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CONTENTS (ENGLISH) Page No
1 INTRODUCTION 2
2 UNPACKING 2
3 MAINS CONNECTION 2
4 INPUT CONNECTIONS 3
5 OUTPUT CONNECTIONS 4
6 MODES OF OPERATION 4
7 SENSE INPUTS 5
8 HIGH FREQUENCY EQUALISATION 7
9 MONO SUB 7
10 LEVEL ADJUSTMENT (TRIM) 7
11 WARRANTY 8
12 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 9
MARTIN AUDIO
L O N D O N
The Martin Experience
Martin Audio – EMX1A System Controller
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This equipment conforms to the requirements of the
EMC Directive 89/336/EEC, amended by 92/31/EEC
and 93/68/EEC and the requirements of the Low
Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC.
Standards Applied EMC Emission EN55103-1:1996
Immunity EN55103-2:1996
Electrical Safety EN60065:1998
1 INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Martin Audio EMX Series system controller.
EMX controllers are used to optimise the performance of Martin EM Series
loudspeaker systems in all modes of operation - whether full-range or with
additional sub-bass. The EMX1A is dedicated to all the EM Range,
including the EM201 and EM251 sub-bass systems, (apart from the EM186
which has its own controller).
2 UNPACKING
Each Martin EMX controller is built to the highest standard and thoroughly
inspected before it leaves the factory. After unpacking the unit, examine it
carefully for any signs of transit damage and inform your dealer if any such
damage is found. It is suggested that you retain the original packaging so
that the unit can be repacked at a future date if necessary.
Please note that Martin Audio and its distributors cannot accept
responsibility for damage to any returned product through the use of non-
approved packaging.
3 MAINS CONNECTION
The EMX1A is provided with an IEC 320 type mains receptacle. It is
supplied with a 2m mains lead terminated with a standard IEC 320 plug,
which must be connected as below:
GREEN/YELLOW - EARTH • BROWN - LIVE • BLUE - NEUTRAL
Mains voltage tolerance ± 10% on each setting.
Fuses type T semi delay 100-120V 500mA(L), 220-240V 250mA(L)
WARNING: The EMX1A controller must always be operated with the
mains safety earth connected.
This equipment must be earthed.
!
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN
OR MOISTURE
It should not be necessary to remove any protective earth or signal cable
shield connections.
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To change the mains voltage, remove the rectangular fuse cap and replace
it so that the correct voltage is indicated by the arrow on the body of the
rectangle. The earth terminal on the IEC connector is permanently
connected to the metal casing. The unit is supplied with the 0V electronic
reference ground taken to the case via an internal ‘signal ground’ lead and
space receptacle, which inserts a ground lift resistor when in the ‘Earth Off’
position. To connect the 0V electronic reference direct to the chassis
ground, use a pair of pliers to pull off the space receptacle from the ‘Earth
Off’ position and push it onto the 0V spade terminal (marked Earth On, on
the PCB).
4 INPUT CONNECTIONS
EMX1A inputs are on female XLR type connectors and are electronically
balanced. Pin 1 is normally open circuit but may be linked to sig 0V or
chassis earth by inserting a link on the PCB. The signal is always applied
between Pin 2 (hot +) and Pin 3 (cold -).
Always use 2-core + screen ‘balanced’ type signal leads, even for
unbalanced circuits. The screen should be regarded as separate from the
signal return, even if they are connected together at one end of the line.
For either balanced or unbalanced operation, always connect the signal
between Pins 2 and 3. The input cable shield should be derived from the
equipment which is sourcing the input provided that normal safety
requirements are met (ie the mains earth is correctly connected).
EMX1A
Source Input
Chassis
Grounded 1 2 2 1 Ground
Lift
Shield 3 3 Resistor
EMX1A
Source Input
Signal Ground
1 2 2 1 Lift
Grounded Resistor
3 3
Shield
Fig. 1
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5 OUTPUT CONNECTIONS
EMX1A outputs are electronically balanced auto compensating via male
XLR type connectors. Pin 1 is the (ground) connection and the signal
appears between Pins 2 and 3.
Always use 2-core + screen ‘balanced’ type signal leads, even for
unbalanced circuits. The screen should be regarded as separate from the
signal return, even if they are connected together at one end of the line.
This is to keep the screen a true screen so that no signal return currents
flow through it which can induce signals in adjacent cables.
For unbalanced use, having decided which pin is ‘hot’ (see above), connect
the ‘cold’ pin and (Pin 1) together. The internal signal ground lead should
be placed in the earth off position at the EMX1A outputs which permit the
amplifier to be locally grounded (as required for safety reasons) without
causing a hum loop. If the signal is merely taken between either Pin 2 or 3
and Pin 1, a level loss and signal degradation will occur.
For balanced operation, the screen should be connected to ground at the
amplifier end. To eliminate ground current loops, it can be lifted at the
EMX1A output, provided normal safety requirements have been met (ie the
mains earths are correctly connected).
The power ratings of amplifiers connected to EMX Series controllers should
lie within the range recommended for the EM Series loudspeaker system
being driven. Please refer to the section on amplification in the EM Series
user’s guide for further information.
6 MODES OF OPERATION
The EMX1A is a 2-channel system controller which is recommended for
use with the Martin Audio EM passive loudspeaker systems used either full-
range or with additional Martin EM201, EM251, EM150 or EM120 sub-bass
systems.
In its full-range mode, the EMX1A provides full system equalisation as well
as loudspeaker protection using limiters activated by the true voltages
applied to the loudspeaker. In its sub-bass mode, it is reconfigured
automatically as a 2-in/4-out, 120Hz electronic crossover which provides
2 x sub-bass and 2 x full-range/high-pass outputs. All four outputs are
provided with sense inputs to monitor loudspeaker voltages.
Sub-bass or full-range mode of operation is selected by a push switch on
the front panel of the EMX1A and indicated by front panel LED’s. It is
important to note that the sub-bass outputs are always present at the sub-
bass output connector, even when full-range operation is selected for the
main system.
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7 SENSE INPUTS
Sense Input Connections
Sense Input Connections
Amplifier
Output
EMX1A 1+
Sense 1-
Inputs
Variable Jumper Positions (see table on page 6)
(Viewed from front of controller)
Position 1 Position 2 Position 3 Position 4
INDICATES
JUMPER LINK
FITTED
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Each EMX1A output has an associated limiter which provides momentary
gain reduction when that output signal level exceeds a preset threshold.
Internal PCB mounted jumper plugs J1 - J4 select the thresholds for the
particular EM Series loudspeaker system being used.
The higher recommended power amplifier setting should only be used by
experienced users to provide enhanced headroom on short duration peaks
and should not be used to push the system for a continuous higher sound
pressure level which will result in drive unit failure.
Onset of limiting is indicated by front panel LED’s and determined by
sensing the actual voltage applied to the loudspeaker. The sense inputs on
the rear panel should be connected as shown in Fig 3. If no sense
connection is made or if the connection is broken at any time, the output
level will automatically be attenuated by 20dB and the limit LED for the
output concerned will light continuously to alert the operator.
SYSTEM OUTPUT JUMPER JUMPER AMPLIFIER
NUMBER POSITION POWER
INTO 4 OHMS
1 x EM15 (16 ohm) LCH F/R J3 1 (2) 300 (400) watts
1 x EM15 (16 ohm) RCH F/R J4 1 (2) 300 (400) watts
1 x EM15 (4 ohm) No protection can be offered 75 watts
2 x EM15 (16 ohm) LCH F/R J3 1 (2) 300 (400) watts
2 x EM15 (16 ohm) RCH F/R J4 1 (2) 300 (400) watts
3 x EM15 (16 ohm) LCH F/R J3 1 (2) 300 (400) watts
3 x EM15 (16 ohm) RCH F/R J4 1 (2) 300 (400) watts
4 x EM15 (16 ohm) LCH F/R J3 1 (2) 300 (400) watts
4 x EM15 (16 ohm) RCH F/R J4 1 (2) 300 (400) watts
1 x EM26 (8 ohm) or LCH F/R J3 1 (2) 300 (400) watts
2 x EM26 in parallel (4 ohm) RCH F/R J4 1 (2) 300 (400) watts
1 x EM56 (8 ohm) or LCH F/R J3 2 (3) 400 (550) watts
2 x EM56 in parallel (4 ohm) RCH F/R J4 2 (3) 400 (550) watts
1 x EM76 (8 ohm) or LCH F/R J3 3 (4) 550 (800) watts
2 x EM76 in parallel (4 ohm) RCH F/R J4 3 (4) 550 (800) watts
1 x EM120 (8 ohm) LCH Sub J1 1 (2) 400 (500) watts
1 x EM120 (8 ohm) RCH Sub J2 1 (2) 400 (500) watts
1/2 x EM150 (8 ohm) LCH Sub J1 1 (2) 400 (500) watts
1/2 x EM150 (8 ohm) RCH Sub J2 1 (2) 400 (500) watts
1 x EM150 (4 ohm) LCH Sub J1 1 (2) 400 (500) watts
1 x EM150 (4 ohm) RCH Sub J2 1 (2) 400 (500) watts
1 x EM201 (8 ohm) or LCH Sub J1 3 (4) 550 (900) watts
2 x EM201 in parallel (4 ohm) RCH Sub J2 3 (4) 550 (900) watts
EM251 (4 ohm) LCH Sub J1 3 (4) 550 (900) watts
EM251 (4 ohm) RCH Sub J2 3 (4) 550 (900) watts
Table Note: As supplied by the factory, jumpers J1-J4 are each set in the
appropriate position for the EM26 full-range system and EM201 sub-bass
powered with the recommended rating below. Should amplifiers of higher
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rating be used, the limiter positions shown in brackets should be used as
indicated by the table on page 6 to increase the associated limiter thresholds.
Amplifier gain controls should normally be set at maximum. If a single
EMX1A output is used to drive several amplifier channels with different gain
settings, the sense input should be connected to the channel with the
highest setting.
WARNING: Connections to the EMX1A sense sockets should only be made
using approved shrouded plugs to comply with European safety standards.
No other plug is recommended or endorsed.
8 HIGH FREQUENCY EQUALISATION
System-specific high frequency equalisation is available to tailor the power
response of EM Series high frequency devices. Jumpers J6, J7 on the internal
PCB sets the HF EQ in or out, depending on the particular EM Series
loudspeaker system in use.
Recommended switch settings are as follows:
SYSTEM HF EQ
EM15 J6, J7 IN
EM26 J6, J7 IN
EM56 J6, J7 OUT
EM76 J6, J7 OUT
The EMX1A is supplied from the factory with the HF Jumpers J6, J7, in the IN
position.
9 MONO SUB
A jumper link within the EMX1A (J5) may be positioned to mono-sum the
sub-bass signal. A mono left and right signal will then appear on both the
sub out XLR’s.
10 LEVEL ADJUSTMENT (TRIM)
The full-range output level is set at a nominal 0dB gain. To balance the
complete system, sub-bass levels can be adjusted by means of PCB
mounted trim controls accessed with a small screwdriver through the front
of the EMX1A.
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11 WARRANTY
Martin Audio EMX1A System Controllers are warranted against manufacturing
defects in materials or craftsmanship over a period of 1 year from the date of
original purchase. During the warranty period Martin Audio will, at it's
discretion, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective
provided that the product is returned in its original packaging, shipping
prepaid, to an authorised Martin Audio service agent or distributor.
Martin Audio Ltd. cannot be held responsible for defects caused by
unauthorised modifications, improper use, negligence, exposure to inclement
weather conditions, act of God or accident, or any use of this product that is
not in accordance with the instructions provided by Martin Audio.
Martin Audio is not liable for consequential damages.
This warranty is exclusive and no other warranty is expressed or implied.
This warranty does not affect your statutory rights.
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12 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
EMX1A
INPUTS (SIGNAL) 2 Electronically Balanced
IMPEDANCE 36K ohms (18K ohms per leg single ended)
CMRR 60dB 20Hz - 10KHz
CONNECTORS 3 Pin female XLR
INPUTS (SENSE) 4 Electronically Balanced
IMPEDANCE 36K ohms
CONNECTORS Shrouded 4mm sockets
OUTPUTS 4 Electronically Balanced
SOURCE IMPEDANCE 47 ohms
MIN LOAD IMPEDANCE 500 ohms
MAX OUTPUT +20dBu into 500 ohms limiter defeated
CONNECTORS 3 Pin Male XLR
FREQUENCY RESPONSE -3dB @ 25Hz 12dB/octave
-3dB @ 35KHz 12dB/octave
DISTORTION+NOISE 0.01%THD @ 2V output (limiters cancelled)
SIGNAL+NOISE/ >97dB @ 2V output 20Hz - 20KHz quasi peak
NOISE RATIO o/c input
LIMITERS Individual for each channel. With program
related attack times Ratio 20:1
INDICATORS 4 x Limit LED’s. Sub/Full Range LED’s
MAINS SUPPLY IEC mains connector with integral fuse holder
MAINS VOLTAGE Externally selectable on IEC inlet
100-120-220-240V AC, 50/60Hz.
Voltage tolerance on each setting ± 10%
MAINS FUSE 220-240V: -250mA Type ‘T’ (L)
100-120V: -500mA Type ‘T’ (L)
DIMENSIONS (W) 482mm x (H) 44mm x (D) 211mm
(W) 19ins x (H) 1.75ins x (D) 8.3ins
WEIGHT 3.5kg (7.7lbs)
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS (W) 530mm x (H) 120mm x (D) 310mm
(W) 21ins x (H) 4.7ins x (D) 12.2ins
SHIPPING WEIGHT 4.1kg (9lbs)
Due to our policy of continuous improvement all specifications are subject to change
without notice.
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Century Point, Halifax Road, Cressex Business Park, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP12 3SL, England.
Telephone: +44 (0)1494 535312 Facsimile: +44 (0)1494 438669
Web: www.martin-audio.com E-mail: info@martin-audio.com
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