All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “M1 Active Mk2” and “Superport” are trademarks of Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. ALESIS CONTACT INFORMATION Alesis Studio Electronics, Inc. 1633 26th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404 USA Do not use this address for repair service. Telephone: 800-5-ALESIS (800-525-3747) E-Mail: support@alesis.com Website: Contents/Safety Warnings CONTENTS Introduction 2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS......................................................3 Safety symbols used in this product 3 Instructions de Securite Importantes (French) 5 Information to the User for Class A Digital Device (FCC Part 15, Class A) 7 CE Declaration of Conformity 8 ABOUT THE M1 ACTIVE MK2 ...............................................................9 Unpacking and Inspection 9 Inside your new speakers 10 About Nearfield monitoring 15 SPEAKER INSTALLATION.................................................................... 17 Avoiding reflections in the studio 17 Stereo nearfield placement of the M1 Active Mk2 20 Connections 26 Setting the Input Level control 28 SURROUND SOUND ............................................................................ 31 About surround sound 31 Center speakers in music mixes 32 Placement of the center M1 Active Mk2 speaker in the studio 33 Placement of rear surrounds 34 Mixing for discrete six channel reproduction: matched vs. specialized speakers 37 TROUBLESHOOTING ...........................................................................39 Troubleshooting Index 39 Maintenance 40 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................42 Enclosure 42 Transducers 42 Crossover section 43 Amplifier Section 43 Acoustic Section 43 General 43 INDEX.............................................................................................. 44 ALESIS LIMITED WARRANTY..............................................................45 M1 Active Mk2 Reference Manual Contents/Safety Warnings INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Alesis M1 Active Mk2 Biamplified Reference Monitors. To take full advantage of the M1 Active Mk2’s operation, and to enjoy long and trouble-free use, please read this user’s manual carefully. We value any comments you may have about this monitor system, this manual, your Alesis dealer or our factory service. Please take a minute now to fill out your warranty card and tell us what you think. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various features of the M1 Active Mk2. Though we recommend you take time to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about monitors should use the table of contents to reference specific functions. Chapter 1: About the M1 Active Mk2. Engineering specifications and reasons why nearfield monitors have become so popular. Chapter 2: Speaker Installation. This chapter explains how to connect the M1 Active Mk2s to a mixer or other line-level source and discusses proper speaker placement for stereo operation. Chapter 3: Surround Sound. If you are using the M1 Active Mk2 speakers in a multichannel surround sound setup, you’ll find helpful setup and operation information here. Chapter 4: Troubleshooting. This chapter contains troubleshooting tips and service information should problems occur. . When something important appears in the manual, an icon (like the one on the left) will appear in the left margin. This symbol indicates that this information is vital when operating the M1 Active Mk2s. M1 Active Reference Manual Contents/Safety Warnings IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SAFETY SYMBOLS USED IN THIS PRODUCT This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit. PLEASE FOLLOW THESE PRECAUTIONS WHEN USING THIS PRODUCT: 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner onto the speakers or rear panel, as this may damage the speakers, controls or cause a dangerous condition. 7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. M1 Active Mk2 Reference Manual Contents/Safety Warnings 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point wh...