MartinLogan ML-45AW, ML-55AW, ML-65AW, ML75AW User Manual

ML-45AW | ML-55AW | ML-65AW | ML75AW

user’s manual

Register your warranty online at www.MartinLogan.com.

Content Check List.............. 2

Safety Warnings ............... 2

WEEE Recycling ............... 2

Cleaning and Protecting Your Investment. 3

Speaker Placement ............. 4

Connections and Cables ......... 4

Installation ................... 6

Content Check List

You will find the following items enclosed for your new MartinLogan loudspeaker.
Should you require assistance please call our service department at [phone].

Connecting the Speakers ......... 8

Frequently Asked Questions........ 8

Troubleshooting................ 9

Warranty.................... 9

Service ..................... 9

Dimensional Drawings .......... 10

Specifications ................ 12

__ (4) 1-inch #12 screws
__ (2) Safety straps (ML-45AW)

Safety Warnings

The lightning bolt flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING!

• Refer servicing to a qualified technician.

• Turn amplifier off should any abnormal conditions occur.

• Do not drive speaker beyond its rated power.

WEEE Recycling

In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment) directive effective August 13, 2005, we would like to notify you
that this product may contain regulated materials which upon disposal, accord­ing to the WEEE directive, require special reuse and recycling processing.

__ (2) Wall Brackets (ML-45AW)
__ (2) U-Brackets (ML-55AW/ML-65AW/ML-75AW)

2

For this reason MartinLogan has arranged with our distributors in European Union
member nations to collect and recycle this product at no cost to you. To find your local
distributor please contact the dealer from whom you purchased this product, email
[e-mail] or visit the distributor locator at www.martinlogan.com.

Please note, only this product itself falls under the WEEE directive. When dis­posing of packaging and other related shipping materials we encourage you
to recycle these items through the normal channels.

Cleaning and Protecting Your Investment

Your new all-weather speakers are constructed from durable materials to provide years
of trouble free outdoor listening enjoyment (even under extreme weather conditions).

To clean the exterior of your speakers use a soft, damp cloth or gentle spray from a
garden hose.

When considering placement we urge you to consider the following:

• Do not use a pressure washer to clean the speaker.

• Do not spray directly through the grill into the drivers.

• Do not allow speaker to come into contact with lawn and garden chemicals or

strong or abrasive cleaning chemicals.

• Do not place speaker in the discharge from a sprinkler.

• Do not place speaker in a location where they will be splashed with pool water.

• Do not place speaker in direct sunlight if at all possible..

When connecting your speaker to electronics we urge you to consider the following:

• Use an amplifier that approximately matches the speaker's specified power handling.

• To avoid damage, turn down the volume if the speaker sounds like it is distorting,

sounds harsh, or the bass begins to break up.

• Tone controls and equalizers may increase the likelihood of distortion, especially
at high volumes. Use these setting sparingly.

3

1/2 to 3/4 ‘X’

Left Right

‘X’

Listening Area

Figure 1. Close up of a speaker under a soffit.

Figure 2. Two speakers used for stereo sound.

Speaker Placement

The included mounting bracket(s) allows for installation in locations such as:

• Mounted to an exterior wall under a roof soffit minimizing exposure to sunlight/
rain (as shown in figure 1)

• On an exterior wall.

• In a gazebo.

• On a deck or railing.

Determining the Correct Distance Between Left and Right Speakers

Ideally you want to place the speakers far enough apart to achieve stereo imaging,
but not so far apart that you are unable to hear both speakers simultaneously in the pri­mary listening area. As a rule of thumb, distance between your speakers should equal
50–75% of the distance from the listening area. For example, if you have a grilling or
lounging area 20 feet (6 meters) away, the speakers should be 10–15 feet (3–4.5
meters) apart.

Connections and Cables

Using Multiple Speakers on One Amplifier Channel

If you plan to use multiple speakers in series on a single amplifier channel, please
remember to check your amplifiers minimum safe speaker impedance load (ohms).

ML-45AW, ML-55AW, ML-65AW, and ML-75AW speakers are rated at
8-ohms per channel. Additional speakers connected to a single amplifier
channel will drop nominal impedance. To calculate the ohm load divide the
ohm rating of a single channel by number of speakers (i.e. 8-ohm rating / 4
speakers = 2-ohm load). Determine if your amp can handle the load and plan
accordingly.

4

Notes About Speaker Cable

Before proceeding, carefully read the precautions below.

Before running speaker cable through walls, under walkways, patios, etc.,
check local building codes or contact a qualified installer (see your dealer).

Before digging, verify location of gas lines and buried cables with local utility
companies.

Information on running speaker cable through walls, under walkways, patios, etc. is not
included in this manual. If you are not comfortable with this sort of installation, contact a
qualified installer (see your dealer).

Preparing the Cable

Always use high-quality, moisture-resistant speaker cable (see your dealer).

1. Measure and mark path from amplifier to speakers to determine length of cables.

2. Add 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 meters) extra to allow some play when installing.

3. Select correct gauge using the chart below.

4. If the cable is to be run underground it must be rated for direct burial and/or
enclosed in PVC pipe to prevent deterioration over time. Contact a qualified installer
before commencing installation (see your dealer).

5. Cut cable to the required length and strip the outer casing about 2 inches (5cm) on
both ends.

1

/

6. Strip inner insulation on both wires back about

2-inch (1.25cm) on both ends.

The following chart identifies the minimum gauge requirements for cable by length.

Minimum Wire Gauge Requirements

Length Gauge/Diameter

Less than 15 feet (4.5 m) 16 awg / 0.05 inch (1.3 mm)

Less than 30 feet (9 m) 14 awg / 0.06 inch (1.6 mm)

More than 30 feet (9 m) 12 awg / 0.08 inch (2 mm)

5

Installation

Recommended tools and hardware (not included):

• (2) Mounting screws per speaker

• Screwdriver

• Tape measure

CAUTION! Mount speakers securely so that they do not fall and cause personal
injury or damage to property.

Mounting Surfaces: Carefully evaluate the composition, construction and

strength of the surface on which you are mounting the speaker. When mount­ing in masonry, wood, and/or other solid surface, consult a professional
regarding the proper hardware for mounting the installation brackets provided
with your speakers.

Specific Use: Brackets provided with these speakers are only suitable for the
speaker they come with. Do not use them with any other speaker.

Always use secondary restraining hardware to prevent personal injury or dam­age to property.

Non-Liability: We are aware that the mounting assembly provided with these speakers
could be used for purposes and in ways other than those for which it was intended. The
Manufacturer, Distributor, Retailer, and their respective Agents cannot be held responsi­ble or liable for injuries or property damage—direct, indirect, or consequential—arising
from the use of, or inability to use, this product safely and properly.

Every effort has been made to provide accurate and error-free installation instruc­tions. MartinLogan Ltd. disclaims liability for difficulties that may arise from the

misinterpretation of information contained in these instructions.

Figure 3. Installing the hanger bracket. Figure 4. Mounting speaker on the bracket.

6

Mounting with the Supplied 'Hanger Bracket' (ML-45AW only)

The ML-45AW can be mounted horizontally or vertically.

1. Using appropriate screws/mounting hardware (not included), mount the bracket
with the supplied safety strap on the wall at the desired location (figure 3). Make
sure the bracket is straight.

2. Screw two 1-inch #12 screws (included) into the upper and lower holes spaced

3

/

2

8-inch (60 mm) apart on the back of the speaker’s enclosure. Do not screw them

all of the way in—make sure they protrude about

1

/

8-inch (3 mm).

3. Bring the speaker to the bracket and connect the cables as outlined in this manual.
Connect the safety strap to the speaker using the middle hole (figure 4). Mount the
speaker onto the bracket using an ‘in and down’ motion.

For horizontal mounting simply mount the bracket horizontally with the key hole slots
facing up. Follow steps 1 to 3 (above) to complete horizontal installation.

Wall-Mounting with Supplied ‘U-Bracket’ (ML-55AW, ML-65AW and ML-75AW)

These speakers can be mounted horizontally or vertically with the ‘U-Bracket’.

1. Unscrew the knobs from either end of the speaker.

2. Using appropriate screws/mounting hardware (not included), mount the bracket
and a safety strap (not included, see dealer) on the wall in the desired location.
Make sure the bracket is straight. In-wall speaker wire can then be directed through
the large opening in this bracket which allows connection from behind the speaker
terminals to hide the speaker wire.

3. Bring the speaker up to the bracket and connect the speaker cable as outlined below.

4. Pull the bracket slightly apart and
fit the speaker into the bracket, one
end at a time to avoid scratching the
enclosure (figure 5).

5. Screw the knobs through the holes
in the mounting bracket and into the
speaker. Angle the speaker to orient
towards the desired position. Tighten
the knobs snugly, but do not over-

Figure 5. Mounting speaker on the U-bracket.

tighten them.

7

Connecting the Speakers

WARNING! Turn your amplifier off before making or breaking any signal con­nections. This will avoid damage which could result from accidental shorting
of speaker cables.

Your speakers are equipped with high-quality binding posts that can be used with
banana, pin or spade connectors, as well as with bare wire. Connect one speaker at
a time to your amplifier.

1. Connect the red (+) amplifier terminal to the red (+) speaker terminal and the black
(–) amplifier terminal to the black (–) speaker terminal. Tighten the posts firmly by
hand, but don’t over-tighten them.

2. Repeat step 1 for other speaker(s).

If a speaker is not working correctly, refer to “Troubleshooting” on the following page
of this manual.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean my speakers? See “Cleaning and Protecting Your Investment” on
page 3 of this manual.

What size amplifier should I use? We recommend an amplifier rated within the suit­able amplifier range of your speaker.

Could you suggest a list of suitable electronics and cables that would be ideal for
MartinLogan speakers? The area of electronics and cable choice is probably the most

common type of question that we receive. It is also the most subjective. We have
repeatedly found that brands that work well in one setup will drive someone else nuts
in another. We use many brands with great success. Again, we have no favorites; we
use electronics and cables quite interchangeably. We would suggest listening to a num­ber of brands—and above all else—trust your ears. Dealers are always the best source
for information when purchasing additional audio equipment or cables and will be well
versed in the subject of special safety requirements for in-wall cable.

Will exposure to sunlight affect the life or performance of my speakers? We recom­mend that you not place any loudspeaker in direct sunlight. The ultraviolet (UV) rays
from the sun can cause deterioration of speaker cones, etc. For installation of an all­weather speakers we recommend as little direct sunlight as an installation will allow.

8

Troubleshooting

No Output

• Check that all your system components are turned on, not muted, and that your

balance control (if applicable) is set correctly.

• Check to make sure your power outlet at the wall is working.

• Check your power cords, speaker wires, and interconnecting cables.

• Check to make sure no headphones are plugged in.

• Swap speaker wires at your amplifier with those of a speaker that is functioning

correctly. If the lack of output moves to a different speaker the problem could be
with other equipment in your system (i.e. amp, pre-amp, processor, etc.)

• Try hooking up a different set of speakers. If the lack of output moves to a different
speaker the problem could be with other equipment in your system (i.e. amp, pre­amp, processor, etc.)

Lack of Bass or Poor Imaging

• Check your speaker wires. Is the polarity correct — (+) to (+) and (–) to (–)?

Warranty

MartinLogan offers online warranty registration at www.martinlogan.com. Your
speaker is provided with an automatic Limited 90 Day Warranty coverage. You have
the option, at no additional charge, to receive a Limited 2 Year Warranty coverage.
To obtain the Limited 2 Year Warranty coverage register your speakers at www.mar­tinlogan.com. Save a copy of your dealer receipt as it may be requested if service is
required. MartinLogan may not honor warranty service claims unless we have a com­pleted Warranty Registration on file at www.MartinLogan.com!

Service

Should you be using your MartinLogan product in a country other than the one in which
it was originally purchased, we ask that you note the following:

1 The appointed MartinLogan distributor for any given country is responsible for

warranty servicing only on units distributed by or through it in that country in accor­dance with its applicable warranty.

2 Should a MartinLogan product require servicing in a country other than the one

in which it was originally purchased, the end user may seek to have repairs per­formed by the nearest MartinLogan distributor, subject to that distributor’s local

9