Meridian DSP730 User manual

LOUDSPEAKER USER GUIDE
DSP730 IN-WALL DIGITAL ACTIVE

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide
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Important safety instructions
Read the instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Refer all servicing to approved service personnel.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
This apparatus has been designed with Class 1 construction
and must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a
protective earthing connection (the third grounding pin).
This apparatus uses a single-pole power switch. As a result it is
not isolated from AC mains power when switched off at the rear
panel. The apparatus may be isolated from mains power either
by unplugging the power connector from the rear of the unit, or
by unplugging the connector at the opposing end of the power
cord or cable from its supply outlet. As a result, either or both
of these connectors should remain accessible.
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Safety warnings
WARNING!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK – DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION!
NE PAS OUVRIR – RISQUE DE DÉCHARGE ÉLECTRIQUE
Caution: to reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified service personnel.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
 

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide iii
Climate
The equipment has been designed for use in moderate climates
and in domestic situations.
≤2000m
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Only use at an altitude not exceeding 2000m.
Safety warnings
Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing.
Do not place any object filled with liquid, such as a vase, on
the unit.
Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles,
on the unit.
To avoid overheating
Do not position the product in direct sunlight.
Do not position the product near heat sources, such as a
radiator.
Leave at least 10cm around the product to ensure sufficient
ventilation.
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Radio interference
FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate
radio frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly
in accordance with our instructions may cause interference to
radio communications or radio and television reception. It has
been type-tested and complies with the limits set out in Subpart
J, Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class B computing device. These
limits are intended to provide reasonable protection against such
interference in home installations.
EEC: This product has been designed and type-tested
to comply with the limits set out in EN55032:2015 and
EN55024:2010 + A1:2015.
IP20 EQUIPMENT

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide
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Copyright and acknowledgements
Sales and service
All direct support for Meridian products, systems and associated
software is provided through our authorised distribution network.
If you require any such advice or information, you should
contact your Meridian dealer.
Designed and manufactured in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd, Latham Road, Huntingdon,
Cambridgeshire, PE29 6YE, England.
Meridian Audio reserves the right to make changes and
improvements to any of the products described in this document
without prior notice.
Copyright © 2020 Meridian Audio Ltd.
Part no: P88488
Visit us on the Web
www.meridian-audio.com
Product registration
Register your DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker at:
meridian-audio.com/register

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide v
Contents
Introduction 1
Specifications 3
Installing the DSP730 4
Front and back panel 9
Setting up the DSP730 11
Configuring the loudspeaker using the IR eye 13
RS232 control and configuration 14
RS232 commands 16
Index 23

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide 1
Introduction
The DSP730 is a high-performance in-wall loudspeaker.
Engineered using Meridian’s core principles of sound design,
the DSP730 delivers high-resolution audio that is perfect
for architectural installations and dedicated home theatres.
Optimised for use behind a screen or stretched fabric wall-
coverings, the DSP730 boasts a high dynamic range and an
exceptional signal-to-noise ratio enabling it to provide distortion-
free audio from the quietest detail to the loudest crescendo.
A beryllium tweeter with diffraction expansion technology is
one of the three drive units, each of which is powered by a pair
of amplifiers capable of delivering over 100W into 8Ω. With a
frequency response from 38Hz to 40kHz and an output of up
to 115dB at 1m, the DSP730 delivers incredible power, fidelity
and accuracy for both music and movies.
The DSP730 can be combined with a Meridian in-wall
subwoofer to produce a full-range, two-box solution.
Acoustic enclosure
The DSP730 features a sealed “double-baffle” aluminium
enclosure design which minimises unwanted resonances and
colouration to ensure a reliable and repeatable performance
in every installation. The enclosure also acts as a heatsink
with huge thermal capacity for the built-in power amplifiers. A
separate mid-range driver enclosure prevents the bass driver
from interacting with the mid-range unit.
Class-M DSP engine
Phase-linear DSP crossovers with textbook performance ensure
the drive units remain in phase with each other across their
crossover regions. The DSP engine also provides thermal and
dynamic bass protection while retaining very accurate transients,
ensuring that when the loudspeaker is played at high levels –
even over prolonged periods of time – it always delivers a clean,
detailed, and accurate sound.
Meridian DYNAMIC amplifier design
The DSP730 uses high-resolution power amplifiers which
feature feedback taken after the output inductor. This lowers
the output impedance to levels rivalling good Class-AB designs,
for perfect cone control and maximum detail.
Centre Elevation
Meridian’s Centre Elevation technology, based on
psychoacoustic research, raises the perceived image location
from an under-screen loudspeaker so that it appears to come
from the centre of the screen.

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide
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Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA)
Meridian’s innovative Enhanced Bass Alignment (EBA)
technology time-aligns high, mid, and upper bass frequencies
with the low bass, resulting in audibly improved bass transients
and added life and clarity.
Diffraction Expansion Technology
The innovative tweeter design delivers controlled directivity,
wide dispersion, and consistent off-axis response. This means
all listeners get the same experience, turning the listening-
room into one large “sweet-spot”. As well as providing greater
freedom of placement due to controlled reduction of unwanted
reflections, this also makes the loudspeaker ideal for larger
areas.
Construction
The DSP730 is designed to have an elegant profile, with only
102mm installation depth.
It is made up of a narrow, self-contained, all-metal enclosure
with a metal mounting frame. Its purpose-built rough-in wall box
is available separately. The rough-in box is first fitted to the wall,
the frame is mounted to it, and the loudspeaker enclosure is
then bolted to the frame.
The rough-in box and frame can be adjusted for various wall
materials and depths. The frame is designed for mounting into
new-build partition and stud style walls, or for retrofitting into
stud or brick/stone-built walls.
A male-to-female IEC mains lead is supplied with the
loudspeaker in order to connect it to the rough-in box, which is
wired to power.
The paintable, perforated steel grille supplied with the
loudspeaker can be fitted where required. The grille is held in
place by powerful rubber-coated magnets which are attached
to the aluminium extrusion that forms the front panel of the
loudspeaker enclosure.
Controlling the loudspeaker
The loudspeaker can be controlled in three ways:
In most installations, the loudspeaker will be controlled by
another Meridian product within the system.
Alternatively, the loudspeaker features an infra-red receiver
which allows it to be controlled using a Meridian System
Remote.
Thirdly, the loudspeaker can be controlled using RS232
commands.
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DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide 3
Audio input
1 x Meridian SpeakerLink connector (RJ45).
Audio output
1 x Meridian SpeakerLink connector (RJ45).
Drivers
Tweeter: Beryllium dome with diffraction expansion
technology.
Mid-range: 1 x 100mm.
Bass: 1 x 100mm.
Amplifiers
3 pairs of Class-D amplifiers – each pair bridged, capable of
delivering over 100W into 8Ω.
Performance
Peak SPL: 115dB @ 1m.
Frequency response 38Hz – 40kHz.
Horizontal dispersion 120° @ 20Hz - 10kHz,
70° @ 18kHz (-6dB)
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Front panel
Switch selects Right, L+R, or Left or Centre.
IR window.
LED indicators show power status and configuration settings.
Physical
Dimensions: 800mm* x 203mm x 102mm
(31.5"* x 8.0" x 4.0") (H x W x D).
Weight: 11kg (24.2lb).
Grille dimensions: 819.5mm x 222.5mm x 4mm
(36.2" x 8.73" x 0.16") (H x W x D).
* Excluding frame and cable feed channel.
Power
IEC mains lead supplied to connect loudspeaker enclosure to
rough-in box.
500W max.
This product is available factory pre-set in the following
voltage options: 100V AC 50-60Hz, 110-120V AC 50-60Hz
and 220-240V AC 50-60Hz
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Specifications

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide
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Installing the DSP730
The loudspeaker is designed to be fitted in a Meridian wall
box type RF500. If necessary, refer to the RF500 Wall Box
Installation Instructions :
meridian-audio.com/RF500-installation
Contents
Each DSP730 loudspeaker is supplied with the following
components:
Mounting frame.
Mains cable.
M5 x 25mm clamping screws – 8 pieces.
M5 x 10mm lock screws – 6 pieces.
M5 x 20mm guide-in screws – 8 pieces.
Grille.
Grab handle.
M3 Allen key.
Grille extractor tools – 2 pieces.
The mounting frame is fitted to the wall box prior to fitting the
loudspeaker.
The grab handle can be used to help with lifting the
loudspeaker into position.
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1. Prepare for installation
Remove the mounting frame; it is packed underneath the
loudspeaker within the packing carton.
Remove the grab handle; it is packed in one of the foam
packing pieces within the carton.
2. Fit the grab handle
Insert the grab handle into the available holes either side of
the tweeter (see illustration below).
Rotate it so it locks into position.
Note: the grab handle is not suitable to use when installing the
loudspeaker horizontally.
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DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide 5
3. Fit the mounting frame
Slide the mounting frame into the wall box.
Clamp the frame to the wall with the M5 x 25mm button-
head clamping screws (8 pieces).
Tighten just enough to clamp the frame to the wall. Do not
overtighten as this may distort the frame.
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Mounting
frame
Clamping
screws
(M5 x 25mm)

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide
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4. Lock the frame into place
Once the frame is tight against the wall:
Lock into place with M5 x 10mm button-head lock screws
(6 pieces).
Lock tight.
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Lock
screws
(M5 x 10mm)

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide 7
5. Fit the loudspeaker
Using the grab handle, sit the loudspeaker on the lower edge
of the wall box.
Plug in the RJ45 cable(s) and AC supply.
With the aid of the grab handle, slide the loudspeaker into
position, inserting the top of the loudspeaker into the wall box
first.
Fix with M5 x 20mm guide-in screws (8 pieces).
Remove the grab handle to fit the last pair of screws. This is
no longer required.
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Guide-in
screws
(M5 x 20mm)

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide
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6. Fit the grille
Carefully hold the grille with your fingers at the top,
Locate the lower edge of the grille at the bottom edge of the
mounting frame for alignment.
Lay the grille gently down onto the magnets, which will hold it
in place.
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Grille

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide 9
Front and back panel
Connections
The following diagram gives details of the connections on the
back of the loudspeaker:
Output Input
SpeakerLink
output Power input
Use this connection To connect to this
SpeakerLink input The SpeakerLink output of a Meridian
controller or another loudspeaker when
connecting in a daisy-chain.
SpeakerLink output The SpeakerLink input of another
loudspeaker when connecting in a
daisy-chain.
Power The RF500 wall box power output
using the supplied plug-in mains cable.
Front panel
The following diagram gives details of the front panel:
Right RS232
L+R
Left or Centre*
*To enable
Centre Elevation
see user guide
On
Off
Channel
selector
Indicators and
IR receiver
Fuse
Power
switch
RS232
socket
Item Description
Channel selector Specifies the loudspeaker’s role in the
system. See Setting up the DSP730 In-Wall
Digital Active Loudspeaker , page 11.
RS232 socket Allows you to configure the loudspeaker. See
RS232 via the front-panel socket , page 15.
Power switch Controls the mains supply to the loudspeaker.

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide
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Status indicators
Status Description
Steady blue Loudspeaker in standby.
Steady white Loudspeaker operating.
For an explanation of the configuration status indicators see
Configuring the loudspeaker using the IR eye , page 13.

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide 11
This section explains how to set up the loudspeaker in each of
the typical applications.
Using the loudspeaker on the left of the
system
Set the channel selector switch to Left or Centre.
In a multichannel system this applies to all loudspeakers on the
left-hand side of the room
Using the loudspeaker on the right of the
system
Set the channel selector switch to Right.
In a multichannel system this applies to all loudspeakers on the
right-hand side of the room
Using a single loudspeaker individually with
a TV
Set the channel selector switch to L+R.
If the loudspeaker is located below the display screen Centre
Elevation can be used to raise the sound image up to the
screen.
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Choose between Off (lowest), Minimum, Medium, or
Maximum (highest).
The ideal setting will depend on the layout of the loudspeaker
and screen.
When the channel selector switch set to L+R Centre
Elevation can be adjusted via RS232; see RS232 control and
configuration , page 14. The setting will be retained even if the
loudspeaker is powered off.
Centre Elevation is only appropriate for loudspeakers located
below the display screen, or the mid-height point of an
acoustically transparent screen. It may be of limited benefit if the
distance between the loudspeaker and the screen is small relative
to the distance between the screen and the listening position.
Using the loudspeaker to play a mix of left
and right audio in other situations
Set the channel selector switch to L+R.
This will play a balanced mix of left and right audio, allowing
a single loudspeaker to reproduce all the audio present in a
stereo recording. It also provides a useful option for systems
using multiple speakers where the listening area does not have
clearly-defined left and right loudspeaker positions.
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Setting up the DSP730

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Using the loudspeaker as a centre channel
Set the channel selector switch to Left or Centre.
If the loudspeaker is below the display screen Centre Elevation
can be used to raise the sound image up to the screen.
Choose between Off (lowest), Minimum, Medium, or
Maximum (highest).
The ideal setting will depend on the layout of the loudspeaker
and screen.
As well as improving the sense of dialogue coming from centre
stage, Centre Elevation can enhance the integration of sounds
that pan from left and right in a multichannel system.
When set to Left or Centre, the loudspeaker needs to have
Centre mode activated in order to make Centre Elevation
available. This can be done using a Meridian System Remote
as described in Configuring the loudspeaker using the IR eye ,
page 13, or via RS232 as described in RS232 control and
configuration , page 14.
In Centre mode:
If the system features a suitably-equipped Meridian controller
product, Centre Elevation can be adjusted via the menu system
of the controller product. Check the user guide of the controller
product to see whether it supports the Centre Elevation menu
and how to adjust it.
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Regardless of the other equipment in the system, Centre
Elevation can be adjusted via RS232. The setting will be
retained even if the loudspeaker is powered off, so the optimal
setting can be chosen at the time of installation as a one-off
operation.
Centre Elevation is only appropriate for loudspeakers located
below the display screen, or the mid-height point of an
acoustically transparent screen. It may be of limited benefit if the
distance between the loudspeaker and the screen is small relative
to the distance between the screen and the listening position.

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide 13
Some settings can be changed by sending commands from a
Meridian System Remote (not supplied) directed at the IR eye
while powering-up the loudspeaker. The status of the setting
is indicated by flashing indicators behind the lens of the IR eye
immediately after the operation.
Centre mode
Centre mode can be toggled off and on by holding down the
Left-cursor key (<) while powering-up the loudspeaker.
Status Description
White indicator flashes four times Centre-mode activated.
Blue indicator flashes four times Centre-mode
deactivated.
IR eye
The IR eye on the front-panel of the loudspeaker can be
enabled or disabled by holding down the Next and Previous
keys respectively while powering-up the loudspeaker.
Key and status Description
Next key
White indicator flashes twice
IR eye on.
Previous key
Blue indicator flashes twice
IR eye off (default).
Factory reset
A factory reset can be performed by holding down the Stop
key while powering-up the loudspeaker.
Status Description
White indicator flashes three
times
The loudspeaker has
been reset.
Configuring the loudspeaker using the IR eye

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide
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For the full list of RS232 commands for DSP loudspeakers see
RS232 commands, page 16. This covers non-volatile settings
relating to installation options as well as standard control
commands to be used by third-party control systems.
Centre mode and Centre Elevation
The commands used for Centre mode and Centre Elevation are
detailed here as these features most often generate the need to
use RS232 with the loudspeaker.
Centre mode
The RS232 commands related to Centre mode are as follows:
Command What it does
CmON Activates Centre mode when the channel
selector switch is set to Left or Centre.
CmOFF Deactivates Centre mode when the channel
selector switch is set to Left or Centre.
Cm Returns the current status of Centre mode.
When the channel selector switch is set to L+R Centre mode is
activated by default; otherwise it is deactivated by default.
Centre Elevation
The RS232 commands to adjust Centre Elevation are as follows
Command What it does
CESL Enables control of Centre Elevation by
commands over SpeakerLink.*
CEOFF Switches Centre Elevation off.*
CEMIN Sets Centre Elevation to Minimum.
CEMED Sets Centre Elevation to Medium.
CEMAX Sets Centre Elevation to Maximum.
* By default, the loudspeaker is set to CESL and Centre
Elevation will remain set to off until it is changed by a valid
command over SpeakerLink.
RS232 connection options
The loudspeaker can receive RS232 commands via the socket
on its front-panel or via the SpeakerLink input socket on the
back of the loudspeaker. Their respective locations make the
two connections suitable for particular use-cases.
RS232 control and configuration

DSP730 In-Wall Digital Active Loudspeaker User Guide 15
RS232 via the front-panel socket
The front-panel RS232 allows you to configure the loudspeaker
to suit its role in the system, or perform firmware updates.
A cable suitable for connecting to the front-panel RS232
socket, terminated in a female DB9 plug, is available from
authorised Meridian dealers: Meridian part number: PA10824
The socket accepts the longer version of the three-way, 3.5mm
(Qiinch) minijack plug, eg Schurter part no. 4802.1300:
18.6mm
Ø3.50mm
The standard minijack plug commonly used on headphones and
ear-buds with a shorter 14mm plug cannot be used:
14mm
Ø3.50mm
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RS232 via the SpeakerLink input
If the loudspeaker is installed behind a projection screen or
under a fabric wall-covering, the front-panel RS232 socket may
be inaccessible. In this case the SpeakerLink input cable, which
also carries RS232 connections, can be used to configure the
loudspeaker.
Temporarily disconnect the SpeakerLink cable from the
product feeding the loudspeaker.
Connect the RJ45 plug into an RJ45 Inline Coupler to provide
an RJ45 socket.
Connect the RJ45 socket to an RJ45 to RS232 cable.
An RJ45 to RS232 cable, terminated in a female DB9 plug,
is available from authorised Meridian dealers: Meridian part
number SK1622.
Where loudspeakers are daisy-chained, access to the
SpeakerLink input of the downstream loudspeakers can be
provided by routing all SpeakerLink feeds through RJ45
couplers located in the rack.
Connections
The two cables use the following connections for RS232:
Function Female DB9 Minijack RJ45
RS232 Tx. 3 Tip 6
RS232 Rx. 2 Ring 3
Ground 5 Shield 5
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