Soundmatters MAINstage HD Quick Setup Guide

standby/mute

1/8" Mini to 1/8" Mini

1/8" Mini TO

RCA adapter

RCA to 1/8" Mini adapte

r

Coax Digital

Optical Digita

l

RCA to RC

A

source 1 - analog = solid 1

source

2 - analog = solid 2

source 3 - digital = solid

3

source

4 - digital = solid 4

stereo

off / surround on

Front Display Back Panel Connection Use This Cable Comment

There are 4 source (green) and 1 mute/standby (red) lights.

Push center Source button to toggle through these 5 options
(source 1-analog, source 2-analog, source 3-digital, source 4-digital,
mute/standby)

Connect any source with mini-headphone output. For example, iPod,
portables, or computers. This is also the suggested input to directly
connect to a TV. (see Mini 1/8" to RCA adapter belo

w)

– OR

–

Use adapter for connecting TV, satellite, VCR to analog source 1 input

source 1 sensitivity adjustment

While listening, adjust MAINstage sensitivity knob to achieve
maximum un-distorted volume level. If source has its own volume
control (i.e., TV, iPod) and you want normally use that for adjusting
output level, set sensitivity after setting source level to its maximum
normal volume position (about 70%)

.

Connect any source with mini-headphone output.
For example, portables or computers.
(see adapter at left)

For DVD, CD, Cable, DVR

For DVD, CD, satellite/cable, TiVo/DVR.
Remove the clear caps on cable ends and protective covers
from digital source 4 input.

Press the source button on the remote to toggle between surround
and stereo modes. An illuminated red light indicates surround mode.

When power is initially switched on, the unit defaults to surround
mode. Red light on is surround.

For TV, satellite/cable, VCR, etc.

source 1

sensitivity

adjustment

start here – quick set-up guide

STEP

one

STEP

two

STEP

three

CAUTION: Refer to manufacturer’s
setup guide and bracket instructions
for installation.

Unload and check contents

You should have: a MAINstageHD unit,
owner’s manual, remote control, batteries,
power cord, 2m optical cable, 2m coax cable,
2m stereo 1/8” mini-jack cable, 2m stereo RCA
cable, 2m stereo mini-jack-to-stereo-RCA, and three Angle-Ease™ feet + 1 extra-long threaded post.

RCA pair connector

Optical connector

NOTE: We have supplied the five commonly needed connecting cables. For some applications you may need to
acquire additional cables/adapters (i.e., an additional mini-to-RCA cable. See steps below for hookup details.).

Location & position

For optimum performance and stereo imaging, the system should
be placed directly in front of the listener(s).

Using the outermost holes, insert and adjust the included
AngleEase™ mounting hardware to angle MAINstage so the front
points directly at the listener. Mounting at or above ear level is
usually best.

Note: MAINstage
be placed close to a computer monitor or television without
distorting the image on your screen.

™

is magnetically shielded meaning it can

Make sure there is at least 1” of clearance above, behind, and ideally
at either side of the system to allow bass to flow into the room. Refer
to the Operation Guide FAQs for tips on maximizing bass response.

For discrete rear channel applications, see
operations manual, contact our support
department or visit DOWNLOADS at
www.soundmatters.com

For wall-mounting, a camera-type 1/4”–20
threaded hole has been provided which is
compatible with a wide-range of available
brackets.

Making your connections

The first thing to decide is how you want to use your MAINstageHD.

Mini 1/8” connector

Coax connector

Pick one of the three options to determine the best way to connect your MAINstage…as with many things in life, there are some trade-offs,
in this case, between Best Sound Quality and Easiest Operation. Our chart makes it easy to find the balance best suited to your tastes.

1. Simple with Best Possible Sound from All Sources

Connect the sound from all your sources (DVD, Sat/Cable,
etc.) directly to the MAINstage as shown below. Your volume

and source select will now be controlled by the MAINstage’s
remote control.

2. The Most Simple – but with Best Sound from DVD

Use this if you want best sound for your DVD movies, but aren’t quite as
concerned re: TV sound. Connect to TV as in “3. Simplest,” but
digital audio out from the DVD player. When you want to hear the digital quality
sound from DVDs, just switch to the appropriate digital input on the MAINstage
(at which point volume is now controlled by MAINstage remote). Be sure to
switch back to the TV input (typically analog 1) once you’re done.

also connect the

3. Absolutely the Simplest to use

Connect all sound (audio) sources directly to your TV.
Then connect the TV output to the MAINstage analog

1. No digital sound is possible. Quality is dependent
upon TV audio circuitry. Two plusses are: the volume is

controlled by TV remote and there’s no need to switch
inputs on the MAINstage.

STEP

four

STEP

three

Making your connections (continued)

Subwoofer

Audio Input

Analog RCA In,

use MONO

channel

Subwoofer

Connection Panel

MAINstageHD Connection Panel

Stereo 1/8" Mini-jack
to RCA pair, use LEFT
(white) channel only

Don’t use RIGHT (red)

Cover it with electrical tape to prevent
it from “shorting” the signal.

RCA pair to Stereo 1/8" Mini-jack,

use RIGHT (red) channel only

Don’t use RIGHT (red)

Cover it with electrical tape to prevent
it from “shorting” the signal.

Don’t use RIGHT (red)

Cover it with electrical tape to prevent it from “shorting” the signal.

MAINstage
“Sub Out” 1/8"
Mini-jack Out

MONO

Male-to-female RCA

extension cable

Female-to-female

RCA barrel coupling

Male-to-male RCA

extension cable

Option A

Option B

Option C

LEFT

(white)

LEFT

(white

)

LEFT

(white)

~Here are important BEST SOUND must-read tips for ensuring your audio sources are optimized and connected properly.

If your unit has digital sound, use it for best sound!

Your DVD Player

1. For digital quality and 5.1 sound,
you must use either the Optical or
Coax Digital Audio out

2. Confirm that you DVD player
is optimized by using its set-up
menu to:

a) turn off any built-in surround
or EQ

b) make sure that BITSTREAM,
Dolby®Digital 5.1 or Surround is
selected, and DTS® Off (if this is
an option).

c) confirm the digital audio
output is On.

Your VCR

1. If your VCR is a Stereo model,
you can use the right and left
(red and white) audio out to
connect to either a separate
analog input on the MAINstage.
If you do not have a Stereo
VCR, use your TV audio output
for VCR playback through the
Mainstage. Please note that
there will be no surround sound
to process if your VCR is not
stereo. Analog surround sound
information is only available in a
stereo signal.

Your Cable TV with a Cable Box

1. For digital quality and 5.1 sound, you must use either the
Coax Digital Audio or Optical out from yourcable box. If your cable box doesn’t
have a digital audio output, use the analog L+R (typically red and white).

2. Unfortunately, some cable boxes have digital and/or audio connections on back
that aren't connected internally (pretty cheesy of them isn’t it!). Check with your
cable provider to confirm your boxes features. You must have either a separate
analog or digital audio out to connect directly to the MAINstage. If you don't you will
need to connect using a VCR (see VCR or route through your TV, see Cable without a
Cable Box (next)

Your Cable TV with no Cable Box

(directly from wire out of the wall)

1. From the TV. See TV

2. Cable into VCR into MAINstage (typically better sound quality than from TV).
See VCR

Your Satellite TV
Receiver Box

1. For digital quality and 5.1
sound, you must use either an
Optical or Coax Digital Audio
out from your Satellite receiver.
If your satellite box doesn't
have a digital audio output, use
the analog L+R.

TiVo® or other
Digital Video Recorder

1. For best sound, if available,
always use the digital audio out
connection.

iPods, Portable Music Players

and Clocks

1. For best sound, always use a digital audio
out if available.

2. If using the a headphone jack connection
(analog 1), typically you will want to confirm
the MAINstage’s back panel Sensitivity knob is
turned to HI.

3. As with many of today’s newest electronics
products, MAINstage’s digital power supply
may interfere with AM radio reception.

Computer

1. For best sound, always use a digital
audio out if available.

2. If using the a headphone jack
connection (analog-source 1), typically you will
want to confirm the MAINstage’s back panel
Sensitivity knob is turned to HI.

SUBstage™ Powered Subwoofer

1. Connecting to the SUBstage is ultra
simple. Most of the adjustments are
pre-set to match the MAINstage.

2. See the SUBstage Set-up Guide and
Operation Manual for details.

Other Powered Subwoofer

Follow the instructions to the right
with Options A, B, & C for correct

hookup of an optional subwoofer.

1. If connecting to another brand sub-woofer,
first make sure it has its own amplifier and is
designed with performance and the proper
connections to work with a high quality a/v
system, not computer speakers.

Ë

~ Important note:

Connect only the LEFT RCA connector
(typically WHITE) from the adapter out
of the MAINstageHD to the MONO input
of your subwoofer.

n Connect power cord

n Select source and enjoy

OR

Got questions?

Contact your authorized soundmatters HD dealer

or our soundmatters support department.

Connect to 130kHz,
95–265Vac.
Make sure the
power cord is
very firmly
pushed into the
MAINstage’s
receptacle.

n Set bass level for

n Load batteries into remote

internal subwoofer

Use your remote to
adjust the relative bass
output from the internal
subwoofer. (This also
controls the external
subwoofers, if connected).

n Confirm that vacation

power switch is on

On is (– ).
Off is (O ).

Additional Hook-up/Operation Tips

a) When the MAINstage “turns-on” it always starts up in SURROUND mode.

b) The vacation power switch should normally be left on.

c) If you are using your a MAINstage as the rear channels of a discrete surround

system, contact our support department or see DOWNLOADS at our website.

d) If you need to convert one of your digital sources to either Coax or Optical out

to match MAINstage’s available input, Digital Signal Converters are available,
i.e., RadioShack #15-1228.

e) Some Plasma and LCD TVs emit noise which may interfere with the

MAINstage’s remote control operation. If you have a problem, contact
soundmatters support department.

soundmatters, inc. san francisco, california
tel [phone] toll-free (usa) 800.698 SOMA (7662) fax [phone]
email [e-mail] www.soundmatters.com

©2005 soundmatters, inc.