Block Diagram - Martin Audio MLA User Manual

MLA System
Two 8-pin ODU rugged latching push-pull style data connectors are provided for the U-Net network connection. The two ports
are available so that the network connections can be daisy chained between other MLA cabinets or U-Net equipped devices such
as Martin Audio amplifiers or Merlin system controllers. Either connector can be used as input or link.
A single green LED indicates power and two bi-colour LED's indicate U-Net network integrity. Green indicates that the network
is stable and red indicates an error. For a full description of U-Net LED behaviour please see the Vu-Net chapter.
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.

Block Diagram

MLA Compact features sophisticated processing which feeds the amplifiers driving the low frequency, mid and high frequency
drivers. The diagram below shows the signal path from the input which may be derived from analogue, AES/EBU digital, or digital
from the U-Net network, through to the drivers. All signal routing and monitoring is done via VU-Net
The input signal is first selected between back panel (the 3-pin XLR) or U-Net. If 'Back Panel' is selected there is then a further
choice of either analogue, AES Left or AES Right (as AES/EBU is a stereo feed). If U-Net is selected you may then select from any
MLA System User Guide V2.1
USER GUIDE
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