M2 Master Reference Monitor Purchase

[Don McRitchie]

Well, I've just pulled the pin. Today, I called up my local JBLPro dealer and ordered a pair of M2's and a pair of Crown iTech 5000HD amps. They should be here in a week or two. I did this as a result of my recent trip to Los Angeles to attend Titanium Dome's LH Awards function (thanks again TD) which I followed up with a visit to Northridge. There, I was given an extended audition of the M2's in one of Harman's sound rooms. The quick summary is that the M2's impressed me as the finest JBL loudspeakers that I have ever heard, and I have spent considerable time with E2 and various K2's. Don't get me wrong; E2 in particular has the potential to exceed M2 if is coupled to the same level of DSP used in the latter system. However, in their current configurations, M2 has my vote for the most accurate and dynamic loudspeaker wearing a JBL logo.

Consider this the opening post of what will hopefully be an enlightening journey to set up, tune, experiment and ultimately enjoy this state-of-the-art JBL system.

BTW, anyone interested in a slightly used pair of Altec Model 19's?

[grumpy]

Congrats Don! Should keep you busy and smiling for quite some time

[4313B]

Excellent choice!

[Bobecca]

My gear with the Cinema screen array and Mctwins system with the PRX and 4429 speakers. Just for reference.

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/bass-traps-acoustic-panels-foam-etc/651132-my-room.html

[Earl K]

Don, I also use the Focusrite 2i2. It's a good quality soundcard ( plus it has nice wrap-around, multi-colored metering ) .

The calibrated EMM-6 from CSL will more than do the job . For the extra monies, get the Premium Plus calibration package . Note ; I see these mics are out of stock till mid July .

The usb powered UMIK-1 test mic is another way to go ( the calibrations are reputed to be "alright" ) . One doesn't use any external soundcard ( with this mic since it's "built-in" ) / though the drawback is the built-in pre-amp is set to a somewhat lower gain ( than what you can achieve with using "separates" ). I just received one ( I won it ) though haven't had any real time to suss out it's strengths & weaknesses .
- FWIW, the usage of a USB test mic usually triggers the caution that one loses the ability to use a second channel ( within REW ) as a timing channel . That is technically true though there is a lash-up "work-around " ( using ASIO4ALL and your computers builtin soundcard ) .

FWIW, I use REW ( 100 times more than my licensed ARTA or HolmImpulse softwares ) . I believe ARTA ( which is quite affordable ) is worth owning ,( even if for no other reason, than to help one appreciate the GUI of REW ) .

[Mr. Widget]

BTW, anyone interested in a slightly used pair of Altec Model 19's?

Naughty, naughty!

You know you should post that in the Market Place!

Sounds exciting... waiting to hear about the entire journey!


Widget

[Don McRitchie]

Naughty, naughty!
You know you should post that in the Market Place!
Widget

My last sentence was meant to be in jest, however I neglected to add the appropriate smilie. A local friend has already claimed first dibs on the Altecs and I hope to have them moved out before the M2's show up. If for some reason, it doesn't pan out, I'll post a formal sales notice in the Market Place.

Don

[Mostlydiy]

Congratulations on the purchase! Looking forward for some images, experiences etc

/Mostly

[Mr. Widget]

My last sentence was meant to be in jest...

I was just being a smartass!


Widget

[Don McRitchie]

This will be my first request for input (with likely many to follow) in setting up an M2 system. I would appreciate advice on buying a measurement platform that I would like to keep under $1k. Is it possible or even desirable to go for a multi-mic setup within this budget or am I better off with one higher quality mic recognizing that tuning becomes more complex? I will be using a Win7 laptop with a generic motherboard based sound processor. I know a multichannel input/sound card would be required for a multi-mic setup and could use recommendations for one if that approach is viable. Otherwise, I am led to believe it is possible to use a single mic if it has a usb connection with no additional soundcard. I could use confirmation and/or suggestions.

As for software, JBLPro has used both Smaart and EASE to set up M2's and both are effective but pricey solutions. I am aware of the freeware REW and that would be my first choice. Does anyone have any concerns with using that software? I would like to have a measurement platform in place before the M2's arrive either late this week or early next so any timely input would be appreciated.

[Ed Zeppeli]

Congratulations! I look forward to following this thread; these would be my 'goal' speaker as well.

[Bobecca]

This will be my first request for input (with likely many to follow) in setting up an M2 system. I would appreciate advice on buying a measurement platform that I would like to keep under $1k. Is it possible or even desirable to go for a multi-mic setup within this budget or am I better off with one higher quality mic recognizing that tuning becomes more complex? I will be using a Win7 laptop with a generic motherboard based sound processor. I know a multichannel input/sound card would be required for a multi-mic setup and could use recommendations for one if that approach is viable. Otherwise, I am led to believe it is possible to use a single mic if it has a usb connection with no additional soundcard. I could use confirmation and/or suggestions.

As for software, JBLPro has used both Smaart and EASE to set up M2's and both are effective but pricey solutions. I am aware of the freeware REW and that would be my first choice. Does anyone have any concerns with using that software? I would like to have a measurement platform in place before the M2's arrive either late this week or early next so any timely input would be appreciated.

I would put all my dime with ARTA acoustical measurement program. Well suited for both room and loudspeaker measurements. Any soundcard that is listed on ARTA web will do and recommended mics are any of Behringer, Earthworks, Dayton, dbx and so on. Omnidirectional mics so to speak.

Inluded are STEP and LIMPS programs as well.

I have REW as well but my felling is that ARTA is the superior one.

What is it that you want to do, measure the rooms acoustics or check the loudspeakers?

[Valentin]

This will be my first request for input (with likely many to follow) in setting up an M2 system. I would appreciate advice on buying a measurement platform that I would like to keep under $1k. Is it possible or even desirable to go for a multi-mic setup within this budget or am I better off with one higher quality mic recognizing that tuning becomes more complex? I will be using a Win7 laptop with a generic motherboard based sound processor. I know a multichannel input/sound card would be required for a multi-mic setup and could use recommendations for one if that approach is viable. Otherwise, I am led to believe it is possible to use a single mic if it has a usb connection with no additional soundcard. I could use confirmation and/or suggestions.

As for software, JBLPro has used both Smaart and EASE to set up M2's and both are effective but pricey solutions. I am aware of the freeware REW and that would be my first choice. Does anyone have any concerns with using that software? I would like to have a measurement platform in place before the M2's arrive either late this week or early next so any timely input would be appreciated.

congrats Don

if you have a ipad or iphone i can recomend the studio 6 digital software and the itest mic wich is sold by audiocontrol and has been calibrated

it is recomended for the measurments of the REVEL subwoofer system and software


http://www.studiosixdigital.com/audi...cisionmic.html

[Bobecca]

Don, forgot to ask.....

What kind of room do you have? Will there be any in room treatments? or allready treated?

Just curious how the approach will be when adressing room acoustical problems.

[Don McRitchie]

Don, forgot to ask.....

What kind of room do you have? Will there be any in room treatments? or allready treated?

Just curious how the approach will be when adressing room acoustical problems.

The three pictures illustrate the room. The M2's will be going in my living room to replace the Altec Model 19's currently shown. As the space is my living room/dining room, there is no real opportunity for physical room treatments. Hence the reliance on DSP and room EQ.