Barefoot Sound MicroMain 27 Gen2 User manual

Owner’s Manual

Contents page
Description 01
Warnings! (please read carefully) 02
Inputs and Controls 03
Connections 04
Startup 04
Signal Flow Diagram 05
Protection 06
Positioning 06
MEME™ Voicing 08
Force Cancelation 09
Maintenance 10
Handle Attachment 10
Frequency Response 11
Specifications 12
Drawings 13
Warranty 14
Appendix : Stand Mounting 15
1
1. Description
The MicroMain27 Gen2 is a 3.5-way active loudspeaker capable of nearfield, mid-field and far-field operation.
The five drive units are all housed in sealed enclosures. The DSP controlled four-way power amplifier module can
deliver 500 Watts continuously. The system accepts either analog or 24 bit/192 kHz digital audio signals. Cutting
edge MEME™ (Multi Emphasis Monitor Emulation™) technology enables the MicroMain27 Gen2 to model the
frequency, phase and transient responses, dynamic compression, distortion signature and overall translation
characteristics of classic studio monitors.

2.
The Mains Voltage Select switch (VAC Select) on the rear panel must be in the 230V position for AC
power line voltages over 132 VAC. Connecting the power cord to AC power line voltages over 132 VAC
while the VAC Select switch is in the 115V position will damage the amplifier. Such damage is NOT
covered under warranty.
Rear panel VAC Select switch location
2
Please read and follow the safety information below:
 Do not remove the rear amplifier panel. There is a risk of electric shock. No user serviceable parts
are inside. Please refer service issues to a qualified technician.
 Do not operate this device with an ungrounded mains power cable or a mains connection that is
ungrounded. This may result in personal injury.
 Do not place open flames such as lighted candles on or near this device .
 Do not expose this device to water, rain or high humidity. Do not place objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, on or near this device.
 This speaker requires adequate airflow to maintain proper cooling. Do not obstruct airflow
around the speaker. Do not run the speaker upside down (mains power connector on top).
 Do not operate this device in ambient temperatures above 30°C (85°F). Over-temperature may
cause device failure.
Caution! This speaker is capable of producing sound pressure levels in excess of 85dB which may
cause permanent hearing damage. Always verify that input signal levels are attenuated before
powering on the speaker.

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3. Inputs and Controls
1. [INPUT] Toggle switch selects between the analog (A) and digital (D) inputs.
2. [ANLG] XLR connector is designed to receive analog balanced line level audio signal from sources
such as preamplifiers, sound cards, monitor controllers and mixing consoles. Pin 1 is tied to chas-
sis ground. Pins 2 & 3 are fully floating differential inputs. Pin 3 must be referenced to ground for
single ended input signals. The analog signal is converted to 24bit/192kHz digital audio via a preci-
sion, ultra-high-fidelity analog to digital converter section inside the MicroMain27 Gen2.
3. [AES3] XLR connector is designed to receive digital AES3 standard audio signal from sources such as
sound cards and digital audio workstations (DAW). The digital signal must be attenuated at the
source (“In The Box”). Caution: Non-attenuated digital audio will produce very high sound pres-
sure levels that can potentially damage your hearing and/or the speakers. Each AES3 XLR carries
both left and right audio signals. For stereo or multiple speaker operation the monitor output sig-
nal must be assigned to two or more AES3 output XLRs within the DAW. Otherwise, a passive AES
splitter or an active AES distribution amplifier is required to deliver signal from a signal from a sin-
gle AES output XLR. Use the CHNL switch on the back of each speaker to select appropriate left or
right audio signal from the stereo AES signal.
4. [CHNL] Toggle switch selects between the left (L) or right (R) channel coming from the AES3 data
signal. This switch is only active when the INPUT toggle is in the (D) position.
5. [LEVEL] Eight position rotary switch adjusts the level of both the Analog and Digital inputs in pre-
cise 1dB increments from +3dB to –6dB.
6. [SUB] Three position toggle switch adjusts the level of the subwoofers from 0dB to +2dB or –2dB.
7. [VOICE] 3.5mm stereo phone jack for connection to MEME™ Selector Switch. See Section 9 for
MEME™ setting s and connection details. The default setting with no switch connected is Flat.
8. [USB] The universal serial bus connector is for factory adjustments and calibrations. This connec-
tor is NOT an audio input.

4
5. Startup
1. Verify that the AC Voltage select switch on the rear panel is in the correct position for the AC voltage in your
facility (see warnings on pervious page for details) then plug in grounded mains power cable.
2. Set Input toggle switch to either analog (A) or digital (D) depending on the type of source signal you are
using. For digital signals also set the Channel toggle switch to left (L) or right (R) in accordance with the
speaker position.
3. Ensure that the audio signal is fully attenuated (AES3 signal requires digital attenuation).
4. Power on the speaker with the rocker switch located on the rear panel above the mains connector. The LED
indicator on the front of the speaker will illuminate Red for a couple of seconds then turn Aqua.
5. Turn up the audio signal and enjoy!
4. Connections
Analog: Digital:
Analog Source AES3 Source
* See Section 9 for Voice connection details.
AES/EBU
Splitter

5
Tweeter Midbass Midbass Sub Woofer
Amplifiers
DACs
Limiters
Sub
Level
Crossovers
and
MEME™
Input
Level
ADC
24bit/192kHz
Receiver
24bit/192kHz
ANLG
AES3
INPUT
CHNL
LEVEL
VOICE
SUB
Clip LED
6. Signal Flow Diagram
MEME™ Voice Selector Switch

6
7. Protection
Limiters
Peak Limiter
The Subwoofer, Midbass and Tweeter channels have individual Peak Limiters designed to protect each
driver from high amplitude, short duration audio input signal spikes that might cause damage due to
over excursion of the voice coil. These limiters are implemented digitally within the DSP in such a man-
ner that they have zero effect on the audio signal below their thresholds. The front LED indicator light
will flash RED when a Peak Limiter on any of the driver channels is triggered. The duration of such
events is only a fraction of a second. Therefore, the LED flash may appear pink or orange as the eye
naturally blends the normally aqua-blue color of the LED with the red.
RMS Limiter
The Subwoofer, Midbass and Tweeter channels have individual RMS Limiters designed to protect each
driver from long duration, high amplitude audio input signals that might cause thermal damage due to
the voice coil. These limiters are implemented digitally within the DSP in such a manner that they have
zero effect on the audio signal below their thresholds. The front LED indicator light will flash RED when
a RMS Limiter on any of the driver channels is triggered.
Caution: Signals large enough to trigger any of the limiters can generate very high sound pressure levels
that may result in permanent hearing damage.
Over Current
In the event of a large audio input signal that might damage the amplifiers or power supply due to cur-
rent overload, the power supply is designed to enter into Over Current protect mode. This state typi-
cally results from a large, broadband input signal burst that flat lines the limiters on all four channels
simultaneously. While the fault persists the amplifier power rails shut down, the speaker goes quiet,
and the front panel LED turns red. Once the audio input signal is turned down the speaker should re-
boot within a few seconds. If the speaker fails to reboot or the LED light goes out completely, discon-
nect the audio input cable and power cycle the speaker. Verify the signal level is attenuated before
reconnecting audio input cable.
Caution: Signals that cause Over Current protection to trigger can generate very high sound pressure
levels that may result in permanent hearing damage.
8. Positioning
The acoustic center of the MicroMain27 Gen2 is located at the center of the tweeter. The MM27 Gen2 is
designed to work equally well as a nearfield or mid-field monitor. The minimum recommended listening
distance is 1 meter (39.4”). While speaker positioning can sometimes be dependent on the nature of the room, a
good starting point is to create an equilateral triangle between the two speakers and the listening position. The
speakers should be angled inward approximately 30 degrees so the tweeter axes aim towards the listener’s ears,
crossing a few inches behind the head.
When the speakers are standing vertically, the “Barefoot” text on the front faceplates of both speakers should be
on top. When the speakers are turned on their sides to the horizontal orientation, the “Barefoot” text on the
front faceplates should be towards the outside. This places the ’bottom’ midbass drivers towards the center of
the stereo field.

7
Example: Symmetrical stereo arrangements.
Cooling
While the Hypex amplifier modules that drive the MicroMain27 Gen2 are a very efficient, the speaker still
generates a significant amount of heat that must be dissipated. This heat is transmitted to the air via the rear
amplifier plate, heat sink and the subwoofer cones. In order to ensure proper airflow, a minimum of 5” (127mm)
clearance should be maintained between the speaker and any large obstructions. An ambient temperature
below 30°C (85°F) should be maintained. Over-temperature may cause speaker to overheat and shut down.
BAREFOOT
text
BAREFOOT
text

9. MEME™ (Multi Emphasis Monitor Emulation)
With the MM27 GEN2, you can box up your secondary reference monitors for good. Despite the advantages of
high-resolution monitors, many engineers still rely on their NS10s and mix cubes as secondary references. These
speakers have long traditions and people find them familiar and useful for focusing in on certain aspects of their
mix. However, it's also a fact that crowding your console with those extra boxes degrades the sound field of the
primary reference monitors. Not to mention, they are no longer manufactured, need amplifiers, require cable
runs, and consume more studio space. To offer an elegant solution, while streamlining the studio at the same
time, the MM27 GEN2 has the ability to sound and translate like those classic speakers.
Voices:
Flat Optimal setting for accuracy, transparency and outstanding translation. Setting has a flat
frequency response and extremely fast transient response. This is the default voice when
the Voice Selector Switch is not connected.
-
Hi-FiWhile it does not emulate any one speaker in particular, this setting is indicative of “hi-fi” in
the colloquial sense of the term. The midrange is a bit scooped and highs are little accentu-
ated. The bass response is altered to have less damping yielding a hybrid character some-
where between the fast, tight, articulate sound of a sealed cabinet and the slower, fatter
sound of a ported speaker. A touch of tube amplifier warmth has also been added. The
result is a sweeter more forgiving sonic character.
-
OldScl This setting emulates the frequency, phase and transient response, along with the dynamic
compression and distortion signature of the NS10M.
-
Cube This setting emulates the frequency, phase and transient response, along with the dynamic
compression and distortion signature of classic mix cubes.
-
8
MEME™ Voicing Frequency Responses:
dB SPL at 1 meter, -15 dBV input (attenuator = 0db)

9
MEME™ Voice Selector Connection:
The MEME™ Voice Selector switch box is
connected to the Voice jack of the speaker via any
standard 3.5 mm stereo phone cable. The included
6-way splitter can be used to control the Voice
Emulation of up to 5 speakers. Furthermore, the
input impedance of the Voice jack is very high. So,
additional splitters can be daisy chained in order to
control virtually any number of speakers with the
MEME™ Voice Selector switch.
Caveat: Plugging the speaker into different mains
outlets can potentially cause erratic behavior in the
MEME™ control. The safety grounds of different
outlets can sometimes have ground potential
differences of a few volts of more. The resulting
voltage spread between the grounded chassis of
various speakers can cause the MEME™ control
inputs to read incorrect settings or become
unstable. Care must be taken with the studio
mains power and safety ground layout. If this is a
concern, please consult a qualified electrician.
Example: 5 channel MEME™ Voice control layout.
Cabinet vibrations are a significant source of distortion and coloration in most loudspeakers. The primary
mechanism that generates cabinet vibrations is simple Newtonian action and reaction. As the driver motor
(magnet and voice coil) forces the cone to move back and forth in
order to generate sound, the cone exerts an equal and opposite
force on the motor. This force is transmitted through the driver
frame to the cabinet, vibrating the cabinet walls and coloring the
sound emitted by the cone. This effect is most especially prevalent
in the low frequency drivers where the cone motion is greatest.
While, the MicroMain27 Gen2 is built with a massive and well
braced cabinet, we also tackle the problem at its source by
eliminating vibrations before they even begin. This is achieved
through our innovative force cancellation design. The low
frequency drivers are mounted on opposing sides of the cabinet
and their motors are locked together. As the cones are driven in
and out in opposite directions the forces exerted on the motors
cancel one another. The vibrations never make it to the cabinet
because they are not allowed to develop in the first place.
This layout has further benefits. Since the drivers are locked
together, the motors and frames function as a massive internal
metal cabinet bracing. And because the wavelengths generated by
the subwoofers are much larger than the speaker cabinet
dimensions, the subs radiate as if they were a single point source
located on axis with the tweeter.
10. Force Cancellation

10
11. Maintenance
Exterior surfaces of this product may be cleaned using a non-abrasive lint-free cloth lightly damped with water.
Disconnect the mains power cable when cleaning to avoid risk of electric shock. Do not use alcohol-based clean-
ers.
Driver active surfaces such as diaphragms and surrounds may be cleaned using dry soft bristle brushes. Driver
diaphragms are very delicate and easily damaged. So proceed with great care. Clean new sable artist brushes
or cosmetic brushes work well for this task. Gently brush dust away from the surface starting at the center of
the driver diaphragm and moving radially outward. Avoid applying inward pressure to the driver diaphragm.
Repairs, maintenance, or other servicing of this product when its interior compartment is exposed should only be
performed under specific advice from Barefoot Sound by a qualified technician or by the Barefoot Service Center.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside this product.
12. Handle Attachment
Each MM27 Gen2 is supplied with two handles. The handles are useful for lifting and positioning the speaker.
The handles can also be used as base “skids” for mounting the speaker in the horizontal orientation.
Caution: the handles should never be used to suspend the MM27 Gen2.
Attached the handle by positioning it over the mounting holes on the side of the speaker cabinet. Insert the
5/16”-18 x 1.25” flat head screws and tighten using the 3/16” hex key. Do not over tighten! Over tightening can
strip out the threaded cabinet inserts and/or damage the finish of the cabinet. Such damage is not covered un-
der warranty.
A good way to ensure you do not over tighten the screws is to put the long end of the hex key into the screw and
turn it using the short end. Tighten the screw using no more force than you can apply to the short end of the hex
key while holding it in the tips of your thumb and index finger.

13. MicroMain27 Gen2 Frequency Response dB SPL at 1 meter, free field, -15 dBV input (attenuator = 0db)
11

Analog Input XLR female, Pin 1 ground, Pin 2 positive, Pin 3 negative
Input Impedance = 100k Ohms
Input Sensitivity (1m) = 90 dB @ -18 dBV (pass band)
Analog to Digital
Conversion
Word Length: 24 bit
Sample Rate: 192 kHz
Oversampling = 128x
Signal/Noise ≥ 125 dB
Digital Input XLR female
AES/EBU (AES3 standard)
Input Impedance = 110 Ohms
Word Length: 16,18, 20 or 24 bit
Sample Rate: 32 kHz to 192 kHz
Signal/Noise ≥ 133 dB
Frequency Response 30 Hz - 45 kHz (+/- 3 dB ), 40 Hz - 40 kHz (+/- 1 dB )
Bass Response -3 dB @ 30 Hz
Q = 0.707
Slope = 12 dB/octave
Cabinet 32 liters total internal volume
Sealed subwoofer and midbass enclosures
Machined aluminum baffle plate
Aluminum subwoofer frames function as lateral cabinet bracing
Long fiber wool acoustic damping throughout
Crossover Frequencies 100 / 600 / 3000 Hz
Tweeter 1" ring radiator with Advanced neodymium motor
Rear waveguide chamber
Amplifier: 250W Hypex
Midbass 1 5.25" poly/paper cone with Advanced neodymium motor
+/- 5 mm linear excursion
Amplifier: 250W Hypex
Midbass 2 5.25" poly/paper cone with Advanced neodymium motor
+/- 5 mm linear excursion
Amplifier: 250W Hypex
Subwoofers 2 x 10" aluminum cone with low distortion motor
+/- 13 mm linear excursion
Amplifier: 500W Hypex
Power Mains Voltage Input: 115 or 230 VAC selectable
Idle Power Consumption = 30W
Maximum Power Consumption = 650 W
Weight Speaker: 68 lbs each (31 kg)
Shipping: 80 lbs each (36 kg)
Dimensions HxWxD Cabinet: 20.5 x 9.5 x 15.5 inches (521 x 241 x 394 mm)
Overall: 20.5 x 10.5 x 17.4 inches (521 x 267 x 442 mm)
14. Specifications
12

13
13. Drawing

14
14. Warranty
This product is under limited warranty as described in the following conditions. The warranty period commences
on the date of purchase from the authorized dealer. Barefoot Sound reserves the right to request your original
purchase receipt as proof of the date of purchase. The warranty follows the product and is transferable to any
subsequent owner(s) as long as a copy of the original purchase receipt from the authorized dealer can be
provided.
Electronic components and cabinetry of the product are warranted for a period of three (3) years against
manufacturing defect, covering parts and labor for necessary repairs.
Moving speaker components are warranted for a period of one (1) year against manufacturing defect.
The manufacturer’s warranties are limited to physical defects in the materials, parts and workmanship used in
making the product. Misuse, incorrect installation, connection or handling, repairs or modifications performed by
unauthorized persons, abnormal conditions, deliberate abuse, damage due to accidents such as power surges,
water, fire, or any other are excluded from any warranty claims. In addition, faulty or unsuitable ancillary
equipment, accessories, or options are fitted at owner’s risk.
Barefoot Sound warrants all service repairs and replacements for 180 days from the date of return to the
customer/owner. This warranty specifically excludes unrelated additional defects or failures. Otherwise the same
general provisions of the limited product warranties apply.
Technical Support and Service
For warranty service and assistance, contact the original authorized dealer/distributor to arrange for return and/
or repair of the product. Barefoot Sound will strive to satisfy all service requests in the fastest manner possible.
Under the warranty, Barefoot Sound will repair, or at its discretion, replace the product at no charge, provided it
is returned (postage paid) to an authorized Barefoot Sound service center. Any shipping or duties incurred are
the customer’s responsibility. Products should be returned suitably packaged to protect from shipping damage,
or in their original packaging. Barefoot Sound shall be the sole and final authority to determine the validity of all
warranty issues. All non-warranty repairs for current products will be charged according to the service repair
pricing schedule. Repair prices will either be based on a flat fee for repair or replacement, or will be estimated
depending on the repair deemed necessary.

Appendix: Sound Anchors Stand Vertical Mounting Procedure
Note: There are two variants of Sound Anchor stands designed for the MM27. Earlier models have 1” thick
tubular steel mounting brackets. These require 2” long 5/16”-18 screws to fit the MM27 Gen2. Newer Sound
Anchor stands have 0.5” thick solid aluminum mounting brackets. These require 1.5” long 5/16”-18 screws to fit
the MM27 Gen2. Please check the size of the mounting screws supplied with your Sound Anchor stands to insure
a proper fit. Prior to mounting the stands, turn the screws into the side of the MM27 Gen2 by hand. M8 and
5/16-18 screws are very similar in size. Incorrect size screws will go in a few turns then begin to lock up. If this
occurs, contact Sound Anchors, Barefoot ([e-mail]) or your dealer for the correct size screws.
1. Test the length of the screws by removing the mounting bracket from the stand and placing it on the side of
the speaker cabinet. Line up the mounting holes, insert the screws and finger tighten. The screws should
engage the threaded inserts and begin to pull the bracket snug against the speaker cabinet. If the bolts are too
long and bottom out before the bracket is snug against the speaker cabinet, STOP. You may have the wrong size
bolts. Contact Sound Anchors, Barefoot ([e-mail]) or your dealer for the correct size screws.
2. Secure the speaker mounting bracket to the stand at desired height.
3. Attach MM27 Gen2 handles to the side of the cabinet opposite to the side the mounting bracket will attach to.
Then set the speaker horizontally on the floor.
4. Tilt stand down and line up the mounting bracket holes with the cabinet bolt holes.
5. Insert bolts and tighten until the mounting bracket is snug against the speaker cabinet. Do not over tighten!
A good way to ensure you do not over tighten the screws is to put the long end of the hex key into the screw and
turn it using the short end. Tighten the screw using no more force than you can apply to the short end of the hex
key while holding it in the tips of your thumb and index finger.
6. Carefully tilt the entire speaker and stand assembly back up so it stands vertically. This step may require assis-
tance because the speaker and stand are very heavy.
15

Barefoot Sound LLC
http://barefootsound.com
2013