To build a full range, rugged, mini-reference monitor to replace the older, aging, 5C Sound Cubes that are still in use worldwide, while offering an improved, more linear frequency response. A full year was spent studying all versions & revisions of the famous little 5C Sound Cubes. Research revealed that there were several driver versions released over the years with widely varying frequency response characteristics. We chose the smoothest, most linear, full-range version of those 5C models to use as our testing benchmark. Next we analyzed their response characteristics in an anechoic chamber and proceeded to implement design upgrades. Realizing the importance of replacing a respected “industry-standard reference monitor” we began by replicating its basic size, function and sonic character. We wanted to take it up a notch though…

First we addressed the Cabinet Design...

• The original  5C Sound Cubes™  were made of ½” particleboard covered with a glue-on wood grain contact paper.
• We chose to use thicker, denser MDF board because of its high rigidity and inherent low-resonance characteristics.
• We started with a 165mm (6 1/2") sealed cube design with radiused edges.
• We then chose an elegant Polyurethane high gloss “Butter-Cream” finish.
• The originals had either screws or on later models plastic binding posts mounted on a recessed plastic cup.
• We upgraded to high-end nickel plated, machined solid metal binding posts (Dual banana spacing) mounted on a black anodized ,milled and silk-screened aluminum terminal plate.
• Next we added a 7mm thick neoprene pad embedded into the base of the cabinet to serve as a skid-resistant acoustic isolator.
• Additionally, for creative mounting situations, we recessed an industry standard 5/8”-27 mic stand mount into the base.
• Second, we addressed the Driver Design...
• The originals were a basic 5” stamped frame design.
• We designed a proprietary 5.25” die cast aluminum frame driver/cone assembly to exceed the performance of the originals. The mounting bezel is then polished for an elegant appearance.
• The paper cone, chosen for its musical character, is custom designed & crafted using the finest New Zealand pulp with mica fibers added for lighter weight & rigidity.
• The cloth surround is made in Japan to exacting uniform thickness tolerances.
• The Top Plate and T-Yoke of driver are made of Sumitomo 1008 low carbon steel enabling the highest modeled flux density in the gap.
• The magnets are Y- 40 GRADE (MIL-SPEC) yielding a 43oz. High Power-low distortion motor structure.

Studios primarily use 2-way & 3-way larger monitors designed to represent a wide range reference viewpoint at higher listening levels. However, in this newly developing age of High Definition Audio, there is still a need to also hear what your mix will sound like when played back over small “bass-challenged” systems such as televisions, clock radios, computers, car stereos, ipod docking stations, etc. It is important to make mixing judgments based partially on listening to reference monitors that will not impart tonal anomalies caused by crossovers or inferior full range drivers. Particular attention is always paid to the critical mid-range vocal/guitar/keyboard areas. This is where having a full-range monitor without a crossover is truly revealing. Ten months of R&D comparative listening & tweaking went into the voicing of the AVANTONE MixCubes. The result is a very smooth sounding, full range upgrade from the original 5C Sound Cubes/ Listening tests reveal that the MixCubes have a smooth, more open, transparent top end response with extended bass while maintaining their basic original character.

Recommended power rating is 50-200 watts of solid state power or 10-100 watts of tube power.  It is advisable to use a high quality studio-grade power amplifier. The metal binding posts on the rear of the speaker can accept bare wire, spade lugs, or single or dual banana plugs. It is best to use 12 -16 AWG wire for runs longer than 6 feet.

When positioning the AVANTONE MixCubes on stands or console bridges it is best to keep them at ear level and slightly angled in towards the engineer. Since they are shielded it is ok to place them near a CRT video monitor or TV without causing any problems. The bottom mic stand mounts will also allow you creative positioning options in unusual studio playback situations.

Avant Electronics MixCubes Features

• 5.25" Shielded Passive Full range 8 ohm drivers
• 6 1/2" Cube Cabinet with multiple coats of Butter-Cream High Gloss lacquer finish 
• Precision-milled  high-rigidity MDF Cabinet  sides & Baffle for low resonance
• Radiused corners & edges reduce edge diffraction for better imaging
• Custom Paper Cone is  crafted using New Zealand pulp with mica fibers added for light weight & rigidity
• Cloth surround made in Japan to uniform thickness tolerances
• Top Plate and T-Yoke of driver are made of Sumitomo 1008 low carbon steel  
• The 43oz. low distortion motor structure magnets are Y- 40 GRADE (MIL-SPEC)  
• High-Rigidity DIE CAST Aluminum frame with polished mounting bezel
• Nickel Plated "high-end" binding posts (properly spaced for dual banana plugs)
• Anodized milled Aluminum Terminal Plate
• 1/4" soft Neoprene  Pad is recessed into the cabinet base to serve as a non-skid acoustic isolator
• Standard size (5/8"- 27 threading) female microphone  stand mount is  built into the cabinet base

Avantone MixCube Specifications

• SYSTEM TYPE: Dynamic shielded full-range pair
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 90hz-17,000hz
• IMPEDANCE: Nominal 8 ohms
• SPL / SENSITIVITY:  93db @1w/1 meter
• RECOMMENDED POWER: from 10-200 watts
• DRIVER: 5.25” Cast Aluminum Frame
• CABINET: sealed / 18mm MDF / Dacron acoustical stuffing
• INPUTS: 3-way Metal Binding Posts (accepts up to 12 gauge wire, spade lugs, dual banana plugs)
• NOTE: CE  (European Release) Version has plastic encased binding posts
• CABINET DIMENSIONS: 165mm X 165mm X 165mm ( 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" x 6 1/2" )
• 5-YEAR WARRANTY

EQ Magazine Oct 2006

DIGITAL PRO-SOUND