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.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
When using poles or stands, the following precautions are advised:
Ensure that the stand will support the weight of the speaker by checking the stand manufacturers
rating. (See the Section 10 – Technical Specifications - for individual Blackline+ weights and
dimensions)
Make sure that the stand is placed on a level surface and that its legs are fully extended
Do not place more than one speaker on each stand
Run cables so that they do not present a trip hazard which could pull the speaker over
When used outdoors in the wind, it may be necessary to add some weight to the base of the stand
When using a pole mount with a sub-bass system, observe similar precautions.
4.2 Stacking
Ensure that the floor or stage is level and solid
Do not stack speakers too high outdoors where winds could topple the stack
Be aware that speakers producing very high power levels can move or creep. To avoid this, place
friction material between the floor and speaker and between each speaker.
4.3 Rigging and suspension
WARNING:
Suspending the system should only be done by qualified personnel following safe rigging practices. Secure
fixings to the building structure are vital. Seek help from architects, structural engineers or other specialists
if in any doubt.
Blackline+Series enclosures are designed for portable applications, but can be suspended singly by means
of the threaded inserts provided.
Enclosures are fitted internally with steel corner reinforcement brackets, where necessary, to ensure that
each cabinet is strong enough to be hung from its top.
Never suspend one enclosure from another to form an array or cluster using these fittings
The common practice of using commercially available eye bolts for suspension should only be
undertaken with great caution. Only forged shoulder eye bolts should be considered and it is
important that the thread length is at least 30mm
Formed eye bolts i.e. those which are formed from a steel rod bent into an eye are not
recommended
A flat washer should be inserted between the eyebolt and the enclosure
Eye bolts are strongest along the thread axis. Angling the enclosure will result in an angle pull and
it is important to use eye bolts that are safe in these circumstances.
5 Amplification
Choosing a power amplifier
Martin Audio loudspeakers are capable of recreating musical dynamics accurately and with incredible
impact if powered correctly. Martin Audio loudspeaker power ratings are quoted for AES power - a long-
term average power rating, and Peak power – a short-term burst capability.
Moving coil loudspeakers can be run up to their AES power rating continuously and up to the higher Peak

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
power rating for transient musical peaks.
1) Choose amplifiers capable of delivering the loudspeaker’s Peak power rating – see below
2) For good spectral balance, set your amplifiers to the same voltage gain throughout the system. A
common industry standard voltage gain is 32dB (x40). Crown have a 26dB (x20) standard. Always check
the amplifier gain settings – these are usually on the rear panel. Avoid using sensitivity settings as these
give different gains depending on the amplifier’s power specification.
3) Use the M3+’s carefully timed limiters to avoid exceeding the AES long-term power rating.
Important: See section 10 for limiter setting information
This policy avoids clipping transient peaks. Clipping not only sounds unacceptable but can seriously stress
your system by dumping large amounts of distortion into the high frequency drivers.
Blackline+ model Peak power rating Suggested power amplifier
Minimum Recommended
F8+600W into 8ΩMA1.3s MA1.6s/ MA4.8Q*
F10+/ F12+1.2KW into 8ΩMA1.6s/ MA4.8Q* MA2.8s/ MA6.8Q*
F15+1.6KW into 8ΩMA2.8s MA4.2s
F215+3.2KW into 4ΩMA2.8s MA4.2s
H3+/ H3H+ LF: 3KW into 8ΩMA2.8s MA4.2s
MF-HF: 1.2KW into 8ΩMA1.6s MA2.8s
H3T+LF: 3KW into 8ΩMA2.8s MA4.2s
MF: 1.2KW into 8ΩMA1.6s MA2.8s
HF: 400W into 8ΩMA1.3s MA1.6s
S15+1.6KW into 8ΩMA4.2s MA9.6K
S18+3KW into 8ΩMA12K MA18K
S218+6KW into 4ΩMA12K MA18K
(*MA4.8Q & MA6.8Q are 4ch installation amplifiers featuring remote monitoring and power on/off facilities)
6 Connections
Each connector panel has two Neutrik Speakon connectors wired in parallel with each other. The second
connector allows use of a short link lead to power another, parallel Blackline+loudspeaker. The connectors
are wired as follows:
F8+, F10+, F12+, F15+, F215+, S12+, S15+, S18+NL4 connection

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
H3+, H3H+NL4 bi-amplified connection
H3T+ NL8 tri-amplified connection
S218+NL4 connection
Note: +1 is connected to +2 and -1 is connected to -2 inside the S218+to allow 4-core cable users to double
the copper area, and, therefore, reduce power losses.
7 Cable lengths
When connecting Blackline+ systems to an amplifier, it is recommended that the return resistance of the
cable used is less than one tenth of the nominal impedance of the system or systems in parallel. The table
below gives an indication of the maximum permissible cable runs for various conductor cross-sectional
areas.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
8 Recommended controllers
Because the F8+, F10+, F12+, F15+, F215+, S12+, S15+ and S18+ are passive systems embodying correct
acoustic design principles, they can be used without a controller as long as 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.
Controllers must, of course, be used with the bi-amplified H3+, and H3H+and the bi-amplified/tri-
amplified H3T+. Controllers must also be used when adding the S218+to a system as this very high
power subwoofer does not include a passive low-pass network.
8.1 M3+2 input, 4 output analogue system controller
The Martin Audio M3+ 2in-4out system controller provides optimised crossover, EQ and limiter functions for
bi-amplified Blackline+configurations (H3 or H3H), or for main-plus-subwoofer configurations (for instance,
F8+ + S12+, F10++ S15+, F12++ S18+or F15++ S218+).
The M3+system controller may also be used as a simple equaliser and limiter for fully passive full-range
Blackline+applications.
Please refer to the M3+configuration notes later in this user guide for further information.
8.2 DX1 2 input, 6 output digital loudspeaker management system
The DX1 is a powerful 2in-6out DSP based audio processing unit for live applications and fixed
installations.
The unit is configurable in 5 basic modes (2x2 way, 2x3 way, 4 way, 5 way and 6 way crossover). Each
input has adjustable gain and delay. Each output consists of a high and low pass filter, 5 bands of
parametric equalisaton, limiter, delay (adjustable in 2.6 µs steps), gain and polarity controls.
DX1 system controllers are supplied pre-loaded with a wide range of Martin Audio presets. Blackline+
presets are available as binary files from www.martin-audio.com for loading via a pc.
Please refer to the DX1 user’s guide for further information.
8.3 DX2 4 input, 8 output digital loudspeaker management system
The new 4in-8out DX2 embraces the very latest advances in technology to meet the ever increasing
demand and expectations placed on professional audio systems. Based on a completely new processing
platform, running at 96kHz, the DX2 sets a new standard in terms of performance, flexibility and ease of
use.
The DX2 is a comprehensive digital loudspeaker management system, capable of being easily configured
to meet the most demanding applications in both fixed installation and live touring environments.
DX2 system controllers are supplied pre-loaded for a variety of Martin Audio live sound products. Blackline+

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
presets are available as binary files from www.martin-audio.com for loading via a pc.
Please refer to the DX2 user’s guide for further information.
8.4 Engineer Installed system digital management processor
The Martin Audio Engineer 4in/8out and 8in/8out digital management processors provide comprehensive
control and management of installed loudspeaker systems.
In addition to crossover, EQ and limiter functions, Engineer processors offer a flexible event scheduler,
automatic programme level and tonality control to compensate for variations in programme sources and a
unique psycho-acoustical BassCreator algorithm.
BassCreator is capable of extending the perceived range of small loudspeakers 1 to 1½ octaves below the
resonance frequency of a loudspeaker without overloading the loudspeaker and without creating sub-sonic
sound leakage.
Engineer processors are supplied pre-loaded with a limited range of Martin Audio presets. Blackline+
presets will be made available shortly from www.martin-audio.com for loading via a pc.
A note on the illustrations
Please note that for simplicity only the left channel is shown and each line in the diagram represents a pair
of wires.
The illustrations show systems configured using the cost-effective Martin Audio M3+controller. Larger,
zoned systems may require the more comprehensive facilities offered by Martin Audio digital controllers like
the DX1, DX2 or Engineer. See above for details.
The M3+controller’s internal crossover card must be properly configured for the system to be used. Please
see the M3+ configuration notes later in this user guide for further information.
9 System configurations
There are many different system combinations possible with the Blackline+Series. Some typical
configurations illustrations are shown below.
Main-to-subwoofer ratios
The number of full-range or mid/high systems required to match the efficiency of one sub-bass system is
shown where applicable.
9.1 Passive systems
F8+, F10+, F12+or F15+passive system set-up (F12+shown)
The F215+may also be used like this – but with an M3+F215+card in place of the Combo card
The M3+front panel and internal Combo card must be set for Full-range operation for this passive,
full-range configuration.
See M3+configuration notes later.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
F8+, F10+, F12+or F15+plus S12+, S15+ or S18+passive system set-up (F12+& F15+shown)
(Typical main-to-sub ratio 1:1)
The M3+front panel and internal Combo card must be set for Full-range operation and the
subwoofer rear switch set to Passive for this configuration to work correctly.
See M3+configuration notes later.
9.2 Bi-amplified systems
Typical F8+, F10+, F12+or F15+plus S12+, S15+ or S18+active system set-up (F12+& F15+shown)
(Typical main-to-sub ratio 1:1)
The M3+front panel and internal Combo card must be set for With Sub operation and the
subwoofer rear switch set to Active for this configuration to work correctly.
See M3+configuration notes later.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
Typical F8+, F10+, F12+or F15+plus S218+active system set-up (F12+& S218+shown)
(Typical main-to-sub ratio 2:1)
The F215+may also be used like this – but with an M3+F215+card in place of the Combo card
The M3+front panel and internal Combo card must be set for With Sub operation for this active
configuration.
See M3+configuration notes later.
H3+, H3H+ or H3T+bi-amplified system set-up (H3+shown)
The M3+front panel must be set for Full-range operation for this active configuration.
See M3+configuration notes later.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
9.3 Tri-amplified systems
H3+, H3H+ or H3T+bi-amplified system set-up with S218 (H3+shown)
The first (lower) M3+front panel must be set to With Sub to provide an H3+/H3H+/H3T+-to-S218+
crossover and the second (upper) M3+front panel must be set to Full-range operation for a bi-
amplified H3+/H3H+/H3T+crossover.
See M3+configuration notes later.
An alternative approach for these more complex designs is to use the Martin Audio DX1 digital 2 input, 4
output controllers which come fully loaded with a many Martin Audio presets including settings suitable for
Blackline+combinations.
Further operational choices include a 4 input, 8 output DX2 digital controller or a choice of 4 input, 8 output
or 8 input, 8 output digital management processors called Engineer. The Engineer offers a flexible event
scheduler, automatic programme level and tonality control to compensate for variations in programme
sources and a unique psycho-acoustical BassCreator algorithm.
See Section 8 (earlier in this document) for further information.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
10 M3+ Configuration
10.1 Front panel With Sub mode
To keep things simple, select With Sub mode when using subwoofers, Full Range mode when running
F8+, F10+, F12+or F15+ loudspeakers without subwoofers and set the Combo Card jumpers to the relevant
quick-start illustrations shown later in these notes.
10.2 Choosing a power amplifier
Martin Audio loudspeakers are capable of recreating musical dynamics accurately and with incredible
impact if powered correctly. Martin Audio loudspeaker power ratings are quoted for AES power - a long-
term average power rating, and Peak power – a short-term burst capability.
Moving coil loudspeakers can be run up to their AES power rating continuously and up to the higher Peak
power rating for transient musical peaks.
Choose an amplifier capable of delivering the loudspeaker’s Peak power rating
Use the M3+’s carefully timed limiters to avoid exceeding the AES long-term power rating.
This policy avoids clipping transient peaks. Clipping not only sounds unacceptable but can seriously stress
your system by dumping large amounts of distortion into the high frequency drivers.
10.3 M3+ internal jumper configuration
The M3+ controller contains internal jumpers to cater for a variety of Blackline+loudspeakers – including
loudspeaker and subwoofer combinations.
Please note that these jumpers should be set by experienced
electronics technicians only.
Mono Subwoofer operation
Move the motherboard jumper J17 to position B for mono subwoofer operation.

All material © 2007. Martin Audio Ltd. Subject to change without notice.
Limiter settings
Important: Set the motherboard output limiter jumpers Ch1-J11, Ch2-J12, Ch3-J13, Ch4-J14 to suit the
recommended limiter thresholds (vs power amplifier gain) shown below:
Output channel limiter jumpers