Martin Audio MLA User Manual page 50

MLA System
U-Net connections are made using Cat5 cables fitted with 8-way push pull latching connectors compatible with ODU Series K.
Robust Cat 5 cable should be used such as Neutrik Etherflex or Belden 1305A, this will ensure reliable network connections of up
to 125 metres between network ports. U-Net protocol uses a redundant ring fault tolerance so connections "daisy-
chain"between all units in the network going from port 1 on the first unit to port 2 on the next and so on before finally making a
return connection back to port 2 on the first unit to complete the loop. The U-Net network will operate perfectly well without a
closed loop but it is strongly recommended to use this option so that the network will continue to work in the event of a break
in cable or disconnected connector.
Ready-made tour-grade network cables in a variety of lengths from short inter-cabinet patching to long front of house to stage
are supplied as part of an MLA system.
Analogue inputs should be connected with a good quality 3-pin Male XLR wired to good quality twin screened cable, this is
particularly important if the feed is a long length of cable; from front of house to stage for example. Good quality cable will
minimise losses over the cable run. The link outputs should use a similarly high quality Female XLR. Wiring is the industry standard
for balanced connections;-
Pin 1. Ground or shield
Pin 2 +, Hot, in phase
Pin 3 -, Cold, out of phase.
The signal source used to feed the MLA array must have line drive capabilities suitable for driving the combined load of the entire
array.
AES/EBU output connections are identical to analogue but cable used must be a dedicated 110Ω, low capacitance digital cable
such as Belden 1800F or 1696A.
MLA System User Guide V2.1
USER GUIDE
50