Neumann Monitor Alignment Kit 2 (1x MA 1 and 2x KH 80 DSP)

Description

The Monitor Alignment Kit 2 (1x MA 1 and 2x KH 80 DSP) includes 1x MA 1 and 2x KH 80 DSP.

KH 80 DSP

With its digital core, the Neumann KH 80 DSP Near-Field Monitor (Grey) enables filtering functions and room adjustment options, which brings reference level reproduction to any environment. Even with its compact design, it has extraordinary reserve capacity - as well as the classic strengths of the Neumann monitor philosophy: clearly defined dispersion angle, distortion-free design and sophisticated material selection.

Via standard IP networking, NeumannControl gives full access to all the functions of the KH 80 DSP Studio Monitor not already available via the back panel. Systems of loudspeakers can be defined, from mono to 3D, aligned for a good in-room sound, and then operated centrally: Setup, Align, Operate.

Key Features:

• In-house simulated tweeter with alloy fabric dome.
• Latest modeling techniques used to minimize non-linear (harmonic and intermodulation) distortion.
• Low-distortion high frequency reproduction.
• Elliptical Mathematically Modelled Dispersion™ (MMD™) waveguide.
• Smoother off-axis response.
• More forgiving of diverse acoustical environments.
• Wide horizontal dispersion.
• Freedom of movement across the mixing console.
• Narrow vertical dispersion.
• Reduces reflections off the mixing console.
• Two-color + dimmable Neumann logo.
• Displays operation status and activation of the extensive protection system.
• Dimmable for low lighting level conditions or behind the screen applications.
• Robust metal grilles.
• Large high-capacity flow-optimized bass reflex ports with pipe resonance damping.
• Fast bass transient response.
• Reduced bass compression at high output levels.
• No coloration from organ pipe resonance.
• Easier to mount in tight spaces.
• Compact polycarbonate composite cabinet.
• Robust package for long life.
• No standing wave resonances.
• One-piece front panel with no discontinuities.
• Reduced diffraction and smoother frequency response.
• Standby function.
• Reduces power consumption when product is not in use.
• Control function.
• Use the back panel controls or the control set defined by the NeumannControl software.
• 4-position low-mid acoustical control.
• Compensates for nearby desktops.
• Fast acoustical set up in mobile applications.
• Repeatable acoustical settings after moving loudspeakers.
• Network connector using standard IP protocol and your existing network infrastructure.
• No additional special equipment needed.
• Loudspeaker system can be controlled via the NeumannControl software.

MA 1

The Neumann MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment ensures the best possible sound quality in any room – from home studios to professional control rooms. Using the individually calibrated measurement microphone your acoustic environment is analyzed in a guided process. Advanced calibration algorithms, jointly developed with the world's leading institute in audio processing, Fraunhofer IIS, guarantee an optimally adapted amplitude and phase correction for exact and reliable monitoring.

Neumann’s Automatic Alignment is a dedicated tool for stereo sets of KH 80 DSP monitors with or without the KH 750 DSP as well as two non DSP-based KH-Line monitors connected to the analog outputs of a KH 750 DSP subwoofer. Unlike conventional correction software it is an integrated solution with novel algorithms, jointly developed with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS) specifically for Neumann studio monitors. No plug-in or special audio driver is required: Alignment data is stored and processed within the DSP-powered monitors themselves. As a unique benefit, the software not only optimizes the amplitude response but also optimizes the phase. This provides highest accuracy in terms of tonality and impulse reproduction.

How it Works

In a first step, acoustic data of the listening environment is gathered in a guided process. No special acoustic knowledge is required. Simply connect your Neumann monitors to the outputs of your audio interface or monitor controller. Additionally, your DSP-based KH-line monitors must also be connected to your computer’s ethernet port. For multiple connections, a standard ethernet switch will do.

Now plug the measurement microphone into your microphone input. This microphone was specifically developed for this software and is individually calibrated by it. The software will guide you through the measurement process.

From the measured data, the software ascertains the room’s acoustic properties. The individual correction parameters are generated according to a room-specific target curve calculated by the software. Neumann's decades of experience in calibrating monitoring systems in studio control rooms has been incorporated into this process. Of course, you can modify the target curve to your needs.

Additionally, the alignment process ensures an optimal summation in the low frequencies when a subwoofer is used.

All resulting correction parameters are stored and processed in the DSP-powered monitors. So there is nothing to worry about anymore, no plug-ins, no driver issues. And no additional cables, either: Once the alignment process is completed, the ethernet connections are not required anymore.

Using the KH 750 DSP subwoofer, stereo sets of analog KH-Line monitors, too, can be used with the Automatic Monitor Alignment Software. The KH 750 DSP has enough processing power to align the entire system including the two analog loudspeakers connected to its outputs. Additionally, KH 120, KH 310, and KH 420 loudspeakers profit from phase linearization of their built-in crossover filters! The result is increased clarity, a dry bass, and a time-correct, more accurate depiction of reverbs and acoustic spaces.

Key Features:

The MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment is the beginning of a new era in monitoring. Starting with the current version, which delivers outstanding acoustic results for stereo setups, the range of software functions will be expanded step by step with updates.

Hardware Requirements

• 1 pair of KH DSP loudspeakers or up to two KH 750 DSP subwoofers in combination with a pair of analog (non-DSP based) KH loudspeakers
• Neumann MA 1 measurement microphone
• Computer (Windows 10 64 Bit and macOS 10.13, 10.14, 10.15 or 11.0)
• Audio interface with balanced analog input with 48 V phantom power and 2 balanced analog outputs or digital AES3 output (only with KH 750 DSP)
• Network switch
• Screen resolution of 1280×720 px or higher

Software Requirements

• Operating system: Windows 10 64 Bit and macOS 10.13, 10.14, 10.15 or 11.0
• Neumann MA 1 – Automatic Monitor Alignment software
• ASIO driver (for Windows)
• IPv6 supported and enabled

DSP Loudspeakers (Network-Enabled)

The following loudspeakers and subwoofers are network-enabled and can be controlled directly by the software:

• KH 80 DSP
• KH 750 DSP

Analog Loudspeakers (Not Network-Enabled)

The following loudspeakers are not network-enabled and need to be connected via a network- enabled subwoofer in order to be included in the system setup.

• KH 120 A
• KH 120 D
• KH 310 A
• KH 310 D
• KH 420/KH 420 + DIM 1

Important Information, Please Note:

• After the alignment process, the MA 1 software stores the correction data in the monitors or in the subwoofer; not in the software application. Therefore, no Ethernet connection to the computer is required for further operation of the aligned system. Currently, the data stored in the loudspeaker(s) cannot be recalled or changed, once the software is closed. The calibration procedure must be started from the beginning and repeated.
• The following currently applies: If the loudspeakers were previously adjusted using the NeumannControl iPad® app, their correction data will be overwritten by an alignment with the MA 1 software. If you open the NeumannControl iPad® app again, the last data stored in the app is sent to the loudspeakers, thus overwriting the correction data generated by the MA 1.
• Alignment settings are made via the MA 1 software. Other parameters (e.g. mute, logo brightness, delay ...) cannot currently be controlled by the MA 1 software.
• The MA 1 software does not include Guided Alignment or Manual Alignment like on the NeumannControl iPad® app.