MK Sound MPS-5310 - Manual (Page 8)

7. RESPONSE AND SENSITIVITY ADJUSTMENTS
The MPS-5310 features user adjustable response, sensitivity and crossover adjustments in order to allow
for easy integration into any monitoring system or acoustical space. Make sure to use the settings that
best match your specific components so that double filtering does not occur and so that the desired (most
accurate) response is achieved.
Using the MPS-5310 with External Bass-Management Electronics
The following is an overview of how the subwoofer should be wired when used with an external bass- man-
agement system, such as the M&K Professional LFE-4 or LFE-5. These guidelines should also be fol-
lowed when the subwoofer is used with a consumer Dolby Digital or THX decoder.
Connect the subwoofer output from your bass-management box directly to either the XLR input of the sub-
woofer or the mono-unbalanced RCA input. Since all the bass-management filtering is being done exter-
nally, the internal low pass filter should be set to THX mode so it is bypassed.
The phase switch should set to whichever modes yields the smoothest response at crossover. This can
be confirmed by using a spectral analyzer, or by listening tests.
Bass EQ should be set to whichever mode yields the flattest low frequency response. Typically because
of a phenomenon known as room gain, it has been found that the THX mode yields the flattest in-room
response. This mode also yields the maximum headroom.
If additional low frequency extension is required the subwoofer can be switched to its extended mode,
which typically results in a rising characteristic below 30Hz, when measured in room.
Because most external bass-management boxes provide their own output adjustment for the subwoofer, it
is recommended that the subwoofers input gain switch be set to THX mode. This mode is equal to the ref-
erence seting on the variable gain knob.
Additional Suggestions Regarding Low-Pass Filter Settings
The MPS-5310 features an adjustable 36dB per octave, variable low-pass filter. This filter can be useful
when using this subwoofer with non M&K Professional monitors so as to help provide a perfect match at
crossover between the main speaker and the subwoofer.
The low-pass filter should be set to the 24dB/80Hz filter setting when using the MPS-5310 with a bass-
management controller that does not have a low-pass filter (such as the M&K LFE-3).
8. CALIBRATING THE MPS-5310 SUBWOOFER SYSTEM USING
THE M&K PROFESSIONAL TEST CD AND LFE-4 BASS
MANAGEMENT CONTROLLER
1. For the setup procedure you will need the following equipment:
A. An SPL meter- Radio Shack has an Analog SPL meter available for around $40.00. Do not
use the Radio Shack digital SPL meter; its response is different from that of the analog unit
and due to longer time-constants is more difficult for users to interpret.
B. The M&K Professional Test CD.
C. A small flat bladed screwdriver or “tweaker” to adjust the channel balance trim pots.
D. A CD player.
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