Mola-Mola Makua User manual

Mola Mola
Kattegat 8
9723 JP Groningen
The Netherlands
[phone]
[email protected]
www.mola-mola.nl
Makua
the preamplifier
User’s Manual

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 2 -
Please read this manual before operating the device
Packing list
Your product was shipped with the items checked below. Please verify that you find all
items mentioned in this list before you start setting up:
Item Qty Shipper’s signature
Preamplifier 1
Power Cord 1
Standard Remote Control Unit
Premium Remote Control Unit
Phono Option (internal)
DAC Option (internal)

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 3 -
Welcome
First off, congratulations! With the purchase of this product you have joined a growing
community of audiophiles who value truthful sound reproduction and who consider neutral
and transparent electronics a cornerstone in this pursuit. We at Mola Mola made it our
primary goal to build electronics capable of passing a signal with no discernible change at
all. Amplifiers make the signal bigger, converters turn the signal from a digital
representation into an analogue one. In all these processes we strive to add nothing and to
remove nothing.
Through our work designing professional audio equipment we have collected extensive
knowledge of how to achieve total freedom from colouration without having to resort to
minimalist circuitry. This allows us to build products that are purist without cutting back
functionality. So we decided that our preamp should be complete. Very complete.
The basic Makua Preamplifier is an extremely transparent gain stage and a programmable
routing matrix. The chassis has ample room to fit in optional extras, most notably a DAC
and a phono stage.
The 6 preset buttons are programmable via Bluetooth to access any combination of
channel, processing and routing. In a system with mainly digital sources, the preset buttons
would be programmed to select between them. Vinyl lovers on the other hand might want
to use several buttons to select the same turntable but with different EQ settings to suit
their large collection of historic LP's. All five inputs are switchable between XLR and floating
RCA connections, and all can be assigned as either phono or line.
We wish you a lifetime of musical enjoyment with this product and thank you for your
custom.
Mola Mola Team

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 4 -
Table of contents
Welcome ....................................................................................................................... 3
Table of contents ........................................................................................................... 4
List of tables ............................................................................................................... 5
List of figures ............................................................................................................. 5
Important Safety Instructions .......................................................................................... 6
Connections & Controls ................................................................................................. 8
Rear ........................................................................................................................... 8
Front .......................................................................................................................... 9
DIGIN module (optional) ............................................................................................. 9
Setting Up .................................................................................................................... 10
Installation ................................................................................................................ 10
Connection ............................................................................................................... 10
Basic operation ............................................................................................................ 12
Factory Preset Mode ................................................................................................. 12
Front Panel Operation ............................................................................................... 12
Premium IR Remote Control Operation ...................................................................... 13
Standard IR Remote Control Operation ...................................................................... 13
Android® and iOS® ................................................................................................... 13
Advanced Control and Programming ............................................................................ 15
Signal Path ............................................................................................................... 15
Programmability ....................................................................................................... 16
The Mola Mola Remote app .......................................................................................... 17
Setting Up and Controlling the Phono Stage .............................................................. 25
Roon ........................................................................................................................... 29
DAC ......................................................................................................................... 31
Drivers and Updates ................................................................................................. 32
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................... 33
Audio performance data ............................................................................................... 34
Audio performance data Phono Stage ........................................................................... 35
Audio performance data DAC ....................................................................................... 36
Technical data .............................................................................................................. 37
Annex I: RC5 Codes ..................................................................................................... 38
Annex II: Serial Commands .......................................................................................... 39
Connection ............................................................................................................... 39
Command Format ..................................................................................................... 39
Command list ........................................................................................................... 39
Revision History ........................................................................................................... 41

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 5 -
List of tables
Table 1: Rear panel overview .......................................................................................... 8
Table 2: Front panel overview ......................................................................................... 9
Table 3: DIGIN module overview ..................................................................................... 9
Table 4: Digital source overview ................................................................................... 31
Table 5: Audio Performance Data ................................................................................. 34
Table 6: Audio performance data Phono Stage ............................................................. 35
Table 7: Audio performance data DAC .......................................................................... 36
Table 8: Technical Data ................................................................................................ 37
Table 9: RC5 Codes ..................................................................................................... 38
List of figures
Figure 1: Rear panel overview ......................................................................................... 8
Figure 2: Front panel overview ........................................................................................ 9
Figure 3: DIGIN module overview .................................................................................... 9
Figure 4: Sketch of the internal signal path. ................................................................... 15
Figure 5: The start-up page. ......................................................................................... 17
Figure 6: Home Page, Preset 1 is selected. ................................................................... 18
Figure 7: Preset Page, input 1 is selected. .................................................................... 20
Figure 8: About Page. ................................................................................................... 23
Figure 9: Phono Stage Page. ........................................................................................ 25
Figure 10: List of Phono Stage EQ Curves. .................................................................... 28
Figure 11: The Makua will show up on the Audio settings page in Roon ........................ 29
Figure 12: Fill in Zone Name ......................................................................................... 29
Figure 13: Click on Configure Device to go to the Makua webpage ................................ 30
Figure 14: The Makua webpage .................................................................................... 30
Figure 15: Firmware update tool. .................................................................................. 32

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 6 -
Important Safety Instructions
Mola Mola gaat er van uit dat u deze Engelstalige tekst volledig begrijpt. Als u hier
moeite mee heeft kunt U contact opnemen met Mola Mola. Op verzoek sturen wij u een
vertaling toe.
Mola Mola geht davon aus, dass Sie diesen Englischen Text völlig verstehen. Wenn
notwendig, nehmen Sie bitte Kontakt auf mit Mola Mola. Auf Wünsch wird Ihnen eine
Übersetzung zugeschickt.
Mola Mola suppose que le lecteur comprend parfaitement le texte en Anglais ci-
dessous. En tout cas de doute veuillez contacter Mola Mola. Une traduction sera vous
envoyée sur demande.
Mola Mola da por supuesto que el texto en versión Inglesa no ofrece ninguna duda de
interpretación y se entiende integramente. Si este no fuese su caso rogamos contacte
con Mola Mola quien, a petición, se encargaría de enviarle la correspondiente
traducción.
Throughout this document, some aspects of operation that have a potential impact on
safety or reliability are noted with the words “Warning” and “Caution”. Take particular care
reading and understanding these items. Paragraphs marked with “Warning” explain safety
measures required to maintain your personal safety. Paragraphs marked with “Caution”
pertain to danger to the equipment itself or to connected equipment. Please follow these
precautions when using this product:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Follow all instructions.
4. Heed all warnings.
5. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
7. WARNING: Dangerous voltage is inside this apparatus. Opening is only allowed
by qualified service personnel.
8. WARNING: Do not defeat the safety purpose of the safety earth connection. Use
the provided three-prong power cord to ensure the product is connected to safety
earth. If the provided mains cord does not fit your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 7 -
9. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
10. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
11. WARNING: Do not use this apparatus near water. Do not expose the apparatus to
dripping or splashing. Do not place objects filled with liquids (flower vases, drink
cans, coffee cups, etc) on the apparatus. Do not use this apparatus out of doors.
12. WARNING: Clean only with a dry, soft, lint-free cloth. Do not spray any liquid
cleaner onto the cabinet, as this may lead to dangerous shocks or malfunction.
13. CAUTION: This device runs slightly warm when operated normally. Operate in a
normally ventilated area.
14. CAUTION: Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Avoid
exposure to direct sunlight.
15. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with audio or music
equipment. In any installation, make sure that injury or damage will not result from
cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting.
16. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the 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.
17. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 8 -
Connections & Controls
Rear
Figure 1: Rear panel overview
# Function Notes
1
Analogue inputs, balanced
5 stereo pairs
2 Analogue inputs, unbalanced 5 stereo pairs
3 Analogue Outputs 2 parallel stereo pairs for bi-amping
4
Trigger Outputs
4 programmable outputs
5
Mains power input
6 Chassis ground terminal For turntable grounding
7 Option module void cover
8 (Un)Balanced toggle switch One for each input pair
9
Serial control port connection
Table 1: Rear panel overview

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 9 -
Front
Figure 2: Front panel overview
#
Function
Notes
1 Volume control knob With indicator LED
2 Power LED 1 LED, white or dim red
3
Preset indicator LED
6 LEDs, white
4
Presets
6 push buttons
Table 2: Front panel overview
DIGIN module (optional)
Figure 3: DIGIN module overview
# Function Notes
1
AES/EBU
2
Optical (Toslink)
3 USB type B USB audio + firmware updates
4 Network Only functional when network module is fitted
Table 3: DIGIN module overview
1
2
3
4

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 10 -
Setting Up
Installation
This product relies on free convection of air along the sides and top for cooling. Avoid
placing magazines, books or other objects on top of the product as this acts as thermal
insulation. Installation inside a cupboard is permissible provided at least 30cm (12”) of free
space above the product and 10cm (4”) around the sides is respected. Operation in closer
quarters requires some provision of forced convection (fan) to be installed inside the
cupboard.
Connection
CAUTION: Whenever you are plugging or unplugging cables, make sure that the volume
control is turned fully down. Failure to take this precaution may result in pops or bangs
in the loudspeaker. Use properly shielded interconnects with reliable connectors.
AC Power Input
Connect the supplied power cord to the AC input receptacle on the rear panel. Do not
connect the power cord until all the audio input and output connections have been made.
It is usually best to plug the product directly into a wall outlet. Avoid the use of extension
cords. A heavy duty multi-tap power outlet strip may be used if it and the wall outlet are
rated to handle the total current demanded by the components connected to it.
Your preamplifier has a universal input power supply, allowing it to operate anywhere from
90V to 240V mains.
If you are going to be away from home for an extended period of time such as a month-
long vacation, it is a sensible precaution to unplug electronic equipment. Do the same as a
precautionary measure during thunderstorms. No amount of surge protection or mains
filtering will save your equipment from a lightning strike in the backyard.
Input Connections
Your preamplifier accepts both RCA and XLR type connectors. If your sources have both
RCA and XLR outputs, it is exceedingly likely that using the XLR connection sounds best.
Depending on which you choose, set the toggle switch to the corresponding input.
Grounding Post
Connect any turntable ground wires to the grounding post to minimize the chances of
capacitively induced hum on the phono cartridge from the turntable.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 11 -
Output connections
Two pairs of XLR outputs are provided for the purpose of bi-amping. Both pairs are
completely identical. No RCA outputs are provided because Mola Mola considers balanced
(XLR) connections to be fundamentally superior. If you need RCA outputs to interface with
a power amp that lacks balanced inputs, most commonly available adapter cables or plugs
will work fine. Keep in mind that pin 2 is hot (signal) and pin 3 carries the reference potential
(cold).
Trigger outputs
The four 12VDC trigger outputs can be used for various purposes. The most obvious one
is making the power amplifier turn on and off with your preamplifier. Another is lowering a
projection screen when a particular source is selected. Any standard 3.5mm jack/jack
cable will do (mono or stereo). Although the factory setting is to make all 4 outputs come
on as soon as the preamplifier is turned on, they can be linked to individual channels. See
the section on advanced control and programming for more details.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 12 -
Basic operation
Factory Preset Mode
Your preamplifier comes factory-programmed as a simple line amplifier. In this mode:
 The leftmost button selects the leftmost source (source 1) and so on and the
rightmost button is used for Roon (if the DAC option is fitted). So for now, think
of the preset button simply as input select buttons.
 The trigger outputs are always on.
 XLR/RCA selection is determined by the toggle switches.
Should you wish to return your preamplifier to its factory-programmed state, you can do
so by holding down the two buttons directly besides the volume control for one second or
more. It makes good sense to do this if this is a device you are loaning for evaluation and
it was sent to you directly by a previous user.
If like most users you only have a handful of line-level sources you can just go ahead and
use the device in this way.
Front Panel Operation
Powering Up
So long as mains power is applied the power LED can be in two states: on or standby. In
standby mode it will light up a dim red (barely visible in daylight, bright red standby LEDs
lighting up the room at night is a pet peeve of the designer). Push any of the 6 buttons to
wake up the preamp. The power LED lights up white and the preset you have just pushed
will be engaged (as indicated by the LED above the button).
Selecting Inputs
The preset indicator LED lights up solid when the preamp is passing signal and blinks when
it is muted. The preamp mutes temporarily for a moment after powering up or after
changing presets.
Muting
You can also make your preamplifier mute by pushing the currently selected preset button.
Push again or change presets to unmute.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 13 -
Powering Down
You can turn the preamp off (place in standby mode) by holding any of the 6 buttons until
the device powers down (about 1 second).
Premium IR Remote Control Operation
The group of six buttons on the remote control mirrors the front panel buttons. Pushing any
of them will power the device on and/or engage the associated preset and/or mute the unit.
The top button acts as mute/standby button and does the exact same as the preset buttons
except it does not switch presets. This is mainly useful because the remote control unit
obviously does not have LEDs to indicate which preset is engaged and sometimes you just
want to mute the device regardless of what was playing.
The volume up/down buttons operate as they do anywhere else. The LED on the volume
knob will come on to provide easy visual feedback of the volume setting.
Standard IR Remote Control Operation
The standard-issue RC unit works slightly differently. The button in the middle of the
quadrants turns the preamp on or off (hold 1 second for off). Press this button once for
mute or unmute. Pushing on the left and right quadrants of the ring cycles through the 6
presets. The top and bottom quadrants control the volume. The two lower buttons are not
used.
Android® and iOS®
Your preamplifier is fitted with a Bluetooth® module to allow access with a mobile device.
To use this feature, install the Mola Mola Remote app from the App Store or Play store.
The home page shows preset buttons and volume control. Other pages are used for
advanced control and programming. They are explained in the Mola Mola remote section.
Powering Up and Down
The stand-by logo in the top left corner acts as power button.
Volume control
Move the slider at the bottom of the home page to change volume. The + and – buttons
can also be used to adjust the volume in small steps. Click on the speaker indicator to mute
or unmute.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 14 -
Mute
Click on the speaker indicator to mute or unmute. The speaker indicator and volume slider
bar will turn red when muted.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 15 -
Advanced Control and Programming
The factory preset only operates the most basic features of your preamplifier. The
architecture is much more powerful, as the signal path diagram shows.
Signal Path
Figure 4: Sketch of the internal signal path.
Everything that can be switched or changed in the above diagram is under software control:
 XLR/RCA switching
 Source selection
 Routing of any input through the optional phono stage
 Variable loading, gain and EQ of the optional phono stage
 Polarity inversion of left, right or both
 Mono summing
 Volume
 Balance (independent control of left/right volume)
DAC
(option)
Phono
(option)
Load
(R/C)
Gain
Var EQ and Gain
MC
MM
Pol.
Mono

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 16 -
Programmability
Every thinkable combination of routing and processes can be rolled together for direct
access through any of the 6 presets.
Say for instance that you have 2 turntables, each fitted with a different cartridge (most
records sound best with an elliptical or VDH stylus but dynagroove cuts positively require
a conical stylus). You can then assign one preset button to each turntable, each with its
own optimum loading and gain.
Now imagine that some of your most precious historical records are mono, vertically cut
with obviously a non-RIAA curve. You can then assign yet another preset to the same input,
with the same loading and gain but with one channel’s polarity inverted and mono on, and
with the EQ that applies to these records.
As a final example, although the RCA/XLR selection is normally controlled using the toggle
switches, it can be overridden. In the unlikely case that you have 6 sources you can assign
one preset button each to the RCA and XLR pair of one input channel and hence use all 6
buttons to select between 6 sources. Note that crosstalk between RCA and XLR pairs of
one input channel is not as low as between different input channels so you should not co-
locate two sources that you expect to be putting out signal at the same time.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 17 -
The Mola Mola Remote app
The control app for your preamplifier is available in the Apple App store and Google Play
store. The app will attempt to contact your preamp and should find it as long as it is within
reach and plugged in. Also ensure that the Bluetooth function of your mobile device is
enabled. The app will auto connect when there is only one Mola Mola device available. The
app will turn the preamplifier on during the connection procedure when it is not already
turned on. In case you have multiple Mola Mola devices select the device you wish to
operate and click on Choose device.
Figure 5: The start-up page.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 18 -
Home Page
The home page is the regular remote control, as outlined in the section about basic
operation. Move the slider at the bottom of the home page to change volume. The + and
– buttons can also be used to adjust the volume in small steps. Click on the speaker
indicator to mute or unmute.
Figure 6: Home Page, Preset 1 is selected.
To program a preset, tap the button of the preset you want to change and click on the edit
preset button in the top right corner.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 19 -
Status DAC
If a preset with a digital input is selected, the status of the DAC will be shown above the
volume bar on the home page. Input type shows the incoming audio format, PCM or DSD.
Sample rate shows the sample rate of the incoming audio.

Makua
Preamplifier
User’s Manual
R6
- 20 -
Preset Page
Here you can select the input channel and whether the XLR or RCA inputs are to be used.
Usually you will want to leave the latter option at “switch” so that the toggle switch on the
rear panel controls this.
Figure 7: Preset Page, input 1 is selected.