Operating Instructions
Meyer Sound Laboratories Inc M3D
™
Line Array
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1
I
NTRODUCTION
The M3D Line Array is a part of the Meyer Sound M Series,
which is a fully integrated line of loudspeakers that brings
singular advantages to real-world applications.
The M3D Line Array, shown in Figure 1, draws upon
classic linear array principles and is a hybrid system
using advanced engineering to optimize line array
performance for consistent, reliable coverage. As are all
M Series products, the M3D is self-powered, features
Meyer Sound’s QuickFly
®
rigging, and is configurable
with most other Meyer Sound loudspeakers. RMS™
(Remote Monitoring System) is standard. The M3D is
weather-protected for outdoor applications.
The companion M3D-Sub Directional Subwoofer, shown
in Figure 2, extends system frequency response to 30 Hz
while maintaining low-frequency directional control and
horizontal arrayability. Use of the M3D-Sub adds low
frequency headroom to an M3D Line Array.
The Meyer Sound M3D is the first and only line array
system to feature state-of-the-art BroadBandQ
technology. BroadBandQ marries a remarkable new
high-frequency manifold system with Meyer’s
proprietary, award-winning, directional low-frequency
technology to precisely control vertical and horizontal
coverage between 35 Hz and 16 kHz. The result is truly
optimized line array behavior, affording performance
that is markedly superior to conventional systems.
To reproduce high frequencies, the M3D employs an REM
(Ribbon Emulation Manifold) to feed a constant-
directivity horn from two Meyer-manufactured
compression drivers, each having a 1.5-inch exit (4-inch
diaphragm). REM controls the output of the drivers and
introduces it to the horn throat within a three-inch path
length, dramatically minimizing distortion. The unique
M3D horn design produces a coherent wave front that is
characteristic of, but much more powerful than, a large
ribbon driver. Vertical coverage is restricted to 10˚ (±5˚)
and interaction is minimized, yet distortion remains
extremely low.
To ensure the smoothest response in the critical
midrange, the M3D incorporates a complex active
crossover design. At the lowest frequencies, two front-
facing ferrofluid cooled, back-vented 15-inch drivers
combine to reproduce powerful, coherent bass. These
newly developed drivers feature lightweight neodymium
magnet structures and are rated to handle 1200 AES
watts. (Loudspeaker driven with a band-limited noise
signal [125 Hz to 8 kHz] with 6-dB peak-to-average ratio
for a period of 2 hours.) In the mid frequencies, the
crossover feeds only one of the two drivers. This
technique eliminates interference between the drivers
that would otherwise occur at shorter wavelengths, and
maintains optimal polar and frequency response
characteristics.
At mid and low frequencies, the M3D employs a
proprietary system of rear-facing 15-inch cone drivers,
separately driven by a complex phase manipulation
circuit, to generate a wave front that interacts with that
produced by the front-facing. high-power 15-inch
drivers. The result is directional low-frequency output to
35 Hz and a 25-dB reduction in sound level behind the
cabinet.
Arrays of up to 16 cabinets (M3D, M3D-Sub, or a mixture
of both), having 0˚ to 5˚ of splay between adjacent units,
provide flexibility to tailor vertical coverage by varying
the number and splay of cabinets in the array while
maintaining 90˚ of usable horizontal coverage measured
at the -6 db points.
To predict the coverage, frequency response, impluse
response and maximum SPL output of arrayed M3Ds, use
MAPP (Multipurpose Acoustical Prediction Program)
Online (see “Meyer Sound MAPP Online™” on page 18).
Figure 1.
M3D Line Array with BroadBandQ™
Figure 2.
M3D-Sub Directional Subwoofer
NOTE:
Please read this entire manual
carefully before configuring and deploying
systems. In particular, please pay careful
attention to the sections about safety issues.