Martin Audio MLA, User Manual

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MLA System
USER GUIDE
MLA System
User Guide V2.1
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Merlin
The Merlin system controller is most often employed in MLA systems as a PC to U-Net interface however the Merlin is a four
input, ten output audio processor with a host of extremely powerful functions available, all of which can be controlled via Vu-
Net on exactly the same platform as MLA, MLA Compact, MLA Mini and other U-Net compatible systems . As well as being used
as a simple matrix for controlling main arrays, side hangs and subs, it could easily be deployed to control conventional non-
powered speaker products in use at events as stage front fills for example. The fact that everything can be controlled on the
same tablet PC running Vu-Net makes system alignment and trim very straightforward indeed.
Gain, Mute & Limiters
Double clicking on the Merlin in the System overview page opens the Merlin System Control window which by default opens on
the first Gain/Mute/Limiter tab;-
This has all input and output channel faders, meters and mute buttons available. As with the gain control on other Vu-Net
controlled devices there is up to +15dB of gain or -40dB of cut available on all inputs and outputs. Metering is different for input
and output. Input shows absolute input level in dBu, the upper point is +22dBu which is the highest level signal which can be
applied to the input prior to clipping. The output meters display level before limit therefore their range will be determined by
the limiter threshold that has been set for that particular output. The metering shows green up until it reaches 3dB from the
limiter threshold whereupon it shows amber and finally red when the limiter threshold is reached. The upper most point of the
meter shows 3dB of gain reduction- essentially 3dB over the limit threshold.
Limiters are accessed by clicking on the ‘SHOW LIMITERS’ button;-
This brings the output limiter controls up at the bottom of the window;-