Neumann 508972 MA 1 - Automatic Monitor Alignment MA 1 The Beginning of a New Era in Monitoring
Home / Neumann 508972 MA 1 - Automatic Monitor Alignment MA 1 The Beginning of a New Era in Monitoring
Product Overview
Your Digital Expert for Professional Monitoring Quality
Neumann’s Automatic Monitor Alignment MA 1 analyzes your acoustic environment in a guided process to guarantee a linear frequency response and precise stereo imaging. A unique benefit of the MA 1 algorithm is the effective compensation of room modes, resulting in increased clarity, dry bass, and an accurate depiction of reverbs and acoustic spaces. Because the alignment data is stored directly within the DSP-powered loudspeakers, no special audio drivers or plugins are required during playback.
Product Description
Reliable Monitoring Anywhere:
The MA 1 is specifically designed for network-enabled KH Line monitors. However, non-network-enabled (analog) KH monitors can also be aligned when connected to a Neumann KH Network-enabled subwoofer (like the KH 750 DSP). For these analog systems, the MA 1 offers the added benefit of phase linearization of their built-in crossover filters, resulting in improved tonality and impulse reproduction.
How It Works:
The process is simple and requires no specialized acoustics knowledge.
Connect: Link your network-enabled KH monitors via a standard Ethernet switch and plug the MA 1 microphone into your audio interface (with 48V phantom power).
Measure: The software guides you through a series of listening environment measurements using the individually calibrated Class I microphone.
Align: The software calculates a room-specific target curve based on decades of Neumann's experience. You can modify this target curve to suit your specific taste.
Store: All alignment parameters are processed and stored inside the monitors' hardware. Once the alignment is complete, the Ethernet connection can be removed.
Bass Management & Expansion:
When using subwoofers, the MA 1 ensures optimal summation between the sub and satellites. This achieves a phase-correct combination where the subwoofer is no longer perceived as a separate source, but as part of a unified, full-range playback system. For those working in surround or Atmos® environments, a Multichannel Extension license is available as a paid extra.
Key Features
Automatic DSP Alignment: Optimized frequency, phase, and time-of-arrival.
Individually Calibrated Mic: Includes a Class I measurement microphone for extreme accuracy.
Room Mode Compensation: Effectively treats acoustic room issues via software.
Hardware Storage: No plugins required; data stays in the speakers.
Phase Linearization: Enhances analog KH monitors when used with a DSP subwoofer.
User-Definable Target Curves: Customize your sound after the initial calibration.
Technical & Software Requirements
Requirement
Details
OS Support
Windows 10/11 (64-bit), macOS 10.15 and newer
Audio Interface
1x Balanced Mic Input with 48V Phantom Power
Network
Standard Ethernet Switch (IPv6 support)
Resolution
1280 × 720 px or higher
Driver
ASIO Driver required for Windows users
Hardware Compatibility
Network-Enabled (Direct Control):
Monitors: KH 80 DSP, KH 120 II, KH 150.
Subwoofers: KH 750 DSP, KH 805 II, KH 810 II, KH 870 II (including AES/AES67 versions).
Non-Network-Enabled (Requires DSP Subwoofer):
Analog Monitors: KH 120 A/D, KH 310 A/D, KH 420 (+ DIM 1).
iPad App Conflict: If you have previously adjusted speakers via the Neumann.Control iPad app, the MA 1 alignment will overwrite that data. Re-opening the iPad app will subsequently overwrite the MA 1 data.
Mic Linearization: You can calculate your microphone's individual correction curve at ma1.neumann.com for use in third-party applications.
