B2030P/B2031P

ENGLISH
User’s Manual
Version 1.0 August 2003
TRUTH
TRUTH B2030P/B2031P
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this device near water.

6) Clean only with a dry cloth.

7) Be sure to mount your speakers on a solid, stable and

level base or stand. Vibrating floors do not provide reliable
support for speaker enclosures or stacks.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,

heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.

9) Only use attachments/accessories specified by the

manufacturer.

10) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the device.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
device combination to avoid injury from stumbling over
it.

11) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Servicing is required when the unit has been damaged
in any way, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the device, the unit has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.

12) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

2
 TRUTH B2030P/B2031P

TRUTH
High-Resolution, Ultra-Linear Reference Studio Monitor

B2030P/B2031P
s High-resolution, passive 2-way 100-Watt (B2030P) / 150-Watt (B2031P) nearfield monitor

s Ultra-linear frequency response from 75 Hz to 21 kHz (B2030P) / 55 Hz to 21 kHz (B2031P)

s Extremely high-resolution, ferrofluid-cooled tweeter

s Long-throw 6 ¾" woofer (B2031P: 8 ¾") with special polypropylene diaphragm and deformation-resistant
aluminum die-cast chassis

s Controlled dispersion characteristics and extremely large “sweet spot” through BEHRINGER’s wave
guide technology

s Phase-optimized, low-distortion frequency crossover for accurate reproduction

s Magnetically shielded for placement near computer monitors

s Delivered as “matched pairs”

s Low-vibration, environment-friendly E1 MDF cabinet

s Designed in Germany. Manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system

3
TRUTH B2030P/B2031P
FOREWORD TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dear Customer,
1. INTRODUCTION ......................................................... 4
welcome to the team of
BEHRINGER users, and 1.1 Before you get started ................................................... 5
thank you very much for 1.1.1 Shipment ............................................................... 5
expressing your confi- 1.1.2 Initial operation ...................................................... 5
dence in us by pur- 1.1.3 Warranty .............................................................. 5
chasing this studio
monitor. 2. CONTROL ELEMENTS ............................................... 5
Writing this foreword
for you gives me great 3. APPLICATION ............................................................ 5
pleasure, because it
represents the culmi- 3.1 Connection ...................................................................... 5
nation of many months 3.1.1 The truth about speaker cables ........................... 6
of hard work delivered 3.1.2 Power amp ........................................................... 6
by our engineering team 3.1.3 Protecting your TRUTH ......................................... 6
to achieve a very ambi- 3.2 Speaker placement suggestions .................................... 6
tious goal: to present 3.3 Adapting the TRUTH to the room acoustics ................... 7
two outstanding near-
field monitors, whose 4. SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................... 7
neutral sound makes
them ideal for studio use. The task of designing our new B2030P
and B2031P certainly meant a great deal of responsibility, which 5. WARRANTY ................................................................ 8
we assumed by focusing on you, the discerning user and
musician. Meeting your expectations also meant a lot of work
and night shifts. But it was fun, too. Developing a product usually
brings a lot of people together, and what a great feeling it is 1. INTRODUCTION
when all who participated in such a project can be proud of
what they’ve achieved. Congratulations! With our new BEHRINGER TRUTH you have
It is our philosophy to share our enjoyment with you, because purchased one of the best high-resolution passive studio
you are the most important member of the BEHRINGER team. monitors available. It is a tool that reproduces your program
With your highly competent suggestions for new products you’ve material with highest fidelity and balance, positioning sound
made a significant contribution to shaping our company and making sources accurately on the stereo basis.
it successful. In return, we guarantee you uncompromising quality The TRUTH speakers stand out thanks to their toughness and
as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an extremely extremely neutral and authentic sound rendition. In the bass
reasonable price. All of this will enable you to give free rein to range, they operate with polypropylene membranes and smooth
your creativity without being hampered by budget constraints. suspension. Their scope is broadened downward by using a
We are often asked how we manage to produce such high- special bass reflex system. In the upper frequency range, a
quality devices at such unbelievably low prices. The answer is specially developed ferrofluid-cooled aluminum tweeter provides
quite simple: it’s you, our customers! Many satisfied customers for subtle signal reproduction. The TRUTH is magnetically shielded,
mean large sales volumes enabling us to get better purchasing so you can use it near computer monitors or TV sets. The audio
terms for components, etc. Isn’t it only fair to pass this benefit on signal is separated using a low-distortion crossover that creates
to you? Because we know that your success is our success a phase-optimized frequency separation.
too! We recommend that you experiment with your TRUTH away
from the pressures of a recording session, in order to get a feel
I would like to thank all of you who have made the TRUTHs
for it. It will be a good idea to listen to your favorite CD’s over the
possible. You have all made your own personal contributions,
TRUTH, so that you can get an impression of the neutral sound
from the developers to the many other employees at this company,
this speaker produces—which might be somewhat unusual at
and to you, the BEHRINGER user.
first!

+ The following user’s manual is intended to

My friends, it’s been worth the effort! familiarize you with the unit’s control elements,
so that you can master all the functions. After having
thoroughly read the user’s manual, store it at a safe
place for future reference.

Thank you very much,

Uli Behringer
ATTENTION!
+ The TRUTH is capable of producing extreme
volumes. Please bear in mind, that high sound
pressures do not only temporarily damage your
sense of hearing, but can also cause permanent
damage. Be careful to select a suitable volume.

4 1. INTRODUCTION
 TRUTH B2030P/B2031P
This is the terminal clamp for the minus cord of your speaker
1.1 Before you get started cable.
1.1.1 Shipment This is the terminal clamp for the plus cord of your speaker
The B2030P/B2031P were carefully packed at the factory to cable.
assure secure transport. Should the condition of the cardboard
The connection terminal of your TRUTH is recessed. This way,
box suggest that damage may have taken place, please inspect
you can place it in the vicinity of walls.
the unit immediately and look for physical indications of damage.
+ Always power down your amp before connecting it
+ Damaged units should NEVER be sent directly to us. to the TRUTH.
Please inform the dealer from whom you acquired
the unit immediately as well as the transportation SERIAL NUBMER. Please take a few minutes and send to
company from which you took delivery of the unit. us a completely filled out warranty card within 14 days of
Otherwise, all claims for replacement/repair may the original date of purchase. Otherwise, warranty claims
be rendered invalid. may be rendered invalid. Or fill out the warranty information
online at [Link].
1.1.2 Initial operation
The TRUTHs must be placed on a flat and stable surface.
3. APPLICATION
1.1.3 Warranty
3.1 Connection
Please take a few minutes and send us the completely filled
out warranty card within 14 days of the date of purchase. You
may also register online at [Link]. The serial number
needed for the registration is located on the rear of the unit.
Failure to register your product may void future warranty claims.

2. CONTROL ELEMENTS
The control elements described in the following are the same
on both speakers.

Fig. 3.1: Connecting an amplifier

Please follow these steps to connect your TRUTHs to a power

amp: Loosen the plus screw (red ring with a “+”) and the minus
screw (black ring with a “-”). Now insert the plus cord of the
speaker cable connecting the amp to your TRUTH into the plus
opening. Then, connect the minus cable into the minus opening.
Tighten the screws. Do the same to connect the other TRUTH.

+ Make sure that all connections are done properly.

Speaker cables are color-coded to help avoid
confusion. You’ll know that the signal is inverted
(i.e. you’ve mixed up the connections) when you
notice that bass frequencies are getting lost and
when the stereo characteristic of the signal is
majorly worse.

+ Always make sure that bare wire ends never touch

the open end of another speaker cable, speaker
connectors or metal parts of your amp.

Fig. 2.1: Rear panel connectors

3. APPLICATION 5
TRUTH B2030P/B2031P
3.1.1 The truth about speaker cables The BEHRINGER TRUTH B2030P/B2031P is a so-called near-
Carefully approach the choice of what cables you use. Which field monitor, which means that the impact of the room acoustics
cables you use can have a major influence on your sound. on the sound will be reduced considerably owing to the short
Cables of various lengths and diameters affect the resistance distance between speaker and listener.
value—causing a loss in power.
On the other hand, that doesn’t mean that you should be buying
high-end cables that cost as much as your speakers. Simply use
the following rule of thumb: Whenever possible, use cables with
large diameters (gauge) and keep the cable length to a minimum.
The screw clamps on your TRUTH can accept cable thickness
of up to 7 mm² (9 AWG).

3.1.2 Amp
The power rating of the amp you use should be roughly twice
the load capacity of your TRUTH. Consequently, the B2030P
should be operated with an amp with a load capacity of 2 x 200
Watts, and the B2031P with an amp with a load capacity of Fig. 3.2: Incorrect speaker setup
2 x 300 Watts.
This illustration shows how you shouldn’t do it: you can clearly
Also, you should keep in mind the impedance of your TRUTH in
see that a portion of the sound bounces back from the walls
order to guarantee optimal power delivery. The B2031P’s
before it reaches the listener’s ears. Thus, direct and reflected
impedance is 4 Ω, whereas the B2030P’s is 8 Ω. Use an amp
sound waves overlap which results in a coloration of the sound.
whose power rating roughly corresponds to the values
recommended in the table. The impedance should correspond to
the values listed in the table:

TRUTH Amp power rating

B2030P 200 W into 8 Ohm
B2031P 300 W into 4 Ohm

Tab. 3.1: Recommended amp power ratings

Of course, you can use amps with higher power ratings.

However, make sure not to exceed the load capacity of your
TRUTH. Damage to speaker components caused by exceeding
their load capacity is not covered by the warranty.
Fig. 3.3: Correct speaker setup
3.1.3 Protecting your TRUTH
This effect can be reduced by turning the speakers towards
To ensure that your B2030P/B2031P last for years to come,
the listener. To make reflections from ceiling or floor less likely,
you should definitely keep the following in mind:
the tweeters should be on the same height as your ears. Please
s Always turn the volume down on your amp before note that the TRUTH should be operated vertically. Where this is
switching it on or off. impossible, place it horizontally as shown in the illustration (i.e.
woofers closer to each other), to allow for an improved stereo
s When powering your equipment up/down, the amp should image.
always be the last one to be powered up and the first one
to be powered down. This way, you avoid loud crackling
noise that occurs when you turn studio equipment on or
off.
s Always make sure your audio signal level is optimally set.
Avoid overdriving your amp.
s Do not push your studio monitors beyond their physical Fig. 3.4: TRUTH setup horizontally
limitations. Even though your TRUTH has sufficient power
overhead, you can still damage it if you drive it too much or Not only the physical location of speakers but also the acoustic
crank the volume all the way up for longer periods of time. characteristics of the room have a substantial effect on the way
your TRUTH sounds. Make sure that the room neither sounds too
3.2 Speaker placement suggestions hall-like nor too dull—basically, neither like a bathroom nor totally
without an echo. You can alter the room acoustics easily by
Since the sound of a speaker depends to a great extent from installing or removing carpets, curtains or furniture. Fabric
its surroundings, placing your TRUTH correctly is very important. covering on the wall opposite the speakers might be a good idea
Please try to follow these suggestions through. Your efforts will if the room is too reflective. The next chapter describes how to
be rewarded with better sound and higher resolution. adapt the TRUTH to the room acoustics, once it has been set up
properly.
Both speakers are built identically. There is no need to concern
yourself with which speaker should be placed left and which
speaker should be placed right. Place the TRUTHs on a flat and
stable surface, if possible use a dedicated speaker stand. In this
way, the speaker is acoustically decoupled and won’t induce
vibrations in nearby objects, which would affect the bass
response. If you cannot use a stand, put the TRUTHs on spikes
or damping foam material. Another aspect is the distance between
speaker and wall: keep the speaker away from the wall, as this
would emphasize the bass response, particularly in corners,
where two walls form an angle.

6 3. APPLICATION
 TRUTH B2030P/B2031P
3.3 Adapting the TRUTH to the room acoustics 4. SPECIFICATIONS
To acoustically adapt your TRUTH to your control room, in
CONNECTORS
cases when the speakers are located in unusual places or when
Type Binding posts
you have specific sound requirements, you may have to use an
external equalizer. It should be connected in the signal path
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS
between your mixing console and your amp.
B2030P
The BEHRINGER ULTRACURVE PRO DEQ2496 has proven its Power rating 100 watts
usefulness in practice, as it is not only a simple equalizer but Impedance 8Ω
also features a real-time analyzer. You can use our measuring Frequency response 75 Hz to 21 kHz
microphone ECM8000 to automatically adapt the TRUTH to your Sound pressure level 89 dB (1 W/1 m)
room or modify its frequency response.
B2031P
As a general rule, you should set up and adjust the TRUTH Power rating 150 watts
with great care. Above all, you should take your time: unlike hi-fi Impedance 4Ω
speakers, the TRUTH is tuned to produce a neutral sound, which Frequency response 55 Hz to 21 kHz
can be confusing when you are working for the first time with Sound pressure level 89 dB (1 W/1 m)
such a high-quality speaker. Don’t try to adjust the TRUTH with
an equalizer to produce a “bombastic” sound that impresses you COMPONENTS
or other listeners. To get a feeling for the TRUTH’s sound, you B2030P
should listen to as many records as possible that were produced Tweeter ¾" dome, ferrofluid-cooled
in other studios. We also recommend that you listen to your own Woofer 6 ¾" polypropylene diaphragm
recordings over as many other systems as possible, for example,
your car system. If you find that your mixes are somewhat “dull” B2031P
in their overall sound, the reason might be too much treble from Tweeter 1" dome, ferrofluid-cooled
your TRUTH. On the other hand, if you set the bass level too Woofer 8 ¾", polypropylene diaphragm
high, you will find that your mixes lack bass power. Tuning a
speaker can take several days’ time, so once again: take your CROSSOVER
time! B2030P
Crossover frequency 2.3 kHz
B2031P
Crossover frequency 2 kHz

DIMENSIONS/WEIGHT
B2030P
Dimensions (H x W x D) 12 1/2" (317 mm) x 8 2/5" (214 mm)
x 8 3/10" (211 mm)
Weight 15 1/3 lbs. (7.0 kg)

B2031P
Dimensions (H x W x D) 15 4/5" (401 mm) x 10 1/10" (257 mm)
x 10 1/2" (267 mm)
Weight 25 1/3 lbs. (11.5 kg)

BEHRINGER is constantly striving to maintain the highest professional

standards. As a result of these efforts, modifications may be made from
time to time to existing products without prior notice. Specifications and
appearance may differ from those listed or illustrated.

4. SPECIFICATIONS 7
TRUTH B2030P/B2031P
5. WARRANTY
§ 1 WARRANTY CARD/ONLINE REGISTRATION 3. Free inspections and maintenance/repair work are expressly
excluded from this warranty, in particular, if caused by improper
To be protected by the extended warranty, the buyer must handling of the product by the user. This also applies to defects
complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 14 days caused by normal wear and tear, in particular, of faders,
of the date of purchase to BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik crossfaders, potentiometers, keys/buttons, tubes and similar
GmbH, in accordance with the conditions stipulated in § 3. Failure parts.
to return the card in due time (date as per postmark) will void any
extended warranty claims. Based on the conditions herein, the 4. Damages/defects caused by the following conditions are
buyer may also choose to use the online registration option via not covered by this warranty:
the Internet ([Link] or [Link]).
s improper handling, neglect or failure to operate the unit in
§ 2 WARRANTY compliance with the instructions given in BEHRINGER user
or service manuals.
1. BEHRINGER (BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH
including all BEHRINGER subsidiaries listed on the enclosed page, s connection or operation of the unit in any way that does not
except BEHRINGER Japan) warrants the mechanical and comply with the technical or safety regulations applicable in
electronic components of this product to be free of defects in the country where the product is used.
material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year* from the
s damages/defects caused by force majeure or any other
original date of purchase, in accordance with the warranty
condition that is beyond the control of BEHRINGER.
regulations described below. If the product shows any defects
within the specified warranty period that are not excluded from 5. Any repair or opening of the unit carried out by unauthorized
this warranty as described under § 3 and 4, BEHRINGER shall, at personnel (user included) will void the warranty.
its discretion, either replace or repair the product using suitable
new or reconditioned parts. In the case that other parts are used 6. If an inspection of the product by BEHRINGER shows that
which constitute an improvement, BEHRINGER may, at its the defect in question is not covered by the warranty, the
discretion, charge the customer for the additional cost of these inspection costs are payable by the customer.
parts. 7. Products which do not meet the terms of this warranty will
2. If the warranty claim proves to be justified, the product will be repaired exclusively at the buyer’s expense. BEHRINGER will
be returned to the user freight prepaid. inform the buyer of any such circumstance. If the buyer fails to
submit a written repair order within 6 weeks after notification,
3. Warranty claims other than those indicated above are BEHRINGER will return the unit C.O.D. with a separate invoice
expressly excluded. for freight and packing. Such costs will also be invoiced
separately when the buyer has sent in a written repair order.
§ 3 RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER
§ 5 WARRANTY TRANSFERABILITY
1. To obtain warranty service, the buyer (or his authorized
dealer) must call BEHRINGER (see enclosed list) during normal This warranty is extended exclusively to the original buyer
business hours BEFORE returning the product. All inquiries must (customer of retail dealer) and is not transferable to anyone
be accompanied by a description of the problem. BEHRINGER who may subsequently purchase this product. No other person
will then issue a return authorization number. (retail dealer, etc.) shall be entitled to give any warranty promise
on behalf of BEHRINGER.
2. Subsequently, the product must be returned in its original
shipping carton, together with the return authorization number to § 6 CLAIM FOR DAMAGES
the address indicated by BEHRINGER.
Failure of BEHRINGER to provide proper warranty service shall
3. Shipments without freight prepaid will not be accepted. not entitle the buyer to claim (consequential) damages. In no
event shall the liability of BEHRINGER exceed the invoiced value
§ 4 WARRANTY REGULATIONS
of the product.
1. Warranty services will be furnished only if the product is
accompanied by a copy of the original retail dealer’s invoice. § 7 OTHER WARRANTY RIGHTS AND NATIONAL LAW
Any product deemed eligible for repair or replacement under the 1. This warranty does not exclude or limit the buyer’s statutory
terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced. rights provided by national law, in particular, any such rights
2. If the product needs to be modified or adapted in order to against the seller that arise from a legally effective purchase
comply with applicable technical or safety standards on a national contract.
or local level, in any country which is not the country for which 2. The warranty regulations mentioned herein are applicable
the product was originally developed and manufactured, this unless they constitute an infringement of national warranty law.
modification/adaptation shall not be considered a defect in
materials or workmanship. The warranty does not cover any * Customers in the European Union please contact BEHRINGER
such modification/adaptation, irrespective of whether it was Germany Support for further details.
carried out properly or not. Under the terms of this warranty,
BEHRINGER shall not be held responsible for any cost resulting
from such a modification/adaptation.

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. No part of this manual may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording of any kind, for any
purpose, without the express written permission of BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH.
BEHRINGER is a registered trademark. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
© 2003 BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH.
BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH, Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Str. 36-38, 47877 Willich-Münchheide II, Germany
Tel. +49 2154 9206 0, Fax +49 2154 9206 4903

8 5. WARRANTY