New Neumann MA 1 - Automatic Monitor Alignment

[Fongus]

Having stumbled upon the change log of the MA 1 software, I take back what I said about single point measurements having better stereo imaging. Apparently, Neumann made some technical changes with regards to alignments a couple of versions ago which is probably why it improved the stereo imaging after I updated the MA1 software to the latest version. I calibrated again with multi-point measurements and the stereo imaging is even better than single point. The resulting corrected graph is more linear and it sounds more balanced accordingly.

It's also good that they finally fixed the networking issue that prevented MA1 from detecting the speakers and subs when the switch is connected to the onboard LAN port of my PC. I don't have to use my MacBook anymore to perform alignments which is additional clutter to the already cluttered setup of having a network switch and audio interface. An area where Genelec GLM is better in terms of having a more streamlined room correction setup.

 

[Chimiel]

Well, even though the software still has a few bugs, the alignment results are very impressive.

I did my last alignment more than two years ago, when there was no stereo subwoofer setup yet, and that was already very good (2 x KH 310 + 2 x KH 750).

Today, I finally completed my second setup, 2 x KH 420 + 2 x KH 750, as a stereo subwoofer setup. Fortunately, I can position my two subwoofers so that each one does not produce any cancellations on its own and therefore does not need to be compensated for by the second subwoofer.

The result is really fantastic!

In addition to the above-mentioned problem of the message box not closing after the detection of clipping, there was a problem with the FW update of the subwoofers in that the subwoofer was no longer recognized afterwards, so I had to start all over again. The same thing happened with the second subwoofer again.

It would be nice if the software could offer the firmware updates before starting the entire procedure. Of course, there may be a reason why it is the way it is now.

Hi, I have the same setup as you KH420 + 2 X KH750; until now I calibrated in uniform subwoofer mode since I understood that performed best in former versions of MA-1, but I will give the stereo mode a try. Do I understand correctly you did not place the subs under the KH420, as a combo, or do you have the luxury to place the combo, where it sounds best ? Kind regards Michiel

 

[Qu@rk]

Hi Chimiel,
Yes, I have not placed the subs under my KH420. That would be counterproductive, because at the postitions of my KH420s I have some severe bass cancelations. I have placed the subs behind my KH420 closer to the back and side walls but still almost symmetrical. These positions are not optimal either but still very good.

Before the sterero-sub feature in the MA1 software I had to use the dual-mono-alignment and it was fine. But in my case, the stereo-sub alignment is fantastic and I am very happy. If I find the time I will have to try the new release and perform a complete new alignment but until then I am very happy.

 

[Chimiel]

Hi Chimiel,
Yes, I have not placed the subs under my KH420. That would be counterproductive, because at the postitions of my KH420s I have some severe bass cancelations. I have placed the subs behind my KH420 closer to the back and side walls but still almost symmetrical. These positions are not optimal either but still very good.

Before the sterero-sub feature in the MA1 software I had to use the dual-mono-alignment and it was fine. But in my case, the stereo-sub alignment is fantastic and I am very happy. If I find the time I will have to try the new release and perform a complete new alignment but until then I am very happy.

Hi, indeed it did sound horrible when I placed the subs directly under the KH420. Cheers

 

[Ron78]

I’ve been wondering about this for a while now: how does the MA1 software work with my Meridian 861 when it comes to distance/delay? I set the distance in the Meridian 861, and it basically calculates everything, but now the system is calibrated without the 861, and the MA1 calculates a delay again. If the KH80 and KH750 are connected to the 861 again, doesn’t that mean the distance/delay is essentially being calculated twice? That can’t be right, can it?

 

[Chimiel]

I’ve been wondering about this for a while now: how does the MA1 software work with my Meridian 861 when it comes to distance/delay? I set the distance in the Meridian 861, and it basically calculates everything, but now the system is calibrated without the 861, and the MA1 calculates a delay again. If the KH80 and KH750 are connected to the 861 again, doesn’t that mean the distance/delay is essentially being calculated twice? That can’t be right, can it?

No, does not sound right Why would you let the Meridian calculate distance, if you have MA-1 calibration ? Do you need to, is there no pass through option ? In that case it seems logic to let the Meridian calculate distance / delay after the MA-1 correction. But I don't think it gets any better then MA-1 proprietary correction; Dirac is great for instance, but MA-1 correction made specific for Neumann monitors is on another level. I also once tried Dirac on top of MA-1 correction with deteriorating results.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Is it possible to use this interface with the MA1?

 

[Fongus]

Is it possible to use this interface with the MA1? View attachment 558218

Absolutely. I'm using the same audio interface. Only difference is mine is the 4th gen.

 

[jhaider]

Is it possible to use this interface with the MA1? View attachment 558218

Does that have two outputs? If so sure. The next model up certainly can be. I’ve done so.