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MC16
Mastering Monitor Controller
Manual
Page 2
Page 3
MC16
Version 1.2 – 06/ 2018 2
Package Contents 2
Introduction 3
Product Registration 3
The centerpiece of your mastering studio 3
Technical Aspects 4
120 Volt Technology 4
120 Volt Technology - Diagrams 5
Installation 6
Voltage Selection 6
First Steps 6
Cabling: Rear Side 7
XLR inputs and outputs 7
Ground Lift switch to avoid ground loops 7
Input 1 Channels 1 - 8 10
Input 1 Channels 9 - 16 10
Input 2 Channels 1 - 8 10
Input 1 Channels 9 - 16 10
Speaker Outputs 1 - 16 10
Pairing DMC and MC 16 11
Content
Control Elements 12
Input 1 / Input 2 13
Speakers 13
Monitoring Level 14
Mute 14
Solo 14
Dim 14
Presets A, B, C 14
Specications 15
Measurements 15
Security Advices 16
Notes on Environmental Protection 17
Contact 18
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Version 1.2 – 06/ 2018
Developer: Bastian Neu
This manual includes a description of the product but no guarantee as for specific
characteristics or successful results.
Unless stated otherwise, everything herein corresponds to the technical status at the
time of delivery of the product and user manual by SPL electronics GmbH.
The design and circuitry are under continuous development and improvement.
Technical specifications are subject to change.
Package Contents
MC16 Mastering Monitor Controller
Power cord
Manual
The MC16 Mastering Monitor Controller is available in different colors.
Black: Model 1760
Red: Model 1764
Do consider keeping the original packaging. It can come in very useful whenever you
need to transport your gear. If there is ever the need to send it in for repair, the original
packaging guarantees a safe shipment.
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Introduction
Product Registration
Register your device to get useful information concerning the product. On the front
page of this manual you will find a QR code, which includes the link to the registration form and automatically fills in the serial number and product name into the form.
Alternatively you can also call up the online form with your internet browser via the following link: https://spl.audio/register
The centerpiece of your mastering studio
The new
Mastering Monitor Controller.
Today’s mastering studios must be prepared for Dolby Atmos® and Auro 3D® projects.
Monitoring up to 16 channels in a quality that is on par with state-of-the-art stereo was
hard to achieve – until now.
The new MC16 sports the world’s first 16-gang precision potentiometer which was
specially designed for SPL.
To seamlessly integrate multi-channel monitoring into a stereo mastering environment
we developed a way of pairing the MC16 with our DMC stereo mastering console. The
combination of DMC and MC16 allows mastering studios to work in all current audio play
back formats at the same quality level, all without reconnecting any speakers.
The MC16 Mastering Console was designed, developed and manufactured in Germany.
MC16 Mastering Monitor Controller
– model 1760/1764 is a 16 Channel
-
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Technical Aspects
120 Volt Technology
SPL‘s goal was to push analog signal processing to the limits. That‘s why we combined
the best possible components with a high-grade optimized circuit design.
We have been using the in-house developed 120-volt technology - the highest-ever operating voltage used for audio applications - in all our products from the Mastering series
for years. Some of the most highly respected Mastering studios today revolve around
SPL consoles and signal processors from our Mastering series (Bob Ludwigs Gateway
Mastering & DVD in the USA, Simon Heyworth‘s Super Audio Mastering in the UK, Galaxy
Studios in Belgium, and the legendary Wisseloord in the Netherlands, for instance).
The 120-volt technology is based on op-amps developed internally by SPL‘s co-founder
and Chief Developer Wolfgang Neumann. The MC16 Mastering Monitor Controller features the most advanced generation of these op-amps. They boast with even better tech
specs thanks to the thermal behavior optimization they underwent under the hands of
Bastian Neu.
Ultimately, the supply voltage is key for the overall dynamic response of a processor.
Voltage is to an electrical circuit what cylinder capacity is to an internal combustion
engine:
You can‘t replace cylinder capacity with anything else, except more cylinder
capacity.
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Technical Aspects
-115
THD&N
120 Volt Technology - Diagrams
These diagrams clearly show the advantages of our 120-volt technology in comparison
to other circuits with a lower operating voltage. The direct relation between operating
level and maximum level is fundamental for the classification: the higher the operating
level, the higher the maximum level a circuit can handle. And since virtually all essential
acoustic and musical parameters depend on this relation, a higher operating voltage also
has a positive impact on the dynamic range, distortion limit and signal-to-noise ratio. The
result is a clearly more laid-back and natural sound with less unpleasant coloring.
Do bear in mind that dB scales do not represent linear but rather exponential increases. A
3 dB increase corresponds to doubling the acoustic power, +6 dB correspond to twice the
sound pressure level, and +10 dB correspond to twice the perceived loudness.
Volt
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
dBu Dynamic Range
145
140
135
130
125
120
30 V
+/- 15 Volt +/- 18 Volt +/- 60 Volt
124,2
OPA 134@30 V OPA 134@36 V SPL-OP@120 V
Operational Voltages
120 V
36 V
141,4
129,1
dBu
35
30
25
dBu
-105
-107
-109
-111
-113
20
15
10
5
0
21,5
OPA 134@30 V OPA 134@36 V SPL-OP@120 V
TL 071@30 V OPA 134@36 V SPL-OP@120 V
106
Maximum Levels
33,2
22,5
111,7
114,2
When it comes to volume, the 120-volt technology exhibits a performance that is twice
that of common components and circuits, in regard to maximum level and dynamic range,
with values that are approximately 10 dB higher. THD measurements of the SPL op-amps
show a difference of more than 3 dB compared to the OPA134 at 36 V — in terms of sound
pressure level, that corresponds to an improvement of more than 50%.
The operating level most commonly used for audio equipment is 30 volts.
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Installation
Voltage Selection
Before connecting the MC16 Mastering Monitor Controller to the mains, make sure that
the voltage selection corresponds to the values of your local power grid (230 or 115
volts). Inside the power connector, to the right, next to the on/off switch, there is an
opening that displays the voltage selected. If the voltage indicated does not correspond
to the one required, change it by following this procedure:
Open the power connector lid with a small screwdriver (use the tiny slots on the right
hand side). Use the screwdriver to lever the red fuse holder from above until you can
grab it. Take the fuse holder out and replace the fuse with one corresponding to the local
power grid specifications. You can find the adequate values on the rear of the unit or on
page 15 of this user‘s manual. Turn the fuse holder around 180 degrees and place it back
again. When you close the lid again, you should see the correct voltage displayed in the
opening.
On the product site on our website (http://mc16.spl.audio) you will find a video concerning the topic “Changing the mains voltage”. If you ever have to exchange a fuse, we
recommend the video “Exchange defective fuses”.
First Steps
Before turning on the MC16 Mastering Monitor Controller you must first connect the
included 3-pin power cord to the 3-pin IEC socket. The transformer, power cord and IEC
socket all comply to the VDE, UL and CSA regulations.
The MC16 Mastering Monitor Controller should not be installed in close proximity to
equipment that emits magnetic fields or emanates heat. Avoid exposure to heat, moisture, dust, and vibrations. Do not install the MC16 close to any power amps or digital
processors. Instead, install it in a fully “analog rack” where any interferences can be
avoided (Word Clock, SMPTE, MIDI etc.).
The unit should be powered off before connecting or disconnecting any cables or equipment to it.
Use the On/Off switch on the rear panel to turn the unit on or off. The illuminated red LED
on the Monitoring Level Control and the illuminated buttons on the front of the Mastering
Monitor Controller MC16 indicate the unit‘s operating status. The On/Off switch was
placed on the rear panel to avoid any emissions due to voltage-carrying conductors running across the unit and affecting sound. When powering on or off, there‘s no need to
observe a specific sequence regarding the connected devices. However, like with any
audio signal chain, power amplifiers should always be powered on last and powered off
first. The MC16 can be powered on and off with the use of a circuit breaker, as long as the
total load does not exceed the rating of the latter.
After switching on the MC16 the software version is indicated through a button (for
example 1) lighting up. Then all buttons light up top down. Af terwards the start configuration is loaded. Input 1 is selected to monitor. All 16 speaker outputs are activated and
the Mute button is active for safety reasons. To monitor Input 1 the Mute button has to
be deactivated! When powering on the device for the next time, the respective last setting is loaded.
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Cabling: Rear Side
XLR inputs and outputs
We used exclusively Switchcraft/Neutrik XLR input and output plugs to guarantee perfect
connectivity in the studio. They provide an optimal connection thanks to their electromechanical design and large contact surface.
The image shows the XLR connectors pinout. They are balanced and have three conductors or wires. Conductor 2 (Pin 2) corresponds to the (+) or hot Signal.
In case an unbalanced connection is necessary, the correct polarity of the conductors
needs to be observed.
Input Output
balanced
2
3
1
unbalanced
2
1
3
balanced
1
3
2
unbalanced
2
1
3
1=GND
2=hot (+)
3=cold (-)
Ground Lift switch to avoid ground loops
On the rear panel of the MC16 Mastering Monitor Controller (see page 8) is also a „GND
LIFT“ (Ground Lift) switch to avoid any ground loops. Ground loops take place when gear
connected in the same network have different potentials.
The GND LIFT switch disconnects the equipment ground from the service ground to avoid
such problems. The Ground Lift function is activated (= equipment ground disconnected)
when the switch is depressed.
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Cabling: Rear Side
INPUT 1 – Channels 9-16
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
1
~115 V AC/~230 V AC; 50 Hz/60 Hz; P max. 90 W
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
Voltage Selection Fuses
1. Remove Fuse Ho lder
2. Exchan ge Fuses
3. Flip Over
4. Reinstall
Serial
Number
Made in Germany spl.info
ATTENTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUV RIR
115V:
T 2 A L 250V
230V:
T 1 A L 250V
MC16
1 Voltage (see details on page 6)
GND LIFT
9-1 6
230
GND LIFT
GND
6
1-8
INPUT 2
9-1 6
4
2
GND LIFT
15 16
1516
5
INPUT 2
13 14
1314
1-8
INPUT 1 – Channels 9-16
11 12
1112
9 10
910
2 Ground-Lift (see details on page 7)
3 Inputs 1 Channels 1 - 8
4 Inputs 1 Channels 9 - 16
5 Inputs 2 Channels 1 - 8
6 Inputs 2 Channels 9 - 16
7 Speaker Outputs 1 - 16
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Cabling: Rear Side
3
INPUT 1 – Channels 1-8
7 8
5 6
3 4
1 2
78
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
7 8
78
56
INPUT 1 – Channels 1-8
5 6
56
34
3 4
34
Pin assignment of a DB-25 connector (Tascam standard)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
GCHGCHGCH GCHGCHGCHGCHGCH
12
1 2
12
13
25
G=GROUND (GND), C=COLD (-), H=HOT (+)
1
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Rear Side: Connections
Input 1 Channels 1 - 8
In the first eight channels of the 16-channel input section ‘Input 1’, the MC16 features
balanced XLR input jacks (female). This is quiet helpful if you (for example) pair the MC16
with an SPL DMC, because in this way single cable connections can easily be connected
back and forth to the DMC.
Input 1 Channels 9 - 16
Input channels 9-16 of the 16-channel input section ‘Input 1’ are led through an
eight-channel DB-25 connector into the MC16. The DB-25 connector is assigned according to the pin assignment of the Tascam standards and it is also balanced. The DB-25 pin
assignment (Tascam standard) is shown in the diagram on page 9.
Input 2 Channels 1 - 8
Input channels 1-8 of the 16-channel input section ‘Input 2’ are led through an eight-channel DB-25 connector into the MC16. The DB-25 connector is assigned according to the pin
assignment of the Tascam standards and and it is wired balanced.
Input 1 Channels 9 - 16
The inputs channels 9-16 of the 16-channel input section ‘Input 2’ are led through an
eight-channel DB-25 connector into the MC16. Of course the DB-25 connector is assigned
according to the pin assignment of the Tascam standards and wired balanced.
Speaker Outputs 1 - 16
The MC16 features 16 speaker outputs, to which active speakers or power amplifier can
be connected. All 16 outputs are balanced XLR output jacks (male).
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Rear Side: Connections
Pairing MC16 and DMC
The following diagram shows an example of the pairing of DMC and MC 16 for a 16 channel surround setup. In case the MC16 is used as a stand-alone device, it is possible to
connect the output pair 1/2 of the DAC directly to the inputs 1 and 2 at the MC16. Thus,
louspeakers L and R are connected to the speaker outputs 1 and 2, as well as the LFE output to the speaker output 4 of the MC16.
If the MC16 is used as a stand-alone device, the output pair 1/2 of the DAC can of course
be connected to the inputs 1 and 2. Thus, loudspeakers L and R are connected to the
loudspeaker outputs 1 and 2 as well as the LFE loudspeaker at the speaker output 4 of the
MC16.
On the product website we provide an SPL MC16 video manual: mc16.spl.audio
Find fur ther information about the SPL DMC Mastering Console on the product website:
dmc.spl.audio
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Control Elements
Dim Mute
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Speakers
2
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
1 Input 1 / Input 2
2 Speakers
3 Monitor Level
4 Mute
5 Dim
6 Solo
1
Input 2Input 1
12
7 Preset A, B, C
Labeling
It is possible to individually label all buttons. A labelling foil which features the most common surround speaker designations is included in this manual. To insert the label into the
button you have to cut out the respective label, remove the cover of the respective button
and put the label between this cover and the inlay. Of course it is also possible to design
your own labels. Therefore you can download a template at mc16.spl.audio.
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Solo
6
Dim Mute
5
4
4
2
-
9
2
-
2
3
-
6
3
-
2
4
-
7
4
-
8
5
-
r
o
L
t
i
n
o
M
8
1
-
9
1
-
0
2
-
3
0
9
-
dB
120V DC Audio Rail
Control Elements
e
v
e
l
-
1
7
-
1
5
-
1
3
-
1
0
-
7
.
5
-
4
.
5
-
2
.
5
-
0
.
5
-
0
.
2
0
A
B
C
Presets
7
MC16
mas tering
monitor
controller
Model 1760
A
Bastian
Neu
Design
Input 1 / Input 2
With the four buttons of the input section, you can select between the four different stereo inputs of the category inputs. This selected source can be routed with the Insert and
recorded with the Recording Output. Only one button can be activated in this section. If
another button is pushed, this button is activated. A multiple selection is not possible.
The current selection is visualized by the button lighting up. If the button is pushed a
second time, the Direct Input Monitoring is activated. This mode is indicated by a blinking
Input button. In this mode, all functions processing the input signal are not led on the
monitoring bus but stay on the recording bus.
Speakers
With the sixteen buttons of the speaker section you can activate the respective speaker
outputs on the rear of the MC16 (Speaker Outputs 1 – 16). If a button lights yellow, the
respective output is active. The 16 inputs of Input 1 and Input 2 are forwarded to the outputs without any further routing options. Channel 1, wheter from Input 1 or Input 2, consequently is always routed to speaker output 1. According to this and to give you another
example, Channel 7, whether from Input 1 or Input 2, is always routed to speaker output 7.
This is particularly useful, because in this way the initial routing of a DAW session always
corresponds to the routing of the MC16.
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Control Elements
Monitoring Level
With this 16-gang potentiometer, you can control the level of the monitoring, which
basically means the level of the speakers. This analog potentiometer is the world‘s first
16-gang precision potentiometer, specially designed for SPL. Thanks to the red LED on
the control, you can always see your current setting, even in dark studio surroundings.
Mute
With the Mute button all outputs are turned off, without you having to adjust the volume
setting at the Monitoring Level control. When the Mute button is active, it lights red.
Solo
With the Solo button, the MC16 is switched into Solo mode. If the Solo mode is active, the
Solo button lights red. If you now press the button of the speaker section, it is the only
button active and all other buttons are deactivated. This way it is possible to monitor this
selected channel in Solo mode. If the Solo mode is deactivated, the previous selection of
speaker outs is activated again.
Dim
This Dim button reduces the monitoring volume within the monitoring section, more precisely it reduces the output signal at the speaker outputs by -20dB. If the Dim button is
active, it lights yellow.
Presets A, B, C
With the three buttons of the Preset section it is (for example) possible to save and recall
frequently repeating surround formats. If for example you’d like to create a 5.1 preset, the
first six channels (Channel 1-6, Speakers 1-6) have to be activated (L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs).
If you now press the button Preset A until it blinks, this preset is saved. But you can also
create Solo presets for a fast monitoring of certain speaker groups. Therefore you have
to activate the Solo button. If, for example, you want to create a Solo group with ceiling
loudspeakers of a 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos® format, you have to select the respective channels
(Channel 11-16, Speakers 11-16). If you then press button Preset B until it flashes the Solo
group is saved on this preset. You can save six presets in total. 3 Solo presets and 3 surround format presets.
You can find further information concerning this topic within the SPL MC16 video manual
(title: “ScreenShow”) on the product website: mc16.spl.audio
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Measurements
Inputs
Max. Input Level ................................. + 32,5 dBu
Input Inpedance ................................. 20 kOhm (sym.)
Outputs
Max. Output Level ......................................................... + 32,5 dBu
Output Impedance ......................................................... ‹ 600 Ohm (sym.)
Noise (unweighted) ................................................................... - 97,3 dBu
Noise (A-weighted) ................................................................... - 102,4 dBu
Noise (CCIR) ............................................................................. - 100,8 dBu
THD & N (at 24dBu) .................................................................. › 112 dB
Common-Mode-Rejection (at 0 dBu).......................................... › -82 dBu
Specications
Crosstalk (adjacent channels, at 1kHz) ...................................... -100 dBu
Transmission Bandwidth: 10 Hz-200 kHz
10 Hz = -0,12 dB; 100 kHz = -0,42 dB; 200 kHz = -1,3 dB
Power Consumption: ..................................... 0,29 Amp, 230V/50Hz, 50 Watt, 65,7 VA
0,58 Amp, 115V/60Hz, 50 Watt, 65,7 VA
Fuses ........................................................... 230 V/50 Hz: 1 Amp
115 V/60 Hz: 2 Amp
Dimensions
Standard EIA 19 Inch Housing/2U ........... 482 x 88 x 300 mm / ca. 19“ x 3,5“ x 11,8“
(front panel excl.)
Weight ................................................... 8,4 kg / 18,51 lb
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Security Advices
Connections
Only use the connections as described. Other connections can lead to health risks and
damage the equipment.
Water and humidity
Do not use this device anywhere near water (for example in a bath room, a damp cellar, near swimming pools, or similar environments). Otherwise your are dealing with an
extremely high risk of fatal electrical shocks!
Insertion of objects or fluids
Be careful to not insert any object into any of the chassis openings. You can otherwise
easily come into contact with dangerous voltage or cause a damaging short circuit. Never
allow any fluids to be spilled or sprayed on the device. Such actions can lead to dangrous
electrical shocks or fire!
Ventilation
The vent openings on the unit are meant to avoid the PASSEQ from overheating. You
should never cover nor block these openings.
Power Supply
Power the unit exclusively with the voltage rating specified on the unit. In case of doubt,
contact your local dealer or electric provider. Disconnect the unit from the electric power
grid if you are not going to use it for a long period of time. Unplug the power chord from
the mains to cut power supply to the unit. Always make sure that the mains plug is easily
accessible.
Opening the unit
Simply put: DON‘T, if you are not a certified SPL technician or engineer. Really: Do not
open the device housing, as there is great risk you will damage the device, or – even after
being disconnected – you may receive a dangerous electrical shock!
Cord protection
Make sure that your power and audio signal cords are arranged to avoid being stepped on
or any kind of crimping and damage related to such event. Do not allow any equipment or
furniture to crimp the cords. Power connection overloads: Avoid any kind of overload in
connections to wall sockets, extension or splitter power cords, or signal inputs. Always
keep manufacturer warnings and instructions in mind.
Overloads create fire hazards and risk of dangerous shocks!
Lightning
16
Before thunderstorms or other severe weather, disconnect the device from wall power;
do not do this during a storm in order to avoid life threatening lightning strikes. Similarly,
before any severe weather, disconnect all the power connections of other devices and
antenna and phone/network cables which may be interconnected so that no lightning
damage or overload results from such secondary connections.
Page 19
Security Advices
Controls and switches
Operate the controls and switches only as described in the manual. Incorrect adjustments
outside safe parameters can lead to damage and unnecessary repair costs. Never use the
switches or level controls to effect excessive or extreme changes.
Repairs
Unplug the unit from all power and signal connections and immediately contact a qualified technician when you think repairs are needed – or when moisture or foreign objects
may accidentally have reached inside the housing, or in cases when the device may have
fallen and shows any sign of having been damaged. This also applies to any situation in
which the unit has not been subjected to any of these unusual circumstances but still is
not functioning normally or its performance is substantially altered. In cases of damage
to the power supply and cord, first consider turning off the main circuit breaker before
unplugging the power cord.
Replacement/substitute parts
Be sure that any service technician uses original replacement par ts or those with identical
specifications as the originals. Incorrectly substituted parts can lead to fire, electrical
shock or other dangers, including further equipment damage. Safety inspection: Be sure
always to ask a service technician to conduct a thorough safety check and ensure that the
state of the repaired device is in all respects up to factory standards.
Cleaning
Do not use any solvents, as these can damage the chassis finish. Use a clean, dry cloth (if
necessary, with an acid-free cleaning oil). Disconnect the device from your power source
before cleaning.
Notes on Environmental Protection
At the end of its operating life, this product must not be disposed of with regular household waste but must be returned to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and
electronic equipment. The wheelie bin symbol on the product, user‘s manual and packaging indicates that. The materials can be reused in accordance with their markings.
Through reuse, recycling of raw materials, or other forms of recycling of old products, you
are making an important contribution to the protection of our environment.
Your local administrative office can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point.
WEEE Registration: 973 349 88.
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Contact
SPL electronics GmbH
Sohlweg 80
41372 Niederkrüchten
Fon (0 21 63) 98 34 0
Fax (0 21 63) 98 34 20
E-Mail: info@spl.audio
Follow us on our Blog, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook:
Website & Blog: spl.audio
Facebook: facebook.spl.audio
Instagram: instagram.spl.audio
Twitter: twitter.spl.audio
Videos: youtube.spl.audio
© 2018 SPL electronics GmbH
This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner,
in part or fully, without prior authorization by SPL. Sound Performance Lab (SPL) continuously strives to improve its products and reserves the right to modify the product
described in this manual at any time without prior notice.
SPL and the SPL Logo are registered trademarks of SPL electronics GmbH.
All company names and product names in this manual are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
18
Declaration of CE Conformity
The construction of this unit is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the
European Community.
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