MARTIN AUDIO EM Series Compact Loudspeakers User Guide
- June 16, 2024
- MARTIN AUDIO
Table of Contents
EM Series
EM26/EM56/EM76/EM186/EM201/EM251
User’s Guide
**** This equipment conforms to the requirements of the EMC Directive
89/336/EEC, amended by 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC and the requirements of the Low
Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC.
Standards Applied
EMC Emission EN55103-1:1996
Immunity EN55103-2:1996
Electrical Safety EN60065:1993
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Martin Audio EM Series system. The EM Series is a range of powerful yet compact loudspeakers designed to suit a variety of permanent installation applications. The trapezoid shape of the enclosures allows them to be used singly or arrayed in multiples. Specific uses include distributed foreground sound, theme bars, nightclubs and audio-visual events.
UNPACKING
Each Martin Audio loudspeaker is built to the highest standard and thoroughly
inspected before it leaves the factory. After unpacking the system, examine it
carefully for any signs of transit damage and inform your dealer if any such
damage is found. It is suggested that you retain the original packaging so
that the system can be repacked at a future date if necessary.
Please note that Martin Audio and its distributors cannot accept any
responsibility for damage to any returned product through the use of non-
approved packaging.
OVERVIEW
The EM Series products covered in this guide include the EM26, EM56, EM76 and
EM186 full-range systems and the EM201 and EM251 sub-bass systems. Please note
that the EM15 and EM150 are covered in a separate User’s Guide. The EM26, EM56
and EM76 are 2-way systems with internal crossover networks. The EM186 is a
bi-amped 3-way system and the EM201 and EM251 are dedicated sub-bass systems.
For optimum performance, it is recommended that EM Series loudspeakers are
used with EMX System Controllers – the EMX1A for the EM26/56/76 and the EMX2A
for the EM186. The controllers can be switched between full-range and sub-bass
operation and contain limiter circuitry activated by sense lines for
loudspeaker protection. Please refer to the appropriate controller user guide
for detailed information on connections and correct limiter settings for a
particular EM Series set-up.
3.1 EM26
The EM26 is a miniature high performance loudspeaker suited to a variety of
applications from sports bars to high level foreground systems. It is a
passive two-way system featuring an 8″ (200mm) bass driver and a 1″ (25mm)
ferrofluid cooled HF driver on a 70 x 50 horn.
3.2 EM56
The EM56 is an ultra-compact passive two-way system with a high output
capability for its small size. Featuring a 10″ (250mm) bass driver and 1″
(25mm) compression driver on a 70 x 40 degree horn, it is particularly useful
in distributed sound and audio-visual appplications.
3.3 EM76
The EM76 is a powerful stand-alone system combining dynamic full-frequency
performance with exceptional smoothness. Designed to meet the install
requirement for a 12″ (305mm) bass driver plus 1″ (25mm) compression driver
combination, the EM76 is a passive 2-way system that is ideal for most
applications.
3.4 EM186
The EM186 is an innovative three-way system featuring a powerful 15″ (385mm)
low frequency driver. Midrange is produced by a unique 6.5″ (160mm) mid horn
developed to overcome the power and distortion limitations of traditionally
used large format compression drivers and high frequencies are produced by a
1″ (25mm) compression driver. Mid and HF dispersion patterns are 65 x 40
degrees and the mid/high section is rotatable to enable vertical or horizontal
installation. The EM186 is designed for bi-amplification at its 650Hz low/mid
crossover point.
3.5 EM201 and EM251
Where an EM Series enclosure requires additional low frequency enhancement,
use of either the EM201 or EM251 will extend the power bandwidth of the system
to below 35Hz. The EM201 houses a single 18″ (450mm) driver whilst the EM251
utilises twin 15″ (385mm) drivers in an optimally tuned compact reflex
enclosure.
NOTE:
Passive systems such as the EM26, EM56 and EM76 may be used without a system
controller provided recommended amplifier power is not exceeded and care is
taken to avoid amplifier clipping. Use of an optional EMX1A controller with
its system specific low frequency EQ and built in limiters will result in
improved bass response and system protection.
SAFETY FIRST
It is important that loudspeaker systems are used in a safe manner. Please
take some time to review the following points concerning safe use of EM Series
loudspeakers.
Professional loudspeakers are capable of producing extremely high sound levels
and should be used with care. Hearing loss is cumulative and can result from
levels above 90dB if people are exposed for a long period. Never stand close
to loudspeakers driven at high level.
4.1 Rigging and Suspension
WARNING: Suspending the system should only be done by qualified personnel
following safe rigging practices. Secure fixings to the building structure are
vital. Seek help from architects, structural engineers or other specialists if
in any doubt.
The EM26, EM56 and EM76 are provided with rear panel fixings for wall
brackets. The EM26, EM56, EM76 and EM186 are also fitted with threaded inserts
to allow the suspension of a single enclosure.
Never suspend one enclosure from another to form an array or cluster using
these fittings.
The common practice of using commercially available eye bolts for suspension
should only be undertaken with great caution. Eye bolts are strongest along
the thread axis. Angling the enclosures will result in an angle pull and it is
important to use eye bolts that are safe in these circumstances. Only forged
shoulder eye bolts should be considered and it is important that the thread
length is at least 30mm. A flat washer should be inserted between the eyebolt
and the enclosure. Formed eye bolts i.e. those which are formed from a steel
rod bent into an eye should be avoided.
AMPLIFICATION
EM Series loudspeakers are designed to be used with professional power amplifiers capable of producing the following power outputs into 4 ohms:
EM26 300-400W
EM56 300-400W
EM76 400-550W
EM186 400-550W
EM201 550-700W
EM251 550-700W
Care should be taken to avoid amplifier clipping. It is important to
understand that a low power amplifier driven into clipping is more likely to
damage a loudspeaker than a higher power amplifier used within its ratings.
This is because music signals have a high peak-to-average “crest” factor.
When an amplifier is severely overdriven, its output waveform is clipped (its
peaks are squared off) – reducing the crest factor. In extreme cases, the
waveform can approach that of a square wave. An amplifier is normally capable
of producing far more power under these conditions than its undistorted rated
power output.
The use of very high power amplifiers with outputs greater than those
recommended is discouraged.
Care should be taken to avoid switch-on surges, which can result in momentary
power peaks in excess of specified ratings. When powering up a sound system
it is important to switch on the amplifiers after the mixer and control
electronics have stabilised. When powering down the system, reverse the
sequence and switch off the amplifiers first.
CONNECTIONS
Each connector panel has a Neutrik Speakon NL4 connector wired as follows:
NL4 Pin
1-
1+
2-
2+| EM26/56/76/201/251
Input -ve
Input +ve
Link -ve
Link +ve| EM186
Low -ve
Low +ve
Mid/High -ve
Mid/High +ve
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CABLE LENGTHS
When connecting loudspeaker systems to an amplifier, it is recommended that the return resistance of the cable used is less than one tenth of the nominal impedance of the system or systems in parallel. The table below gives an indication of the maximum permissible cable runs for various conductor cross- sectional areas.
| Conductor CSA | Maximum Cable Run |
|---|---|
| 1.0mm² | 4 ohms |
| 1.5mm² | 11m |
| 2.0mm² | 17m |
| 2.5mm² | 22m |
| 4.0mm² | 29m |
| 6.0mm² | 44m |
| 66m | 132m |
SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS
The EM26, EM56, EM76 and EM186 may be used to cover the full-frequency range –
either distributed singly or arrayed in multiples. The EMX1A controller
provides appropriate limiting and low frequency equalisation for full-
frequency operation of the EM26, EM56 and EM76. The EM186 requires an EMX2A
controller.
Where additional low frequency output is required, an EM201 or EM251 sub-bass
system driven from a separate amplifier fed from the sub-bass output of the
controller can be added. In this case the controller should be switched from
full-range to sub-bass operation by means of the recessed switch on the front
panel. The sound balance of the complete system can be set up by using a
screwdriver to adjust the trim controls accessible through the controller
front panel. Please refer to the EMX1A or EMX2A User’s Guide for further
information.
WARRANTY
Martin Audio EM Series products are warranted against manufacturing defects in
materials or craftsmanship over a period of 5 years from the date of original
purchase. During the warranty period Martin Audio will, at it’s discretion,
either repair or replace products which prove to be defective provided that
the product is returned in its original packaging, shipping prepaid, to an
authorised Martin Audio service agent or distributor. Martin Audio Ltd. cannot
be held responsible for defects caused by unauthorised modifications, improper
use, negligence, exposure to inclement weather conditions, act of God or
accident, or any use of this product that is not in accordance with the
instructions provided by Martin Audio. Martin Audio is not liable for
consequential damages.
This warranty is exclusive and no other warranty is expressed or implied. This
warranty does not affect your statutory rights.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
EM26
TYPE
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
RATED POWER
SENSITIVITY
MAXIMUM SPL
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER
DISPERSION
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 BASS
HIGH FREQUENCY
CROSSOVER
ENCLOSURE
CONNECTOR
FITTINGS
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS
(Packed in pairs)
SHIPPING WEIGHT
(Packed in pairs)| Ultra compact, two-way passive
70Hz-18kHz ±3dB
125W AES, 500W peak
94dB
114dB continuous, 120dB peak
200-300W (into 4 ohms)
70 degs horizontal x 50 degs vertical
IMPEDANCE 8 ohms
200mm (8″)
25mm (1″) driver, ferrofluid cooled
3kHz passive
12 litres, vented
1 Neutrik Speakon NL4MPR
4 x M6 inserts for Omnimount 75
6 x M8 inserts
(W) 278mm x (H) 391mm x (D) 264mm
(W) 10.9ins x (H) 15.4ins x (D) 10.4ins
10kg (22lbs)
(W) 590mm x (H) 500mm x (D) 300mm
(W) 23.2ins x (H) 19.7ins x (D) 11.8ins
22kg (48.5lbs)
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EM56
TYPE
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
RATED POWER
SENSITIVITY
MAXIMUM SPL
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER
DISPERSION (HxV)
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE
BASS
HIGH FREQUENCY
CROSSOVER
ENCLOSURE
CONNECTOR
FITTINGS
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS
SHIPPING WEIGHT| Compact, two-way passive trapezoid
75Hz-18kHz ±3dB
150W AES, 600W peak
97dB
117dB continuous, 123dB peak
300-400W (into 4 ohms)
70 degs horizontal x 40 degs vertical
8 ohms
250mm (10″)
25mm (1″) driver, ferrofluid cooled
2kHz passive
22 litres, vented
1 x Neutrik Speakon NL4MPR
4 x M8 inserts for Omnimount 100
10 x M8 inserts, 1 x pole mounting socket
(W) 335mm x (H) 487mm x (D) 325mm
(W) 13.2ins x (H) 19.2ins x (D) 12.8ins
14.5kg (32lbs)
(W) 400mm x (H) 540mm x (D) 380mm
(W) 15.7ins x (H) 21.3ins x (D) 15ins
16kg (35.3lbs)
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EM76
TYPE
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
RATED POWER
SENSITIVITY
MAXIMUM SPL
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER
DISPERSION
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE
BASS
HIGH FREQUENCY
CROSSOVER
ENCLOSURE
CONNECTOR
FITTINGS
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS
SHIPPING WEIGHT| Compact, two-way passive trapezoid
60Hz-18kHz ±3dB
200W AES, 800W peak
98dB
120dB continuous, 126dB peak
400-550W (into 4 ohms)
70 degs vertical x 40 degs horizontal
8 ohms
300mm (12″)
25mm (1″) exit compression driver
1.5kHz passive
40 litres, vented
1 x Neutrik Speakon NL4MPR
4 x M8 inserts for Omnimount 100
10 x M8 inserts, 1 x pole mounting socket
(W) 365mm x (H) 554mm x (D) 364mm
(W) 14.4ins x (H) 21.8ins x (D) 14.3ins
22kg (48lbs)
(W) 440mm x (H) 610mm x (D) 420mm
(W) 17.3ins x (H) 24ins x (D) 16.5ins
23.5kg (51.8lbs)
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EM186
TYPE
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
RATED POWER
SENSITIVITY
MAXIMUM SPL
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER
DISPERSION
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE
BASS/MID
HIGH FREQUENCY
CROSSOVER
ENCLOSURE
CONNECTOR
FITTINGS
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS
SHIPPING WEIGHT| Compact, three-way trapezoid
55Hz-18kHz ±3dB
LF: 350W AES, 1400W peak
MF/HF: 150W AES, 600W peak
LF: 100dB MF/HF: 104dB
124dB continuous, 130dB peak
400-550W (into 4 ohms)
65 degs horizontal x 40 degs vertical
LF: 8 ohms MF/HF: 16 ohms
380mm (15″)/165mm (6.5″)
25mm (1″) exit compression driver
650Hz active 3.3kHz passive
80 litres, vented
1 x Neutrik Speakon NL4MPR
12 x M8 inserts
(W) 442mm x (H) 827mm x (D) 430mm
(W) 17.4ins x (H) 32.5ins x (D) 16.9ins
36kg (79lbs)
(W) 500mm x (H) 920mm x (D) 480mm
(W) 19.7ins x (H) 36.2ins x (D) 18.9ins
38.5kg (84.9lbs)
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EM201
TYPE
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
RATED POWER
SENSITIVITY
MAXIMUM SPL
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE
BASS
CROSSOVER
ENCLOSURE
CONNECTOR
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS
SHIPPING WEIGHT| Compact, sub-bass system
40Hz-120Hz ±3db
400W AES, 1600W peak
97dB
122dB continuous, 128dB peak
550-700W (into 4 ohms)
8 ohms
460mm (18″)
120Hz active (via EMX1A/EMX2A)
145 litres, vented
1 x Neutrik Speakon NL4MPR
(W) 520mm x (H) 805mm x (D) 494mm
(W) 20.5ins x (H) 31.7ins x (D) 19.4ins
37.5kg (83lbs)
(W) 550mm x (H) 860mm x (D) 520mm
(W) 21.7ins x (H) 33.9ins x (D) 20.9ins
43kg (94.8lbs)
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EM251
TYPE
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
RATED POWER
SENSITIVITY
MAXIMUM SPL
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE
BASS
CROSSOVER
ENCLOSURE
CONNECTOR
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
SHIPPING DIMENSIONS
SHIPPING WEIGHT| Compact, dual-driver sub-bass system
38Hz-120Hz ±3db
800W AES, 3200W peak
99dB
126dB continuous, 132dB peak
550-800W (into 4 ohms)
4 ohms
2 x 380mm (15″)
120Hz active (via EMX1A/EMX2A)
200 litres, vented
1 x Neutrik Speakon NL4MPR
(W) 572mm x (H) 827mm x (D) 585mm
(W) 22.5ins x (H) 32.5ins x (D) 23ins
58.5kg (129lbs)
(W) 600mm x (H) 870mm x (D) 620mm
(W) 23.6ins x (H) 34.3ins x (D) 24.4ins
65kg (143.3lbs)
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Due to our policy of continuous improvement all specifications are subject to change without notice.
EM Series
EM26/EM56/EM76/EM186/EM201/EM251
The Martin Experience
Documents / Resources
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MARTIN AUDIO EM Series Compact
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