[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Coleman Audio M3PH, May 2002
Oct 20, 2004 7:22 PM, By George Petersen
CONTROL ROOM MONITOR MODULE
Studio Monitors
advertisement
Today, you can record, overdub, process, mix and master entirely from a computer screen. Yet, as we move away from the traditional console concept, we still need monitoring control for playback volume, muting, mono checking, switching between several sets of reference speakers and selecting from various playback sources.
One possible solution to this situation comes in the form of the Coleman Audio M3PH. Housed in a single-rackspace chassis, the M3PH offers four stereo inputs, three alternate speaker outs, a main volume attenuator, a mono sum to check phase, left/right mute switches, and front panel headphone output with independent level control. All connections on the rear panel are balanced XLRs, and the AC cord is an attached 2-prong type.
The main point behind the M3PH is signal purity. The signal path is almost entirely passive—no VCAs here! All switching is passive. The volume is controlled by a 10kΩ stepped, ganged attenuator that tracks with an accuracy of 0.05 dB. The only active circuits are the headphone amplifier and a necessary summing amp used for combining the left/right sides for mono listening. Other than those exceptions, it's nearly as close to straight wire as it gets, and the audio performance is impeccable.
My only complaint with the MP3H is a lack of a power switch and pilot light to let you know it's powered up. Also, because the unit is passive and designed for balanced I/Os, if you're powering an unbalanced amp (or active monitors), then you can't use the usual “connect pin 3 to ground” adapter—you'll need a cable that lifts the low side of the output and leaves it floating; otherwise, you'll run into phasing problems.
In a DAW-based audio room (or video/post suite), the Coleman MP3H provides a pro solution to monitoring hassles. Retail is $850. The company also offers a selection of other monitoring accessories, including outboard stereo and quad VU meters, an active surround level controller with individual mutes on the 5.1 channels and more. Check 'em out!
Coleman Audio, www.colemanaudio.com.
Modern Recording and Mixing
This 2-DVD set will show you how the best in the music industry set up a studio to make world-class records. Regardless of what gear you are using, the information you'll find here will allow you to take advantage of decades of expert knowledge. Order now $39.95
Mastering Cubase 4
Electronic Musician magazine and Thomson Course Technology PTR have joined forces again to create the second volume in their Personal Studio Series, Mastering Steinberg's Cubase(tm). Edited and produced by the staff of Electronic Musician, this special issue is not only a must-read for users of Cubase(tm) software, but it also delivers essential information for anyone recording/producing music in a personal-studio. Order now $12.95
Delivered straight to your inbox every other week, MixLine takes you straight into the studio, with new product announcements, industry news, upcoming events, recent recording/post projects and much more. 
NAMM 2011: Fairlight CMI
State of NAMM 2011