MA 1: Neumann automatic alignment system for studio monitors

Developed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IIS, This room correction solution for studio monitors consists of a Neumann measurement microphone, individually calibrated, and corresponding software for Mac and PC.

The German firm specialized in sound studio equipment, Neumann.Berlin, has presented MA 1, an integrated hardware and software solution for acoustic calibration and room correction, Specifically designed for Neumann studio monitors, brand that distributes in Spain Magnetron.

Your calibration algorithms, developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits (Fraunhofer IIS), guarantee optimal monitoring quality in any environment, from home recording studios, without acoustic treatment, to professional control rooms.

The system consists of a Neumann measurement microphone, individually calibrated, and corresponding software for Mac and PC.

“Neumann's range of studio monitors is experiencing strong demand, registering in some cases an increase of more than 60 %, compared to the previous year. According to users comments, one of the main reasons is that they offer the greatest acoustic uniformity on the market, that is to say, although they use different models, achieve identical mixing results in different listening environments. “The next logical step is an automatic room correction system.”, explains Ralf Oehl, CEO of Neumann.Berlin.

Neumann's automatic monitor alignment system can be used with all DSP-controlled stereo systems in the KH range, among which is the KH 80 DSP, and also with KH analog studio monitors 120, KH 310 y KH 420, connected to the KH subwoofer 750 DSP. It uses completely new calibration algorithms that generate a reference curve adapted to the room and make precise adjustments to correct the acoustic problem accordingly.. Depending on user preferences, the reference curve can be adjusted manually for each specific case.

“It is an integrated system in which all components are perfectly adapted”, comments Markus Wolff, Portfolio Manager. “This allows us to make much more precise adjustments than with solutions from other manufacturers, since only we know in depth all the parameters of our monitors and can modify them appropriately”.

A simple solution for complex problems

Neumann's decades of experience calibrating studio monitors have been incorporated into the software.

Just like a personal assistant would do, The app guides the user step by step through the measurements and analyzes the corresponding listening environment; unnecessary aesthetic elements have been deliberately omitted from the screens. Alignment data is stored and processed directly on DSP-controlled monitors.

“This feature is very important to us”, Markus Wolff points out. “The user does not need to load a plug-in and then deactivate it if they want to export the audio, nor a controller that may be plagued with bugs. Once the alignment is done, "The usual workflow is resumed without any changes being noted.".

KH stereo pairs 80 DSP can be controlled directly through software. To perform alignment of all other stereo pairs in the KH range not equipped with DSP, You just have to connect them to the analog outputs of the KH subwoofer 750 DSP.

Those with a KH monitor 120, KH 310 o KH 420 benefit not only from an expanded bass response, but also room correction, as well as the phase linearization of the analog speakers.

According to Ralf Oehl: “The MA automatic monitor alignment system 1 marks the beginning of a new era in Neumann monitoring. The evaluation of the participants in the listening tests has been very promising. Starting with a simple user interface focused on stereo systems, We will expand the assistant and the functions through small updates. It is planned to incorporate multichannel systems”.