Project Independence

3-Way Coincident Studio

Monitors

IN-8
User’s Guide

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 1

 Table of Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION………………….................……………….3
ABOUT YOUR STUDIO MONITOR.…………..……….....................……………….5
FULL SPECIFICATIONS………………………………...……......................……..………7
INPUTS AND CONTROLS……………………………...………....................……………8
DIP SWITCHES........................................................………...….................………….11
CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS..........................................................................14
FIRST TIME SETUP……………………..…………………..........................…...…………...14
STANDBY MODE .................................................................................................14
TROUBLESHOOTING…………………………..………….....................…...……………...15
LIMITED WARRANTY…………………………………..………………........................……16

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 2

 Important Safety Information
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Power the product down, and unplug it from power before cleaning.
7. Clean only with a dry cloth.
8. Do not block any ventilation openings.
9. Keep ventilation opening free of dust or other matter.
10. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
11. No naked flame sources (such as lighted candles,) should be placed on the product.
12. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized
plug has two blades, with one blade wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has
two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
13. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, recep-
tacles, and at the point where they exit the apparatus.
14. Use only attachments and/or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
15. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, plate, bracket, or table specified by the manufac-
turer. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.

16. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of
time.

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 3

 Important Safety Information
17. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when:
A. The apparatus is damaged in any way
B. The power supply cord or plug is damaged
C. Liquid or other objects have fallen into the product
D. The product has been exposed to rain or moisture
E. The product does not operate normally
F. The product has been dropped
18. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing.
19. No object filled with liquids, such as a vase or a glass, should be placed on the appara-
tus.
20. This apparatus is to be used in a moderate climate. Do not expose to extremely high
or low temperatures.
21. High sound pressure in excess of 85 dB can cause hearing damage and/or loss. Do
not expose yourself to high sound pressure levels.

The lightning bolt with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle

is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magni-
tude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert

the user of the presence of important operation and maintaining (servic-
ing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 4

 About Your Studio Monitor
Congratulations on your Kali Audio IN-Series Studio monitors! These monitors were de-
signed to deliver exceptional accuracy in all sorts of recording, mixing, and production
applications. The unique coincident architecture of the midrange and tweeter make the
IN-8 an extraordinarily innovative system. Combining reference level accuracy, very low
distortion, and wide bandwidth with a hyper-realisitic 3-D image, the IN-8 will reveal an
exceptional level of detail in every mix.

Where does “IN” come from?

The official name of this product line is “Project Independence.” Kali names all of our
product lines after towns in California. Independence is a town in the Eastern Sierra. On
the map, it is “one up” from Lone Pine. As the IN-Series shares many components with,
and offers many improvements over, our Lone Pine series of monitors, we thought it was
a fun way to distinguish the two products.

Features

3-Way Coincident Architecture

The IN-8 features an 8-inch woofer, a 4-inch mid-range driver, and a 1-inch soft dome
tweeter. The mid-range driver and the tweeter are coincident, meaning that they share
the same acoustic center. You might have heard the terms “coaxial” or “concentric” to de-
scribe this arrangement. Those terms are technically correct as well.

Because of the coincident placement of the mid-range and tweeter, and the crossover of
the woofer to the mid-range (330 Hz,) the IN-8 is an acoustic point source. This gives it an
ideal directivity characteristic for a studio monitor. You will be able to hear a very lifelike
stereo image, with details placed clearly and consistently. Off-axis lobing that is unavoid-
able in a 2-way system is virtually eliminated with the IN-8.

Substantial work was done to optimize the mid-range driver not only for its own acoustic
performance, but also for its role as the waveguide for the tweeter. The shape is very pre-
cise to allow for controlled directivity at mid range to tweeter crossover, ensuring accurate
summing both on- and off-axis. Excursion on the midrange is limited to less than 1mm
peak to peak, so that the oscillation of the mid-range does not have a negative effect on
the tweeter.

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 5

 About Your Studio Monitor
Features

Output

The IN-8 is designed to have a continuous output of 85 dB at 2.8 meters, with 20 dB of dynamic
headroom. This makes it ideal for rooms where up to 3 people may be listening at any time.

20 dB of headroom ensures that momentary peaks in sound pressure level, including instruments
like kick drum and effects like gunshots or explosions, can be reproduced accurately and with
minimal distortion.

The IN-8 equipped with a limiter circuit that will protect the speaker from unsafe
voltage levels. This will be plainly audible as distortion, indicating that the speaker is receiving too
much input signal. If this is the case, it is recommended to reduce the volume of the playback
material.

Low Noise Port Tube

The IN-8 shares a port tube with the LP-8, which was designed to deliver all the benefits of a
front-firing port tube, without any drawbacks associated with noise.

On most port tubes, air leaves at different speeds from different points of the opening, creating
noisy turbulence. This turbulence can be heard as “chuffing,” or an audible air sound coming from
the monitor. This sound will add to the noise floor and obscure the details of the low end.

The port tube on LP-Series was designed to ensure that all of the air leaves the port tube at the
same velocity. This helps add to the low end response of the speaker, while keeping the bass
clean, tight, and devoid of extra noise.

Boundary Compensation EQs

Kali’s team came up with boundary compensation EQ settings at The Village Studios in Los An-
geles to help you get the optimum sound for where you need to put your speakers. Combined
with the LF and HF trims, this will ensure that the speakers sound their best no matter what room
you’re mixing in.

A full listing of the different boundary EQ settings and how to use them can be found on page 11
of this manual.

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 6

 Specifcations
Powered: Yes
Amplifier Class: D
Power Configuration: Tri-Amped
HF Power: 40W (Continuous)
Midrange Power: 40W (Continuous)
LF Power: 60W (Continuous)
Total Power: 140W (Continuous)
HF Driver: 1” Textile Dome
Mid-Range Driver: 4” Optimized Profile, Poly Coated Paper
LF Driver: 8” Poly Coated Paper
Crossover (LF to Mid-Range:) 330 Hz
Crossover (Mid-Range to HF:) 3000 Hz
Frequency Response: (-10dB) 37Hz - 25 kHz
Frequency Range: (+/-3 dB) 45Hz - 21Hz
Listening Distance (85 dB continuous SPL 2.8 Meters
with 20dB dynamic headroom)
Max SPL (Peak @ 1M): 114 dB
System THD: <1.1% from 70 Hz to 200 Hz
<0.8% from 200 Hz to 3.6kHz
<1.4% from 3.6kHz to 10kHz
(90dB SPL @1m)
Unbalanced Inputs: 1 x RCA
Balanced Inputs: 1 x XLR, 1 x TRS
TRS/XLR Input Sensitivity: 94dB SPL @1m (anechoic) for +4dBu input.
RCA Input Sensitivity:` 94dB SPL @1m (anechoic) for -10dBV input.
Enclosure: Front Ported
Height: 17.75 Inches (44.1 cm)
Depth: 11.25 Inches (28.5cm)
Width: 10 Inches (25.4cm)
Weight: 23 lbs (10.4 Kg)

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 7

 Inputs and Controls

Coincident Studio Monitor

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 8

 Inputs and Controls
Dip Switch Quick Reference Guide
The quick reference guide on the back of the speaker can help you set the dip
switches to the appropriate positions for your application without needing to con-
sult this manual.

Dip Switches
The dip switches control Boundary EQ, HF and LF Trim, and power to the RCA in-
put. A full explanation of the operation of the dip switches can be found on page
11.

RCA Input (-10 dBV Sensitivity)

The RCA input is for use with consumer devices like record players, laptops, smart
phones, and media players. Commonly, the playback device will either have an
RCA or a 3.5mm (Aux) output. Cables from either of these outputs to RCA are easy
to find.

By default, the RCA input on the speaker is OFF. This is to prevent interference
when that input is not being used. When connecting to the RCA input, enable it
by moving switch #8 on the dip switches UP to the ON position. If the RCA input is
no longer being used, be sure to move switch #8 back DOWN to the OFF position.

XLR Input (+4 dBu Sensitivity)

The XLR input is for use with professional audio devices like mixers, interfaces, and
controllers. Depending on your device, it will either use XLR or ¼” TRS outputs,
and either can be used with this speaker. However, do not connect both XLR and
TRS to the same speaker at the same time.

TRS Input (+4 dBu Sensitivity)

The TRS input is for use with professional audio devices like mixers, interfaces, and
controllers. Depending on your device, it will either use XLR or ¼” TRS outputs,
and either can be used with this speaker. However, do not connect both XLR and
TRS to the same speaker at the same time.

Unbalanced, TS 1/4-inch cables may also be used, although these are far more sus-
ceptible to noise.

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 9

 Inputs and Controls
Volume Control
The volume control allows users to adjust the output of the speaker from -∞ to +6
dB. There is a center detente at the +0 dB setting, and this is where Kali recom-
mends you leave the volume setting, adjusting the level instead from your device.
Two notable exceptions to this recommendation are:
1. If you are working in an asymmetrical room, it may be necessary to have
one monitor louder than the other to achieve balance.
2. If your playback device does not have an independent volume control, it
will be necessary to adjust the volume directly from the speaker.

Power Input
Connect the provided power cord to this input. The IN-8 has an international
switch-mode power supply, so there is no need to set the speaker for your local
voltage

On/Off Switch
Power the speaker on and off. Be sure to power the speaker off when connecting
or disconnecting the power cable, during lightning storms, or during extended
periods of disuse.

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 10

 Boundary EQs & Dip Switches
One of the most innovative features of the IN-8 monitors are the boundary compensation
EQs. These EQs were made to compensate for low frequency interactions that the speak-
ers will have with various surfaces in many common placements.

Each set of dip switches controls one aspect of the speakers performance, independent
of the other switches. Switches 1-3 control the boundary compensation EQs. Switches 4
and 5 control the LF trim. Switches 6 and 7 control the HF trim. Switch 8 controls power
to the RCA. For this reason, the explanations of the different dip switch settings will only
reference the set of switches currently applicable.

Switches 1-3: Boundary Compensation EQs

Position 1: Free Space

The speaker is on a monitor stand, at least .5 meters (about 20 inches)

away from any walls. This is the ideal position for the loudspeaker.
Switch 1: DOWN
Switch 2: DOWN
Switch 3: DOWN

Position 2: On Stands, Close to a Wall

The speaker is on a monitor stand, and is within .5 meters (20 inches) of a

wall, without being butted right against one.
Switch 1: UP
Switch 2: DOWN
Switch 3: DOWN

Position 3, On Stands, Against a Wall

The speaker is on a monitor stand, and is within .5 meters (20 inches) of a

wall, without being butted right against one.
Switch 1: DOWN
Switch 2: UP
Switch 3: DOWN

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 11

 Dip Switches
Switches 1-3: Boundary Compensation EQs

Position 4: Console Bridge

The speaker is on a console bridge or meter bridge.

Switch 1: UP
Switch 2: UP
Switch 3: DOWN

Position 5: On a Desk, Away from Walls

The speaker is on a desk or table, and is more than .5 meters (20 inches)
away from any walls.
Switch 1: DOWN
Switch 2: DOWN
Switch 3: UP

Position 6: On a Desk, Close to a Wall

The speaker is on a desk or table, and is within .5 meters (20 inches) of a

wall, without being butted right against one.
Switch 1: UP
Switch 2: DOWN
Switch 3: UP

Position 7: On a Desk, Against a Wall
The speaker is on a desk or table, and is as close to a wall as possible with-
out pinching any cables.
Switch 1: DOWN
Switch 2: UP
Switch 3: UP

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 12

 Dip Switches
Switches 4&5: Low Frequency Trim
The Low Frequency trim will add or subtract 2 dB from the Low Frequency response of the speak-
er. This can be done as a matter of personal taste, or if the room you’re mixing in requires addi-
tional adjustment beyond what is offered by the boundary compensation EQs.

Switch 4: Engage LF Trim

DOWN: LF Trim Disengaged
UP: LF Trim Engaged

Switch 5: Adjust LF Trim:

DOWN: -2 dB in Low Frequencies
UP: +2 dB in Low Frequencies
Note: Switch 5 does not function independent of switch 4. If switch 4 is
DOWN, the LF trim will be DISENGAGED, and switch 5 will have no effect.

Switches 6&7: High Frequency Trim

The High Frequency trim will add or subtract 2 dB from the High Frequency response of the
speaker. This can be done as a matter of personal taste, or if the room you’re mixing in requires
additional adjustment beyond what is offered by the boundary compensation EQs.

Switch 6: Engage HF Trim

DOWN: HF Trim Disengaged
UP: HF Trim Engaged

Switch 7: Adjust HF Trim:

DOWN: -2 dB in High Frequencies
UP: +2 dB in Low Frequencies
Note: Switch 7 does not function independent of switch 6. If switch 6 is
DOWN, the HF trim will be DISENGAGED, and switch 7 will have no effect.

Switch 8: RCA
Switch 8 turns the RCA input on and off. By default, the RCA input on the
speaker is OFF. This is to prevent interference when that input is not being
used. When connecting to the RCA input, enable it by moving switch #8
on the dip switches UP to the ON position. If the RCA input is no longer
being used, be sure to move switch #8 back DOWN to the OFF position.

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 13

 Climate Considerations
The IN-8 studio monitor’s enclosure is made of MDF wood and wrapped in vinyl, which is sensitive to heat
and humidity. The product should be kept and used in a climate-controlled environment. Exposure to direct
sunlight, moisture, or consistent humidity above 65% may cause the vinyl to peel and wrinkle. This is not
covered under warranty.

First Time Setup

• Before you plug the speaker in, make sure that the power switch is in the OFF position
• Plug the speaker in
• Connect audio cables
◊ If you’re connecting RCA, make sure that dip switch #8 is switched UP to the ON posi
tion
◊ If you’re connecting XLR or TRS, make sure that dup switch #8 is switched DOWN to the
OFF position
◊ Do not connect more than one audio cable to the speaker at the same time.
• Turn the volume knob counter clockwise as far as it will go
• Turn the speaker on
• Start playing material from your playback device at a low volume
• Slowly turn the volume knob clockwise to the center detente, -0 dB position. Make sure you hear what
you’re playing
• Set the boundary EQ for your application. Refer to page 11 above.
• Repeat these steps for every speaker you’re using.
• Sit in your listening position, and turn the volume up on your playback device to the desired level
• Enjoy your new studio monitors!

Standby Mode
The IN-8 will go into standby mode after 20 minutes of disuse. When in standby mode, the LED on the front
of the speaker will turn from blue to orange. To exit standby mode, play signal through the loudspeaker. The
LED will turn blue, indicating that you are no longer in standby mode. There may be a slight delay between
the LED turning blue and signal being audible.

If the IN-8 is not switching on from standby mode, you may need to play at a louder level until the IN-8
wakes up.

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 14

 Troubleshooting
1. I opened the speaker, and it is damaged.
If you received a speaker that is obviously damaged, please contact your dealer immediately.

2. The speaker is making no sound.

• Is the speaker plugged in?
• Is the speaker turned on? There should be a blue LED on the front of the speaker if it’s on. If this light is
off, the speaker is turned off.
• Is the volume turned up?
• Are all cables plugged in to both your playback device and the speaker?
• Are you passing audio via your playback device?
• Are you using RCA? If so, have you moved dip switch #8 UP to the ON position?
If you’ve answered “Yes” to all the above and the speaker is still not making any sound, refer to number 5
below.

3. The speaker sounds distorted.

• Is the speaker playing too loud? Turn down the volume on the back of the speaker. If the distortion goes
away, you may be playing the speaker too loud. Besides the problem of distortion, this can be damaging
to your hearing if you are close to the speaker.
If you’ve turned down the volume on the speaker, and you’re still hearing distortion, refer to number 5
below.

4. I hear cracks, hums, or buzzing.

• Are you using RCA?
a. If “yes,” be advised that RCA is an unbalanced connection, and is prone to picking up noise as sig
nal travels through the cable. This is especially true if you are using very long RCA cables.
b. If “no,” be sure that the dip switch # 8 is moved DOWN to the OFF position.
• Is the speaker close to electronics like a television, wireless router, phone, motor, or radio? If so, these can
interact with the speaker’s magnet in ways that cause unwanted noise. Try moving the speaker at least
.5 Meters (20 inches) from any such devices.
• Are there loose objects in the room that may be buzzing with the bass? Low frequencies can cause ob-
jects in a room to vibrate loudly. Make sure that small, hard objects like screws and other hardware are
secure.
If none of the above solves the problem, refer to number 5 below.

5. Isolate the problem

There are many issues in the signal path which might be causing any of the above problems. Before you
initiate a return, do your best to make sure that the problem isn’t with your cables or your playback device.
Here’s a simple way to check:
• Disconnect your speaker from your source.
• Plug in the problematic speaker and allow it to play for a minute. Take careful note of the problems
you’re hearing.
• Disconnect the problematic speaker, and plug that same cable into another speaker. If you’re hearing
the same issues, there is likely a problem in your signal path, and not the speaker.
•
If you’ve determined that your problem is with your speaker, contact your dealer to initiate a return.

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 15

 Warranty
What does this warranty cover?
This warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year (365
days) after the purchase date of the product.

What will Kali do?

If your product is defective (materials or workmanship,) Kali will replace or repair the
product at our discretion - free of charge.

How do you initiate a warranty claim?

Contact the retailer from whom you bought the product to initiate a warranty process.
You will need the original receipt showing the date of purchase. The retailer may ask you
to provide specific details about the nature of the defect.

What is not covered?

The following cases are NOT covered by this warranty:
• Damage from shipping
• Damage from dropping or otherwise mishandling the speakers
• Damage resulting from failure to heed any of the warnings outlined on pages 3 and 4
of the user’s manual, including:
1. Water damage.
2. Damage from foreign substances or substances entering the port tube.
3. Damage resulting from an unauthorized person servicing the product.

The warranty applies only in the United States. International Customers should
contact their dealer about their warranty policy.

KALI AUDIO IN-8 Studio Monitor User’s Guide 16