Surround Sound

PLACEMENT OF REAR SURROUNDS

The following suggestions for optimal M1 Active Mk2 placement are derived from several sources: 1) Standard industry practice for home installations as recommended by the manufacturers of surround encoder/decoder units; 2) recommendations developed by Tom Holman for setting up THX surround theater sound systems, and 3) Alesis engineers’ experience fine-tuning the performance of the SMS Monitoring System in order to find the mounting configuration which results in the most natural and accurate surround placement. With the many different playback systems in use, there is room for interpretation of what the best placement is in a control room, but the following represents a good starting point which you are free to change to your taste.

Vertically, the M1 Active Mk2s should be placed on the side wall of the control room, above your head, with the woofers on top, tweeters on the bottom. The ideal location is to have the center of the speaker (between the woofer and tweeter) at 80% of the floor-to-ceiling height. (For a standard 8 foot ceiling height the center line would be at 96” x 80% = 76.8” from the floor.)

Recommended positioning of surround speakers

C

L

20%

Point Surround tweeters

mounted down

3’min

80%

Horizontally, place the M1 Active Mk2s slightly behind the 90° position, at 110° on each side. Make sure that at the position used, there is still at least 3 feet to the back wall of your studio. If you do not have at least 3 feet to the back of your studio, then the speakers will work better if placed diagonally in the rear corner as shown on the next page.

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M1 Active Reference Manual

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Alesis M1 Active Mk2 manual Placement of Rear Surrounds, Recommended positioning of surround speakers
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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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