Neumann MA 1 Automatic monitor alignment

Technical data

• Acoustic mode of operation: pressure receiver
• Directivity: Omnidirectional
• Transmission range: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
• Field transfer factor at 1 kHz at 1 kOhm: 30 mV/Pa -30 dBV +/- 3 dB uncalibrated | 30 mV/Pa -30 dBV +/- 0.5 dB calibrated (by software)
• Nominal impedance: 50 ohms
• Nominal load impedance: 1000 ohms
• Substitute noise level, CCIR 1: 39 dB
• Replacement noise level, A-weighted 2: 27 dB-A
• Limit sound pressure level for k < 0.5% 3: 132 dB
• Noise level ratio, CCIR (rel. 94 dB SPL) 4: 55 dB
• Noise level ratio, A-weighted (rel. 94 dB SPL) 5: 67 dB
• Maximum output voltage: 10 dBu
• Power supply (P48, IEC 61938): 48 V ± 4 V
• Current consumption (P48, IEC 61938): 3 mA
• Required connector: XLR3F
• Weight: 37g
• Diameter: 23 mm
• Length: 117 mm
• Operating Conditions: 0°C - +70°C (32°F - 158°F); max. 90% at +20 °C
• Transportation/Storage Conditions: -20°C - +70°C (-4°F - 158°F); max. 90% at +20 °C

The digital expert for professional listening quality

Neumann's Automatic Monitor Alignment MA 1 offers the best possible sound quality in every room - from home studios to professional sound control rooms. Using the individually calibrated measurement microphone, the acoustic environment is analyzed in easy-to-follow steps. Calibration algorithms developed together with the world's leading institute for audio signal processing, Fraunhofer IIS, guarantee optimally adapted amplitude and phase correction for precise and reliable monitoring.

Reliable monitoring everywhere

Neumann's Automatic Monitor Alignment is a dedicated application for KH 80 DSP stereo sets with or without the KH 750 DSP subwoofer or two non-DSP-based monitors from the KH-Line, which are operated on the analog outputs of the KH 750 DSP. Unlike standard correction software, it is an integrated solution with novel calibration algorithms that were developed specifically for Neumann studio monitors together with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (IIS). Neither a plug-in nor a special audio driver is required: the alignment data is saved and processed in the DSP monitors. A particular advantage is that not only the amplitude frequency response is optimized, but also the phase. This means maximum accuracy in terms of tonality and impulse reproduction.

This is how it works

In a first step, the acoustic data of the listening environment is recorded. No acoustic expertise is required. The Neumann monitors simply need to be connected to an audio interface or a monitor controller. In addition, the DSP-based KH-Line monitors require an Ethernet connection to the computer. A standard Ethernet switch is sufficient for multiple connections.

Now the measurement microphone is connected to the microphone input. This measurement microphone was developed specifically for this software and is individually calibrated by it. The software guides the user through the measurement procedure.

Based on the measured data, the software records the acoustic properties of the room. The individual correction parameters are generated based on a space-specific target curve calculated by the software. Neumann's decades of experience in measuring monitor systems in studios were incorporated. Of course, this target curve can be changed as needed.

The adjustment also ensures optimal summation of the low frequencies when using a subwoofer.

All resulting correction parameters are saved and processed in the DSP-based monitors. So there is nothing to worry about now, no plug-ins, no driver problems and no additional cables: Once the measurement is finished, the Ethernet connections are no longer needed.




Using the KH 750 DSP subwoofer, analogue studio monitors from the KH series can also be automatically adjusted. The KH 750 DSP has enough DSP power for room customization of the entire system, including the two monitors connected to its analog outputs. In addition, the KH 120, KH 310 and KH 420 loudspeakers benefit from phase linearization of their crossovers. The result is clearer playback with a dryer bass and a more precise, time-correct representation of reverb tails and acoustic spaces.