Mach MS 3 - Audio Controller MARTIN - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Loudspeaker Controller
Brand	Martin
Model	Mach MS 3
Input Type	Differential (electronically balanced)
Input Impedance	47 kOhm
Maximum Input Level	+21 dBV (10.5 V)
Output Impedance	50 Ohm
Maximum Output Level	+20 dBV
Frequency Response	35 Hz – 120 kHz (3-way)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.0015%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N)	112 dB
Controls	Output level per band (-∞ to +6 dB), Limiter DIP switches, Voltage selector
Indicators	6 green LEDs (signal), 6 red LEDs (limiter), 1 blue LED (power)
Power Supply	100-120 V / 220-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz (switchable)
Power Consumption	9 W
Fuse Rating	100 mA
Dimensions (H x W x D)	1.75 x 19 x 5 in (44 x 482 x 128 mm)
Net Weight	2.2 kg
Shipping Weight	3.0 kg
Mounting	19-inch rack, 1U height
Connectors	XLR (pin 1 shield, pin 2 +, pin 3 -); IEC mains
Protection Features	Subsonic filter (24 dB/oct Butterworth), limiter per band, sense feedback
Included Accessories	Speaker sense cable set, mains cable

Frequently Asked Questions - Mach MS 3 MARTIN

What is the MS 3 controller used for?

The Martin Mach MS 3 is a 3-way loudspeaker controller designed to optimize sound quality and protect speaker drivers by providing crossover filtering, subsonic filtering, and limiter control for low, mid, and high frequency bands.

How do I set the voltage selector?

The voltage selector switch is on the rear panel. Set it to match your local AC mains voltage (100-120 V or 220-240 V) before connecting power. Incorrect voltage may damage the controller.

How do I connect the speaker sense cables?

Speaker sense cables are supplied in two wire types. For Type 1, connect the colored pairs to the amplifier outputs: BLUE/GREEN for low, BLACK/WHITE for mid (if applicable), and BROWN/YELLOW for high frequency. For Type 2, use WHITE/BROWN & WHITE/BLUE for low, WHITE/ORANGE & WHITE/GREEN for mid, and BROWN/GREEN for high. Polarity does not matter.

How do I set the limiter DIP switches?

The limiter is configured via internal DIP switches. Refer to the manual for the specific switch settings for your Martin loudspeaker model. For example, MS 1262 uses DIPs 1-4: 000010, DIPs 2-5: 000100. Always disconnect power before opening the cabinet.

What are the crossover frequencies?

The MS 3 uses a 24 dB/octave Linkwitz-Riley crossover. The default crossover points are 110 Hz between low and mid, and 1.2 kHz between mid and high. The subsonic filter is at 35 Hz (24 dB/oct Butterworth).

Can I use unbalanced connections?

Yes, the inputs and outputs are fully balanced but can operate with unbalanced XLR connections without issues. However, for best noise rejection, balanced connections are recommended.

What does the blue power LED indicate?

The blue LED on the front panel illuminates when the controller is powered on. If it does not light, check the mains connection and fuse.

How do I replace the fuse?

First, disconnect the mains cable. The fuse is located near the IEC inlet on the rear panel. Replace it with the same type and rating (100 mA). If the fuse blows again, have the unit serviced by a qualified technician.

What maintenance is required?

Keep the controller clean and dry. Do not expose to moisture or heat sources. No internal adjustments are needed. If issues arise, refer to a qualified service technician.

What are the dimensions for rack mounting?

The MS 3 fits a standard 19-inch rack and is 1U high (1.75 inches). Depth is 5 inches (128 mm). Allow adequate ventilation in the rack.

USER MANUAL Mach MS 3 MARTIN

• Read this manual before operating the controller.
• To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not remove any cover from the controller while it is connected to AC power.
• Do not expose the controller to rain or moisture.

General precautions

• Do not operate the controller near heat sources such as radiators, etcetera.
• Connect only to a power supply as marked on the controller.
• Do not drop the controller.
• Do not spill liquids onto or into the controller.
• Refer all service to a qualified technician.

Technical Background

When working with loudspeakers, there are 5 decisive factors for maximizing sound quality speaker lifetime:

• excursion control
• input power control
  • frequency segmentation
  • controller-generated distortion
  • controller-generated noise

To avoid mechanical damage to the speaker units, the excursion of the speaker cones must be controlled. The M20.02, M20.03, and MS 3 accomplish this with a subsonic filter and limitation.

To avoid electrical damage to the speaker units, the power sent to the voice coils must be controlled. The M20.02, M20.03, and MS 3 use limiters for this purpose.

To get the best sound, the speaker units must be driven within the proper frequency range. This is accomplished by the cross-over in the M20.02, M20.03, and MS 3. In addition, the controller must not add distortion to the system.

To get the best signal to noise ratio, the noise floor of the controller must be below the general noise. This is achieved by surface mounted device (SMD) technology on double-sided printed circuit boards.

© 1998 - 2001 Martin Professional A/S, Denmark.

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from Martin Professional A/S, Denmark.

Printed in Denmark.

P/N 35020000, Rev. H

M20.02, M20.03, AND MS 3 DESIGN CONCEPT

The subsonic filter is a 24dB Butterworth for maximum sound quality and security.

The crossover filter configuration is a 24dB Linkwitz-Riley to get the best electronic summation of the crossover points and to optimize amplifier power.

The feedback sense is electronically isolated from the controller signal to get the lowest noise and highest security for the amplifier.

The inputs and outputs are built as electronically servo-balanced transformers.

The components used in the controller are selected for audio quality, reliability, minimum distortion and noise.

In addition, the 20.03 includes an adjustable high-pass equalizer to pre-equalize the loudspeaker horns for correct frequency response.

M20.02 Block Diagram

graph TD
    A["DIFF INPUT"] --> B["Diode"]
    B --> C["Amplifier"]
    C --> D["Square Waveform 1"]
    D --> E["Square Waveform 2"]
    E --> F["Square Waveform 3"]
    F --> G["Square Waveform 4"]
    G --> H["Square Waveform 5"]
    H --> I["Square Waveform 6"]
    I --> J["Square Waveform 7"]
    J --> K["Square Waveform 8"]
    K --> L["Square Waveform 9"]
    L --> M["Square Waveform 10"]
    M --> N["Square Waveform 11"]
    N --> O["Square Waveform 12"]
    O --> P["Square Waveform 13"]
    P --> Q["Square Waveform 14"]
    Q --> R["Square Waveform 15"]
    R --> S["Square Waveform 16"]
    S --> T["Square Waveform 17"]
    T --> U["Square Waveform 18"]
    U --> V["Square Waveform 19"]
    V --> W["Square Waveform 20"]
    W --> X["Square Waveform 21"]
    X --> Y["Square Waveform 22"]
    Y --> Z["Square Waveform 23"]
    Z --> AA["Square Waveform 24"]
    AA --> AB["Square Waveform 25"]
    AB --> AC["Square Waveform 26"]
    AC --> AD["Square Waveform 27"]
    AD --> AE["Square Waveform 28"]
    AE --> AF["Square Waveform 29"]
    AF --> AG["Square Waveform 30"]
    AG --> AH["Square Waveform 31"]
    AH --> AI["Square Waveform 32"]
    AI --> AJ["Square Waveform 33"]
    AJ --> AK["Square Waveform 34"]
    AK --> AL["Square Waveform 35"]
    AL --> AM["Square Waveform 36"]
    AM --> AN["Square Waveform 37"]
    AN --> AO["Square Waveform 38"]
    AO --> AP["Square Waveform 39"]
    AP --> AQ["Square Waveform 40"]
    AQ --> AR["Square Waveform 41"]
    AR --> AS["Square Waveform 42"]
    AS --> AT["Square Waveform 43"]
    AT --> AU["Square Waveform 44"]
    AU --> AV["Square Waveform 45"]
    AV --> AW["Square Waveform 46"]
    AW --> AX["Square Waveform 47"]
    AX --> AY["Square Waveform 48"]
    AY --> AZ["Square Waveform 49"]
    AZ --> BA["Square Waveform 50"]
    BA --> BB["Square Waveform 51"]
    BB --> BC["Square Waveform 52"]
    BC --> BD["Square Waveform 53"]
    BD --> BE["Square Waveform 54"]
    BE --> BF["Square Waveform 55"]
    BF --> BG["Square Waveform 56"]
    BG --> BH["Square Waveform 57"]
    BH --> BI["Square Waveform 58"]
    BI --> BJ["Square Waveform 59"]
    BJ --> BK["Square Waveform 60"]
    BK --> BL["Square Waveform 61"]
    BL --> BM["Square Waveform 62"]
    BM --> BN["Square Waveform 63"]
    BN --> BO["Square Waveform 64"]
    BO --> BP["Square Waveform 65"]
    BP --> BQ["Square Waveform 66"]
    BQ --> BR["Square Waveform 67"]
    BR --> BS["Square Waveform 68"]
    BS --> BT["Square Waveform 69"]
    BT --> BU["Square Waveform 70"]
    BU --> BV["Square Waveform 71"]
    BV --> BW["Square Waveform 72"]
    BW --> BX["Square Waveform 73"]
    BX --> BY["Square Waveform 74"]
    BY --> BZ["Square Waveform 75"]
    BZ --> CA["Square Waveform 76"]
    CA --> CB["Square Waveform 77"]
    CB --> CC["Square Waveform 78"]
    CC --> CD["Square Waveform 79"]
    CD --> CE["Square Waveform 80"]
    CE --> CF["Square Waveform 81"]
    CF --> CG["Square Waveform 82"]
    CG --> CH["Square Waveform 83"]
    CH --> CI["Square Waveform 84"]
    CI --> CJ["Square Waveform 85"]
    CJ --> CK["Square Waveform 86"]
    CK --> CL["Square Waveform 87"]
    CL --> CM["Square Waveform 88"]
    CM --> CN["Square Waveform 89"]
    CN --> CO["Square Waveform 90"]

Input stage: The input signal first passes through an electronically balanced input stage and is then simultaneously directed to the low pass (LP) and high pass (HP) section.

Low pass section: The signal is first subsonically filtered with a 24dB Butterworth high pass filter. Thereafter the signal is filtered to its crossover point with a 24dB Linkwitz-Riley low pass filter. The signal then passes through the limitation section to the electronically servo-balanced output stage.

High pass section: The signal is first filtered to its crossover point with a 24dB Linkwitz-Riley high pass filter. The signal then passes through the limitation section to the electronically servo-balanced output stage.

The sense input on the controller measures the amplifier output directly. If the signal is too high compared to the settings of the internal DIP-switches, the signal to the amplifier will be reduced.

M20.03 and MS 3 Block Diagram

graph TD
    A["DIFF INPUT"] --> B["NOT"]
    B --> C["Amplifier"]
    C --> D["1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/9/10/11/12/13/14/15/16/17/18/19/20/21/22/23/24/25/26/27/28/29/30/31/32/33/34/35/36/37/38/39/40/41/42/43/44/45/46/47/48/49/50/51/52/53/54/55/56/57/58/59/60/61/62/63/64/65/66/67/68/69/70/71/72/73/74/75/76/77/78/79/80/81/82/83/84/85/86/87/88/89/90/91/92/93/94/95/96/97/98/99<br>    C --> D<br>    D --> E[SENSE LOW"]
    D --> F["SENSE MED"]
    D --> G["SENSE HIGH"]
    E --> H["VO"]
    F --> I["VO"]
    G --> J["VO"]
    H --> K["Δ"]
    I --> L["Δ"]
    J --> M["Δ"]
    K --> N["Δ"]
    L --> O["Δ"]
    M --> P["Δ"]
    N --> Q["Δ"]
    O --> R["Δ"]
    P --> S["Δ"]
    Q --> T["Δ"]
    R --> U["Δ"]
    S --> V["Δ"]
    T --> W["Δ"]
    U --> X["Δ"]
    V --> Y["Δ"]
    W --> Z["Δ"]
    X --> AA["Δ"]
    Y --> AB["Δ"]
    Z --> AC["DIFF OUTPUT"]
    AA --> AD["DIFF OUTPUT"]

Input stage: The input signal first passes through an electronically balanced input stage and is then simultaneously directed to the low pass (LP), mid pass (MP) and high pass (HP) section.

Low pass section: The signal is first subsonically filtered with a 24dB Butterworth high pass filter. Thereafter the signal is filtered to its crossover point with a 24dB Linkwitz-Riley low pass filter. The signal then passes through the limitation section to the electronically servo-balanced output stage.

Mid pass section: The signal is subsonically filtered with a 24dB Linkwitz-Riley high pass filter at the right crossover point between the low and mid section. Thereafter, the signal is filtered to its crossover point between the mid and high section with a 24dB Linkwitz-Riley low pass filter. The signal then passes through the limitation section to the electronically servo-balanced output stage.

High pass section: The signal is first filtered to its crossover point with a 24dB Linkwitz-Riley high pass filter. The signal then passes through the limitation section to the electronically servo-balanced output stage.

The sense input on the controller measures the amplifier output directly. If the signal is too high compared to the settings of the internal DIP-switches, the signal to the amplifier will be reduced.

section 3 INSTALLATION

Mounting

The M20.02, M20.03, and MS 3 fit in a standard 19 by 1.75 inch rack unit.

Connectors

The input and output are fully balanced, but can be operated in unbalanced mode without problems. The plugs are standard 3-pin XLR connectors wired pin 1 = shield, pin 2 = (+), and pin 3 (-).

Voltage Switch

The voltage switch is found on the back of the controller. Be sure to select the voltage that matches your AC supply before connecting and operating the controller.

Mains Connection

By using a standard IEC receptacle and mains cable, all of the international safety requirements are met.

Speaker sense cable connection

Two types of wire sets are used. Type 1 wire sets single-color wires only. The colors are blue, green, black, white, brown, yellow, red, and orange. Type 2 wire sets have 4 single-color wires (brown, green, blue, and orange) and 4 two-color wires (white/brown, white/blue, white/orange, and white/green). Connect the left and right channel speaker sense input cables as described for your type of wire set. Note: The signal polarity each cable pair does not matter.

Type 1 wire sets

The RED and ORANGE wires are not used.

• Connect the BLUE and GREEN wires from the right channel sense input cable to the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the amplifier's right channel LOW FREQUENCY speaker output.
• Connect the BLACK and WHITE wires from the right channel sense input cable to the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the amplifier's right channel MID FREQUENCY speaker output. (M20.03 and MS 3 only)
• Connect the BROWN and YELLOW wires from the right channel sense input cable to the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the amplifier's right channel HIGH FREQUENCY speaker output.
• Similarly, connect the wires from the left channel speaker sense input cable to the amplifier's left channel outputs.

Type 2 wire sets

The BLUE and ORANGE wires are not used.

• Connect the WHITE/BROWN and WHITE/BLUE wires from the right channel sense input cable to the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the amplifier's right channel LOW FREQUENCY speaker output.
• Connect the WHITE/ORANGE and WHITE/GREEN wires from the right channel sense input cable to the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the amplifier's right channel MID FREQUENCY speaker output. (M20.03 and MS 3 only)
• Connect the BROWN and GREEN wires from the right channel sense input cable to the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the amplifier's right channel HIGH FREQUENCY speaker output.
• Similarly, connect the wires from the left channel speaker sense input cable to the amplifier's left channel outputs.

Fuse Replacement

If the fuse blows, something is wrong. Be sure to fix the problem before replacing the fuse. Also be sure that the replacement fuse is of the correct rating and type.

Limiter Settings

The limiter is set from DIP switches inside the cabinet. Before opening the cabinet, be sure that the main power cable is disconnected. The settings for Mach speakers are shown in section 5.

CONTROLS

M20.02 Controls

Front Panel

1. Main power switch
2. Low output - Left
3. Low output - Right
4. High output - Left
5. High output - Right

Rear Panel

1 2

Mains voltage selector

1. Mains voltage connector
2. Right channel sense input
3. Right low output
4. Right high output
5. Right input
6. Left channel sense input
7. Left low output
8. Left high output
9. Left input

M20.03 and MS 3 Controls

Front Panel

1. Main power switch
2. Low output - Left
3. Low output - Right
4. Mid output - Left
5. Mid output - Right
6. High output - Left
7. High output - Right

Rear Panel

1 2

1. Mains voltage selector
2. Mains voltage connector
3. Right channel sense input
4. Right low output
5. Right mid output
6. Right high output
7. Right input
8. Left channel sense input
9. Left low output
10. Left mid output
11. Left high output
12. Left input

M20.02 Limiter Selection

To access the DIP-switches, remove the top plate. The DIP-switches are positioned as shown.

DIP-Switch Locations

0 = OFF1 = ON	DIPs 1 and 3123456	DIPs 2 and 4123456
M12T - 010010
M15T - 001000
M30T - 001000
M72i - 111000
M82i - 100000
M125i 011000
M127i 010100
M129i 010000
M154i - 001000
M156i - 001000
M151i 011000 -
M152i 011000 -
M181T 000010 -
M182i / M182T 000010 -

DIP-switch settings, M20.02 Audio Controller

M20.03 Limiter & Equalization Selection

DIP-switches 1 - 6 set the limiter levels for each output channel. DIP-switches 7 and 8 set the equalization level.

M20.03 DIP-Switch Locations

0 = OFF1 = ON	DIPs 1 and 4123456	DIPs 2 and 5123456	DIPs 3 and 6123456	DIPs 7 and 8123456
M12T - 010000 111000 -
M15T - 001000 111000 -
M30T - 001000 111000 -
M127i - 011000 111111 100010
M129i - 011000 111000 110010
M151i 011000 --	-
M152i 011000 --	-
M154i -	001010 11100	111100
M156i - 001010 111000 100110
M181T	000010 --	-
M182i / M182T	000010 --	-

DIP-switch settings, M20.03 Audio Controller

MS 3 Limiter Selection

MS 3 DIP-Switch Locations

0 = OFF1 = ON	DIPs 1 and 4123456	DIPs 2 and 5123456	DIPs 3 and 6123456
MS 1262 - 000010 000100
MS 118 000010 --

DIP-switch settings, MS 3 Audio Controller

SPECIFICATIONS

M20.02 Specifications

INPUT

• TYPE: Electronically balanced
• IMPEDANCE: 47k Ohm
• OPERATING LEVEL 0 dB
• MAX. INPUT: ....+21 dB V (10.5V)

SENSE INPUT

• TYPE:.....Amp output sense
• MAX. INPUT: 110V

OUTPUT

• IMPEDANCE: 50 Ohm
• MAX. OUTPUT: +21dBV (10.5V)
• BANDWIDTH: 35 Hz - 110 Hz, 110 Hz - 160 kHz
• THD: 0.0015%
S/N: 112 dB

CONTROLS

• OUTPUT: -00--+6dB

DIP SWITCHES

• 1-3: Limiter settings low
• 2-4: Limiter settings high

INDICATORS

• 4 LED GREEN: ...... SIGNAL SEND TO OUTPUT
• 4 LED RED: .... LIMITERS IN FUNCTION
• 1 LED BLUE: .... MAIN POWER

POWER SUPPLY

• MAINS VOLTAGE: 100-120/220-240 VAC 50-60 Hz
• POWER CONSUMPTIONS: 9 WATT
• FUSE: 100 mA
- MAINS CONNECTION:....STANDARD IEC RECEPTACLE

PHYSICAL

• DIMENSIONS (HxWxD): 1.75 x 19 x 5 in (44 x 482 x 128 mm)
• NET WEIGHT: 2.2 kg
• SHIPPING WEIGHT: 3.0 kg

M20.03 and MS 3 Specifications

INPUT

• TYPE: ....Differential
• IMPEDANCE: 47k Ohm
• OPERATING LEVEL....0 dB
• MAX. INPUT: 21 dBV (10.5 V)

SENSE INPUT

TYPE: Amp voltage
• MAX. INPUT: 110V

OUTPUT

• IMPEDANCE: 50 Ohm
• MAX. OUTPUT: 20dBV
• BANDWIDTH: 35-110 Hz, 110-1200 Hz, 1.2-120KHz
• THD: 0.0015%
S/N: 112 dB

CONTROLS

• OUTPUT: -00 - +6dB

DIP SWITCHES

• 1-4: Limit sense LOW
• 2-5 ....Limit sense MID
• 3-6....Limit sense HIGH
7-8 (M20.03 only)Eq. HIGH

INDICATORS

• 6 LED GREEN: SIGNAL SEND TO OUTPUT
• 6 LED RED:____ LIMITERS IN FUNCTION
  • 1 LED BLUE:.... MAIN POWER

POWER SUPPLY

• MAINS VOLTAGE: 100-120/220-240 VAC 50-60 Hz
• POWER CONSUMPTIONS: 9 WATT
• FUSE: 100 mA
• MAINS CONNECTION: Standard IEC receptacle

PHYSICAL

• DIMENSIONS (HxWxD): 1.75 x 19 x 5 in (44 x 482 x 128 mm)
• NET WEIGHT: 2.2 kg
• SHIPPING WEIGHT: 3.0 kg