Monitor Audio MASS Surround Sound

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase. The MASS Surround Sound system has been designed to deliver a great audible performance from gracefully refined, small cabinets that will complement any home. Loaded with Monitor Audio's renowned speaker technology, elegantly packaged to create and deliver a truly immersive sound.

Please follow this guide to help achieve the best from your system. We hope the MASS Surround Sound system provides you with many years of enjoyment!

Loudspeaker Positioning

In an AV surround system, speaker positioning is based on angles from the main listening position. Please refer to the illustration for the ideal angles and positions of each speaker in your MASS surround system.

The centre channel can be placed either above or below the TV screen, and as close to it as possible. The centre speaker should be positioned so that the tweeter is pointing at the viewing position for optimum performance. If mounted using the Monitor Audio Wall Mount (MASM - sold separately) a tilt can be given to the speaker to direct the sound towards the listening position. If positioned in a cabinet or sitting on a shelf, ensure that the front edge of the loudspeaker is aligned with the front edge of the cabinet or shelf.

The front and surround speakers can be toed in towards the listening position (as illustrated) in order to direct the sound, particularly the higher frequencies, towards you. Alternatively, they can be adjusted to point straight into the room. This will give a slightly wider image to the sound. Experimentation is advisable to find the sound that best suits your room and tastes.

Diagram Description: Illustration showing ideal speaker placement angles for a surround sound system. It depicts a central listening position with marked angles for front left/right speakers (22 degrees), surround left/right speakers (110-120 degrees), and a center channel speaker. The diagram also indicates a 30-degree toe-in for the front speakers.

Connecting Speaker Cables

To access the speaker terminals of the MASS Satellites, first detach the back cover. This is a push-fit assembly with fixing points in each corner. Unscrew each terminal, pass the bare wire through the exposed hole, and re-tighten. Ensure to match the positive cable from the amplifier to the red terminal and the negative cable to the black terminal.

Adhesive Rubber Feet

If positioning the MASS satellites on a flat surface such as a TV stand or table, it is recommended to place the supplied adhesive rubber feet on the bottom of the cabinet, as illustrated, to prevent movement.

Subwoofer Positioning and Set Up

Initial Set Up

Leave the subwoofer unplugged from the mains until all signal cables are connected and feet are attached.

The subwoofer should be sited in the most suitable position, preferably not directly in the corner of a room, as this may cause excessive bass boom. Once a desirable position is achieved, it is important to check if the cables are long enough to reach comfortably without being under tension. Cables should be less than 10 metres to avoid interference.

WARNING: Never connect or disconnect the RCA input/output leads with the subwoofer switched on.

For initial setting up, put the Power Mode Switch in the 'On' position and leave the 12 V trigger cable (if being used) disconnected. Once the input cables are connected and the power mode switch is in the 'On' position, the subwoofer can be connected to the mains power supply and switched on at the mains power switch.

Connecting to an AV Receiver

The majority of AV amplifiers have automatic setup systems. If your amplifier has an auto set up procedure, run this now with the volume set to around 10 - 12 o'clock, and the power mode switch in the 'On' position.

When the auto set up is complete, check the settings on the AV amplifier for the subwoofer to ensure they are correct. The crossover frequency should be set to 150 Hz and the level should be no more/less than +/- 3 dB. If not, it is suggested to adjust accordingly.

Now play a variety of music/film excerpts that you are familiar with, gradually increasing the volume to an average listening level once you are sure everything is working correctly. This is also a good time to experiment with the toe-in angle of the speakers.

Amplifier Connections & Controls

1. Power Mode Switch with 'On'-'Auto' Facility: The Power Mode Switch has two positions: 'On' and 'Auto'. With the switch in the 'On' position, the subwoofer is permanently switched on under all conditions and will need to be manually put into 'Standby' mode. In the 'Auto' position, the subwoofer will automatically wake once an input signal is received and will remain on while still receiving a signal. The MASS Subwoofer will switch into 'Standby' mode following a period of 20 minutes without a signal.

2. Phase Control Switch: The Phase Control switch is used to synchronise any delay between the MASS Subwoofer and main/satellite speakers. When the MASS Subwoofer is in phase with the main/satellite speakers, the sound should be full-bodied. Sit in a normal listening position whilst adjusting the phase switch. Help from another person may be required. When set correctly, the location of the subwoofer should be almost undetectable. Experimentation is recommended to achieve optimum results. However, it should be noted that in most cases, the phase control switch should be set to 0 degrees, especially when using a digital AV processor or AV receiver amplifier.

3. EQ Switch: This switch tailors the bass response of the subwoofer to your tastes. There are three settings: Music, Movies, and Impact. Movie mode provides a relatively flat response down to 35 Hz. Music mode is -2 dB down on Movie mode but goes lower, all the way down to 30 Hz. Impact mode is +3 dB up on Movie mode and comfortably goes down to 40 Hz.

4. Crossover Frequency Control: The crossover frequency control only operates when connected to the stereo inputs. It does not have any effect when connected to the LFE input. This control feature is used to set the upper frequency limit (low pass) of the MASS Subwoofer. The crossover control should be set in accordance with the MASS Satellites. A recommendation is to set the crossover to 150 Hz, but experimentation is advisable.

5. Volume Control: This control allows the level or volume to be adjusted to achieve a balanced overall sound. To use this facility, play a selection of familiar music or film excerpts. Start with the volume at minimum and increase the level control until a balanced sound is established. The system can be adjusted by the test tone function within the set-up features of your AV receiver (refer to the set-up section in the AV receiver user guide). When the MASS Subwoofer is correctly set up, its location should not be easily identifiable in the room.

6. 12 Volt Trigger Input ~ Centre Pin = +12 Vdc: For external power control from AV amplifier/receiver to the subwoofer. Monitor Audio recommends using this function, and a lead is supplied. This 12 V signal is generated by the AV amplifier/receiver and tells the subwoofer to turn on from 'Standby' mode. This allows a more accurately controlled auto 'On'/'Off' function and is far more energy efficient. When using the 12 V trigger, the Power Mode Switch must be in the AUTO position for it to function correctly.

7. RCA Line Level Inputs (Stereo Left & Right): For connection to a stereo pre-amplifier output. Connection should be provided by a pair of high-quality signal cables from the pre-out section of an amplifier. Note: Cable lengths should not exceed 10 metres to avoid interference from other electrical appliances.

8. LFE Input (RCA Type): This input is to be used when connecting the subwoofer to an AV receiver. When using the LFE input, the crossover control is not used. This is due to the crossover function being controlled and set by the AV amplifier/processor when its set-up procedure is run.

9. Mains Power Switch: The Mains Power Switch should be switched to the 'Off' position when the MASS Subwoofer will not be used for extended periods. The switch must be in the 'On' position for the subwoofer to function. WARNING: Due to the mains switch being located on the rear panel, the apparatus must be located in an open area with no obstructions to access the mains switch.

10. Figure 8 Mains Power Connector: The MASS Subwoofer is supplied with a two-pin mains input socket for connection to the mains supply. Use ONLY the appropriate mains lead provided with the product.

Power LED: On the top of the MASS Subwoofer is an informative LED. When in 'Standby' mode, it will illuminate red, and when powered 'On', it will illuminate green.

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Specifications

MASS Satellite

MASS Subwoofer

Warranty

Both the craftsmanship and the performance of this product are covered by the manufacturer's warranty against manufacturing defects, provided that the product was supplied by an authorised Monitor Audio retailer under the consumer sale agreement. For the period of cover, please refer to the product page on our website: monitoraudio.com for the product you have purchased.

When purchasing Monitor Audio products, please keep your receipt of purchase safe, as this validates your warranty.