Fostex NF-1 User manual

PROFESSIONAL

Near Field Studio Monitors

NF-1Series

True and accurate monitoring is the

utopia sought by recording studios,

video post houses, remote broadcast

facilities and project studios the

world over. Monitoring which

truthfully reproduce all aspects of

the program material free from any

sonic coloration and distortion.

Yet this is exactly what the new and

innovative Fostex NF-1 (passive) and

NF-1A (active) Near Field Studio

Monitors do.

Nothing more, nothing less.

And at any volume.

Here are nearfield reference

monitors meticulously designed to

be completely neutral, to offer the

widest frequency range, to minimise

listening fatigue and to allow you to

accurately pinpoint and analyse all

aspects of your creative output.

In short, they set a new standard.

But isn’t this something you have

heard before? After all, many

manufactures will make the same

sort of claims for their studio

monitors. But few, if any back it up

with hard, scientific facts.

Fostex however can and do, because

they’ve made real advances in

speaker and enclosure design

technology which has resulted in,

what could be, the perfect reference

monitor.

BLANK SHEET OF PAPER

So what makes the NF-1 series so

different? For a start, Fostex started

with a blank sheet of paper when

designing the three crucial

components of the NF-1/NF-1A; the

low frequency woofer unit, the high

frequency tweeter unit and the

speaker enclosure.

Nothing was taken for granted.

Nothing was assumed.

HP DIAPHRAGM

The NF-1/NF-1A employ a

completely new type of low

frequency unit featuring a newly

developed HP (Hyperbolic

paraboloid) diaphragm.

The 3rd-order curved surface

structure of this technology results

in the ability to reproduce faster-

rising sounds more responsively, the

minimisation of self-resonating

frequencies and the total lack of

sound colorisation characteristics.

But Fostex didn’t stop there. New

technology also shows itself in the

UDR (Up/Down Roll) tangential edge

structure of the low frequency unit.

This edge is created by joining up-

roll and down-roll at their tangential

surfaces while utilising FEM model

analysis to determined the optimum

bonding points.

Near Field Studio Monitors

NF-1Series

HYPERBOLIC PARABOLOID

DIAPHRAGM

The NF-1series employ the world’s

first implementation of an HP structure

in an near field monitor.

Unlike conventional diaphragms, the

curved surface of the HP diaphragm

offers increased responsiveness and

resonance-free operation.

UFLC DIAPHRAGM

SOFT DOME TWEETER

The utilisation of a UFLC (polyUrethane

Film Laminated Cloth) diaphragm in

the NF-1’s soft dome tweeter allows

for the highest possible fidelity and

sound reproduction - even at

extremely high frequencies.

Something which, until now, has not

been possible with conventional soft

dome technologies.

PROFESSIONAL

■

Double spidered 16cm (6.5 inch)

woofer featuring a newly developed

HP diaphragm which delivers a

highly transient sound, wide

directivity and exact sound imaging

with extraordinary low distortion

■

A UDR tangential diaphragm edge

eliminates unwanted anti-

resonance. This, combined with the

use of a push-pull damper in the

woofer assembly results in a super-

accurate response at even the most

subtlest of audio signals

■

Wide-range UFLC soft dome tweeter

reproduces signals up to 40kHz

■

Highly rigid cast aluminium frames

for both woofer and tweeter units

keep unwanted vibrations and

resonances to a minimum

■

Magnetically shielded - can be used in

close proximity to a video monitor

■

Unique time-aligned enclosure

features a baffle configuration and

HP sound reflectors resulting in a

near-perfect internal enclosure

environment

■

Careful placement of drivers and

innovative enclosure design allows

for a wide optimum listening area

NF-1A

■

Dedicated bi-amplifier (60W

LF + 60W HF) drives both

drivers electrical isolation

■

A large sized R-core power

transformer ensures stability

of low frequencies - even at

high pressure levels

■

balanced XLR and

unbalanced phone input

connectors

■

3-point (H/H-M/L) audio

adjusting filters &

independent tweeter control

Main features

PROFESSIONAL NEAR FIELD STUDIO MONITORS

A BREAKTHROUGH

IN DRIVER TECHNOLOGY

By using an HP diaphragm, the NF-1/NF-1A

set new standards in driver unit design.

121 effects

It is this edge which plays a key part

in the overall performance of the

units.

SOFT DOME HF UNIT

Fostex could have opted for a

standard soft dome tweeter for the

NF-1/NF-1A. But as good as these

are in standard form, Fostex felt the

need to develop a new type of soft

dome unit, one which features UFLC

in its construction.

Conventional soft dome units exhibit

minute ‘pinholes’ in the damping

materials resulting in dips in the

frequency response. In using UFLC

materials, Fostex have eliminated

these, made a 30% weight reduction

and widened the frequency response

across the range.

But all this attention to detail would

have counted for nothing if Fostex

had, like others, used plastic or

pressed metal driver frame

assemblies.

This is because these types of

construction do not, unlike the die-

cast aluminium frame used for the

woofer and tweeter units in the NF-

1/NF-1A, offer optimum vibration

suppression.

ENCLOSURES

A monitor enclosure is much more

than just the box in which to house

the driver units. It too must be

acoustically designed to minimise

the vibrations which can colour and

degrade the sound.

The NF-1/NF-1A time-aligned bass-

reflex enclosures features a number

of construction and acoustic

treatment techniques, which

combine to offer an ideal chamber

for suppressing vibration and

unwanted reflections.

These include:

■

A unique internal baffle

configuration (patent applied

for), using HP sound reflectors

to naturally extinguish standing

waves.

■

21mm thick super-rigid MDF

particle board for the main

enclosure construction

widening to 33mm where the

drivers are mounted.

■

Rounded edges on the front

baffle for reduced reflection of

mid-frequency sounds.

■

Two precisely tuned 2"

cylindrical ports for increased

bass response whilst

maintaining a compact

enclosure.

THE TRUTH

Hooking up a pair of Fostex NF-1’s

or NF-1As for the first time is

somewhat of a revelation. You may

be surprised at what you hear. Your

material may sound better. It may

sound worse. But at least it will be a

true representation, free from any

sonic coloration and distortion.

Which is where we came in.

PROFESSIONAL NEAR FIELD STUDIO MONITORS

NEWLY DESIGNED

BASS REFLEX SYSTEM

Although the NF-1/NF-1A uses a bass reflex

enclosure, Fostex have, again,

re-worked the technology to provide real

gains in terms of bass response

characteristics.

This has involved the active utilisation of the

reverberent sound caused by the internal HP

reflectors which exits the enclosure through

the two bass-reflex ports.

(Something which is just not possible with

enclosures which only use conventional

glass fibre for internal damping).

The placement of the exit ports was also

critical in allowing a smooth and natural

blending of the sound coming from the

woofer and tweeter units.

PROFESSIONAL NEAR FIELD STUDIO MONITORS

INTERNAL

ARCHITECTURE

The internal architecture of an

NF-1/NF-1A has been

acoustically designed to

minimise resonances and

vibration which can add

unwanted colour to the sound.

HP SOUND

REFLECTORS

The inclusion of HP sound

reflectors prevents the

generation of standing waves in

the enclosure.

Like the HP drivers, the

constantly varying 3rd-order

curved surface of the HP

reflectors, along with their

carbon fibre/PBO construction

minimises self resonance.

NF-1 CONNECTIONS

For optimum performance and

flexibility, the NF-1 features a

4-terminal connection hub.

This allows for bi-wiring and

bi-amping techniques.

NF-1 CROSSOVER

DESIGN

The extremely natural and

ultra-smooth transition

between woofer and tweeter

units is due to another

breakthrough in monitor

design.

While the high frequency UFLC

tweeter unit uses a low loss

6dB crossover, the smooth roll

off of the low frequency

woofer, (afforded by the

unique HP diaphragm

technology), renders the use of

a crossover for this unit

obsolete.

4000020000100005000200010005002001005020

100

110

10 Hz

NF-1A FREQUENCY RESPONSE

LO/HI = +3dB

LO/MID/HI = -3dB

4000020000100005000200010005002001005020

100

110

10 Hz

∂

Impedance

PROFESSIONAL

PROFESSIONAL NEAR FIELD STUDIO MONITORS

Specifications

NF-1A

Amplifier

Distributor / Authorised Dealer

In accordance with our policy of continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice. E&OE.

NF-1

Impedance 8 Ω

Speaker Units

HF unit 20mm Soft Dome UFLC

diaphragm tweeter

LF unit 160mm HP diaphragm woofer

Frequency response 50Hz - 40kHz

Sound Pressure Level 89dB/W (1m)

Power handling 120 watts (program) / 60 watts (RMS)

Crossover frequency 10kHz

Enclosure Type Bass reflex type featuring

HP sound reflectors

Size 240mm x 340mm x 274mm

Input Connections 4mm gold terminals with

Bi-wiring option

Weight Approx 9.1kg

NF-1A

SPEAKER SECTION

Impedance 8 Ω

Speaker Units

HF unit 20mm Soft Dome UFLC

diaphragm tweeter

LF unit 160mm HP diaphragm woofer

Frequency response 50Hz - 40kHz

Maximum Sound Pressure Level 106dB/W (Max/rated input)

Enclosure Type Bass reflex type featuring

HP sound reflectors

AMPLIFIER SECTION

Output

(Low frequencies) 60W (typical)

(High frequencies) 60W (typical)

Total Harmonic Distortion 0.05%

Input (Balanced)

Connector XLR-3-2 type (Pin 2:HOT) x 1

Impedance > 20kΩ

Level +4dBu

Input (Unbalanced)

Connector ø 6mm phone jack x 1

Impedance > 20kΩ

Level -10dBV

Crossover frequency 5kHz

Tweeter variable range ±3dB

Filters

(High frequencies) 10kHz, +3 / 0 / -3 (selectable)

(Hi-Mid frequencies) 3kHz, Off:0 / On:-3dB

(Low frequencies) 60Hz, +3 / 0 / -3 (selectable)

GENERAL

Dimensions 240mm x 340mm x 320mm

Weight Approx 11kg

Power Requirements 120V, 60Hz. 230V, 50/60Hz. 230V, 50Hz

Power Consumption 52W

Fostex Corporation, 3-2-35 Musashino, Akishima, Tokyo, Japan 196-0021

Tel: +81 (0)42-546-4974 Fax: +81 (0)42-546-9222

www.fostex.co.jp

* woofer & tweeter

NOTICE: UNIQUE TECHNOLOGIES

Patents are pending for the following unique technologies.

• Configuration of HP diaphragm*

• HP diaphragm adapter*

• UDR tangential edge*

• UFLC diaphragm material

• New bass-reflex system with HP

sound reflectors

NF-1 FREQUENCY RESPONSE 0° 30° 60°

0°

30°

60°

DEDICATED &

ACOUSTICALLY

ISOLATED

BI-AMPLIFIER

The NF-1A features a fully

independent bi-amplifier with

60W of independent power

available for both the Low and

High frequencies. This ensures

that each unit is driven in perfect

electrical isolation. The amplifier

is also cleverly installed ensuring

that unwanted vibrations are kept

to an absolute minimum.

R-CORE TRANSFORMER

The large sized R-core

transformer supplies more than

enough power to ensure that the

Low frequencies maintain their

integrity - even at high sound

pressure levels.

FLEXIBLE FILTERING

Adjusting filters include LO FREQ

(+3, 0, -3dB @ 60Hz), HI-MID

ATT (0, -3dB) and HI FREQ (+3, 0,

-3dB). An independent tweeter

control (-3dB to +3dB variable)

is also present. Crossover point is

set at 5kHz).

CONNECTIONS

NF-1 - terminals for various bi-amping applications

NF-1A - Balanced XLR and unbalanced phone jack

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