Montarbo B Series Active Speakers

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a product from the Italian company Montarbo, a leader in professional audio equipment since 1962. Montarbo products are designed with meticulous attention to detail and durability, ensuring reliability and high-quality standards.

The B Series active speakers are versatile, ergonomic, and portable. They are suitable for PA systems in small to medium-sized applications. Each speaker features a mixer with three inputs for various sources, including Bluetooth® signals from smartphones and tablets. An integrated DSP with 4 presets optimizes acoustic performance for different usage scenarios.

Mechanical and Acoustic Components

The speakers utilize a compression driver for high frequencies (1" for B108, 1.35" for other models) and woofers of 8", 10", 12", or 15" sizes depending on the model (B108, B110, B112, B115 respectively). The mechanical construction includes three integrated handles and a pole mount socket. Models B110, B112, and B115 offer adjustable tilt angles (0°/7.5°). Additionally, two sides of the cabinet are angled at 40°, allowing them to be used as stage monitors. Protective covers for safe transport and weather resistance are available as optional accessories for each model.

Configuration Options

Various configuration options are available, including mounting on tripod stands, use as stage monitors (wedge configuration), and installation using eyebolts for adjustable positioning. Refer to the Installation Examples section for details.

Control Panel

The control panel provides access to all speaker functions:

• MIC/LINE INPUT (1): Combo XLR/6.35mm jack input for microphone and line signals.
• LINE/MIC Selector (2): Adjusts the input sensitivity between microphone and line level.
• LEVEL CH1 (3): Controls the input level for Channel 1. Turn clockwise to increase gain, counter-clockwise to decrease.
• LINE INPUT (4): Line level input via XLR-F connector.
• LINE INPUT (5): Line level input via 6.35mm jack connector.
• LEVEL CH2 (6): Controls the input level for Channel 2.
• LEVEL CH3 (7): Controls the input level for Channel 3.
• PAIR Button (8): Used to pair smartphones or tablets. Refer to the Bluetooth® Connection section for procedures.
• LED PAIR (9): Indicates Bluetooth® connection status. Flashes during synchronization and remains lit when connected.
• AUX INPUT (10): Unbalanced stereo 3.5mm jack input for wired connection of external devices like PCs, smartphones, or tablets.
• LED LINK (11): Stays lit during audio streaming.
• PRESET LEDs (12): Indicate the active preset: PLAYBACK, FLAT, BASS BOOST, and WEDGE. These presets are optimized for different applications (e.g., PLAYBACK for music, FLAT for concerts, BASS BOOST for low frequencies, WEDGE for stage monitoring).
• PRESET Selector (13): A rotary switch to select one of the four available presets.
• LED CLIP (14): Illuminates when the speaker signal is close to distortion. If this occurs, reduce the MAIN signal and active channel levels.
• LED ON (15): Indicates that the speaker is connected to the mains power and the power switch is ON.
• LINE OUTPUT (16): Balanced line level signal output via XLR-M, defined by the LINK/MIX selector.
• LINK/MIX Selector (17): Determines whether the signal sent to another speaker corresponds to the signal present at the LINK inputs or the mixed signal from the three input channels, controlled by the MAIN level.
• MAIN LEVEL (18): Adjusts the output level of the active speaker.

Power Supply

MAINS INPUT (1): IEC input with integrated mains filter. The package includes a power cable suitable for your region. Connect the power cable to this input when the speaker is switched off. For safety, never remove the ground pin.

FUSE (2): Protective fuse. WARNING: Replace the fuse only with one of the same type and rating. If the fuse blows repeatedly, contact an authorized service center.

POWER ON/OFF (3): Switch for turning the active speaker on and off.

Bluetooth® Connection

To synchronize a device with the speaker:

• Ensure the device to be synchronized is turned on and ready for Bluetooth® connection.
• With the speaker on, press the PAIR button to activate Bluetooth® synchronization. The green LED will flash.
• On your mobile device, check if the speaker's name (e.g., B108) appears in the list of available devices.
• Select the speaker model to synchronize. A solid LED indicates a successful connection.
• Adjust the CH3 and MAIN levels for the desired playback volume of songs from the synchronized device.

Connecting a Second Speaker:

• On the first speaker, already synchronized, press and hold the STEREO button for a few seconds. The blue LINK LED will start flashing.
• Turn on the second speaker and press its PAIR button; its relevant LED will start flashing.
• After synchronization, both the LINK LED of the first speaker and the PAIR LED of the second speaker will remain lit.
• Adjust the second speaker's LEVEL CH3 and MAIN; the signal from the source device will be output from both speakers.

Quick Setup

Follow these steps for a quick setup:

1. Place the speaker according to your installation choice.
2. Connect audio sources to the inputs (channel levels set to zero).
3. Insert the mains cable and turn on the speaker.
4. Switch on and pair your Bluetooth® device.
5. Connect additional speakers (via Bluetooth® or cables) if needed.
6. Adjust all volumes as desired.

Accessories

• Tripod stand kit
• CV-B108/B110/B112/B115 cover

Installation Examples

Speaker placement is intuitive. For diffusion towards a seated or standing audience, it is recommended to use certified stands on a level surface. Ensure that power and signal cables are routed in a way that they cannot be walked on, are not stretched, and do not pose a tripping hazard or safety risk.

Installation on Tripod Stand

The speaker can be installed on an optional tripod stand with a standard 35mm diameter pole. The maximum allowed height between the speaker base and the floor is 170 cm (5.57 ft). For additional safety, extra fastening might be required. Models B110, B112, and B115 offer adjustable tilt angles (0°/7.5°). The cabinet design also allows for use as stage monitors with a 40° tilt.

Wedge Installation

The speaker can be placed using its angled cabinet as a live monitor. In this case, it is suggested to select the WEDGE preset on the control panel.

Installation with Eyebolts

The speaker can also be installed using eyebolt hooks. The positioning is shown in the accompanying illustration, where the rear eyebolt allows adjustment of the final angle up to a maximum of 45°. M8 eyebolts are used for models B108-B110, and M10 eyebolts for models B112-B115.

Troubleshooting

Speaker Does Not Turn On

• Check for correct power supply upstream of the system.
• Verify that the power cable with the VDE connector is correctly inserted.

Speaker Turns On But Makes No Sound

• Check audio channel input connections (CH1, CH2, CH3).
• Ensure that the cables used are intact and of good quality.
• Verify that audio sources are turned on and indicate an output signal.
• Check CH1 input sensitivity.
• Check the Bluetooth® signal synchronization.
• Check the MAIN output level.

Poor or Distorted Sound

• Adjust the source volume appropriately for the mixer inputs.
• Check that the cables used are not damaged and are of good quality.
• Check input and MAIN volume levels.
• Check the associated Bluetooth® device output signal.
• Reduce the level of the MIC, LINE, and/or MAIN inputs.
• Ensure no line signal is connected to Channel 1 with MIC sensitivity.

Background Noise

• Turn off the power and disconnect all connected devices.
• Reconnect devices one at a time to check the signal from each source and identify the cause of the problem.

Technical Specifications

Connectors and Specifications