Audio & Network - Martin Audio MLA User Manual

MLA System
Ceeform 16A female outlet connector must be used. For outdoor use this should be rated at IP67, this is to ensure safe operating
when any connectors are disconnected in damp conditions.
Audio & network
The main audio and network connection panel is identical to that on all other MLA family products and is located on the rear of
the amplifier module to the right. It features a male input and female link 3 pin XLR for balanced analogue or AES/EBU digital
input signals. Input type is selected via the Vu-Net software. The Neutrik XLR's are fitted with a hinged cover for protection when
not in use.
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
the Merlin system controllers or Martin Audio amplifiers fitted with a U-Net interface card. 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 activity 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.
MLA System User Guide V2.1
USER GUIDE
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