d b Audiotechnik M6 Monitor Instruction Manual
- June 10, 2024
- d b audiotechnik
Table of Contents
d b Audiotechnik M6 Monitor
Product Description
The d&b M6 is a two-way loudspeaker that comes with a built-in passive crossover network. It can be used in two-way active mode without any modifications to the loudspeaker, just by changing the configuration of the applicable amplifier. The M6 loudspeaker has a frequency response range of 65 Hz to above 17 kHz. It is available with NL4 M or EP5 connectors as an option.
Safety Precautions
When deploying loudspeakers on the ground or when flown, it’s important to take the necessary safety precautions to prevent accidents. Never stand in the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers driven at a high level. Additionally, only use accessories which have been tested and approved by d&b for assembly and deployment. Pay attention to the correct application and maximum load capacity of the accessories as detailed in the specific Mounting instructions or in the Rigging manuals.
Product Usage Instructions
To use the d&b M6 loudspeaker:
- Make sure the loudspeakers or loudspeaker stands are standing on a firm surface. If you place several systems on top of one another, use straps to secure them against movement.
- Use only accessories that have been tested and approved by d&b for assembly and deployment.
- Pay attention to the correct application and maximum load capacity of the accessories as detailed in the specific Mounting instructions or in the Rigging manuals.
- Ensure that all additional hardware, fixings, and fasteners used for deployment are of an appropriate size and load safety factor. Pay attention to the manufacturers’ instructions and to the relevant safety guidelines.
- Regularly check the loudspeaker housings and accessories for visible signs of wear and tear, and replace them when necessary.
- Regularly check all load-bearing mounting devices.
- When erecting and transporting the loudspeakers, make sure they are nowhere near equipment and objects which may be impaired or damaged by an external magnetic field. Generally speaking, a distance of 0.5 m (1.5 ft) from magnetic data carriers (floppy disks, audio and video tapes, bank cards, etc.) is sufficient.
- For dual channel input/output routing, refer to the schematic diagram provided in the manual.
By following these instructions and taking the necessary safety precautions, you can effectively use the d&b M6 loudspeaker for your audio needs.
General information
M6 Manual
Version: 1.2 en, 11/2021, D2605.EN .01
Copyright © 2021 by d&b audio Technik GmbH & Co. KG; all rights reserved.
Keep this document with the product or in a safe place so that it is available for future reference.
We recommend you to regularly check the d&b website for the latest version of this document.
When reselling this product, hand over this document to the new owner.
If you supply d&b products, please draw the attention of your customers to
this document.
Enclose the relevant documents with the systems. If you require additional
documents for this purpose, you can order them from d&b.
d&b audio Technik GmbH & Co. KG
Eugen-Adolff-Str. 134, D-71522 Backnang, Germany
T +49-7191-9669-0, F +49-7191-95 00 00M6 Manual
Version: 1.2 en, 11/2021, D2605.EN .01
Copyright © 2021 by d&b audio Technik GmbH & Co. KG; all rights reserved.
Keep this document with the product or in a safe place so that it is available
for future reference.
We recommend you to regularly check the d&b website for the latest version of this document.
When reselling this product, hand over this document to the new owner.
If you supply d&b products, please draw the attention of your customers to
this document.
Enclose the relevant documents with the systems. If you require additional
documents for this purpose, you can order them from d&b.
d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG
Eugen-Adolff-Str. 134, D-71522 Backnang, Germany
T +49-7191-9669-0,
F +49-7191-95 00 00
Safety precautions
Potential risk of personal injury
Never stand in the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers driven at a high level.
Professional loudspeaker systems are capable of causing a sound pressure level
detrimental to human health. Seemingly non-critical sound levels (from approx.
95 dB SPL) can cause hearing damage if people are exposed to it over a long
period.
In order to prevent accidents when deploying loudspeakers on the ground or when flown, please take note of the following:
-
When setting up the loudspeakers or loudspeaker stands, make sure they are standing on a firm surface. If you place several systems on top of one another, use straps to secure them against movement.
-
Only use accessories which have been tested and approved by d&b for assembly and deployment. Pay attention to the correct application and maximum load capacity of the accessories as detailed in our specific “Mounting instructions” or in our
“Rigging manuals”. -
Ensure that all additional hardware, fixings and fasteners used for deployment are of an appropriate size and load safety factor. Pay attention to the manufacturers’ instructions and to the relevant safety guidelines.
-
Regularly check the loudspeaker housings and accessories for visible signs of wear and tear, and replace them when necessary.
-
Regularly check all load bearing mounting devices.
Potential risk of material damage
Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field even if they are not connected or
are not in use. Therefore make sure when erecting and transporting
loudspeakers that they are nowhere near equipment and objects which may be
impaired or damaged by an external magnetic field. Generally speaking, a
distance of 0.5 m (1.5 ft) from magnetic data carriers (floppy disks, audio
and video tapes, bank cards, etc.) is sufficient.
M6 loudspeaker
Product description
The M6
M6 is a high performance stage monitor employing an integrated”12/1.3″ exit
coaxial driver design with neodymium magnet and constant directivity horn
loading. Its dispersion of 50°x 80° (hor. x vert.) provides an accurately
defined coverage area on stage. Used upright the M6 serves as a powerful front
PA speaker (80° x 50°) for various applications.
The M6 is a two-way design with a built-in passive crossover network. It can optionally be operated in two-way active mode just by changing the configuration of the applicable amplifier without any modifications to the loudspeaker. Its frequency response extends from 65 Hz to above 17 kHz.
The cabinet is constructed from marine plywood and has an impact resistant paint finish. The front of the loudspeaker cabinet is protected by a rigid metal grill in front of an acoustically transparent foam. Each side panel incorporates a handle while four M10 threaded inserts allow connection to different rigging devices and brackets. A pole mount is incorporated in one side panel to accept a loudspeaker stand. Two runners recessed in the bottom panel prevent cabinet movement and protect the bottom panel against scratching.
Connections
The cabinet is fitted with NLT4 F/M connectors. All four pins of both
connectors are wired in parallel using the pin assignments 1+/1– (LF) and
2+/2– (HF). Using one connector as the input, the second connector allows for
direct connection to a second cabinet.
The cabinet can be supplied with NL4 M or EP5 connectors as an option.
| LF +| LF –| HF +| HF –| n.c.
---|---|---|---|---|---
NLT4 F/M NL4 M| 1+| 1–| 2+| 2–| –
EP5| 1| 2| 3| 4| 5
Operation
Input / Output routing “Dual channel”*
- Schematic diagram
NOTICE!
Only operate d&b loudspeakers with a correctly configured d&b amplifier,
otherwise there is a risk of damaging the loudspeaker components.
Applicable d &b amplifiers:
D80/D40/D20/D12/D6/40D/30D/10D.
Input / Output routing “Mix TOP/SUB”*
- Schematic diagram
Passive operation (“Dual channel” mode)
Selecting “Dual channel” mode with the M6 setup enables up to two M6 cabinets
to be driven by the respective channel.
In “Dual channel” mode each amplifier channel drives all output pins of its
respective output connector thus driving the cabinet’s HF and LF sections via
their passive crossover networks. Pins 1+/2+ of the NL4 output connector (EP5:
1/3) carry the positive and pins 1–/2– (EP5: 2/4 ) carry the negative
components of the signal.
Input / Output routing “2–Way Active”*
- Schematic diagram
Passive operation (“Mix TOP/SUB” mode)
With its standard connector wiring the M6 requires 4 wires to be driven and
therefore cannot be used in “Mix TOP/SUB” mode. However, for permanent passive
use with dedicated 2-wire cabling the M6 setup is also available in “Mix
TOP/SUB” mode.
For passive operation with a 2-wire loudspeaker cable, pins 1+/–and 2+/– have
to be bridged on the loudspeaker side of the cable as shown in the graphic
below.
2-wire cabling diagram
Active operation (“2–Way Active” mode)
Selecting “2–Way Active” mode with the M6 setup enables up to two M6 cabinets
to be driven actively by the respective amplifier.
In “2–Way Active” mode separate LF and HF signals are routed to the amplifier channels. Pins 1+/1– of both NL4 output connectors (EP5: pins 1/2) carry the LF signal, pins 2+/2– (EP5: 3/4) carry the HF signal.
For D80 and D12 amplifiers, the output connector pin assignment is set automatically when “2–Way Active” mode is selected. For all other applicable amplifiers, a dedicated socket for active operation is available.
The input signal can be fed either to INPUT A or to INPUT B and is routed (linked) to both amplifier channels internally.
Frequency response correction of the CPL function
Controller settings
For acoustic adjustment the functions CUT, HFA and CPL can be selected.
CUT mode
Set to CUT, the low frequency level is reduced. The cabinet is now configured
for use with actively driven d&b subwoofers.
HFA mode
In HFA mode (High Frequency Attenuation), the HF response of the system is
rolled off. HFA provides a natural, balanced frequency response when a cabinet
is placed close to listeners in near field or delay use.
High Frequency Attenuation begins gradually at 1 kHz, dropping by approximately 3 dB at 10 kHz. This roll off mimics the decline in frequency response experienced when listening to a system from a distance in a typically reverberant room or auditorium.
Frequency response correction of the CPL function
CPL function
The CPL (Coupling) function compensates for coupling effects between the
cabinet and close boundary surfaces or when the cabinet is used as a stage
monitor. CPL begins gradually around 1 kHz, with the maximum attenuation below
400 Hz. To achieve a balanced frequency response, the CPL function can be set
to dB attenuation values between 0 and –9.
Positive CPL values create an adjustable low frequency boost (0 to+5 dB) and
can be set when the system is used in full range mode without subwoofers.
For a single cabinet in free space conditions a value of +3 dB is recommended.
Operation with E-PAC
Selecting M6 mode enables the E-PAC to drive one M6 loudspeaker. LO IMP mode
configures the E-PAC to drive a maximum of two M6 loudspeakers with a 6 dB
reduction in input level to the loudspeakers.
For acoustic adjustment the CUT and HFA modes are available. The characteristics are described in the previous section.
Isobar diagram M6 horizontal, monitor setup (vertical, front-of-house setup)
Dispersion characteristics
The graphs below show dispersion angle over frequency of a single M6 cabinet
plotted using lines of equal sound pressure
(isobars) at –6 dB and –12 dB. The characteristics refer to monitor operation.
When used as a front-of-house system, the horizontal dispersion corresponds to
the vertical plot and vice versa.
Isobar diagram M6 vertical, monitor setup
(horizontal, front-of-house setup)
Altering the HF horn dispersion
The HF horn can be rotated through 90° for dedicated installation
applications.
Tools required : Torx wrench (#TX25).
Proceed as follows:
- Disconnect the loudspeaker.
- Undo the 10 screws holding the front grill and remove the front grill.
- Undo the screws holding the horn flange and the two opposite screws at the 12″ driver for the desired orientation.
- Rotate the horn to the desired orientation.
- Refit all screws and tighten them using a torque setting of 2 N×m.
- Refit the front grill and tighten all screws using a torque setting of 4 N×m.
Technical specifications
M6 system data
- Frequency response (–5 dB standard) 65 Hz – 17 kHz
- Frequency response (–5 dB CUT mode) 95 Hz – 17 kHz
- Max. sound pressure (single cabinet, 1 m, free field)
- with D6/10D/E-PAC passive mode 132 dB
- with 10D active mode 133 dB
- with D80/D40/D20/D12/40D/30D passive mode 135 dB
- with D80/D40/D20/D12/40D/30D active mode 138 dB
(SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4)
M6 frequency response, standard and CUT modes
M6 loudspeaker
- Nominal impedance 8 ohms
- Power handling capacity (RMS / peak 10 ms) 400/1600 W
- Nominal dispersion angle (hor. x vert., monitor setup) 50° x 80°
- Components 12″ LF driver with neodymium magnet
- coaxial 1.3″ exit compression driver with 3″ coil and CD horn
- Passive crossover network
- Connections 2 x NLT4 F/M
- (optional 2 x EP5)
- Pin assignment NLT4 F/M: 1+: LF+/1–: LF– | 2+: HF+/2–: HF–
- EP5: 1: LF+ | 2: LF– | 3: HF+ | 4: HF– | 5: n.c.
- Weight 16 kg (35 lb)
M6 cabinet dimensions in mm [inch]
Manufacturer’s declarations
Conformity of loudspeakers
This declaration applies to:
d&b Z0820 M6 loudspeaker manufactured by d&b audio Technik GmbH & Co. KG.
All product variants are included, provided they correspond to the original
technical version and have not been subject to any later design or
electromechanical modifications.
We herewith declare that said products are in conformity with the provisions
of the respective directives including all applicable amendments.
Detailed and applicable declarations are available on request and can be
ordered from d&b or downloaded from the d&b website at
www.dbaudio.com.
WEEE Declaration (Disposal)
WEEE-Reg.-Nr. DE: 13421928
Electrical and electronic equipment must be disposed of separately from normal
waste at the end of its operational lifetime.
Please dispose of this product according to the respective national
regulations or contractual agreements.
If there are any further questions concerning the disposal of this product,
please contact d&b audio Technik.