Speaker Installation

PLAYBACK CHECK MODE (VERTICAL MID-FIELD)

After you’ve got your mix just right it’s always good practice to perform a “playback check” by standing the M1 Active Mk2s vertically and making the listening triangle larger. The purpose of the playback check is to simulate what your masterpiece will sound like in a “typical” home listening environment. It is in this configuration that the imaging specificity of your mix can best be evaluated. Generally, in the playback check mode you want to arrange the speakers in the same equilateral listening triangle that you do in a nearfield setup, but instead of each side of the triangle being about 3 feet long, the distances between stereo speakers and to your listening position should be between 7 and 12 feet.

When setting the left and right speakers vertically, place the tweeters toward the center with the ports toward the outside. In this vertical position, the M1 Active Mk2 becomes a “line source” speaker which is the most common home set up. (A 12” three-way with woofer on bottom, midrange in the center and tweeter at the top is a line source, as are most forms of tower speakers.) When the M1 Active Mk2 is set vertically in its “column” configuration, the horizontal dispersion (left and right) of the speaker is widest, and the vertical dispersion (up and down) is narrowest.

Unfortunately a vertical setup will also increase room effects, so there are minimum recommended setup distances from side and back walls: the speakers should be a minimum of 2.5 feet from the side walls and 3 feet from the rear walls. See the illustration on page 26.

After you’ve got the requisite distances from the side and back walls, it’s often helpful to adjust the 7 to 12 foot equilateral listening triangle distances. What you want to find is the maximum distance that you can separate the two speakers while still holding a solid center image. If you get this placement correct and you’ve done a good job in the mix, you should be rewarded with a soundstage that accurately places the musicians in the width and depth perspective in which they were recorded. The sound should be very similar to what you heard at your mixing board, with possibly a little more ambience contributed by the listening room.

The “other” playback check mode, sometimes considered of greater importance than the home environment, is to listen to your mix over a car audio system. Bear in mind that an expertly designed car audio system can approach the imaging and soundstaging capabilities of an optimally setup studio or living room, but most times this is NOT the case. The inherent limitations of an always-off-axis listening position and the variables of speaker placement, bass coupling (boost) in the small interior and numerous other factors make the car environment highly suspect. So, understand the sonic capabilities (and deficiencies) of your (or other) car audio systems, and evaluate your mix accordingly.

M1 Active Mk2 Reference Manual

23

Page 24 Page 26
Page 25
Image 25
Alesis M1 Active Mk2 manual Playback Check Mode Vertical MID-FIELD
Page 24 Page 26

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.
Top Page Image Contents