Meyer Sound Documentation

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. All the grounding points of the audio system components must be connected to a single node or common point using the same cable gauge (or larger) as the Neutral and Line conductors.

Always Ensure the Earth/Ground Conductor in Each Plug and Socket is Correctly Connected

To reduce the number of branch circuits, it is common to connect multiple ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers to one branch circuit, provided the circuit breaker is sufficiently rated. To reduce the impedance of the conductors, minimize the length of cable after the branch circuit has been “split.” Typically, a single circuit is split very near the loudspeakers using a molded split, junction box, or wye cable.

The user panel of an ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker includes an AC inlet connector, a 3-conductor Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 from the TOP (True Outdoor Protection) line. This locking connector supplies electrical power to the loudspeaker, as shown in the figure below.

User Panel, Power Inlet, Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 TOP Connector

The powerCON TRUE1 TOP connectors are rated to be engaged/disengaged while under load or while the circuit is energized without damaging the connectors.

The inlet connector is certified for outdoor protection (IP65, UL50E) only when mated with a Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 TOP cable-mount connector or when the connector is not in use and the sealing cap is fully inserted.

A cable-mount Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 TOP connector (NAC3FX-W-TOP, female cable mount) is included with each ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker, enabling users to assemble power cables to meet their needs.

The pins of the powerCON TRUE1 TOP cable mount connector are labeled as follows:

• L (Line)

• N (Neutral)

• (Protective Earth/Ground)

Neutrik powerCON TRUE1 TOP Cable Mount Connector

The AC mains voltage at the loudspeaker AC inlet must be within 200 V AC and 240 V AC while the loudspeaker is operating, including periods of peak acoustic output when the loudspeaker draws maximum current. Momentary voltage drops down to 160 V AC will be tolerated without powering off but may negatively impact linear performance.

Because ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers behave as a constant power load when TPL (True Power Limiting) is engaged, current increases if the voltage decreases at its AC inlet. The maximum roundtrip resistance of the power cable for a single ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker should not exceed 5 Ohms for a 230 V AC source voltage because the AC Mains voltage may fall below 160 V AC at the AC inlet when TPL is engaged or when audio burst or peak power are high.

The circuit breakers used in our power distribution modules are well suited for use with ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers and other Meyer Sound products:

Circuit protection devices for main and branch circuits of any power distribution system used in conjunction with ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers should use similarly specified devices to avoid nuisance tripping. Both of the recommended devices are thermal breakers with long time constants, unlike magnetic breakers with short time constants.

Circuit sizing is based on the Maximum Long-Term Power, 900 Watts. Using Ohm’s law, the amperage can be determined based on the supplied voltage, required to be between 200 to 240 V AC. The online Amperage/BTU calculator is helpful in determining the total system current draw and thermal dissipation: https://meyersound.com/amperage-btu-calculator/.

The power supply included in ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers prevents high inrush currents with soft-start power up, suppresses high-voltage transients up to several kilovolts, and filters common mode and differential mode radio frequencies (EMI).

When powering on ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers, the following startup events take place over several seconds:

The user panel includes two 3-pin Neutrik XLR True Outdoor Protection (TOP) connectors for analog audio input and audio loop output. The network connector is a Neutrik etherCON True Outdoor Protection (TOP), which provides connection to Milan AVB-capable output devices, including Galileo GALAXY processors, typically via Avnu-certified network switches.

The 3-pin XLR female Input connector accepts balanced audio signals with an input impedance of 10 kOhm. The connector uses the following wiring scheme:

• Pin 1 — 1 kOhm 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/Ground through a 1 kOhm, 1000 pF, 15 V clamped network. This circuitry provides a 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, 2, and 3 connected on both ends. Connecting the signal ground at only one end is not recommended. Shorting the signal ground conductor to the connector case may cause a ground loop, resulting in hum.

The 3-pin XLR male 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. For applications that require one drive line to provide signal to multiple loudspeakers, connect the Loop output of the first loudspeaker to the Input of the next loudspeaker, and so forth.

Analog Input and Loop Connectors

To avoid distortion when looping multiple loudspeakers, make sure the source device can drive the total impedance load of the looped loudspeakers. In addition, the source device must be capable of producing +24 dBU into 50 Ohms to produce the maximum peak SPL over the operating bandwidth of the loudspeaker.

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 ten ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers is 1000 Ω, (10 kΩ / 10). Most source devices are capable of driving loads no less than 10 times their output impedance. To drive this number of looped loudspeakers, the source device should have an output impedance of 100 Ω or less (1000 Ω / 10).

The user panel includes a Milan Endpoint (MEP) module which includes a Neutrik etherCON TOP connector, an Ethernet connectivity LED, an On/Status LED, and a Wink button/LED, as shown in the figure below.

Type 3M Milan Endpoint Module, On/Status LED, Wink Button/LED, Network Connection LED, and Network Connector

The etherCON TOP connector provides the network connection for both a Milan AVB digital audio input signal and the transmission of telemetry data.

The Milan Endpoint connects to a single channel of a Milan AVB digital audio stream as specified by the Avnu Alliance. To utilize the Milan AVB input, connect the loudspeaker to an Avnu-certified network switch that is also connected to the source device. See avnu.org for the current listing of certified AVB network switches.

The telemetry data of the loudspeaker is also transmitted via this connector, which is displayed in Meyer Sound’s Nebra software. An Avnu-certified network switch is not necessary when the network connection is only used to transmit telemetry data. The speed of this network connection is 100 bT, 100 Mb/second.

When a Milan Endpoint loudspeaker and a computer are connected to the same network via an Avnu-certified network switch, the loudspeaker will be listed in Meyer Sound’s Nebra software, where Milan AVB connections are established. The Milan Endpoint loudspeaker must be assigned to an available audio source channel (Talker) as a Listener for the loudspeaker to reproduce the audio transmitted by the Talker.

The speed of the connection between the last network switch and a Milan Endpoint is 100 bT, 100 Mb/ second. The connection speed between network switches transporting Milan AVB digital audio signals is 1000 bT, 1 Gb/second.

Loudspeakers with Milan Endpoints transmit telemetry data via the network connection. Nebra software displays system status and performance data for each loudspeaker, including amplifier voltage, limiting activity, power output, fan speed, and driver status. Mute and identification functions are also available.

The Wink function facilitates the identification of physical loudspeakers that are listed in Meyer Sound’s Nebra software. When routing digital audio signals in software, it is helpful when the loudspeaker name indicates which physical loudspeaker will receive the signal.

There are three locations Wink is indicated: in Nebra software, the Wink button/LED on the user panel of the loudspeaker, and the LED bar on the rear panel. Once the Milan Endpoint has been discovered in Nebra software, the icons within the loudspeaker’s detail page include a button with an icon of an eye. Double-clicking the icon in Nebra software toggles the Wink function. When the Wink function is active, the Wink button/LED on the user panel of the loudspeaker and the rear LED bar illuminate. The Wink function times out after 10 seconds.

Wink Icon in Nebra, Wink Button/LED, and Blue LED Bar Highlighted

To activate the Wink function in Nebra software, double-click the icon that resembles an eye, highlighted in the figure above.

To activate the Wink function from the loudspeaker, press and hold the Wink button down while observing the Limit/On/Status LED, which turns red and then off. Release the Wink button when the Limit/On/Status LED turns off, activating the Wink function. The Wink LED turns yellow for 10 seconds. If the Wink button remains depressed, the Limit/On/Status LED will turn red again, and the Wink function will remain off.

To turn off the Wink function, wait 10 seconds for it to time out, or double-click the Wink icon in Nebra software. To turn off the Wink function from the loudspeaker, depress and hold the Wink button — the On/Status LED will turn red. Wait until the On/Status LED turns off, then release the Wink button.

The Ethernet/Network connectivity LED immediately to the left of the network connector is illuminated when a 100 bT link is established; otherwise, it is off.

Type 3M Milan Endpoint Module, On/Status LED, Wink Button/LED, Network Connection LED, and Network Connector

When powered on, both of the On/Status LEDs blink many times and then turn solid green. During normal operation, the On/Status LEDs are solid green. If the On/Status LEDs blink red after the startup sequence, there is a potential issue to address. Connect the loudspeaker to a computer running Meyer Sound’s Nebra software to identify the issue. A list of the faults that can be reported is available in the Faults Reported by ULTRA-X80 On/Status LED table.

On/Status and Limit On/Status LEDs

Limiting activity is indicated when the Limit On/Status LED on the user panel turns from green to yellow, pulsing rapidly when the high-frequency channel limits and pulsing slowly when the low-frequency channels limit.

When limiting is engaged, the channel’s gain is reduced. The limiter protects the drivers and prevents signal peaks from causing excessive distortion in the amplifier, thereby preserving headroom and maintaining a smooth frequency response at high levels. When source levels return to normal, below the limiter’s threshold, the LED turns green, and limiting ceases.

The loudspeaker performs within its acoustical specifications at normal temperatures when the Limit On/Status LED is green or when limiting is not continuous. During continuous limiting, the loudspeaker is nearing its operational limits, resulting in the following effects:

The ULTRA-X80 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.

ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers employ forced-air cooling to prevent overheating. Three variable-speed fans pull air through the inlet grille located below the user panel, as shown in the figure below. Behind the inlet grille, a filter captures particulates.

ULTRA-X80 Loudspeaker Air Flow Diagram

When the rear of an ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker is located near a large surface, always maintain the minimum clearance for proper ventilation. For example, when the loudspeaker is mounted to a ceiling and needs to face almost directly down, attach the loudspeaker to the attachment point of the u-bracket illustrated below. This allows for the maximum distance between the amplifier air inlet/exhaust and the ceiling, maximizing airflow.

Ceiling Mounted MUB-T1 Mounted to an ULTRA-X80 Loudspeaker, Maximum Clearance Distance

Inlet Grille and Filter Removed

Full-range signals can be connected directly to Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers because the loudspeakers have built-in active crossovers. Low-frequency models can be added to an ULTRA-X80 system by simply daisy-chaining the analog signal. Connect the source signal to one of the Inputs, then connect the Loop output to the next loudspeaker, and so forth.

When ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers are coplanar to the low-frequency models, or they are very close together, about one to two meters (three to six feet), the phase response is aligned enough through the acoustic crossover to be constructive, and the result will be a relatively flat frequency response. However, the response will have a gain increase in the 60–200 Hz range, where the loudspeaker responses overlap.

When independent control of the signals reproduced by various loudspeaker models is needed or desired, a Galileo GALAXY signal processor is recommended. The same, full-range source signal can be routed to both an ULTRA-X80 and a low-frequency model, which can be modified with filters, gain, delay, and polarity settings in addition to the built-in signal processing. To determine the processor settings, dual-channel FFT measurements provide the most actionable data.

When installing Meyer Sound loudspeakers, the following precautions should always be observed:

All Meyer Sound products must be used in accordance with local, state, federal, and industry regulations. It is the owner’s and user’s responsibility to evaluate the reliability of any rigging method for their application. Rigging should only be carried out by experienced professionals.

Use mounting and rigging hardware that has been rated to meet or exceed the weight being hung. Make sure to attach mounting hardware to the building's structural components (studs or joists) and not just to the wall surface. Verify that the building's structure and the anchors used for the installation will safely support the total weight of the mounted loudspeakers.

The top and bottom of the ULTRA-X80 cabinets include 12 high-strength, corrosion-resistant stainless steel rigging points that provide threaded holes for connection to QuickFly rigging and third-party mounting options, as shown in the figure below. The five perimeter rigging points have a thread depth of 13.5 mm (0.53 in), while the centrally located rigging point threads are 23 mm (0.90 in) deep. Each rigging point is rated for at least a 5:1 safety factor for the weight of one ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker.

Top and Bottom Rigging Point Locations, Twelve Total

The two handles located on the rear of the cabinet have two functions: an additional grasping point when moving the loudspeaker and, unusual for Meyer Sound loudspeakers, a secondary/safety rigging connection. These handles have been rated for both perpendicular and parallel loading with at least a 5:1 safety factor for a single cabinet.

If desired, the rear handles can be removed for cosmetic reasons. They can also be removed and sufficiently rated and properly sized eye bolts or hoist rings threaded into the handle attachment points if needed for specific rigging methods. These attachment points are M8 x 1.25mm pitch with 13.5 mm of thread depth and have a maximum torque of 13.3 N-m (120 in-lb).

The handles located on the sides of the ULTRA-X80 cabinets are only intended for manual lifting and moving of the loudspeaker without mechanical assistance.

ULTRA-X80 Side and Rear Handles Highlighted

When mounting ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers, it is generally required to employ two loudspeaker attachment points to the structure it’s being suspended from, a primary and a secondary/safety mounting point, each sufficient to carry the entire load with adequate margin. In addition to user-provided eyebolts or hoist rings, the rear handles can serve as this secondary or safety mounting point.

The available ULTRA-X80 rigging accessories listed in the table below are sold separately with the related ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker information.

The MY-T1 Yoke suspends a single ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker, allowing both pan and tilt adjustment. The yoke attaches to the top of the loudspeaker in four locations with either hand screws for temporary deployment or bolts that minimize the visual aesthetic for installations, as shown in the figure below. To secure the rotation points of the yoke halves, the kit includes both machine handles for temporary deployment and nuts that minimize the visual aesthetic for installations. A rated hanging clamp or fasteners and secondary/safety attachment hardware (not included) are required to suspend the MY-T1 Yoke. This accessory is available in custom colors. The fastening hardware is always black.

MY-T1 Yoke, Permanent (left) and Temporary (right) Fastener Options, Both Included

The top plate of this yoke accommodates hanging clamps with standard 1/2-inch or 12 mm diameter hardware connected to the center mounting point. See the illustration below for dimensional details.

MY-T1 Yoke Dimensions

The MY-T1 Yoke is fastened to four of the rigging points located on the top and bottom of an ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker.

ULTRA-X80 Loudspeaker, Top/Bottom MY-T1 Yoke Mounting Locations Highlighted

When mounting an ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker with a MY-T1 Yoke, two structural connections are generally required: a primary and a secondary/safety mounting point, each sufficient to carry the entire load with at least a 5:1 safety factor. The yoke provides the primary connection point. There are two options for the secondary connection:

Uncommon for Meyer Sound loudspeakers, the rear handles of ULTRA-X80 loudspeakers are rated at 5:1 safety factor for a single cabinet.

After unpackaging the MY-T1 Yoke Kit and confirming the contents match the parts and quantities listed in the table above, follow these steps to assemble and connect an MY-T1 Yoke to an ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker:

Please review these assembly steps before starting. They are less intuitive than you may imagine.

Attach Yoke to Loudspeaker - Knob/Washer Option Illustrated

The optional MUB-T1 U-Bracket enables a single ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker to be mounted to the floor or ceiling with a 5:1 safety factor. The u-bracket includes four holes on the loudspeaker connection arms to adjust the distance between the loudspeaker and mounting surface.

The MUB-T1 U-Bracket Kit includes two M8 machine handles for easy angle adjustment when temporarily deployed. For permanent installation, the included M8 nuts secure the u-bracket to the loudspeaker, minimizing the visual footprint. This accessory is available in custom colors. The fastening hardware is always black.

ULTRA-X80 Loudspeaker with MUB-T1 U-Bracket, Permanent Hardware (left), Temporary Hardware (right)

One ULTRA-X80 loudspeaker can be safely mounted with the MUB-T1 U-Bracket with a 5:1 safety factor. When mounting an ULTRA-X80 with the MUB-T1, the u-bracket must be secured to the mounting surface by one of the configurations listed in the table below.

There are two sets of mounting points on the top of the MUB-T1. The blue squares shown in the figure below identify the six, 7.1 mm [0.28 in] diameter perimeter holes. The red triangles identify the two inner 13.9 mm [0.55 in] diameter mounting holes.

Once mounted to the structure, the two cable pass-through holes provide an unobtrusive routing path for the power and signal cables from above the mounting surface.

MUB-T1 Top Plate, Mounting Holes, and Cable Pass-Through Holes

The ULTRA-X80 cabinet is designed to resist the accumulation of liquid in the internal cavities - exits are provided if it does. However, the mounting instructions must be closely followed for the exits to be effective. There are two drain holes and a drain slot on one side of the cabinet. The two holes on the side drain any accumulated liquid from two internal chambers. The slot prevents liquid from accumulating between the side and rear panels.

Horizontally Oriented ULTRA-X80 Loudspeaker, Drain Holes and Slot Highlighted

MUB-T1 U-Bracket - Horizontal Mounting Supported, Vertical Mounting Not Supported

MUB-T1 U-Bracket Dimensions

The MUB-T1 U-Bracket kit includes the items listed in the table below.

Table 5. MUB-T1 U-Bracket Kit Contents (PN 40.330.055.01)

Meyer Sound Part Number	Image	Qty	Description
45.330.055.01		1	MUB ASSEMBLY
108.011		2	SET SCREW, HEX , M8 x 45, STAINLESS, BLACK OXIDE
113.532		2	WASHER, FLAT, 8.4 MM ID, 24 MM OD, 1.8 MM THICK, STAINLESS, BLACK
124.066		2	MACHINE HANDLE M8 DIE CAST ZINC BLACK
109.551		2	NUT, SMOOTH FLANGE M8-1.25, STAINLESS, BLACK OXIDE
552.169	--	1	ALLEN WRENCH, 5/32-inch
640.096	--	1	MED STRENGTH, REMOVABLE, THREADLOCKER, 0.5ML