Drawmer CMC7 User manual

CONTENTS
Warranty
Safety Consideration
Radio Frequencies Statement
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Introduction
Installation
Power Connection
Security
Audio Connection
Typical Connection Guide
Chapter2-ControlDescriptionContro
Description
Mix Checking Tips
Chapter 3 - General Information
If a fault develops
Contacting Drawmer
Specification
Block Diagram
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CMC7
DRAWMER
SURROUND MONITOR CONTROLLER

DRAWMER
COPYRIGHT
This manual is copyrighted © 2018 by Drawmer Electronics Ltd. With all rights reserved. Under copyright
laws, no part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or translated
into any language in any form by any means, mechanical, optical, electronic, recording, or otherwise,
without the written permission of Drawmer Electronics Ltd.
Drawmer Electronics Ltd., warrants the DrawmerCMC7 Surround
Monitor Controller to conform substantiallyto the specifications of
this manualfor a period of one year from the original dateof purchase
when used in accordance with the specifications detailed in this
manual. In the case of a valid warranty claim, your sole and exclusive
remedy and Drawmer’s entire liabilityunder anytheoryof liabilitywill
be to, at Drawmer’s discretion, repair or replace the product without
charge, or, if not possible, to refund the purchase price to you. This
warranty is not transferable. It applies only to the original purchaser
of the product.
For warranty service please call your local Drawmer dealer.
Alternatively call Drawmer Electronics Ltd. at [phone].
Then ship the defective product, with transportation and insurance
charges pre-paid, to Drawmer Electronics Ltd., Coleman Street,
Parkgate, Rotherham, S62 6EL UK. Write the RA number in large
letters in a prominent position on the shipping box. Enclose your
name, address, telephone number, copy of the original sales invoice
and a detailed description of the problem. Drawmer will not accept
responsibility for loss or damage during transit.
This warranty is void if the product has been damaged by misuse,
modification, unauthorised repair orinstalled with otherequipment
that proved to be faulty.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL W ARRANTIES, WHETHER
ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY.
DRAW MER MAKES NO OTHER W ARRANTY EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
PURCHASER’S SOLE ANDEXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS
WARRANTY SHALL BE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS
SPECIFIED HEREIN.
IN NOEVENT WILLDRAWMER ELECTRONICS LTD. BE LIABLE
FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY
DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY,AND, TO THE EXTENTPERMITTED
BY LAW , DAMAGE FOR PERSONAL INJURY, EVEN IF
DRAWMER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states and specific countries do not allow the exclusion of
implied warranties orlimitationson how longan implied warrantymay
last, so the abovelimitations may not apply to you. This warrantygives
you specific legal rights. You may have additional rights that vary from
state to state, and country to country.
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO
FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to complywith the limits
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to providereasonable protectionagainst
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio frequencyenergy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radiocommunications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off an
on, then the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more ofthe following measures:
Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer oran experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Unauthorised changes or modification to this system can void the
users’ authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet
FCC class B limit.
For Canada
CLASS B NOTICE
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio
noise emissions set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.
CLASSE B AVIS
Cet appareil numérique ne dépasse pas les limites de la classe B au
niveau des émissions de bruits radioélectriques fixés dans le
Règlement des signaux parasites par le ministère Canadien des
Communications.
In the interests of product development, Drawmer reserve the right to modify
or improve specifications of this product at any time, without prior notice.
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
CAUTION - SERVICING
DO NOT OPEN. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE/ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO MOISTURE.
WARNING
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE OR TAMPER W ITH THE SUPPLIED MAINS CABLES.
WARNING
THERE ARE NO USER REPLACEABLE FUSES WITHIN EITHER THE CMC7 OR IT’S SUPPLIED
POWER SUPPLY. IF FOR ANY REASON THE CMC7 CEASES TO WORK DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
MEND IT - CONTACT DRAWMER TO ARRANGE FOR A REPAIR/REPLACEMENT.
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
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CMC7 - Surround Monitor Controller
CHAPTER 1
3
The CMC7 has been designed to simplify the control over you surround speaker
setup whilst being pocket friendly, making surround recording feasible to the serious
home producer and small studio. The CMC7 is a compact 8 channel / 7.1 / 5.1
surround volume controller and cost-effective alternative to the more complex and
feature rich MC7.1. In order to maintain it's compact proportions and to keep the
product budget friendly the CMC7 does away with controls that can often be found
within your workstation software and concentrates on essential features such as
ease of use and the quality of the signal path, ensuring that the audio is transparent
and accurate across all channels and operation intuitive.
Whether it is producing audio for film or television, or transporting the listener
directly into the venue of an all-encompassing orchestral piece, one thing is sure,
the number of users that wish to listen to audio within a surround setting has been
growing and will continue to do so. There has been an ever-increasing number of
surround products coming to market, not only blue ray players and home cinema
but also on mobile and media devices. For example, Apple devices have been
capable of reproducing 7.1 surround since iOS 9.3. Therefore, it is likely that at
some point every artist and engineer will consider trying surround sound, or fear
being left behind. The budget friendly CMC7 allows you to do this without the large
financial outlay that other setups will produce.
CMC7
Surround Monitor Controller

DRAWMER
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Accurate & Transparent
Coming from the same stable as the MC2.1, MC3.1 and MC7.1 you can be sure of
the same high quality for the Drawmer CMC7 Surround Monitor Controller. The
circuit is just as transparent and accurate. It's controls have the same quality feel
and operation and the huge volume knob provides excellent channel matching,
and smooth feel. You hear exactly what you've recorded!
Surround Sound
The 8 inputs and outputs are provided via two balanced 25 pin d-sub connectors
wired to the Tascam standard making connecting easy. It allows for 8 independent
channels, 5.1, 7.1, quadraphonic, DTS®, Dolby Digital EX,THX Surround EX™,
DTS-HD™, Dolby Atmos®, etc, the setup is up to the user.
With the Stereo Mix switch active the surround mix can be bounced down to a 2.1
signal in the front left and right monitors and sub-woofer, to test the quality of the
recording when in stereo. In addition, it has a professional quality stereo headphone
output with a separate amplifier and level control, that provides private mix checking,
a DIM switch reduces output by 20dB and a MUTE switch is also available to cut the
output completely.
Precision
The circuit design of the CMC7 ensures that the channel matching of all 8 channels
is consistent throughout the full range of the volume control. Other manufacturers of
surround controllers use multi-ganged potentiometers to achieve the levels of the
8 channels, this is especially true of passive surround controllers, this simplifies
the circuit but leads to discrepancies in the level of each channel, especially at the
lower and upper volumes, where accurate channel matching can vary wildly.
Compact
The CMC7 packs a lot of features into a small package. With a footprint of just
18x16cm and a very low profile the CMC7 won't hog your desk space like some
other controllers do. And if your on the move it's small enough to pop into a bag to
take anywhere.
Tough & Secure
Whilst being smart and stylish the rugged, all steel enclosure will withstand the
knocks and bumps of the studio, and, coupled with the high quality components
used, the CMC7 is built to last. In addition, a Kensington security slot provides
protection from thieves.

CMC7 - Surround Monitor Controller 5
Can you trust the audio that your current monitor controller is providing? Is it colouring
the sound? For all Drawmer monitor controllers it is imperative that what you
record is exactly what you hear. There is one thing that should always be absolutely
guaranteed - that you can rely on the accuracy of your monitor controller.
Main Features:
Ultra low noise and transparent circuit design.
All 8 inputs and outputs are via 2 Tascam standard 25 Pin D-Sub connectors
making connection to interfaces and speakers simple and intuitive.
Mix down switch enables you to check the Surround as a Stereo mix with
an independent Sub switch controlling the LFE/Sub.
Timed relay protection on all speaker outputs to prevent power up/down
bangs.
A large volume knob incorporating excellent channel matching and smooth
feel.
An independent Headphone Amplifier with Individual Level Control with
jack on the rear.
Kensington security slot (also called a K-Slot or Kensington lock).
Very low profile desktop enclosure with a footprint of just 18x16cm.
Stylish and Rugged Enclosure will withstand the knocks of the studio.
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DRAWMER
INSTALLATION
The CMC7 is a free standing, desktop unit. We have endeavoured to make the
CMC7 as small as possible without compromising on controls, connections and
above all sound quality. The unit has a footprint of just 18.7cm x 16.4cm with
controls on the top, with headphone, input and output connections on the rear.
POWER CONNECTION
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The CMC7 unit will be supplied with an external switching mode power supply that
is capable of 100-240Vac continuous (90-264Vac max) and so should work globally.
We strongly advise that the power supply that has been supplied with the CMC7 is
used, rather than one with the equivalent ratings. In addition, should the power
supply fail for any reason we strongly advise that you contact Drawmer for a
replacement rather than repairing the unit yourselves. Failure to do either of these
could permanently damage the CMC7 and will also invalidate the warranty.
The power supply can be fitted with 4 interchangeable AC pins for the UK, European,
USA and Australian, though will be supplied with a type that is suitable for domestic
power supply outlets in your country, the others are available upon request. For your
own safety, it is important that you use the correct adapter. The power supply must
not be tampered with or modified.
Before connecting the CMC7 to the power supply ensure that all knobs are
turned off (i.e. fully anticlockwise). A switch next to the d.c. power inlet on the rear
of the unit switches the power on/off.
To help protect the CMC7 from theft the side has a Kensington Security Slot (also
called a K-Slot) which enables the fitting of hardware locking accessories that can
attach your CMC7 to an immovable object, making the CMC7 more of a challenge for
the potential thieves to steal.
SECURITY
POWER SWITCH
POWER SUPPLY INLET

CMC7 - Surround Monitor Controller 7
•Interference: If the unit is to be used where it maybe exposed to high levels of
disturbance such as found close to a TV or radio transmitter, we advise that the unit
is operated in a balanced configuration. The screens of the signal cables should
be connected to the chassis connection on the XLR connector as opposed to
connecting to pin1. The CMC7 conforms to the EMC standards.
•Ground Loops: If ground loop problems are encountered, never disconnect the
mains earth, but instead, try disconnecting the signal screen on one end of each of
the cables connecting the outputs of the CMC7 to the patchbay. If such measures
are necessary, balanced operation is recommended.
AUDIO CONNECTIONS
TYPICAL CONNECTION GUIDE

DRAWMER
CONTROL DESCRIPTION
The CMC7 allows the volume adjustment of 8 channels, either surround or
otherwise, and with relatively few controls, enables you to perform the majority of
mix checking tasks in you DAW or mixer, whilst remaining as transparent and
precise as any other Drawmer monitor controllers.
CHAPTER 2
1MASTER VOLUME
The Monitor Volume control adjusts the signal level of all 8 channels for all speaker
outputs (6). The Volume knob affects the volume of the monitors when in surround
mode and also when the Stereo Mix (3) has been activated, and also has a bearing
on the headphones (1). The volume knob is large and accurate and provides
excellent channel matching and a smooth feel, with a range from Off (-infinity) to
+6dB of gain.
Because the circuitry is active it allows for the signal level to be increased, unlike
attenuating only devices, making subtle problems within a mix (such as noise at
low levels, or unwanted harmonics, for example) more obvious and easier to iron
out, especially during musical passages that would normally be quiet.
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CMC7 - Surround Monitor Controller
WARNING:
It is recommended that you turn the volume control down to a lower level before
turning the CMC7 off - this is to ensure that a sudden volume increase when
turning on does not damage your speakers or your hearing.
In addition, do not use excessive force at either end of the volume knob - it’s
size would mean that damaging the potentiometer is possible.
OUTPUT
Mute: Cuts the volume of all channels (especially useful in an emergency). Note
that Mute affects the headphones in the same way as it does the speakers.
Dim: With the switch active the output level is attenuated by 20dB’s. It enables you
to lower the volume without adjusting any of the settings.
STEREO MIX
Active: When active mixes down all eight channels to their relevant position within
the stereo mix and outputs the signal via the Left and Right speakers and also the
Sub signal to the LFE of the surround setup.
SUB: Toggles the Sub (LFE) on and off to hear the stereo mix through the L and R
speakers only. Note that this switch only functions when the stereo mix is active.
HEADPHONE LEVEL
The CMC7 has a dedicated headphone output, via 1/4” TRS jack on the rear face
(7), with individual headphone amplifier and level trim (4) on the top face. The
headphone operates in stereo, with all eight channels mixed down to their relevant
position within the stereo mix.
Note that the headphone level control is a trim that works simultaneously with the
Master Volume (1) to adjust the volume of the headphones so that this output can
suit all types of headphones, from professional studio grade to consumer. It
responds to Dim and Mute (2) in just the same way as the speaker outputs do.
The headphone output trim has no bearing on the volume of the main speaker
outputs (6), however, as the headphone amplifier is of such a high quality the
headphone output could be used as a source for a second set of stereo monitors,
should they be required, the trim control being used for speaker level matching.
Warning:
It is advisable to unplug the headphones before switching the CMC7 on or off.
It is also recommended that you turn the headphone level down before inserting
the jack, and turn it up to your desired listening level - these measures will not
only prevent your ears from being damaged but also the headphone’s drivers.
Also, note that these are high quality circuits and have been designed for
professional headphones, so care must be taken to lower the volume using
the headphone level control when using lower standard, consumer quality
headphones as damage could occur.
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DRAWMER
10
SURROUND INPUTS
The eight balanced inputs to the CMC7 are via a 25 pin D-Sub connector wired to
the Tascam standard (Refer to ‘Audio Connections’ for wiring information). The
CMC7 does not have input level trims, and their is only one volume control that
effects all eight channels in exactly the same way regardless of the source origin,
be it surround 7.1, 5.1 or 8 independent sources, meaning any individual channel
volume level to balance the mix should be performed prior to reaching the CMC7.
7.1 SPEAKER OUTPUTS
The CMC7 has eight balanced outputs. Connection is via a 25 pin D-Sub connector
wired to the Tascam standard (Refer to ‘Audio Connections’ for wiring information)
and a 25 pin d-sub to 8x XLR snake should be used to connect each individual
speaker. It has no speaker output trims so monitor calibration should take place
after the CMC7 via active speaker adjustments.
PHONES
The headphone output is a 1/4” TRS jack that is capable of driving a wide number
of headphones from budget to professional - The Headphone Volume Level knob
for the headphone amplifier is found on the top panel above the main volume
control (4), and is used to trim the volume of the headphones.
Because the headphone amplifier is of such a high quality the headphone output
could also be used as a source for a second set of stereo monitors, should they be
required, the trim control being used for speaker level matching.
POWER
The CMC7 will be supplied with an external switching mode power supply that is
capable of 100-240Vac continuous (90-264Vac max) and should work globally, but
is supplied with a cable suitable for domestic power outlets in your country. We
strongly advise that the power supply that has been supplied with the CMC7 is
used, rather than one with the equivalent ratings. The push button switch activates
the CMC7. Note that a timed relay protection circuit has been incorporated into
circuit to prevent bangs and other potentially harmful artifacts from occurring during
power up and power down.
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