Bass Management psychoacoustically works because the ear-brain mechanism cannot detect direction at low frequencies, but
takes its directional cues from the harmonics of the low frequency sound. In the monitoring process, frequencies below 80Hz are
redirected to the subwoofer. Frequencies above 80Hz are sent to the desired speaker. During the hearing process, our hearing
mechanism integrates the sound into the correct spatial auditory image.
Bass management is equally suited to all formats from 2-channel stereo to 5.1 and beyond. Indeed, existing control rooms that
are doing stereo 2 channel mixes, especially with smaller nearfield monitors placed on the console, can benefit immensely from the
correct integration of Bass Management and a subwoofer; because the engineer is now able to hear low frequency anomalies
caused by room rumble, microphone stand thumping, breath pops, and other artifacts that cause undesirable actions later in the
broadcast, film chain, or DVD Mastering process.
When mixes are intended for theatrical presentation, it is sometimes necessary to use an additional channel for extra low fre-
quency effects or enhancement. This channel is called the LFE or Low Frequency Effects/Enhancements channel. In the control
room monitoring environment, the LFE channel, if or when it is used in the mix, is monitored by the same subwoofer used for the
regular [L,C,R,LS,RS] channels. M&K Bass Management Controllers have both a 0dB (with unity gain) and +10dB (with 10dB gain)
inputs to accommodate any mixing / monitoring situation, as per Dolby specifications.
The M&K Professional Division supplies, at no additional charge, a special CD test disc to assist in the proper setup and cali-
bration of our Bass Management Systems. This disk has pre-filtered and calibrated tracks of noise which allow quick, accurate, and
error-free setup of the monitoring environment to the Dolby standard of 85dB SPL, or any other relative reference level, by using an
SPL meter.
6.
QUICK PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The MPS-2810 provides low-frequency extension in the smallest practical size. With 200 watts of power and M&K’s Push-
Pull™ Technology. The MPS-2810 provides a powerful, compact, uncompromised solution where space is at a premium.
The MPS-5310 is a 350-Watt powered subwoofer that is certified for THX pm3 applications with reference level output in rooms
up to approximately 3000 Cubic Feet in volume (multiple subs can be used for larger room applications).
M&K’s MPS-5410 powered subwoofer allows mixers to hear details in low frequency information down to the limits of audibili-
ty. With 400 watts of power and M&K’s Push-Pull™ Technology, the THX PM3 compliant MPS-5410 is truely the ultimate low fre-
quency reproducer.
M&K Professional subwoofers feature M&K’s exclusive Headroom Maximizer Circuit
TM
, which allows the full-uncompressed
dynamics of the audio signal to be heard up to the subwoofer's full capacity - while preventing amplifier clipping and distortion. They
also feature M&K Professional’s Deep Bass
TM
sealed-box design, which produces significant low-frequency output, with an in-room
response flat to frequencies well below 20 Hz. Unlike subwoofers with ported cabinets, which have an extremely sharp roll off (24dB
per octave or more) below the lower limit of their "flat" response (this is also referred to as the port’s cut-off frequency), M&K
Professional subwoofers reproduce bass frequencies below 20Hz with excellent transient response, accuracy and an authority that
other subwoofers cannot match.
Your Subwoofer has a protection circuit that protects it from overheating. After hours of continuous operation at extremely high
volume levels, this circuit may kill the power to the Subwoofer. When it activates, the sound may switch in and out rapidly, with a
fluttering sound. If this happens, unplug the unit and let it sit for at least half an hour. After that time, plug it back in. It should oper-
ate normally. If you find this happens frequently, contact the factory for advice.
7.
SUBWOOFER PLACEMENT
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of tuning a subwoofer/satellite monitor system is finding the best place to put the sub-
woofer in the listening room. Each room exhibits unique characteristics and challenges because of the wide range of size, shape,
building materials and equipment in the room.
M&K Professional subwoofers will deliver excellent performance located virtually anywhere in your studio. They are designed
so that their output is not localizable when used with proper bass-management electronics. Therefore, there is no need to place
your subwoofer either between your main speakers or in any specific location, other than the one that offers the best spectral
response.
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