The Story of the AVANTONE MixCubes

From Ken Avant...

I first became aware of the value of using an alternate mini reference monitor when I was introduced to the Auratone speakers in my early studio engineering days around 1979.  During the last 25+ years the Auratone 5c SoundCubes found widespread usage among numerous studios the world over. They were nicknamed ”Horrortones” for their purposeful limited sound capabilities. Savvy engineers however, were quick to understand their usefulness in the studio.
They have not been commercially available for a long time.  With the ever- increasing demands of today’s playback mediums, it was time to take a serious look at redesigning a “mini reference monitor for the new millennium” .
 
 -Ken Avant-


At AVANTONE, we saw not only the importance of replacing those older, fatiguing units … We saw an opportunity to greatly improve on their original performance, construction and quality. irst it is important to understand what this type of speaker can do and what it cannot… It is not at all intended to be an engineers’ only mix monitor. It is not an entry-level monitor. It is an important and unique professional tool… an alternate small monitor system.

There are 3 PRIMARY uses for these monitors…. 

MixCubes are designed as a “reference standard” example of a worst-case scenario / bass- challenged playback system.

Lets face it… music is not only heard on nice, full range systems, but also on small systems like clock radios, iPod docking stations, inexpensive car systems as well as small televisions. There is very little bass present on those systems…hence the phrase “bass challenged”. The mix engineer must make sure that his mix will also sound good when listened to over such a system.
 
As an example…
When working on a kick drum sound on a larger full-range 2-way or 3-way system it is fairly easy to come up with the sound that satisfies the engineer.   The next step in evaluating the mix potential is to audition the sound on the MixCubes. The sound will be certainly less exciting… forget about “chest pressure” etc. The challenge is now to locate a secondary EQ frequency point which augments what the engineer dialed in while referencing  on the larger monitors.  What he then looks for is a way to bring out the awareness of the kick in the mix on the small speakers while preserving the integrity on the larger system.  Indeed, a very revealing and significant process.
 
MixCubes serve as a “reference standard” to judge the critical midrange area of a mix without clouding the acoustical linearity with a crossover. 
There is simply no perfect crossover… they all affect the sound by causing phase problems and non-linear performance at and near the crossover frequency.  MixCubes are very useful in judging where the vocals, guitars, keyboards and snare drum sit in relation to each other thus helping to establish a clean “mix field”.
The MixCubes serve as an excellent reference example of a Mono TV mix.
This allows an engineer to really put himself in the listeners seat to check out phase cancellation issues as well as balance.
ARE YOU A MIXCUBE USER ?
There is a simple test that you can give yourself to determine if you are a Mixcube user, now that you understand their purpose. 
Are you planning to use MixCubes as your SOLE source of mixing and monitoring, with no other reference monitors in your environment?  The correct answer here is (NO), they are used as an alternate reference perspective.
Does your work end up being played on any of the following type systems? Inexpensive boom boxes, iPod docking stations, Computer speakers systems, small television sets, car radios, or any other small speaker format? (YES) 
Would you like an accurate, affordable way to reference your material in your mixing scenario that can give you the confidence that your material is going to sound balanced and true in any of the above environments? (YES) 
 
If your answers to the questions above match (ours), then the AVANTONE MixCubes are the exact product you need, and we are certain you will be pleased with their performance.
Experienced engineers have developed their own personal methods for integrating these speakers into their mix down sessions.
A very revealing perspective can be achieved in the overall mix balance when turned down to be barely audible… is the lead vocal there?  Are the snare, hi-hat and guitars each present or is one of them masking the others… or jumping to the forefront in the mix?
You can best answer these mix questions by checking your mix with low level listening through a full range, single driver system. 
MixCubes address all of the issues mentioned above.  They provide a powerful secondary reference monitor that can allow the engineer/producer to confidently recognize how their mixes or audio productions will translate across a wide variety of different types of playback systems!

When employed for their designed purpose, you will not find a better product for the price or intended application. Avantone has taken a piece of studio history and improved upon it, reintroducing it to the audio world in the AVANTONE MixCubes


Products


 
 Multi-Pattern TUBE Microphone ,  shockmount , Wooden Case  & Aluminum road case
 Tube Mic w/ 3 capsules , custom shock, wooden case & aluminum road case
 Cardioid FET Microphone , SSM shockmount ,OMNI capsule & Wooden Case
 Cardioid FET Microphone w/ custom shockmount & Aluminum case    
 Multi-Pattern FET Microphone w/ custom shockmount & Aluminum case 
 Stereo FET Mic, Dual multi-pattern Capsules, custom shock, Foam Filter, aluminum  case
  Dual RIBBON  (Velocity) MICROPHONE w/ Custom Shock-Mount in wooden case
 4-MIC Drum Mics kit in custom tweed case
 5-MIC Drum Mics kit in custom tweed case
 6-MIC Drum Mics kit in custom tweed case
 7-MIC Drum Mics kit in custom tweed case
 8-MIC Drum Mics kit in custom tweed case
 ATOM Tom Microphone with SSM & PRO-KLAMP in case
 ADM Snare Drum Microphone with SSM & PRO-KLAMP in case
 The MONDO Kick Microphone with SSM in padded case

 Shielded Full-Range Mini Reference Monitors  (pair)

 POWERED MixCubes (pair)   ( NEW version NOW SHIPPING ! ) 
 Metal Shock-Mount for small capsule & small body Microphones    
 Metal Studio Pop-Filter w/gooseneck & clamp

 Metal Drum Rim Microphone Mount


 

 

 AVANTONE MixCubes


The AVANTONE MixCubes are shielded, full-range mini reference monitors.

Their design is inspired by the legacy of the 5C Sound Cubes used in virtually all-major studios for the last 25 years.

ENGINEERING OBJECTIVE

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“RETRO-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.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE

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.

AMPLIFICATION and WIRING

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.

PLACEMENT

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.

DESCRIPTION

5.25" Shielded Passive Full range 8 ohm drivers
6 1/2" Cube Cabinet with multiple coats of "Retro-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 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) - insulated for CE compliance
Anodized aluminum milled 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

"...the MixCubes yield a microscopic-style view of critical midrange tracks-such as guitar, keys or vocals-which would fall somewhere along a crossover point on most other monitors. The Avant MixCubes are serious audio tools that fulfill a necessary role in any pro studio setup and at a most  reasonable street pricing of $235/pair, there should be some square, butter-cream speakers gracing your  meter bridge in the future."

  George Peterson    Mix Magazine 

“… as a proxy for bass-challenged consumer playback systems, used alternately with full-bandwidth monitors, the MixCubes provide unique and invaluable insight.… despite their Lilliputian size and band-limited response, these are not toys or entry-level monitors. The MixCubes are professional tools that provide a highly useful alternate reference when in pursuit of the perfect mix that will translate well to consumer playback systems. Simply put, these are outstanding monitors. What's more, the price is ridiculously affordable. The Avantone MixCubes get my highest recommendation.”

  Michael Cooper    Electronic Musician Magazine 

“Back in the 70's we referenced every mix on the Auratone Cubes especially as a final check on bass guitar and kick drum. 30 years later I finally gave them to the kids because I got a pair of Avantone Mixcubes. We A/B 'd them and the Avantones are much better sounding than the Auratones, less midrange  bump and more accurate. We have already improved our bass sound. We love them!"

 

"We are the first Italian mastering studio to adopt your speakers as second reference monitors. They are incredible to check the midrange, expecially the right balance of the voice or the kick and bass!"

 Alessandro Giordani    Synchronia Studio - Rome 

 


The AVANTONE MixCubes are shielded, full-range mini reference monitors.

Their design is inspired by the legacy of the 5C Sound Cubes used in virtually all-major studios for the last 25 years.

APPLICATION

Active Recording / Mixdown Monitors

ENGINEERING OBJECTIVE

The Avantone Active Mixcubes are designed to be  high-resolution, full-range powered mini-reference monitors for fixed or remote locations.

T
he secondary engineering facet was to create a timeless design that compliments a single full-range transducer.

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVE

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.

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 “RETRO-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.

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.

Amplifier Design

We designed the amp module from the ground up to be a true professional-grade amplifier. It incorporates “overkill” concepts in component selection as well as safety. The result is a “no-compromise” amp with robust headroom characteristics that will rival the performance of much higher priced studio rack mount amps.

REAR PANEL CONTROLS/CONNECTIONS

Balanced Input - This “combo XLR” input accepts a BALANCED male XLR plug as well as a 3-conductor BALANCED TRS ¼” or a 2 conductor UNBALANCED TS ¼” male plug. For unbalanced operation with a TS connector the minus signal is automatically grounded.

System Gain - This variable control adjusts the sensitivity of the signal that appears at the input. Rotating the control clockwise increases the sensitivity while a counter-clockwise rotation decreases sensitivity. The adjustable gain range is from -30 to +6 dB. A setting of +6 allows a full, unimpeded signal to be sent to the amplifier. The detented gain positions allow for repeatable settings between speakers for proper matching. Please Note… when the signal appearing at the input is too hot, the amplifier can overload causing distortion and possible damage to the speaker. If overload occurs, attenuate (decrease) the input level by turning the knob counter-clockwise a few clicks.

On/Off Switch - This illuminated switch turns the amplifier section on and off. The unit is still receiving power from the transformer however.

AC Input - This input is only to be use with the proprietary AVANTONE Power Supply. Tighten the cable/connector securely for reliable operation. Note: There is a switch on the power supply for selecting the proper AC/MAINS operating voltage for your location.

Ground Lift Switch - By engaging this switch the pin 1 shield is lifted at the input jack. This can be used to aid in ground loop control of the incoming analog line signal.

PLACEMENT

When positioning the AVANTONE Active 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.

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“…consistently flat in the midrange — the same characteristics that made the Auratone a valued listening reference. They got plenty loud without distortion and showed off the vocal, snare, toms, upper range of the kick and solo instruments in a number of mixes, just as I expected. I'm a big believer in listening to tracks across a wide range of speakers. The Avantone Active MixCubes offer another chance to evaluate creative studio output and make judgements regarding how my work would translate across a wide range of systems… these are a no-brainer for those wanting another quick-and-dirty reference to help in the quest for tracks that translate.”

  Kevin Becka    Technical Editor - Mix Magazine 

"... the MixCubes yield a  microscopic-style view of critical  midrange tracks-such as guitar, keys or vocals-which would fall somewhere along a crossover point on most other monitors. The Avant MixCubes are serious audio tools that fulfill a necessary role in any pro studio setup and at a most  reasonable street pricing of $235/pair, there should be some square, butter-cream speakers gracing your  meter bridge in the future."

  George Peterson    Mix Magazine 

“… as a proxy for bass-challenged consumer playback systems, used alternately with full-bandwidth monitors, the MixCubes provide unique and invaluable insight.… despite their Lilliputian size and band-limited response, these are not toys or entry-level monitors. The MixCubes are professional tools that provide a highly useful alternate reference when in pursuit of the perfect mix that will translate well to consumer playback systems. Simply put, these are outstanding monitors. What's more, the price is ridiculously affordable. The Avantone MixCubes get my highest recommendation.”

  Michael Cooper    Electronic Musician Magazine 

“Back in the 70's we referenced every mix on the Auratone Cubes especially as a final check on bass guitar and kick drum. 30 years later I finally gave them to the kids because I got a pair of Avantone Mixcubes. We A/B 'd them and the Avantones are much better sounding than the Auratones, less midrange  bump and more accurate. We have already improved our bass sound. We love them!"

  Randy Bachman    Recording Artist 

(The Guess Who, Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Ringo Starr All Starr Band, Bachman-Cummings)

"I've used them in mastering to check vocal, low end and overall consistency from track to track for 3 years or so. I've suggested them to dozens of clients who have all had great results using them in conjunction with a full range speaker. How far out front is the vocal? How is the kick compared to the bass? How's the image? Hit that Speaker B button, maybe also the Mono button, and off you go..."

  Brian Lucey    Magic Garden Mastering 

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