.
For continuous exposure we recommend the occasional use of a sound level meter capable of inte-
grating the sound level over a period of exposure according to noise control standards. This should
be used just to check that noise levels are always within safety limits.