Martin Audio AQ User Manual

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The Martin Experience

AQ Series

User’s Guide

CONTENTS

AQ Series User Guide

Contents

1. Unpacking

2. Warranty

3. Introduction

4. Main features

5. Mounting brackets options

6. Installing with AQ Series brackets

7. Vertical aiming

8. Horizontal aiming

9. Distributed AQ Series systems

10. AQ Series arrays

11. Choosing a power amplifier

12. AQX System Controller

13. DX1 Speaker Management System

14. Using alternative controllers

15. AQ Series system wiring

16. Loudspeaker dimensions and specifications

17. Links to loudspeaker polar responses

1. Unpacking

Thank you for purchasing a Martin Audio AQ Series system. Every Martin Audio loudspeaker is built to the highest standard and thoroughly inspected before it leaves the factory. After unpacking the system, examine it carefully for any signs of transit damage and inform your dealer if any such damage is found. It is suggested that you retain the original packaging so that the system can be repacked at a future date if necessary. Please note that Martin Audio and its distributors cannot accept any responsibility for damage to any returned product through the use of non-approved packaging.

2. Warranty

Martin Audio AQ Series products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials or craftsmanship over a period of 5 years from the date of original purchase.

During the warranty period Martin Audio will, at its discretion, either repair or replace products which prove to be defective provided that the product is returned in its original packaging, shipping prepaid, to an authorised Martin Audio service agent or distributor. Martin Audio Ltd. cannot be held responsible for defects caused by unauthorised modifications, improper use, negligence, exposure to inclement weather conditions, act of God or accident, or any use of this product that is not in accordance with the instructions provided by Martin Audio. Martin Audio is not liable for consequential damages.

This warranty is exclusive and no other warranty is expressed or implied. This warranty does not affect your statutory rights.

3. Introduction

The Martin Audio AQ Series has been designed to fulfil the need for high performance sound in pubs, bars, restaurants, retail premises, nightclubs, conference facilities, post production suites, theatres, educational institutions, places of worship, museums, exhibition centres and cruise ships, in an ultra-compact package.

The series has been conservatively styled to be architecturally unobtrusive. The smaller AQ Series loudspeakers have thick-walled structural ABS foam enclosures with flush, acoustically transparent steel grilles. Larger AQ Series loudspeakers have heavily braced MDF enclosures with tough, acoustically transparent steel grilles. The series comes as standard in RAL7030, textured light grey finish, with other RAL colours available to order.

Six full range enclosures are available to suit a wide range of applications. Ranging from the ultracompact dual 5.25” (130mm) ICT™ AQ5 to the very high power AQ15 with its 400W AES (1600W peak) 15” (380mm) direct radiator and high efficiency HF compression driver, AQ Series products may be used individually, in multiples or in distributed systems to cover an incredible variety of applications.

AQ Series loudspeakers are equipped with high current, low profile input and link connectors and supplied with easy-to-fit mating plugs for ease of installation. Specially designed wall, ceiling and barrel clamp brackets are available for AQ5, AQ6, AQ8, AQ10 and AQ12 loudspeakers to cater for construction industry standard 1

and 2nd fix installation methods. This allows installers to pull cables and prefix wall or ceiling mounts during building construction without having to bring the loudspeakers to site until the more secure pre-opening phase of a project.

In true Martin Audio fashion, AQ Series loudspeakers are designed to be acoustically correct. All AQ Series loudspeakers are powerful, efficient and easy to drive.

Horn loaded AQ Series loudspeakers feature generously sized high frequency horns and high order crossovers for superior pattern control down into the low midrange and smooth off-axis characteristics. Passive crossovers feature air-cored inductors and high quality capacitors for exceptional precision and low distortion. The precise acoustical performance of these loudspeakers makes them equally at home as signal quality control monitors in sound studios and post production suites.

AQ Series low frequency sections feature efficient, wide bandwidth, high excursion drivers with generously proportioned voice coils for high power handling. The smaller AQ Series loudspeakers feature acoustically stiff industrial foam enclosures whilst the larger enclosures in the series are well damped for accurate, non-resonant operation.

The six full range AQ Series loudspeakers are complemented by four dedicated, high power subbass enclosures ranging from the ultra-compact, 400W AES (1600W peak) single 12” (300mm) AQ112 to the very high power, 1000W AES (4000W peak) dual 15” (380mm) AQ215.

A high performance AQX controller has been specially designed to manage AQ Series loudspeakers. The controller is housed in a single rack unit and provides user-selectable active crossover, limiter and trim functions for all AQ system combinations.

4. Main features

AQ5 (standard) AQ5TX30 (100V or 70V line version)

Main features

Very wide 120° x 60° dispersion 120Hz – 20kHz 75W AES (300W peak) 4 ohms or 16 ohms (low profile switch on rear) Dual 5.25” (130mm) ICT™

The ultra-compact Martin Audio AQ5 is equipped with two 5.25” (130mm) ICT™ - Inductively Coupled Transducer - drivers optimally splayed for smooth, very wide coverage. The AQ5’s HF diaphragms are driven via inductive coupling, avoiding the tweeter burn-out commonly associated with miniature loudspeakers. ICT™ technology also obviates the need for a crossover as the inductive coupling provides a complementary transfer function for the tweeter.

AQ6 (standard) AQ6 (16 ohm version)

AQ6TX30 (100V or 70V line version)

Main features

Wide 90° conical dispersion 80Hz – 20kHz 100W AES (400W peak) Two-way 8 ohm passive (16 ohm to special order)

6.5” (165mm) direct radiating LF cone + 1” (25mm) horn-loaded dome tweeter

The Martin Audio AQ6 is a two-way passive loudspeaker designed to fulfil the requirement for dynamic performance from a very small, architecturally friendly, vented enclosure. It features a 6.5” direct radiating, long-throw bass unit and a 1” doped fabric dome driver coupled to a constant directivity square coverage HF horn.

AQ8 (standard) AQ8TX30 (100V or 70V line versions)

Main features

Wide 90° x 50° dispersion Rotatable HF horn 75Hz – 20kHz 150W AES (600W peak) Two-way 8 ohm passive 8” (200mm) direct radiating LF cone + 1” (25mm) horn-loaded HF compression driver

The Martin Audio AQ8 is a two-way passive loudspeaker designed to give excellent sonic performance from a compact and architecturally neutral, vented enclosure. It features an 8” (200mm) long-throw, direct radiating bass unit with a 2” (50mm) voice coil and a 1” (25mm) diaphragm, 1” (25mm) exit compression driver coupled to a constant directivity HF horn.

AQ10 (standard) AQ10TX150 (100V or 70V line version)

Main features

Wide 90° x 50° dispersion Rotatable HF horn 65Hz – 20kHz 300W AES (1200W peak) Two-way 8 ohm passive 10” (250mm) direct radiating LF cone + 1” (25mm) exit horn-loaded HF compression driver

The Martin Audio AQ10 is a two-way passive loudspeaker designed to provide high sound pressure levels from a compact, architecturally friendly, heavily braced, vented enclosure. It features a 10” (250mm) long-throw, direct radiating bass driver with a 2.5” (63mm) voice coil and a

1.4” (35mm) diaphragm, 1” (25mm) exit compression driver coupled to a true constant directivity HF horn.

AQ12 (standard) AQ12TX150 (100V or 70V line version)

Main features

Wide 80° x 50° dispersion Rotatable HF horn 62Hz – 18kHz 300W AES (1200W peak) Two-way 8 ohm passive 12” (300mm) direct radiating LF cone + 1” (25mm) exit horn-loaded HF compression driver

The Martin Audio AQ12 is a two-way passive loudspeaker designed to provide high sound pressure levels from an architecturally friendly, heavily braced, vented enclosure. It features a 12” (300mm) long-throw, direct radiating bass driver with a 2.5” (63mm) voice coil and a 1.7” (43mm) diaphragm, 1” (25mm) exit compression driver coupled to a true constant directivity HF horn.

AQ15 (standard) AQ15TX150 (100V or 70V line option)

Main features

Wide 80° x 50° dispersion Rotatable HF horn 55Hz – 18kHz 400W AES (1600W peak) Two-way 8 ohm passive 15” (380mm) direct radiating LF cone + 1.4” (35mm) exit horn-loaded HF compression driver

The Martin Audio AQ15 is a two-way passive loudspeaker designed to provide very high sound pressure levels from an architecturally friendly, heavily braced, vented enclosure. It features a 15” (380mm) long-throw, direct radiating bass driver with a 3” (75mm) voice coil and a 2.5” (63mm) diaphragm, 1.4” (35mm) exit compression driver coupled to a true constant directivity HF horn.

AQ112

Main features

48Hz – 150Hz 400W AES (1600W peak) Easy 8 ohm load 12” (300mm) direct radiating LF cone with 3” (75mm) voice coil

The Martin Audio AQ112 is a direct radiating subwoofer in an ultra-compact heavily braced, vented enclosure. It features a very efficient 12” (300mm) long-throw bass driver with a high power 3” (75mm) voice coil and generously sized low frequency ports for low noise, high power operation.

AQ210

Main features

50Hz – 150Hz 600W AES (2400W peak) 4 ohm Dual 10” (250mm) direct radiating LF cones with 3” (75mm) voice coils

The Martin Audio AQ210 is a dual driver, direct radiating subwoofer in an ultra-compact heavily braced, vented enclosure. It features two very efficient 10” (250mm) long-throw bass drivers with high power 3” (75mm) voice coils and generously sized low frequency ports for low noise, high power operation.

AQ212

Main features

48Hz – 150Hz 800W AES (3200W peak) 4 ohm Dual 12” (300mm) direct radiating LF cones with 3” (75mm) voice coils

The Martin Audio AQ212 is a dual driver, direct radiating subwoofer in a heavily braced, vented enclosure. It features two very efficient 12” (300mm) long-throw bass drivers with high power 3” (75mm) voice coils and generously sized low frequency ports for low noise, high power operation.

AQ215

Main features

40Hz – 120Hz 1000W AES (400W peak) 4 ohm Dual 15” (380mm) direct radiating LF cones with 4” (100mm) voice coils

The Martin Audio AQ215 is a dual driver, direct radiating subwoofer in a heavily braced, vented enclosure. It features two very efficient 15” (380mm) long-throw bass drivers with high power 4” (100mm) voice coils and generously sized low frequency ports for low noise, high power operation.

5. Mounting bracket options

AQWB6 Wall bracket for AQ5, AQ6

AQWB8 Wall bracket for AQ8, AQ10, AQ12

AQCB6 Ceiling Bracket for AQ5, AQ6

AQCS AQCL Ceiling Brackets – AQCS (short) for AQ8, AQ10, AQCL (long) for AQ8, AQ10, AQ12

Note that the short bracket may also be used with a horizontally mounted AQ12

AQFB Flying Bracket – allows AQ8, AQ10, AQ12 to be flown at a choice of vertical angles depending on

which pair of pick-up holes are used

6. Installing with AQ Series brackets

Consult a qualified structural engineer with a full knowledge of the building, its load ratings and your intended loudspeaker installation plans before commencing any installation.

All AQ Series wall and ceiling brackets are mounted and adjusted in a similar manner. The brackets are designed for 1

fit: Wall bracket or ceiling bracket

2nd fit: Speaker bracket if the system is to be wall mounted or ceiling mounted on an AQCB6

–or- Speaker bracket/tube assembly if the system is to be ceiling mounted using AQCS or AQCL.

Important note: To avoid excessive leverage, ceiling brackets should never be used for wall mounting!

Fit the fixed wall or ceiling bracket before loudspeakers are brought to site. Cables

(not shown) may be pulled and terminated at this stage. Loudspeaker/bracket/tube assemblies may be fitted later.

& 2nd fit installation.

Wall bracket Ceiling bracket

Fit the loudspeaker brackets to the loudspeakers (not shown).

If the loudspeakers are to be ceiling mounted, attach the tube to the loudspeaker/bracket assembly. Vertical loudspeaker angles may be preset at this stage if required.

Once the site is secure, attach the speaker/bracket assembly – or speaker/bracket/tube

Loudspeaker brackets are attached to ceiling or wall brackets as required

1) Adjust as follows …

(cables and loudspeakers not shown for clarity)

The complete installation should be checked and approved by a qualified structural engineer and a qualified electrical safety consultant before being signed off.

7. Vertical aiming

AQ Series loudspeakers should be mounted above head height – high enough to clear peoples’ heads for clean coverage but low enough to avoid over-exciting room resonances.

Tilt angles should be set so that the loudspeaker’s maximum output (usually on-axis of the loudspeaker centre) is aimed at the furthest listener across the room.

8. Horizontal aiming

Horizontal angles should be set so that the loudspeaker’s main horizontal coverage is directed towards the main listening area. Avoid excessive reflections from nearby side walls.

The following example shows AQ Series loudspeakers with 80 - 90

except AQ5) toed in 40 - 45° from the side walls

° horizontal dispersion (all

AQ6, AQ8, AQ10, AQ12, AQ15 aiming

AQ5 placement

For the cleanest coverage, AQ5 dual-driver loudspeakers are best kept away from tight corners that open to less than

100°.

The AQ5 is not recommended for use in tight corners

9. Distributed AQ Series systems

AQ Series loudspeakers are ideal for distributed sound systems in places like sports stadium concourses, exhibition centre walkways etc…

Distributed systems can provide superb sonic results as long as the following simple steps are taken in the system design process:

1) Choose the AQ Series loudspeaker to suit the maximum distance to be covered. The chart below indicates the maximum distance covered by AQ Series loudspeaker pairs:

AQ Series loudspeaker Open space projection (throw)

vs peak spl for a

loudspeaker pair

97dB 103dB 109dB

AQ5 11.2m 5.6m 2.8m AQ6 10m 5m 2.5m

AQ8 18m 9m 4.5m AQ10 36m 18m 9m AQ12 40m 20m 10m AQ15 56m 28m 14m

Open space projection (throw) vs peak sound pressure level

for a loudspeaker pair

2) Choose the loudspeaker-to-loudspeaker spacing for smooth coverage. This spacing will depend on the distance to the nearest listener. Loudspeakers spaced too far apart may leave coverage gaps.

The following chart will help you to work out loudspeaker-to-loudspeaker spacing for very smooth coverage as a function of the minimum listener distance.

Example 1: Horizontally distributed AQ5 loudspeakers are required to cover smoothly from a minimum listener distance of 3m. The spacing required is 1.73 x 3m = 5.19m for very smooth coverage.

Example 2: Horizontally distributed AQ12 loudspeakers are required to cover smoothly from a minimum listener distance of 6m. The spacing required is 0.84 x 6m = 5.04m for very smooth coverage.

The above calculations will provide very smooth coverage with approximately 3dB midband sound pressure level summation. Wider spacing (up to 2 x the above figures) may be acceptable where budgets are tight… but with slight tonal inconsistencies and less useable summation.

10. AQ Series arrays

AQ Series loudspeakers may be arrayed to increase coverage or sound pressure level.

When arraying AQ8, AQ10 or AQ12 loudspeakers from ceiling brackets, allow approximately 100mm behind each loudspeaker for loudspeaker bracket clearance.

2 x AQ10 array viewed from above

Recommended maximum and minimum AQ Series loudspeaker centre-to-centre splay angles are shown in the following table. Maximum splay angles will provide maximum coverage. Minimum splay angles provide an element of summation – typically 3dB between loudspeaker centres.

Loudspeaker Horizontal splay angle

(Loudspeaker centre-to-centre)

Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum

AQ5 *100° 120° 50° 60° AQ6 45° 90° 45° 90°

AQ8 45° 90° 25° 50° AQ10 45° 90° 25° 50° AQ12 40° 80° 25° 50° AQ15 40° 80° 25° 50°

Vertical splay angle

(Loudspeaker centre-to-centre)

(*Note that the AQ5 is a wide coverage, dual driver system. Each AQ5 has two full-range ICT™ devices horizontally arrayed at 50

°. A 100° horizontal splay angle between AQ5 cabinet

centres continues the array and provides very smooth coverage)

Useful high frequency coverage for pairs of AQ Series loudspeakers

Horizontally arrayed pair

(minimum – maximum centre-to-centre splay)

2 x AQ5 (100 - 120°) 220 - 240°

2 x AQ6 (45 - 90°) 135 - 180° 2 x AQ8 (45 - 90°) 2 x AQ10 (45 - 90°) 2 x AQ12 (45 - 80°) 2 x AQ15 (45 - 80°)

Vertically arrayed pair

(minimum – maximum centre-to-centre splay)

2 x AQ5 (50 - 60°) 110 - 120° 2 x AQ6 (45 - 90°) 135 - 180° 2 x AQ8 (25 - 50°)

2 x AQ10 (25 - 50°) 2 x AQ12 (25 - 50°) 2 x AQ15 (25 - 50°)

Total horizontal coverage

135 - 180° 135 - 180° 125 - 160° 125 - 160°

Total vertical coverage

75 - 100° 75 - 100° 75 - 100° 75 - 100°

11. Choosing a power amplifier

The high efficiency and impressive power handling of AQ series loudspeakers combine to produce a system capable of very high sound pressure levels and impact.

To realise full AQ Series performance use a power amplifier capable of delivering Peak Power* without excessive clipping. Power amplifier clipping should be avoided. A heavily clipped amplifier will deliver twice its rated power to the loudspeaker. Much of this excess power will be dissipated in the HF section causing premature ageing and, possibly, driver failure.

AES Power

This is the long-term power capacity of the loudspeaker taking into account the loudspeaker’s bandwidth and minimum impedance. It is measured to Audio Engineering Society standards using band-limited pink noise as the test source and is regarded as a reliable indication of the loudspeaker’s long-term power handling before thermal damage is caused.

*Peak Power

This is the short-term power capacity of the loudspeaker and is typically 4x (6dB) higher than the quoted AES power. Martin Audio loudspeakers are designed to handle this short-term peak power. This allows speech and percussion transients to be produced without hindrance whilst a correctly configured AQX controller protects the loudspeaker from accidental long-term overload (e.g. howl-round).

AQX limiter time constants are optimized to permit the faithful production of short-term transients at peak power whilst protecting the system from long-term thermal damage.

AQ Loudspeaker Rated Peak Power Suggested Martin Audio

Power Amplifier

(Note: Set rear gain switches to 32dB,

any MLS switches to 0 and any Clip

Limiters to Off – AQX controller

must be used for optimum limiter

characteristics)

AQ5 (4ohms mode) 300W

AQ5 (16ohms mode) 300W

AQ6 standard (8ohms) 400W

AQ6 16 ohm (16ohms) 400W

AQ8 (8ohms) 600W AQ10 (8ohms) 1.2KW AQ12 (8ohms) 1.2KW AQ15 (8ohms) 1.6KW

AQ112 (8ohms) 1.6KW AQ210 (4ohms) 2.4KW AQ212 (4ohms) 3.6KW AQ215 (4ohms) 4.0KW

AQ5TX30,

AQ6TX30,

AQ8TX30

AQ10TX150,

AQ12TX150,

AQ15TX150

MA200Q or MA900

MA2.8S

(for high voltage 16ohm drive)

E1300 or MA1400

MA4.2s

MA1400 or MA1.6s

MA2.8s MA2.8s MA4.2s MA4.2s MA4.2s MA4.2s MA4.2s

High quality 100V or 70V line

amplifier rated at 30W x

number of spkrs on the line.

High quality 100V or 70V line

amplifier rated at 150W x

number of spkrs on the line

Suggested amplifiers for the AQ Series to ensure peak output without excessive clipping

(MA and E Series power amplifiers will comfortably drive parallel AQ Series loudspeakers and subwoofers.

See Section 15 for further information)

Important note! Always set the AQX limiters to suit the power amplifier gain. This will ensure that

the AQX controller protects the loudspeaker against long term overload whilst allowing full power amplifier performance on transients.

(Martin Audio MA and E Series amplifiers are supplied set to 32dB as standard).

12. AQX System Controller

AQ Series loudspeakers have passive crossovers and are designed to be acoustically correct without excessive equalization. We do, however, recommend that you use the Martin Audio AQX analogue 2-input/ 4-output system controller to provide “with sub”/”full range” switching, system limiting and fine frequency response alignment.

AQX System Controller

The Martin Audio AQX is a versatile analogue system controller, housed in a single 1.75” x 19” rack unit, which has been specifically designed to enhance the performance of AQ Series loudspeakers.

It provides stereo 2-way active crossover functions for integrating AQ5, AQ6, AQ8, AQ10, AQ12 and AQ15 full range loudspeakers with AQ112, AQ210, AQ212 and AQ215 subwoofers. The controller also acts as an advanced system limiter to protect AQ Series loudspeakers and subwoofers from accidental damage or premature ageing. Limiter thresholds may be user-selected to cater for a wide range of amplifier topologies.

The AQX’s 20kohm balanced input impedance is suitable for both professional and music industry signal sources whilst its low 62ohm output impedance makes it suitable for driving long cables or multiple amplifier inputs in distributed system designs.

AQX features

Dedicated AQ Series System Controller User configurable for specific AQ Series combinations 2-way stereo operation 2 electronically balanced XLR inputs 4 electronically balanced low impedance XLR line driver outputs Individual +/-6dB subwoofer level trims on outputs 1 and 3 Low distortion (better than 0.01% THD ref 2Vrms output) Low noise (better than -100dB ref 2Vrms output) Advanced limiter design Captive mains lead 100-120Vac and 220-240Vac mains operation, 50/60Hz 19” 1U (1.75”) standard rack-mount

Details

AQX front panel detail

AQX rear panel detail

AQX System Controller configuration

AQX controllers must be configured by qualified technicians. Switch off the AQX controller

and ensure that the mains plug is removed from the power socket.

The AQX controller contains internal jumpers to cater for all common AQ Series configurations.

(AQX limiter settings are shown later in this section. Limiter settings will vary depending on the voltage gain of the power amplifier to be used – see table at the end of this section. The 32dB line is highlighted for Martin Audio power amplifiers)

Remove the lid to locate the jumper positions on the upper pcb (printed circuit board) – J1, J2, J5 & J6 to configure the AQX for AQ5, AQ6, AQ8, AQ10, AQ12 and AQ15 loudspeakers and J3, J4, J7 and J8 to configure the AQX for AQ112, AQ210, AQ212 and AQ215 subwoofers.

Configure the AQX System Controller as indicated in the table and illustrations below – or refer to the appropriate illustration over the next few pages.

*“With Sub” mode

There are two HPFs (High Pass Filters) in the signal path – one on the mother board and one on the top pcb.

The HPF on the top pcb sets the lowest operating frequency for the AQ5, AQ6, AQ8, AQ10, AQ12 or AQ15 loudspeaker in “Full Range” mode. The motherboard HPF operates in “With Sub” mode to provide a main loudspeaker-to-subwoofer crossover function. The top pcb HPF should be disabled in “With Sub” mode as the lowest operating frequency for the main AQ5, AQ6, AQ8, AQ10, AQ12 or AQ15 loudspeaker is set by the main-to-sub crossover function.

Mono Subwoofer

Move the mother board jumper J17 to the B position for mono subwoofer operation.

**HF boost

Simply move the J2 and J6 jumpers to the C position if HF boost is required.

Limiter configuration

Motherboard jumpers J11, J12, J13 & J14 must be set for safe operation – see end of this manual section for details.

See the main AQX System Controller User Guide (on Martin Audio User Guides CD – May 2005 or later) for input & output pin 1 links, limiter in/out links and Ch2 & 4 polarity links.

Remember to select “Full range” mode on the front panel

AQ5 full range

AQ5 with AQ112, AQ210 or AQ212 subwoofer

Remember to select “With Sub” mode on the front panel

AQ5 with AQ215 subwoofer

Remember to select “With Sub” mode on the front panel

AQ6, AQ8 or AQ10 full range

Remember to select “Full range” mode on the front panel

AQ6, AQ8 or AQ10 with AQ112, AQ210 or AQ212 subwoofer

Remember to select “With Sub” mode on the front panel

AQ6, AQ8 or AQ10 with AQ215 subwoofer

Remember to select “With Sub” mode on the front panel

AQ12 or AQ15 full range

Remember to select “Full range” mode on the front panel

AQ12 or AQ15

***

with AQ112, AQ210 or AQ212 subwoofer

Remember to select “With Sub” mode on the front panel

***

(

Probably best to use SQ215 subwoofer unless there are architectural restrictions – see below)

AQ12 or AQ15 with AQ215 subwoofer

Remember to select “With Sub” mode on the front panel

AQX System Controller limiter settings

Reminder: AQX controllers must only be configured by fully qualified electro-acoustics technicians as mistakes could prove costly. Switch off the AQX controller and ensure that the mains plug is removed from the power socket.

To set AQX limiters correctly:

1) Remove the AQX controller lid

2) Unplug and temporarily remove the AQX top pcb (printed circuit board). You will need to squeeze the nylon pillar latches gently with a small pair of pliers taking care not to damage adjacent components

Configure the 4-way links J11, J12, J13 & J14 on the AQX motherboard - one 4-way link for each output. Configured the links to suit the relevant power amplifier gain – see the table overleaf.

Jumper allocation: J11 = Ch1 (left sub), J12 = Ch2 (left main)

J13 = Ch3 (right sub), J14 = Ch4 (right main)

For your convenience, Martin Audio power amplifiers are supplied set to 32dB gain. See the 32dB line on the following table for suitable limiter settings.

Click here gain based on its maximum output and sensitivity figures. This spreadsheet also includes a handy table for converting rms voltages to dBu or dBV.

for the original spreadsheet that also includes a page for working out your amplifier’s

3) Replace the top pcb making sure that it is properly latched onto all four pillars

4) Replace the AQX lid making sure all four screws are in place and properly tightened.

Notes:

The above table includes limiter settings for systems driven via 70V & 100V line transformers.

See Section 15 for typical loudspeaker wiring schemes.

13. DX1 Speaker Management System

For convenience, the general use DX1 Speaker Management System is supplied ready-loaded with presets for all common AQ Series configurations starting at preset position 75.

These presets will also be included as binary files on the new Martin Audio User Guides CD (May 2005 or later). They may be transferred to Martin Audio DX1 or XTA DP226 controllers via a 9-pin serial cable from a pc running Microsoft Windows™ - simple click through the following links:

then…

and follow the instructions.

Note: If you are reading this manual from the Martin Audio User Guides Supplement CD (April 2005):

Click here to locate the AQpresets.zip folder on the CD Extract the contents of the AQpresets.zip folder to a suitable place on your hard drive

Use the MarLoad.exe software to “Load a Preset File” and select MARR0005. MARR0005 contains all non-W8L Series presets – including the following for AQ Series:

Preset Name Output allocation

75 AQ5 (L = o/p1, R = o/p3) 76 AQ5 + AQ Sub (AQ112/AQ210/AQ212 on o/ps 1&3, AQ5s on o/ps 2&4) 77 AQ5 + AQ215 (AQ215s on o/ps 1&3, AQ5s on o/ps 2&4) 78 AQ6/8/10 (L = o/p1, R = o/p3) 79 AQ6/8/10 + AQ Sub (AQ112/AQ210/AQ212 on o/ps 1&3, AQ6/8/10s on o/ps 2&4) 80 AQ6/8/10 + AQ215 (AQ215s on o/ps 1&3, AQ6/8/10s on o/ps 2&4) 81 AQ12 (L = o/p1, R = o/p3) 82 AQ12 + AQ Sub (AQ112/AQ210/AQ212 on o/ps 1&3, AQ12s on o/ps 2&4) 83 AQ12 + AQ215 (AQ215s on o/ps 1&3, AQ12s on o/ps 2&4) 84 AQ15 (L = o/p1, R = o/p3) 85 AQ15 + AQ Sub (AQ112/AQ210/AQ212 on o/ps 1&3, AQ15s on o/ps 2&4) 86 AQ15 + AQ215 (AQ215s on o/ps 1&3, AQ15s on o/ps 2&4)

Please note: DX1 output limiters will need to be fine adjusted for safe operation with your particular choice of power amplifier. See the AQX limiter chart towards the end of Section 12 and transpose the appropriate setting to your DX1 to suit your amplifier gain. Use the automatic attack/release timings.

14. Using alternative controllers

Alternative high quality digital controller may be used by entering these spreadsheet settings:

Binary preset files and a full .xbl library file will be found on the latest User Guides CD for XTA DP226 Loudspeaker Management Systems. Please see the Martin Audio User Guides CD (May 2005 or later) for further details.

Please note: Output limiters will need to be fine adjusted for safe operation with your particular choice of power amplifier. See the AQX limiter chart towards the end of Section 12 and transpose the appropriate setting to your DX1 to suit your amplifier gain. Use the automatic attack/release timings.

15. AQ Series system wiring

A high current, low profile, 2-part Input and Link connector will also be found on the rear panel (see AQ5 rear panel illustration below). The input and link positions are parallel-connected inside the cabinet for easy parallel speaker wiring. Convention dictates that the incoming signal cable is connected to the Input + & - and that the Link + & - is used as the output to the next loudspeaker

in the system. The loudspeaker pinout is printed near the rear connector. Remove the plug to see it!

AQ5

AQ5s are dual-driver systems for wide coverage. The two 8 ohm drivers are identical and may be driven in series (16 ohm) or parallel (4 ohm).

AQ5 rear panel

(4 ohm operation selected)

There is an impedance selector switch (circled) on the rear panel to enable 4 or 16 ohm operation. The above illustration shows the switch in the 4 ohm position.

Typical AQ5 wiring scheme

Simple full range AQ5 system using AQX controller and MA900 power amplifier

Note:

Always make sure that the AQX internal jumpers are set for the proposed system and that the appropriate mode (Full range – blue indicator, With Sub – orange indicator) is selected on the AQX front panel.

AQ5/AQ112 system using AQX controller plus MA900 & MA4.2s power amplifiers

Multiple AQ5/AQ212 system using AQX controller plus MA2.8s & MA4.2s power amplifiers

Note: MA2.8s amplifier is used to provide adequate amplifier voltage to the AQ5’s series-connected drivers in 16 ohm mode.

AQ Series powering recommendations (See later for line transformer versions)

AQ Series Loudspeaker Quantity Recommended amp Nominal impedance Minimum impedance

AQ5 (set for 4 ohms)

AQ5 (set for 16 ohms)

AQ6 (standard)

AQ6 (16ohm version)

AQ8

AQ10, AQ12

AQ15

AQ210 subwoofer

AQ112 subwoofer

AQ212, AQ215 subwoofer

For best performance, configurations shown in red should be avoided unless a strict budget dictates otherwise.

Although Martin Audio MA and E Series power amplifiers work well down to 2 ohms, other power amplifiers often suffer sonic degradation or, worse still, shut down into low impedances. Always check your intended power amplifier’s specifications and conduct listening tests before committing to a very low impedance system design.

1 MA200Q or MA900 4 ohms 3.2 ohms

2 in parallel MA200Q or MA900 2 ohms 1.6 ohms

1 MA2.8s 16 ohms 12.8 ohms 2 in parallel MA2.8s 8 ohms 6.4 ohms 3 in parallel MA2.8s 5.3 ohms 4.2 ohms 4 in parallel MA2.8s 4 ohms 3.2 ohms 5 in parallel MA2.8s 3.2 ohms 2.6 ohms 6 in parallel MA2.8s 2.67 ohms 2.1 ohms

7 in parallel MA2.8s 2.29 ohms 1.8 ohms 8 in parallel MA2.8s 2 ohms 1.6 ohms

1 E1300 or MA1400 8 ohms 6.4 ohms 2 in parallel E1300 or MA1400 4 ohms 3.2 ohms 3 in parallel E1300 or MA1400 2.67 ohms 2.1 ohms

4 in parallel E1300 or MA1400 2 ohms 1.6 ohms

7 in parallel MA2.8s 2.29 ohms 1.8 ohms 8 in parallel MA2.8s 2 ohms 1.6 ohms

1 MA1400 or MA1.6s 8 ohms 6.4 ohms 2 in parallel MA1400 or MA1.6s 4 ohms 3.2 ohms 3 in parallel MA1400 or MA1.6s 2.67 ohms 2.1 ohms

4 in parallel MA1400 or MA1.6s 2 ohms 1.6 ohms

1 MA2.8s 8 ohms 6.4 ohms 2 in parallel MA2.8s 4 ohms 3.2 ohms 3 in parallel MA2.8s 2.67 ohms 2.1 ohms

4 in parallel MA2.8s 2 ohms 1.6 ohms

1 MA4.2S 8 ohms 6.4 ohms 2 in parallel MA4.2S 4 ohms 3.2 ohms 3 in parallel MA4.2S 2.67 ohms 2.1 ohms

4 in parallel MA4.2S 2 ohms 1.6 ohms

1 MA2.8s 4 ohms 3.2 ohms

2 MA2.8s 2 ohms 1.6 ohms

1 MA4.2s 8 ohms 6.4 ohms 2 in parallel MA4.2s 4 ohms 3.2 ohms 3 in parallel MA4.2s 2.67 ohms 2.1 ohms

4 in parallel MA4.2s 2 ohms 1.6 ohms

1 MA4.2s 4 ohms 3.2 ohms

2 in parallel MA4.2s 2 ohms 1.6 ohms

Typical AQ6, AQ8, AQ10, AQ12 or AQ15 wiring schemes

Simple stereo full range system (AQ10/MA2.8s shown)

Identical wiring schemes are used for AQ6 (E1300 or MA1400 amplifier), AQ6 16ohm AQ8 (MA1400 or MA1.6s),

AQ10 (MA2.8s), AQ12 (MA2.8s) or AQ15 (MA4.2s).

Typical foreground music system with subs (AQ10/MA2.8s + AQ212/MA4.2s shown)

Identical wiring schemes are used to add any AQ Series subwoofers.

Typical distributed system with subs (AQ10/MA2.8s + AQ112/MA4.2s shown)

Subwoofers may be switched to mono operation by setting AQX jumper J17 – see section 12.

70V or 100V line transformer systems

AQ5TX30, AQ6TX30 and AQ8TX30 loudspeakers are supplied with integral 30W line matching transformers.

AQ10TX150, AQ12TX150, AQ15TX150 loudspeakers are supplied with integral 150W line matching transformers.

TX30 or TX150 loudspeakers are supplied pre-wired, to customer order, for 70V or 100V operation.

Please note:

70V loudspeaker systems should not be connected to 100V line amplifiers as this could cause their transformers to saturate resulting in gross distortion and possible line amplifier damage.

The line voltage for your TX30 or TX150 loudspeaker is clearly marked on the loudspeaker connector panel.

Power taps

Various power taps are available via a rear screwdriver access hole as follows:

AQ Series loudspeaker Line voltage Transformer Available taps

AQ5TX30, AQ6TX30, AQ8TX30

AQ10TX150, AQ12TX150, AQ15TX150

70V, 100V 30W 3.7W, 7.5W, 15W, 30W

70V 150W 37W, 75W, 150W

100V 150W 75W, 150W

AQ5TX30, AQ6TX30 tap settings AQ8TX30 tap settings

AQ10TX150, AQ12TX150,

AQ15TX150 tap settings

(1/8 power position not connected for 70V operation.

1/8 and 1/4 power positions not connected for 100V operation)

Typical 100V line system

Note that each channel of the line amplifier should be capable of delivering power equal to the sum of all loudspeaker transformers connected to that channel.

In the above example, there are ten 100V, 30W AQ5TX30s connected to each channel so the amplifier must be capable of delivering 10 x 30W per channel = 300W per channel in 100V line operation mode.

If the loudspeakers there were ten AQ10TX150s connected to each channel, the amplifier would need to be capable of delivering 10 x 150W per channel = 1500W per channel in 100V line operation mode.

16. Loudspeaker dimensions and specifications

AQ5 Technical Specifications

TYPE FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) 120Hz-20kHz ± 3dB DRIVERS RATED POWER (2) 75W AES, 300W peak RECOMMENDED

AMPLIFIER SENSITIVITY (6) 91dB MAXIMUM SPL (7) 109dB continuous, 115dB peak NOMINAL IMPEDANCE Externally switchable 4 or 16 ohms DISPERSION (-6dB) 120º horizontal, 60º vertical CROSSOVER ENCLOSURE 5 litre, structural foamed ABS FINISH Textured light grey paint PROTECTIVE GRILLE Light grey perforated steel CONNECTORS Low profile 12 amp push-lock FITTINGS 4 x M6 inserts for bracket

OPTIONS 30W 100/70V line transformer DIMENSIONS (W) 282mm x (H) 172mm x (D) 180mm

WEIGHT 3.5kg (8lbs)

Ultra-compact, Dual ICT, wide dispersion vented trapezoid

2 x 5.25” (130mm) ICT full-range drivers

75-150W into 4 ohms

ICT

1 x M6 insert for safety point

(W) 11.1ins x (H) 6.8ins x (D) 7.1ins

AQ6 Technical Specifications

TYPE Ultra-compact, two-way passive, vented trapezoid FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) 80Hz-20kHz ± 3dB DRIVERS 6.5” (165mm) bass driver

1” (25mm) horn loaded dome tweeter RATED POWER (2) 100W AES, 400W peak RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER SENSITIVITY (6) 90dB MAXIMUM SPL (7) 108dB continuous, 114dB peak NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 ohms (16 ohms optional) DISPERSION (-6dB) 90º horizontal, 90º vertical CROSSOVER 3.5kHz passive ENCLOSURE 9 litre, structural foamed ABS FINISH Textured light grey paint PROTECTIVE GRILLE Light grey perforated steel CONNECTORS Low profile 12 amp push-lock FITTINGS 4 x M6 inserts for bracket

OPTIONS 30W 100/70V line transformer DIMENSIONS (W) 207mm x (H) 316mm x (D) 207mm

WEIGHT 6kg (13.2lbs)

100-200W into 4 ohms

1 x M6 insert for safety point

(W) 8.2ins x (H) 12.5ins x (D) 8.2ins

AQ8 Technical Specifications

TYPE Ultra-compact, two-way passive, vented trapezoid FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) 75Hz-20kHz ± 3dB DRIVERS 8” (200mm) bass driver

1” (25mm) exit HF compression driver RATED POWER (2) 150W AES, 600W peak RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER SENSITIVITY (6) 93dB MAXIMUM SPL (7) 113dB continuous, 119dB peak NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 ohms DISPERSION (-6dB) 90º horizontal, 50º vertical CROSSOVER 3kHz passive ENCLOSURE 14 litre, 15/18mm MDF FINISH Textured light grey paint PROTECTIVE GRILLE Light grey perforated steel CONNECTORS Low profile 20 amp push-lock FITTINGS 6 x M8 inserts for bracket

OPTIONS 30W 100/70V line transformer DIMENSIONS (W) 258mm x (H) 410mm x (D) 255mm

WEIGHT 12kg (26lbs)

150-300W into 4 ohms

1 x M8 insert for safety point

(W) 10.2ins x (H) 16.2ins x (D) 10ins

AQ10 Technical Specifications

TYPE Compact, two-way passive, vented trapezoid FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) 65Hz-20kHz ± 3dB DRIVERS 10” (250mm) bass driver

1” (25mm) exit HF compression driver RATED POWER (2) 300W AES, 1200W peak RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER SENSITIVITY (6) 96dB MAXIMUM SPL (7) 119dB continuous, 125dB peak NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 ohms DISPERSION (-6dB) 90º horizontal, 50º vertical CROSSOVER 2.7kHz passive ENCLOSURE 27 litre, braced 18mm MDF FINISH Textured light grey paint PROTECTIVE GRILLE Light grey perforated steel CONNECTORS Low profile 20 amp push-lock FITTINGS 6 x M8 inserts for bracket

OPTIONS 150W 100/70V line transformer DIMENSIONS (W) 323mm x (H) 493mm x (D) 325mm

WEIGHT 17kg (37lbs)

300-600W into 4 ohms

1 x M8 insert for safety point

(W) 12.7ins x (H) 19.4ins x (D) 12.8ins

AQ12 Technical Specification

TYPE Compact, two-way passive, vented trapezoid FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) 62Hz-18kHz ± 3dB DRIVERS 12” (300mm) bass driver

1” (25mm) exit HF compression driver RATED POWER (2) 300W AES, 1200W peak RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER SENSITIVITY (6) 97dB MAXIMUM SPL (7) 120dB continuous, 126dB peak NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 ohms DISPERSION (-6dB) 80º horizontal, 50º vertical CROSSOVER 2.2kHz passive ENCLOSURE 36 litre, braced 18mm MDF FINISH Textured light grey paint PROTECTIVE GRILLE Light grey perforated steel CONNECTORS Low profile 20 amp push-lock FITTINGS 6 x M8 inserts for bracket

OPTIONS 150W 100/70V line transformer DIMENSIONS (W) 354mm x (H) 560mm x (D) 364mm

WEIGHT 20kg (44lbs)

300-800W into 4 ohms

1 x M8 insert for safety point

(W) 14ins x (H) 22ins x (D) 14.3ins

AQ15 Technical Specifications

TYPE Compact, two-way passive, vented trapezoid FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) 55Hz-18kHz ± 3dB DRIVERS 15” (380mm) bass driver

1.4” (35mm) exit HF compression driver RATED POWER (2) 400W AES, 1600W peak RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER SENSITIVITY (6) 99dB MAXIMUM SPL (7) 123dB continuous, 129dB peak NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 ohms DISPERSION (-6dB) 80º horizontal, 50º vertical CROSSOVER 1.6kHz passive ENCLOSURE 63 litre, braced 18/24mm MDF FINISH Textured light grey paint PROTECTIVE GRILLE Light grey perforated steel CONNECTORS Low profile 20 amp push-lock FITTINGS 12 x M8 inserts for flyware OPTIONS 150W 100/70V line transformer DIMENSIONS (W) 469mm x (H) 690mm x (D) 415mm

WEIGHT 33.5kg (74lbs)

400-1000W into 4 ohms

(W) 18.5ins x (H) 27.2ins x (D) 16.4ins

AQ112 Technical Specifications

TYPE Ultra-compact, vented sub-bass FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) DRIVERS 12” (300mm)/3” (75mm) voice coil LF driver RATED POWER (2) 400W AES, 1600W peak RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER 400-800W into 4 ohms SENSITIVITY (6), (3) 96dB (open space), 102dB (half space) MAXIMUM SPL (calculated @ 1m) 120dB continuous, 126dB peak (open space)

NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 8 ohms CROSSOVER 120Hz active (via AQX controller) ENCLOSURE 52 litre, braced 18mm MDF FINISH Textured light grey paint PROTECTIVE GRILLE Light grey perforated steel CONNECTORS Low profile 20 amp push-lock FITTINGS OPTIONS Passive low pass filter DIMENSIONS (W) 475mm x (H) 385mm x (D) 410mm

WEIGHT 21.5kg (47lbs)

48Hz-150Hz ± 3dB

126dB continuous, 132dB peak (half space)

(W) 18.7ins x (H) 15.2ins x (D) 16.2ins

AQ210 Technical Specifications

TYPE Ultra-compact, dual driver, low profile, vented sub-

bass FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) DRIVERS 2 x 10” (250mm)/3” (75mm) voice coil LF drivers RATED POWER (2) 600W AES, 2400W peak RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER 400-800W into 4 ohms SENSITIVITY (6), (3) 98dB (open space), 104dB (half space) MAXIMUM SPL (calculated @ 1m) 122dB continuous, 128dB peak (open space)

NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 4 ohms CROSSOVER 120Hz active (via AQX controller) ENCLOSURE 60 litre, braced 18mm MDF FINISH Textured light grey paint PROTECTIVE GRILLE Light grey perforated steel CONNECTORS Low profile 20 amp push-lock FITTINGS OPTIONS Passive low pass filter DIMENSIONS (W) 670mm x (H) 335mm x (D) 437mm

WEIGHT 30kg (66lbs)

50Hz-150Hz ± 3dB

128dB continuous, 134dB peak (half space)

(W) 26.4ins x (H) 13.2ins x (D) 17.2ins

AQ212 Technical Specifications

TYPE Compact, dual driver, low profile, vented sub-bass FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) DRIVERS 2 x 12” (300mm)/3” (75mm) voice coil LF drivers RATED POWER (2) 800W AES, 3200W peak RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER 400-1200W into 4 ohms SENSITIVITY (6), (3) 99dB (open space), 105dB (half space) MAXIMUM SPL (calculated @ 1m) 123dB continuous, 129dB peak (open space)

NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 4 ohms CROSSOVER 120Hz active (via AQX controller) ENCLOSURE 100 litre, braced 18mm MDF FINISH Textured light grey paint PROTECTIVE GRILLE Light grey perforated steel CONNECTORS Low profile 20 amp push-lock FITTINGS OPTIONS Passive low pass filter DIMENSIONS (W) 860mm x (H) 385mm x (D) 437mm

WEIGHT 39kg (86lbs)

48Hz-150Hz ± 3dB

129dB continuous, 135dB peak (half space)

(W) 33.9ins x (H) 15.2ins x (D) 17.2ins

AQ215 Technical Specifications

TYPE Compact, dual driver, low profile, vented sub-bass FREQUENCY RESPONSE (1) DRIVERS 2 x 15” (380mm)/4” (100mm) voice coil LF drivers RATED POWER (2) 1000W AES, 4000W peak RECOMMENDED AMPLIFIER 500-1600W into 4 ohms SENSITIVITY (6), (3) 101dB (open space), 107dB (half space) MAXIMUM SPL (calculated @ 1m) 126dB continuous, 132dB peak (open space)

NOMINAL IMPEDANCE 4 ohms CROSSOVER 120Hz active (via AQX controller) ENCLOSURE 207 litre, braced 18/24mm MDF FINISH Textured light grey paint PROTECTIVE GRILLE Light grey perforated steel CONNECTORS Low profile 20 amp push-lock FITTINGS OPTIONS Passive low pass filter DIMENSIONS (W) 1000mm x (H) 465mm x (D) 600mm

WEIGHT 67.5kg (149lbs)

40Hz-120Hz ± 3dB

132dB continuous, 138dB peak (half space)

(W) 39.4ins x (H) 18.3ins x (D) 23.6ins

17. Links to AQ Series polar responses

Full range AQ Series loudspeaker polar plots are available in multi-page Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. To view these, click on the appropriate link:

AQ5 Horizontal

AQ5 Vertical

AQ6 Horizontal

AQ6 Vertical

AQ8 Horizontal

AQ8 Vertical

AQ10 Horizontal

AQ10 Vertical

AQ12 Horizontal

AQ12 Vertical

AQ15 Horizontal

AQ15 Vertical

Martin Audio AQ User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual