Neumann MA 1 Monitor Alignment Microphone

Neumann's automatic monitor alignment MA 1 ensures the best possible sound quality from home studios to professional control rooms. The individually calibrated measurement microphone analyzes your acoustic environment in a guided process. Advanced calibration algorithms, jointly developed with the world's leading institute in audio processing, Fraunhofer IIS, guarantee an optimally adapted amplitude and phase correction for exact and reliable monitoring.

The MA 1 is a dedicated tool for stereo sets of KH 80 DSP monitors with or without the KH 750 DSP as well as two non DSP-based KH-Line monitors connected to the analog outputs of a KH 750 DSP subwoofer. It is an integrated solution with novel algorithms, developed specifically for Neumann studio monitors. No plug-in or special audio driver is required: alignment data is stored and processed within the DSP-powered monitors themselves. The software not only optimizes the amplitude response, but also optimizes the phase. This provides highest accuracy in terms of tonality and impulse reproduction.

In the first step, acoustic data of the listening environment is gathered in a guided process. Simply connect your Neumann monitors to the outputs of your audio interface or monitor controller. DSP-based KH-line monitors must be connected to your computer's ethernet port, or a standard ethernet switch for multiple connections.

Next, plug the measurement microphone into your microphone input. Software guides you through the measurement process.

Data gathered from the microphone input ascertains the room's acoustic properties. The individual correction parameters are generated according to a room-specific target curve calculated by the software; you can modify the target curve. Additionally, the alignment process ensures an optimal summation in the low frequencies when a subwoofer is used. All resulting correction parameters are stored and processed in the DSP-powered monitors.

The MA 1 offers the beginning of a new era in monitoring. Delivering outstanding acoustic results for stereo setups, the range of software functions will be expanded step by step with updates.

Neumann MA 1 Features

• Calibration algorithms jointly developed with Fraunhofer IIS
• For stereo setups with KH 80 DSP and all pairs of analog (non DSP-based) Neumann monitors using KH 750 DSP subwoofers
• Individually calibrated measurement microphone
• Room adaptive target curve
• Phase and amplitude optimization for analog Neumann monitors
• For Mac and PC

• MA 1 Monitor Alignment Microphone1

• Acoustical operating principle Pressure transducer
• Directional Pattern Omnidirectional
• Frequency Range 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Sensitivity at 1 kHz into 1 kohm 30 mV/Pa -30 dBV +/- 3 dB uncalibrated | 30 mV/Pa -30 dBV +/- 0,5 dB Calibrated (via software)
• Rated Impedance 50 Ohms
• Rated load impedance 1000 Ohms
• Equivalent noise level, CCIR1) 39 dB
• Equivalent noise level, A-weighted1) 27 dB-A
• Maximum SPL for THD 0.5%2) 132 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio, CCIR (re. 94 dB SPL)1) 55 dB
• Signal-to-noise ratio, A-weighted (re. 94 dB SPL)1) 67 dB
• Maximum output voltage 10 dBu
• Supply voltage (P48, IEC 61938) 48 V ± 4 V
• Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938) 3 mA
• Matching connector XLR3F
• Weight 37 g
• Diameter 23 mm
• Length 117 mm
• Operating conditions 0 °C - +70 °C (32 °F - 158 °F); max. 90 % at +20 °C
• Transport/storage conditions −20 °C - +70 °C (−4 °F - 158 °F); max. 90 % at +20 °C
• Notes
  • 1) according to IEC 60268-1; CCIR-weighting acccording to CCIR 468-3, quasi peak; A-weighting according to IEC 61672-1, RMS
  • 2) measured as equivalent el. input signal
• Hardware Requirements
  • 1 pair of KH DSP loudspeakers OR up to 2 KH 750 DSP subwoofers in combination with a pair of analog (non-DSP based) KH loudspeakers
  • Neumann MA 1 measurement microphone
  • Computer (Windows 10 64 bit and macOS 10.13, 10.14, 10.15 or 11.0)
  • Audio interface with balanced analog input with 48V phantom power and 2 balanced analog outputs or digital AES3 output (only with KH 750 DSP)
  • Network switch
  • Screen resolution of 1280x720 px or higher
• Software Requirements
  • Operating system: Windows 10 64 bit and macOS 10.13, 10.14, 10.15 or 11.0
  • Neumann MA 1 - Automatic Monitor Alignment software
  • ASIO driver (for Windows)
  • IPv6 suppored and enabled
• Compatible Loudspeakers
  • DSP loudspeakers (network-enabled): These loudspeakers and subwoofers are network-enabled and can be controlled directly by the software:
    • KH 80 DSP
    • KH 750 DSP
• Analog loudspeakers (not network-enabled)
  • These loudspeakers are not networked enabled and need to be connected via a network-enabled subwoofer in order to be included in the system setup:
    • KH 120 A
    • KH 120 D
    • KH 310 A
    • KH 310 D
    • KH 420 / KH 420+DIM 1