KALI AUDIO MM-6 Multimedia Speaker User Guide

KALI AUDIO MM-6 Multimedia Speaker User Guide

Important Safety Information

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. Power the product down, and unplug it from power before cleaning.
7. Clean only with a dry cloth.
8. Do not block any ventilation openings.
9. Keep ventilation opening free of dust or other matter.
10. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
11. No naked flame sources (such as lighted candles,) should be placed on the product.
12. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades, with one blade 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. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
13. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, receptacles, and at the point where they exit the apparatus.
14. Use only attachments and/or accessories specified by the manufacturer.
15. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, plate, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
16. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
17. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when:
    • The apparatus is damaged in any way
    • The power supply cord or plug is damaged
    • Liquid or other objects have fallen into the product
    • The product has been exposed to rain or moisture
    • The product does not operate normally
    • The product has been dropped
18. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing.
19. No object filled with liquids, such as a vase or a glass, should be placed on the apparatus.
20. This apparatus is to be used in a moderate climate. Do not expose to extremely high or low temperatures.
21. High sound pressure in excess of 85 dB can cause hearing damage and/or loss. Do not expose yourself to high sound pressure levels.

Remote Control Battery

1. Keep small cells and batteries which are considered swallowable out of the reach of children.
2. Swallowing may lead to burns, perforation of soft tissue, and death. Severe burns can occur within two hours of ingestion.

In case of ingestion of a cell or battery, seek medical assistance immediately.

The lightning bolt with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operation and maintaining (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

About Your Speakers

Congratulations on your Kali Audio MM-Series Speakers! These speakers were designed to deliver exceptional sound quality for your enjoyment. We’re confident that no matter what you play through them, you will enjoy their clear, powerful, room-filling sound.

Where does “MM” come from?

The official name of this product line is “Project Mammoth.” Kali names all of our product lines after towns in California. The MM-6 is acoustically identical to our acclaimed LP-6 Studio Monitor, but it’s a bit more flexible and easier to use for someone who is not an audio professional. The LP-6’s namesake, the town of Lone Pine, is geared towards serious mountaineering enthusiasts, whereas Mammoth, about 100 miles away, is geared towards skiers and other folks who wish to take in the majesty of the Sierra Nevadas without spending days at a time walking uphill.

Features

Acoustic Pedigree

The MM-6 is acoustically identical to our best-selling studio monitor, the LP-6. Kali’s studio monitors can be found in the best studios across the globe. Their precision, power, and detail make them a top choice for GRAMMY- winning musicians and producers, film and tevelision studios, and creators working in immersive formats like Dolby Atmos. If you’ve listened to music, watched something on TV, or been to the movies in the last few years, you’ve heard something that was made on Kali Audio studio monitors.

This means that when you’re listening to your MM-6s, you’re hearing things exactly as those creators intended. Nothing is suppressed and nothing is hyped. Everything will come through with perfect clarity, allowing you to sink into the experience and enjoy it as fully as possible.

Output

The MM-6 is designed to have a continuous output of 85 dB at 2.2 meters with 20 dB of headroom. In practical terms, this means that the speaker has sufficient output to listen at safe levels for long periods of time in most home listening environments.

20 dB of headroom ensures that momentary peaks in sound pressure level, including instruments like kick drum and effects like gunshots or explosions, can be reproduced accurately and with minimal distortion.

Limiter Circuit

The MM-6 is equipped with a limiter circuit that will protect the speaker from unsafe voltage levels. In other words, you don’t need to worry about blowing up the speaker by playing it too loud.

Unsafe voltage will be plainly audible as distortion, indicating that the speaker is receiving too much input signal. If this is the case, it is recommended to reduce the volume of the playback material.

Low Noise Port Tube

The opening below the woofer on the MM-6 is called a port tube, and it’s there to give your speaker extra bass without requiring a larger, more expensive woofer.

Most port tubes create distracting noise that raises the noise floor of your system and muddies the low end. For this reason, most port tubes are on the back of the speaker, which makes it tricky to place the speaker close to a wall.

The design of the port tube on the MM-6 eliminates this problem, allowing you to put the speaker up against a wall or other boundary without hearing any noise or other problems from the port tube.

3-D Imaging Waveguide

The 3-D Imaging Waveguide allows you to hear a 3-D soundstage from a stereo pair of speakers. By matching the shape of the waveguide to the interactions of the HF and LF drivers, this waveguide produces a coherent stereo image that is wider, taller, and deeper than the space where the speakers are placed. It also means that if you’re listening in a surround or immersive format, you’ll be able to hear a detailed picture of the sound between the speakers and all around you.

Kali’s team developed the 3-D imaging waveguide to make mixing easier, but it also means that the MM-6 and the other speakers that use it work better in acoustically challenging rooms, and are more
fun to listen to for long periods of time.

DSP

The MM-6 is equipped with digital signal processing (DSP.) The DSP ocontrols the loudspeaker’s tuning, the limiter function, the crossover, the boundary EQs, and user definable HF and LF trim.

High Performance Woofer

The LP-Series uses a woofer with an exceptionally large voice coil and magnet. This allows for greater linearity, resulting in exceptional dynamic range and clarity, as well as extended low end response.
All of this is acheived with minimal distortion.

Boundary Compensation EQs

The boundary compensation EQs on the MM-6 let you put the speakers wherever you like in your listening environment. Combined with the LF and HF trims, this will ensure that the speakers sound their best no matter what where they’re placed.

A full listing of the different boundary EQ settings and how to use them can be found on page 12 of this manual.

Full Specifications

Inputs and Controls

1. Dip Switch Quick Reference Guide
   The quick reference guide on the back of the speaker can help you set the dip switches to the appropriate positions for your application without needing to consult this manual.

2. Dip Switches
   The dip switches control Boundary EQ, HF and LF Trim, and whether the left or right speaker is primary. A full explanation of the operation of the dip switches can be found on page 11.

3. Volume Control
   The volume control allows users to adjust the output of the speaker from -∞ (Muted) to +6 dB. There is a center detente at the +0 dB setting, and this is where Kali recommends you
   leave the volume setting, adjusting the level via the remote control. Two notable exceptions to this recommendation are:

   • If you are in an asymmetrical room, it may be necessary to have one speaker set at a different volume to achieve proper left-to-right balance.
   • If you are listening at maximum volume and are not satisfied with the output of the speakers, you may set try setting them both to the +6 dB setting.

4. Optical Input
   The optical input allows convenient connection to most televisions and other devices like Blu-Ray players and gaming consoles. See page 10 for instructions regarding connecting multiple speakers.

5. S/PDIF Input
   The S/PDIF input allows connection to receivers and other consumer and professional audio equipment. See page 10 for instructions regarding connecting multiple speakers.

6. RCA Input
   The RCA input allows convenient connection to a wide range of devices. In addition to devices with RCA outputs, adapters for other output formats are easy to find. See page 10 for
   instructions regarding connecting multiple speakers.

7. XLR Input
   The XLR input allows connection to professional audio devices, as well as high end receivers with balanced outputs. The XLR also allows input from another MM-6 speaker when one of the stereo inputs is used on the other speaker. See page 10 for details about connecting multiple speakers.

8. XLR Output
   The XLR output sends the secondary channel of a stereo signal coming into one MM-6 to another MM-6. See page 10 for details about connecting multiple speakers.

9. Power Input – On/Off Switch
   Plug the provided power cord into the power input.
   Use the on/off switch to power the speaker on and off. Be sure to power the speaker off when connecting or disconnecting the power cable, during lightning storms, or during extended periods of disuse. Turning the power on and off externally, for instance via a wifi power switch, will not harm the device.

Connecting Multiple Speakers

Connecting stereo

The MM-6 allows you to connect a stereo (left and right) source to one speaker via the optical, S/PDIF, or RCA cables. The MM-6 will play one channel of audio, and the other channel of audio will be output on the XLR output. This allows you to connect another MM-6 via XLR for stereo sound. Make sure that your device is outputting stereo audio, and not mono, 5.1, or some other format.

Using a single MM-6 will only ever give you playback from one channel of input; the stereo inputs do not sum to a mono output. If you’re looking to use a single MM-6 for mono, you must configure your output device to send a mono signal.

If you purchased a pair of MM-6, the pair will have come with a remote control and a 10-foot XLR ca- ble. If you did not purchase a pair, or if you need to get a longer cable, XLR cables are readily available from any music retailer.

Step 1: Plug in any stereo input

Step 2: Set DIP Switch 8 for the appropriate speaker

On the speaker receiving the stereo input, set DIP switch 8 for either left (default) or right. Left or right refers to the side that the speaker is on when you’re looking at it from the listening position. This will be your primary speaker.

There is no benefit or drawback to using the right or left speaker as your primary, so whichever is easier for the sake of cabling should be used.

• Primary Speaker Left (Default)
  

• Primary Speaker Right
  

Step 3: Connect the other speaker with XLR

Plug the socket side of the XLR cable into the XLR output of the speaker where your stereo input is plugged in. Plug the other side of the XLR cable into the XLR input on the other MM-6.

Alternative: Connect via RCA without XLR

Plug the left (usually white) side of the RCA connector into the left RCA input of the left speaker, and plug the right (usually red) side of the RCA connector into the right RCA input of the right speaker.
Make sure to set DIP switch 8 on both speakers appropriately. In this case, there is no need to run an XLR between the two speakers.

Connecting multichannel

To connect MM-6s in a multichannel system, each speaker will need its own discreet input. You can- not connect more than two speakers using the stereo inputs and XLR outputs.

Most multichannel setups will need to use an A/V receiver, or AVR. When selecting an AVR to use with MM-6s, you should select something with an appropriate number of pre-amplifier outputs. RCA out- puts are common and inexpensive. XLR outputs are less common and more expensive, but are less susceptible to spurious noise

Using the Remote Control

The MM-6 comes with a remote control that controls the volume of the system when the digital (optical or S/PDIF) inputs are used. The remote control does not control volume on the analog (RCA or XLR) inputs.

The remote control acts on the input level of the digital inputs, so the volume control on the back of the speaker will still bring the volume up and down, including a hard mute if the volume control is turned all the way down. Additionally, using the remote control with a stereo pair of speakers will control level of the entire system.

The remote control has three controls:

1. Bring the volume up
2. Bring the volume down
3. Mute/unmute the system

Boundary EQs and DIP Switches

One of the most innovative features of the Mammoth Series Speakers are the boundary compensation EQs. These EQs were made to compensate for low frequency interactions that the speakers will have with various surfaces in many common placements.

Each set of dip switches controls one aspect of the speakers performance, independent of the other switches. Switches 1-3 control the boundary compensation EQs. Switches 4 and 5 control the LF trim. Switches 6 and 7 control the HF trim. Switch 8 controls power to the RCA. For this reason, the expla- nations of the different dip switch settings will only reference the set of switches currently applicable.

Switches 1-3: Boundary Compensation EQs

Position 1: Free Space

The speaker is on a monitor stand, at least .5 meters (about 20 inches) away from any walls. This is the ideal position for the loudspeaker.

• Switch 1: DOWN
• Switch 2: DOWN
• Switch 3: DOWN
  

Position 2: On Stands, Close to a Wall

The speaker is on a monitor stand, and is within .5 meters (20 inches) of a wall, without being butted right against one.

• Switch 1: UP
• Switch 2: DOWN
• Switch 3: DOWN
  

Position 3, On Stands, Against a Wall

The speaker is on a monitor stand, and is as close to the wall as possible without pinching the power and signal cables.

• Switch 1: DOWN
• Switch 2: UP
• Switch 3: DOWN
  

Position 4: Credenza

The speaker is on a credenza or media console.

• Switch 1: UP
• Switch 2: UP
• Switch 3: DOWN

Position 5: On a Desk, Away from Walls

The speaker is on a desk or table, and is more than .5 meters (20 inches)away from any walls.

• Switch 1: DOWN
• Switch 2: DOWN
• Switch 3: UP

Position 6: On a Desk, Close to a Wall

The speaker is on a desk or table, and is within .5 meters (20 inches) of a wall, without being butted right against one.

• Switch 1: UP
• Switch 2: DOWN
• Switch 3: UP
  

Position 7: On a Desk, Against a Wall

The speaker is on a desk or table, and is as close to a wall as possible without pinching any cables.

• Switch 1: DOWN
• Switch 2: UP
• Switch 3: UP
  

Position 8: Bookshelf

The speaker is on a bookshelf.

• Switch 1: UP
• Switch 2: UP
• Switch 3: UP
  

Switches 4 & 5: Low Frequency Trim

The low frequency trim will add or subtract a little bit (2 dB) from the bass response of the speaker. If the sound is overly boomy, cut 2 dB. If the sound is thin or if you feel that you’re lacking bass  content, add 2 dB.

Switch 4: Engage LF Trim

• DOWN: LF Trim Disengaged
• UP: LF Trim Engaged

Switch 5: Adjust LF Trim:

• DOWN: -2 dB in Low Frequencies
• UP: +2 dB in Low Frequencies
  

Note: Switch 5 does not function independent of switch 4. If
switch 4 is DOWN, the LF trim will be DISENGAGED, and switch 5 will have no effect.

Switches 6 & 7: High Frequency Trim

The high frequency trim will add or subtract a little bit (2 dB) from the treble response of the speaker. If the sound is shrill, subtract 2 dB. If the sound is dull, add 2 dB. If you’re having trouble hearing dialogue, try turning both the bass and treble down by 2 dB.

Switch 6: Engage HF Trim

• DOWN: HF Trim Disengaged
• UP: HF Trim Engaged

Switch 7: Adjust HF Trim:

• DOWN: -2 dB in High Frequencies
• UP: +2 dB in High Frequencies
  

Note: Switch 7 does not function independent of switch 6. If switch 6 is DOWN, the HF trim will be DISENGAGED, and switch 7 will have no effect.

Switch 8: Primary Speaker

Use DIP Switch number 8 to designate the right or left speaker (as you’re facing them from the listening position) as the primary speaker. When using one of the stereo inputs, the primary speaker will play the channel you designate, and the other channel will be output on the XLR output.

By default, the left speaker will be the primary speaker. See page 11 for more details.

Climate Considerations

The MM-6’s enclosures are made of MDF wood and wrapped in vinyl, which is sensitive to heat and humidity. The product should be kept and used in a climate-controlled environment. Exposure to direct sunlight, moisture, or consistent humidity above 65% may cause the vinyl to peel and wrinkle.
This is not covered under warranty

First Time Setup

The MM-6 is made for reference level listening up to about 2.5 meters, or 7.5 feet. When you’re setting up your speakers, think about each speaker and yourself being corners in an equillateral triangle.
The speakers should be about as far apart from each other as each one is from you.

You’ll want to position the speakers so that the tweeters are more or less at ear level. If the speakers are too high, you can turn them upside down, but you shouldn’t turn them on their side.

Once the speakers are in position, follow these steps to get them powered on and playing for the first time:

1. Make sure that the power switch on the speakers is set to the OFF position.
2. Turn the volume control on the back of the speakers all the way down.
3. Plug the speakers into power.
4. Plug in your audio cables. Refer to pages 10 and 11 for more information about connecting multiple speakers.
5. Turn on your audio source, whether its a television, a music player, or a gaming console. Start playing music or other content.
6. Power on the speakers.
7. Slowly turn the volume on the speakers up to the center detente. If you hear distortion, turn the speakers back down and check that all of your connections are tight.
8. Use the output volume on your device, or the MM-6’s included remote control to set the volume to a comfortable level.

Troubleshooting

1. I opened the speaker, and it is damaged.
   If you received a speaker that is obviously damaged, please contact your dealer immediately.

2. The speaker is making no sound.

   • Is the speaker plugged in?
   • Is the speaker turned on? There should be a blue LED on the front of the speaker if it’s on. If this light is off, the speaker is turned off.
   • Is the volume turned up?
   • Have you tried muting and unmuting the speaker with the remote control?
   • Are all cables plugged in to both your playback device and the speaker?
   • Are you passing audio via your playback device?

3. The speaker sounds distorted.

   • Is the speaker playing too loud? Turn down the volume on the back of the speaker. If the distortion goes away, you may be playing the speaker too loud. Besides the problem of distortion, this can be damaging to your hearing if you are close to the speaker.
   • Is your source too loud? Turn the volume down at your source device. If the distortion goes away, you may be overdriving the input. If this is the case, turn the volume of the speaker up with the remote or with the volume control on the back.
     If you’ve turned down the volume on the speaker and the source, and you’re still hearing distortion, refer to number 5 below.

4. I hear cracks, hums, or buzzing.

   • Are you using RCA?
   • If “yes,” be advised that RCA is an unbalanced connection, and is prone to picking up noise as signal travels through the cable. This is especially true if you are using very long RCA cables.
   • Is the speaker close to electronics like a television, wireless router, phone, motor, or radio? If so, these can interact with the speaker’s magnet in ways that cause unwanted noise. Try moving the speaker at least .5 Meters (20 inches) from any such devices.
   • Are there loose objects in the room that may be buzzing with the bass? Low frequencies can cause objects in a room to vibrate loudly. Make sure that small, hard objects like screws and other hardware are secure.
     If none of the above solves the problem, refer to number 5 below.

5. Isolate the problem
   There are many issues in the signal path which might be causing any of the above problems. Before you initiate a return, do your best to make sure that the problem isn’t with your cables or your playback device.
   Here’s a simple way to check:

   • Disconnect your speaker from your source.
   • Plug in the problematic speaker and allow it to play for a minute. Take careful note of the problems you’re hearing.
   • Disconnect the problematic speaker, and plug that same cable into another speaker. If you’re hearing the same issues, there is likely a problem in your signal path, and not the speaker.

If you’ve determined that your problem is with your speaker, contact your dealer to initiate a return.

Warranty

What does this warranty cover?
This warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship for a period of one year (365 days) after the purchase date of the product.

What will Kali do?
If your product is defective (materials or workmanship,) Kali will replace or repair the product at our discretion – free of charge.

How do you initiate a warranty claim?
Contact the retailer from whom you bought the product to initiate a warranty process. You will need the original receipt showing the date of purchase. The retailer may ask you to provide specific details about the nature of the defect.

What is not covered?
The following cases are NOT covered by this warranty:

• Damage from shipping
• Damage from dropping or otherwise mishandling the speakers
• Damage resulting from failure to heed any of the warnings outlined on pages 3 and 4 of the user’s manual, including:
  1. Water damage.
  2. Damage from foreign substances or substances entering the port tube.
  3. Damage resulting from an unauthorized person servicing the product.
  4. Damage resulting from the product being left plugged in during an elecrical storm.

The warranty applies only in the United States. International Customers should contact their dealer about their warranty policy.

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