d & b audiotechnik MAX User manual

MAX
Manual (5.0EN)

General Information
MAX Manual
Version 5.0EN, 05/2006, D2081.EN .05
©by d&b audiotechnik AG 2006; all rights reserved.
The information contained in this manual has been carefully
checked for accuracy, at the time of going to press, however no
guarantee is given with respect to the correctness.
d&b audiotechnik AG accepts no responsibility for any errors or
inaccuracies that may appear in this manual or the products and
software described in it.
Technical specifications, dimensions, weights and properties do not
represent guaranteed qualities.
As manufacterers we reserve the right to make alterations and
modifications within the framework of legal provisions, as well as
changes aimed at improving quality.
d&b audiotechnik AG
Eugen-Adolff-Strasse 134, D-71522 Backnang, Germany
Telephone [phone], Fax [phone]
E-mail: [email protected], Internet: www.dbaudio.com
References in the manual
WARNING! This refers to a potentially dangerous situation which
may lead to personal injury.
CAUTION! This refers to a potentially dangerous situation which
may lead to damage to the equipment.
IMPORTANT! This refers to a situation which may cause the
equipment to malfunction.
Symbols on the equipment
Please refer to the information in the operating
manual.
W
ARNING!
Dangerous voltage!

MAX Manual (5.0EN) Page 3 of 12
MAX Manual (5.0EN) Safety instructions
Safety precautions
Before you use our products, read the manual
carefully and observe all the safety precautions. They
will protect you and help to avoid equipment
failures.
Keep this manual in a safe place so that it is
available for future reference.
If you supply d&b products, please draw the
attention of your customers to these safety
guidelines. Enclose the relevant manuals with the
systems. If you require additional manuals for this
purpose, you can order them from d&b.
Information regarding use of loudspeakers
WARNING! Never stand in the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers driven at a
high level. Professional loudspeaker systems are capable of causing
a sound pressure level detrimental to human health. Seemingly non-
critical sound levels (from approx. 95 dB SPL) can cause hearing
damage if people are exposed to it over a long period.
In order to prevent accidents when deploying loudspeakers on the
ground or when flown, please take note of the following:
When setting up the loudspeakers or loudspeaker stands, make sure
they are standing on a firm surface. If you place several systems on
top of one another, use straps to secure them against movement.
Only use accessories which have been tested and approved by d&b
for assembly and mobile deployment. Pay attention to the correct
application and maximum load capacity of the accessories as
detailed in our specific “Mounting instructions” or in our "Flying
system and Rigging manuals”.
Ensure that all additional hardware, fixings and fasteners used for
installation or mobile deployment are of an appropriate size and
load safety factor. Pay attention to the manufacturers instructions
and to the relevant safety guidelines.
Regularly check the loudspeaker housings and accessories for visible
signs of wear and tear, and replace them when necessary.
Regularly check all load bearing bolts in the mounting devices.
CAUTION! Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field even if they are not
connected or are not in use. Therefore make sure when erecting
and transporting loudspeakers that they are nowhere near
equipment and objects which may be impaired or damaged by an
external magnetic field. Generally speaking, a distance of 0.5 m
(1.5 ft) from magnetic data carriers (floppy disks, audio and video
tapes, bank cards, etc.) is sufficient; a distance of more than 1 m
(3 ft) may be necessary with computer and video monitors.

MAX Manual (5.0EN) Page 4 of 12
MAX
MAX is a 2-way floor monitor employing a 15“/2“ coaxial driver
combination with a passive crossover. The driver design allows the
use of a compact, low height cabinet. MAX can be driven actively
or passively.
Coaxially mounting the 2“ HF and 15“ LF drivers creates a very
compact single driver whilst retaining the benefits of separate
magnetic assemblies. The drivers are positioned together to utilise
the combined shape and geometry of the LF cone and HF horn to
create a single waveguide with a controlled, symmetrical, 60°
conical dispersion.
The MAX cabinet is constructed from marine plywood and has an
impact resistant paint finish. The front of the loudspeaker cabinet is
fitted with a rigid metal grill covered with a replaceable
acoustically transparent foam. A socket to accept a loudspeaker
stand, a ratchet strap kelping bar and optional MAN CF4 stud plate
rigging points complete the possible rigging options for MAX.
CAUTION! Only operate MAX cabinets with a d&b D12 or E-PAC amplifier
configured for MAX or a P1200A mainframe fitted with ampMAX
or AMP-L controller modules, otherwise there is a risk of damaging
the loudspeaker components.
As an alternative other high quality power amplifiers may be used,
provided their output power does not exceed 500 Watts into
8 ohms and an additional subsonic filter is used (25 Hz with 12 dB/
octave minimum), otherwise there is a risk of damaging the
loudspeaker components.
Connections
The MAX cabinet is fitted with two EP5 connectors. All pins of both
connectors are wired in parallel.
Using one connector as the input, the second connector allows for
direct connection to additional cabinets.
The MAX cabinet can be supplied with NL4 output connectors as an
option.
Pin equivalents of EP5 and NL4 connectors are listed in the table
below.
LF+ LF– HF+ HF– n.c.
EP5 12345
NL4 1+ 1– 2+ 2– n.c.
EP5 and NL4 pin assignments

MAX Manual (5.0EN) Page 5 of 12
4-wire operation (standard wiring EP5 and NL4)
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
passive
crossover
passive
crossover
Connector wiring
(4-wire operation with EP5 connetors)
To allow the choice of active or passive operation the MAX cabinet
is driven by a 4-wire cable. The HF and LF drivers are each fed by
their own pair of pins and separate passive crossovers. Pin
assignments 1/2 of the EP5 connectors (NL4: 1+/1–) connect the LF
driver, pins 3/4 (2+/2–) connect the HF driver, as shown in the
diagram opposite.
2-wire operation (NL4 only)
white/blue
white
white/red
white
1+
1–
2–
2+
MAX 2-wire operation NL4
1+
1–
2–
2+
white
white/blue
white/red
white
MAX 4-wire operation NL4
For applications requiring dedicated passive use, the MAX cabinet’s
internal wiring can be configured for connection to pins 1+/1– of
the NL4 connectors allowing use of a 2-wire cable.
The passive 2-wire configuration can also be used when the MAX
cabinet is combined with a d&b active subwoofer and driven
through a single 4-wire cable.
To configure the cabinet for 2-wire use the connector panel has to
be removed by undoing the four Allen screws with a 2.5 mm Allen
key. The wiring on the back of the connector panel can be changed
as shown in the illustrations opposite.
In the 2-wire/passive configuration both the LF and HF drivers are
connected to pins 1+/1– of the NL4 connector.
Note that only the HF driver wiring (white and white/red) differs
from that used in the 4-wire version.
In the 2-wire configuration MAX can also be used with amplifiers
from other manufacturers. The output connector of the amplifier or
signal distribution box should feed the positive signal to pin 1+ and
the negative signal to pin 1– of the cabinet’s NL4 connectors.

MAX Manual (5.0EN) Page 6 of 12
Operation with D12
The D12 with the MAX set up selected, allows the MAX cabinet to
be driven either in a 2-Way Active mode or in a Passive mode.
MAX cabinets can also be operated with the Linear set up of D12
and E-PAC amplifiers.
However, the MAX set up provides low-end equalisation and limiter
settings specially tuned for the MAX cabinets used as stage
monitors thus providing improved performance and headroom.
Active operation ("2-Way Active")
INPUT A OUT A
2-Way
SenseDrive
OUT B
2-Way
AMP B
AMP A
D12 Input/Output routing
2-Way Active mode
Selecting "2-Way Active" mode with the MAX set up enables up to
two MAX cabinets to be actively driven by the D12 amplifier. In
applications with low continuous levels and low ambient
temperatures up to three cabinets may be connected.
In "2-Way Active" mode the D12 routes seperate LF and HF signals
to the amplifier channels. Pins 1/2 of both EP5 output connectors
(NL4: 1+/1–) carry the LF signal, pins 3/4 (2+/2–) carry the HF
signal. The output connector pin assignment is changed automatically
when "2-Way Active" mode is selected. The input signal is fed to
INPUT A, while the input signal is routed (linked) to INPUT B internally.
IMPORTANT! When MAX cabinets are used as downfills or frontfills for C4
systems passive operation is recommended. In Active mode the
phase response of MAX is not compatible with C4 systems.
Passive operation
OUT A
SenseDrive
when SUB
selected
OUT B
SenseDrive
when SUB
selected
AMP B
AMP A
INPUT A
INPUT B
D12 Input/Output routing
Dual channel mode
OUT A
TOP / SUB
OUT B
TOP / SUB
SenseDrive
AMP B
AMP A
INPUT A
INPUT B
TOP
SUB
D12 Input/Output routing
Mix TOP/SUB mode
Selecting the MAX set up of the D12 in either "Dual channel" or
"Mix TOP/SUB" mode, enables up to two MAX cabinets to be
driven by the respective channel. In applications with low
continuous levels and low ambient temperatures up to three
cabinets per channel may be connected.
Passive operation ("Dual channel" mode)
In "Dual channel" mode, the MAX cabinet can be used in either
4-wire or 2-wire operation. The respective channel has to be set to
MAX. Each amplifier is driving all output pins on the channels
output connector. Pins 1/3 of the EP5 output connector (NL4:
1+/2+) carry the positive and pin 2/4 (1–/2–) carry the negative
components of the signal.
Passive operation ("Mix TOP/SUB" mode - NL4 only)
In "Mix TOP/SUB" mode, the MAX cabinet has to be configured for
2-wire operation.
Selecting the MAX set up mode for channel A and an applicable
subwoofer for channel B allows a single D12 to drive two MAX and
two active subwoofer cabinets.
When the D12 is operated in "Mix TOP/SUB" mode the MAX
cabinet and a respective active subwoofer can be linked together
locally and fed by a single 4-wire cable from either amplifier
output connector.
IMPORTANT! To apply SenseDrive for the subwoofer EP5 connectors and 5-wire
cables have to be used. When operated in "Mix TOP/SUB" mode
the subwoofer has to be fed from the output B connector of the
D12 amplifier.

MAX Manual (5.0EN) Page 7 of 12
Controller settings
For acoustic adjustment the settings CUT, HFA and CPL can be
selected.
CUT
Set to CUT, a high pass filter with a 130 Hz cut off frequency is
inserted in the controller signal path. The MAX is now configured
for use with d&b active subwoofers.
HFA circuit
-5
0
5
10
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
20 100 1k 10k 20
k
Frequency response of HFA circuit
In HFA mode (High Frequency Attenuation), the HF response of the
MAX is rolled off. The HFA provides a natural, balanced frequency
response when a unit is placed close to listeners in near field or
delay use.
High Frequency Attenuation begins gradually at 1 kHz, dropping
by approximately 3 dB at 10 kHz. This roll off mimics the decline in
frequency response experienced when listening to a system from a
distance in a typically reverberant room or auditorium.
CPL circuit
Frequency response of CPL circuit
The CPL (Coupling) circuit compensates for coupling effects between
the cabinets when building closely coupled arrays. CPL begins
gradually at 1 kHz, with maximum attenuation below
400 Hz, providing a balanced frequency response when the MAX
cabinet is used in arrays of two or more. The function of the CPL
circuit in the D12 amplifier is shown in the diagram opposite and
can be set in dB attenuation values between –9 and 0, or a positive
CPL value which creates an adjustable low frequency boost around
65 Hz (0 to +5 dB).
Operation with E-PAC
REMOTE
LO IMP
DELAY ON
CU
T
HF
A
SPK
R
21 3456 87
LO IMP
1
REMOTE
21 3456
234
ONON
E-PAC version 1 E-PAC version 2
E-PAC Configuration for “Linear” mode
To drive MAX cabinets the Linear or MAX set up needs to be
selected.
E-PACs version 1 or 2 only provide the Linear set up. The
configuration is set by the appropriate DIP switches on the rear
panel.
In Linear mode all four pins on the NL4 connector are driven by the
E-PAC power amplifier, pins 1+ and 2+ carry positive signal, 1–
and 2– carry negative signal. The MAX cabinet can be used in
either 4-wire or 2-wire configuration.
For an E-PAC version 3, the configuration is set via the encoder in
conjunction with an LCD. Selecting the MAX set up enables a single
MAX cabinet to be driven at an output power of 300 Watts. LO
IMP mode allows the E-PAC to drive two MAX cabinets with a 6 dB
reduction of input level to the loudspeakers.
The CUT and HFA settings are available on versions 2 and 3. The
characteristics of the CUT and HFA settings are explained under the
previous section "Operation with D12 - Controller settings".

MAX Manual (5.0EN) Page 8 of 12
Operation with P1200A and ampMAX module
The combination of P1200A and ampMAX allows the MAX cabinet
to be driven either in a "2-Way Active" mode or in a Passive
mode.
ampMAX controller module
2 WAY
ACTIVE
MUTE
ampMAX
-12
-6 +6
0
-12
-6 +6
0
CUT
CH A / LOW
CH A
ACTIVE
LFC
CH B / HIGH
CH B
HF-LEVEL
IS/GR
MUTE
CUT
LFC
IS/GR
Controls on ampMAX module
2-WAY ACTIVE switch
The "2-Way Active" operation is described under the previous
section "Operation with D12 - "2-Way Active" operation.
If "2-Way Active" is selected the left volume control (CH A / ACTIVE)
controls both channels and sets the overall level, the right volume
control (CH B / HF-LEVEL) sets the relative HF level.
CUT switch
The CUT setting is available. The characteristics of the CUT setting is
explained under the previous section "Operation with D12 -
Controller settings".
LFC switch
When the MAX cabinet is used without an active subwoofer
selecting LFC (Low Frequency Compensation) extends the low
frequency response of the MAX cabinet down to 75 Hz. In active
mode only the channel A LFC switch is functional.
INPUT A
1+
1–
2+
2–
AMP A
OUT A
INPUT B
1+
1–
2+
2–
AMP B
OUT B
Active
Crossover
Hi
Lo
P1200A with ampMAX,
”2-Way Active” mode
INPUT A
1+
1–
2+
2–
AMP A
OUT A
INPUT B
1+
1–
2+
2–
AMP B
OUT B
P1200A with ampMAX,
”Passive” mode
A
ctive operation ("2-Way Active")
The ampMAX module contains a switchable electronic crossover
which routes seperate LF and HF signals to the P1200A amplifier
channels. A P1200A mainframe can drive two MAX cabinets in active
mode.
Passive operation
In standard passive mode, ampMAX provides two linear amplifier
channels. All pins of the respective output connector are driven by
its associated amplifier channel.
Up to two MAX cabinets per channel can be driven in passive
mode.
Operation with P1200A and AMP-L module (NL4 only)
AMP-L
CUT
GRISP
MUTE
OVL
-12 dB
-6 +6
0
Controls on AMP-L module
The AMP-L module provides a single linear amplifier channel, which
drives the pins 1+/1– of the respective NL4 output connector. For
operation with the AMP-L module the MAX cabinets has to be
configured for 2-wire operation (see previous section "2-wire
operation").
A P1200A mainframe fitted with two AMP-L modules can drive two
MAX cabinets per channel in passive mode. Fitting one AMP-L and
one subwoofer controller module allows a single mainframe to
drive two MAX and two active subwoofer cabinets. All cabinets can
be linked together locally and fed by a single 4-wire cable from
either mainframe output connector.
CUT switch
The CUT setting is available. The characteristics of the CUT setting is
explained under the previous section "Operation with D12 -
Controller settings".

MAX Manual (5.0EN) Page 9 of 12
Dispersion characteristics
Due to the conical coverage pattern of the coaxial driver design,
the horizontal and vertical dispersion characteristics of MAX are
largely identical (slight differences which do occur are attributable
to the cabinet shape). The diagram below shows dispersion angle
versus frequency plotted using lines of equal sound pressure
(isobars) at –6 dB and –12 dB. The nominal 60°dispersion angle is
maintained from 4 to 10 kHz.
MAX isobar diagram
Frequency response
The diagrams below shows the different response curves for MAX
driven with the D12 amplifier. The response in standard mode with
the Linear set up selected, is equivalent to the operation with a
linear power amplifier (SPL at a distance of 1 m (3.3 ft), output
voltage 2.83 V).
MAX frequency response (MAX set up,
floor coupling) standard and CUT
95
100
105
110
90
85
80
75
70
20 100 1k 10k 20
k
MAX frequency response (linear set up, free field)
CPL +5, standard and CUT

MAX Manual (5.0EN) Page 10 of 12
Technical specifications
MAX system data, passive setup
Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with D12.................................................135 dB
Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with E-PAC............................................. 131 dB
Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with P1200A .......................................... 133 dB
(SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4)
Input level (100 dB SPL / 1 m)..............................................................................–17 dBu
Polarity to controller INPUT (XLR pin 2: + / 3: –)...................................LF: + / HF: –
MAX system data, active setup
Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with D12.................................................136 dB
Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with P1200A (ampMAX)......................135 dB
(SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4)
Input level (100 dB SPL / 1 m)..............................................................................–17 dBu
Polarity to controller INPUT (XLR pin 2: + / 3: –).................................. LF: + / HF: +
MAX loudspeaker
Frequency response (–5 dB, MAX set up) ............................................ 55 Hz - 18 kHz
Frequency response (–5 dB, Linear set up, free field)........................ 85 Hz - 18 kHz
Sensivity (2.83 V / 1 m) ........................................................................................... 100 dB
Nominal impedance.................................................................................................8 ohms
Power handling capacity (RMS / peak 10 ms) ..................................... 250 / 1200 W
Nominal dispersion angle ...............................................................................60°conical
Connections ...............................................................................................................2 x EP5
Pin assignments EP5......................................................................................LF+: 1/LF–: 2
........................................................................................................................HF+: 3/HF–: 4
optional ....................................................................................................................2 x NL4
Pin assignments NL4............................................................................... LF+: 1+/LF–: 1–
.................................................................................................................. HF+: 2+/HF–: 2–
Weight.............................................................................................................. 26 kg (57 lb)
LF
black
red
HF
red black
input connectors
2+
2–
1+
1–
white/red
white/blue
white/green
white
white
white
white
white/green
MAX wiring diagram
(4-wire standard set up NL4)
MAX cabinet dimensions in mm [inch]

MAX Manual (5.0EN) Page 11 of 12
EU declaration of conformity (CE symbol)
EU conformity of loudspeakers
This declaration applies to loudspeakers manufactured by d&b
audiotechnik AG and includes the types listed in the table below:
−MAX Z1100
All production versions of these types are included, provided they
correspond to the original technical version and have not been
subject to any later design or electromechanical modifications.
W
e herewith declare that said products are in
conformity with the provisions of the following EC
directives including all applicable amendments:
−89/336 Electromagnetic Compatibility
The following standards have been applied:
−DIN EN 55013:08-1991
−DIN EN 55020:05-1995
−DIN EN 50082-1:03-1993

MAX Manual (5.0EN) Page 12 of 12
d&b audiotechnik AG, Eugen-Adolff-Str. 134, D-71522 Backnang, Germany, Phone [phone], Fax [phone]