Martin Audio MLA User manual

User Guide
Multi-cellular Loudspeaker Array
MLA

MLA System USER GUIDE
MLA System User Guide V2.1 2
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Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................... 15
About This Manual ............................................................................................................................................................... 15
Important Safety Instructions............................................................................................................................................... 16
MLA/MLD MLA Compact .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Merlin ............................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Electrical Compliance............................................................................................................................................................ 17
Unpacking the Units ............................................................................................................................................................. 17
MLA ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Mechanical Design............................................................................................................................................................ 19
Rigging.............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Acoustic Design................................................................................................................................................................. 22
Low Frequency.............................................................................................................................................................. 22
Mid-Range .................................................................................................................................................................... 23
High Frequency ............................................................................................................................................................. 25
FIR Crossovers............................................................................................................................................................... 27
Amplifier Module .......................................................................................................................................................... 28
Connections .................................................................................................................................................................. 29
Mains............................................................................................................................................................................ 30
Audio & network........................................................................................................................................................... 31
Block Diagram .............................................................................................................................................................. 32
Essential Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................... 33
Tools Required .............................................................................................................................................................. 33
Replacing the amplifier module.................................................................................................................................... 33
Replacing a low frequency driver.................................................................................................................................. 33
Replacing a mid driver .................................................................................................................................................. 33
Replacing a compression Driver.................................................................................................................................... 34
Replacing a Diaphragm ................................................................................................................................................ 34
Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Acoustical ..................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Drivers........................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Rated Power (2) ............................................................................................................................................................ 34
Dispersion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 34
Crossover Frequencies .................................................................................................................................................. 34
Audio input ................................................................................................................................................................... 34

MLA System USER GUIDE
MLA System User Guide V2.1 3
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Network ........................................................................................................................................................................ 34
Amplifier Module .......................................................................................................................................................... 34
Power Supply ................................................................................................................................................................ 35
General ......................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Accessories.................................................................................................................................................................... 35
Notes............................................................................................................................................................................. 35
MLD ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Mechanical Design........................................................................................................................................................ 36
Rigging.......................................................................................................................................................................... 36
Acoustic Design................................................................................................................................................................. 37
Low Frequency.............................................................................................................................................................. 37
Mid-Range .................................................................................................................................................................... 37
High Frequency ............................................................................................................................................................. 37
Connections ...................................................................................................................................................................... 38
Mains............................................................................................................................................................................ 38
Audio & network........................................................................................................................................................... 39
Essential Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................... 40
Tools Required .............................................................................................................................................................. 40
Replacing the amplifier module.................................................................................................................................... 40
Replacing a mid driver .................................................................................................................................................. 40
Replacing a compression Driver.................................................................................................................................... 40
Replacing a Diaphragm ................................................................................................................................................ 40
Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Acoustical ..................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Drivers........................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Rated Power (2) ............................................................................................................................................................ 41
Dispersion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Crossover Frequencies .................................................................................................................................................. 41
Audio input ................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Network ........................................................................................................................................................................ 41
Amplifier Module .......................................................................................................................................................... 41
Power Supply ................................................................................................................................................................ 41
General ......................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Accessories.................................................................................................................................................................... 42
Notes............................................................................................................................................................................. 42

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MLA System User Guide V2.1 4
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MLX....................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Mechanical Design............................................................................................................................................................ 43
Rigging.............................................................................................................................................................................. 44
Amplifier Module .............................................................................................................................................................. 47
Connections ...................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Mains............................................................................................................................................................................ 48
Audio & network........................................................................................................................................................... 49
iPal Firmware upgrade ..................................................................................................................................................... 51
IPAL vs MLX firmware ................................................................................................................................................... 51
Parts Required .............................................................................................................................................................. 51
Essential Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................... 58
Tools Required .............................................................................................................................................................. 58
Replacing the amplifier module.................................................................................................................................... 58
Replacing a driver ......................................................................................................................................................... 58
Specification ..................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Acoustical ..................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Drivers........................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Rated Power (2) ............................................................................................................................................................ 59
Dispersion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Audio input ................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Network ........................................................................................................................................................................ 59
Amplifier Module .......................................................................................................................................................... 59
Power Supply ................................................................................................................................................................ 59
General ......................................................................................................................................................................... 59
Accessories.................................................................................................................................................................... 60
Notes............................................................................................................................................................................. 60
MLA Compact ....................................................................................................................................................................... 61
Mechanical Design............................................................................................................................................................ 62
Rigging.............................................................................................................................................................................. 62
Acoustic Design................................................................................................................................................................. 64
Low Frequency.............................................................................................................................................................. 64
Mid-Range .................................................................................................................................................................... 66
High Frequency ............................................................................................................................................................. 67
FIR Crossovers............................................................................................................................................................... 68
Amplifier module .............................................................................................................................................................. 69

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MLA System User Guide V2.1 5
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Connections ...................................................................................................................................................................... 70
Mains............................................................................................................................................................................ 71
Audio & network........................................................................................................................................................... 71
Block Diagram .................................................................................................................................................................. 72
Essential Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................... 73
Replacing the amplifier module.................................................................................................................................... 73
Tools Required .............................................................................................................................................................. 74
Replacing a low frequency driver.................................................................................................................................. 74
Replacing a mid driver .................................................................................................................................................. 74
Replacing a compression Driver.................................................................................................................................... 74
Replacing a Diaphragm ................................................................................................................................................ 74
Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Acoustical ..................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Drivers........................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Rated Power (2) ............................................................................................................................................................ 75
Dispersion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Crossover Frequencies .................................................................................................................................................. 75
Audio input ................................................................................................................................................................... 75
Network ........................................................................................................................................................................ 75
Amplifier Module .......................................................................................................................................................... 75
Power Supply ................................................................................................................................................................ 75
General ......................................................................................................................................................................... 76
Accessories.................................................................................................................................................................... 76
Notes............................................................................................................................................................................. 76
DSX / DSX-F........................................................................................................................................................................... 77
Mechanical Design............................................................................................................................................................ 77
Flying Upgrade ................................................................................................................................................................. 78
Rigging.............................................................................................................................................................................. 78
Acoustic Design................................................................................................................................................................. 80
Amplifier module .............................................................................................................................................................. 80
Connections ...................................................................................................................................................................... 80
Mains............................................................................................................................................................................ 81
Audio & network........................................................................................................................................................... 82
Essential Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................... 83
Tools Required .............................................................................................................................................................. 83

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MLA System User Guide V2.1 6
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Replacing the amplifier module.................................................................................................................................... 83
Replacing a driver ......................................................................................................................................................... 83
Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Acoustical ..................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Drivers........................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Rated Power (2) ............................................................................................................................................................ 84
Dispersion ..................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Audio input ................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Internal Processing ....................................................................................................................................................... 84
Network ........................................................................................................................................................................ 84
Amplifier Module .......................................................................................................................................................... 84
Power Supply ................................................................................................................................................................ 84
General ......................................................................................................................................................................... 84
Accessories.................................................................................................................................................................... 85
Notes............................................................................................................................................................................. 85
Merlin ................................................................................................................................................................................... 86
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................... 86
Features............................................................................................................................................................................ 86
Front Panel Functions ....................................................................................................................................................... 86
Rear Panel Functions ........................................................................................................................................................ 88
Connections ...................................................................................................................................................................... 88
Mains............................................................................................................................................................................ 88
Ethernet ........................................................................................................................................................................ 88
U-Net ............................................................................................................................................................................ 88
Audio Inputs.................................................................................................................................................................. 89
Audio Outputs............................................................................................................................................................... 89
USB ............................................................................................................................................................................... 89
Processing Functions ........................................................................................................................................................ 89
Menu Tree ........................................................................................................................................................................ 91
Main.............................................................................................................................................................................. 91
Inputs............................................................................................................................................................................ 91
Outputs......................................................................................................................................................................... 91
System Setup .................................................................................................................................................................... 92
Network Settings .......................................................................................................................................................... 92
Specifications .................................................................................................................................................................... 94

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MLA System User Guide V2.1 7
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U-Hub.................................................................................................................................................................................... 95
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................... 95
Key Features ..................................................................................................................................................................... 95
U-Net Connections............................................................................................................................................................ 95
Block Diagram .................................................................................................................................................................. 96
System Example................................................................................................................................................................ 96
Audio Connections ................................................................................................................................................................ 98
Input Connections............................................................................................................................................................. 98
Using unbalanced connections ......................................................................................................................................... 98
U-Hub Network Connections ............................................................................................................................................ 99
Panel Layouts...................................................................................................................................................................... 100
Rear Panel........................................................................................................................................................................... 101
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 102
Connect Power to the U-Hub .......................................................................................................................................... 102
Connect all input and Network cables. ........................................................................................................................... 102
IP Selection ..................................................................................................................................................................... 102
IP Reset ........................................................................................................................................................................... 102
Accessories ......................................................................................................................................................................... 103
Cables ............................................................................................................................................................................. 103
Adaptors ......................................................................................................................................................................... 104
Audio/U-Net Splitter ....................................................................................................................................................... 104
Tablet PC............................................................................................................................................................................. 105
Software ......................................................................................................................................................................... 105
Display 2.1 .................................................................................................................................................................. 105
Vu-Net......................................................................................................................................................................... 105
Xirrus WiFi Monitor..................................................................................................................................................... 106
Files & Utilities ................................................................................................................................................................ 106
Power Settings .bat file............................................................................................................................................... 106
Matlab Components ................................................................................................................................................... 106
Java Runtime .............................................................................................................................................................. 106
Martin Audio Software Backup................................................................................................................................... 106
Network Information .................................................................................................................................................. 106
Picostation Configuration ........................................................................................................................................... 106
Standard Configuration .............................................................................................................................................. 106
Manually Configuring the Wireless Access Point (WAP)............................................................................................. 108

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Specification ................................................................................................................................................................... 108
Processor .................................................................................................................................................................... 108
Operating System ....................................................................................................................................................... 108
Hard Drive................................................................................................................................................................... 109
RAM ............................................................................................................................................................................ 109
Display ........................................................................................................................................................................ 109
I/O (Input/Output) Ports............................................................................................................................................. 109
Wi-Fi............................................................................................................................................................................ 109
Dimensions ................................................................................................................................................................. 109
MLA Master Rack ............................................................................................................................................................... 110
Mk1 Master .................................................................................................................................................................... 110
Mk 2 Master ................................................................................................................................................................... 111
MLA Slave Rack................................................................................................................................................................... 114
Mk1 Slave Rack............................................................................................................................................................... 114
Mk2 Slave Rack............................................................................................................................................................... 114
MLA FoH Rack..................................................................................................................................................................... 116
MLA Flying Grid .................................................................................................................................................................. 118
Calibration ...................................................................................................................................................................... 118
Battery Replacement ...................................................................................................................................................... 121
MLA Compact Flying Grid ................................................................................................................................................... 123
Calibration ...................................................................................................................................................................... 123
MLA to MLA Compact Transition Grid ................................................................................................................................ 124
Mains Distro- High Voltage ................................................................................................................................................ 125
Distro Mk1 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 125
Distro Mk2 ...................................................................................................................................................................... 125
Mains Distro Low Voltage................................................................................................................................................... 126
Flightcases .......................................................................................................................................................................... 127
Merlin & Distro Rack....................................................................................................................................................... 127
Mk1 High Voltage Rack Case...................................................................................................................................... 127
Mk2 High Voltage Rack Case...................................................................................................................................... 127
Mk3 High Voltage Rack Case...................................................................................................................................... 127
Low Voltage Rack Case............................................................................................................................................... 128
Cable Trunk..................................................................................................................................................................... 129
Mk1 Cable Trunk......................................................................................................................................................... 129
Mk2 Cable Truck ......................................................................................................................................................... 130

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Grid Cases ....................................................................................................................................................................... 131
Mk1 MLA Grid Case .................................................................................................................................................... 131
Mk2 MLA Grid Case .................................................................................................................................................... 131
Mk3 Grid Case............................................................................................................................................................. 132
Mk1 MLA Compact Flying Frame Case ....................................................................................................................... 133
Mk2 MLA Compact Flying Frame Case ....................................................................................................................... 133
Tablet PC Case ................................................................................................................................................................ 134
Mk1 Tablet PC Case .................................................................................................................................................... 134
Mk2 Tablet PC Case .................................................................................................................................................... 135
MLA Compact Twin Case ................................................................................................................................................ 136
Front of House Case........................................................................................................................................................ 137
Cabling................................................................................................................................................................................ 138
Mains.............................................................................................................................................................................. 138
16A extension ............................................................................................................................................................. 138
30m Tourmate multicore............................................................................................................................................ 138
12-Way Breakout loom............................................................................................................................................... 138
6-way breakout loom.................................................................................................................................................. 139
Network ...................................................................................................................................................................... 140
Adaptors ..................................................................................................................................................................... 141
Audio............................................................................................................................................................................... 142
Looming Cables............................................................................................................................................................... 142
Cabinet Links............................................................................................................................................................... 142
Array Looms................................................................................................................................................................ 143
Display v2.1 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 145
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................ 145
Numerical Optimisation.................................................................................................................................................. 145
Index Plots ...................................................................................................................................................................... 146
Application menu................................................................................................................................................................ 157
Getting Started ............................................................................................................................................................... 158
Add an Array................................................................................................................................................................... 159
Slice Tab.............................................................................................................................................................................. 163
Slice Setup....................................................................................................................................................................... 163
Draw a Shell.................................................................................................................................................................... 164
Edit the shell ................................................................................................................................................................... 165
Using Survey ................................................................................................................................................................... 166

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Position the Array ........................................................................................................................................................... 168
Add the Audience Region................................................................................................................................................ 168
Editing the Audience Region........................................................................................................................................... 169
Coverage Tab...................................................................................................................................................................... 170
Defining venue planes .................................................................................................................................................... 170
Changing Plane Properties ............................................................................................................................................. 171
Audience Offsets............................................................................................................................................................. 172
Air Absorption Compensation......................................................................................................................................... 173
Target Delta Selection .................................................................................................................................................... 174
Splay Angle Tab .................................................................................................................................................................. 177
Splay Angles.................................................................................................................................................................... 177
Current Acoustic Output ................................................................................................................................................. 177
Coverage / Current Best Optimised Output.................................................................................................................... 178
Calculation...................................................................................................................................................................... 179
Array Diagram ................................................................................................................................................................ 180
Optimisation ................................................................................................................................................................... 180
Optimisation Progress ................................................................................................................................................ 181
Run the optimisation .................................................................................................................................................. 181
Rig Tab................................................................................................................................................................................ 184
MLA ................................................................................................................................................................................ 184
Ground Stacking ......................................................................................................................................................... 188
MLA Compact ................................................................................................................................................................. 190
MLA Mini ........................................................................................................................................................................ 193
Flown system .............................................................................................................................................................. 193
Ground Stacking ......................................................................................................................................................... 196
Pole Mount ................................................................................................................................................................. 198
EQ Tab ............................................................................................................................................................................ 202
Air Absorption............................................................................................................................................................. 202
Goals........................................................................................................................................................................... 202
Optimise EQ’s.............................................................................................................................................................. 204
View the SPL ................................................................................................................................................................... 205
Individual Graph Windows ............................................................................................................................................. 207
Adding additional arrays ................................................................................................................................................ 211
Deleting an array ........................................................................................................................................................ 211
Exporting the Optimisation................................................................................................................................................. 212