Martinsound MonitorMAX User manual

MonitorMAX
Stereo Monitor Controller
USER MANUAL
1151 West Valley Boulevard www.martinsound.com
Tel [phone] Fax [phone]
Alhambra, California 91803-2493 [email protected]
1

This page intentionally left blank
2

MonitorMAX Overview
Stereo Monitor & Cue Control plus Talkback without a Console
The advent of the home studio and DAW challenged the requirement that successful audio
productions must be done on large mixing consoles. However, many mixers and digital audio
workstations, even when equipped with a mix control surface, are ill equipped for properly
handling music recording and postproduction environments, especially when a separate ‘live’
room is involved for musicians, Foley artists or voice talent.
The center section of large consoles is reserved for the most important function, monitor control.
The ability to select between multiple sources, various speakers, and control level while
remaining in the sweet spot is essential in determining the quality of your production. And quite
possibly an important feature missing from your DAW.
Also, artists need to be able to monitor themselves and others involved in a recording, as well as
hear instructions and comments from the engineer or producer. Cue control and talkback is a
must for getting the job done when others are involved. Yet many DAWs and small consoles lack
the rudimentary functionality required.
Recognizing these needs, Martinsound has developed MonitorMAX, a dual stereo monitor
controller that adds stereo source and monitor selection with talkback functions to any studio
environment. Designed for integration with DAWs, small mixers, and as an enhancement to
surround sound systems utilizing the MultiMAX EX multiformat monitor controller, MonitorMAX
provides the essential monitor and talkback functions needed to get the job done.
Stereo Sources and Outputs
The MonitorMAX system comprises a single-space rackmounting unit housing all of the
necessary interface connections and electronics, including a talkback microphone preamplifier,
plus a remote controller. The remote features Monitor and Cue routing switches for up to 10
stereo sources, talkback, and level controls, plus a LCD window to display levels, mode
information, and Setup menus.
Eight professional and two consumer level stereo sources can be connected to MonitorMAX.
Sensitivity of the consumer inputs can be adjusted within a setup menu from 6 to 26dB of gain in
0.1dB increments, allowing a wide range of consumer equipment to be interfaced.
MonitorMAX enables independent routing of all 10 stereo sources to the separate Monitor and
Cue paths, using two banks of 10 switches. Source selection for either path can be additive or
interlocking (canceling the previous selection), so that any number of sources may be selected
and monitored in the control room or routed to studio headphones or loudspeakers. The Monitor
path includes a stereo output that may be used as a record or meter feed.
Mute, Dim and Mono switches are provided for the Monitor output, together with switch selection
of an alternate pair of control room monitors, while the Cue output includes a Mute switch.
Separate rotary level controls are included for the Monitor and Cue outputs. The Monitor rotary
control is also used when accessing Setup menus.
3

Talkback
Pressing the large, easy-to-reach Talkback switch dims cue output by 20dB while activating the
talkback microphone. The flexibility of the system even allows both monitor paths to be
configured as cue feeds with independent talkback level and the Alt Monitor output handling
studio loudspeakers. Plus the Talkback switch and twin talkback logic inputs can be individually
setup to route talkback just where you want it.
Integration with MultiMAX EX
MultiMAX EX adds the critical monitoring features necessary to handle surround projects in music
production, post production, and broadcast environments. MonitorMAX further enhances the
power of MultiMAX by providing additional stereo monitor inputs and extra stereo monitor paths to
surround production systems. With MultiMAX’s Downmix output connected as an input source
and MonitorMAX’s talkback sense controlling MultiMAX’s external dim logic, MonitorMAX readily
outputs your surround mix as stereo cue feeds with talkback for the talent or stereo monitoring in
other production rooms, making for a very tightly integrated system.
MonitorMax Setup
When unpacking MonitorMax and the Remote Controller, be sure to check for the following items.
1. AC power cable
2. 25ft. SB-9 pin remote controller cable
3. MonitorMax Manual
4. Warranty Card
5. Small bag with 4-40 Jack Screws (to replace installed metric Jack Screws if needed)
Before inserting the AC power cable into the back panel socket, be sure to check that the correct
voltage (120V 60Hz or 230V 50Hz) is marked for the installation location.
All of the audio inputs and outputs (except Talkback Mic and inputs 9 & 10) are available via DB-
25 connectors formatted to the Tascam analog standard, and are found on the MonitorMax back
panel. This makes for an easy and secure connection to custom installed wiring or off-the-shelf
patchbays. RCA jacks are provided for unbalanced inputs 9 & 10, and an XLR input for the
Talkback mic. DB-9 connectors are used for both the Remote Controller and the Logic I/O port.
4

Inputs and Outputs
5

Operation
MonitorMax has two completely independent monitor paths consisting of the Cue section,
primarily intended for studio headphone feeds, and the Monitor section, that includes all the
functions associated with studio control room monitoring.
Stereo input sources (ST #) can be selected using the labeled switches on the Cue and Monitor
sections of the MonitorMax Controller. Output levels can be adjusted with the Cue and Monitor
level knobs. A separate mute is provided for both the Cue and the Monitor section. The Monitor
section also includes a level programmable Dim, a Mono listen mode, and an Alt switch for
feeding a secondary set of speakers.
The default Talkback mode feeds the Cue while dimming the Cue and Monitor sources.
Programmable Functions
Once all the connections have been made, MonitorMax is ready to use with the factory default
settings. However many options can be set to customize the operation according to the specific
needs of the user.
6

All of the optional programmable settings are found in the Main Menu displayed on the controller
LCD window when the Enter key is pressed. Scrolling through the Main Menu pages can be
done by repeated pressing of the Enter key, or by turning the Monitor knob while holding the
Enter key (only when the screen cursor is highlighting one of the up/down page arrows). The
menu is arranged in an endless loop, with either direction leading to every page. Turning the
Monitor knob alone will move the cursor up (CCW) or down (CW), through each programmable
page selection and on to the next page. Pressing the Enter key, while a selection is highlighted,
will either change it’s value or advance to another menu selection, depending on the page
displayed. The Monitor knob is also used for changing values, and works in an accelerated
mode whenever the Enter key is held. Pressing the Exit key will always take you back one level
until the operation mode screen is reached.
Levels
Press Enter to open the program menu, and turn the Monitor knob to get to the Levels page.
Turn the Monitor knob to move the cursor to “Inputs 9 & 10” and press Enter.
This page is for setting the gain levels for the unbalanced inputs, raising them to match the levels
of the +4dBu balanced inputs. The cursor is located over the first selection, “Lt”, the Left channel
of Stereo Input 9. Turning the Monitor knob will increase or decrease the gain level, and
simultaneously change the reference level. Pressing the Enter key will move the cursor to the
next selection. The factory default setting is for a gain of 11.8dB and a reference of –10.2dBV,
appropriate for consumer equipment designed to this specification.
Press the Exit key to move back to the Levels page. Move the cursor to Outputs by turning the
Monitor knob, and press Enter.
This page is used when the MonitorMax output is to be calibrated using a pink noise generator
and SPL meter. The procedure involves inserting a +4dBu pink noise source into one input, and
trimming one output until the SPL meter reading matches the target SPL level on the MonitorMax
display. The procedure is repeated for each speaker.
The cursor is located over the first selection; the Left channel of the Main speaker output.
Turning the Monitor knob will increase or decrease the attenuation level in 0.1dB increments.
Holding the Enter key while turning the Monitor knob will change the setting in 1dB increments.
Pressing the Enter key will move the cursor to the next selection.
7

Press the Exit key twice to return to operation mode.
Turn the Monitor knob and select, Dim. This sets the amount of level attenuation of the Monitor
speakers when the Dim switch is engaged. Turn the Monitor knob while holding the Enter key to
change this level to a minimum of –1dB and maximum of 30dB. This same function can be
accessed from the operation screen by holding the Dim key and turning the Monitor knob.
Mon SPL
Press the Enter key and turn the Monitor knob to get to the Mon Interfaces page. Turn the
Monitor knob to select the first item, “SPL Display Range”. This setting is used in conjunction
with the SPL calibration procedure (see Calibration/Outputs). It sets the SPL display range
(minimum and maximum) for the Monitor level control. This setting has no electrical function
other than to change the display reference. The actual change takes place when the speaker
trims are adjusted so that the SPL measured matches the MonitorMax display. Pressing the
Enter key will toggle through the 5 possible range selections of 25-85dB, 30-90dB, 35-95dB, 40-
100dB, and 45-105dB. The factory default range is 40-100 dB.
Turn the Monitor knob to select “SPL Reference Tic”. The only function of this feature is to move
the reference Tic on the Monitor bar meter on the MonitorMax LCD. Turn the Monitor knob while
holding the Enter key to increase or decrease the setting to a minimum of 25 and a maximum of
105. The Tic will reflect changes of the SPL Display Range and will disappear at extreme
settings. The factory default is 85dB.
Turn the Monitor knob to select “SPL Default”. This sets the user preferred level for the Monitor
control when MonitorMax is powered up. Turn the Monitor knob while holding the Enter key to
change the level from the minimum to maximum setting allowable within the currently selected
SPL Display Range. The factory default setting is 50. Press Exit to return to operation mode.
Cue SPL
8

Press the Enter key and turn the Monitor knob to get to the Cue Interfaces page. Turn the
Monitor knob to select the first item, “SPL Display Range”. This setting is used in conjunction
with the SPL calibration procedure (see Calibration/Outputs). It sets the SPL display range
(minimum and maximum) for the Cue level control. This setting has no electrical function other
than to change the display reference. The actual change takes place when the speaker trims are
adjusted so that the SPL measured matches the MonitorMax display. Pressing the Enter key will
toggle through the 5 possible range selections of 25-85dB, 30-90dB, 35-95dB, 40-100dB, and 45-
105dB. The factory default range is 40-100 dB.
Turn the Monitor knob to select “SPL Reference Tic”. The only function of this feature is to move
the reference Tic on the Cue bar meter on the MonitorMax LCD. Turn the Monitor knob while
holding the Enter key to increase or decrease the setting to a minimum of 25 and a maximum of
105. The Tic will reflect changes of the SPL Display Range and will disappear at extreme
settings. The factory default is 85dB.
Turn the Monitor knob to select “SPL Default”. This sets the user preferred level for the Cue
control when MonitorMax is powered up. Turn the Monitor knob while holding the Enter key to
change the level from the minimum to maximum setting allowable within the currently selected
SPL Display Range. The factory default setting is 50. Press Exit to return to operation mode.
Control Options
Press the Enter key and turn the Monitor knob to reach the Control Options page. Continue to
turn the Monitor knob and select the first item, “Interlock Cue”. Interlock determines whether
input sources are summed when selected (off), or a previously selected source is turned off when
a new selection is made (on). Pressing the Enter key toggles between on/off. The setting for
Monitor is identical to Cue. The factory default for both Cue and Monitor is on.
This setting determines if the Monitor Dim will be engaged when an external switch wired through
the SB-9 Logic I/O port (see pinouts) is activated. Pressing the Enter key toggles between on/off.
The setting for Monitor Mute is identical to Monitor Dim. The factory default setting is off for both.
Press Exit to return to operation mode.
Revision
Press the Enter key and turn the Monitor knob to get to the Revision page. This page shows
the current firmware revision installed in MonitorMax. To reset all programmed settings to the
factory defaults, turn the Monitor knob to select “Set Factory Defaults”, press Enter, and another
page will appear.
9

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the operation. The numbers will count down as
you press Enter. Press Exit twice to return to operation mode.
Non-Menu Programmable Items
The following functions can be accessed at any time while MonitorMax is in operation mode.
Talkback Level
The Talkback Microphone gain level can be set independently for the Cue and Monitor. When
the Talkback switch is pressed and held, the gain levels will be shown in the LCD window. By
turning the Cue knob while the Talkback switch is held, the gain level of the Cue Talkback can
be adjusted. Likewise the Monitor Talkback can be adjusted with Monitor knob. The range of
adjustment is from 27dB to 65dB of gain. The factory default is 39 dB.
Mute Left / Right
Pressing the Monitor Mute switch normally mutes the Main or Alt speakers, however by pressing
and holding the Mute switch, either the Left or Right speaker can be muted alone. When the
Monitor Mute switch is held, the speaker being muted will be shown in the LCD window and the
Enter key LED will be flashing. Pressing the Enter key while holding the Mute switch will cause
the speaker muted to toggle between Left and Right.
LCD Contrast
When the Exit key is pressed and held, the word “Contrast” will appear in the LCD window. The
Contrast level of the LCD can be adjusted by turning the Monitor knob while holding the Exit key.
10

Calibrating MonitorMAX
The default SPL displayed on MonitorMAX comes set to 50dB on power up. However, this is not the intended
operating level, but only a safe starting point. Once the unit has been set up, a new default SPL can be
programmed by the user. When MonitorMAX has been properly calibrated, the display will indicate the actual
SPL reference as adjusted by the Monitor level control in 1dB increments. Since 85dB SPL is the accepted
working standard for film mixing stages, this reference is normally used as the target to calibrate MonitorMAX.
To achieve the cleanest audio path with the best signal-to-noise ratio, it is recommended to run all signals at
line level (+4dBu nominal) and take as much attenuation at the end of the audio chain (e.g. the speaker
amplifier inputs) as necessary to achieve the desired SPL. When MonitorMAX is set to the default display
range of 40 to 100dB, a Monitor level setting of 85dB SPL reflects 15dB of attenuation to the outputs.
Likewise, a Monitor level setting of 100dB reflects unity gain from inputs to outputs. When calibrated to this
setting, MonitorMAX will provide a wide range of level control with a maximum SPL of 122dB (if the speakers
will handle it) while maintaining a good signal-to-noise balance.
Simply stated, proper calibration is when a +4dBu input signal (ideally wide band pink noise) produces an
85dB reading on an SPL meter at the listening position, when the MonitorMAX level control is set to 85dB.
The best way to accomplish this is to first set the input controls on your power amplifiers to the lowest level
(most attenuation) and set the MonitorMAX level control so the display reads 85.
Note: If using Powered Monitors or amplifiers that do not provide a wide range of input attenuation, it
may be necessary to use the internal trim adjustments on the MonitorMAX “Levels” menu to obtain
the required amount of attenuation. Again, for best results take as much attenuation as possible at
the amplifier inputs.
Select a Monitor Input (1 – 8) and feed a +4dBu pink noise test tone into either side (L or R). A metering
device can be connected to the Meter outputs (1-2) of MonitorMAX to confirm the +4dBu reading. Place an
SPL meter (Radio Shack model or equivalent, C weighted, slow response) in the listening position and adjust
the corresponding amplifier input control until approximately 85 dB is read on the SPL meter. Repeat the
procedure for other speakers.
Note: It may be necessary to use the internal speaker trims on the MonitorMAX “Levels” menu to
obtain precise adjustments for each speaker including Cue and Alt L & R. These trims provide up to
20dB of attenuation in 0.1dB increments.
In addition to the default SPL range of 40 –100dB, 4 other SPL display ranges are included in the “Mon
Interfaces” menu. Changing the range does not effect the electrical signal path, but determines where the
calibration target (85dB) lies in relation to the top of the display range. This will effect the way the unit is
calibrated, in that more or less attenuation will have to be taken elsewhere (trims or amplifier inputs) to
compensate for more or less attenuation taken in the Monitor Level control. The object is to obtain the best
signal-to-noise ratio while retaining adequate SPL headroom.
If an SPL meter and pink noise source is not available, the unit should be set up by ear. First set the
MonitorMAX Level control to 85dB and then adjust the amplifier input levels to a comfortable working level.
This should be adequate for many applications where the SPL reference is not critical.
11

Setting Up MonitorMAX Talkback
External Talkback Switch
MonitorMAX provides for 2 separate external talkback switches with independently assignable
functions. The implementation of either switch requires only two wires (digital ground and sense
TB1 or TB2) from the Logic DB-9 connector. Talkback is activated when either external TB sense
is switched to ground. The switch functions are determined by the program menu settings shown
below.
Talkback Options
Press Enter to open the program menu, and turn the Monitor knob to get to the TB Options
page. Continue to turn the Monitor knob and select the first item, “Front Panel TB”. The factory
default is for the talkback to be sent to Cue when the Talkback switch on the MonitorMax
controller is pressed. Pressing the Enter key will toggle through the 4 possible selections (Cue,
Mon, Both, or None).
Turn the Monitor knob to select “External TB1” or “External TB2”. These represent optional
external talkback switches connected through the DB-9 Logic I/O port on the MonitorMax back
panel (see pinout). These settings specify where the talkback will be routed when the external
switches are activated. Pressing the Enter key will toggle through the 5 possible selections (Cue,
Mon, Both, Alt only, or None). Press the Exit key to return to operation mode.
Talkback Active
External functions can be activated when the front panel talkback switch on MonitorMAX is
pressed. A +5 Volt logic high is present on pin 9 of the DB-9 Logic connector until the Talkback
switch is pressed, it then goes to logic low until the switch is released.
A +5 Volt power source (VCC) for powering opto-isolated logic inputs (such as with MultiMAX) is
provided on pin 8 to work in conjunction with Talkback Active.
Dim and Mute
Both Dim and Mute functions can be switched externally in the same way as TB1 and TB2, using
a simple switch closure to logic ground.
12

Talkback Dim Logic with MultiMAX
MonitorMAX MultiMAX
DB-25 pin 15
DB-25 pin 3
DB-9 pin 8
DB-9 pin 9
3K
1K1
1K
2K2
+5 V
Opto-
Isolator
TB Active = Low
+5 V
4:2:4 Sends &
Downmix Outs
13

MonitorMax Audio Specifications
Inputs
Stereo Inputs 1 – 8
Impedance: 20K Balanced
Level: +4dBu nominal, +26dBu maximum
Stereo Inputs 9 – 10
Impedance: 10K Unbalanced
Level: -10dBV nominal, +20dBu maximum
TB Mic Input
Impedance: 20K Balanced
Gain: 27 – 65dB
Outputs
All Outputs (Monitor, Cue, Alt, & Meter)
Impedance: 50/50 Ohm Balanced
Level: +4dBu nominal, +26dBu maximum
Frequency Response
All Audio Paths
Bandwidth: 20Hz to 20KHz +/– 0.1dB
Distortion
All Audio Paths
1KHz at 0dBu Typical reading < .007% THD+N
AC Power
115 Volt Units
115 VAC +/- 10% 50 – 60Hz
20 VA maximum
Mains fuse T.315A 250V (5x20mm format)
230 Volt Units
230 VAC +/- 10% 50 – 60Hz
20 VA maximum
Mains fuse T.315A 250V (5x20mm format)
Physical
Dimensions
Rack Mount Unit: 19” x 1 ¾” x 10 ½”
Remote Controller: 6 3/8” x 6 ¾” x 2 5/8”
Weight
Rack Mount Unit: 7 lbs.
Remote Controller: 2 lbs.
14