How to...

Maselec MLA-2 FAQ, Tips and Techniques

General FAQs
?	How should the interconnecting cables be wired?
	Answer: This unit can be used with either balanced or unbalanced input and output on standard XLR connectors. All XLR connections should use a good quality screened twisted pair cable with the screen connected to pin 1 of the connector at both ends. Please refer to section 5 of the Operation Manual for further pin connection details. The manual can be downloaded from the downloads page.
?	The unit appears dead.
	Answer: Check that the rear-mounted mains switch is in the `ON` position (its integral lamp should illuminate) and that the front panel switch is operated. Check the mains fuse, accessible from the rear in the IEC mains inlet. The correct type is a 20mm 250V 315mA T (anti-surge slow).
?	I am only getting +22dBu maximum output instead of the claimed +28dBu.
	Answer: When using unbalanced connections, the maximum input and output are reduced by approximately 6dB from the nominal +28dBu.
?	How do I use this unit on a different mains supply?
	Answer: Disconnect the unit from the mains. Find the mains (line) voltage selector switch on the rear panel, and using a small screwdriver or similar tool, slide it to the required voltage setting. The `115` setting is for voltages from 90-130 V AC and the `230` setting is for voltages from 180-260 V AC. This unit works equally well from both 50Hz and 60Hz supplies.
?	Do I need to earth the chassis separately using the earth stud at the rear?
	Answer: The unit has an internal link connecting the audio ground (0V) to chassis, so you will not normally need to use the earth stud.
?	What is the link switch for?
	Answer: When the MLA-2 is used for a stereo pair of channels, the link switch matches the gain reduction applied to both channels to maintain the integrity of the stereo image. This ImageLink system is intelligent and programme dependent. See section 4.9 of the Operation Manual for more details. ImageLink still allows different ration, attack and release to be set on either channel.
?	How do I interpret the compressor indicator lamp?
	Answer: This is a bi-colour indicator. Green simply indicates that the compressor is in circuit. Red indicates that the signal is being compressed (gain reduction is happening). This is particularly useful when the two channels are linked for stereo because the indicator shows which channel is causing the gain reduction.
?	Why is my MLA-2 not compressing the audio as much as I would expect?
	Answer: Check the position of the threshold range switch on the rear panel. This should be set to `Normal` for studio use and `High` for the more subtle effects needed for mastering. In the `High` setting, the depth of compression is less.
?	How do I set the compression threshold on the MLA-2?
	Answer: The MLA-2 compression threshold is set dynamically in order to achieve its renowned musical character. To increase compression, increase the Input Gain by rotating the control clockwise.

My problem is not listed here - what should I try next?

You can do one or more of the following:

Download the MLA-2 manual for full product details.

Contact your local distributor for help.

Contact tech.support@prismsound.com for specific problems not found above.