Fluid Audio : F8 (Pair) Fluid Audio

130 Watt, 8” Bi-Amplified Studio Monitor (Pair)

Fluid Audio is proud to announce the latest addition to the Fader Series, the FX8 studio reference monitor. While having the same great features and sonic signature as the F5 and F4, the approach - as you can see from its appearance, is somewhat different. 8” 2-way monitors are normally somewhat tall sitting on a mixing console, and if you lay it on its side, suddenly the voicing is not right and you get high frequencies bouncing off the console and destroying the imaging. The FX8 solves this problem by using a dual concentric driver, also known as a Coaxial, as many higher-end studios do. This allows for a more compact footprint by allowing the tweeter to be mounted in the middle of the woofer, but also allows all frequencies of both woofer and tweeter to come from the same point. This not only helps with phase coherence between the drivers, but also drastically improves off-axis response and the "sweet spot" in your studio. While still considered a “budget” monitor, you will be impressed by its clarity and depth of stage. Spending the time to the get the FX8 sounding right, we set out to create a monitor that is just as comfortable as your studio mixing workhorse as it is your favorite listening speaker after the session is over. Our aim is to create your next great set of studio monitors, but also a seamless listening experience – and a more Fluid workflow.

Accuracy and Control

Whether you’re tracking, mixing, or just listening to your favorite CD, your monitors are your primary source of reference. Accurate monitors are an invaluable tool in your arsenal of music and video production, so you need some assurance that your mixes will translate well to your audience’s speakers. The Fluid FX8 monitors have not only the depth of soundstage and sonic clarity that allow you to hear even the most subtle of reverb tails. The fader control on the front baffle allows you to adjust the volume of the monitor without having to interrupt your workflow to reach behind them.

Advanced Driver Technology

The Fluid Fader Coax 8 monitors feature driver technology found in much higher priced monitors. Unlike any monitor in its price range, the FX8s employ a dual concentric driver – sometimes called a “coaxial”. Coaxial drivers, found in such world-renowned monitors as the Manley ML10, sound great because all frequencies coming from the tweeter and woofer radiate from the exact same position. This is critical for accurate off-axis response as well as phase coherence. The woofer cone is made of composite paper pulp and is light and rigid, yet well damped. The coax-mounted tweeter is made of a treated silk material and its waveguide provides an ultra-flat response usable to 22 kHz. The built-in waveguide provides it with wide dispersion and an expansive sweet spot. Coupled with an optimized front-loaded slot port, the low frequency driver delivers articulate, dynamic bass response – all in an extremely compact footprint.

“Smart” Amplification

The Class A/B bi-amplified design separately drives the low and high frequency drivers – allowing each to work independently and more efficiently. Utilizing an external heat sink on the amplifier keeps the heat outside of the enclosure, which allows both the amps and the drivers to operate at lower temperatures. When there is no signal going to the speakers, there is an integrated standby function that powers down the amplifier to conserve energy. Combined with phase-optimized crossover networks, the drivers blend together, resulting in a coherent soundstage across the entire audio spectrum.

Features

• Bi-amplified design with 130 watts of Class A/B power for coherent and accurate sound reproduction
• 8” low-frequency drivers with composite paper cones for powerful and dynamic lows
• 1.2" treaded silk dome high frequency drivers center mounted in woofer with integrated waveguide ensure a flat response and wide dispersion
• Optimized front-loaded slot port for direct radiating low frequency energy
• Magnetic shielding that eliminates interference with other electronic equipment
• XLR balanced, 1/4” balanced and RCA unbalanced inputs for connecting mixers, interfaces, instruments, DJ gear, and more
• Fader Volume control on front baffle for easy access
• Amplifier Standby mode that powers down the amp when no input signal detected (shown by front LED changing from blue to red)
• Includes two isolation pads