USER GUIDE
IMPORTANT Warranty Please take a few moments to register your product by completing the warranty online at: www.pmc-speakers.com This also gives you the opportunity to make suggestions and provide feedback directly to us. 5 YEARS Register now for your UNRIVALLED five year warranty Product Support For product support, accessories, or servicing advice please contact a PMC authorised representative. See: www.pmc-speakers.
OUR GOAL Our sole aim while designing loudspeakers is to recreate the true essence of an artist’s intention, combining the maximum possible sonic resolution with solid engineering principles. We believe that the same loudspeaker can be used throughout the entire audio chain, from composer to studio or film stage, post-production or mastering and then, finally, the audiophile at home.
CONTENTS • Important Information • Our Goal • Contents • Important Safety Information • Unpacking and Care — What’s in the Box? • Introduction • ATL™ Advanced Transmission Line: How it works • Models - PMC6, PMC6-2, PMC8-2, PMC8 SUB, PMC-8-2 SUB • Controls and Connections • Signal Flow • Illuminated PMC Logo • Running-In • Positioning • User Controls • SoundAlign Web Interface • XBD System Configuration • Accessories • Specifications • The PMC Professional Range • Service • Meticulous Care and Attention • O
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1 Read and keep these instructions. 2 Heed all warnings and follow all instructions. 3 Do not use this apparatus near water. 4 Clean only with a dry non-abrasive cloth. Do not use solvents, abrasives, waxes or liquids as they may be detrimental to the cabinet finish. 5 Do not inhibit airflow around the unit. A free flow of air behind the loudspeaker is necessary to maintain sufficient cooling. A minimum of 80mm (3-inches) is required.
16 Powerful magnets employed in these loudspeakers may have a detrimental effect on magnetically sensitive items if placed too close, such as CRT televisions, audio/video tape and cassettes. 17 Disconnect the speaker from the mains supply before removing an expansion card or the expansion card blanking cover. Ensure that an expansion card or the expansion card blanking cover is fitted and secured in place before reconnecting the speaker to the mains supply.
UNPACKING AND CARE Our active monitors are packed in heavy-duty protective cartons. Please retain these to ensure that the loudspeakers can be transported safely if the need arises in the future. If you dispose of the packaging please do so in an environmentally responsible and safe way. PMC monitors provide many years of trouble-free operation, but in the unlikely event that you suspect damage or failure has occurred do not attempt to repair the unit yourself. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.
INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing PMC products. Please read this user guide and install your new monitors according to the advice you’ll find in the following pages. Discerning music makers regard our monitors as the absolute reference; PMC speakers are found throughout the audio chain, from composer to recording or mixing, through post-production, mastering, and broadcast.
ADVANCED TRANSMISSION LINE: HOW IT WORKS PMC’s unique ATL™ (Advanced Transmission Line) cabinet enclosures have taken loudspeaker design to the highest level, using sophisticated construction methods, specifically optimised and proprietary drive units, and patented absorption materials and techniques. The benefits are enormous compared to the relatively simple sealed and ported designs currently available elsewhere.
MODELS The PMC6, PMC6-2, and PMC8-2 monitors, and the PMC8 SUB and PMC8-2 SUB all share the following features: • Analogue/AES3 digital input (16/24-bit, 18 -192kHz sample rate) • Digital ‘through’ output (AES3 24-bit 96kHz) • Rear-panel LCD display and rotary encoders for user settings • Sophisticated DSP crossover, driver protection, EQ, and delay/polarity options • SoundAlign network control interface for single or group EQ & settings • Independent, state-of-the-art, Class-D amplifier for each drive unit
PMC6-2 • Active 3-way nearfield reference monitor with ATL™ bass loading • HF: PMC 1” soft-dome tweeter with 400W amplifier • MF: PMC55 2” soft-dome midrange with 400W amplifier • LF: 2x PMC 6” Studio6 woofers with 400W amplifier per driver • Frequency response: 33Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis) • Max. cont.
PMC8 SUB • Active reference subwoofer with ATL™ bass loading • PMC 8” Studio8 woofer with 300W amplifier • Frequency response: 25Hz - 500Hz (- 3dB @1m full space, on-axis) • Max. cont. SPL: 109dB (@ 1m quarter space, 20-20kHz 12dB crest-factor pink noise for 2 hrs) • Designed as a stand-alone subwoofer or to integrate perfectly with a PMC6 to create a PMC6 XBD system.
CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS 2 1 3 4 2 1 5 6 3 4 8 7 6 5 1 7 8 LCD Display The top row of the LCD indicates the PARAMETER, whilst the bottom row displays the VALUE of that parameter. 2 Rotary Encoders Used to modify the speaker’s settings. Rotate the top encoder to change to a different PARAMETER. Rotate the bottom encoder to modify the VALUE of said parameter. Press & hold the top encoder to show the firmware version. Press the bottom encoder to switch between coarse & fine parameter mode.
If the speaker is being fed with an analogue signal the through output will send a digitised version of that analogue signal on both channels (L and R) of the AES3 output. If the input is an AES3 signal, the through output carries the same two channels (L and R) at 96kHz. N.B. The maximum recommended number of speakers in one chain is 4. 4 Analogue & Digital Input An XLR3f input socket receives both balanced analogue signals and AES3 digital signals.
SIGNAL FLOW Audio enters the monitor via an XLR connector which can accept analogue or digital AES3 signals. Analogue signals pass through a low-noise, lowdistortion balanced input with variable gain staging, followed by a high performance 24-bit 96kHz ADC. The digital input accepts 16- or 24-bit AES3 signals up to 192kHz.
ILLUMINATED PMC LOGO The illuminated PMC logo on the front of the speaker indicates its current status. Colour Status White Normal operation Off (logo not lit) Normal operation with brightness set to min.
RUNNING-IN When new, PMC monitors require a short period of running-in before they reach their full potential. This is because the mechanical and acoustical characteristics of the bass, midrange and treble drive units alter slightly after manufacture as the flexible elements in their construction relax and reach their optimum compliancy. The ATL™ cabinet parameters are critically designed to load the bass driver accurately only when it has reached its long-term, optimal compliancy.
POSITIONING With their unique ATL™ cabinet design, wide dispersion, ultra-low distortion, and gentle bass roll-off, PMC loudspeakers are more forgiving of difficult room conditions and placement constraints than conventional designs — you will be able to achieve a superb sound throughout the room with little effort.
Placement — Line of Sight Avoid placing objects in front of the loudspeakers as this will degrade the stereo imaging and tonal balance. Attention should also be paid to the effect of reflective surfaces such as side walls and objects near the loudspeakers, as excessive nearfield reflections will blur the stereo imaging significantly and may introduce unwelcome colouration of the sound. Placement — Vertical Angle Position or angle the loudspeakers to align the acoustic centre with the listener’s ears.
Placement — Symmetry For both stereo and immersive installations, it is important to maintain symmetry. Stereo Systems Most monitors have relatively narrow dispersion and are designed to be aimed directly at the listening position, as shown in the left-hand image below. However, the excellent imaging which PMC monitors are known for is due, in part, to their wide dispersion characteristic, as shown on the righthand image.
Initial positioning of the loudspeakers should be at two of the three points of an equilateral triangle, with the listener at the third. If the monitors are spaced too far apart the stereo image will be wide but central definition will be impaired. Use a well recorded vocal track to judge the ideal placement.
USER CONTROLS The following parameters can be configured using either the rotary encoders on the rear panel of the speaker, or via the SoundAlign web interface. • XBD Mode: On, Off • Input Source: Analogue, AES3 L, AES3 R, AES3 L+R, Expansion Card (if present) • Level Trim: ± 10dB • Max Analogue Input Level: +20, +24dBu • Position: Free Space, Wall, Corner • Desk Filter: On/Off • Orientation (PMC 6 only): Auto, Portrait, Landscape • Subwoofer HPF/LPF: On/Off, Freq (20-200Hz) • Delay: 0.00 to 30.
Input Source Options: Analogue, AES3 L, AES3 R, AES3 L+R, Expansion Card (if present) Level Trim Options: Range: ± 10dB in 0.1dB steps The Level Trim parameter adjusts the overall output level of the speaker. Max Analogue Input Level Options: +20dBu or +24dBu This parameter sets the A-D converter’s maximum input signal level before clipping. It is used to optimise the gain-staging between the signal source and monitor speaker.
SPL (dB) D C B A Frequency (Hz) A: Free Space is the flat reference setting and no filters are applied. This mode is appropriate if the monitor speaker is placed more than 0.5m (20”) away from all walls /ceiling /floor. B: The Wall setting applies a -4dB LF Shelf at 45Hz (Q1.41). This mode is appropriate if the speaker is within 0.5m (20”) of one wall, but more than 0.5m (20”) away from the corners. C: The Corner setting applies a -8dB LF Shelf at 45Hz (Q1.41).
Desk filter + dB Desk reflection without filter With desk filter on Hz Options: ON or OFF The Desk Filter setting modifies the frequency response of the speaker to compensate for the narrow-band peak typically caused by unwanted reflections from the surface of a desk or mixing console. Setting the parameter to ON introduces a -3.5dB cut at 150Hz (Q3.0).
Subwoofer HPF/LPF Options: ON or OFF Range: 20 – 200Hz The subwoofer high-pass/low-pass filter (HPF/LPF) parameters enable basic bass-management by filtering the input signal. The Enable parameter determines whether this bass-management filter is active or not. For the PMC6, PMC6-2 and PMC8-2 this setting applies a 12dB/Oct highpass filter (HPF). For the PMC8-SUB and PMC8-2-SUB this setting applies a 12dB/Oct low-pass filter (LPF).
Five independent bands of fully parametric EQ can be used to adjust the tonal balance of the speaker to the user’s preference, or to tune the speaker to a particular room’s acoustic characteristics. Q-factor equates to the bandwidth of the filter. A high Q means that the filter will have a very sharp peak, only affecting a narrow range of frequencies. A low Q means that the filter will have a broad peak, affecting a wide range of frequencies. A Q value of 1.41 is equivalent to a bandwidth of one octave.
WEB INTERFACE The SoundAlign web interface is a simple and intuitive means of controlling and configuring our nearfield and midfield active DSP monitors and subwoofers. Each monitor incorporates an internal web-server accessible over a standard wired Ethernet connection using a web browser on any smartphone, tablet, PC, or Mac computer.
Accessing SoundAlign The SoundAlign web interface is hosted in each speaker and therefore an internet connection is not required. As SoundAlign is browser-based it is compatible with all devices (PC, Mac, Android, iOS), and no software installation is required. To access the SoundAlign interface first connect each speaker either to an existing LAN or a new dedicated network.
Main Window The main window of the SoundAlign interface displays a list of all connected speakers with a grid-matrix of their user controls. The user controls are spread over three pages, accessed via the blue arrow buttons, and can be modified at any time. Model, Group and Channel Assignments 1 1 2 3 4 Select Tick-boxes The select column on the left-hand side of the window features a ‘radio button’ for each speaker.
This feature can be used to assign speakers to individual studios within a large studio complex, or it can be used to split a large multi-channel system into groups of related speakers such as front/side/rear or height channels. 3 Channel Setting Each speaker can be assigned a channel name from the drop-down box. Once channels are assigned the Monitor Selector window will be populated and advanced functionality becomes available.
Monitor Selector The monitor selector displays speakers by their graphical location based on their assigned channel names. It is a quicker way to identify and select particular speakers. Once a speaker has been assigned a channel, it becomes available for use in the Monitor Selector. All other functions on the monitor selector window only affect speakers that have had channels assigned. • All / All Subs / None These buttons select all speakers, select all subwoofers, and de-select all speakers.
EQ Window The EQ window graphically displays the EQ settings of the ‘Current’ speaker. Any changes made in this window will affect all selected speakers. Each EQ band has text entry boxes for each parameter and a coloured On/ Off button. The EQ graph can also be clicked and dragged with a mouse, and the mouse scroll wheel adjusts the Q-factor. Altered EQ settings are applied by the DSP only when the mouse button is released.
Settings Window The settings window contains controls for preset management, firmware updating, and illuminated logo brightness. Adjustments made in this window affect all selected speakers. Preset Management The same preset management functions available on the speaker’s rearpanel controls are also available from this window — 3 presets can be stored and loaded to and from the speaker’s internal memory, and factory defaults can be restored.
For example, 6-2-RIGHT-2021-8-27_14-30.json would indicate a preset file from the right-hand PMC6-2 saved on 14:30 on the 27th August 2021. • Multi-channel presets: N-CHANNEL1-CHANNEL2…CHANNELN-DATE_TIME N is the number of channels in the preset, so, 3-LEFT-CENTRE- RIGHT-2021-8-27_14-30.
During the firmware update process the speaker’s illuminated logo will flash white/blue or white/green. Once the update is complete the speaker will be re-booted and the web-interface will refresh. This process can take up to 60 seconds, and during this time the SoundAlign interface must not be refreshed, or the speaker power cycled or disconnected from the network. Logo Brightness This control adjusts the brightness of the PMC logo on the front of the speaker.
XBD SYSTEMS By adding an additional PMC sub unit, the PMC6, PMC6-2, and PMC8-2 can be easily reconfigured as twin-cabinet XBD monitor systems. This popular and flexible format combines a full-range speaker and subwoofer to form a perfectly integrated system with huge benefits. In the case of the PMC6, the speaker becomes a three-way design crossingover between the nearfield cabinet and subwoofer at 125Hz.
XBD SYSTEM CONFIGURATION In an XBD system both speakers should be fed the same input signal. This is normally achieved by using the digital ‘through’ output of the main speaker to feed the subwoofer but, alternatively, both speakers could be fed directly from the same analogue source via a splitter cable.
Once the link is formed and the two speakers are merged in the interface, the Model Info box will show information for both speakers. From this extended Info box you can select the input source of the subwoofer cabinet independently of the full-range cabinet, and have the option to unlink the two speakers.
Standalone XBD Systems For users not wishing to use the SoundAlign interface, a standalone XBD system can be formed by connecting an Ethernet cable directly between the RJ-45 connectors of the following speaker combinations: – PMC6 and PMC8 SUB – PMC6-2 and PMC8-2 SUB – PMC8-2 and PMC8-2 SUB When a standalone XBD link is formed both speakers adjust their crossover to ensure optimum integration between the full-range and subwoofer cabinets.
ACCESSORIES Stands It is critical that monitor loudspeakers are positioned at the correct height and the acoustic centre of the speaker should align with the listener’s ears – they should also be kept stable during operation. The structure and materials used to support the monitor will have a bearing on the performance of the system; a well-designed stand will ensure optimum imaging, dynamics, and overall tonal balance.
Type Active 2-way nearfield reference monitor with ATL™ bass loading Drive unit complement LF PMC 150mm (6”) studio 6 driver HF PMC 27mm (1”) soft dome tweeter Effective ATL™ length 1.8m (5.9ft) Frequency response 39Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB) (@1m full space, on-axis) Sensitivity +4dBu input signal = 98dB SPL @ 1m Max continuous SPL 106dB @1m (Half space value calculated as +3dB from full space measurement.
Type Active 3-way nearfield reference monitor with ATL™ bass loading Drive unit complement LF 2 x PMC 150mm (6”) studio 6 drivers MF PMC55 55mm (2”) soft dome mid-range HF PMC 27mm (1”) soft dome tweeter Effective ATL™ length 2m (6.6ft) Frequency response 33Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB) (@1m full space, on-axis) Sensitivity +4dBu input signal = 98dB SPL @ 1m Max continuous SPL 109dB @1m (Half space value calculated as +3dB from full space measurement.
Type Active 3-way nearfield reference monitor with ATL™ bass loading Drive unit complement LF 2 x PMC 200mm (8”) studio 8 drivers MF PMC55 55mm (2”) soft dome mid-range HF PMC 27mm (1”) soft dome tweeter Effective ATL™ length 3m (9.8ft) Frequency response 25Hz - 25kHz (- 3dB) (@1m full space, on-axis) Sensitivity +4dBu input signal = 98dB SPL @ 1m Max continuous SPL 113dB @1m (Half space value calculated as +3dB from full space measurement.
Active subwoofer with an 8-inch bass driver and ATL™ bass loading Type Drive unit complement LF PMC 200mm (8”) studio 8 driver Effective ATL length 3m (9.8ft) Frequency response 25Hz - 500Hz (- 3dB) (@1m full space, on-axis) Sensitivity +4dBu input signal = 98dB SPL @ 1m Max continuous SPL 109dB @1m (Quarter space value calculated as +3dB from half space measurement.
Active subwoofer with twin 8-inch bass drivers and ATL™ bass loading Type Drive unit complement LF PMC 200mm (8”) studio 8 driver Effective ATL length 3m (9.8ft) Frequency response 25Hz - 500Hz (- 3dB) (@1m full space, on-axis) Sensitivity +4dBu input signal = 98dB SPL @ 1m Max continuous SPL 109dB @1m (Quarter space value calculated as +3dB from half space measurement.
OUR ACTIVE STUDIO MONITORS The PMC range of studio monitors currently spans many different models, from the enormous QB1 XBD-A flagship system down to the diminutive result6 active speaker. However, every monitor is designed with the same care and attention, using shared families of drive units, crossover designs, and amplifiers.
SERVICE We are confident that your main monitors will afford many years of troublefree listening of the highest order. However, in the unlikely event that they should require repair, all replacement parts will exactly match the performance of those originally installed, because for every loudspeaker we produce, we record the precise value of each component, along with the system response as a whole.
METICULOUS CARE AND ATTENTION All PMC loudspeakers are hand-built in the UK using components that are individually matched to our reference model. This includes the structural integrity of every cabinet, and the testing and recording of each individual component to guarantee adherence to our strict tolerances. In this way we can ensure your purchase sounds identical to the original design. Each completed monitor undergoes a set of objective listening tests and measurements.
ONLINE WARRANTY Register within 10 days to unlock your extended 5 year warranty Visit pmc-speakers.
© 2021,The Professional Monitor Company Limited. All rights reserved. SoundAlign and Laminair are trade marks of The Professional Monitor Company Limited. Dolby® and Dolby Atmos are registered trademarks of Dolby® Laboratories. 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.
VIEW THE PRODUCTS ONLINE THE PROFESSIONAL MONITOR COMPANY LIMITED Holme Court Biggleswade SG18 9ST UK T +44 (0)1767 686300 PMC USA LLC Building 42 Suite H 17922 Sky Park Circle Irvine CA 92614 USA T +1 949-861-3350 E sales@pmc-speakers.com W www.pmc-speakers.com Stock code no. 17389 Item no.
