Audio-Technica M2L User Manual

WIRELESS
IN-EAR MONITOR SYSTEMS

WITH PERSONAL MIX CONTROL
AND EP3 DYNAMIC EARPHONES

WHY IN-EAR MONITORS?

Clarity is first among the many reasons to make the
switch from traditional floor monitors to wireless
in-ear monitor systems for live performance. Many
musicians find that traditional floor monitors are
not giving them the articulate sound they need;
they either can’t hear themselves clearly, or can’t
hear themselves at all when stage volume is loud.
As a result, they may experience voice strain from
singing at unsustainable levels in an attempt to be
heard above the on-stage noise level.

Another sound issue often plays into the decision
to switch to in-ear monitors: as traditional floor
wedges contribute to rising noise levels on stage,
many performers are troubled by feedback, and
by an overall audience mix that is muddied by
stage spill from the floor monitors.

Often, artists choose in-ear monitors because
they want to control what they hear on stage,
creating a personal mix that’s tailored for their
best performance. Others turn to in-ear monitors
to help control and limit exposure to high
sound pressure levels for hearing conservation.
Some are simply tired of lugging heavy and
cumbersome monitor equipment to each gig.

Hear what you want.
When you want.
How you want.

Introducing M2 & M3 Wireless
In-Ear Monitor Systems

• Crystal-clear audio

Hear yourself clearly on stage

• Personal Mix Control

Control what you hear as you perform

• Avoid feedback

Get cleaner, more articulate house sound

• Help conserve hearing

Experience articulate audio at lower volume

• Travel light

Never carry a heavy monitor system again

Audio-Technica is proud to introduce its first
entry into in-ear monitoring, the new M2 and M3
Wireless In-Ear Monitor Systems. These feature­rich systems are designed to provide comfortable,
crystal-clear sound on stage. Both stereo monitor
systems are equipped with earphones offering
proprietary Audio -Technica dynamic drivers
with richly detailed high-fidelity sound. The
clean, articulate mix allows performers to hear
themselves at a comfortable volume. Instead of
hearing a one-size-fits-all mix, performers have
the benefit of Audio-Technica’s Personal Mix
Control, offering volume and mix control of two
independent signals at the receiver. Delivering
a wide array of professional features, the M2 &
M3 Wireless In-Ear Monitor Systems are the new
standard for in-ear audio in live performance.

Be kind.
To your ears… to your back… to your audience

front

back

M2T UHF Stereo Transmitter M2R Stereo Receiver

M2 Wireless In-Ear Monitor System

The M2 is designed to make professional in-ear
monitoring features accessible for performers
who want to be free from the problems
associated with floor wedges. The system offers
Personal Mix Control, which gives each musician
independent control of volume and mix on
stage, via easy-to-use controls on the M2R stereo
body-pack receiver. The wireless UHF M2T stereo
transmitter provides a choice of 100 selectable
frequencies and is equipped with two
combo input connectors into which users can
connect line-level inputs (from a mixing console,
for example). While up to 10 complete M2
systems may be used on stage simultaneously,
any number of M2R stereo receivers may be used
on the same frequency with a single M2T stereo
transmitter. These rugged systems are built to
stand up to the inevitable bumps of life on the
road, delivering clear, natural sound for touring
and installed-sound uses.

1

/4"/XLR

EP3 Headphones

M2 Features

• High-fidelity sound with clean, articulate

mix allows you to hear yourself better
at lower volume

• 10 0 selectable UHF channels

• Up to 10 simultaneous systems per

frequency band

• Three receiver modes: Personal Mix, stereo,

and mono

• Personal Mix Control allows you to adjust

your own mix on stage

• 3.5 mm line-in jack connects to ambient

microphone, click track & more

• Auxiliary input offers connection point for

ambient microphone, click track, or other
mic–or line-level input

• LED indicators provide easy-to-read level

monitoring

• XLR loop output (true pass-through) connects

signal to mixing console, additional IEM system
or recording device with no signal degradation

• Adjustable squelch eliminates annoying static

• Pilot tone protects against RF interference

when the transmitter is turned off

• Limiter (defeatable) helps protect your hearing

from sudden peaks

• Portable system is quick to load and set up

• Reduces on-stage audio clutter for better

overall mix & less feedback

• Use any number of M2R Stereo Receivers (with

Personal Mix Control) on the same frequency

• Audio-Technica earphones with proprietary

dynamic drivers offer full frequency response
and outstanding isolation

• Personal fit with 3 sizes of rubber eartips plus

an ear-conforming foam tip

M2 Components

EP3 Headphones

In-ear dynamic headphones offer high-fidelity sound and excellent isolation

M2T Stereo Transmitter

Wireless UHF transmitter (frequency-agile) offers 100 user-selectable frequencies

M2R Stereo Receiver

Personal Mix Control in a lightweight body-pack

The fusion of great sound & good sense.

front

back

M3T UHF Stereo Transmitter M3R Stereo Receiver

M3 Wireless In-Ear Monitor System

Audio-Technica’s advanced M3 IEM system offers
a full range of professional in-ear monitoring
features, with a choice of 1321 UHF channels and
easy-to-read LCD information displays on both
transmitter and receiver for setting preferences.
The system is equipped with Audio-Technica’s
versatile Personal Mix Control, which gives each
musician independent control of volume and
mix on stage, via controls on the M3R stereo
body-pack receiver. While up to 16 complete M3
systems may be used simultaneously, any number
of M3R stereo receivers can operate on the same
frequency with a single M3T stereo transmitter.
The M3T stereo transmitter is equipped with

1

two

/4"/XLR combo input connectors into which
users can connect line-level inputs (from a mixing
console, for example). The M3T also offers a
headphone output that allows you to monitor
transmitter input signals directly.

EP3 Headphones

M3 Features

• High-fidelity sound with clean, articulate mix

allows performers to hear themselves clearly
at lower volume

• 1321 selectable UHF channels with automatic

frequency scanning

• Up to 16 simultaneous systems per

frequency band

• Three receiver modes: Personal Mix, stereo,

and mono

• Personal Mix Control allows you to adjust

your own mix on stage

• Back-lit LCD information display offers step-

through menus for setting preferences

• XLR loop output (true pass-through) connects

signal to mixing console, additional IEM system
or recording device with no signal degradation

• Adjustable squelch eliminates annoying static

• Detachable antenna on transmitter

• Headphone monitor on transmitter

• Pilot tone protects against RF interference

when transmitter is turned off

• Multi-level limiter (defeatable) helps protect

hearing from sudden peaks

• Portable system is quick to load and set up

• Reduces on-stage audio clutter for better

overall mix & less feedback

• Use any number of Stereo Receivers (with

individual mixes) on the same frequency

• Audio-Technica earphones with proprietary

dynamic drivers offer full frequency response
and outstanding isolation

• Personal fit with 3 sizes of rubber eartips plus

an ear-conforming foam tip

• Selectable auxiliary input offers connection

point for ambient microphone, click track, or
other mic- or line-level input

M3 components

EP3 Headphones

In-ear dynamic headphones offer high-fidelity sound and excellent isolation

M3T Stereo Transmitter

Wireless UHF transmitter (frequency-agile) offers LCD display and 1321 user-selectable frequencies

M3R Stereo Receiver

Personal Mix Control in a lightweight body-pack with backlit LCD display

SYSTEM COMPARISON

UHF reception

# of frequencies

Pre-coordinated
frequency groups

Simultaneous channels

Automatic
frequency scanning

3 receiver modes:
Personal mix,
stereo & mono

Personal mix control

(at receiver)

Squelch control

Pilot tone

Detachable

1

/ 4 ” wave

antenna on receiver

Limiter (defeatable)

Phantom pass-through

Hig h -fidelity sound

Backlit LCD displays

Auxiliary input

Soft-touch controls

Detachable

1

/ 4 ” wave

antenna on transmitter

3-stage

100 1321

10 16

permanently

attached

SYSTEM APPLICATIONS

(Opposite page)

The nature of in-ear monitoring allows for endless
experimentation; the M3 Wireless In-Ear Monitor
System can be easily configured to meet your
individual needs. While there are countless ways
to use the system, we have illustrated some typical
applications at right.

Typical two-channel set-up

(Personal Mix Control)

This is most often used when the transmitter
receives two very distinct mixes—such as band
and vocal. In this example, the performer can
control how much vocal is heard relative to the
band mix. By turning the stereo receiver’s balance
control to the left, the performer will hear more
vocal in both ears; by turning the receiver’s
balance control to the right, the user will hear
more band mix in both ears.*

Typical two-channel set-up (Stereo)

In a typical stereo set-up, the signals from L/1 and
R/2 are separate (not mixed). The user hears L/1
through the left earphone, and R/2 through the
right earphone, and adjusts the relative level of each
signal via the stereo receiver’s balance control.*

*Additional IEM receivers can be used with the same transmitter as needed.

Advanced two-channel setup

(Personal Mix Control using direct outputs)

This set-up enables each individual band member
to control his/her relative mix levels using the
balance control on his/her stereo receiver. Turn
the stereo receiver’s balance control toward the
right to hear more band level (R/2) in both ears;
turn the receiver’s balance control to the left to
hear more vocal or instrument of choice (L/1)
in both ears. In this example, the loop output is
used to send the same band mix to each IEM
transmitter, saving your mixer’s aux outputs for
other uses.

Advanced two-channel stereo setup

(Multiple aux sends and ambient audience
microphones)

This advanced set-up enables you to create
custom stereo mixes using individual auxiliary
outputs and IEM systems for each band member.
This type of set-up is typically used with a
dedicated monitor engineer and mixer.

Left

(More Vocals)

MIXER

STEREO TRANSMITTER

STEREO RECEIVER

AMBIENT MICROPHONE
(optional)

Right

(More Band Mix)

Band Mix

Vocals

Left

MIXER

STEREO TRANSMITTER

STEREO RECEIVER

AMBIENT MICROPHONE
(optional)

PERSONAL MIX CONTROLPERSONAL MIX CONTROL

RECORDING DEVICE

Right

Band Mix Right

Band Mix Left

Band Mix Left

(optional)

TYPICAL 2-CHANNEL SET-UP (Personal Mix Control) TYPICAL 2-CHANNEL SET-UP (Stereo)

Input L/1

Input R/

2

Loop Out L/1

Loop Out R/2

Band+Vocals

( ( (

Band + Vocals

) ) )

( ( (

) ) )

Band Mix Right

ADVANCED 2-CHANNEL SET-UP (Personal Mix Control Using Direct Outputs)

ADVANCED 2-CHANNEL STEREO SET-UP (Multiple Aux Sends and Ambient Audience Mics)

Input L/1

Input R/2

) ) )

MIXER

Band Mix

Vocal 1

Vocal 2

Guitar

Left

(More Vocal 1)

STEREO RECEIVER

Right

(More Band Mix)

SYSTEM 1

AMBIENT MICROPHONE

(optional)

Band + Vocal 1 Band + Vocal 1

( ( (

) ) )

( ( (

Left

(More Guitar)

STEREO RECEIVER

Right

(More Band Mix)

SYSTEM 3

AMBIENT MICROPHONE

(optional)

Band + Guitar

( ( (

Band + Guitar

) ) )

Left

(More Vocal 2)

STEREO RECEIVER

Right

(More Band Mix)

SYSTEM 2

AMBIENT MICROPHONE

(optional)

STEREO TRANSMITTER

(SYSTEM 2)

STEREO TRANSMITTER

(SYSTEM 3)

STEREO TRANSMITTER

(SYSTEM 1)

Input L/1

Input R/2

Loop Out L/1

Loop Out R/2

Input L/1

Input R/2

Loop Out L/1

Loop Out R/2

Input L/1

Input R/2

Loop Out L/1

Loop Out R/2

Band + Vocal 2 Band + Vocal 2

Aux

Direct Outputs

STEREO TRANSMITTER CUSTOM MIX 2

(SYSTEM 2)

STEREO TRANSMITTER CUSTOM MIX 3

(SYSTEM 3)

STEREO T CUSTOM MIX 1

(SYSTEM 1)

AMBIENT MICROPHONES

) ) )

MIXER

Custom Mix 1 Right

Custom Mix 1 Left

Left

STEREO RECEIVER

Right

SYSTEM 1

Custom Mix 1 Right Custom Mix 1 Left

( ( (

) ) )

( ( (

Left

STEREO RECEIVER

Right

SYSTEM 3

( ( (

) ) )

Left

STEREO RECEIVER

Right

SYSTEM 2

Input L/1

Input R/2

Input L/1

Input R/2

Input L/1

Input R/2

Custom Mix 2 Right Custom Mix 2 Left Custom Mix 3 Right Custom Mix 3 Left

Custom Mix 2 Right

Custom Mix 2 Left

Custom Mix 3 Right

Custom Mix 3 Left

Aux 1

Aux 2

Aux 3

Aux 4

Aux 5

Aux 6

M2 Specifications

M3 Specifications

Overall System

Operating Frequencies:

Band Frequency Range (UHF) Number of
Frequencies
Band L 575.000 to 608.000 MHz 100
Band M 614.000 to 647.000 MHz 100

Minimum Frequency Step: 25 kHz
Modulation Mode: FM stereo
Maximum Deviation: ±40 kHz
Dynamic Range: 90 dB (typical), A-weighted
Total Harmonic Distortion: <1% (at 1 kHz, ±20 kHz deviation)
Operating Range: 100 m (300'), typical

Open range environment with no interfering signals.

Operating Temperature Range: -5º C (23º F ) to +50º C (122º F)

Battery performance may be reduced at very low temperatures.

Frequency Response: 60 Hz to 13 kHz (±3 dB)
Simultaneous Use: 10 channels per band (max recommended)

For assistance with multi-band operation or other frequency
coordination issues, please contact your regional
Audio-Technica customer service representitive.

Receiver

Receiving System: Double conversion superheterodyne
RF Sensitivity: 20 dBuV (at 60 dB S/N ratio, 50 ohms termination)
Headphone Output Connector: 3.5 mm TRS stereo

phone jack

Headphone Output Power: 65 mW (at 32 ohms)
Antenna Input: SMA-type, 50 ohms
Aux Input Connector: 3.5 mm TRS stereo phone jack
Batteries: 2 x 1.5V AA (not included)
Battery Life: 8 hours (alkaline)

Depending on battery type and use pattern.

Dimensions: 70.0 mm (2.76") W x 25.0 mm (0.98") D x

110.0 mm (4.33") H

Net Weight: 110 g (3.9 oz), without batteries
Accessories Included: EP3 earphones; frequency sticker;

flexible antenna

Overall System

Operating Frequencies:

Band Frequency Range (UHF) Number of
Frequencies
Band L 575.000 to 608.000 MHz 1321
Band M 614.000 to 647.000 MHz 1321

Minimum Frequency Step: 25 kHz
Modulation Mode: FM stereo
Maximum Deviation: ±40 kHz
Dynamic Range: 90 dB (typical), A-weighted
Total Harmonic Distortion: <1% (at 1 kHz, ±20 kHz deviation)
Operating Range: 100 m (300'), typical

Open range environment with no interfering signals.

Operating Temperature Range: -5º C (23º F ) to +50º C (122º F)

Battery performance may be reduced at very low temperatures.

Frequency Response: 60 Hz to 13 kHz (±3 dB)
Simultaneous Use: 16 channels per band (max recommended)

For assistance with multi-band operation or other frequency
coordination issues, please contact your regional
Audio-Technica customer service representitive.

Receiver

Receiving System: Double conversion superheterodyne
RF Sensitivity: 20 dBuV (at 60 dB S/N ratio, 50 ohms termination)
Headphone Output Connector: 3.5 mm TRS stereo

phone jack

Headphone Output Power: 65 mW (at 32 ohms)
Antenna Input: SMA-type, 50 ohms
Aux Input Connector: 3.5 mm TRS stereo phone jack
Batteries: 2 x 1.5V AA (not included)
Battery Life: 8 hours (alkaline)

Depending on battery type and use pattern.

Dimensions: 70.0 mm (2.76") W x 25.0 mm (0.98") D x

110.0 mm (4.33") H

Net Weight: 133 g (4.7 oz), without batteries
Accessories Included: EP3 earphones; flexible antenna

Transmitter

RF Power Output: 10 mW/30 mW (switchable), 50 ohms

Following national regulations.

Spurious Emissions: Following federal and national
regulations
Input Connection: XLRF-type/6.3 mm stereo (1/4")
combination connector
Pin 1 and Sleeve: Ground
Pin 2 and Tip: Hot
Pin 3 and Ring: Cold

Maximum Input Level:

Balanced XLRF-type/6.3 mm stereo (1/4"): +26 dBu
Unbalanced 6.3 mm (1/4") mono: +26 dBu
Loop Output Connection: XLRM-type connector
Pin 1: Ground
Pin 2: Hot
Pin 3: Cold

Power Requirement: 12-18V DC, 600 mA
Antenna: Attached whip
Dimensions: 210.0 mm (8.30") W x 132.0 mm (5.20") D x

44.0 mm (1.70") H

Net Weight: 870 g (30.7 oz), without accessories
Accessories Included: AC adapter (country dependent);

rack-mount adapters

Transmitter

RF Power Output: 10 mW/50 mW (switchable), 50 ohms

Following national regulations.

Spurious Emissions: Following federal and national
regulations
Input Connection: XLRF-type/6.3 mm stereo (1/4")
combination connector
Pin 1 and Sleeve: Ground
Pin 2 and Tip: Hot
Pin 3 and Ring: Cold
Maximum Input Level:
Balanced XLRF-type/6.3 mm stereo (1/4"): +26 dBu
Unbalanced 6.3 mm (1/4") mono: +26 dBu
Loop Output Connection: XLRM-type connector
Pin 1: Ground
Pin 2: Hot
Pin 3: Cold

Power Requirement: 12-18V DC, 600 mA
Headphone Output Connector: 6.3 mm (1/4") TRS stereo

phone jack

Headphone Output Power: 120 mW (at 32 ohms)
Antenna Connector: BNC, 50 ohms
Dimensions: 210.0 mm (8.30") W x 132.0 mm (5.20") D x

44.0 mm (1.70") H

Net Weight: 930 g (32.8 oz), without accessories
Accessories Included: AC adapter (country dependent);

rack-mount adapters; flexible antenna

Audio-Technica U.S., Inc., 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, Ohio 44224 [phone] Fax: [phone] E-mail: [e-mail]
www.audio-technica.com Form No. 0510-2800 -00 ©2008 Audio -Technica U.S., Inc. Printed in U.S.A.