Neumann O 800 - Active Studio Subwoofer
The perfect low-frequency complement
A profusion of developments in audio and modern digital technologies are placing new demands today on active monitoring. Multi-channel productions require high-quality studio monitors and active subwoofers that can be used for both matrix-encoded formats and discrete formats as well.
The O 800 matches these new demands of modern studio technology precisely. Whether as the perfect low-frequency complement to all our monitor systems, or as an LFE unit (Low Frequency Effect), the O 800 will fit every possible combination of surround system specified today.
Active studio monitors from us have developed a reputation for their seamlessly integrated sound. With the advent of the O 800 it is now possible to assemble entire monitoring systems for different sizes of studios with a smoothly uniform frequency response that ranges from 30 Hz to 20 kHz.
The extraordinary dynamics, incredible accuracy and precise stereo soundstage of our monitors provide audio engineers with the confidence they need to make sure critical judgments of multi-channel audio material.
Well-connected
A new installation of a complete system from us incorporating the O 800 subwoofer is easy to set up; expanding an existing system would be just as easy:
With its three balanced inputs (Left, Center, Right), the O 800 offers all the connections necessary for operating in mono, stereo, stereo-plus-center-channel mode, Dolby® Surround, Dolby® Surround EX and front or rear channels with 5.1. The center input can also be switched to "Sub Direct" to use the subwoofer for the effect channel (LFE) with discrete formats. For 6.1 or 7.1 installations, it would be logical to use two or, in some cases, three O 800 subwoofers to ensure that the recording is reproduced with utmost accuracy.
The balanced high-pass outputs (Left, Center, Right) are for connecting the corresponding front and rear monitors. The subwoofer can be muted whenever necessary either directly via the rear-panel bypass switch or remotely with an on/off footswitch connected to the ¼" Bypass jack. Two controls - a continuously variable phase-adjustment control (0 - 180º) and a separate level control - permit you to set up the subwoofer at any location in the studio you wish. The 4-step low-cut filter (30, 40, 50, or 60 Hz) helps match the subwoofer to the acoustics of a given room, and also make it possible to simulate a system not as rich in bass in order to determine how well a given mix will translate to such a system.
No compromise long excursion 10" driver
The heart of the O 800 is the new low-frequency driver which was developed for this specific enclosure and application. The driver's extremely long excursion of ±20 mm enables it to produce bass with remarkably low distortion.
The patented Nomex®/Kevlar®-composite cone with its high degree of self-damping and the rearvented voice coil design both contribute to the production of very high sound-pressure levels with absolutely minimal power compression. The implementation of these new technologies yields uncommonly articulate bass all the way down to 27 Hz.
The low-frequency driver is in an aluminium basket designed for maximum air flow. It is also magnetically shielded, freeing you to place the subwoofer on the floor right next to a personal computer or immediately below a video monitor, without the speaker having an adverse effect on either one.
New enclosure with years of experience behind it
Thanks to its extremely solid construction (MDF) and its large bass-reflex port, the O 800 enclosure eliminates unwanted resonance and air noise, and produces taut, articulate bass with excellent impulse response. The finish is a high-quality scratch-resistant textured enamel that makes the cabinet an attractive, with a professional appearance. A sturdy, fine-mesh wire grille with excellent acoustic behavior serves to protect the loudspeaker cone from mechanical damage.
Due to its relatively small footprint, there should be no problem finding a place for the O 800 in practically any studio.
Powerful electronics
The powerful amplification developed specifically for the O 800 has its roots in years of our engineering expertise. This amplifier is one of high continuous power output, rugged reliability and superb technical per-formance.
The O 800 includes sophisticated "True-Clipping" circuitry which, as it senses the onset of distortion, automatically limits the signal sent to the amplifier, and reliably protects both the loudspeaker and the amp from being overdriven and possibly damaged. The high-pass/low-pass crossover occurs at precisely 90 Hz using an integrated active Linkwitz-Riley frequency crossover with a slope of 24 dB/octave.
Uncompromising driver
Low-frequency driver with aluminum basket designed for maximum air flow
Driver constructed with rear ventilation offering higher maximum sound pressure and minimal power compression
Exceptionally low-distortion bass reproduction due to very long excursion 40 mm (1.6 inch)
Patented Nomex-Kevlar composite cone offering minimal distortion and maximum self-damping
Magnetically shielded
Ingenious enclosure design
Resonance eliminated due to solid construction leading to
Tight and articulate bass
Linear frequency response independent from sound pressure level
Low-compression bass reproduction from generously proportioned bass reflex port
Various colors available
Advanced electronics
Integrated electronic limiter
Precise, active, integrated main channels´crossover with 24 dB/oct. slopes
Adaptable for bass extension and increased SPL for all our monitors up to the O 300 and O 300 D
Subwoofer bypass function and optional remote control
4-step low-cut filter (30 Hz, 40 Hz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz)
Continuously variable phase-adjustment control allows seamless integration with main loudspeakers
Unlimited installation and connection options
3 electronically balanced inputs (left, center, right)
Compatible with mono, stereo, Dolby® Surround, and front or rear channels in a 5.1 or 6.1 system
Center input can be switched to "Sub Direct" for independent reproduction of the LFE channel
Electronically balanced high-pass outputs (left, center, right) connect to corresponding front or rear monitors
Acoustical
-3 dB free field frequency response 27 Hz - 100 Hz, ± 3 dB
Pass band free field frequency response 30 Hz - 90 kHz, ± 2 dB
Self generated noise level at 10 cm