PMC IB2 SE Jet Black, IB2 SE Amarone, MB2 XBD SE Walnut, BB5 SE Amarone, MB2 XBD SE Amarone, BB5-P-C SE Jet Black, IB2 SE Walnut, IB2 SE Oak, BB5 SE Walnut, MB2 XBD SE Oak, BB5 SE Jet Black, BB5-P-C SE Oak, BB5-P-C SE Walnut, MB2 XBD SE Jet Black, BB5-P-C SE Amarone, BB5 SE Oak Se Series Manual_1.pdf
Please take a few moments to complete the warranty card at the
back of this booklet or register at www.pmc-speakers.com (click on ‘register
a product’). This records the purchase of your loudspeakers and provides you,
the customer an opportunity to make suggestions and provide feedback
directly to PMC.
Product Support
For product support, accessories or servicing advice, please contact
a PMC authorised dealer – See www.pmc-speakers.com.
THE PROFESSIONAL MONITOR COMPANY LIMITED
HOLME COURT, BIGGLESWADE, SG18 9ST, UK
T +44 (0) 1767 686300 F +44 (0) 870 4441045
sales@pmc-speakers.com
www.pmc-speakers.com
At PMC, we believe that music is what really matters; it’s what moves us and
gives us the passion for what we do. The company was founded because there
wasn’t a loudspeaker that was transparent enough to convey all of music’s
expressive power – and we knew we could remedy this.
One of our core beliefs has always been that the same loudspeaker can be used
throughout the entire audio chain, from composer to studio or lm stage, through
post-production and mastering, right to the listener at home. Discerning listeners
all over the world agree. Our designs are involved in every link of the musicmaking chain, from the recording studio to listening at home, which means we
know exactly how to present music as transparently as possible, just as the artist
intended. This knowledge, combined with our love for music, drives us to create
products that you listen through rather than to. We want you to share the thrill of
the original recording because there is nothing like the emotional impact of true
musical communication.
Loudspeakers are where science meets art; we understand the science so that
you can connect with the art.
Peter Thomas, Owner &
Oliver Thomas, Head of Design
Congratulations – You have joined the elite
ESPN
BBC
Tony Bennett
JVC Studios
EMI
SONY
Coldplay
elbow
For over twenty-ve years PMC has
earned an unrivalled reputation for
creating the world’s nest professional
loudspeakers. Simply put, our speakers
provide a reference for the world’s
highest prole productions and events.
They are found at every stage of the
creative process, from conception
to recording and broadcast and, of
course, in the home.
Our client list reads like a who’s who
of the sonically aware, with John
Newman, Elbow, Stevie Wonder,
Coldplay, Brian May, Universal, EMI,
Sony, Pinewood Studios, Dreamworks,
Deutsche Grammophon and the BBC
among the makers of movies and
music who use our products.
Our loudspeakers were also used in
the production of Titanic, Spiderman III,
James Bond’s Skyfall and Spectre,
Finding Nemo, Pirates of the
Caribbean III, and during broadcasts
of the Beijing and London Olympics.
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP
Thomas Newman
Kraftwerk
Royal College of Music
Warner Music
Pinewood Studios
Capit Studios
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Contents
General usage guidelines
TM
PMC’s ATL
Our meticulous attention to detail
Unpacking
Resonance-absorbing stand installation guide
Connections - plugging them in
Running in or breaking in
Positioning
Fine tuning for perfect bass
Stereo set up
Surround sound specic set up
Ideal 5.1 surround sound set up
Ideal 7.1 surround sound set up
Service
(Advanced Transmission Line)
Specications
Warranty on-line
Warranty certicate – Part 1 – Your copy
Warranty certicate – Part 2 – Our copy
Help us improve – Your comments
Inspection certicate
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General usage guidelines
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Read these instructions and keep them in a safe place for future reference.
Heed all electrical safety warnings, including any on the loudspeakers themselves.
Do not use the loudspeakers near water.
The cabinet should only be cleaned with a dry, lint-free, cloth. Do not use solvents,
abrasives, waxes or liquids as they may be detrimental to the nish.
Four soft, cork rubber disks are included with the all “XBD” systems these
can be attached to the base of the unit to provide vibration-free operation.
Floor spikes are sharp; treat with great care during installation and use.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, ovens or other equipment
that produce excessive heat.
Unplug this product from both source and power during electrical storms, or when
unused for extended periods of time.
Packing material can pose danger to the young and vulnerable. Ensure these
items are kept or disposed of safely.
High volume audio signals, however short their duration, have the potential to
cause hearing damage. Use care when setting the system volume level to ensure
playback sound pressure levels remain within safe comfortable limits.
Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no user serviceable parts
inside. Please refer all servicing to PMC authorised personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus is damaged, exposed to moisture,
or exhibits a distinct or sudden change of operation or audio performance.
PMC has made efforts to provide accurate installation information and good
quality xings. PMC will not be held responsible or liable for injuries or property
damage – direct, indirect or consequential – arising out of use or inability to use
this product safely and properly.
Series loudspeakers contain very powerful magnets and therefore may have
a detrimental effect if left in close proximity to magnetically sensitive items.
Do not use the vent as a grip to lift the loudspeaker as this may result in
damage.
TM
Advanced Transmission Line
The source of PM C’s le ge nda ry na tu ral a nd wholly realistic sound is the Advanced Transmission
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Line (ATLTM) bass-loading technology.
ATLTM is an ingenious design which uses energy generated by the bass unit in a much more
intelligent and efcient way than speaker designs based on ported or sealed boxes.
TM
loudspeakers, the highly braced cabinet is lined with a multitude of custom-designed
In ATL
acoustic materials that absorb all but the very lowest frequencies. These are guided to exit from
a vent on the front-panel, extending the low-frequency response and creating the impression
of a far larger speaker with an extra, ultra-high quality bass unit.
TM
improves more than just the bass response: because the low end is clean and clear it
ATL
doesn’t mask the rest of the music. Vocals in particular, are beautifully projected and ultravivid.
ATLTM loudspeakers offer another benet. The ATLTM bass extension does not change with volume
level – so even when listening quietly the bass sounds balanced and well dened.
This cross-sectional view of the BB5
loudspeaker shows the ATL
TM
cabinet
Our meticulous attention to detail
All PMC loudspeakers are hand-built in the U.K. using individual components
that are matched to our reference model; this includes the structural integrity
of every cabinet and the testing and recording of each component. This
guarantees it will be within our strict tolerances and ensures your purchase
sounds identical to the original design. Each completed loudspeaker then
undergoes a set of objective and subjective measurements - frequency response
sweeps ensure that the design meets our exacting performance criteria, and
then listening tests are conducted against the reference model using a wide
variety of material, from a benchmark BBC speech test to classical music,
pop and rock.
“Computers don’t tell the full story. As well as a full frequency
analysis, we listen to each speaker we make and run a
benchmark BBC speech and music test on every single one.”
Unpacking
!
Please retain your packaging for future use as all PMC
cartons are durable, reusable and can be employed
to safely transport your loudspeakers should they be
relocated or returned for servicing.
Much of the packing is constructed from recyclable
materials, so if you are to dispose of it please do so in an
environmentally friendly manner.
Packing materials can pose danger to animals, the
young and vulnerable. Ensure these items are kept or
disposed of safely.
Resonance-absorbing stand installation
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!
!
Resonance damping stands are provided with spikes to enhance the performance
and stability of these models in the series range.
Carefully invert the loudspeakers stand so that its base is uppermost. Take care
not to damage the top of the stand when it is upside-down; the use of a soft
cloth or square of carpet is suggested.
Screw the proprietary stand spikes into the M8 threaded inserts in the base of
the stand.
Rotate the stand so that spikes are on the oor,you are now ready to place
your stands in situe and nish the installation of your loudspeakers.
N.B. Do not over-tighten. Over-tightening the spikes, over tigthening of the
spikes will result in failure of the mounting inserts.
Caution: The spikes are sharp and should be treated with great care; they may
damage hard ooring if in direct contact.
Connections
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!
!
Plugging them in
Caution
To avoid potential damage, please ensure that your power amplier(s) or
receiver is turned off before connecting or disconnecting your loudspeakers.
Cable & connectors
When selecting cables for use with your
their construction is of a high enough standard to withstand the rigors of
everyday use and that they are suitably terminated. While bare wire can be
accommodated by the series binding posts, we recommend the use of
either spade lugs or 4mm ‘banana’ plugs in order to maintain an electrical
connection of the highest integrity and avoid the possibility of short circuits.
Please consult your dealer for more information regarding cable lengths and
termination options.
series loudspeakers, ensure that
Do not use tools to tighten the binding posts
Polarity + &
It is of vital importance to observe the polarity markings and maintain
positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative connections from amplier
or receiver to the loudspeaker. The
in their identication: positive terminals are red, negative terminals are black.
–
series terminals are colour-coded to aid
50+ hours to run-in
Running in or breaking in
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12
11
10
1
2
9
8
7
6
When loudspeakers are new they will take time to reach their full potential.
It is often debated whether any solid-state equipment, such as CD players
or transistor-based power ampliers change with use, but the characteristics
of mechanical devices such as loudspeakers do alter and improve their
performance signicantly after a short ‘running in’ period.
The science is simple; as the soft material surrounding the dome or woofer
cone is exed it will eventually reach a point where it has optimum compliancy
allowing the drive unit to move more freely. This translates to greater accuracy
and speed of attack in the bass region and the mid and high frequency
produces a far more vivid audio picture. This short ‘running in’ period takes
approximately 50 hours of normal use.
3
4
5
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Positioning
Positioning
With their unique
low distortion and smooth bass roll-off, PMC loudspeakers are more forgiving of
difcult room conditions and placement constraints than conventional designs
so you will be able to achieve a superb sound throughout the room with little
effort. We do encourage you to spend some time experimenting in your own
room in order to achieve the very best results. Remembering that small changes
in location can often inuence system performance.
Room shape, size, construction and interior decoration vary immensely and
therefore inuence sound in different ways. The following guidelines are
suggestions for the starting point to locate your new speakers. Fine-tuning of their
positioning can start from here.
Advanced Transmission Line design, wide dispersion, ultra
ATLTM
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Positioning
• Place the speaker so the front face is slightly forward of any large object that
protrudes into the room – eg. a replace, bookcase or television.
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See stereo set up diagram
• Ensure that stereo pairs of loudspeakers are equidistant from the listening position.
• It is best to position the front left/right pair (and centre channel loudspeaker if you
have a surround system) at the same height, usually at ear-level when seated at
the listening position.
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If any of the speakers are mounted above or below ear level, then angle the
speaker towards the listening position.
• The distance between your left/right speakers and the listening position should
ideally be equal. As a general rule, the width of the audio picture will be narrow
if the speakers are too close together. If they are too far apart the picture will be
wide but there will be less central denition.
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Use a well recorded vocal track to judge the ideal spot.
• To enhance the audio picture/soundstage and sound balance, the speakers can
be angled/toed-in. With the speakers facing straight ahead play a well recorded
vocal track. Gradually toe-in both speakers by small increments (max 5° at a time)
(see stereo set-up diagram) until the voice is vivid and centrally placed. You can
ensure this is best position by going ‘one step too far’ then returning. Then, use
a track with extended high frequencies such as cymbals, check that they sound
clear but not overpowering. If they sound too loud or harsh subtly toe the speakers
out by very small increments until you achieve the ideal balance; then repeat
both listening tests to conrm.
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A simple, well-recorded band with vivid vocals will help to nd the best position.
Fine tuning for perfect bass
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Bass / LF (Low Frequency adjustment)
Solid boundaries (i.e. walls, ceilings and oors) reect sound and help to contain
it within a room. They make a speaker sound louder the closer they are to them,
especially in the low frequency (bass) region.
This diagram shows the areas, that if a speaker is positioned, will either increase
or decrease bass – The darker the shading the more bass will be heard.
Placing the speakers in the corners will generate the most bass, and in the centre
of the room, the least bass.
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Stereo set up
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Surround sound specic set up
5.1 Systems
The
playback and the following diagrams display the ideal layout for the speakers.
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7.1 Systems
In a system capable of full 7.1 Dolby
Blu-ray™ or HD DVD™ playback there will be two sets of surround speakers.
The rst pair should be positioned at 100º and the second set at 150º. (The centre is
considered 0º while directly to the rear of the room is 180º). See Ideal 7.1 surround
set up diagram.
series has been designed for perfect multi channel music or movie
No doubt the constraints of room size and shape will vary the distances from
the listener to the speakers. Therefore use of the time alignment function of your
surround processor will be important.
The guidance given in the ‘Stereo set up’ and ‘Fine tuning for perfect
bass’ also apply to the set up of a surround system.
®
Digital Surround EX™, DTS® ES™,
Other Immersive Surround Formats
DTS:X™, Dolby Atmos™, Auro 3D® – we have models to suit every format.
With our vast array of product options it is easy to create a bespoke state-of-theart home cinema to take full advantage of the latest surround sound formats,
regardless of the number of channels or placement of the speakers. In addition
to the choices from the
series we produce in-wall and on-wall wafer models
and both active and passive subwoofers. See www.pmc-speakers.com for more
information.
Dolby® Digital Surround EX™ and Dolby Atmos are registered trademarks of Dolby® Laboratories
DTS® ES™ and DTX:X™ are registered trademarks of DTS®, Inc
Auro 3D® us a registered trademark of Aurio Technologies
Blu-ray™ is a trademark of the Blu-ray™ Disc Association
HD DVD™ is a trademark of the DVD Format/Logo Licensing Corporation (DVD FLLC)
Ideal 5.1 surround set up
Ideal 7.1 surround sound set up
For the Dolby Atmos™ system height channels are required. We produce a range
of products to accommodate this. See www.pmc-speakers.com
Service
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!
We are condent your
listening of the highest order. B ut in the unlikely event that one or more requires
repair, our unique manufacturing procedure, wherein the precise value of each
component together with the response of the system as a whole is recorded,
will ensure that any replaced parts will exactly match the performance of those
originally included within each individual loudspeaker.
For any issues that might arise, or for advice and service requirements, the primary point
of contact should be your knowledgeable and authorised PMC dealer/distributor.
If you do not have a local representative please see www.pmc-speakers.com
and click on ‘where to buy’.
Alternatively you can view our FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and servicing
section on our website. (Click on the contacts section and select FAQ).
Important Note: Please do not return any products to PMC directly
without rst contacting our service department.
loudspeakers will afford many years of trouble-free
W 432mm (17.0”)
D 790mm (31.0”)
Weight 136kg (299.2lbs)
TM
TM
driver
TM
driver
TM
soft dome
soft dome
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Warranty on-line
SIMPLY ACTIVATE YOUR
WARRANTY ON-LINE
GO TO WWW.PMC-SPEAKERS.COM AND CLICK ON REGISTER PRODUCT
WARRANTY ON-LINE
If you do not have access to the internet ll in the
warranty form found on pages 29 & 30 and post it to us.
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WARRANTY CERTIFICATE - PART 1
Your Copy
to KEEP
Please complete and retain this page for your own records
Product
Serial nos
Date of purchase
Dealers name
Dealers address
Town
County
Postcode
Dealers telephone no
Servicing and warranty issues – Please read the following carefully.
Non UK clients: Contact your local dealer/distributor for the details of warranty repairs - see www.pmc-speakers.com and click on ‘where
to buy’ for their details.
UK clients: In the unlikely event of a fault occurring with your The Professional Monitor Company Limited (PMC) product rstly contact your
dealer where the product was purchased.
Do not return a product to PMC without rstly contacting our technical dept. If the product must be returned for service you will be issued
with a ‘Returns Authorisation Number’.
If a product is returned to PMC and subsequently is found to have no fault or a non-warranty fault it will be subject to a minimum of £50.00
plus the carriage for its return.
Proof of purchase is required for any claim covered by this warranty.
Passive products are warranted for a period of 20 years & Active products for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase or upon
receipt of ‘our copy’ overleaf or on-line registration within ten days of purchase or receipt.
The warranty covers defects due to faulty materials or workmanship but does not cover defects arising from accidental damage,
misuse or wear and tear. The warranty is void if any attempt has been made by persons not authorised by PMC to dismantle,
repair or modify any part of the product.
Products must be returned using original packing material. This warranty does not cover damage in transit.
Note that the cost of the carriage to PMC is not covered by the warranty.
Returned products that are defective that are covered by warranty will be repaired or replaced at the discretion of PMC.
PMC has made efforts to provide accurate installation information and good quality xings. However, PMC will not be held responsible or
liable for injuries or property damage
(direct, indirect or consequential) arising out of use or inability to use this product safely and properly.
NOTE: This product contains nuts
Allow minimum of 14 working days for return of warranty repairs.
This warranty does not effect your consumer rights under statutory law. This warranty is only valid in the United Kingdom.
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WARRANTY CERTIFICATE - PART 2
Our Copy
Please complete and return this section – or simply complete the on-line
registration at www.pmc-speakers.com and click on register product.
Product
Serial nos
Date of purchase
Purchased from
Your name
Your email address
Your address
Town
County
Postcode/Zip code
Help us improve
our products
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Help us Improve Your comments
If there is one thing we should change, what would it be?
We value all our client’s comments. Please take a moment to help us improve:
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comments will be anonymous; your personal details will not appear.
What magazines do you read?
HiFi Pro Lifes style Online
HiFi Choice Future Music T3 mixonline.com
What HiFi Sound on Sound Stuff gearslutz.com
Stereophile Audio Media GQ avreview.co.uk
HiFi World Pro Sound News EVO techradar.com
HiFi Critic Resolution FHM HiFi WigWam.com
HiFi News Audiofanzine Shortlist What HiFi.com
HiFi+ IBE Maxim
Gramophone Tape Op Esquire Other
Other Other Other
We hope you enjoy your latest purchase as much as we enjoyed designing
and building them - Thank you.
the-ear.net
Inspection certicate
Every component that appears in a PMC product is measured, tested, matched
and recorded by hand. This analysis also applies to the nal product we build to ensure
you receive an identical replica of the reference model.
Crossover matching
Enclosure nish
Assembly & Wiring
Driver installation
Enclosure seal
Level - frequency
Impedance - frequency
Pair matching
Listening test 1
Listening test 2
Final inspection
Accessory pack
User Guide
All the above has been carefully checked by the builder of your series loudspeakers
detailed on the front of this user guide.
This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of The Professional Monitor Company Limited
(PMC). The information it contains is subject to change without notice. PMC assumes no responsibility for errors that
may appear within this document. Information subject to change.
ATL, and
CE Conformity PMC passive loudspeakers conform to CE Directive LVD 73/23/EEC and EMC 89/336/EEC.
WEEE European directive - PMC is a member of a National Compliance scheme and have gained the associated
certication of compliance and the following registration number from the Environment Agency WEEE/GJ0101WU
WEEE EU Directive
This symbol on the product or in/on its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of with other
household waste. It is the responsibility of the owner to dispose of waste equipment via a designated collection
point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The recycling of your waste equipment is an
attempt to conserve natural resources and ensures that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and
the environment. For more information about where you dispose of your waste equipment for recycling, please
contact your local waste/recycling authority or the dealer from whom you purchased the product.
are trade marks of The Professional Monitor Company Limited.