A/V Control Center MX135 Owner’s Manual Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. “DTS” and “DTS Digital Surround” are registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. McIntosh Laboratory, Inc.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. WARNING - TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS! PLEASE READ THEM BEFORE OPERATING THIS EQUIPMENT. 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3.
Safety Instructions Outdoor Antenna Grounding If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the product, be sure the antenna or cable system is grounded so as to provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charge.
Thank You Table of Contents Your decision to own this McIntosh MX135 A/V Control Center ranks you at the very top among discriminating music listeners. You now have “The Best.” The McIntosh dedication to “Quality,” is assurance that you will receive many years of musical enjoyment from this unit. Please take a short time to read the information in this manual. We want you to be as familiar as possible with all the features and functions of your new McIntosh. Safety Instructions ..........................
Important Information Important Information 1. The MX135 A/V Control Center has provisions for adding an optional McIntosh TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module for Radio Station Reception. The TM1 is available from your McIntosh Dealer and can be installed at any time, usually while you wait. Refer to page 52 for additional TM1 information. 2. Before making any connections to the MX135, make sure the Main POWER Switch is in the Off position.
Connector Information Connector Information Keypad Terminal Connector To use a WK-3 or WK-4 Keypad with the MX135, connect the shield and four leads of a shielded 4 conductor cable to a RJ-45 Connector Plug, according to the numbers listed below. There is a numbered connector built into each Keypad, which has a different pin out. MX135 RJ-45 WK-3 and WK-4 Keypad 1. Signal Data 1. Supply Voltage Positive 2. Signal Data Gnd. 2. Supply Voltage Negative and Cable Shield 3. Cable Shield 3. N/C 4. Signal Data 4.
Introduction and Performance Features Introduction Now you can take advantage of traditional McIntosh standards of excellence in the MX135 A/V Control Center as the heart of your Home Theater System. The MX135 provides superior eight channel reproduction with the latest in digital decoding combined with complete audio and video switching. The McIntosh MX135 sets new standards for accuracy in a Home Theater System.
Dimensions Dimensions The following dimensions can assist in determining the best location for your MX135. There is additional information on the next page pertaining to installing the MX135 into cabinets. 17-3/4" 45.09cm Front View of the MX135 8-7/8" 22.54cm 9-7/16" 23.97cm 17" 43.18cm Rear View of the MX135 13-1/4" 33.66cm 18-1/2" 46.99cm 17" 43.18cm 8-1/4" Side View of the MX135 3/16" 0.48cm 13/16" 2.06cm 14-1/16" 35.72cm 8 20.96cm 7/8" 2.
Installation Installation The MX135 can be placed upright on a table or shelf, side of the A/V Control Center, so that airflow is not obstanding on its four feet. It also can be custom installed in a structed. Allow 21 inches (53.34cm) depth behind the front piece of furniture or cabinet of your choice. The four feet panel. Allow 1 inch (2.54cm) in front of the mounting may be removed from the bottom of the MX135 when it is panel for knob clearance.
Rear Panel Multizone, Control Connections and Switch TO MULTIZONE CONTROLLER connects to the McIntosh Multizone Controller Input B IR POWER On/ Off for Zone A or B external Sensors SUM A Data Port for connections to other McIntosh Components RS232 connector for connection to a computer or other control device KEYPADS ZONE A and B for a McIntosh Keypad or IR room sensor Connect the MX135 power cord to a live AC outlet.
Rear Panel Audio and Digital Audio Connections DIGITAL INPUTS CD1, SAT, and LV receive a digital audio signal from the Optical Output of a component ZONE B OUTPUTS send a two channel signal from the analog inputs as selected by the INPUT B Control DIGITAL INPUTS CD2, TV and DVD receive a digital audio signal from the Coaxial Output of a component INPUTS for analog audio signals from a DVD, LV, VCR, TV, SAT, CD, TAPE or AUX components ZONE A FIXED OUTPUTS send a fixed line level, two channel analog sign
Rear Panel Video Connections COMPONENT INPUTS receive Component Video (Y, PR and PB) Signals from five Component Video Sources OUTPUTS for VCR 1 and 2 supply Composite Video Signals for recorders OUTPUT MONitor A sends a Composite or S-Video Signal to a monitor/TV located in Zone A OUTPUT MONitor B sends a Composite or S-Video Signal to a monitor/TV located in Zone B COMPONENT OUTPUTS send Component Video (Y, PR and PB) Signals to the ZONE A Video Monitor 12 OUTPUTS for VCR 1 and 2 supply S-Video Sig
How to Connect Multizone, Data and Power Control How to Connect Multizone, Data and Power Control 1. Connect a Data Control Cable from the MX135 DVD (input 11) Data Port to the McIntosh DVD Player Data In Jack. Note: By adding a McIntosh Remote Control Translator to the MX135, non McIntosh Source Devices such as a Satellite Receiver can be remotely controlled using a McIntosh Remote Control and Keypads. 2. Connect a Data Control Cable from the MX135 HOME Data Port to the Home Controller Data In Jack. 3.
How to Connect Digital Audio Components How to Connect Digital Audio Components 1. Connect a cable from the MX135 DIGITAL COAXIAL DVD INPUT (Input F) to the McIntosh Coaxial Digital Output of the McIntosh DVD Player. 2. Connect a cable from the MX135 SAT INPUT (Input B) OPTICAL DIGITAL INPUT to the Optical Digital Output of a Satellite Receiver. 3. Connect a cable from the MX135 LV INPUT (Input C) OPTICAL DIGITAL INPUT to the Optical Digital Output of a Digital Audio Recorder. 4.
How to Connect Audio Components for five or six channels How to Connect Audio Components for five or six channels The MX135 accepts Analog Audio and Digital Audio Signal Inputs. It is important to connect the Analog Outputs along with the Digital Audio Signal Output from source components connected to the MX135. This will assure that the audio from that source component is available to the VCR1 and 2 Outputs, Zone B and optional CR16 Multizone System. 1.
Notes 17
How to Connect Video Components How to Connect Video Components There are three types of Video Signals that can be connected to and selected by the MX135; Composite, S-Video and Component. The built-in Digital Video Processing Circuitry can Up-Convert the desired Composite Input to SVideo; it will also Up-Convert the desired Composite or SVideo Inputs to Component Video.
How to Connect for Zone B How to Connect for Zone B The MX135 is a Dual Zone A/V Control Center. For Zone B activation, a Power Amplifier and Loudspeakers are required and the addition of a McIntosh Sensor or Keypad allows for more convenient operation. To provide the best video quality for Zone B, it is important to use high quality cables and keep the cable lengths as short as possible. If SVideo Connections are used, make sure the cable’s signal carrying wires are individually shielded. 3.
Front Panel Controls and Sensor Allows up or down adjustment for each trim parameter Adjusts the Listen Volume Level of all eight channels Selects which of the eleven Audio/Video Sources or Tuner Signal is available for VCR Outputs, Zone B Audio Outputs and MONitor B Video Outputs Selects which of the eleven Audio/ Video Sources or Tuner Signal is available at the Zone A Audio Outputs, Component and MONitor A Video Outputs IR (Infra Red) Sensor accepts IR signals directly from the Remote Control Select
Front Panel Push-buttons and Switch Activates control of Zone B, both Input Selection and Volume Adjustment Allows for the storing into memory various MX135 Settings Switches On and Off Zones A or B, or resets all the MX135 microprocessors Move Up or Down through various selections and for Tuning Up or Down the AM or FM Broadcast Band when the optional TM1 Tuner Module is installed Press to go into Setup Mode to change the settings Switches Off the entire multizone system Allows for the selection of
Front Panel Displays Indicates Input Selection Status, Volume, Trim Adjustments, Surround Modes, Setup Functions.
Setup How to Operate the Setup Mode Your McIntosh MX135 has been factory configured with default operating settings allowing for immediate use. Changes to the default settings are accomplished with the built-in Setup Feature using On Screen Menus. Follow the sequence listed in the MAIN SYSTEM SETUP Menu, as some of these adjustments are interactive. Note: One of the MX135 MON A Video OUTPUTS must be connected to the video input of a Monitor/TV for viewing the On Screen Menus. 1.
Default Settings 6. If adjustments have been performed, the Adjustment Acceptance Menu will appear on the Monitor/ TV screen asking if you want to save the adjustments in memory. Use the Up or Down directional pushbuttons to select YES to save, or NO to not save, then press the SELECT/OK Push-button to exit the Setup Mode and return to normal operation. Refer to figure 7. ADJUSTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE DO YOU WANT TO SAVE THEM? ÆNO YES The following listings indicate the factory default settings.
SETUP Zone A Analog Input: Number Setting Refer to Page 0 - 11 ......................... RCA ............................. 32 Surr (Surround) Mode Default: Number Setting Refer to Page 0 - 11 ........................ LAST ............................ 33 Video Power Control: Number Power Control Refer to Page 0 - 11 .......................... ON .............................. 33 Component Video Inputs (Zone A): Number Name Refer to Page 1 .......................... SAT ............................... 34 2 .
How to Adjust for Loudspeaker Size A Home Theater System can include a variety of Loudspeakers with various capabilities. The LARGE listing refers to the Loudspeaker’s capability for reproducing bass frequencies down to 35Hz within -3dB of the midrange frequencies. If a Loudspeaker can not reproduce bass frequencies down to 35Hz within -3dB of the midrange frequencies, it is considered SMALL.
SETUP, con’t Sub Crossover The MX135 incorporates a built-in Electronic Crossover. The Crossover will redirect all of the audio frequencies below the crossover frequency setting to the Subwoofer and all the frequencies above the setting to the appropriate remaining Home Theater Loudspeakers. The default setting for the SUB Crossover frequency setting is 80 Hz, which is the correct frequency for most Home Theater Loudspeaker Systems. Refer to figure 8 and perform the following steps to change the setting.
How to Adjust Loudspeaker Time Delay The following Time Delay Adjustments will electronically compensate for different Loudspeaker distances from the Listening/Viewing Area. Refer to figure 9. Time delay is measured in feet. The delays can be adjusted from 1 feet to 20 feet in one foot increments for each Loudspeaker.
SETUP, con’t How to Adjust Loudspeaker Levels A properly setup Home Theater Surround Sound System will have all Loudspeaker levels adjusted to the same volume level in the Listening/Viewing Area. The MX135 includes a built-in test signal generator and its output is switched into each Loudspeaker, either automatically or manually. The correct volume level for each Loudspeaker can be determined in the Listening/Viewing area, either with a sound pressure meter or by listening.
MENU: SPEAKER LEVEL ÆAUTO MODE: SELECT TO STOP LEFT FRONT 0 CENTER 0 RIGHT FRONT 0 RIGHT SURROUND 0 RIGHT BACK SURR 0 LEFT BACK SURR 0 LEFT SURROUND 0 SUBWOOFER 0 MAIN MENU MENU: SPEAKER LEVEL ÆMANUAL MODE: PRESS SELECT LEFT FRONT 0 CENTER 0 RIGHT FRONT 0 RIGHT SURROUND 0 RIGHT BACK SURR 0 LEFT BACK SURR 0 LEFT SURROUND 0 SUBWOOFER 0 MAIN MENU Figure 13 ers, repeat the level adjustment process until the test signal volume levels of all the Loudspeakers are the same.
SETUP, con’t How to Change the Input Setup The MX135 has twelve Analog Audio Inputs numbered 0 through 11, six Digital Audio Inputs lettered A through F and five Component Video Inputs numbered 1 through 5. These inputs already have assigned titles and associations that will allow for immediate hookup, operation and enjoyment. If these starting assignments and associations do not match up with components in your system, they may be reassigned from the default settings.
10. Proceed to the Digital Input Setting. If you do not wish to perform Digital Input Setting at this time, proceed to the ZONE A Analog Input Setting. Digital Input There are three Optical Digital Inputs and three Coaxial Digital Inputs available for assignment with any of the eleven Analog Audio/Video Inputs. The following example describes how to reassign Digital Input C, which by default has been assigned to Input Number 8 LV, over to the newly created DVD2 Input instead. 11.
SETUP, con’t MENU: INPUT SETUP MENU: INPUT SETUP SOURCE INPUT 1 - IR-PH/AUX TITLE PHON DIGITAL INPUT OPT C LK ÆZONE A ANALOG INPUT PHON SURR MODE LAST VIDEO POWER ON COMPONENT VIDEO NONE SOURCE INPUT 5 - IR-TP2 TITLE DVD2 DIGITAL INPUT OPT C LK ZONE A ANALOG INPUT RCA ÆSURR MODE CINEMA 1 VIDEO POWER ON COMPONENT VIDEO NONE VIDEO CONV. INPUT MAIN MENU OFF Figure 19 19. Using the Up or Down directional push-buttons, select “P” as the first character of the new title. 20.
MENU: INPUT SETUP MENU: INPUT SETUP SOURCE INPUT 5 - IR-TP2 TITLE DVD2 DIGITAL INPUT OPT C LK ZONE A ANALOG INPUT RCA SURR MODE CINEMA 1 ÆVIDEO POWER OFF COMPONENT VIDEO NONE SOURCE INPUT 5 - IR-TP2 TITLE DVD2 DIGITAL INPUT OPT C LK ZONE A ANALOG INPUT RCA SURR MODE CINEMA 1 VIDEO POWER OFF ÆCOMPONENT VIDEO 4 VIDEO CONV. INPUT MAIN MENU OFF VIDEO CONV.
SETUP, con’t MENU: INPUT SETUP SOURCE INPUT 5 - IR-TP2 TITLE DVD2 DIGITAL INPUT OPT C LK ZONE A ANALOG INPUT RCA SURR MODE CINEMA 1 VIDEO POWER OFF COMPONENT VIDEO 4 ÆVIDEO CONV. INPUT MAIN MENU S-VID Figure 23 38. Continue next to the VOLUME SETUP on page 37. If you do not wish to perform VOLUME SETUP Adjustments at this time, select MAIN MENU from the menu. The MAIN SYSTEM SETUP Menu will reappear on the Monitor/TV screen and proceed to the next step. 39. Select EXIT from the MAIN SYSTEM SETUP Menu.
Analog and Digital Audio Input Source Settings Number Default Title New Title Default Digital Input 0 TUNER - 1 PH/AUX - 2 CD1 A-Optical 3 CD2 D-Coaxial 4 TAPE1 - 5 TAPE2 - 6 SAT B-Optical 7 TV E-Coaxial 8 LV C-Optical 9 VCR1 - 10 VCR2 - 11 DVD F-Coaxial New Digital Input Video Inputs Source Settings Video Power Control Video Input Converter Number Title Default Setting 0 TUNER ON - OFF 1 PH/AUX ON - OFF 2 CD1 ON - OFF 3 CD2 ON - OFF 4 TAPE1
SETUP, con’t How to Change the Volume Setup The MX135 has provisions for setting the wake-up volume listening level for Zones A and B. A maximum volume listening level can also be set for both zones. 1. Press and hold the Front Panel SETUP Push-button approximately three seconds to enter the Setup Mode. The word SETUP will appear on the MX135 Front Panel Display and the MAIN SYSTEM SETUP Menu will appear on the Monitor/TV screen. Refer to figure 6 on page 23. 2.
How to change the Advanced Settings 1. Press and hold the Front Panel SETUP Push-button approximately three seconds to enter the Setup Mode. The word SETUP will appear on the MX135 Front Panel Display and the MAIN SYSTEM SETUP Menu will appear on the Monitor/TV screen. Refer to figure 6 on page 23. 2. Using the Up or Down directional push-buttons on the Remote Control, select ADVANCED on the OnScreen Menu, followed by the SELECT/OK Push-button. Refer to figure 26.
SETUP, con’t Version Check McIntosh makes different versions of the MX135 to meet the requirements in each country where it is sold. The MX135 can display that version information by the following steps. 11. Using the Up or Down directional push-buttons, select VERSION CHECK from the On-Screen Menu, followed by pressing the SELECT/OK Push-button. MX-135 V _ . _ . _ _ DAE - _ _ _ _ V _ .
How to Operate the MX135 Note: For normal operation, turn the MX135 On and Off with the Standby/On Push-button. You may also turn On the MX135 by simply pressing the ON Push-button on the Remote Control. If the A/V System Controller is not going to be used for an extended period of time, turn Off all AC Power with the Power Switch.
How to Operate the MX135 99 in the center of the front panel display. Zone B is not affected by the front panel VOLUME Control. Zone B (Record) volume level is adjusted only in Zone B with a Remote Control or Keypad. Enter When the MX135 has the optional TM1 Tuner Module installed, the ENTER Push-button is used for entering AM or FM Broadcast Stations into memory.
Front Panel Status The three sets of front panel LEDs indicate the status of Input Format, Operating/Decoding Modes and the Output Format. Refer to figure 33 on page 41. Note: If a Digital Input is selected and the Digital Source Component is not producing an output signal, none of the Front Panel Status LEDs will illuminate. Input Format A. If the input signal source is Eight Channel Discrete, the front panel INPUT FORMAT LEDs L, C, R, LS, LFE, RS and S will illuminate. Refer to figure 34. B.
How to Operate the Trim Mode How to Operate the Trim Mode The MX135 TRIM SELECT Switch together with the TRIM LEVEL Control provide the means for adjusting seven different audio functions and the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display Brightness. This can be accomplished from either the Front Panel Controls or with the supplied Remote Control, very conveniently from the Listening/ Viewing Area. The Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indicates the Trim Mode Selected and Trim Levels.
mum additional Loudness boost will be 18dB less 10dB or 8dB. Refer to figure 43. Figure 41 2. Rotate the TRIM LEVEL Control clockwise until the number 10 appears to the right of BASS TRIM on the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display. This is an example Figure 42 of increasing the Bass response by 10dB. 3. Rotate the TRIM SELECT Control clockwise until TREB TRIM appears on the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display. Refer to figure 42. 4.
How to Operate the Trim Mode, con’t Figure 46 Display Brightness The MX135 Trim feature allows adjustments to the brightness of the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display to the desired intensity. The Display Trim brightness range extends from Off to a maximum of 31. 1. Rotate the TRIM SELECT Control clockwise until DISPLAY appears on the Front Panel Alphanumeric Display. A number to the right of the display indicates the current brightness level. Refer to figure 47. Figure 47 2.
How to Operate the Surround Mode The MX135 provides nine different Surround Modes. The Front Panel Alphanumeric Display and the Output Format LEDs will indicate the Surround Mode selected. The Surround Mode Selected is stored into permanent memory and automatically recalled any time that particular input is selected again. If the Surround Mode is changed when the input is again selected, the new mode will be active and stored. Refer to figure 48.
How to Operate the Surround Mode, con’t Figure 55 Cinema 2 The Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will indicate CINEMA 2 and the appropriate Front Panel Operating Mode Display LEDs will illuminate. Refer to figure 56. This provides DTS NEO:6 processing Analog Signals and 2-Channel Digital Signals. It also decodes DTS-ES Signals.
How To Make A Recording How To Make A Recording Analog Audio Recording The separate INPUT B (Record) and INPUT A (Listen) Switches allow for the making of an Analog Audio Recording from one program source while listening to another. This allows for the listening (monitor) to the recorded signal off the tape, a fraction of a second later, during recording when a three head tape recorder is used. Refer to figure 58. 1.
How to Operate Zone B How to Operate Zone B The MX135 includes the capability of being able to operate and control two audio/video zones, independently of each other. Zone A is the Primary (Home Theater Listening Area) with Surround Sound. Zone B is configured for a Secondary Remote Location providing two channel audio and video programs. The MX135 Front Panel Alphanumeric Display indicates the Zone A Program Source Selected on the right side and the Zone B Program Source Selected on the left side.
Audio and General Specifications Audio Specifications Frequency Response Left, Center, Right, Left Surround, Right Surround, Left Back, Right Back: ±0.5dB from 20Hz-20,000Hz Subwoofer1: ±0.5dB from 20Hz-140Hz Total Harmonic Distortion 0.005% maximum from 20Hz to 20,000Hz at rated output Signal To Noise Ratio Phono: 86dB below 10mV input (A Weighted) High Level: 96dB below rated output (A Weighted) Rated Output Voltage 2.5V Unbalanced Outputs (Main) 5.0V Balanced Outputs (Main) Maximum Voltage Output 9.
Notes 51
TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module Cable for connecting the RAA1 to the MX135 Cables for installing the McIntosh TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module into the MX135 Introduction The MX135 A/V Control Center has provisions for adding an optional McIntosh TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module for Radio Station Reception. The TM1 delivers the same exceptional performance as the stand-alone McIntosh MR85 Tuner. The TM1 is available from your McIntosh Dealer and can be installed at any time, usually while you wait.
MX135 Rear Panel and RAA1 Top Panel Antenna Connections RAA1 Remote Antenna can be adjusted to a position for optimum reception of your favorite AM stations Connects with supplied cable to the MX135 AM ANT (Antenna) connector allows a McIntosh Remote Antenna to be connected Note: Proceed to page 13 and start the connection process.
How to Connect Antenna Components How to Connect Antenna Components 1. Connect the Remote AM Antenna by plugging the DIN Connector of the supplied 3 conductor cable into the AM ANTenna, DIN socket on the back panel of the MX135. Note: If a longer length cable needs to be used between the MX135 and the RAA1, use a 2 conductor shielded cable. RAA1 Connector Connect the shield and two leads of a shielded 2 conductor cable to the supplied 5 Pin TermiBlack nal Connector Plug.
How to Operate the Tuner How to Tune Stations Manually The McIntosh MX135 TM1 AM/FM Tuner Module incorporates an advanced design AM/FM Tuner with many desirable performance features to enhance your enjoyment of radio broadcasts. There are four methods of tuning to an AM/FM Broadcast Station. These are Manual, Automatic Preset Review, Preset Push-button Search and Direct Preset Number Access using the Remote Control. 1. Select TUNer with the Front Panel INPUT A (Listen) Switch or the Remote Control.
How to Assign Preset Stations How to Assign Preset Stations The MX135 AM/FM Tuner Module (TM1) allows for presetting radio stations into memory. To enter Presets follow the below steps: Note: If there are no Presets Assigned and either the Front Panel PRESET Push-buttons or the Remote Control REVIEW Push-button are pressed, the MX135 Front Panel Alphanumeric Display will indicate NO PRESETS. Refer to figure 65. Figure 65 1. Select either the AM or FM Broadcast Band. 2.
How to Optimize AM Reception How to Optimize AM Reception The McIntosh RAA1 Remote AM Antenna is designed to provide the best in AM Reception especially if the tuner or A/V unit is located in a noisy reception area. Locate the RAA1 away from all electronic and electrical interference sources. Rotate the AM Antenna to reduce interference and receive maximum signal strength. Notes: The RAAI Remote AM Antenna of the TM1 has been factory adjusted for optimum reception in a typical urban location.
TM1 FM and AM Specifications FM Tuner Specifications AM Tuner Specifications Useable Sensitivity 14dBf which is 1.4uV across 75 ohms Sensitivity 20uV External Antenna Input 50dB Quieting Sensitivity Mono: 19dBf which is 2.4uV across 75 ohms Stereo: 35dBf which is 15uV across 75 ohms Signal To Noise Ratio 48dB at 30% modulation 58dB at 100% modulation Signal To Noise Ratio Mono: 75dB Stereo: 70dB Harmonic Distortion 0.
Packing Instructions Packing Instructions In the event it is necessary to repack the equipment for shipment, the equipment must be packed exactly as shown below. It is very important that the four plastic feet are attached to the bottom of the equipment. This will ensure the proper equipment location on the bottom pad. Failure to do this will result in shipping damage. Use the original shipping carton and interior parts only if they are all in good serviceable condition.
McIntosh Laboratory, Inc. 2 Chambers Street Binghamton, NY 13903 The continuous improvement of its products is the policy of McIntosh Laboratory Incorporated who reserve the right to improve design without notice. Printed in the U.S.A. McIntosh Part No.
