SNAMM06: Return of the Auratone?

US Avantone Mixcubes inspired by the legacy of the 5C Sound Cubes 17/07/06

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9:18 mins

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Avant Electronics and their Avantone brand is a new name to us but we came across them at summer NAMM and were delighted to see that as well as their large range of microphones they have revived the old Auratone 5C Sound Cubes - diminutive studio monitor speakers which sound engineers of a certain age will remember very well. The Avantone MixCubes are shielded, full-range studio mini-reference monitors. The design is inspired by the legacy of the 5C Sound Cubes used in virtually all-major studios for the last 25 years. Avant Electronics aim was 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. Avant Electronics chose the smoothest, most linear, full-range version of those 5C models to use as their testing benchmark.
Next they 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'they began by replicating its basic size, function and sonic character and then started tweaking. Check out their website for the full story...

Main Features

5.25" Shielded Passive Full range 8 ohm drivers
6 1/2" Cube Cabinet with multiple coats of Butter-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 Paper 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)
Anodized milled Aluminum 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