5
Setting up the MediaOne Series
Background on the MediaOne Series Studio Reference Monitor
The MediaOne Series are near field reference monitors featuring a custom designed,
3, 4 or 5-inch copolymer, low frequency driver and a 25mm silk dome tweeters,
employing a Ferro fluid cooled voice coil and neodymium magnet. The monitor’s
crossover has been carefully designed with high quality components insuring a linear
frequency and phase response. The MediaOne Series enclosures are constructed
from MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and are finished in scuff resistant, textured
vinyl covering. The monitor’s enclosure also includes a tuned vent port that provides
extended low-end response, and with a low turbulence design, the low frequency
driver can move freely with minimal effect on the overall impedance. On the rear of
one enclosure, you’ll find the MediaOne Series’ control panel, which features an RCA
unbalanced input. On the front panel, you’ll find the Volume control, along with an 1/8-
inch (3.5mm) Headphone output jack and an 1/8-inch (3.5mm) Aux input. Both inputs
are connected to MediaOne Series’ internal stereo power module providing 15 watts
per channel on the MediaOne 3a, and 20 watts per channel on the MediaOne 4a and 5a
through their passive crossovers.
Positioning the MediaOne Series
Near field monitoring has become the choice of many engineers in large and small
studios because it minimizes the effect of room acoustics. This is especially important
in today’s project studios since the budget for room acoustics is often close to nothing.
By positioning the reference monitors in the near field (close to the listeners), you
can greatly reduce the effects of room acoustics. The most important considerations
when evaluating the effects of room acoustics are reflective surfaces that are around
the monitoring area. These can include flat tabletops, glass mirrors or framed pictures,
large open walls and even the surface of your mixing console. Mostly all reflecting
sound will eventually reach the listening
position, but since it is slightly delayed
from the direct source, the result is random
cancellation of some frequencies, or comb
filtering. If possible, remove any and all
reflective surfaces. You may also want to
hang some acoustic foam on walls that are
close to the monitors. When positioning
the monitors, you’ll want to set up what is
commonly referred to as the “mix triangle”.
In this ideal configuration, the space
between the left and right monitor is equal
to the distance from the listener to each
monitor, forming an equilateral triangle.
