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Introduction to MultiMAX EX & EXR
Introduction
With the introduction of Dolby Surround EX™, surround sound has just gotten bigger and better. And
once again, Martinsound has an affordable, quick and easy, yet comprehensive Surround EX monitor-
ing solution for every multi-track console, MultiMAX EX.
MultiMAX EX is an important new tool designed to help studios and post production facilities easily
transition from two channel stereo to multi-channel surround sound, including the new formats that
use 3 or 4 channels just for surround information. Simply put, MultiMAX EX replaces the stereo moni-
tor section of your current console, while providing necessary additional compatibility checking, to
ensure that all your surround sound mixes are a success. Other exciting features are also included to
make mixing and tracking in surround as smooth as standard stereo sessions.
The most important thing to understand about MultiMAX EX is that it is not just a surround sound
level control. It is an integration of fundamental surround mixing building blocks within one unit, with
an easy to use interface.
The first building block in MultiMAX EX is a unity gain mixer. Five eight-channel mixes are com-
bined into one eight-channel output. This provides an easy way to monitor the console mix bus or
master recorder along with three additional premixes. In addition, the output of the eight-channel
combined mix is available as an eight-channel processor send, along with a user variable downmixed
stereo output, convenient for making a personal copy of the mix for the producer. A fixed downmixed
LCRS processor send is also available when mixing with stereo surrounds,
The second building block in MultiMAX EX is the monitor source selector. In addition to being able
to select the first stage unity gain mixer in full channel width, downmixed stereo or mono, you can
monitor additional external devices. There is the provision for monitoring an eight-channel source
(i.e., a multi-channel processor or another multi-channel machine), as well as a stereo source in stereo
or mono (i.e. the Lt Rt of a processor or the return of the tape deck recording the producer’s personal
copy). There is an input for your console’s stereo (or quad) monitor section for access to its monitor-
ing functions, and finally, there is a production track input that can be monitored along with any other
source you’ve selected. Handy for monitoring that necessary scratch track without it getting into any
of your mixes or tape sends.
The third building block in MultiMAX EX is a combination of many tools used in surround sound
mixing. First are the monitor status selectors of the monitor source. They can act as channel on or solo.
Second is an LFE filter that simulates the DTV and DVD-V LFE encoding process. Third is the 7.1 to
5.1 downmix for checking a 7.1 SDDS mix on a 5.1 monitor system. And fourth is Bass Redirect, a tool
used in theaters with compromised theater speakers.
The fourth building block in MultiMAX EX is the eight-channel level control. This is probably the
reason you went shopping for a surround monitor controller. But even here MultiMAX EX rises above
the competition with the use of MDAC technology for sonic integrity and channel tracking.
The fifth building block in MultiMAX EX is the monitor system selector. Four different monitor sys-
tems can be integrated with MultiMAX EX, because we understand that as well as stereo and mono
compatibility checks, you want to hear it over a variety of speakers.
The last building block is the menu system that allows the user to configure MultiMAX EX for his/her
session, environment, etc. Additionally, within the menu system is access to tools such as pink noise
and individual monitor trims, so necessary for proper surround sound monitor set up.
Because MultiMAX EX is such a sophisticated tool, many ways of implementing it are possible. In the
next few pages you will find connector pinouts, logic wiring diagrams, and block diagrams to let you
know what can be interfaced. Interfacing to a patch bay is highly recommended! We also recommend
that you read the Operation sections before finalizing the interface design to your facility.