M6 Loudspeaker

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. Even seemingly non-critical sound levels (from approx. 95 dB SPL) can cause hearing damage if people are exposed to it over a long period.

To prevent accidents when deploying loudspeakers on the ground or when flown:

• Ensure loudspeakers or loudspeaker stands are placed on a firm surface.
• Use straps to secure multiple systems against movement when stacked.
• Only use accessories tested and approved by d&b for assembly and deployment. Refer to specific "Mounting instructions" or "Rigging manuals" for correct application and maximum load capacity.
• Ensure all additional hardware, fixings, and fasteners used for deployment are of appropriate size and load safety factor, adhering to manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines.
• Regularly check loudspeaker housings and accessories for signs of wear and tear, and replace if necessary.
• Regularly check all load-bearing mounting devices.

Potential Risk of Material Damage

Loudspeakers produce a static magnetic field even when not connected or in use. Exercise caution when erecting and transporting loudspeakers near equipment or objects that may be affected by an external magnetic field. Maintain a distance of at least 0.5 m (1.5 ft) from magnetic data carriers (floppy disks, audio/video tapes, bank cards, etc.).

2 M6 Loudspeaker

2.1 Product Description

The M6 is a high-performance stage monitor featuring an integrated 12"/1.3" exit coaxial driver with a neodymium magnet and a constant directivity horn. Its dispersion of 50° x 80° (horizontal x vertical) defines an accurate coverage area on stage. When used upright, the M6 functions as a powerful front PA speaker (80° x 50°) for various applications.

The M6 is a two-way design with a built-in passive crossover network. It can be operated in two-way active mode by reconfiguring the amplifier, without any modifications to the loudspeaker. Its frequency response extends from 65 Hz to over 17 kHz.

The cabinet is constructed from marine plywood with an impact-resistant paint finish. The front is protected by a rigid metal grill covering an acoustically transparent foam. Each side panel includes a handle, and four M10 threaded inserts allow for connection to various rigging devices and brackets. A pole mount on one side panel accepts a loudspeaker stand. Two recessed runners on the bottom panel prevent cabinet movement and protect against scratching.

2.2 Connections

The cabinet is equipped with NLT4 F/M connectors. All four pins of both connectors are wired in parallel, using pin assignments 1+/1- (LF) and 2+/2- (HF). Using one connector as the input allows the second connector to be used for direct connection to a second cabinet.

The cabinet can optionally be supplied with NL4 M or EP5 connectors.

2.3 Operation

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

Recommended d&b amplifiers: D80 | D40 | D20 | D12 | D6 | 40D | 30D | 10D.

Passive Operation ("Dual channel" mode)

Selecting "Dual channel" mode allows the M6 setup to drive up to two M6 cabinets per channel. In this mode, each amplifier channel drives all output pins of its respective output connector, powering the cabinet's HF and LF sections through their passive crossover networks. Pins 1+/2+ of the NL4 output connector (EP5: 1/3) carry the positive signal, and pins 1-/2- (EP5: 2/4) carry the negative signal.

Passive Operation ("Mix TOP/SUB" mode)

With its standard connector wiring, the M6 requires 4 wires to be driven and cannot be used in "Mix TOP/SUB" mode. However, for permanent passive use with dedicated 2-wire cabling, the M6 setup can be used in "Mix TOP/SUB" mode. For passive operation with a 2-wire loudspeaker cable, pins 1+/- and 2+/- must be bridged on the loudspeaker side of the cable.

[Diagram showing 2-wire cabling for Mix TOP/SUB mode]

Active Operation ("2-Way Active" mode)

Selecting "2-Way Active" mode enables the M6 setup to drive up to two M6 cabinets actively. In this mode, separate LF and HF signals are routed to the amplifier channels. Pins 1+/1- of both NL4 output connectors (EP5: pins 1/2) carry the LF signal, and pins 2+/2- (EP5: 3/4) carry the HF signal.

For D80 and D12 amplifiers, the output connector pin assignment is automatic when "2-Way Active" mode is selected. For other amplifiers, a dedicated socket for active operation is available. The input signal can be fed to INPUT A or INPUT B and is internally routed to both amplifier channels.

[Diagram showing input/output routing for 2-Way Active mode]

2.3.1 Controller Settings

The CUT, HFA, and CPL functions can be selected for acoustic adjustment.

CUT Mode

When set to CUT, the low-frequency level is reduced. This mode configures the cabinet for use with actively driven d&b subwoofers.

HFA Mode

In HFA (High Frequency Attenuation) mode, the HF response is rolled off. HFA provides a natural, balanced frequency response for near-field listening or delay applications. High-frequency attenuation begins gradually at 1 kHz, dropping by approximately 3 dB at 10 kHz. This roll-off simulates the frequency response decline experienced when listening from a distance in a reverberant room or auditorium.

[Graph showing frequency response correction in HFA mode]

CPL Function

The CPL (Coupling) function compensates for coupling effects between the cabinet and close boundary surfaces or when the cabinet is used as a stage monitor. CPL begins gradually around 1 kHz, with maximum attenuation below 400 Hz. The CPL function can be set to dB attenuation values between 0 and -9 dB for a balanced frequency response. Positive CPL values create an adjustable low-frequency boost (0 to +5 dB) and can be used when the system operates in full-range mode without subwoofers. For a single cabinet in free space, a +3 dB value is recommended.

[Graph showing frequency response correction of the CPL function]

2.3.2 Operation with E-PAC

Selecting M6 mode enables the E-PAC to drive one M6 loudspeaker. The LO IMP mode configures the E-PAC to drive a maximum of two M6 loudspeakers with a 6 dB reduction in input level. CUT and HFA modes are available for acoustic adjustment, with characteristics described previously.

2.4 Dispersion Characteristics

The graphs below illustrate the dispersion angle over frequency for a single M6 cabinet, plotted using lines of equal sound pressure (isobars) at -6 dB and -12 dB. These characteristics apply to monitor operation. When used as a front-of-house system, the horizontal dispersion corresponds to the vertical plot, and vice versa.

[Isobar diagram M6 horizontal, monitor setup (vertical, front-of-house setup)]

[Isobar diagram M6 vertical, monitor setup (horizontal, front-of-house setup)]

Altering the HF Horn Dispersion

The HF horn can be rotated 90° for specific installation applications.

Tools required: Torx wrench (#TX25).

Procedure:

1. Disconnect the loudspeaker.
2. Undo the 10 screws holding the front grill and remove it.
3. Undo the screws holding the horn flange and the two opposite screws at the 12" driver for the desired orientation.
4. Rotate the horn to the desired orientation.
5. Refit all screws and tighten them using a torque setting of 2 Nm.
6. Refit the front grill and tighten all screws using a torque setting of 4 Nm.

2.5 Technical Specifications

M6 System Data

• Frequency response (-5 dB standard): 65 Hz - 17 kHz
• Frequency response (-5 dB CUT mode): 95 Hz - 17 kHz
• Frequency response (-10 dB standard, IEC60268): 52 Hz - 19 kHz
• Frequency response (-10 dB CUT mode, IEC60268): 70 Hz - 19 kHz
• Max. sound pressure (single cabinet, 1 m, free field):
• with D6/10D/E-PAC passive mode: 132 dB
• with 10D active mode: 133 dB
• with D80/D40/D20/D12/40D/30D passive mode: 135 dB
• with D80/D40/D20/D12/40D/30D active mode: 138 dB
• (SPLmax peak, pink noise test signal with crest factor of 4)

M6 Loudspeaker

• Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
• Power handling capacity (RMS / peak 10 ms): 400 W / 1600 W
• Nominal dispersion angle (hor. x vert., monitor setup): 50° x 80°
• Components: 12" LF driver with neodymium magnet, coaxial 1.3" exit compression driver with 3" coil and CD horn
• Passive crossover network
• Connections: 2 x NLT4 F/M (optional 2 x EP5)
• Pin assignment: NLT4 F/M: 1+: LF+/1 -: LF- | 2+: HF+/2-: HF-
• EP5: 1: LF+ | 2: LF- | 3: HF+ | 4: HF- | 5: n.c.
• Weight: 16 kg (35 lb)

[Diagram showing M6 frequency response, standard and CUT modes]

[Diagram showing M6 cabinet dimensions in mm [inch]]

3 Manufacturer's Declarations

3.1 Conformity of Loudspeakers

This declaration applies to the d&b Z0820 M6 loudspeaker by d&b audiotechnik GmbH & Co. KG. All product variants corresponding to the original technical version and not subject to later design or electromechanical modifications are covered.

These products conform to the provisions of the respective directives, including all applicable amendments. Detailed and applicable declarations are available upon 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 respective national regulations or contractual agreements. For disposal inquiries, contact d&b audiotechnik.

WEEE Registration Number: DE: 13421928