M2 Loudspeaker

General Information

This document is the M2 Manual, Version 5.3 en. All previous versions are no longer valid. The document includes information on safety precautions, product description, connections, operation, dispersion characteristics, technical specifications, and manufacturer's declarations.

Copyright © 2025 by d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG. All rights reserved.

Keep this document with the product for future reference. Regularly check the d&b website for the latest version. When reselling, hand over this document to the new owner.

For inquiries regarding additional documents, contact d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG, Eugen-Adolff-Str. 134, D-71522 Backnang, Germany. T +49-7191-9669-0, F +49-7191-95 00 00.

1 Safety Precautions

Potential Risk of Personal Injury

Never stand in the immediate vicinity of loudspeakers driven at a high level. Professional loudspeaker systems can cause sound pressure levels detrimental to human health. Seemingly non-critical sound levels (approx. 95 dB SPL) can cause hearing damage if exposed over a long period.

When deploying loudspeakers on the ground or flown:

• Ensure loudspeakers and stands are on a firm surface. Secure multiple systems against movement with straps.
• Use only d&b-approved accessories for assembly and mobile deployment. Refer to specific "Mounting instructions" or "Flying system and Rigging manuals" for correct application and load capacity.
• Ensure all additional hardware, fixings, and fasteners are appropriately sized and have adequate safety factors. Follow manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.
• Regularly check loudspeaker housings and accessories for wear and tear, and replace if necessary.
• Regularly check all load-bearing bolts in mounting devices.

Potential Risk of Material Damage

Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field. Keep them away from equipment and objects that may be impaired by an external magnetic field. Maintain a distance of 0.5 m (1.5 ft) from magnetic data carriers (floppy disks, audio/video tapes, bank cards) and potentially more than 1 m (3 ft) from computer and video monitors.

2 M2 Loudspeaker

2.1 Product Description

The M2 is a 2-way active high-performance loudspeaker designed for stage monitoring. It features a bass-reflex enclosure optimized for minimal air compression, housing two 12" LF drivers. It is actively crossed over and powered by both channels of an appropriate d&b amplifier. The 1.4" exit HF compression driver utilizes a compact, strong neodymium magnet assembly and a low-distortion waveguide horn, optimized for monitor applications.

The component configuration allows for a low-profile cabinet with constant directivity from 600 Hz upwards, offering a nominal dispersion of 45° x 60° (horizontal x vertical). With a 40° cabinet baffle angle to the floor, the dispersion provides a realistic artist listening area starting directly above the cabinet and extending upstage.

The cabinet is constructed from marine plywood with an impact-resistant paint finish. The front is protected by a rigid metal grill backed with replaceable acoustically transparent foam. Side panels include handles, and the bottom panel has recessed runners to prevent movement and protect against scratching. Two sockets for the Z5048 Flying pin 10 mm are located on the side panels for flexible rigging.

2.2 Connections

The cabinet is fitted with NLT4 F/M connectors. All four pins of both connectors are wired in parallel: 1+/1- for LF and 2+/2- for HF. One connector serves as the input, and the second allows direct connection to a second cabinet.

Optional connectors include EP5 or NL8.

d&b LoadMatch

The d&b LoadMatch function on the four-channel amplifier platform electrically compensates for loudspeaker cable properties without needing an additional sense wire. LoadMatch is independent of the connector type used.

d&b SenseDrive

The SenseDrive feature within D12 amplifiers enables electrical compensation for loudspeaker cable properties. SenseDrive requires an additional sense wire and is available with EP5 connectors and 5-wire cabling. For LF drivers, the loudspeaker cabinet must be connected to output A. For two cabinets, link them locally and connect to output A.

2.3 Operation

NOTICE! Only operate d&b loudspeakers with a correctly configured d&b amplifier to avoid damaging components.

Recommended d&b amplifiers: D80, D12, 30D.

Amplifier output mode(s): 2-Way Active

2.3.1 Controller Settings

Acoustic adjustments are made using the CUT and CPL functions.

CUT Mode

When set to CUT, a high-pass filter with a 110 Hz cutoff frequency is inserted. The M2 is configured for use with actively driven d&b subwoofers.

CPL Function

The CPL (Coupling) function compensates for coupling effects in closely coupled arrays. CPL starts gradually around 1 kHz, with maximum attenuation below 400 Hz for a balanced frequency response in arrays of two or more cabinets. CPL can be set to dB attenuation values between 0 and -9 dB.

Positive CPL values provide an adjustable low-frequency boost around 65 Hz (0 to +5 dB).

CPL settings correspond to M2 controller settings of the A1 amplifier:

• 0 dB = Floor
• +3 dB = Free
• -3 dB = Pair

2.3.2 Operation with A1

Two M2 cabinets can be driven by a single A1 mainframe with an M2 controller module.

CUT Switch

The CUT setting is available, with characteristics described in the "Controller settings - CUT mode" section.

LF Coupling Level Control

The LF Coupling level control adjusts the system's low and low/mid response for different operating environments.

• FLOOR: Standard setting for a single M2 used as a floor monitor.
• PAIR: Reduces the low and lower/mid frequency range (corner frequency approx. 600 Hz). Compensates for coupling behavior when two cabinets are used in a paired monitor application.
• FREE: Increases the system's low end for operation without floor coupling (e.g., flown).

2.4 Dispersion Characteristics

The diagrams show dispersion angle versus frequency, plotted with lines of equal sound pressure (isobars) at -6 dB and -12 dB. The nominal 45° horizontal dispersion angle is maintained from 800 Hz to 10 kHz.

[Diagram: M2 isobar diagram horizontal]

[Diagram: M2 isobar diagram vertical]

2.5 Technical Specifications

M2 System Data

• Frequency response (-5 dB standard): 57 Hz - 17 kHz
• Frequency response (-5 dB, floor coupling): 50 Hz - 17 kHz
• Frequency response (-10 dB standard, IEC60268): 43 Hz - 19 kHz
• Max. sound pressure (1 m, free field) with D80/D12/30D: 143 dB (SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4)

M2 Loudspeaker

• Nominal impedance LOW/HIGH: 4/8 ohms
• Power handling capacity LOW (RMS / peak 10 ms): 500/2000 W
• Power handling capacity HIGH (RMS / peak 10 ms): 50/200 W
• Nominal dispersion angle (h x v): 45° x 60°
• Components: 2 x 12" LF drivers with neodymium magnet, 1.4" exit compression driver with CD horn
• Connections: NLT4 F/M (optional 2 x EP5 or NL8)
• Pin assignment NLT4 F/M: LF +/-: 1+/1- | HF +/-: 2+/2-
• Pin assignment EP5: 1: LF+ | 2: LF- | 3: HF+ | 4: HF- | 5: SenseDrive
• Pin assignment NL8: LF +/-: 1+/1- | HF +/-: 4+/4- | SenseDrive: 3-
• Weight: 38 kg (83 lb)

[Diagram: M2 frequency response, listening position in monitor operation]

[Diagram: M2 cabinet dimensions in mm [inch]]

3 Manufacturer's Declarations

3.1 EU Conformity of Loudspeakers (CE Symbol)

This declaration applies to the d&b Z0061 M2 loudspeaker by d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG. All product variants corresponding to the original technical version and not subject to later modifications are covered.

d&b audiotechnik declares that these products conform to the relevant EC directives, including applicable amendments.

A detailed declaration is available on request or can be downloaded from the d&b website at www.dbaudio.com.

3.2 WEEE Declaration (Disposal)

Electrical and electronic equipment must be disposed of separately from normal waste at the end of its operational lifetime. Please dispose of this product according to national regulations or contractual agreements. For disposal inquiries, contact d&b audiotechnik.

WEEE Registration Number: DE: 13421928