4.
Placement and Installation
Before a permanent installation is begun, we suggest that the Magneplanar Temporary Mounting Kit be used to
determine if the selected location gives the desired audio performance for the MMC 2s. A set of mounting
brackets are included with the MMC 2 for this purpose. Install the rubber washer on the bottom shaft to keep the
speaker in the desired position.
Because the MMC 2 can used for any channel in a home theater or music system, and because room conditions
vary greatly, specific and detailed instructions are not practical. However, there are general guidelines to follow.
Avoid corners.
Choose a placement that will position the MMC 2s as far from a corner as possible - preferably
more than 3 or 4 feet and the further, the better. We want you to be a satisfied customer and this is a critical
issue for good sound. This is especially important for the front channels. Rear channels play a lesser role and
more liberties can be taken with the rear channels.
Choose a placement that will allow the bottom of the MMC 2 to be approximately 26 inches from the floor for
proper high frequency dispersion when you are sitting or standing.
To help determine the front of the MMC 2, the quasi ribbon foil can be seen through the fabric on the front of the
speaker. The speakers should be mounted so that the front of the speakers are on axis with the listener.
The specific instructions for installing the MMC 2 on the wall are in the MMC 2 Installation Instructions.
5.
Phasing
Correct phasing between a "small" speaker, like the MMC 2, and the woofer is much more difficult to detect than
an out-of-phase condition between left and right speakers. The ear/brain is less sensitive to phase shift problems
at lower frequencies and therefore, making it more difficult to detect. However, an out-of-phase condition between
the MMC 2s and the woofer will result in a perceived frequency imbalance. A "suckout" in the midbass due to an
out-of-phase condition will subjectively make the MMC 2s seem "bright" with excessive high frequencies.
The manufacturer of a full-range speaker gives considerable attention to achieving correct phasing between the
midrange and bass drivers. To get the full benefit of your high performance MMC 2s, we suggest that you get the
help of your dealer or a technician to ensure that the phasing between the MMC 2s and your woofer is correct.
A Magnepan "Shaped" Pink Noise CD Test Disk is included with your MMC 2s to assist in the proper phasing
between the MMC 2s and your woofer. The pink noise CD is "shaped" with a 9 db peak at 80-100 Hz. This aids in
the detection of an out-of-phase condition. This peak in the midbass focuses the attention of the listener on this
area of the frequency response. When the MMC 2s are out of phase with the woofer, this peak will be reduced in
level. Place the Magneplanar Woofer (or subwoofer) next to the MMC 2s (It is much easier to detect an out-of-
phase condition when the "small" speaker is physically next to the Woofer.)
A technique which can aid in determining if the phase is correct is by leaning over and positioning your head equi-
distance between the Magneplanar Woofer and the "small" Magneplanar as shown in Fig. ___ below. The left and
right ears are equi-distance to the respective speakers. High frequencies will appear to be up and low frequencies
will appear to be down. The 90-100 Hz peak, if in phase, will appear to be in the middle (and louder). Since the
Magneplanar Woofer is a dipole, the rear wave is out of phase with the front wave. To reverse the phase for a
phase test, simple turn the Maggie woofer around.
However, depending on where the woofer is placed, it is possible for the MMC 2s and the woofer to be 90
degrees out of phase with the woofer. This will result in little or no difference in loudness of the peak as the phase
is changed. Usually, this means that the woofer is not placed at the correct distance relative to the MMC 2s.
Many powered woofers have continuous phase shift adjustments to correct this problem without moving the
woofer, although changing the location of the woofer is the preferred solution.
