CONTENTS
Warranty
Safety Consideration
Radio Frequencies Statement
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Introduction
Installation
Power Connection
Security
Audio Connection
Typical Connection Guide
Chapter 2 - Control Description
Contol Description
Mix Checking Tips
Chapter 3 - General Information
If a fault develops
Contacting Drawmer
Specification
Block Diagram
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CMC2
DRAWMER
COMPACT MONITOR CONTROLLER
DRAWMER
COPYRIGHT
This manual is copyrighted © 2017 by Drawmer Electronics Ltd. W ith all rights reserved. Under copyright
laws, no part of this publ ication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system or translated
into any language in any form by any means, mechanical, optical, electronic, recording, or otherwise,
without the written perm is sion of Drawmer Electr onics Ltd.
2
CMC2 - Compact Monitor Controller
Drawm er Electronics Ltd., warrants the Draw mer CMC2 Compact
Monitor Controller to confo rm substantially to the specifica tions of
this manual for a period of one year from the original date of purchase
when used in accordance with the specifications detailed in this
manual. In the case of a valid warranty claim, your sole and exclusive
remedy and Drawm er’s entire liabilit y under any theory of liabilit y will
be to, at Drawm er’s discretion, repair or replace the product with out
charge, o r, if no t possible, to refund the purchase pric e to you. This
warranty is not transfer able. It applies only to the ori ginal purchas er
of the pro duct.
For warranty service please call your local Drawm er dealer.
Alternat ively cal l Drawmer Electronic s Ltd. at +4 4 (0)1709 52757 4.
Then ship t he defecti ve product, w ith transpo rtation and insuran ce
charges pre-paid, to Drawmer Electronics Ltd., Coleman Street,
Parkgate, Rotherham , S62 6EL UK . Write the RA number in l arge
letters in a prominent position on the shipping box. Enclose your
name, address, telephone number, copy of the original s ales invoice
and a detailed descri ption of the problem. Drawm er will not acce pt
responsibility for loss or damage during transit.
This warranty is void if the p roduct has been dam aged by misuse,
modif ication, unauthorised repair or installed with other equipm ent
that proved to be faulty.
THIS WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER
ORAL OR WRITTEN, EXPRESSED, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY.
DRAWMER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY EITHER
EXPRE SS OR IMPLIED, INCL UDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS
FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-INFRINGEMENT.
PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY UNDER THIS
WARRANTY SHALL BE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT AS
SPECIFIED HEREIN.
IN NO E V EN T W IL L D RAW M E R EL E CTR ON ICS LTD . B E L IA BL E
FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY
DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED
BY LAW, DAMAGE FOR PERSONAL INJURY, EVEN IF
DRAWMER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states and specific countries do not allow the exclusion of
implied warranties or limitations on how long an implied warranty may
last, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives
you specific legal rights. You may have additional rights that vary from
state to state, and co untry to country.
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO
FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been t ested and found to com ply with the limits
for a Cl ass B digit al device, pursuant to P art 15 of the FCC Rules.
These lim its are d esigned to provide reas onable protec tion agains t
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generat es, uses a nd can radiat e radio frequency ene rgy and, if not
inst alled and us ed in acc ordance with the instruc tions, may cause
harmful i nterference to radio com munications . However, there is no
guarantee th at inte rference wil l not occur in a particular installatio n.
If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipm ent off an
on, then the us er is encouraged to t ry to correct the interference by
one or mo re of the fol lowing measures:
Re-orie nt or relo cate the receiving a ntenna.
Increase the separation bet ween the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to wh ich the rec eiver is conne cted.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Unauthorised changes o r modifi cation to th is system can void the
users’ authority to operate this equipment.
This equip ment requires shielded i nterface cable s in order to meet
FCC class B limit.
For Canada
CLASS B NOTICE
This di gital a pparatus do es not exceed the Cl ass B limits fo r radio
noise emissions set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications .
CLASSE B AVIS
Cet appareil numérique ne dépasse pas les lim ites de la classe B au
niveau des émissions de bruits radioélectriques fixés dans le
Règlement des signaux parasites par le ministère Canadien des
Communications.
In the interests of product development, Drawmer reserve the right to modify
or improve specifications of this product at any time, without prior notice.
SAFETY CONSIDERAT
IONS
CAUTION - SERVICING
DO NOT OPEN. REFER ALL SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE/ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO MOISTURE.
WARNING
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE OR TAMPER W IT H THE SUPPLIED MAINS CABLES.
WARNING
THERE ARE NO USER REPLACEABLE FUSES WITHIN EITHER THE CMC2 OR IT’S SUPPLIED
POW ER SUPPLY. IF FOR ANY REASON THE CMC2 CEASES TO W ORK DO NOT ATT EMPT TO
MEND IT - CONTACT DRAWMER TO ARRANGE FOR A REPAIR/REPLACEMENT.
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
CHAPTER 1
3
DRAWMER
Building on their success in the stereo monitor controller market, Drawmer are
aiming to complete their range with the CMC2, a low cost, low profile, compact
desktop controller. Using the same audio circuitry as the ever popular MC2.1 &
MC3.1 monitor controllers, Drawmer have reduced the feature set to produce a
more cost effective solution, primarily aimed at the home studio market.
The CMC2 has 2 Stereo Inputs on ¼” balanced jacks, plus a 3.5mm jack Aux input
with variable level control. It supports 2 sets of monitors plus a sub-woofer, as well
as headphones, which have a separate level control. Key Mix check features such
as Phase Reverse, Mono & DIM are included, and the whole package is presented
in a very low profile desktop enclosure with a footprint of just 18x16cm.
CMC2
Compact Monitor Controller
4
CMC2 - Compact Monitor Controller
5
Can you trust the audio that your current monitor controller is providing? Is it
colouring the sound? For all Drawmer monitor controllers it is imperative that what
you record is exactly what you hear. The active circuit has been designed to faithfully
produce the audio signal whilst removing many of the problems that a passive
circuit will bring. There is one thing that should always be absolutely guaranteed that you can rely on the accuracy of your monitor controller.
Main Features:
Ultra low noise and transparent circuit design.
Source switches can be active in any combination. 3 Inputs in Total - Two
on ¼” balanced jacks and One 3.5mm Front Panel Aux.
2x Speakers Plus a Mono Sub can be switched individually &
simultaneously or give A/B comparisons, all with timed relay protection
on all speaker outputs to prevent power up/down bangs.
A large volume knob incorporating a parallelled custom quad pot for
excellent channel matching and smooth feel.
A Headphone Amplifier with Individual Level Controls with easy access
to the jack on the front.
Front Panel 3.5mm AUX Input with Level Control for connecting MP3
player, smartphone or tablet etc.
Mix Checking facilities Include Dim, Phase Reverse and Mono, as well
as an easy access Mute switch
Kensington security slot.
Very low profile desktop enclosure with a footprint of just 18x16cm.
Rugged steel chassis and stylish brushed aluminium cover
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DRAWMER
INSTALLATION
The CMC2 is a free standing, desktop unit. We have endeavoured to make the
CMC2 as small as possible without compromising on controls, connections and
above all sound quality. The unit has a footprint of just 18cm x 16cm with controls
on the top, headphone and mp3/phone input on the front and all other connections
on the rear panel.
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CMC2 - Compact Monitor Controller
POWER CONNECTION
7
The CMC2 unit will be supplied with an external switching mode power supply that
is capable of 100-240Vac continuous (90-264Vac max) and so should work globally.
We strongly advise that the power supply that has been supplied with the CMC2 is
used, rather than one with the equivalent ratings. In addition, should the power
supply fail for any reason we strongly advise that you contact Drawmer for a
replacement rather than repairing the unit yourselves. Failure to do either of these
could permanently damage the CMC2 and will also invalidate the warranty.
The power supply will be supplied with 4 interchangeable AC pins for the UK,
European, USA and Australian socket types. For your own safety, it is important that
you use the correct adapter. The power supply must not be tampered with or modified.
Before connecting the CMC2 to the power supply ensure that all knobs are
turned off (i.e. fully anticlockwise). A switch next to the d.c. power inlet on the rear
of the unit switches the power on/off.
To help protect the CMC2 from theft the side has a Kensington Security Slot (also
called a K-Slot) which enables the fitting of hardware locking accessories that can
attach your CMC2 to an immovable object, making the CMC2 more of a challenge for
the potential thieves to steal.
SECURITY
POWER SWITCH
POWER SUPPLY INLET
DRAWMER
AUDIO CONNECTIONS
• Interference:
If the unit is to be used where it maybe exposed to high levels of disturbance
such as found close to a TV or radio transmitter, we advise that the unit is
operated in a balanced configuration. The screens of the signal cables should
be connected to the chassis connection on the XLR connector as opposed to
connecting to pin1. The CMC2 conforms to the EMC standards.
• Ground Loops:
If ground loop problems are encountered, never disconnect the mains earth,
but instead, try disconnecting the signal screen on one end of each of the
cables connecting the outputs of the CMC2 to the patchbay. If such measures
are necessary, balanced operation is recommended.
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CMC2 - Compact Monitor Controller
TYPICAL CONNECTION GUIDE
9
DRAWMER
CONTROL DESCRIPTION
As well as a transparent and precise signal path the CMC2 Compact Monitor
Controller incorporates many impressive features which are invaluable to the sound
engineer when listening to and examining the quality of the audio.
CHAPTER 2
1
SOURCE SELECT
Thee switches select which of AUX (1b) , I/P1 and I/P2 (6) inputs are heard at the
Speaker Outputs (7) and Headphones (5). Each can be operated individually or
simultaneously and in any combination. When operated simultaneously the
individual signals are summed into a single stereo signal. Note that the CMC2
does not provide individual level trims for the I/P1 and I/P2 inputs and so any level
matching should be applied before it reaches the CMC2.
An AUX 3.5mm stereo jack input is located on the front panel (1b) to allow easy
access to connect a MP3 player, smartphone or similar audio device. A control
knob (1a) allows the adjustment of the AUX volume to match the system level.
CMC2 - Compact Monitor Controller
MIX CHECK
Phase Reverse: Inverts the polarity of the signal on the Left Channel and is used
primarily to outline any phase problems that may be occurring in the mix/recording
such as phase cancellation, or an unbalanced stereo signal. As the switch is
toggled any phase issues will become more apparent and easier to identify.
Mono: With the switch active both Left and Right stereo signals are combined into
a single mono signal.
It is necessary when testing the audio to not only listen to the signal in stereo but
also in mono. It helps to outline problems in the mix, but also when testing for use
on non-standard applications such as for broadcast or mobile phone.
Dim: With the switch active the output level is attenuated by 20dB’s. It enables you
to lower the volume without adjusting any of the settings.
MONITOR VOLUME
Master Volume: The Monitor Volume control adjusts the signal level of both stereo
channels for all speaker outputs. The Volume knob affects the volume of the monitors
A, B & Mono only and does not have a bearing on the headphones. The volume
knob circuit design incorporates a parallelled custom quad potentiometer, for
excellent channel matching and a smooth feel, with a range from Off (-infinity) to
+6dB of gain.
Because the circuitry is active it allows for the signal level to be increased, unlike
attenuating only devices, making subtle problems within a mix (such as noise at
low levels, or unwanted harmonics, for example) more obvious and easier to iron
out, especially during musical passages that would normally be quiet.
WARNING:
It is recommended that you turn the volume control down to a lower level before
turning the CMC2 off - this is to ensure that a sudden volume increase when
turning on does not damage your speakers or your hearing
In addition, do not use excessive force at either end of the volume knob - it’s
size would mean that damaging the potentiometer is possible.
Mute: Cuts both channels (especially useful in an emergency). Note that Mute
does not affect the headphones in the same way as it does the speakers. With the
Mute switch active the headphones will still pass audio in just the same way as if
it was inactive, they are not affected. This allows for someone to edit audio using
headphones whilst a conversation is occurring in the control room, for example.
SPEAKERS
Three switches select which of the speaker outputs A, B or SUB are heard (7).
Each switch can be operated individually or simultaneously and in any combination
and is perfect for performing A/B comparisons between various monitor setups. As
the switches do not toggle between outputs when doing A/B comparisons both of
those switches should be pressed at the same time.
An additional benefit is derived when using a sub-bass. If the sub-bass is attached
to the SUB/MONO output on the rear, outputs A and B could deliver the higher
frequencies and allow for A/B (or in this case A+Sub/B+Sub) comparisons between
the two monitor setups by pressing the A and B switches simultaneously and
leaving SUB always active.
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DRAWMER
12
HEADPHONE
The CMC2 has a dedicated headphone output, via 1/4” TRS jack on the front face
(5b), with individual headphone amplifier and level control (5a) on the front face -
Note that the level control is not affected by the main large monitor volume knob (3),
and have no bearing on volume of the rear panel outputs (7). Just like the main
volume control the headphone knob circuit design incorporates a parallelled custom
quad potentiometer, for excellent channel matching and a smooth feel.
Warning:
It is advisable to unplug the headphones before switching the CMC2 on or off.
It is also recommended that you turn the headphone level down before inserting
the jack, and turn it up to your desired listening level - these measures will not
only prevent your ears from being damaged but also the headphone’s drivers.
Also, note that these are high quality circuits and have been designed for
professional headphones, so care must be taken when using lower standard,
consumer quality headphones as damage could occur.
INPUTS
The CMC2 has three analogue inputs comprising I/P1 & I/P2 - both balanced ¼"
phono jack and also AUX. - a 3.5mm stereo jack found on the front panel (1b).
Each input is activated by the Source switches (1a).
OUTPUTS
Two stereo balanced speaker outputs- A and B, plus a dedicated mono speaker/
sub-woofer output - MONO/SUB - are found on the rear of the unit, all in the form of
¼" phono jacks.
Each output is activated by the Speakers switches (4) - and can be activated
individually or simultaneously and in any configuration.
POWER
The CMC2 will be supplied with an external switching mode power supply that is
capable of 100-240Vac continuous (90-264Vac max) and should work globally, but
is supplied with a cable suitable for domestic power outlets in your country. We
strongly advise that the power supply that has been supplied with the CMC2 is
used, rather than one with the equivalent ratings. The push button switch activates
the CMC2. Note that a timed relay protection circuit has been incorporated into
circuit to prevent bangs and other potentially harmful artifacts from occurring during
power up and power down.
5
6
7
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CMC2 - Compact Monitor Controller
13
Mix Checking Tips
Due to the versatility of the CMC2 some very useful techniques for checking your
mix can easily be achieved, that can help improve the balance within a mix, pinpoint
stereo width, phase and mono problems, and also aid when monogising.
The following are a few handy tips to help eradicate problems and bring about a
balance within the mix:
Not too loud...
Give your ears a break. Do not have the volume too loud - frequent monitoring at
anything above 90dB will only make your ears tired, meaning that you won’t really
hear the problems that may be occurring, and give you a false sense that the mix
sounds nice and loud. Also, constant listening at anything above 100dB will probably
have a long term detrimental effect on your hearing.
Shhhh...
Get into a habit of listening to your mix at very low levels quite often. Remember that
not everyone listening to your song has music blasting out. As well as giving your
ears a break, it will heighten problems in the mix - Do the key elements have a
good balance, or are some instruments more prominent than they should be? If
something is too quiet or loud adjust its volume or use E.Q. to fix it. If the mix
sounds good at low levels it’s likely that it will when loud.
Note that on the CMC2 it is better to lower the volume level using the DIM switch
and then turn the volume up, rather than only turning the volume down, as you
maintain greater control over the volume as well as better left/right channel
matching.
Increase the Volume of Quiet Passages.
Because the CMC2 circuitry is active it allows for the signal level to be increased,
rather than only attenuated, making subtle problems within the mix, such as noise
at low levels, or unwanted harmonics, more obvious and easier to iron out, especially
during passages that would normally be quiet.
Here, There and Everywhere......
Listen to your mix on as many systems as possible. The two monitor outputs
allows for the addition of a non standard testing setup i.e. the system could be
forced to emulate low-quality domestic reproduction systems as well as car speakers
or a portable radio, by incorporating limited-bandwidth speakers to output B. In such
conditions you may find that an instrument drops out of the mix, or another is too
prominent, and adjustment to the mix need to be made. For best results calibrate
the speakers to match the output level of the rest of the system.
Phase Reverse...
Make use of the phase reverse switch. If the sound doesn't become less focused
when the polarity is flipped then there is something wrong somewhere. Not only
will the switch help confirm that the monitor speakers are wired up in the correct
polarity, phase inversion on a particular instrument can at times improve the way
the instrument interacts with the rest of the mix by removing the phase cancellation.
DRAWMER
Monogising
Check your mix in mono - often! Just because a mix sounds good in stereo doesn't
mean it will sound good when the left and right channels are combined. Why should
you care if your mix sounds good in mono? Well, most live music venues and dance
club sound systems are mono - running the PA or sound system in mono is common
practice to ensure music sounds good everywhere in the room because it removes
the ‘sweet spot’ and the complex phase issues of stereo. In many cases the low
frequencies will be put through a crossover and summed to mono before being
sent to the sub, such as in a home theatre system, for example. Monogising is also
necessary when testing the audio for use on non-standard applications such as
for broadcast or mobile phone.
In addition, monogising will highlight phase problems. In some cases, when you
activate the Mono switch you may hear comb-filtering, which will colour the sound of
your mix and cause peaks and dips in its frequency response. When a stereo mix is
combined into mono any elements that are out of phase will drop in level or may
even disappear completely. This could be because left and right outputs are wired
out of phase but its more likely to be due to phase cancellation. What causes
phase cancellation?
Many stereo widening effects and techniques, such as chorus;
Simultaneous direct box and mic recording - If you've ever recorded a guitar
simultaneously through a direct box and a microphone, you may have noticed
the time alignment problems this causes. This type of situation can often be
fixed by careful mic placement, or realigning the waveform in a DAW;
Where more that one microphone is used to record a source - on a multi-miked
drumkit two mics may pick up the same signal and cancel each other out. One
handy tip is to adjust the panning of your drums whilst in mono - the phase
cancellation of the drums will improve, and sound even better when reverted
back to stereo.
Listening in mono also highlights problems with the stereo width and balance of
the mix and is more apparent when you use a lot of stereo-widening or widthenhancing techniques and tools. Switching mono in and out fairly quickly may
make it apparent that the centre of the mix is shifting to the left or right, something
that may go unnoticed if only working in stereo.
Listen to the ‘Stereo difference’ or side signal
A very useful facility of the CMC2 is the ability to listen to the ‘stereo difference’ or
side signal, very quickly and easily. The side signal is the difference between the
two channels, and describes those elements that contribute to the stereo width.
Hearing the stereo difference is so simple using the CMC2: with the stereo signal
playing, activate the Phase Reverse switch, and then sum the left and right channels
using the Mono switch (in other words Left minus Right). It’s that simple.
Being able to audition the ‘side’ signal is particularly useful for judging the quality
and quantity of any ambience or reverberation in a stereo mix. It is also an invaluable
facility if the stereo recording has timing differences between channels (such as
caused by an azimuth error on a tape machine), or for aligning a pair of desk channels
for use with X-Y stereo mic pairs. In both cases, listening for a deep cancellation
null, as the two signals cancel each other out, is a very fast and accurate way of
matching levels in each channel, which is the basis of accurate alignment.
14
CMC2 - Compact Monitor Controller
CHAPTER 3
SPECIFICATION
Note: These specificati ons ar e provisional and
may alter slightly upon product release.
INPUT
Maximum Input Level 21dBu
OUTPUT
Maximum Output Level
before clipping 21dBu
DYNAM IC RANGE
@ unity gain 115dB
CROSSTALK
L/R @ 1kHz >80dB
THD & NOISE
unity gain 0dBu input
0,002%
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
20Hz-20kHz +/- 0.2dB
PHASE RESPONSE
20Hz-20kHz +/- 2degrees
POWER REQUIREMENTS
External Power Supply
Input: 100-240V ~ 50-60Hz, 0.48A MAX.
Output: 15V 1A
Voltage aut omatical ly selected by P SU
EMC Standards EN55022:2006+A1:2007 /
EN6100-3-2 / EN6100-3-3
Use only the external PSU supplied by
Drawmer or an accredited partner. Failure to
do so could permanently damage the CMC2
and will also invalidate the warranty.
CASE SIZE
Depth 164mm
Width 183mm
Height 45mm
WEIGHT 1.1kg
For warranty service please call Drawmer
Electronics Ltd. or their nearest authorised
service facility, giving full details of the difficulty.
A list of all main dealers can be found on the
Drawmer webpages. On receipt of this
information, service or shipping instructions
will be forwarded to you.
No equipment should be returned under the
warranty without prior consent from Drawmer
or their authorised repres entative.
For service claims under the warranty
agreement a service Returns Authoris ation
(RA) number will be issued.
W rite this RA number in large letters in a
prominent position on the shipping box.
Enclose your name, address, telephone
number, copy of the original sales invoice and
a detailed description of the problem.
Authorised returns should be prepaid and must
be insured.
All Drawmer products are packaged in
specially designed containers for protection.
If the unit is to be returned, the original
container must be used. If this container is not
available, then the equipment should be
packaged in substantial shock-proof material,
capable of withstanding the handling for the
transit.
CONTACTING DRAWMER
We will be pleased to answer all application
quest ions to enhance you r usage of Drawmer
equipment.
Please address correspondence to:
DRAWMER Electronics LTD
Coleman Street
Parkgate
Rotherham
South Yorkshire
S62 6EL
United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0) 1709 527574
Fax: +44 (0) 1709 526871
Contact via E-mail: tech@drawmer.com
Further information on all Drawmer products,
dealers, Authorised service departments
and other contact information c an be found
on our website: www.drawmer.com
CMC2 GENERAL INFORMATION
IF A FAULT DEVELOPS
15
DRAWMER
Ref:1v01A 11-07-17
BLOCK DIAGRAM
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