The Neumann MA 1 Monitor Alignment Microphone and Calibration System is designed to help engineers, musicians, and producers get more accurate and sonically consistent mixes from their Neumann KH 80 DSP monitors or non-DSP KH-Series monitors when used with the KH 750 DSP subwoofer. The system uses an omnidirectional measurement mic and a downloadable software for Mac and Windows with Fraunhofer IIS algorithms to calibrate and adjust the phase and amplitude of the speakers to compensate for room imperfections.

The system is easy to use; simply connect the balanced outputs of your audio interface or monitor controller to your KH monitors. Connect the ethernet ports of your DSP-based monitors into a network switcher (available separately) and then route the switcher output into your computer. Plug the calibration mic into a mic input on your interface (48V phantom power is required) and follow the calibration process in your software. An SG105 mic clip is included to mount the microphone to a stand.

The MA 1 software algorithms use the measurements to adjust the speaker settings to a room-specific target curve that compensates for the room’s acoustic flaws. All the correction parameters are stored in the DSP speaker, so it’s always there without having to worry about plug-ins and driver issues. In addition, once calibrated, you won’t need the ethernet connection.

As mentioned, you can also calibrate non-DSP KH monitors, as long as you are also using a KH 750 DSP subwoofer. The KH 750 DSP has enough processing power to align the entire system, including the two analog speaker connected its outputs. The KH 120, KH 310, and KH 420 loudspeakers benefit from having the linerization of their built-in crossovers for more clarity, a tighter bass, and more accurate time correction.

Designed to complement both small rooms small studio monitoring systems, the Neumann KH 750 is a DSP-powered, 10″ subwoofer capable of reproducing 18 to 300 Hz at SPLs of 105 dB. This model supplies a flexible 2.0/0.1 Bass Manager, so the sub can be implemented in many different scenarios. Use the KH 750 for the LFE channel in a 5.1 setup or as a sub in a conventional stereo mix position. The KH 750 can be easily integrated with Neumann’s range of monitors and is suitable for use in mixing, mastering, music, and broadcast.

The KH 750 has multiple rear-panel options to suit various configurations such as four different routing modes. Analog and digital I/O is on hand, as are fourth-order DSP crossovers and acoustical controls to integrate the sub into your room. Using the RJ45 connection, you can utilize Neumann.Control, which operates over a standard IP network and offers controls for the KH 750 not found on the physical sub itself. These controls make it easier to set up, align, and operate the sub within your system, even in small locales. The Neumann.Control software can be controlled by means of your computer or an iPad.

Use the KH 750 to complement your small studio monitoring rig, and in doing so, relive the burden of bass extension from your existing monitoring system. By implementing this sub, you’ll also notice a marked decrease of harmonic and intermodulated distortion from your main monitors, as that load has now been lessened. A pleasant side effect will be the ability to increase the overall SPL of your loudspeakers, so you can check for how the mix sounds at louder levels without inducing distortion.