PMC Prodigy User guide

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USER GUIDE

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IMPORTANT

Warranty

Please take a few moments to register your new purchase online at

www.pmc-speakers.com (click on ‘Support’ then ‘Product registration’). This

records the purchase of your loudspeakers and provides you, the customer an

opportunity to make suggestions and provide feedback directly to PMC. To

gain your 5 year extended warranty your product must be registered with us

within 10 days of purchase.

YEARS

Product Support

For product support, accessories or servicing advice, please contact

a PMC authorised retailer – See www.pmc-speakers.com and click on ‘where

to buy’.

THE PROFESSIONAL MONITOR COMPANY LIMITED

HOLME COURT, BIGGLESWADE, SG18 9ST, UK

T +44 (0) 1767 686300

[email protected]

www.pmc-speakers.com

UNRIVALLED

five year extended warranty

Ref No: 1297

PMC Stock Code: 16397

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AT HOME IN THE STUDIO

It doesn’t matter where you use PMC

loudspeakers; they’ll always make music.

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WHAT DRIVES US

At PMC, music is an obsession: getting as close as possible to what’s being played

and recorded has always been our passion. Our aim is not to impose an additional

character on the music, rather to create a clear window of the artist’s vision,

forming a true emotional connection between the music and listener.

This quest for sonic transparency and neutrality has always been our driving

force, using advanced engineering to reproduce music as vividly and faithfully as

possible. After all, it’s in our name – the Professional Monitor Company – and our

designs are involved in every stage of music-making, from the recording studio to

listening at home.

Put simply, we know exactly how to present music, so you hear what the artist and

engineer intended. Our loudspeakers are where science meets art — we take

care of the science, and you connect with the art.

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CONGRATULATIONS

You have joined the elite.

Our loudspeakers can be found in all the world’s best listening environments,

from audiophile living rooms to internationally renowned recording, mastering,

broadcast and post-production studios. Our Emmy-award-winning systems are

used to create everything from smash Hollywood soundtracks to hit albums by

artists including Coldplay, Kraftwerk, Elton John and Adele, as well as audiophile

jazz and classical recordings on Deutsche Grammophon, Decca, Philips and

Harmonia Mundi.

Whether you listen to our speakers in world-class studios in LA, London, Berlin or

Tokyo, or in your favourite listening room at home, you will hear the music exactly

as it was intended.

Stevie Wonder UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP

Dolby Afrojack Thomas Newman

NETFLIX Kraftwerk EMI Coldplay

elbow Capit Studios Warner Music

Royal College of Music Pinewood Studios

CALVIN HARRIS BBC Apple

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CONTENTS

General usage guidelines

PMC’s ATL

(Advanced Transmission Line)

Laminair

Our meticulous attention to detail

Unpacking

Spike installation guide (prodigy5)

Standmounting

Connections - plugging them in

Running in or breaking in

Positioning

Fine tuning for perfect bass

Stereo set up

Surround sound specic set up

Ideal 5.1 surround sound set up

Ideal 7.1 surround sound set up

Service

Specications

Warranty

Inspection

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GENERAL USAGE GUIDELINES

Tip

Read these instructions and keep them in a safe place for future reference.

Do not attempt to service the equipment. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to PMC authorised personnel.

Clean the cabinet with a dry, lint-free, cloth. Do not use solvents, abrasives, or waxes.

Floor spikes are sharp; treat with great care during installation and use.

Do not use the Laminair™ vent as a grip to lift the loudspeaker as this may result in damage.

Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, ovens or other equipment that produce excessive heat.

Do not use the loudspeakers near water or place objects lled with liquid on

them, such as vases.

Ensure the loudspeakers are secure, level and do not tip or fall.

The packing material can pose danger to the young and vulnerable. Ensure these items are kept or disposed of safely and in accordance with local legislation.

High volume audio signals, however short their duration, have the potential to cause hearing damage. Therefore, use these loudspeakers within safe comfortable limits.

Servicing is required when the loudspeaker 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.

These loudspeakers contain very powerful magnets and therefore may have a detrimental effect if left near magnetically sensitive items.

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Tip

The source of PMC’s legendary natural,

realistic sound is the Advanced Transmission

Line (ATL) bass-loading, which uses the

energy that the bass unit generates in the

most intelligent and efcient way. The highly

braced cabinet is lined with proprietary

acoustic materials that absorb all but the

very lowest frequencies. These exit from a

front vent, extending the low frequencies

to create the response of a far larger and

more powerful speaker.

It is not just about bass: because the low

end is so clean and clear, it doesn’t mask

the rest of the music, meaning vocals are

beautifully projected and ultra-vivid.

There are other benets too: the bass

extension doesn’t change with volume level

– so even when listening quietly, the bass

sounds rich and well dened. Moreover,

they are less dependent on room effects

to enhance the bass, making it simple to

position where you want them.

The benets:

• More detailed, more natural

• Full, rich sound at any volume level

• Deeper bass from a smaller cabinet

• Ease of positioning

prodigy5 showing ATL in cross-section

with Laminair vent

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We even engineer the air in our loudspeakers

“Nothing else comes close to the clarity, timing and dynamics”

to ensure you only hear music that will take

your enjoyment to the next level. In these

high-performance designs air moves in

and out the cabinet under pressure at high

speeds. By introducing F1 aerodynamic

principles in the form of Laminair vents it

dramatically reduces resistance, increases

efciency, and eliminates airow noise. This

provides bass with supreme timing and the

ultimate dynamic range.

Laminair aerodynamic vent without with

prodigy1 showing ATL in cross-section

with Laminair vent

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OUR METICULOUS ATTENTION TO DETAIL

All PMC loudspeakers are designed and 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.

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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.

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TAKE CARE WHEN UNPACKING – THERE ARE DELICATE

TERMINALS ON THE REAR OF THE CABINET

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SPIKE INSTALLATION GUIDE

Tip

Spikes are used to enhance performance of the prodigy5 and allow the

loudspeaker to be levelled perfectly.

Carefully invert the loudspeaker so that its base is uppermost. Take care not to

damage the top of the loudspeaker when it is upside-down, the use of a soft

cloth or another non-abrasive material is ideal is suggested.

The spikes can then be inserted and screwed into the M8 threaded hole.

Carefully re-invert the loudspeaker.

Once in position, level the loudspeaker by adjusting each spike in turn using a

spirit level on the top of the cabinet to conrm. While this might seem a time-

consuming exercise, it is important both in terms of system performance and

the stability of the loudspeaker.

The nal step is to tighten each knurled collar/nut; this will ensure that the spike

and loudspeaker is as rigid as possible. Do not use tools as this may lead to

overtightening and damage.

Caution: The spikes are sharp,

treat them with care; they

may damage hard ooring

if in direct contact. We have

included

sensitive or hard ooring.

*pucks to protect

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STANDMOUNTING

The prodigy1 compact standmount speaker is designed to offer exceptional

clarity while taking up minimal space, and can be used either on a stand or in

conjunction with audio/video furniture.

To realise their optimum performance, use a quality high-mass stand that

positions them at the ideal height and with complete stability.

Your retailer will be able to advice you on the best

stand for you and your speaker setup.

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CONNECTIONS

Tip

Caution

To avoid potential damage, please ensure that your power amplier(s) or

receiver is turned off before connecting or disconnecting your loudspeakers.

Cable & connectors

When selecting cables for use with your prodigy

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 prodigy 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.

loudspeakers, ensure that

Polarity + &

It is of vital importance to observe the polarity markings and maintain

positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative connections from amplier

or receiver to the loudspeaker. The prodigy terminals are colour-coded to aid in

their identication: positive terminals are red, negative terminals are black.

NB: DO NOT USE TOOLS TO TIGHTEN THE BINDING POSTS

–

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50+ hours to run-in

RUNNING IN OR BREAKING IN

Tip

HOURS

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 ampliers change with use, but the characteristics

of mechanical devices such as loudspeakers do alter and improve their

performance signicantly 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 ‘running in’ period takes

approximately 50 hours of normal use.

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Tip

POSITIONING

Positioning

With their unique

low distortion and smooth bass roll-off, PMC loudspeakers are more forgiving of

difcult 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 inuence system performance.

Room shape, size, construction and interior decoration vary immensely and

therefore inuence 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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• 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.

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.

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 denition.

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 conrm.

A simple, well-recorded band with vivid vocals will help to nd the best position.

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FINE TUNING FOR PERFECT BASS

Bass / LF (Low Frequency adjustment)

Solid boundaries (i.e. walls, ceilings and oors) reect 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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Tip

STEREO SET UP

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SURROUND SOUND SPECIFIC SET UP

5.1 Systems

The prodigy series has been designed for perfect multi channel music or movie

playback and the following diagrams display the ideal layout for the speakers.

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.

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.

Digital Surround EX™, DTS® ES™,

Other Immersive Surround Formats

DTS:X™, Dolby Atmos™, Auro 3D

With our vast array of product options it is easy to create a bespoke state-

of-the-art 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 prodigy series we produce in-

wall and on-wall ci series models and both active and passive subwoofers.

See www.pmc-speakers.com for more information.

– we have models to suit every format.

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IDEAL 5.1 SURROUND SET UP

Tip

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)

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Tip

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

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SERVICE

Tip

We are condent your prodigy loudspeakers will afford many years of trouble-free

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 (Click on the contacts section and select

FAQ).

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Tip

Freq response 50Hz – 25kHz (-3dB) Sensitivity 87.5dB SPL 1W 1m Rec. amp power 20 - 250W Effective ATL

™

1.91m 6.3ft

Impedance 6 Ohm Drive units LF PMC 5.25”/133mm natural bre long-throw LT ™

HF PMC 27mm /1” soft dome Peak SPL 123dB SPL

Crossover freq. 1.7kHz Horizontal Directivity 80 degrees Vertical Directivity 80 degrees Input connectors One pair 4mm binding posts Dimensions H 320mm 35.7” (+20mm spikes)

W 162mm 6.4” D 237mm 9.3” (+10mm optional grille) Weight 4.5kg 9.9lbs ea.

Finish Silk Black Options prodigy1 grille

Freq response 35Hz - 25kHz (-3dB) Sensitivity 87.3dB SPL 1W 1m Rec. amp power 20 - 250W Effective ATL

™

1.96m 6.4ft

Impedance 6 Ohm Drive units LF PMC 5.25”/133mm natural bre long-throw LT™

HF PMC 27mm /1” soft dome Peak SPL 124dB SPL

Crossover freq. 1.7kHz Horizontal Directivity 80 degrees Vertical Directivity 70 degrees Input connectors One pair 4mm binding posts Dimensions H 905mm 40” (+20mm spikes)

W 165mm 6.5” (233mm incl. plinth bars) D 237mm 9.3” (+10mm optional grille) Weight 10kg 22lbs ea.

Finishes Silk Black Options prodigy5 grille

Stands not included

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WARRANTY

your 5 year extended warranty

Visit pmc-speakers.com and click on

‘Support’, then, ‘Product registration’

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INSPECTION

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.

You can be reassured that the below criteria has been carefully checked by the

individual builder of your new prodigy series loudspeakers.

Crossover matching

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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 , prodigy, and Laminair are trade marks of The Professional Monitor Company Limited.

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

certication 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.

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T + 44 (0) 1767 686300 [email protected] www.pmc-speakers.com

PMC Stock Code: 16397

Ref No. 1299 - April 23