Epic 4Compact Nearfield Studio Monitor
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Setup Tips
In order to achieve the best possible sound it is highly recommended to not only consider the interaction between the loudspeakers and the surrounding acoustic environment but also the position of the listener relative to the loudspeakers. Here are some important suggestions.
Distance and Level
The Epic 4 is a compact “nearfield”, monitor, specifically designed for small studio spaces – or, to be a part of larger, multi-channel audio monitoring systems.
Due to its intended positioning, Epic 4 is optimized for a relatively close listening distance. We recommend a distance between 0.8 m and 1.4 m (3 to 5 ft.). In a standard stereo configuration, the Epic 4s should be at ear level! The reference point for this adjustment is the space between the tweeter (High Frequency / HF driver) and the woofer (Low Frequency / LF driver).
Multichannel/surround/Atmos systems may require placement at different levels. Epic 4 includes threaded mounting points to allow for wall mounting.
At longer distances (over 1.4 m / 5 ft.) the high frequency response will decrease proportionally. Protect your hearing – due to the attainable levels a listening distance closer than 0.8 m is not recommended!
The Epic 4 is a compact “nearfield”, monitor, specifically designed for small studio spaces – or, to be a part of larger, multi-channel audio monitoring systems.
Due to its intended positioning, Epic 4 is optimized for a relatively close listening distance. We recommend a distance between 0.8 m and 1.4 m (3 to 5 ft.). In a standard stereo configuration, the Epic 4s should be at ear level! The reference point for this adjustment is the space between the tweeter (High Frequency / HF driver) and the woofer (Low Frequency / LF driver).
Multichannel/surround/Atmos systems may require placement at different levels. Epic 4 includes threaded mounting points to allow for wall mounting.
At longer distances (over 1.4 m / 5 ft.) the high frequency response will decrease proportionally. Protect your hearing – due to the attainable levels a listening distance closer than 0.8 m is not recommended!
Stereo Image
To achieve perfect stereo imaging please make sure that the position of the speakers – and the listener of course – are located symmetrically in the room. To clarify, if there are walls left and right, as there quite probably are, the distance from left speaker to left wall and right speaker to right wall should be (approximately) similar. The farther away the walls are the more leeway you have as the reflected sound will be delayed more.
Please make sure there are no obstacles between the speakers and your ears. Nothing that will obstruct or break the sound waves, like monitor screens, large-leafed plants, etc… Acoustically transparent elements can be placed there, but we can’t think of any qualifying items currently. Please let us know if you find exceptions to the rule!
The often quoted equilateral triangle is a practical recommendation, but depending on the spatial configuration of the listening room and the amount and quality of any reflections (primarily from the walls, ceiling and floor) it might be preferable to move the listening position to a spot slightly inside the triangle.
An easy way to find the optimal listening position is to play a mono signal over both speakers, moving slowly back and forth until a solid phantom source is discernible in the middle.
To achieve perfect stereo imaging please make sure that the position of the speakers – and the listener of course – are located symmetrically in the room. To clarify, if there are walls left and right, as there quite probably are, the distance from left speaker to left wall and right speaker to right wall should be (approximately) similar. The farther away the walls are the more leeway you have as the reflected sound will be delayed more.
Please make sure there are no obstacles between the speakers and your ears. Nothing that will obstruct or break the sound waves, like monitor screens, large-leafed plants, etc… Acoustically transparent elements can be placed there, but we can’t think of any qualifying items currently. Please let us know if you find exceptions to the rule!
The often quoted equilateral triangle is a practical recommendation, but depending on the spatial configuration of the listening room and the amount and quality of any reflections (primarily from the walls, ceiling and floor) it might be preferable to move the listening position to a spot slightly inside the triangle.
An easy way to find the optimal listening position is to play a mono signal over both speakers, moving slowly back and forth until a solid phantom source is discernible in the middle.
Angle of the Listening Position
Please do NOT raise the back of the cabinet or turn the front of the cabinet into a vertical position. The inclination is needed to achieve perfect temporal alignment between tweeter and woofer.
In order to achieve perfect temporal alignment we recommend NOT using your Epic 4s on a writing desk or placing them below ear level. Please make sure to use a stand or leveler to achieve the right position.
Please do NOT raise the back of the cabinet or turn the front of the cabinet into a vertical position. The inclination is needed to achieve perfect temporal alignment between tweeter and woofer.
In order to achieve perfect temporal alignment we recommend NOT using your Epic 4s on a writing desk or placing them below ear level. Please make sure to use a stand or leveler to achieve the right position.