ATL IB2S-A User manual
User Guide
IB2S
-
A
Series
TM
Advanced Transmission Line
Please take a few moments to complete the warranty card at the back of this
booklet (or register at www.pmc-speakers.com) as this not only records the
purchase of your loudspeakers, but also provides you with an opportunity to make
suggestions and provide feedback directly to PMC.
For product support, accessories or servicing advice, please contact
a PMC authorised dealer. See www.pmc-speakers.com
© 2012 PMC. All rights reserved.
This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of PMC. The information it contains is
subject to change without notice. PMC assumes no responsibility for any errors within this document.
CE Conformity: PMC active loudspeakers conform to CE Directive LVD 73/23/EEC and EMC 89/336/EEC.
WEEE European directive: PMC Limited is a member of a National Compliance scheme and has gained the
associated certication of compliance from the Environment Agency with the registration WEEE/GJ0101WU.
This symbol on the product and in or on its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed
of with other household waste. It is the responsibility of the owner to dispose of waste equipment via a
designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The recycling
of waste equipment is an attempt to conserve natural resources and ensures that it is recycled in a manner
that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where to dispose of waste
equipment for recycling, please contact your local waste/recycling authority or the dealer from whom you
purchased the product.
PMC LIMITED
43-45 CRAWLEY GREEN ROAD LUTON LU2 OAA UK
T 0870 4441044 F 0870 4441045
IMPORTANT
!
A message from Peter Thomas –
arguably the world’s smartest loudspeaker designer
and a truly obsessive audiophile.
Peter Thomas
Owner & Chief Designer
“
Our sole aim while designing loudspeakers is to recreate the true essence of an artist’s
intention, combining the ultimate level of sonic resolution with solid engineering principles.
We believe that the same loudspeaker can be used throughout the entire audio chain,
from composer to studio or lm stage, post-production or mastering and then, nally,
the consumer. Our unswerving passion for getting it right has made this goal possible.
Thank you for choosing PMC products. It is now time for you to read the user guide,
install your new IB2S-Actives, and realise just how much you’ve been missing.
Over two decades PMC has earned an
unrivalled reputation for creating the
world’s nest professional loudspeakers.
Simply put, our loudspeakers provide a
reference for the world’s highest prole
productions and events. They are found
at every stage of the creative process,
from conception to recording and
broadcast and, of course, in the home.
Our client list reads like a who’s who of the
sonically aware, with Prince,
Stevie Wonder, Robbie Williams, Coldplay,
Brian May, Universal, Sony, Dreamworks,
Deutsche Grammophon and the BBC
among the makers of movies and music.
Our loudspeakers were used in the
production of Titanic, Spiderman III,
Pearl Harbor, Finding Nemo,
Pirates of the Caribbean III, and during
broadcasts of the Beijing Olympics, 2008.
Tori Amos
Stevie Wonder
Francis Rossi (Status Quo)
BBC
Tony Bennett
Prince
Coldplay
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Basement Jaxx
Robbie Williams
Royal College of Music
Brian May
Warner Music
Kraftwerk
Underworld
Emil Berliner/Deutsche Grammophon
Google
Siemens
Sony
- You have joined the elite.
User Guide
IB2S
-
A
Series
Contents
General Usage Guidelines
Introduction
Unpacking and Care
PMC’s
TM
Advanced Transmission Line
–How the Advanced Transmission Line Works
System Description
User EQ Options
Connections
Running In
Applications and Accessories
Positioning
Surround System Set-up
Operational Controls
The PMC Range
Service
Specications
Our Meticulous Care and Attention
Warranty On-Line
Warranty Certicate – Part 1 – Your copy
Warranty Certicate – Part 2 – PMC’s copy
Help us improve – Your Comments
Inspection Certicate
Read these instructions and keep them in a safe place for future reference.
Heed all electrical safety warnings, including any on the loudspeakers themselves.
Do not use the loudspeakers near water.
Do not install the loudspeakers near heat sources such as radiators, ovens or other very
hot equipment, or in unventilated softs or enclosures.
Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
Please refer all servicing to PMC authorised personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus is damaged, exposed to moisture, or exhibits
a distinct or sudden change of operation or audio performance.
Unplug this product from both signal source and power during electrical storms or
when unused for extended periods of time
Packaging material can pose danger to the young and vulnerable. Ensure these items
are stored or disposed of safely.
The IB2S-Active Series monitor loudspeaker can produce sound pressure levels in excess of
120dB. Long-term exposure to high levels of sound has the potential to cause hearing
damage. Use care when adjusting the system volume to ensure sound pressure levels
remain within safe and comfortable limits.
The IB2S-Active Series loudspeaker contains very powerful magnets and therefore may
have a detrimental effect on nearby magnetically-sensitive items, such as CRT (tube-
style) televisions or monitors, and media such as oppy discs, cassettes and videotapes.
The cabinet should only be cleaned with a dry, lint-free, cloth. Do not use solvents,
abrasives, waxes or liquids as they may be detrimental to the nish.
To avoid damage to ooring when using PMC custom plinths or stands, the user should
determine the suitability of either spikes or protective glides.
PMC has made efforts to provide accurate installation information and good quality
xings. However, PMC LTD will not be held responsible or liable for injuries
or property damage (direct, indirect or consequential) arising out of use or inability to
use this product safely and properly.
This product may contain nuts.
General Usage Guidelines
Introduction
The IB2S-Active Series builds on PMC’s world-class monitor design pedigree, combining the nest
drivers available with the unique TM
Advanced Transmission Line
(Advanced Transmission Line) bass loading principle,
sophisticated Class-D amplication, and ultra-precise DSP control.
The bass is loaded by PMC’s unique TM
Advanced Transmission Line
(Advanced Transmission Line) technology. The IB2S-
Active Series uses a high-compression form of TM
Advanced Transmission Line
to deliver a performance approaching that of
the agship BB5 system, despite being roughly half the size. The TM
Advanced Transmission Line
system uses contemporary
materials to provide optimised absorption of unwanted midrange energy within the cabinet,
extending bass output signicantly with negligible harmonic distortion. The cabinets are handed,
and an absorbent bafe insert reduces reections for improved dispersion and denition.
All three drivers are bespoke PMC designs. The 34mm soft-dome tweeter is the most sensitive
direct radiating tweeter available anywhere, with a proven track record in other PMC monitors
for delivering ultra-high resolution and a neutral balance. The perforated acoustic lens extends
the response beyond 25kHz and controls dispersion to ensure perfect integration with PMC’s own
75mm soft-dome midrange driver through the crossover region. This midrange driver is also well
proven in other PMC monitors and is the lowest-distortion and most efcient soft-dome of its size
available today. The unique 10-inch bass driver uses a carbon-bre and NomexTM honycombe
piston face to deliver unparalleled transient response with no cone break up artefacts
The electronics built into each cabinet provides three channels of cutting-edge, ultra-low
distortion Class-D power amplication, with a DSP-based crossover providing perfect driver
optimisation and integration, with a non-aggressive protective limiting system. Remote control
facilities enable the user to calibrate the system level and equalisation, as well as select between
analogue and AES3 digital inputs, and recall personal equalisation presets.
The IB2S-Active Series is available with three cabinet options: the IB2S-Active three-way mideld
reference monitor; the IB2S XBD-Active adds a second bass driver in a separate powered cabinet
to increase the LF headroom by 3dB; and the XBD-Active can also be used as a stand-alone
subwoofer or LFE monitor.
‘The IB2S-Active Series is designed and hand-built in England, by nice people who care and who love audio’
Unpacking and Care
IB2S-Active Series monitors are packed in heavy-duty protective cartons. Please retain these to ensure
that they can be transported safely if the need arises in the future. If you dispose of the packaging
please do so in an environmentally responsible and safe way. Inside the packaging you will nd:
C
In normal usage PMC speakers should provide many years of trouble-free operation, but in the unlikely
event that you suspect damage or failure has occurred do not attempt to repair the unit yourself.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Contact your dealer for advice and a service return address.
Cleaning with a dry lint-free cloth. Avoid the use of solvents as they may damage the nish of the unit.
!
IB2S-ACTIVE
3-Way Master cabinet (Pair)
User guide
2x IEC mains-power leads
(region appropriate)
1x Remote control
1x 20m RJ45-RJ45 cable
(for remote control)
1x10m RJ45-RJ45 cable
(for inter-cabinet link)
IB2 XBDS-ACTIVE
3-Way Master cabinets with XBD
cabinets (Pairs)
User guide
2x IEC mains-power leads
(region appropriate)
2x 1.5m IEC extension cables
(for inter-cabinet links)
1x Remote control
1x 20m RJ45-RJ45 cable
(for remote control)
2x 1.5m RJ45-RJ45 cables
(for inter-cabinet link)
1x 10m RJ45-RJ45 cable
(for inter-cabinet link)
2x 1.5m XLR-XLR cables
(for inter-cabinet signal links)
XBDS-ACTIVE
As standalone subwoofer
User guide
2x IEC mains-power leads
(region-appropriate)
1x remote control
1x 20m RJ45-RJ45 cable
(for remote control)
characteristically transparent midrange, fast,
attacking bass, and outstanding clarity.
A further advantage is greater bass extension
and loudness than a ported or sealed
design of a similar size, even if similar drivers
were used. Moreover, the very consistent
bass driver loading brings the welcome
benet that the frequency response remains
consistent regardless of listening level, and
analytical auditioning can be conducted
without the need for high replay volumes to
achieve optimal bass response – a unique
and very valuable characteristic.
PMC’s unique ATL™(Advanced
Transmission Line) enclosures have taken
loudspeaker design to the highest level,
using sophisticated cabinet construction,
proprietary drive units, and patented
absorption materials and techniques. The
benets are enormous compared to the
relatively simple sealed and ported designs
currently available elsewhere.
PMC’s innovative approach places the bass
driver near one end of a long tunnel (the
Advanced Transmission Line). This tunnel
is heavily damped with acoustic material
specied carefully to absorb the upper bass
and higher frequencies radiating from the
rear of the bass driver. The lowest frequencies
are allowed to pass down the line and
emerge from the large vent in the same
polarity as the driver’s frontal radiation,
the vent acting essentially as a second bass
driver.
An important benet of the ATL™ approach
is that the air pressure inside the cabinet,
loading the bass driver, is maintained.
This helps to control the driver over a wide
frequency range and signicantly reduces
LF distortion. Consequently, the upper bass
and midrange detail is not masked by
harmonic distortion and the result is PMC’s
Advanced Transmission Line:
How it works TM
Advanced Transmission Line
‘No other bass loading technology provides such resolution and tonal accuracy at all volume levels’
IB2S XBD-A
System Description
The electronic heart of the IB2S-Active Series
is a powerful DSP stage which operates at a
xed sample rate of 192kHz. The balanced
analogue line input level is conditioned by a
low-noise gain stage prior to A-D conversion,
to optimise the signal-noise ratio. The
converter is a very high quality multi-bit delta-
sigma device, producing a 24 bit, 192kHz
output. The AES3 digital input is sample rate
converted to 192kHz.
The DSP stage provides the overall system
level control, 24dB/octave precision
crossovers, and both driver optimisation
and protection. The sophisticated digital
signal processing enables perfect matching
between the three drivers’ responses and
roll-off rates, optimising the contribution of
each driver, minimising distortion, and providing
a atter and more natural balance over the
widest possible listening area.
The output signals from the DSP system are
converted back to analogue to feed three
separate Class-D power ampliers and their
respective drivers. A total of 1.2kW of high-
efciency amplication is provided in the master
cabinets, with two 200W ampliers powering the
HF and MF drivers and 800W for the bass unit.
The XBD-Active cabinet contains its own 800W
amplier for its bass driver. The amplier design
ensures that driver impedance variations with
frequency are fully compensated to maintain a
uniform frequency response.
‘No other bass loading technology provides such resolution and tonal accuracy at all volume levels’
User EQ Options
The IB2S-Active Series master cabinet remote control unit has facilities for ve user-congurable
equalisation presets, each of which can be named for easy recognition (eg. Frank, Geoff etc).
These DSP-based user-equalisation options include LF and HF shelf responses, as shown in the graph
above, each adjustable over a range of ±8dB in increments of less than 1dB, with xed knee frequencies
of 200Hz and 5kHz, respectively.
Connections
!
!
Caution
To avoid potential damage, please ensure that the signal source is turned off before
connecting or disconnecting your active loudspeakers.
The rear panel of the IB2S-Active Series carries various connectors for audio, control
and mains power.
Audio
The electronically-balanced analogue audio input and the AES3 digital input accept
3-pin male XLR connectors, wired with screen (ground), signal positive
(hot), and signal negative (cold). If the monitor is to be used with an unbalanced
analogue signal source pins 1 and 3 of the input XLR should be connected together
inside the male XLR plug. Thru connections are provided for signal distribution.
Power
A single IEC (C14) mains socket is provided with an integral fuse-holder, voltage
selector (115/230VAC) and power switch. Only change fuses with the power cord
removed completely from the loudspeaker. A remote powering facility is provided via
the ‘Trigger In’ terminals which accept a 4 to12V AC or DC voltage to enable remote
switch on from an external device. The Trigger Thru terminals can be used to extend
the control signal to another speaker in the system.
Remote Control
The ‘Remote In’ RJ45 socket accepts the connection from the remote control unit,
while the Thru socket is used to distribute the control signal to the next speaker in the
system. Please Note that the nal loudspeaker in the chain must have the loopback
connector tted to the RJ45 Remote Thru socket.
Running-In
12
11
10
9
8
765
4
3
2
1
When brand new, PMC loudspeakers will take a short period of use before they
reach their full potential.
This is because the mechanical and acoustical characteristics of the bass,
midrange and treble drive units alter slightly after manufacture as the exible
elements in their construction relax and reach their optimum compliancy.
The TM
Advanced Transmission Line
cabinet parameters are critically designed to load the bass driver
accurately only when it has reached its long-term, optimal compliancy.
Consequently, during the initial running-in period of about 20 hours, the
performance of the IB2S-Active Series active monitor will change and improve.
You will notice the bass tonality becoming warmer, fuller and more natural, and
the bass extension will increase signicantly. As the tweeter relaxes the treble
tonality also sweetens and integrates perfectly with the midrange unit, and the
sound staging improves.
Applications and Accessories
The large-scale performance of IB2S-Active Series monitors makes it appropriate wherever
a clean, neutral and powerful presentation is required. Typically, IB2S-Active Series monitor
loudspeakers are used for high-power mideld monitoring for music and speech recording and
mixing, outside broadcast vehicles, radio on-air studios and television sound control galleries,
home theatre and high-end domestic hi-, project music studios, post-production and editing
suites, quality monitoring, music mastering, and A&R evaluations.
Accessories
It is critical that monitor loudspeakers are positioned at the correct height and
kept stable during operation. However, the structure and materials used to support
the monitor will have a bearing on how it performs. The purpose-designed PMC
33-inch Studio Frame Stand was developed with extensive listening tests in both the
consumer and professional environments to optimise the imaging, dynamics and
overall tonal balance. An acoustically inert 190mm high-mass plinth or spacer is also
available to optimise the system height, placed below or between IB2S-Active and
XBDS-Active cabinets. M8 threaded inserts accept spikes or oor-protecting glides.
One or more XBDS-Active cabinets can be incorporated where
greater low-frequency extension or headroom is required, or where
a dedicated effects subwoofer is appropriate. Harmonic distortion
generated by a poor quality subwoofer will mask critical mid-
frequency information from the main monitors, and also reveal the physical
location of the subwoofer. However, PMC’s unique TM
Advanced Transmission Line
cabinet design and at, 10-
inch carbon-bre & NomexTM bass driver ensures extremely low levels of harmonic
distortion and provides seamless acoustical and control integration with the IB2S-
Active master cabinets.
The IB2S-Active Series monitors can be used in mix’n’match setups with other
PMC monitors for surround sound applications. All PMC monitors share the same
characteristics of wide dispersion, low distortion, consistent voicing, and an even
bass response regardless of listening level.
Positioning
With their unique TM
Advanced Transmission Line
cabinet design, wide dispersion, ultra-low distortion, and smooth bass
roll-off, PMC loudspeakers are more forgiving of difcult room conditions and placement
constraints than conventional designs – you will be able to achieve a superb sound throughout
the room with little effort. However, we encourage you to spend some time experimenting in
your own room to achieve the very best results, remembering that small changes in location
can often inuence system performance signicantly. The following guidelines are suggestions
for a starting point to locate your new loudspeakers. Fine-tuning of their positioning can start
from there.
Dispersion and Toeing-in
Most loudspeakers have a relatively narrow dispersion and are designed to be aimed directly
at the listening position, as shown in the left-hand image below. However, the excellent stereo
imaging which PMC monitors are known for is due, in part, to their wide dispersion characteristic,
as shown on the right-hand image. To optimise the stereo imaging, PMC monitors should be
angled so that their axes cross about 0.5 metres (2ft) behind the listening position (as illustrated
below). Varying this toe-in angle will subtly affect the vividness of the audio soundstage.
A good music track with vivid vocals will help to determine the best position.
Conventional monitors
have narrow dispersion
PMC Monitors
have wide dispersion
TIP
TIP
TIP
When initially positioning the loudspeakers, ideally they should be located at two of the three
points of an equilateral triangle, with the listener at the third. If the monitors are spaced too far
apart the stereo image will be wide but central denition will be impaired. Use a well recorded
vocal track to judge the ideal placement.
Attention should be paid to the effect of reective surfaces such as side walls and objects in
close proximity to the loudspeakers, as excessive neareld reections will blur the stereo imaging
signicantly and may introduce unwelcome colouration of the sound.
Place the speakers so that their front bafes are well forward of any objects placed between
them, such as computer display screens.
With regard to vertical placement, the acoustic axis of the IB2S-Active master cabinet is midway
between the HF and MF drivers. This axis should be level with the listener’s ears.
To prevent vertical room modes from causing
boominess, do not position the speaker such that
the bass driver is at an even proportion of the room
height, such as a half or a quarter.
Plinth modules can be used to raise the cabinets
to help tune the bass response with respect to the
room boundaries. Two possible mounting options are
illustrated opposite.
One source of sound
at the crossover point
Two sources of sound
at the crossover point
Positioning (Cont.)
The IB2S-Active Series is designed to be used upright to ensure optimum stereo imaging, tonality
and amplier cooling.
Around the crossover frequencies each adjacent pair of drive units are inherently reproducing
the same audio signal (although PMC designs employ steep crossover lters which minimises this),
and so there are inevitably two sources of sound. When the drive units are aligned one above
the other the two wavefronts emanate from one vertical plane and both will arrive at the listener
at the same time, providing accurate stereo imaging and minimal colouration. This is illustrated in
the left diagram below.
In contrast, if the speaker is mounted horizontally the wavefronts from the drivers radiate from
horizontally spaced points. This results in different arrival times at the listening position for sound
from each driver, producing colouration and vague stereo imaging (right diagram) below.
:
:
TIP Ideally, the monitors should be placed more than 0.5 metres from the side and rear walls of
the room so that reinforcement and cancellation (peaks and dips) of the bass output caused
by wall reections will be moved higher in frequency and thus less inuential. This reduces the
incidence of ‘lumpy’ or ‘boomy’ bass. Small changes in position can have profound effects on
the bass response, so experiment to nd the optimal position.
IB2S-Active Series monitor loudspeakers can produce signicant bass energy below the
frequencies at which they become omnidirectional. As a consequence, it is important to
consider the effect of the boundaries of the listening room when placing the monitors. The use of
plinth modules can assist in ne tuning the in-room bass response.
The IB2S-Active Series monitor has been designed for
perfect multi-channel music or movie playback. The
following diagrams indicate the ideal speaker layouts.
The constraints of room size and shape will often
force some loudspeakers to be placed closer or
further from the listening position than is ideal.
In such situations the time-alignment facilities of the
surround processor or monitor controller should be
employed to compensate.
The subwoofer carries the LFE signal as well as
the low bass from some, or all, of the main monitors
when bass management is being used. The subwoofer should be placed at the front of the
room, the optimal position providing the smoothest low bass without boomy or weak notes.
In a system capable of 7.1 Dolby®Digital Surround EX™
DTS®ES™or Blu-ray™playback, there will be two sets of
surround speakers. The rst pair (surround or side channels)
should be positioned at 100º, and the second set (rear or
back channels) at 150º. (The front centre axis is 0º while
directly to the rear of the room is 180º).
Dolby®Digital Surround EX™is a registered trademark
of Dolby®Laboratories. DTS®ES™are registered
trademarks of DTS®Inc. Blu-ray™is a trademark of
the Blu-ray™Disc Association.
Fine tuning for perfect sound
Surround Sound Systems
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