The eXo2 from Blue Sky International is an active 2.1 desktop speaker system that offers reference-quality audio in a compact and affordable package. Ideal for small home and project studios, the eXo2 consists of a pair of 2-way satellite speakers, a subwoofer, and a desktop HUB remote.
The subwoofer acts as the central brain of the system, housing the amplifier and connectors. It offers XLR/TRS combo inputs and a stereo RCA input, allowing you to connect a variety of audio devices. High-quality binding post outputs are used to connect the satellite speakers. The subwoofer has an 8" paper cone to produce frequencies as low as 20Hz. A set of isolation feet decouple the subwoofer from the floor to prevent vibrations and reflections. The sub is also shielded for safe use near video monitors and other electronic devices.
Each of the satellite speakers has a 3" cast-frame woofer with a neodymium motor structure and a 1" fabric neodymium tweeter. The compact design of the satellites allows you to place them practically anywhere, while 1/4" x 20 inserts on the back allow you to mount the speakers on a wall or ceiling. The remote HUB has 2 large knobs for controlling system gain and subwoofer level. It also has a 3.5mm input for connecting devices such as MP3 players and portable CD players, as well as a standard 3.5mm headphone jack for private listening.
Note! Mounting brackets sold separately.
| General | |
|---|---|
| Amplifier |
Short Term Power Output 1 Channel Driven: 42W x 1 @ < 0.1% THD into 4 Ohms @ 1kHz Short Term Power Output 2 Channels Driven: 35W x 2 @ < 0.1% THD into 4 Ohms @ 1kHz Subwoofer Power Output: 110W x 1 @ < 1% THD into 4 Ohms @ 50Hz 3.5mm Headphone Output: 4mW x 2 @ < 0.2% THD into 16 Ohms @ 1kHz |
| Connectors |
2 x XLR/TRS Combo Inputs 1 x Stereo RCA Input (2 Jacks) 1 x 3.5mm Stereo Input 1 x 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Jack Set of Binding Post Interconnects (Subwoofer and Satellites) |
| Input Impedance |
Combo: 60 kOhms, Balanced RCA: 30 kOhms, Unbalanced 3.5mm: 15 kOhms, Unbalanced |
| Input Level |
Combo/RCA: +18dBu 3.5mm: +12dBu |
| Common Mode Rejection Ratio | 40dB Typical @ 60 Hz (Balanced Inputs Only) |
| Sensitivity | 200mV = 90dB SPL @ 1 m (All Inputs) |
| Shielded | Full Video Shielding on Subwoofer and Satellites |
| Power |
115V, 60Hz (North America) 230V, 50Hz (Export) 1 Please Note:Voltage is set at the factory close |
| Consumption | 240W, Maximum |
| Subwoofer | |
|---|---|
| Driver | 8" (203mm) Vented Motor Paper Cone with Foam Surround |
| Frequency Response |
35 to 140Hz ±6dB (Anechoic) 20 to 200Hz (Typical In-Room Response) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 9.4 x 9 x 10.2" (239 x 229 x 259mm) |
| Weight | 20 lbs (9.1kg) |
| Satellite Speaker (each) | |
|---|---|
| Woofer | 3" (76mm) Cast-Frame Woofer, Neodymium Motor Structure |
| Tweeter | 1" (25mm) Fabric Neodymium Tweeter |
| Crossover |
LF: 140Hz Tweeter: 2.2kHz |
| Impedance | 4 Ohms |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 7.2 x 5 x 4.8" (183 x 127 x 122mm) |
| Weight | 3 lbs (1.4kg) |
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Blue Sky International eXo2 Active 2.1 Desktop Speaker Monitoring System:
I really needed a great small room monitor system. I have a pr of Event 8" and they are just too big for my small studio. I read about Sony pictures and affiliates using these for video production, so I splurged and bought it. I am not disappointed. Easy setup and I love the interface so I can easily control the loudness and the bass. These are pro level at a consumer price!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Blue Sky International eXo2 Active 2.1 Desktop Speaker Monitoring System:
I cannot really judge if this system is suited for actual monitoring as I'm only using it for listening to music on my computer. For that purpose the system is a great choice, IMHO.
Both the sub woofer and the satellites have a reasonable size, and I particularly like the remote unit to control the volume and sub level with knobs (instead of using the computer's "software" volume control.)
The setup is fairly easy but I find the wiring that connects the satellites with the amp (in the sub) a bit archaic. What I really don't like is that the on/off switch is on the back of the sub. Turning of the system could be bothersome if you place the sub in a corner, under your desk, in a shelf.
It didn't seem to like to be on the same power outlet as my computer - for some reason, I would get really strange sounds (like static) coming out of the sub randomly. Only when I plugged it to it's own power outlet the problem went away.
I used to own a similar system from Videologic before this one (the Sirocco Pro.) It's general appearance and finish was more elegant and "pro" than the one of the Exo2, I'd say. However, the Sirocco Pro was about double the price, and I can't really notice any difference in sound quality for my usage. All my CDs and audio (FLAC) sound great and very neutral. The ability to quickly adjust the amount of bass from the sub with the remote controller comes in VERY handy (music used to not be produced that "loud" and heavy on the bass in the past.) The only "bad" thing about it is that the shortcomings of heavily compressed audio (MP3 at low bitrates, web videos, etc.) are very audible with this system. :)
I would recommend this system to anyone who's fed up with the tinny sound of plastic toy speakers on their desks. Good music deserves good speakers, and these certainly deliver great sound quality for me.
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