Operating Instructions — Amie
Operating Instructions — Amie
Precision Studio Monitor
 |
The Amie precision studio monitor is a compact, high-performance loudspeaker designed for critical audio workflows in music or cinema—where accurate translation to larger systems is a requirement. Developed to meet the demanding needs of audio professionals, Amie provides unparalleled precision, image and depth.
Amie traces its lineage to Meyer Sound’s Acheron® screen channel loudspeakers, sharing core technology that makes it ideal for any precision work in music, film, broadcast, or game post-production.
Amie is equally suited for both stereo and multi-channel monitoring in small- to medium-sized rooms. In any application, the addition of an Amie-Sub extends the system frequency response down to 22 Hz. The Amie Sub was specifically designed to be the companion for Amie loudspeakers—facilitating the creation of a complete system with easy integration for any configuration using optional 7.1 and 2.1 integration modules installed in the Amie-Sub. A complete system is the perfect solution for music as well as for film work where the destination is a larger production room.
With its flat frequency response, Amie accurately reproduces source material at different listening levels and with its remarkable power-to-size ratio, the Amie monitor can make a room sound like a mixing stage. In addition, the phase linearity achieved in the Amie monitor creates an incredibly well-behaved impulse response, yielding superior imaging compared to any other monitor in its size category.
Sophisticated onboard signal processing and crossover circuitry optimize phase response, ensuring transparency and precise spatial imaging. When monitoring with Amie, engineers, editors and sound designers can trust that their work will successfully translate to the next stop, which could be the mix stage or the outside world.
Engineered for sonic linearity in both amplitude and time, Amie exhibits uniform response over its full dynamic range. Advanced driver protection circuitry allows for graceful handling of peak material with very low distortion and accurate phase response, yielding a comfortable listening experience and allowing engineers to work in extended sessions with minimal fatigue.
Amie’s high-frequency transducer is a silk-infused dome tweeter fed to a constant-directivity waveguide that yields uniform, focused coverage with smooth roll-off outside the coverage area. Its low-frequency transducer is a long-excursion cone driver designed for linear behavior. An optimized, low-turbulence cabinet port enhances power handling and extends low-end response.
Powered by a proprietary, high-efficiency, 2-channel, class D amplifier and possessing sophisticated DSP, Amie
boasts ample headroom, low distortion, and low self-noise, delivering consistent performance even at high sound pressure levels, and allowing it to reproduce the most demanding sources with uncompromising precision. The self-powered design simplifies room installations and removes variables such as amplifier and speaker cable length, so the results are always consistent wherever the Amie is used.
Loop-through power connectors streamline setup of multichannel systems and necessitate fewer AC room outlets.
Meyer Sound manufactures Amie’s enclosure from premium multiply birch, and coats it with an attractive, low gloss, textured black finish.
The side attachment points are 3/8-inch - 16 threaded that accommodate an optional U-bracket, which can mount on walls and ceilings, or attach to a pole using a pole-mount adapter. In addition, the optional Desk mount allows Amie to be placed on a desk with the ability to tilt.
The Amie loudspeaker combines advanced loudspeaker technology with equally advanced power capabilities.
Understanding power distribution, voltage and current requirements, and electrical safety guidelines is critical for the safe operation of the Amie.
Power Requirements
The Amie loudspeaker combines advanced loudspeaker technology with equally advanced power capabilities. Understanding power distribution, voltage and current requirements, and electrical safety guidelines is critical for the safe operation of the Amie.
AC Power Distribution
All components in an audio system (self-powered loudspeakers, mixing consoles, and processors) must be properly connected to an AC power distribution system, ensuring that AC line polarity is preserved and that all grounding points are connected to a single node or common point using the same cable gauge (or larger) as the neutral and line cables.
Caution
Make sure the voltage received by the Amie loudspeaker remains within its 90–264 V AC operating range. In addition, the ground line must always be used for safety reasons and the line-to-ground voltage should never exceed 250 V AC (typically 120 V AC from line to ground).
Before applying AC power to any Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeaker, make sure that the voltage potential difference between the neutral and earth-ground lines is less than 5 V AC when using single-phase AC wiring.
Note
Improper grounding of connections between loudspeakers and the rest of the audio system may produce noise or hum, or cause serious damage to the input and output stages of the system’s electronic components.
120 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Single Line) Line-Neutral-Earth/Ground
The figure below illustrates a basic 120 V AC, 3-phase Wye distribution system with the loudspeaker load distributed across all three phases, with each loudspeaker connected to a single line and common neutral and earth/ground lines. This system delivers 120 V AC to each loudspeaker
 |
120 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Single Line to Loudspeakers)
120 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Two Lines) Line-Line-Earth/Ground
The figure below illustrates a 120 V AC, 3-phase Wye distribution system with each loudspeaker connected to two lines and a common earth/ground line. This configuration is possible because Amie tolerates elevated voltages from the ground line and does not require a neutral line. This system delivers 208 V AC to each loudspeaker.
|
120 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Two Lines to Loudspeakers)
Tip
The 120 V AC, 3-phase Wye system with two lines is recommended because it allows loudspeakers to draw less current than with single-line systems, thereby reducing voltage drop due to cable resistance. It also excludes the potential of varying ground to neutral voltages producing an audible hum.
230 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Single Line) Line-Neutral-Earth/Ground
The figure below illustrates a basic 230 V AC, 3-phase Wye distribution system with the loudspeaker load distributed across all three phases, with each loudspeaker connected to a single line and common neutral and earth/ground lines. This system delivers 230 V AC to each loudspeaker.
 |
230 V AC, 3-Phase Wye System (Single Line to Loudspeakers)
Caution
For 230 V AC, 3-phase Wye systems, never connect two lines to the AC input of Amie, as the resulting voltage would exceed the upper voltage limit (275 V AC) and will damage the loudspeaker.
AC Connectors
The Amie user panel includes two powerCON 20 connectors, one for AC Input (blue) and one for AC Loop Output (gray), as shown in the figure below.
 |
AC Input (Top) and AC Loop Output (Bottom) Connectors
AC Input (Blue)
The blue AC Input connector supplies power to Amie. The 3-conductor powerCON 20 is rated at 20 A and uses a locking connector that prevents accidental disconnections. A 10-foot AC power cable, rated at 15 A, is included with each loudspeaker. If the included AC power cable is replaced, make sure to use a cable with the appropriate power plug (on the other end) for the region where the unit will be operated. Amie requires a grounded outlet. To operate safely and effectively, it is extremely important that the entire system be properly grounded.
The AC Input connector also supplies power to any additional loudspeakers connected to the loudspeaker’s gray Loop Output connector.
Caution
When looping AC power for loudspeakers, do not exceed the current capability of the AC Input connector (20 A) or the included AC power cable (15 A). Consider the total current draw for all loudspeakers on the circuit, including the first loudspeaker.
AC Loop Output (Gray)
The gray AC Loop Output connector allows multiple Amie to be looped and powered from a single power source. The 3-conductor powerCON 20 is rated at 20 A and uses a locking connector that prevents accidental disconnections. For applications that require multiple Amie, connect the AC Loop Output of the first loudspeaker to the AC Input of the second loudspeaker, and so forth.
Note
The maximum number of loudspeakers that can be looped from the AC Loop Output connector is determined by the voltage of the power source, the current draw of the looped loudspeakers, the circuit breaker rating, and the rating of the AC power cable connected to the first Amie loudspeaker. Current draw for Amie is dynamic and fluctuates as operating levels change. The number of loudspeakers that can be looped assumes that operating levels are normal and not such that loudspeakers are constantly limiting.
Amie ships with a gray powerCON 20 cable mount connector, rated at 20 A, for assembling AC looping cables. Assembled 1-meter AC looping cables (PN 28.115.032.03) are also available from Meyer Sound.
Voltage Requirements
Amie operates as intended when receiving AC voltage within the following range:
90–264 V AC, 50–60 Hz
If the voltage drops below 90 V, the loudspeaker uses stored power to continue operating temporarily; the loudspeaker powers off if the voltage does not return to its operating range.
If the voltage rises above 275 V, the power supply could become damaged.
Caution
The power source for Amie should always operate within the required operating range, at least a few volts from the upper and lower limits. This approach ensures that AC voltage variations from the service entry—or peak voltage drops due to cable runs—will not cause the loudspeaker’s amplifier to cycle on and off or cause damage to the power supply.
Current Requirements
Current draw for loudspeakers is dynamic and fluctuates as operating levels change. Because different cables and circuit breakers heat up at varying rates, it is important to understand the following types of current ratings and how they affect circuit breaker and cable specifications.
Idle Current — The maximum rms current during idle periods.
Maximum Long-Term Continuous Current — The maximum rms current during a period of at least 10 seconds. The maximum long-term continuous current is used to calculate temperature increases for cables to ensure that the size and gauge of the cables conform to electrical code standards. The current rating is also used to select appropriately rated, slow-reacting thermal breakers, which are recommended for loudspeaker power distribution. In addition, the maximum long-term continuous current can be used to calculate the AC looping capability for Amie loudspeakers.
Burst Current — The maximum rms current during a period of around 1 second. The burst current is used as a rating for magnetic breakers. It is also used for calcuating the peak voltage drop in long AC cable runs according to the following formula:
V pk (drop) = I pk x R (cable total)
Maximum Instantaneous Peak Current — A rating for fast-reacting magnetic breakers.
Use the information provided in the table below as a guide for selecting the gauge of cables and the circuit breaker ratings for the system’s operating voltage.
Current Draw | 115 V AC | 230 V AC | 100 V AC |
|---|---|---|---|
Idle | 0.16 A rms | 0.14 A rms | 0.18 A rms |
Maximum Long- Term Continuous | 0.68 A rms | 0.36 A rms | 0.79 A rms |
Burst | 1.02 A rms | 0.51 A rms | 1.2 A rms |
Maximum Instantaneous Peak | 2.7 A peak | 1.4 A peak | 3.1 A peak |
The minimum electrical service amperage required by a loudspeaker system is the sum of the maximum long-term continuous current for all loudspeakers. An additional 30 percent above the combined Maximum Long-Term Continuous amperages is recommended to prevent peak voltage drops at the service entry.
Note
For best performance, the AC cable voltage drop should not exceed 10 V (10 percent at 115 V and 5 percent at 230 V). This ensures that the AC voltage variations from the service entry—or peak voltage drops due to longer cable runs—do not cause the amplifier to cycle on and off.
Intelligent AC Power Supply
Amie’s Intelligent AC™ power supply automatically selects the correct operating voltage (allowing the loudspeaker to be used internationally without manually setting voltage switches), eliminates high inrush currents with soft-start power up, suppresses high-voltage transients up to several kilovolts, filters common mode and differential mode radio frequencies (EMI), and sustains operation temporarily during low-voltage periods.
Powering on Amie
When powering on Amie, the following startup events take place over several seconds.
Audio output is muted.
Voltage is detected and the power supply mode is automatically adjusted as necessary.
The power supply ramps up.
On the user panel, the Active/Status LED flashes multiple colors successively.
The Active/Status LED turns solid green, indicating the loudspeaker is unmuted and ready to output audio.
Caution
If the Active/Status LED does not turn solid green, or the Amie does not output audio after 10 seconds, remove AC power immediately and verify that the voltage is within the required range. If the problem persists, contact Meyer Sound Technical Support.
Electrical Safety Guidelines
Make sure to observe the following important electrical and safety guidelines.
The powerCON 20 connector should not be engaged or disengaged when under load or energized. Either de-energize- energize or disconnect the other end of the cable.
Amie requires a grounded outlet. Always use a grounded outlet and plug.
Do not use a ground-lifting adapter or cut the AC cable ground pin.
Do not exceed the current capability of the 20 A AC Input connector for the loudspeaker. When looping loudspeakers, consider the total current draw for all loudspeakers on the circuit, including the first loudspeaker.
Make sure the AC power cable for the loudspeaker has the appropriate power plug (on the other end) for the area in which you will operate the loudspeaker. In addition, the AC power cable must be rated for the total current draw of all loudspeakers looped from the power source.
Do not operate the loudspeaker if the power cable is frayed or broken.
Keep all liquids away from Amie loudspeakers to avoid hazards from electrical shock.
Audio
The Amie drivers are powered by a proprietary two-channel, class D amplifier. The audio signal is processed with electronic crossover, by correction filters for flat phase and frequency responses, and by driver protection circuitry. Each channel has peak and rms limiters that prevent driver over-excursion and regulate voice coil temperatures.
The Amie user panel includes Input and Loop output connectors for audio, and Limit and Active LEDs, as shown in the figure below.
Amie User Panel
Audio Connectors
Amie has XLR 3-pin connectors for audio Input and audio Loop output, as shown in the figure below.
 |
XLR 3-Pin Audio Connectors, Input and Loop Output
Audio Input (XLR 3-Pin)
The XLR 3-pin connector accepts balanced audio signals with an input impedance of 10 kΩ. The connector uses the following wiring scheme:
Pin 1 — 1 kΩ to chassis and earth ground (ESD clamped)
Pin 2 — Signal (+)
Pin 3 — Signal (–)
Case — Earth (AC) ground and chassis
Pins 2 and 3 carry the input as a differential signal. Pin 1 is connected to earth through a 1 kΩ, 1000 pF, 15 V clamped network. This circuitry provides virtual ground lift for audio frequencies while allowing unwanted signals to bleed to ground. Make sure to use balanced XLR audio cables with pins 1–3 connected on both ends. Telescopic grounding is not recommended and shorting an input connector pin to the case may cause a ground loop, resulting in hum.
Tip
If the loudspeaker produces unwanted noise or hiss, disconnect its input cable. If the noise stops, there is most likely nothing wrong with the loudspeaker. To locate the source of the noise, check the source audio, AC power, and electrical ground.
Audio Loop Output (XLR 3-Pin)
The XLR 3-pin Loop output connector allows multiple loudspeakers to be looped from a single audio source. The Loop output connector uses the same wiring scheme as the Input connector (see Audio Input (XLR 3-Pin)). For applications that require multiple Amie, connect the Loop output of the first loudspeaker to the Input of the second loudspeaker, and so forth.
Note
The Loop output connector is wired in parallel to the Input connector and transmits the unbuffered source signal even when the loudspeaker is powered off.
Calculating Load Impedance for Looped Audio Signals
To avoid distortion when looping multiple loudspeakers, make sure the source device can drive the total load impedance of the looped loudspeakers. In addition, the source device must be capable of delivering approximately 20 dBV (10 V rms into 600 Ω) to yield the maximum SPL over the operating bandwidth of the loudspeakers.
To calculate the load impedance for the looped loudspeakers, divide 10 kΩ (the input impedance for a single loudspeaker) by the number of looped loudspeakers. For example, the load impedance for 10 Amie is 1000 Ω (10 kΩ/ 10). To drive this number of looped loudspeakers, the source device should have an output impedance of 100 Ω or less. This same rule applies when looping Amie with other Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers.
Note
Most source devices are capable of driving loads no less than 10 times their output impedance.
Tip
Audio outputs from Meyer Sound’s loudspeaker GALAXY Network Platform have an output impedance of 50 ohms. Each output can drive up to 20 Meyer Sound (10 kΩ) loudspeakers without distortion.
Caution
Make sure that all cabling for looped loudspeakers is wired correctly (Pin 1 to Pin 1, Pin 2 to Pin 2, and so forth) to prevent the polarity from being reversed. If one or more loudspeakers in a system have reversed polarity, frequency response and coverage will be significantly degraded.
TruPower Limiting
The Amie employs Meyer Sound’s advanced TruPower® limiting. Conventional limiters assume a constant driver impedance and set the limiting threshold by measuring voltage alone. This method is inaccurate, because driver impedances change as frequency content in the source material changes, and as thermal values for the loudspeaker’s voice coil and magnet vary. Consequently, conventional limiters often begin limiting prematurely, which reduces system headroom and dynamic range.
In contrast, TruPower limiting anticipates varying driver impedances by measuring both current and voltage to compute the actual power dissipation in the voice coil. This approach improves performance, both before and during limiting, by allowing the driver to produce the maximum SPL across its entire frequency range while also retaining signal peaks. TruPower limiting also eliminates power compression at high levels over lengthy periods, which helps regulate voice coil temperatures, thereby extending the life of the driver.
HF and LF Limit LEDs
The low- and high-frequency drivers for Amie are powered by separate amplifier channels, each with their own limiter. Limiting activity is indicated with two Limit LEDs on the user panel. The right Limit LED, shown in the figure below, indicates limiting for the high-frequency channel and the left Limit LED indicates limiting for the low-frequency channel.
 |
Amie Limit LEDs (LF unlit: not limiting, HF lit: limiting occurring)
When engaged, the limiters not only protect the drivers but also prevent signal peaks from causing excessive distortion in the amplifier channels, thereby preserving headroom and maintaining smooth frequency response at high levels. When levels return to normal, below the limiter thresholds, limiting ceases.
Amie performs within its acoustical specifications at normal temperatures when the Limit LEDs are unlit, or when the LEDs are lit for 2 seconds or less and then turn off for at least 1 second. If the LEDs remain lit for longer than 3 seconds, the loudspeaker enters hard limiting where:
Increases to the input level have no effect
Distortion increases due to clipping
Drivers are subjected to excessive heat and excursion, thereby compromising their lifespan
Caution
The Limit LEDs indicate when a safe, optimum level is exceeded. If an Amie loudspeaker system begins to limit before reaching the desired SPL, consider adding more units to the system.
Amplifier Cooling System
The Amie loudspeaker is convection cooled. The amplifier’s heat sink provides natural convection cooling from the air flowing near its fins.
Caution
To keep Amie from overheating, allow at least 3 inches behind the loudspeaker for proper ventilation.
The Amie heat sink can reach temperatures up to 80° C (176° F) during extreme operation. Wait 15 minutes for the unit to cool before touching.
Active/Status LED
During normal operation, when Amie is powered on, the Active/Status LED is solid green. If the loudspeaker encounters a hardware fault, or the unit begins to overheat, the LED flashes red. In some instances, the loudspeaker will continue to output audio while the LED flashes red, though with a reduction in the limiter threshold and acoustic output to protect the loudspeaker.
If a loudspeaker is overheating (for RMS-equipped loudspeakers, you can verify this situation in Compass RMS), a reduction in SPL may be necessary. If, after a reduction in SPL and an appropriate cooling period, the Active/Status LED continues to flash red (does not return to solid green), contact Meyer Sound Technical Support.
If the Active/Status LED flashes red and the loudspeaker does not output audio, contact Meyer Sound Technical Support immediately.
Caution
If an Amie loudspeaker system consistently overheats before reaching the desired SPL, consider adding more units to the system.
Note
During startup, the Active/Status LED flashes multiple colors successively. For more information about the power on sequence, see “Intelligent AC Power Supply” on page 14.
Tip
When an Amie is connected to an RMS network, the Compass RMS software provides additional feedback about the loudspeaker’s hardware status and operating temperature. For more information, see Chapter 6, “RMS Remote Monitoring System.
Adding Low-Frequency Control
For additional low-frequency control, an Amie loudspeaker system is ideally deployed with Meyer Sound’s Amie-Sub loudspeaker. This subwoofer, housed within a compact cabinet, was specifically designed to be complementary to the Amie Precision Studio Monitor. It enables a complete system by extending the low-frequency range down to 22 Hz.
Amie-Sub Integration Module
Two optional integration modules are available for the Amie-Sub subwoofer to support adding low-frequency control for Amie loudspeaker systems:
7.1 module that accepts up to seven channels of audio (L, C, R and Surround) as well as a LFE input for output to 7 Amie loudspeakers
2.1 module that accepts two input channels as well as a LFE input for output to two Amie loudspeakers.
When the optional 7.1 or 2.1 integration input modules are installed in the Amie-Sub, they facilitate the creation of complete bass-managed systems including LFE handling capabilities. The Amie-Sub Operating Instructions document has more details.
Using a Processor
In larger systems when individual control for the Amie and subwoofers is needed or desired, or if a delay is required between them, use a measurement system to determine appropriate delay and polarity settings.
Caution
Make sure the source signal is sufficient to drive the total load impedance of the daisy-chained loudspeakers (see Calculating Load Impedance for Looped Audio Signals.
CAUTION:
Tip
MAPP can be used to accurately predict the appropriate loudspeaker deployment and subwoofer integration for loudspeaker systems. It provides coverage data, system delay and equalization settings, rigging information, and detailed design illustrations. For more information, see MAPP System Design Tool.
Rigging
Rigging Points
The side faces for the Amie cabinet each include high-strength, corrosion-resistant stainless steel points that provide 3/8-inch by 16 threaded holes for easy connection to the optional U-bracket which can mount on walls and ceilings or attach to a pole mount. These mounting points may also be used for the optional Desk mount that allows Amie to be placed on a disk with the ability to tilt.
 |
Amie Loudspeaker’s Two Rigging Points
Amie Rigging Options Accessories
Meyer Sound offers two rigging options for the Amie loudspeaker, as described in the table below.
Model | Features |
|---|---|
MUB-Amie U-Bracket (PN 40.249.061.01) | Enables mounting of an Amie cabinet on a wall, ceiling, or pole-mount; uses side attachment points on Amie cabinet. Includes MSA-STAND adapter cup for pole mounting |
MUB-Amie U-bracket with Stand (PN.40.249.086.01) | Mounting base to hold MUB-Amie U-Bracket, so as to support placement of an Amie on a desk and provide ability to tilt. Kit includes MUB-Amie U-bracket. |
MUB-Amie U-Bracket
The optional MUB-Amie U-Bracket (PN 40.249.061.01) allows a single Amie loudspeaker to be mounted to the ceiling (shown in the first figure below) or to a wall (shown in the second figure below). Mounting the MUB-Amie U-Bracket onto a pole requires a pole mount adapter, such as the MSA-STAND adapter cup, shown in the last figure, which is included in the MUB-Amie kit. The MUB-Amie kit also includes fasteners for attaching the MUB-Amie to the loudspeaker.
 |
MUB-Amie U-Bracket
 |
MUB-Amie Ceiling Mount
MUB-Amie Wall Mount
 |
Pole-mounted MUB-Amie U-Bracket (left) using MSA-STAND Pole Adapter (right)
Caution
When using a third-party pole, make sure the pole is designed to support the total weight of the Amie loudspeaker and observe all safety precautions specified by the pole manufacture
MUB-Amie U-Bracket with Stand
The MUB-Amie U-Bracket optionally comes with a mounting base (PN 40.249.086.01) to hold the U-Bracket and support placement of an Amie on a desk with the ability to tilt.
 |
MUB-Amie U-Bracket with Optional Desk Stand