MediaDesk 5.1 Upgrade Announced

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Blue Sky International is offering the MediaDesk 5.1 Upgrade, a solution for adding surround monitoring capabilities to an existing MediaDesk 2.1 System.

Blue Sky's MediaDesk is a compact full-range monitoring solution designed specifically for critical mixing and monitoring on the desktop. Ideal for computer-driven audio recording and production in a close-field environment (less than one meter), MediaDesk incorporates Blue Sky ultra-compact amplified satellite speakers, with a complementary powered subwoofer. The MediaDesk 5.1 Upgrade expands any MediaDesk 2.1 system to full surround compatibility. Included with the 5.1 Upgrade are three additional MediaDesk satellite speakers, three additional channels of Blue Sky amplification, a wired remote volume control with channel level trims, 5.1 channels of bass management, and high-quality speaker wire -- everything required for a turnkey surround monitoring system. The system has both XLR and RCA inputs, and includes a detailed setup and calibration guide.

Employing Blue Sky's proprietary computer-optimized crossover and 5.1 bass management network, MediaDesk delivers seamless full-range audio from the subwoofer to the satellites with smooth on- and off-axis frequency response. At the heart of the system are Blue Sky MediaDesk 2-way satellite speakers, each featuring a high-quality 4" Neodymium hemispherical driver and a 1" soft dome Neodymium tweeter. Powered by a custom-designed, low-distortion 60-Watt amplifier located in the subwoofer, each MediaDesk satellite speaker delivers clean, accurate sound with a frequency response of 110 Hz to 20 kHz +-3 dB. The speaker-level output connections are gold-plated binding posts and all required speaker cables are included. The satellite speakers are housed in solid 3/4" MDF enclosures with a lacquer finish front baffle, measure 9.5" H x 6.25" W x 6.22" D, weigh 5 lbs. (each), feature full video shielding, and come standard with (1/4" x 20) mounting inserts that are compatible with OmniMount series 10 brackets and BT Technologies BT-5 brackets.

The Blue Sky MediaDesk subwoofer was specifically designed to complement the MediaDesk satellite speakers. Featuring a cast aluminum frame 8" forward-firing driver with 1.5" voice coil, the MediaDesk subwoofer has a dedicated 60-Watt amplifier with a frequency response of 35 Hz to 110 Hz +-3 dB (anechoic) and a typical in-room response of 20 Hz to 110 Hz (for a 1,500 cubic foot room). Measuring 15" H x 14" W x 15" D and weighing in at a hefty 45 lbs., the MediaDesk subwoofer also features MDF construction and four removable spiked feet with M6 x 1 inserts.

MediaDesk features analog RCA (-10 dBv) and balanced XLR inputs (switchable from +12 dBu to +24 dBu maximum input level), providing the ability to interface MediaDesk to the latest consoles, digital audio workstations, soundcards and other consumer gear. In addition, with the 5.1 Upgrade, MediaDesk has a built-in 5.1 bass management system with a 4th order 110 Hz Linkwitz-Riley low-pass filter and 2nd order 110 Hz high-pass filter for the satellites. Rear panel functions include a Subwoofer and Master Volume control, an input attenuator switch, voltage selector switch (115V or 230V) and a 2.1/5.1 mode switch.