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New Neumann MA 1 - Automatic Monitor Alignment

Hi everyone. I have ordered a pair of KH750 + an MA1 to improve the already impressive bass quality of my pair of KH310 for hi-fi stereo listening, given that my living room is 47 m2 and I don't like to see their woofer working too hard. I am however uncertain of having actually made the right choice, considering that these subs appear to have lower SPL / higher distortion compared to the plain 310s in the frequency spectrum that they are called to reproduce (except of course for the part < 34 Hz, but there the SPL / distorsion is even worse).
However, please can somebody clarify an important thing to me: I obviously want each pair of sub + 310 to play a different stereo channel, but can I get correct autocalibration of such a setup using the software and MA1? Because if I understand correctly, in order to calibrate the system, both L and R channels must be fed to both the subs with Y cables.... so, aren't we calibrating the subs in mono, and only the satellites in stereo? What the heck of a calibration is ever this? Anyone with some experience may kindly confirm if I am correct?
This topic has been discussed before: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...c-monitor-alignment.17902/page-15#post-797654

The workaround posted as a picture in this post by @ba7777 is from an older version of the manual, before it supported dual (mono) subs. I guess the workaround for a stereo sub configuration should still work. Although it is not recommended by Neumann. AFAIK the standard way to do a stereo setup with bass management is to sum the bass signals and send the same signals to your sub-rig (1, 2, 3, 4... subwoofers distributed in the room). The goal of this approach is a more smooth bass distribution in the room. I read only very few opinions one could need a stereo sub system (as far as i remember, some kind of electronic dance music producer mentionend "phasing effects" used in this kind of music in the bass), but i don´t know more about this. This approach is more like adding a fourth way to the KH310, and i don´t think it works only if you place the subs close to the mains (= not optimal for bass distribution). So, from what i understand, using stereo subs is the more "exotic" approach.
 
This topic has been discussed before: https://www.audiosciencereview.com/...c-monitor-alignment.17902/page-15#post-797654

The workaround posted as a picture in this post by @ba7777 is from an older version of the manual, before it supported dual (mono) subs. I guess the workaround for a stereo sub configuration should still work. Although it is not recommended by Neumann. AFAIK the standard way to do a stereo setup with bass management is to sum the bass signals and send the same signals to your sub-rig (1, 2, 3, 4... subwoofers distributed in the room). The goal of this approach is a more smooth bass distribution in the room. I read only very few opinions one could need a stereo sub system (as far as i remember, some kind of electronic dance music producer mentionend "phasing effects" used in this kind of music in the bass), but i don´t know more about this. This approach is more like adding a fourth way to the KH310, and i don´t think it works only if you place the subs close to the mains (= not optimal for bass distribution). So, from what i understand, using stereo subs is the more "exotic" approach.
Ok, DjBono, thank you for replying. Sorry but I am not sure I have fully understood: so the picture posted by @ba7777 in which a 2 x Y cables are used to feed both the subs with both channels is outdated, and now we can feed L to one sub and R to the other, while measuring and calibrating the system? If so, personally I would prefer such solution because each sub can be independently equalised with respect to its specific position in the room. Yes, I was indeed thinking of putting up a 2 x 4-way system. I reckon that this setup may not allow for optimal bass reproduction, but I like having all the speakers close to each other and physically phase-aligned, to get the widest possible listening 'sweet spot'. You know, I'm not using the monitors for mixing/producing music at a desk, but just for home listening, so I'd like some freedom in the listening position, and I don't see why Neumann should force us to feed both subs with the same L+R signal....
 
Ok, DjBono, thank you for replying. Sorry but I am not sure I have fully understood: so the picture posted by @ba7777 in which a 2 x Y cables are used to feed both the subs with both channels is outdated, and now we can feed L to one sub and R to the other, while measuring and calibrating the system? If so, personally I would prefer such solution because each sub can be independently equalised with respect to its specific position in the room. Yes, I was indeed thinking of putting up a 2 x 4-way system. I reckon that this setup may not allow for optimal bass reproduction, but I like having all the speakers close to each other and physically phase-aligned, to get the widest possible listening 'sweet spot'. You know, I'm not using the monitors for mixing/producing music at a desk, but just for home listening, so I'd like some freedom in the listening position, and I don't see why Neumann should force us to feed both subs with the same L+R signal....
Variant 1 (mono sub) of the workaround is outdated, because the MA1 supports this directly now. But because it does not support stereo subs, you could still use Variant 2 of the workaround. I dont know what approach works best for you or why Neumann supports mono subs only. You could try both options, but using the workaround is of course less easy and less practical.
 
Variant 1 (mono sub) of the workaround is outdated, because the MA1 supports this directly now. But because it does not support stereo subs, you could still use Variant 2 of the workaround. I dont know what approach works best for you or why Neumann supports mono subs only. You could try both options, but using the workaround is of course less easy and less practical.
Ah, ok!!! After reading carefully the instructions given for the 2 variants (thankfully the cumbersome 1st variant is now automated in the new S/W versions), I realize the 2nd is indeed what suits my need. I could also imagine a 3rd variant in which we could use one monitor at a time with each sub (the one corresponding to that same channel), simply by setting its spl calibration switch up one position, which would make the speaker 6dB louder (except in the case 100 -> 108 dB in which it would be necessary to lower the sensitivity by 2 dB using the fine sensitivity control), tricking MA1 to think that 2 monitors are connected.
Many thanks!!!!!

P.S.: I've just been notified that the subs and MA1 are on their way to my home.... can't wait to play with the new toys :-D
 
I wonder if I'm the only person here with an MA-1 but no Neumann monitors. I use it as my main measurement and VoIP mic.
 
I wonder if I'm the only person here with an MA-1 but no Neumann monitors. I use it as my main measurement and VoIP mic.
LOL
I was planning to use it for adding the subs to a pair of ELAC Adante which I also own, but your using it as a VoIP mic makes you the winner of the competition, hands down!! :-D
 
I wonder if I'm the only person here with an MA-1 but no Neumann monitors. I use it as my main measurement and VoIP mic.
...and btw.... is there a way to get the calibration file of the mic? Have I understood correctly from a post in this thread, that it can be deduced by the serial number or another code supplied with the mic? Because I would like to use this expensive toy also with other measurement software such as REW for instance...
 
Thanks.
But nothing works normally at Neumann software. Moments of anticipation alternate with moments of disappointment.

In Opera browser with all blocking switched off it was impossible to calculate, nothing happened.
In Edge also nothing happened. I had to switch Tracking protection in Settings to Basic and then reCaptcha dialog appeared. Then it was possible.

So if you don't see reCaptcha dialog above Calculate button then do what is written above.
 
I recently had problems with the result of calibrating my system with two KH750s - after saving the alignment, the bass was too loud. After some research and with the help of Neumann, the solution was to reset the KH750 before recalibrating.

So, a general advice for users of the MA1: If you want to be sure, always hardware-reset the speakers before recalibrating. Especially if there has been a software update in the meantime.
 
Another bugfix has been released today (Version 1.5.3).
 
It would be nice to have possibility to switch KH750 between Digital and Automatic input AFTER alignment from MA1 in settings like LED light and bass management. I run it with digital input and now cannot use analog - only run MA1 once more again.
I did not know that what is set during alignment is also permanently stored.
So if you use both inputs then run MA1 only with Automatic.
 
I updated to 1.5.3 and tried to run MA1 to solve my problem with Digital/Automatic input as written last time.
Started, everything went well until setting levels screen. This step did not run correctly, like finishing in the middle of the process and right arrow was still gray. :mad: I did not know what to do, so I tried everything, restarting, switching everything of/on, nothing helped.
I uninstalled 1.5.3 and installed previous 1.5 which worked for me before. Now every well known problems started - sw hanged on different screens, I had to kill it many times, monitors sometimes not found. Terrible situation. :mad:
Untill now I think I always installed new version over the older one.
During uninstall all settings and hw config and alignment are not deleted. So I decided to delete them and loose all my previous alignments. I was not happy doing this. But ok, I did. Uninstalled everything and delete everything remaining. I did not delete anything in registry, only files on disk.
Then after installing 1.5.3 everything works again. :)

So it seems some data from previous versions are not compatible with latest version and vice versa. So if you want to use never version you have to accept that you may lose previous data. MA1 sw does not like its own previous incarnations.

Maybe it will help somebody.

Configurations and alignments are stored on Windows systems in folder C:\Users\your_user_name\AppData\Local\Automatic Alignment
SW itself is in folder C:\ProgramData\Neumann\MA 1 - Automatic Monitor Alignment
Another folder is C:\Users\your_user_name\AppData\Local\Georg_Neumann_GmbH - I don't know if it is still used or it is only from previous versions, it is more than 1 year old.
For clean installation you have to clean these folders after uninstall.

@jj-wohlgemuth and Neumann - Thanks for very nice afternoon and evening again and a bit shorter life.
 
Hello

Does anyone use MA1 software with Prism sound Lyra1(or other Prism Sound interface)?
Today I set up my KH80s and tried calibration.
But the MA1 software says 'wrong sampling rate. Set it to 48kHz', and couldn't proceed.

I confirmed my Lyra setting is 48kHz.
I tried reinstall the Lrya driver, updete firmware, reinstall MA1 software, OS update(Win10 64bit to Win11 64bit), use another USB connector, but the same error.
I also use my sub laptop, the same error.

I don't know this is software issue or hardware issue.
Now I'm try to contact with Neumann and Prism Sound support.
Any help's appreciated.
 

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Hello

Does anyone use MA1 software with Prism sound Lyra1(or other Prism Sound interface)?
Today I set up my KH80s and tried calibration.
But the MA1 software says 'wrong sampling rate. Set it to 48kHz', and couldn't proceed.

I confirmed my Lyra setting is 48kHz.
I tried reinstall the Lrya driver, updete firmware, reinstall MA1 software, OS update(Win10 64bit to Win11 64bit), use another USB connector, but the same error.
I also use my sub laptop, the same error.

I don't know this is software issue or hardware issue.
Now I'm try to contact with Neumann and Prism Sound support.
Any help's appreciated.
Exactly the same issue with my Prism Sound Titan. Have you figured out how to get around this?
 
Exactly the same issue with my Prism Sound Titan. Have you figured out how to get around this?
Hello,

There's no solution now.
We should wait software update, or use another interface.

I borrowed Lrya2, used other 2 laptops(Win10, Win11), the same issue.
I think there's software compatibility problem.

I reported this issue to Neumann and Prism Sound.
 
Hello,

There's no solution now.
We should wait software update, or use another interface.

I borrowed Lrya2, used other 2 laptops(Win10, Win11), the same issue.
I think there's software compatibility problem.

I reported this issue to Neumann and Prism Sound.
Thank you, I will report it to them too. Has any of them replied to your inquiry?
 
Last edited:
Thank you, I will report it to them too. Have any of them replied to your inquiry?
Yes,

Prism Sound
Check MA-1 software uses ASIO,
then contact to Neumann.

Neumann
There's no such case reported.

So I decided to return KH80 and MA1, and buy Genelec GLM.
Waiting for update MA1 software, or using other interface for cariblation, are the soluion now.
Prism Sound has't updated their driver software in two years, so we can't expect them to haha.
 
Yes,

Prism Sound
Check MA-1 software uses ASIO,
then contact to Neumann.

Neumann
There's no such case reported.

So I decided to return KH80 and MA1, and buy Genelec GLM.
Waiting for update MA1 software, or using other interface for cariblation, are the soluion now.
Prism Sound has't updated their driver software in two years, so we can't expect them to haha.
I now reported to Neumann (Sennheiser) so now they have "such case" reported haha. By the way I'm using KH750 sub and this issue raised. I wonder which software is faulty but I hope it's MA-1's, since they might fix this...
 
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