Martin Audio Blackline F10+ User manual

The Martin Experience
All material © 2008. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
Blackline+
F8+, F10+, F12+, F15+, F215+, H3+, H3H+,
H3T+, S12+, S15+, S18+, S218+
includes M3+controller configuration notes
User’s Guide

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
1 Introduction
2 Unpacking
3 Blackline+Series overview
3.1 2-way passive full-range systems
3.2 2-way dual-lf, full-range system
3.3 3-way horn-loaded, full range systems
3.4 Sub-bass systems
3.5 Grille removal
4 Safety first
4.1 Pole or stand mounting
4.2 Stacking
4.3 Rigging and suspension
5 Amplification
6 Connections
7 Cable lengths
8 Recommended controllers
8.1 M3+2 input, 4 output analogue system controller
8.2 DX1 2 input, 6 output digital loudspeaker management system
8.3 DX2 4 input, 8 output digital loudspeaker management system
8.4 Engineer Installed system digital management processor
9 System configurations
9.1 Passive systems
9.2 Bi-amplified systems
9.3 Tri-amplified systems
10 M3+ Configuration
10.1 Front panel With Sub mode
10.2 Choosing a power amplifier
10.3 M3+ internal jumper configuration
10.4 Combo top card
10.5 M3+F215+top card*
10.6 M3+H3A+top card*
10.7 M3+218+top card*
•Pending. Please contact [e-mail] for further information.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
1 Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Martin Audio Blackline+Series system. The Blackline+Series is a range of
portable loudspeaker enclosures designed for a variety of portable sound reinforcement and club
applications.
Blackline+products covered in this user’s guide include the F8+, F10+, F12+, F15+and F215+full-range
systems, the H3+horn-loaded system and the S12+, S15+, S18+and S218+sub-bass enclosures.
Because the F8+, F10+, F12+and F15+are passive systems embodying correct acoustic design principles,
they can be used without a controller provided their AES and peak power ratings are not exceeded and
care is taken to avoid amplifier clipping.
For maximum performance, however, we recommend that Blackline+Series systems are used with Martin
Audio M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controllers.
2 Unpacking
Each Martin Audio Blackline+Series loudspeaker is built to the highest standard and thoroughly inspected
before it leaves the factory. After unpacking the system, examine it carefully for any signs of transit damage
and inform your dealer if any such damage is found. It is suggested that you retain the original packaging
so that the system can be repacked at a future date if necessary.
Please note that Martin Audio and its distributors cannot accept any responsibility for damage to any
returned product through the use of non-approved packaging.
3 Blackline+Series overview
The Blackline+Series is made up of…
2-way full-range systems:
F8+(8”+1”) passive
F10+(10”+1”) passive
F12+(12”+1”) passive
F15+(15”+1.4”) passive
F215+(2x15”+1.4”) passive
3-way all-horn full-range systems
H3+(vertically formatted 15”+10”+1”) bi-amplified
H3T+(vertically formatted 15”+10”+1”) user selectable bi-amplified or tri-amplified
H3H+(horizontally formatted 15”+10”+1”) bi-amplified
Direct radiating sub-bass systems
S12+(single 12”, ported) user-selectable 120Hz low-pass filter
S15+(single 15”, ported) user-selectable 120Hz low-pass filter
S18+(single 18”, ported) user-selectable 120Hz low-pass filter
S218+(2 x 18”, ported) direct-coupled

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
3.1 2-way passive full-range systems
F8+
The Blackline F8+is a versatile, two-way passive system designed for applications where high output is
required from an ultra-compact enclosure. It features a long-excursion, 8” (200mm) low frequency driver
and a 1” (25mm) HF compression driver mounted on a constant directivity 90° x 50° horn.
The horn is user rotatable to allow the F8+’s multi-angle enclosure to be used in either its vertical or
horizontal orientation, depending on the application.
The F8+may be used with or without a system controller. For demanding applications, Martin Audio
recommends an M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller configured to perform EQ and limiter
functions.
The M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller may also be used to configure systems for additional
sub-bass cabinets – e.g. F8++ S12+, S15+, S18+or S218+combinations.
F10+
The Blackline F10+is a versatile, two-way passive system, designed to provide exceptional sound
reinforcement and stage monitoring from a very compact enclosure. It features a powerful 10” (250mm) low
frequency driver and a 1” (25mm) HF compression driver mounted on a constant directivity 90° x 50° horn.
Depending on the application, the HF horn can be rotated to allow the multi-angle enclosure to be used in
either its vertical or horizontal orientation.
A demodulating ring fitted to the LF driver reduces distortion and improves the performance at the upper
end of the LF driver’s range at high levels. Additionally, the directivity of the LF driver has been matched to
the HF horn by a combination of optimisation of the water-resistant LF cone profile and improved crossover
design.
The F10+may be used with or without a system controller. For demanding applications, Martin Audio

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
recommends an M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller configured to perform EQ and limiter
functions.
The M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller may also be used to configure systems for additional
sub-bass cabinets – e.g. F10++ S12+, S15+, S18+or S218+combinations.
F12+
The Blackline F12+is a high power, compact two-way system with a new, vented-chassis, 12” (300mm) LF
driver and a new 1” (25mm) exit compression driver mounted on a rotatable 80° x 50° constant directivity
HF horn.
The LF driver has a tough, water resistant cone and features a high BL motor with a flat-wire copper coil
and an aluminium demodulating ring. This reduces intermodulation distortion and improves midrange
performance when driven hard. Increased excursion is available by virtue of a triple roll surround and deep
motor structure.
The directivity of the LF driver has been matched to the HF horn in the crossover region by improved
crossover design and cone profile optimisation, also the new HF compression driver utilises an ultra-
lightweight Kapton diaphragm for extended high frequency response.
The F12+may be used with or without a system controller. For demanding applications, Martin Audio
recommends an M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller configured to perform EQ and limiter
functions.
The M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller may also be used to configure systems for additional
sub-bass cabinets – e.g. F12++ S15+, S18+or S218+combinations.
F15+

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
The high power Blackline F15+is a high performance, wide-bandwidth system in a compact and efficient
package. Extended frequency response is provided by a new 15” (380mm) LF driver and a new 1.4”
(35mm) exit compression driver mounted on a rotatable 80° x 50° constant directivity HF horn.
The new LF driver features a tough, water resistant cone and a lightweight, high BL, neodymium motor
system with inside/outside coil windings for improved heat transfer. An aluminium demodulating ring
reduces distortion and improves midrange clarity at high levels and increased excursion is available via a
triple roll surround and deep motor structure.
The new HF driver utilises a titanium diaphragm with controlled break-up modes for improved sonic
performance at high frequencies and the crossover design and LF cone profile have been optimised to
match the directivity of the HF horn and LF section through the crossover region.
The F15+may be used with or without a system controller. For demanding applications, Martin Audio
recommends an M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller configured to perform EQ and limiter
functions.
The M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller may also be used to configure systems for additional
sub-bass cabinets – e.g. F15++ S18+or S218+combinations.
3.2 2-way dual-lf, full-range system
F215+
The Blackline F215+is a two-way passive, trapezoidal enclosure with dual 15” (380mm)/3” (75mm) voice
coil low frequency drivers and a 1.4” (35mm) exit titanium diaphragm compression driver, mounted on a
proprietary, rotatable, 80° x 50° constant directivity horn.
Below 250Hz, both LF drivers operate together to produce low frequencies, whilst above 250Hz, only the
upper LF driver is used to reproduce the midrange up to the crossover point. This technique avoids the
uneven response which would occur if both drivers were allowed to operate together over the mid-band.
Each of the two new LF drivers features a tough, water resistant cone and a lightweight, high BL,
neodymium motor system with inside/outside coil windings for improved heat transfer. An aluminium
demodulating ring improves the midrange performance at high levels and increased excursion is available
via a triple roll surround and deep motor structure.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
The F215+may be used with or without a system controller. For demanding applications, Martin Audio
recommends an M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller configured to perform EQ and limiter
functions.
The M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller may also be used to configure systems for additional
sub-bass cabinets – e.g. F215++ S218+combinations.
3.3 3-way horn-loaded, full range systems
H3+and H3T+
The Blackline H3+and H3T+are very high performance, vertically formatted, all-horn, three-way systems in
a single, wide-bandwidth package. They differ only in drive configuration. The H3+is bi-amplified whilst the
H3T+offers user selectable bi-amplified or tri-amplified modes.
New drivers have been developed for improved performance in all bands. The Hybrid™ low frequency
section comprises a horn-loaded 15” (380mm)/4” (100mm) voice coil driver that is reflex loaded to extend
the LF output to below the natural cut-off point of the horn.
The new LF driver features a water resistant cone and triple roll surround for increased excursion.
The H3+/H3T+mid horn has a unique ‘phase-ball’ loading device which maintains the constant directivity
characteristics of the horn at the upper end of its range. It is driven by a new 10” (250mm) midrange driver
with an aluminium demodulating ring for improved high-mid clarity and reduced distortion when driven hard.
The 70° x 40° H3+/H3T+HF section features a neodymium 1” (25mm) exit compression driver with a Kapton
diaphragm for high sensitivity and extended HF performance. The internal mid/high passive crossover
allows this three-way system to be driven in a bi-amp configuration.
The H3+is bi-amplified and must be used with a system controller. Martin Audio M3+, DX1, DX2 or
Engineer system controllers may be configured to provide the recommended 2-way crossover and limiter
functions.
Martin Audio DX1, DX2 or Engineer - or series connected M3+system controllers - may also be used to
configure H3+ or H3T+ systems for additional sub-bass cabinets – e.g. H3++ S218+combinations.
The H3T+can be driven like an H3+ when in bi-amplified mode. In tri-amplified mode the H3T+must be used
with a Martin Audio DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controllers to provide the recommended 3-way crossover
and limiter functions.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
H3H+
The Blackline H3H+is a very high performance, all-horn, three-way system in a single, wide-bandwidth
package. The H3H+offers all the attributes of the standard H3+ but is horizontally formatted making it
suitable for venues with restricted ceilings height.
The H3H+is bi-amplified and must be used with a system controller. Martin Audio M3+, DX1, DX2 or
Engineer system controllers may be configured to provide the recommended 2-way crossover and limiter
functions.
Martin Audio DX1, DX2 or Engineer - or series connected M3+system controllers - may also be used to
configure H3H+ systems for additional sub-bass cabinets – e.g. H3H+ with S218+.
3.4 Sub-bass systems
S12+
The Blackline S12+is an extremely compact sub-bass system. It has been designed for use with the F8+
and F10+full-range loudspeakers in situations where extended low frequency output and increased system
headroom are required.
The S12+has an integral, user-selectable 120Hz passive crossover. When switched to Passive mode, the
S12+may be parallel-connected to F8+ or F10+ systems to provide low frequency extension without the
need for an additional amplifier.
An M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller may also be used to provide an active crossover with
enhanced control facilities.
The S12+is provided with a top hat fitting that can be used to pole mount an F8+or F10+above the
enclosure.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
S15+
The compact Blackline S15+sub-bass system has been designed to be used with Blackline F12+or F15+
full-range systems to extend and increase the total low frequency output power.
The S15+provides good bass punch from a new, long-excursion, 15” (380mm)/4” (100mm) voice coil driver
with a water resistant cone and triple roll surround.
The S15+has an integral, user-selectable 120Hz passive crossover. When switched to Passive mode, the
S15+may be parallel-connected to F8+, F10+ or F12+systems to provide low frequency extension without
the need for an additional amplifier.
An M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller may also be used to provide an active crossover with
enhanced control facilities.
The S15+is provided with a top hat fitting that can be used to pole mount an F8+, F10+, or F12+above the
enclosure
S18+
The compact Blackline S18+sub-bass system has been designed to be used with Blackline F12+and F15+
full-range systems to extend and increase the total low frequency output power.
The S18+provides good bass punch with extended sub-bass output from a new, long-excursion, 18”
(460mm)/4” (100mm) voice coil driver with a water resistant cone and triple roll surround.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
The S18+has an integral, user-selectable 120Hz passive crossover. When switched to Passive mode, the
S18+may be parallel-connected to F8+, F10+, F12+or F15+systems to provide low frequency extension
without the need for an additional amplifier.
An M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller may also be used to provide an active crossover with
enhanced control facilities.
The S18+is provided with a top hat fitting that can be used to pole mount an F8+, F10+, F12+or F15+above
the enclosure.
S218+
The powerful Blackline S218+sub-bass system has been designed to be used with large scale Blackline
F12+and F15+systems to extend and increase the total low frequency output power. It can also be used as
the low frequency section of a bi-amplified/tri-amplified H3+/H3T+ system.
The S218+provides good bass punch with extended sub-bass output from two new, long-excursion, 18”
(460mm)/4” (100mm) voice coil drivers with water resistant cones and triple roll surrounds.
The S218+is designed to be used as part of a high power active system. It must be electronically crossed
over with a Martin Audio M3+, DX1, DX2 or Engineer system controller.
3.5 Grille removal
To remove the grille, first remove any grille retaining screws. The grille can then be removed by inserting a
flat bladed screwdriver under one of the notches at the top and bottom of the grille and gently levering the
grille out of the side channels.
4 Safety first
It is important that loudspeaker systems are used in a safe manner. Please take some time to review the
following points concerning safe use of Blackline Series loudspeakers.
Professional loudspeakers are capable of producing extremely high sound levels and should be used with
care. Hearing loss is cumulative and can result from levels above 90dB if people are exposed for a long
period.
Never stand close to loudspeakers driven at high level.
4.1 Pole or stand mounting
Blackline+ full-range loudspeakers incorporate pole mounting (“top hat”) sockets so that they may be pole
or stand mounted.