Alesis M1 Active Mk2 manual Surround Sound

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Surround Sound

MIXING FOR DISCRETE SIX CHANNEL REPRODUCTION: MATCHED VS. SPECIALIZED SPEAKERS

While most speaker systems for monitoring music in surround use the same speaker cabinet in all positions, both front and rear, keep in mind that most consumer video surround installations use a different speaker in the rear channels. These rear speakers typically do not have the same directionality or wide frequency response of the M1 Active Mk2s. When mixing for film, speakers with a broad ambient, non-directional response are used to mimic the multi-speaker situation in most movie theatres. Keep this in mind when making music mixes with full-range high-power speakers like the M1 Active Mk2s as the surround speakers.

The difference between music surround and video surround playback has a long history:

•Dolby Pro Logic, which works best with dipole (i.e., speakers splayed in different directions out of phase) surround speakers, has been the standard for surround sound in the home for 10 years.

•The most accepted home playback medium, VHS videotape, can only play back (mono) surround in Dolby Pro Logic. VHS will not support Dolby Digital or DTS.

•There are only two playback mediums, laser disc and DVD, that support Dolby Digital (discrete) and DTS (discrete). After 20 years in existence, laser disc has only a 2% market share. Some digital satellite broadcasters have started broadcasting in Dolby Digital, but these discrete broadcasts will be reserved for blockbuster movies initially.

•Discrete Dolby Digital, DTS and Sony’s SDDS are most commonly mixed for theatrical release using surround, not monopolar (direct) monitors.

•Among the recording engineers who have recorded audio-only, the consensus seems to be that the role of the surround speaker is to give the listener a sense of immersion in the musical event. This is done by reserving the rear channels for audience sounds, in the case of a live recording, or perhaps by reproducing the reverberant acoustics of the recording environment itself. Other engineer/producers prefer using five identical full-range speakers and mixing primary instruments and vocals into the surround channels.

So, our basic recommendation for mixing an audio-only six channel recording is to intentionally limit the frequency response of the rear speakers using a graphic equalizer or high-pass (100 Hz rolloff)/low pass (12 kHz rolloff) filter on your mixer. This will help you get a rough idea of what a home system playback will sound like.

This arrangement will also allow your mix to sound best over a well set up car audio system. This is because professional installers have learned that a mobile system performs best when they concentrate on producing a soundstage across the front of the vehicle. They do this by placing high quality drivers in the front of the vehicle which produce frequencies from the

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Contents Reference Manual Alesis Contact Information Contents Introduction HOW to USE this ManualImportant Safety Instructions Safety Symbols Used in this ProductPlease Follow These Precautions When Using this Product Contents/Safety Warnings Instructions DE Sécurité Importantes French Symboles Utilisés Dans CE ProduitContents/Safety Warnings ICES-003 Issue CE Declaration of Conformity About the M1 Active MK2 Unpacking and InspectionChapter Inside Your NEW Speakers About Powered MonitorsTone About the DriversMagnetic Shielding M1 Active MK2 BI-AMPLIFIERS & Electronic Crossovers Cabinet and Port Design M1 Active MK2 Power SupplyWHY the Tweeters are Offset About Nearfield Monitoring About the M1 Active Mk2 Avoiding Reflections in the Studio Speaker InstallationReflection Prime Listening Position Stereo Nearfield Placement M1 Active MK2 Horizontal Placement Recommendation Vertical Placement Recommendation Playback Check Mode Vertical MID-FIELD Plugging the Ports to Adjust for Room Acoustics Speaker Installation Grounding AC Power CableUSE Clean Power ConnectionsInput Connections Power SwitchSetting the Input Level Control 85.0 Avoiding Damage About Surround Sound Surround SoundCenter Speakers in Music Mixes Placement of the Center M1 Active MK2 Speaker in the Studio Recommended positioning of surround speakers Placement of Rear SurroundsSurround Sound Wall Mounting Surround Sound Surround Sound Troubleshooting Index TroubleshootingObtaining Repair Service MaintenanceCleaning ServiceCustomers outside the USA and Canada Specifications EnclosureTransducers General Crossover SectionAmplifier Section Acoustic SectionLine IndexPlease Send in Your Warranty Card Alesis Limited WarrantyM1 Active Reference Manual

M1 Active Mk2 specifications

The Alesis M1 Active Mk2 is a well-regarded studio monitor designed for musicians, producers, and audio engineers seeking high-quality sound reproduction at an accessible price point. With a focus on delivering accurate sound and a balanced performance, the M1 Active Mk2 has become a popular choice for both home studios and professional environments.

One of the standout features of the M1 Active Mk2 is its bi-amplified design. Each speaker is powered by dedicated amplifiers that optimize the performance of the woofer and tweeter separately. This bi-amplification ensures clear and precise sound reproduction across the frequency spectrum. The 6.5-inch low-frequency driver is designed to deliver robust bass response while the 1-inch silk dome tweeter provides smooth high-frequency performance, resulting in a well-rounded audio experience.

The M1 Active Mk2 incorporates advanced technologies to enhance its performance. The monitor features a front-firing bass port that helps to minimize boundary coupling and improves the overall bass response, allowing for placement flexibility within the studio. This design reduces the risk of unwanted resonances caused by proximity to walls, ensuring accurate sound even in challenging acoustic environments.

Another important characteristic of the M1 Active Mk2 is its frequency response, which ranges from 55 Hz to 20 kHz. This wide frequency range makes it suitable for various musical genres and audio applications, enabling users to hear detailed nuances in their mixes. Additionally, the monitor is equipped with a rear-mounted EQ control, allowing users to tailor the sound to their specific acoustic space, mitigating the effects of room acoustics on playback.

Durability and design are also key aspects of the M1 Active Mk2. Its rugged enclosure is built to withstand the rigors of studio use while also providing a sleek and professional appearance. The monitors can be easily positioned on desktop surfaces or mounted on stands, making them versatile for different studio setups.

Overall, the Alesis M1 Active Mk2 stands out as a reliable and affordable option for anyone looking to improve their audio monitoring capabilities. With its bi-amplified design, advanced technologies, and customizable features, this studio monitor delivers impressive sound quality suitable for both amateur and professional recording applications. Whether mixing, mastering, or simply enjoying music, the M1 Active Mk2 is designed to deliver a true-to-source listening experience.
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