d b Audiotechnik M4 Monitor Instruction Manual
- June 10, 2024
- d b audiotechnik
Table of Contents
M4 Monitor
Instruction Manual
General information
M4 Manual
Version: 2.3 en, 11/2021, D2990.EN .02
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-Adolf-Str. 134, D-71522 Backman, 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”.
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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.
M4 loudspeaker
2.1 Product description
The M4 is a high performance stage monitor employing an integrated15″/1.3″
exit coaxial driver design with neodymium magnet and constant directivity horn
loading. Its dispersion of 50° x 70° (hor. x vert.) provides an accurately
defined coverage area on stage. Used upright the M4 serves as a powerful front
PA speaker (70° x 50°) for various applications.
The M4 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 55 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.
2.2 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
2.3 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.
| Application | Setup | Cabinets per channel |
|---|---|---|
| M4 passive | M4 (Dual Channel or Mix TOP/SUB mode) | 2 |
| Application | Setup | Cabinets per pair of amplifier channels |
| M4 active | M4 (2-Way Active mode) | 2 |
Passive operation (“Dual channel” mode)
Selecting “Dual channel” mode with the M4 setup enables up to two M4 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.
Passive operation (“Mix TOP/SUB” mode)
With its standard connector wiring the M4 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 M4 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 M4 setup enables up to two M4 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.
2.3.1 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.
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.
2.3.2 Operation with E-PAC
Selecting the M4 setup enables the E-PAC to drive one M4 loudspeaker. LO IMP
mode configures the E-PAC to drive a maximum of two M4 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.
2.4 Dispersion characteristics
The graphs below show dispersion angle over frequency of a single M4 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 M4 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 15″ 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.
2.5 Technical specifications
M4 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 70°
Components: 15″ LF driver with neodymium magnet
coaxial 1.3″ exit compression driver with 3″ coil and CD horn : Passive
crossover network
Connections: NLT4 F/M
(optional 2 x EP5): WR option: Fasten type connector (2 x 6.3 mm), female
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.
WR option: Brown: (+) / Blue: (–)
Weight: 20 kg (44 lb)
Manufacturer’s declarations
3.1 Conformity of loudspeakers
This declaration applies to:
d &b Z0800 M4 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-Reg.-Nr. DE: 13421928
3.2 WEEE Declaration (Disposal)
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.