PMC PMC6 User manual

USER
GUIDE

IMPORTANT
Warranty
Please take a few moments to register your product by completing
the warranty online at: www.pmc-speakers.com This also gives you the
opportunity to make suggestions and provide feedback directly to us.
Product Support
For product support, accessories, or servicing advice please contact a PMC
authorised representative. See: www.pmc-speakers.com/where-to-buy
THE PROFESSIONAL MONITOR COMPANY LIMITED
HOLME COURT, BIGGLESWADE, SG18 9ST, UK
T [phone]
[email protected]
www.pmc-speakers.com
© 2021 PMC. All rights reserved.
Ref No: 1261
PMC Stock Code: 17389
Register now for your
UNRIVALLED
ve year warranty
YEARS
5

OUR GOAL
Our sole aim while designing loudspeakers is to recreate the true essence of
an artist’s intention, combining the maximum possible sonic resolution with
solid engineering principles.
We believe that the same loudspeaker can be used throughout the entire
audio chain, from composer to studio or lm stage, post-production or
mastering and then, nally, the audiophile at home. We also think that a
well-designed loudspeaker should be able to excel regardless of the audio
genre, and reproduce spoken word, rock, pop, or classical music with the
same precision and accuracy. Our unswerving passion for getting designs
right has made this goal possible.

CONTENTS
• Important Information
• Our Goal
• Contents
• Important Safety Information
• Unpacking and Care — What’s in the Box?
• Introduction
• ATL™Advanced Transmission Line: How it works
• Models - PMC6, PMC6-2, PMC8-2, PMC8 SUB, PMC-8-2 SUB
• Controls and Connections
• Signal Flow
• Illuminated PMC Logo
• Running-In
• Positioning
• User Controls
• SoundAlign Web Interface
• XBD System Conguration
• Accessories
• Specications
• The PMC Professional Range
• Service
• Meticulous Care and Attention
• Online Warranty

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read and keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry non-abrasive cloth. Do not use solvents, abrasives,
waxes or liquids as they may be detrimental to the cabinet nish.
Do not inhibit airow around the unit. A free ow of air behind the
loudspeaker is necessary to maintain sufcient cooling. A minimum of
80mm (3-inches) is required.
Installing these speakers into softs may cause overheating and will
invalidate the product warranty.
Do not install near heat sources eg: direct sunlight, radiators or other
apparatus that produce heat.
This unit must be Earthed. Do not use the loudspeaker with an unearthed
mains cable or an unearthed mains connection as this may compromise
electrical safety. A suitable mains cable is supplied with the product.
• Apparatets stikprop skal tilsluttes en stikkontakt med jord, som
giver forbindelse til stikproppens jord.
• Laite on liitettävä soujakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan
• Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt
• Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag
The amplier is not disconnected from the mains supply unless the power
cord is removed from the unit or the mains outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at
inlets and outlets.
Unplug this unit during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualied
personnel.
Servicing is required when the unit has been damaged in any way, produces
abnormal odours, has been exposed to liquids, rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
Only use with accessories and brackets specied by PMC, and ensure all
stands and ttings are safe and secure. Ensure the loudspeakers do not tip/
fall and cause injury or damage.
These monitors can produce high sound pressure levels (SPLs). Exposure to
high SPLs has the potential to cause hearing damage. Adjust the system’s
sound pressure level to remain within safe limits.
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Powerful magnets employed in these loudspeakers may have a detrimental
effect on magnetically sensitive items if placed too close, such as CRT
televisions, audio/video tape and cassettes.
Disconnect the speaker from the mains supply before removing an expansion
card or the expansion card blanking cover. Ensure that an expansion card
or the expansion card blanking cover is tted and secured in place before
reconnecting the speaker to the mains supply.
Only use in non-tropical climate areas and below an altitude of 2000m.
Warning! This is a Class-A device. This device may cause interference
in residential areas; in this case, the operator may be required to take
appropriate measures.
Packaging can pose a danger to the young and vulnerable. Ensure these
items are stored or disposed of safely, and in accordance with your local
legislation.
PMC has made every effort to provide accurate installation information
and good quality xings. However, PMC will not be held responsible or liable
for injuries or property damage (direct, indirect or consequential) arising out
of use or inability to use this product safely and properly.
The manufacturing date code of this product is marked on the rear of the
product in the format WW/YYYY.
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UNPACKING AND CARE
Our active monitors are packed in heavy-duty protective cartons. Please
retain these to ensure that the loudspeakers can be transported safely if the
need arises in the future. If you dispose of the packaging please do so in an
environmentally responsible and safe way.
PMC monitors provide many years of trouble-free operation, but in the
unlikely event that you suspect damage or failure has occurred do not
attempt to repair the unit yourself. There are no user-serviceable parts
inside. Contact your local representative for advice.
What’s In The Box?
1 x Active reference monitor
3 x Mains cables for alternative wall plug types
2 x Quick-start User Guides (English & Chinese)
1 x Warranty Reminder

INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing PMC products. Please read this user guide and
install your new monitors according to the advice you’ll nd in the following
pages.
Discerning music makers regard our monitors as the absolute reference;
PMC speakers are found throughout the audio chain, from composer to
recording or mixing, through post-production, mastering, and broadcast.
They deliver a forensic level of detail that allows you to work faster, without
fatigue and with complete condence knowing that your nished mix will
translate technically and emotionally anywhere. Our signature sound —
ultra-low distortion, effortlessly extended bass, and smooth, super-wide
dispersion — is a feature of every monitor, from compact neareld to our
large main monitors.
This renowned exibility and dependability result from our holistic design
process in which the impact on overall performance of every part of our
speakers down to component level is carefully considered. We take this
approach with every loudspeaker we manufacture, including our latest
generation of active reference neareld and mideld monitors, the PMC6,
PMC6-2, and PMC8-2, and their associated subwoofers the PMC8 SUB and
PMC8-2 SUB.
Designed from the ground up with more than ve years R&D combined with
invaluable input from the PMC community, these British-made monitors are
intended for audio recording, mixing, mastering, and broadcast professionals
working in any format from stereo to immersive sound. This monitor range is
packed with innovations including all-new drive units, cutting-edge Class-D
amplication with analogue and digital connectivity, DSP crossovers, and
the latest generation of our proprietary ATL™bass-loading and Laminair™
air ow technologies. Remote conguration over a standard Network is
provided via our class leading SoundAlign web-interface (PC, Mac, tablet,
or smartphone). All of our active monitors are also scalable through the
option of combining an active subwoofer to create PMC’s unique XBD
format with enhanced headroom and bass extension.
Whether you’re composing, recording, mixing, or mastering in stereo or the
latest immersive formats, you can guarantee the best possible results in the
shortest possible time.

ADVANCED TRANSMISSION LINE:
HOW IT WORKS
PMC’s unique ATL™(Advanced Transmission Line) cabinet enclosures
have taken loudspeaker design to the highest level, using sophisticated
construction methods, specically optimised and proprietary drive units,
and patented absorption materials and techniques. The benets are
enormous compared to the relatively simple sealed and ported designs
currently available elsewhere.
PMC’s innovative approach places the bass driver near one end of a long
tunnel (the Advanced Transmission Line) skilfully folded into the available
cabinet volume. This tunnel is heavily damped with acoustic material
specied carefully to absorb the upper bass and higher frequencies
radiating from the rear of the bass driver. The lowest frequencies are allowed
to pass down the line and emerge from the large vent in the same polarity
as the driver’s frontal radiation, the vent acting essentially as a second bass
driver. The introduction of our Laminair bafe technology to control and
smooth the airow through the vent helps to further reduce LF distortion and
colouration.
An important benet of the ATL™approach is that the air pressure inside
the cabinet, loading the bass driver, is maintained. This helps to control the
driver over a wide frequency range and signicantly reduces LF distortion
compared to other cabinet loading techniques. Consequently, the upper
bass and midrange detail is not masked by harmonic distortion and the
result is PMC’s characteristically transparent midrange, fast, attacking bass,
and outstanding clarity.
A further advantage is greater bass extension
and loudness than a ported or sealed design
of a similar size, even if similar drivers were
used. Moreover, the very consistent bass
driver loading brings the welcome benet that
the frequency response remains consistent
regardless of listening level, and analytical
auditioning can be conducted without the
need for high replay volumes to achieve
optimal bass response — a unique and very
valuable characteristic.

MODELS
The PMC6, PMC6-2, and PMC8-2 monitors, and the PMC8 SUB and PMC8-2
SUB all share the following features:
• Analogue/AES3 digital input (16/24-bit, 18 -192kHz sample rate)
• Digital ‘through’ output (AES3 24-bit 96kHz)
• Rear-panel LCD display and rotary encoders for user settings
• Sophisticated DSP crossover, driver protection, EQ, and delay/polarity
options
• SoundAlign network control interface for single or group EQ & settings
• Independent, state-of-the-art, Class-D amplier for each drive unit
• Universal auto-sensing mains input via IEC C14 connector
• All models are Left/Right-handed except for the PMC8 SUB
PMC6
• Active 2-way neareld reference monitor with ATL™bass loading
• HF: PMC 1” soft-dome tweeter with 200W amplier
• LF: PMC 6” Studio6 bass-mid with 200W amplier
• Frequency response: 39Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis)
• Max. cont. SPL: 106dB (@ 1m half space, 20-20kHz 12dB crest-factor pink noise for 2 hrs)
• Automatic portrait/landscape placement DSP correction
• Ceiling-mount yoke allows suspension in multi-channel or immersive
systems
• Upgrade with a PMC8 SUB to create a PMC6 XBD, delivering LF extension
down to 25Hz with perfect integration.
PMC6
(left portrait)
PMC6
(left landscape)
PMC6
(right portrait)
PMC6
(right landscape)
YOKE 18
(ceiling mount)

PMC6-2
• Active 3-way neareld reference monitor with ATL™bass loading
• HF: PMC 1” soft-dome tweeter with 400W amplier
• MF: PMC55 2” soft-dome midrange with 400W amplier
• LF: 2x PMC 6” Studio6 woofers with 400W amplier per driver
• Frequency response: 33Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis)
• Max. cont. SPL: 109dB (@ 1m half space, 20-20kHz 12dB crest-factor pink noise for 2 hrs)
• Ceiling-mount yoke allows suspension in multi-channel or immersive
systems
• Upgrade with a PMC8-2 SUB to create a PMC6-2 XBD, delivering greater
headroom and LF extension down to 25Hz.
PMC8-2
• Active 3-way mideld reference monitor with ATL™bass loading
• HF: PMC 1” soft-dome tweeter with 400W amplier
• MF: PMC55 2” soft-dome midrange with 400W amplier
• LF: 2x PMC 8” Studio8 woofers with 400W amplier per driver
• Frequency response: 25Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis)
• Max. cont. SPL: 113dB (@ 1m half space, 20-20kHz 12dB crest-factor pink noise for 2 hrs)
• Optional bespoke high-mass oor stands
• Upgrade with a PMC8-2 SUB to create a PMC8-2 XBD, delivering greater
headroom
PMC6-2
(left)
PMC6-2
(right)
YOKE 18
(ceiling mount)
PMC8-2
(left)
PMC8-2
(right)
STAND
(Bespoke 40” stand)

PMC8 SUB
• Active reference subwoofer with ATL™bass loading
• PMC 8” Studio8 woofer with 300W amplier
• Frequency response: 25Hz - 500Hz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis)
• Max. cont. SPL: 109dB (@ 1m quarter space, 20-20kHz 12dB crest-factor pink noise for 2 hrs)
• Designed as a stand-alone subwoofer or to integrate perfectly with a
PMC6 to create a PMC6 XBD system.
PMC8-2 SUB
• Active reference subwoofer with ATL™bass loading
• 2x PMC 8” Studio8 woofers with 400W amplier per driver
• Frequency response: 25Hz - 500Hz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis)
• Max. cont. SPL: 115dB (@ 1m quarter space, 20-20kHz 12dB crest-factor pink noise for 2 hrs)
• Designed as a stand-alone subwoofer or to integrate perfectly with a
PMC6-2 or PMC8-2 to create their respective XBD systems.
• Available as left and right-handed cabinets
See the Specications section at the end of this User Manual for
comprehensive specications of all models.
PMC8 SUB
(horizontal)
PMC8 SUB
(vertical)
PMC8-2 SUB
(left)
PMC8-2 SUB
(right)

CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
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LCD Display
The top row of the LCD indicates the PARAMETER, whilst the bottom row
displays the VALUE of that parameter.
Rotary Encoders
Used to modify the speaker’s settings.
Rotate the top encoder to change to a different PARAMETER.
Rotate the bottom encoder to modify the VALUE of said parameter.
Press & hold the top encoder to show the rmware version.
Press the bottom encoder to switch between coarse & ne parameter
mode. Coarse mode is indicated by a ‘*’ symbol at the bottom right of the
LCD and is used to make larger changes to the parameter VALUE. This is
useful, for example, when sweeping the frequency of a PEQ between 20
and 20,000 Hz.
Digital Through Output
AES3 digital XLR3m provides a ‘through’ output for daisy-chaining this
speakers’ audio input to another speaker. The sample rate of this output is
xed at 96kHz, 24 bits.
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If the speaker is being fed with an analogue signal the through output will
send a digitised version of that analogue signal on both channels (L and R)
of the AES3 output. If the input is an AES3 signal, the through output carries
the same two channels (L and R) at 96kHz.
N.B. The maximum recommended number of speakers in one chain is 4.
Analogue & Digital Input
An XLR3f input socket receives both balanced analogue signals and AES3
digital signals. The required input format is selected through the rotary
encoders or the SoundAlign network interface.
If the input is an AES3 digital signal whilst the monitor speaker is congured
to receive analogue signals, the speaker will emit a sound like low-level
pink-noise. This is not a fault and will cause no harm to the speaker.
Analogue input signals are sampled at 96kHz, while an AES3 digital input
can have any sample rate between 18kHz and 192kHz. An asynchronous
sample rate converter provides a 96kHz signal for the DSP engine and the
through output.
Expansion Card Slot
An expansion card slot provides a capability to support alternative input
format interfaces in the future.
The expansion card slot does not support hot-plugging and only detects
installed cards during boot-up. Disconnect the speaker from the mains
supply before removing the expansion card blanking cover or an installed
expansion card. Ensure that an expansion card or the expansion card
blanking cover is tted and secured in place before reconnecting the
speaker to the mains supply.
Network Connector
RJ-45 Ethernet connector to enable network control of the speaker’s
DSP settings through the SoundAlign web interface. The speaker can be
connected to any normal LAN network; it does not need its own separate
network or any special network hardware, and speaker control and
conguration data will happily co-exist with other network data. No audio
is passed over the network interface. If no LAN is available, this port can be
connected directly to a PC or Mac to use the SoundAlign interface.
Power Switch
This is the power switch I = ON, O = OFF
Power Inlet
100 - 240VAC auto-switching, 50-60Hz (IEC C14)

SIGNAL FLOW
Audio enters the monitor via an XLR connector which can accept analogue
or digital AES3 signals. Analogue signals pass through a low-noise, low-
distortion balanced input with variable gain staging, followed by a high
performance 24-bit 96kHz ADC. The digital input accepts 16- or 24-bit AES3
signals up to 192kHz. The crossover, user-control functions and non-invasive
driver protection systems are implemented in a powerful 32-bit DSP engine
before being distributed to independent 24-bit 96kHz D-A converters. The
signal path is completed by dedicated state-of-the-art Class-D power
ampliers directly coupled to each drive unit, reducing frequency response
irregularities and inter-modulation distortion.
* The diagram shows 4 channels of amplication, as used in the PMC6-2 and PMC8-2 models.
Analogue &
Digital
Combi
Input XLR
Gain
Staging
18 –192kHz
AES3
Receiver
24-bit 96kHz
A/D
conversion
ASRC
32-bit DSP
24-bit 96kHz
D/A
Conversion
24-bit 96kHz
D/A
Conversion
24-bit 96kHz
D/A
Conversion
24-bit 96kHz
D/A
Conversion
Expansion
Card Slot
AES3 Digital
Output XLR
HF Amp
MF Amp
LF Amp
LF Amp

ILLUMINATED PMC LOGO
The illuminated PMC logo on the front of the speaker indicates its current
status.
Colour Status
White Normal operation
Off (logo not lit) Normal operation with brightness set to
min., or speaker is not powered
Red Driver protection systems active
Blue* Speaker is selected in SoundAlign
Pulsing Turquoise / White* Speaker is the current speaker in
SoundAlign
Flashing Blue/White or Green/White* Speaker is carrying out rmware update
*Activated through SoundAlign web interface only. See SoundAlign section of this
User Manual for more details.

RUNNING-IN
When new, PMC monitors require a short period of running-in before they
reach their full potential. This is because the mechanical and acoustical
characteristics of the bass, midrange and treble drive units alter slightly after
manufacture as the exible elements in their construction relax and reach
their optimum compliancy. The ATL™cabinet parameters are critically
designed to load the bass driver accurately only when it has reached its
long-term, optimal compliancy.
Consequently, during the initial running-in period of about 50 hours, the
performance of the monitor will change and improve. You will notice the
bass tonality becoming warmer, fuller, and more natural, and the bass
extension will increase signicantly. As the tweeter relaxes the treble tonality
also sweetens and integrates perfectly with the midrange unit, and the
sound staging becomes vivid.
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50
HOURS