MonitorMAX Overview
Stereo Monitor & Cue Control plus Talkback without a Console
The advent of the home studio and DAW challenged the requirement that successful audio
productions must be done on large mixing consoles. However, many mixers and digital audio
workstations, even when equipped with a mix control surface, are ill equipped for properly
handling music recording and postproduction environments, especially when a separate ‘live’
room is involved for musicians, Foley artists or voice talent.
The center section of large consoles is reserved for the most important function, monitor control.
The ability to select between multiple sources, various speakers, and control level while
remaining in the sweet spot is essential in determining the quality of your production. And quite
possibly an important feature missing from your DAW.
Also, artists need to be able to monitor themselves and others involved in a recording, as well as
hear instructions and comments from the engineer or producer. Cue control and talkback is a
must for getting the job done when others are involved. Yet many DAWs and small consoles lack
the rudimentary functionality required.
Recognizing these needs, Martinsound has developed MonitorMAX, a dual stereo monitor
controller that adds stereo source and monitor selection with talkback functions to any studio
environment. Designed for integration with DAWs, small mixers, and as an enhancement to
surround sound systems utilizing the MultiMAX EX multiformat monitor controller, MonitorMAX
provides the essential monitor and talkback functions needed to get the job done.
Stereo Sources and Outputs
The MonitorMAX system comprises a single-space rackmounting unit housing all of the
necessary interface connections and electronics, including a talkback microphone preamplifier,
plus a remote controller. The remote features Monitor and Cue routing switches for up to 10
stereo sources, talkback, and level controls, plus a LCD window to display levels, mode
information, and Setup menus.
Eight professional and two consumer level stereo sources can be connected to MonitorMAX.
Sensitivity of the consumer inputs can be adjusted within a setup menu from 6 to 26dB of gain in
0.1dB increments, allowing a wide range of consumer equipment to be interfaced.
MonitorMAX enables independent routing of all 10 stereo sources to the separate Monitor and
Cue paths, using two banks of 10 switches. Source selection for either path can be additive or
interlocking (canceling the previous selection), so that any number of sources may be selected
and monitored in the control room or routed to studio headphones or loudspeakers. The Monitor
path includes a stereo output that may be used as a record or meter feed.
Mute, Dim and Mono switches are provided for the Monitor output, together with switch selection
of an alternate pair of control room monitors, while the Cue output includes a Mute switch.
Separate rotary level controls are included for the Monitor and Cue outputs. The Monitor rotary
control is also used when accessing Setup menus.
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