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

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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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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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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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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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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

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Exporting D2P Files ......................................................................................................................................................... 212
Exporting to DXF............................................................................................................................................................. 213
Vu-Net................................................................................................................................................................................. 216
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................... 216
Menus............................................................................................................................................................................. 216
Window components...................................................................................................................................................... 217
Menu and Toolbar ...................................................................................................................................................... 217
File .............................................................................................................................................................................. 218
Edit.............................................................................................................................................................................. 218
Preferences ................................................................................................................................................................. 219
Tools ........................................................................................................................................................................... 223
Window ...................................................................................................................................................................... 223
Help............................................................................................................................................................................. 223
Tool bar....................................................................................................................................................................... 225
Project Workspace...................................................................................................................................................... 227
Working Offline .............................................................................................................................................................. 232
Adding Merlin, MLA, MLD and MLX ........................................................................................................................... 232
Adding MLA Compact & DSX ...................................................................................................................................... 233
Adding MLA Mini ........................................................................................................................................................ 234
Adding DD12............................................................................................................................................................... 237
Adding PSX.................................................................................................................................................................. 237
Arranging the Array components ............................................................................................................................... 237
Device Discovery ............................................................................................................................................................. 241
Device Discovery MLA Mini............................................................................................................................................. 248
On line operation ........................................................................................................................................................ 259
Right-Click menu......................................................................................................................................................... 261
Renaming.................................................................................................................................................................... 262
PEQs............................................................................................................................................................................ 262
Loading Snapshots...................................................................................................................................................... 262
Defining Zones ............................................................................................................................................................ 263
Synchronize................................................................................................................................................................. 265
Delete.......................................................................................................................................................................... 265
MLA/MLD & Compact Arrays ......................................................................................................................................... 265
Array Cell Check .......................................................................................................................................................... 270
PEQ Tab ...................................................................................................................................................................... 275

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Array & Zone Ganging ................................................................................................................................................ 280
Array ganging ............................................................................................................................................................. 281
Zone Ganging.............................................................................................................................................................. 283
X-Array Ganging ......................................................................................................................................................... 284
Zone Filter Ganging .................................................................................................................................................... 286
MLX & DSX Arrays........................................................................................................................................................... 286
Block PEQ.................................................................................................................................................................... 290
Sub Array/Block Ganging............................................................................................................................................ 291
MLA Mini ........................................................................................................................................................................ 292
MLA Mini Cell check.................................................................................................................................................... 292
Assigning Zones in MLA Mini ...................................................................................................................................... 293
MLA Mini PEQ............................................................................................................................................................. 296
MLA Mini Ganging...................................................................................................................................................... 298
Array Ganging............................................................................................................................................................. 298
Zone Ganging.............................................................................................................................................................. 299
DD12............................................................................................................................................................................... 300
Overview..................................................................................................................................................................... 306
EQ ............................................................................................................................................................................... 309
Zones........................................................................................................................................................................... 313
Noise Gate .................................................................................................................................................................. 314
PSX.................................................................................................................................................................................. 315
Overview..................................................................................................................................................................... 321
EQ ............................................................................................................................................................................... 325
Zones........................................................................................................................................................................... 330
Noise Gate .................................................................................................................................................................. 331
Merlin ............................................................................................................................................................................. 332
Gain, Mute & Limiters................................................................................................................................................. 332
Routing ....................................................................................................................................................................... 333
Input Channels............................................................................................................................................................ 335
Output Channels ......................................................................................................................................................... 339
Delay........................................................................................................................................................................... 340
Delay Link.................................................................................................................................................................... 342
Ganging ...................................................................................................................................................................... 344
Whole Input / Output Ganging................................................................................................................................... 344
Cross Device Ganging ................................................................................................................................................. 349

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Loading Presets............................................................................................................................................................... 352
PEQ files...................................................................................................................................................................... 354
Other options.............................................................................................................................................................. 356
Synchronise................................................................................................................................................................. 357
Master Overview ............................................................................................................................................................ 359
Show Mode..................................................................................................................................................................... 364
Module Replacement...................................................................................................................................................... 366
Replace the module .................................................................................................................................................... 366
Reconnect the module ................................................................................................................................................ 366
Discover the array....................................................................................................................................................... 366
Restore Optimisations ................................................................................................................................................ 370
Check Input Settings ................................................................................................................................................... 375
Test the Array ............................................................................................................................................................. 376
Firmware Updates .......................................................................................................................................................... 379
Get Firmware Updates................................................................................................................................................ 379
Starting a Firmware Update. ...................................................................................................................................... 381
MLA/MLD Conversion Tool ......................................................................................................................................... 385
MLA Pick Load spreadsheet................................................................................................................................................ 388
Ground Stacking ......................................................................................................................................................... 391
MLA Compact Pick Load Spreadsheet ................................................................................................................................ 394
Ground Stacking ......................................................................................................................................................... 396
System Wiring..................................................................................................................................................................... 398
Mains.............................................................................................................................................................................. 398
U-Net .............................................................................................................................................................................. 399
Ethernet .......................................................................................................................................................................... 399
Audio............................................................................................................................................................................... 400
Rigging MLA ....................................................................................................................................................................... 401
Safety First...................................................................................................................................................................... 401
Manpower ...................................................................................................................................................................... 401
Wiring and rigging.......................................................................................................................................................... 401
Rigging the system- standard flown system................................................................................................................... 401
Arrays greater than 12 enclosures.................................................................................................................................. 423
Rear position on grid ...................................................................................................................................................... 424
Flying MLX ...................................................................................................................................................................... 426
Cardioid Flown Arrays..................................................................................................................................................... 429

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MLA Flown under MLX.................................................................................................................................................... 432
Ground Stacked MLA arrays ........................................................................................................................................... 434
Rigging MLA Compact ........................................................................................................................................................ 439
Ground Stacking MLA Compact...................................................................................................................................... 449

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Introduction
MLA and MLA Compact are the first products utilising a revolutionary Multicellular approach to sound distribution in large
venues. The MLA system prioritises the coherence and balance of sound where it arrives at the audience areas ignoring the
sound emitted from the array. Incorporating Martin Audio’s superb acoustic design the system makes it possible to achieve a
phenomenally even distribution of sound to each and every audience member and to ensure minimum sound leakage into areas
where it is not wanted, something that no other system can offer.
About This Manual
This manual explains in detail the individual components that comprise a complete system which may be MLA, MLA Compact,
MLA Mini or even a combination of all three. System wiring and rigging is explained and the two key software packages are
covered. It is not however the intention for this manual to be the sole tutorial medium for those wishing to use the system. Each
system sale is accompanied by an extensive three day training course which covers using the system including a day spent hands-
on setting up and de-rigging a system. There is a growing band of trained technicians who have completed the course. In no
circumstances should a system be used without a trained MLA technician present, this manual is intended as a reference for
those who have completed the course NOT as a replacement for it.
Zac Brown Tour, Chicago 2010

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Important Safety Instructions
MLA/MLD MLA Compact
Read These Instructions
Keep these instructions for future reference
Heed all warnings
Follow all instructions
No naked flame sources such as lighted candles should be placed on the apparatus.
Do not block any ventilation openings
Install in accordance with the Martin Audio instructions
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other such apparatus that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cable from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus
This equipment must be earthed.
Only use attachments / accessories specified by Martin Audio.
Use only with wheelboard and rigging hardware specified by Martin Audio. When moving the MLA using the supplied
wheelboard, caution should be used to avoid injury from the cabinet tipping over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
No user serviceable parts inside, refer servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been
dropped.
Do not remove covers
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
!
Do not remove any protective earth or signal cable shield connections.
Merlin
Read These Instructions
Keep these instructions
Heed all warnings
Follow all instructions
Do not use this apparatus near water
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain, moisture or excessive dust.
No naked flame sources such as lighted candles should be placed on the apparatus.
Do not block any ventilation openings. This product is designed to be installed in a professional 19"rack with
adequate ventilation. Do not allow anything inside or on top of the 19"rack to block the ventilation of the
apparatus or rack.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other such apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit your outlet consult
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
This equipment must be earthed.
Only use accessories specified by Martin Audio.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
No user serviceable parts inside, refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

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Do not remove covers
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
!
Do not expose the equipment to sources of dripping or splashing liquids and objects containing liquids, such
as vases, must not be placed on this equipment.
Do not remove any protective earth or signal cable shield connections.
Electrical Compliance
SAFETY IEC60065:2002 + A1:2005
Country of origin United Kingdom
EMC EMISSION EN55103-1:1998
EMC IMMUNITY EN55103-2:1996
This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interferences in which case the user may be
required to take adequate measures.
Unpacking the Units
After unpacking the unit, please check it carefully for any damage. If any is found, immediately notify the carrier concerned -
you, the consignee, must instigate any claim. Please retain all packaging in case you need to return the unit.
Please think of our environment.
When the product has reached the end of its useful life, please dispose of it responsibly through a recycling
centre.

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MLA
The MLA is a three-way active Multicellular loudspeaker with each cell comprising of a drive unit, a Class D high power, high
efficiency amplifier and comprehensive digital signal processing. There are six cells in total, three high frequency, two mid and a
low frequency cell comprising of a pair of 12"bass drivers. The combination of built-in amplification and DSP offers a hither to
unheard of level of control in a compact, lightweight loudspeaker. In conjunction with Display 2 system design and VU-Net
network control software applications, outstanding levels of consistent, high quality audio can be distributed to every point
throughout the audience in a venue.
The MLA has audio inputs that can be either standard balanced analogue or AES/EBU digital. A parallel connection is available to
daisy-chain between cabinets. The MLA features network control via a U-Net interface which as well as carrying all control data
for the on-board DSP also feeds digital audio to the system. U-Net connections are made via a pair of very high quality, rugged
8-way push-pull latching connectors rated for high speed data applications.
Mains connection is via a 16A Ceeform connector. A comprehensive mains distribution system is supplied as part of the MLA
system.
Each of the six channels of DSP comprises extensive processing optimised for the driver(s) under control, this includes delay,
parametric EQ, High and low pass filters, IIR all-pass filters, FIR low pass filter and EQ, gain, phase and limiting. In addition there
are user accessible parameters including delay, 10 bands of parametric EQ, high pass filtering, gain, phase and muting.
The MLA system has a rigging system based on the existing popular and efficient Martin Audio line array systems but with some
innovative improvements. This allows phenomenally quick system rigging and de-rigging particularly in view of the fact that there
are no amplifier racks to set up and break down.
The MLA is designed for use outdoors in virtually any weather conditions so is rated to IP24. Electrical systems are protected by
a waterproof flexible cowl.
The cabinets are elegantly styled with a wrap over grill and injection moulded rubberised end cheeks that as well as adding to
the visual aesthetic make for easy and stable stacking in trucks or warehouses. A large bar handle makes handling and rigging
the system an easy job and each cabinet is supplied with a front-mounted wheelboard and protective canvas cover.

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Mechanical Design
MLA Is designed mechanically to be an easy to handle, quick to rig, safe, rugged and stable touring loudspeaker. The cabinet is
constructed predominantly from high grade 18mm birch plywood with rigging fabricated from powder coated steel and with
decorative rubber end panels which also give improved stability when stacking on end. A strong, wide steel bar handle makes
handling safe and easy and the cabinet is coated in a plasticised two part completely weatherproof textured black coating.
Together with the canvas weather cowl protecting the amplifier module from either excessive sunlight or precipitation the
system can be used outdoors without any additional weatherproofing for the arrays.
Rigging
MLA’s rigging has been derived from the highly successful rigging system employed on Martin Audio’s line array system. This has
proved to be popular, quick and above all safe. Rigging MLA will be instantly familiar to anyone who has rigged Martin Audio
systems in the past, we have made a few minor improvements to make it even easier to use and it has proved to be incredibly
quick to fly and land.
The MLA system uses a front rigging system which ensures the best possible coupling between cabinets with the required angle
adjusted using the rear rigging points which allow angles from 0.5° to 7.5°.

MLA System USER GUIDE
MLA System User Guide V2.1 20
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The cabinets are joined using machined quick-release pins. These have spring loaded ball bearings at the end of the pin which
protrude beyond the outer diameter of the pin thus locking them in place. To release them, the central button is depressed
whilst pulling the pin clear using the wide flange. This is best done with the fore and index fingers pulling the pin whilst your
thumb depresses the central button, a very quick and easy operation. When using the pins to link cabinets, the central button
must again be depressed so the pin can be pushed into position. It is important to check that the central button does not remain
depressed once you have put it in place as this would indicate that the pin has not been pushed all the way into position and the
ball bearings at the end of the pin have not been able to pop out and lock the pin in place. If the pin is not locked the array is
unsafe. The pin MUST be repositioned until it is securely locked in place.
The MLA has an improved front rigging bracket with a bar that runs the full height of the cabinet. This prevents the cabinets
collapsing down on each other where there is more weight supported on the rear point; although this may only make a difference