MARTIN AUDIO LE Series 12 Inch Passive Coaxial Stage Monitor User Manual

MARTIN AUDIO LE Series 12 Inch Passive Coaxial Stage Monitor

Specifications

• EMC Directive: 89/336/EEC, amended by 92/31/EEC and 93/68/EEC
• Low Voltage Directive: 72/23/EEC, amended by 93/68/EEC
• EMC Emission: EN55103-1:2009
• EMC Immunity: EN55103-2:2009
• Electrical Safety : IEC60065:2002 + A2:2010

Unpacking the Unit
Please think of our environment. When the product has reached the end of its useful life, please dispose of it responsibly through a recycling center.

The LE Series Overview

• LE100
  The LE100 is a stage monitor that is primarily intended for use as an on-floor wedge monitor. It is fitted with M8 inserts to permit flying if required and comes with molded rubber feet to protect the monitor during set-up and break- down. The LE100 also has a 35 mm top hat socket, allowing it to be pole- mounted and used as a versatile PA system.

• LE200
  The LE200 is a stage monitor that is primarily intended for use as an on-floor wedge monitor. It is fitted with M8 inserts to permit flying if required and comes with molded rubber feet to protect the monitor during set-up and break- down.

• Recommended Amplifiers
  No specific information was provided.

• Recommended Controller
  No specific information was provided.

• Speaker Parameters
  No specific information was provided.

• Accessories
  No specific information was provided.

• LE Series Specifications
  No specific information was provided.

• Technical Drawings
  No specific information was provided.

• Warranty
  No specific information was provided.

• Copyright and Trademarks
  No specific information was provided.

MARTIN AUDIO LE SERIES

LE100/LE200

APPROVALS
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 72/23/EEC, as amended by 93/68/EEC.

• EMC Emission: EN55103-1:2009
• EMC Immunity : EN55103-2:2009
• Electrical Safety: IEC60065:2002 + A2:2010

UNPACKING THE UNIT
Thank you for purchasing a Martin Audio LE Series stage monitor. Every Martin Audio loudspeaker is built to the highest standard and thoroughly inspected before it leaves the factory. After unpacking the monitor, examine it carefully for any signs of transit damage and inform your dealer if any is found. It is suggested that you keep the original packaging so that the system can be repacked at a future date if necessary. Please note that neither Martin Audio nor its distributors can accept any responsibility for damage to any returned product that arises through the use of non-approved packaging.

Please think of our environment.

When the product has reached the end of its useful life, please dispose of it responsibly through a recycling center.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing this Martin Audio LE Series stage monitor, the latest evolution of a long line of famous, industry-standard products under the LE brand (including the hugely successful LE400). The Martin Audio LE Series fulfills the need for affordable, high-performance on-stage monitoring in a compact, low-profile package. The LE Series uses Coaxial Differential Dispersion® Technology to overcome the common constraints of wedge monitor speaker designs: it provides sound coverage at head height which is consistent both in sound level and frequency response, yet sufficiently extensive to allow the performer natural freedom of movement.

The cabinets are styled to be unobtrusive, with a low profile to improve audience sight lines. The enclosures are constructed from strong birch/poplar ply, with steel brace reinforcement behind the grille and a black textured finish to minimize reflections from stage lighting. The grilles are black perforated steel with an acoustically transparent black scrim cloth backing. Despite their power handling and SPL output, LE Series monitors are light in weight to aid handling, transportation, and set-up.

The LE Series uses two-way, full-range co-axial drivers, incorporating Martin Audio’s exclusive Differential Dispersion® horn technology. There are two models: the LE100, rated at 300 W, has a 12” driver; the LE200, rated at 400 W, uses a 15” driver. Passive crossovers optimized for the drivers are fitted, though the larger LE200 may be bi-amped if wished. The passive crossover frequency is 1.6 kHz (LE100) or 1.2 kHz (LE200).

Multiple NL4 connectors are fitted to both models for ease of on-stage cabling and to facilitate daisy-chaining. While primarily intended for use as an on- floor wedge monitor, both models are fitted with M8 inserts to permit flying if required; eyebolts are available as a standard accessory. Additionally, the LE100 is fitted with a 35 mm top hat socket permitting it to be pole-mounted and used as a versatile PA system. Both end faces have molded rubber feet to protect the monitor during set-up and break-down. This User Guide provides a detailed explanation of the various features of the LE Series. Please take the time to read through the Guide even if you are experienced with other Martin Audio products.

Thank you again for placing your confidence in Martin Audio products.

• AES power ratings

SAFETY NOTE
It is important that loudspeaker systems are used safely. Please take some time to review the following points concerning safe use of LE 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 if people are exposed to levels above 90 dB SPL for a long period.
• Never stand close to loudspeakers driven at a high level.

COAXIAL DIFFERENTIAL DISPERSION® TECHNOLOGY

• LE Series monitors feature Martin Audio’s unique, patented Coaxial Differential Dispersion® technology. The design augments the ‘point-source’ benefits of coaxial drivers with the consistency of coverage that Coaxial Differential Dispersion® technology can deliver.
• Non-coaxial systems can suffer from uneven frequency response in the crossover region because of interference between the LF and HF sections; this causes off-axis variations, undesirable in a stage monitoring environment. In contrast, coaxial systems aim to sum LF and HF contributions at all positions off-axis, and over a range of distances from the loudspeaker.
• A disadvantage of conventional coaxial devices can be HF beaming, where the HF dispersion reduces at higher frequencies. This is primarily because the HF energy emerges through a narrow tube in the pole-piece of the magnet system. Coaxial Differential Dispersion® drivers overcome this by the use of a static waveguide that merges seamlessly with the unique cone shape – maintaining the dispersion pattern even at very high frequencies.
• A Coaxial Differential Dispersion® horn has a trapezoidal dispersion pattern in both vertical and horizontal planes which covers the target area more evenly than a system with a conventional, fixed-dispersion type horn. A conventional horn tends to produce an imperfect coverage pattern that misses out on some areas — particularly side areas close to the loudspeaker.
• In contrast, a Coaxial Differential Dispersion® system as implemented in the LE Series produces a near rectangular coverage pattern at head height. The consistency of frequency response and SPL thus achieved throughout the target area is exceptional, and the area itself is more extensive than with conventional monitors, allowing the performer a great deal more flexibility of movement while remaining in the sound field.

THE LE SERIES OVERVIEW

There are two models in the LE range: one based on a 12” driver, and the other on a 15” driver. Both models have 8 ohms impedance. The basic characteristics of the two models are summarised below (full specifications at “LE Series Specifications” on page 1):

AES power ratings

• LE100
  The LE100 is designed to be driven by a full-range amplifier. It has an internal passive crossover at a frequency of 1.6 kHz. The LE100 is fitted with five paralleled NL4 type connectors: two at the front (facing the performer), one at each end recessed in the handles, and one in the base (for use when it is pole-mounted).

• LE200
  The LE200 may either be bi-amped or driven by a single full-range amplifier. For full-range use, it uses an internal crossover at a frequency of 1.2 kHz. The LE200 is fitted with four paralleled NL4-type connectors: two at the front (facing the performer) and one at each end.

CONNECTIONS

LE Series monitors are fitted with low-profile, NL4-type four-pin push-lock connectors, rated at 30 A. All the connectors (five on the LE100, four on the LE200) are wired in parallel: use whichever connector(s) suit the stage cabling layout. The multiple connectors permit simple interconnection between monitors on the same circuit; they can be used to “daisy-chain” the amplifier output to the next speaker.

Important: please ensure that the total impedance of multiple LE Series monitors connected in this way is not less than the minimum load impedance the amplifier channel can drive:

Wire the mating connectors according to the following pinout table:

Note that as pins 2+ and 2- are unused on the LE100, standard four-core speaker cables terminated in NL4s may be used without a problem. However, note that all four pins on each connector – including those that are unused by the speaker itself – are wired in parallel to all other connectors on the cabinet.

LE200 ONLY  CROSSOVER MODES

• The LE200 may be bi-amped if wished. Configuration data for external electronic crossovers or system controllers can be found in “Speaker Parameters”).
• The LE200 may be switched between passive (full-range) mode and bi-amped mode with the switch on the recessed front panel between the two connectors.
• Set the switch to PASSIVE if driving the LE200 with a full-frequency range amplifier channel, and wire only the 1+ and 1- pins of the NL4 connectors.
• Set the switch to BI-AMP if using an external electronic crossover or system controller in conjunction with separate amplifiers (or amplifier channels) for LF and HF. Wire the LF amplifier channel to pins 1+ and 1-, and the HF amplifier channel to pins 2+ and 2-.

CABLE LENGTHS
When connecting any loudspeaker system 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 loudspeaker or loudspeaker in parallel. The table below indicates the maximum permissible cable runs for various conductor cross- sectional areas.

RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIERS
Martin Audio MA Series two and four-channel power amplifiers are recommended for use with LE Series stage monitors. These amplifiers work well at 4 ohms, making it possible to power two cabinets in parallel from each amplifier channel. Models are available with power ratings from 700 W/ch. to 4000 W /ch. (into 4 ohms). We recommend amplifier models MA5.2K or iK81 if more than two LE Series monitors need to be connected in parallel, as these amplifiers can comfortably drive 2-ohm loads.

Other manufacturers’ power amplifiers may be used provided they are capable of delivering the necessary power into the combined impedance of the monitors in use. Note that many amplifiers suffer sonic degradation when driving low load impedances or, worse still, shut down. Always check your intended power amplifier’s specifications and conduct listening tests before committing to a very low-impedance system design.

The table below specifies the recommended minimum amplifier rating for the LE100 and LE200 when used in pairs. The “Recommended models” column lists the Martin Audio MA Series amplifier models suitable for each speaker model.

Model| Rating, AES| Rating, Peak| Impedance| Minimum amplifier| Recommended models
---|---|---|---|---|---
LE100| 300 W| 1200 W| 8 ohms| 2400 W into 4 ohms| MA2.0, MA3.0, MA5.0Q
LE200| 400 W| 1600 W| 8 ohms| 3200 W into 4 ohms| MA3.0, MA5.0Q

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 over specified ratings. When powering up a sound system it is important to switch on the amplifiers after the mixer and control electronics have stabilized. When powering the system down, reverse the sequence and switch the amplifiers off first.

RECOMMENDED CONTROLLER
The Martin Audio DX0.5 Loudspeaker Management System is the approved controller for use with LE Series stage monitors. The internal speaker preset library includes two presets for each model:

• LE100 standard use or pole-mounted
• LE200 passive or bi-amped

For more information on how to connect and operate the DX0.5 please refer to its User Guide (which can be downloaded from https://martin- audio.com/userguides2015/)

SPEAKER PARAMETERS
Alternative high-quality loudspeaker management systems may be used. The table on the following page lists the parameters for each LE Series monitor that needs to be entered into the controller for safe and optimized operation. Please note that the data provided is based on the algorithms used by Martin Audio DX Series Loudspeaker Management Systems; third-party systems are likely to use different algorithms which may result in both sub-optimal performance and reduced loudspeaker protection.

This information is also included in Martin Audio’s General Product parameter spreadsheet, which is available for download from: https://martin- audio.com/userguides2015/#ControllerLoadingSoftwarePresets.

Note : The limiter threshold is calculated using an amplifier gain of 32 dB.

| | | | | High Pass Filter| Low Pass Filter| EQ| Limiter
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
| Driver| Gain| Phase| Delay| Freq| Slope| Freq| Slope| Freq| Q| Gain| Threshold| Attack| Release
| 12″+1″| 0dB| LF In| 0.0ms| 40Hz| 24dB/| 18kHz| 24dB/| 76Hz| 1.8| +2dB| +4.0dBu| 8.0ms| 0.3s
| | | HF In| | | Oct LR| | Oct LR| 150Hz| 3.4| =1.5dB| | |
| | | | | | | | | 693Hz| 2.1| -1.5dB| | |
LE100 (Floor Monitor)| | | | | | | | | 1.21kHz| 5.7| +2.5dB| | |
| | | | | | | | | 2.31kHz| 4.5| +3dB| | |
| | | | | | | | | 3.46kHz| 6.3| -5.5dB| | |
| | | | | | | | | 2.2kHz| 12dB| +1.5dB| | |
| | | | | | | | | | HSh| | | |
| 12″+1″| 0dB| LF In| 0.0ms| 40Hz| 24dB/| 18kHz| 24dB/| 76Hz| 3| +6dB| +4.0dBu| 8.0ms| 0.3s

LE100 (Pole Mount)

| | | | | | Oct LR| | Oct LR| 475Hz

1kHz

| 2

3

| -1dB

2dB

| | |
| | | | | | | | | 2.37kHz| 5| 4dB| | |
| 15″+1.4″| 0dB| LF In| 0.0ms| 35Hz| 24dB/| Out/| N/A| 142Hz| 3| -1dB| +5.0dBu| 8.0ms| 0.3s
| | | HF Out| | | Oct LR| no filter| | 394Hz| 2.5| -2dB| | |

LE200 (Passive)

| | | | | | | | | 1.3kHz

2.6kHz

| 14.2

6

| -3dB

-2dB

| | |
| | | | | | | | | 3.7kHz| 10| -3dB| | |
| | | | | | | | | 13kHz| 3| -3.5dB| | |
| 15″ LF| 0dB| In| 0.206ms| 35Hz| 24dB/| 1.29kHz| 24dB/| 142Hz| 3| -1dB| +5.0dBu| 8.0ms| 0.3s
| | | | | | Oct LR| | Oct LR| 433Hz| 2.5| -5dB| | |
| | | | | | | | | 690Hz| 8| -1.5dB| | |
LE200 (Bi-amp)| 1.4″ HF| -5dB| In| 0.0ms| 1.18kHz| 24dB/ Oct LR| Out/

no filter

| N/A| 1.22kHz

2.25kHz

| 4

10

| -6.5dB

-1.5dB

| -1.0dBu| 5.0ms| 0.1s
| | | | | | | | | 3.7kHz| 14.2| -4dB| | |
| | | | | | | | | 6.8kHz| 1.5| 5dB| | |

MOUNTING OPTIONS
As wedge monitors, LE Series monitors will most often be used as free-standing cabinets in “landscape orientation” at floor level. The enclosures are fitted with molded rubber feet on the base which protect the stage and help the units to retain their position.

The coverage at ear height of the LE200 when used in “landscape” orientation (i.e., normal wedge mode) is shown below:

The coverage of the LE100 is similar.

PORTRAIT ORIENTATION
Alternatively, both the LE100 and LE200 may be used in “portrait orientation” if wished; the LE100 may be pole mounted for use as a portable PA system, and either model may be used in conjunction with a sub-woofer, e.g., a drum fill. The rubber feet on the ends protect both the monitor and the sub-woofer.

The LE100 has a 35 mm top-hat socket in the rear to facilitate pole-mounting. The socket is protected by a removable rubber bung when not in use. LE Series speakers are shipped from the factory ready for deployment as wedge monitors, in horizontal (“landscape”) orientation. For vertical orientation, the coaxial driver must be rotated through 90° to maintain the correct dispersion patterns. Inadequate coverage and generally sub-optimal performance will result from using an LE Series monitor with the driver incorrectly orientated.

It can be seen from the views above that the coaxial driver is not symmetrical. For correct performance, the driver should always be orientated as shown, with the “butterfly wings” of the HF driver assembly biased towards the bottom of the enclosure.

To rotate the driver, proceed as follows:

1. Place the enclosure face-up on a bench, table, or other suitable flat surface.
2. Follow the instructions for grille removal in the following section ”Grille removal and replacement”.
3. Using a 5 mm AF hex key, remove the eight screws securing the driver to the baffle board.
4. Gently lift the driver assembly out, rotate it through 90°, and replace it.
5. Refit the screws removed in Step 3.
6. Follow the instructions for grille replacement in the section “Grille removal and replacement”.
7. Follow the instructions in the section “Badge rotation” on page 16.

Grille removal and replacement

• Grilles on LE Series monitors are designed to be easy to remove to facilitate driver rotation. No screws are used to hold them in place; they are manufactured with a natural spring which holds them in place in slots on each side of the cabinets. The grilles have two or three gaps in the sides into which an appropriately-sized flat-bladed screwdriver can be inserted to assist in removal.
• Insert the screwdriver blade into one of the gaps – either at the top or bottom of the cabinet (don’t start in the middle).
• Push the handle down. This will lift the grille out of the slot.
• Now lift the handle; this will ease the grille forward slightly to prevent the return on the grille from dropping straight back into the slot:
• Repeat this process for the remaining gaps in the grille to ease it out of the slot up one side of the cabinet; when you get to the final gap the grill should pop out and away from the front of the cabinet.
• To replace the grille, first, insert one side into the slot on one side of the cabinet. Make sure the return on the grille is completely engaged in the slot. Push on the front of the grille with the flat of your hand, which will encourage the other edge of the grille to be located on the side of the cabinet close to the slot. Now push the edge of the grille back starting at the top or the bottom to engage the return in the slot; you may need to do this a little at a time, working down the length of the grille until it pops into place.

Badge rotation
The Martin Audio badge is spring-loaded and can be rotated through 180 degrees to maintain a professional appearance. To do so, remove the grille and push the badge forward from the rear while turning it to the desired orientation. Once complete, refit the grille.

FLYING LE SERIES MONITORS
The LE100 and LE200 are also suitable for mounting at height: both models have two M8 inserts at each end of the enclosure into which eye bolts may be fitted, to allow them to be flown from a truss using standard rigging techniques. When flying loudspeakers, always observe standard industry guidance regarding truss loading and safety considerations.

The weights of LE Series enclosures are:

ACCESSORIES
The following Martin Audio accessories are available for the LE Series:

• HTK00003 M8 Eye Bolt (galvanized finish)
• LE100FCUK Wheeled flight case for 2 x LE100 (ROW spec)
• LE100FCUS Wheeled flight case for 2 x LE100 (US spec)
• LE200FCUK Wheeled flight case for 2 x LE200 (ROW spec)
• LE200FCUS Wheeled flight case for 2 x LE200 (US spec)

LE SERIES SPECIFICATIONS

| LE100| LE200
---|---|---
TYPE| Two-way passive, Coaxial Differential Dispersion stage monitor| Two-way, bi-amp/passive Coaxial Differential Dispersion stage monitor
FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1)| 78 Hz – 20 kHz ± 3 dB:

-10 dB @ 58 Hz

| 68 Hz – 18 kHz ± 3 dB;

-10 dB @ 50 Hz

DRIVERS

| LF: 12” (300 mm)/2.5” (63.5 mm) voice coil, long excursion, shared ferrite motor system with HF

HF: 1” (25 mm) exit/1.7” (44 mm) voice coil, polyimide dome compression driver

| LF: 15” (380 mm)/3” (75 mm) voice coil, long excursion, shared ferrite motor system with HF

HF: 1.4” (32 mm) exit/3” (75 mm) voice coil, titanium dome compression driver

RATED POWER (2)| 300 W AES, 1200 W peak| 400 W AES, 1600 W peak
RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER| MA2.0, MA3.0, MA5.0Q| MA3.0, MA5.0Q

SENSITIVITY (1)

| 97 dB| LF: 100 dB, HF: 103 dB

Passive: 100 dB

MAXIMUM SPL (3)| 129 dB peak| 133 dB peak
NOMINAL IMPEDANCE| 8 ohms| LF/FR: 8 ohms, HF: 8 ohms
DISPERSION(-6 dB)| 110° – 60° horizontal, 60° vertical
CROSSOVER| 1.6 kHz passive| 1.2 kHz active/passive (switchable)
ENCLOSURE| Birch/poplar ply
FINISH| Black textured paint
PROTECTIVE GRILLE| Black perforated steel with scrim cloth backing
BAFFLE ANGLE| 27˚| 30˚
CONNECTORS| 5 x NL4 type| 4 x NL4 type
PIN CONNECTIONS| 1+/1-| LF/FR: 1+/1-, HF: 2+/2-

FITTINGS

| 2 x pocket handles

Protective rubber feet on base and sides 4 x M8 inserts

Pole-mount 35 mm socket

| 2 x bar handles

Protective rubber feet on base and sides 4 x M8 inserts

DIMENSIONS

| (W) 490 mm x (H) 302 mm x (D) 472 mm

(W) 19.3 ins x (H) 11.9 ins x (D) 18.6 ins

| (W) 610 mm x (H) 364 mm x (D) 562 mm

(W) 24.0 ins x (H) 14.3 ins x (D) 22.1 ins

DIMENSIONS

(INCLUDING FEET)

| (W) 496 mm x (H) 305 mm x (D) 472 mm

(W) 19.5 ins x (H) 12.0 ins x (D) 18.6 ins

| (W) 616 mm x (H) 367 mm x (D) 562 mm

(W) 24.2 ins x (H) 14.4 ins x (D) 22.1 ins

WEIGHT| 18 kg (39.7 lbs)| 26 kg (57.3 lbs)

ACCESSORIES

| Eyebolts

Flightcase

| Eyebolts

Flightcase

NOTES:

1. Measured in half (2pi) space at 2 meters with 1-watt input, using band-limited pink noise, then referred to 1 meter.
2. AES Standard ANSI S4.26-1984.
3. Calculated at 1 m.

TECHNICAL DRAWINGS

LE100

LE200

WARRANTY

Martin Audio LE Series Stage Monitors are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship over 5 years from the date of original purchase. During the warranty period Martin Audio will, at its discretion, either repair or replace products that prove to be defective provided that the product is returned in its original packaging, shipping prepaid, to an authorized Martin Audio service agent or distributor. Martin Audio Ltd. cannot be held responsible for defects caused by unauthorized modifications, improper use, negligence, exposure to inclement weather conditions, the act of God or accident, or any use of this product that is not by 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.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARKS
Copyright Martin Audio Ltd. Martin Audio and Coaxial Differential Dispersion are registered trademarks of Martin Audio Ltd and are registered in the United Kingdom, United States, and other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

2017 © Martin Audio Limited. All rights reserved.

Martin Audio Limited
Century Point Halifax Road Cressex Business Park High Wycombe Buckinghamshire HP12 3SL England

UK
Telephone: +44 (0)1494 535312 Facsimile: +44 (0)1494 438669 E-mail: info @martin-audio.com

NORTH AMERICA
Telephone: 519 747 5853 Facsimile: 519 747 3576 E-mail: infona@martin- audio.com

All information is Copyright © 2017 Martin Audio Ltd. Copyright Martin Audio Ltd. Martin Audio and Coaxial Differential Dispersion are registered trademarks of Martin Audio Ltd and are registered in the United Kingdom, United States, and other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. www.martin-audio.com

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FAQ’S

What is the purpose of the LE Series?

The LE Series is a line of stage monitors primarily intended for use as on- floor wedge monitors.

Can the LE100 be pole-mounted?

Yes, the LE100 is fitted with a 35 mm top hat socket, allowing it to be pole- mounted and used as a versatile PA system.

References

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• Professional Loudspeakers & Sound Systems | Martin Audio
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