Motif u s e r ’ s m a tm n u a l
Serial Number: _________________________________ Record your serial number here for easy reference. You will need this information when filling out your warranty registration. Motif’s serial number is located on backplate and on the shipping container.
Thank you—to you, the MartinLogan owner, for loving what we do, and for making it possible for us to do what we love.
Contents Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Installation in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Installation in Brief We know you are eager to hear your new MartinLogan loudspeaker, so this section is provided to allow fast and easy set up. Once your new speaker is operational, please take the time to read, in depth, the rest of the information in the enclosed manual. It will give you perspective on how to attain the greatest possible performance from this most exacting transducer. Step 1: Unpacking Remove your new MartinLogan speakers from its packing.
Introduction Congratulations! You have invested in one of the world’s premier loudspeaker systems. The Motif represents an advanced combination of sonic technologies establishing an unprecedented direction for audiophile design. The result of years of research, the new Motif™ hybrid electrostatic loudspeaker features XStat™ technology establishing new standards for efficiency, dynamics and precision in a loudspeaker.
Connections AC Power Connection Your Motif uses an external low-voltage power supply to energize its electrostatic panel. For this reason the proper low-voltage power supply is provided. The power supply should be firmly inserted into the ‘Power In’ receptacle on the rear connection panel of the speaker, then to any convenient AC wall outlet (see figure 1).
Installation Installation Options On the Television If your television provides a wide, level and stable platform, the Motif can be placed (with or without the stand) directly on top of the television (see figure 2). If using the Motif without its stand, the stands removable grip arms should be used beneath the Motif to provide traction. On the Floor Placing the Motif on the floor might position it too low to blend with the front speakers (see figure 2).
Using the Motif With the Stand To install the Motif with the adjustable stand set the speaker atop the stand (figure 5). To optimize performance the Motif may be tilted on its stand to point towards the main listening position . After you have placed your Motif in its final location, gently press the lever found on the rear of the stand and pivot the Motif towards the main listening position (see figure 6). The lever is marked with a MartinLogan zig symbol.
Mounting the Motif On A Wall Required hardware (included): (6) Wall Anchors (6) 1” Phillips Head Wood Screws (2) Push pins (2) Wall Brackets (2) Shoulder Bolts (2) Threaded Rubber Bumpers Required tools (not supplied): Level Pencil Electric Drill 1/8” (0.125”) Drill Bit 1/4” (0.25”) Drill Bit Phillips Head Screwdriver NOTE: These instructions assume the mounting surface is of wood frame and standard sheet rock construction.
Home Theater It had long been the practice of stereo buffs to connect their television to a stereo system. The advantage was the use of the larger speakers and more powerful amplifier of the stereo system. Even though the sound was greatly improved, it was still mono and limited by the broadcast signal. In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s two new home movie formats became widely available to the public: VCR and laser disc. By 1985, both formats had developed into very high quality audio/video sources.
Electrostatic Advantages How can sound be reproduced by something that you are able to see through? Electrostatic energy makes this possible. Where the world of traditional loudspeaker technology deals with cones, domes, diaphragms and ribbons that are moved with magnetism, the world of electrostatic loudspeaker deals with charged electrons attracting and repelling each other. To fully understand the electrostatic concept, some background information will be helpful.
MartinLogan Exclusives XStat™ Transducer XStat™ transducers incorporate a myriad of technology and design innovations including CLS™, MicroPerf, Generation 2 Diaphragms, ClearSpars™, and Vacuum Bonding. . MicroPerf Stator Sleek. Compact. MicroPerf stator technology, featured in all XStat™ transducers, reveals more open playable area in each panel, offering increased performance from even more compact stat panels.
Electrostatic history In the late 1800’s, any loudspeaker was considered exotic. Today, most of us take the wonders of sound reproduction for granted. After a short time, Rice and Kellogg had narrowed the field of “contestants” down to the cone and the electrostat. The outcome would dictate the way that future generations would refer to loudspeaker as being either “conventional” or “exotic”. It was 1880 before Thomas Edison had invented the first phonograph.
In 1947, Arthur Janszen, a young Naval engineer, took part in a research project for the Navy. The Navy was interested in developing a better instrument for testing microphone arrays. The test instrument needed an extremely accurate speaker, but Janszen found that the cone speaker of the period were too nonlinear in phase and amplitude response to meet his criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions How do I clean my speaker? Use a dust free cloth or a soft brush to remove the dust from your speaker. We also recommend a specialty cloth (available at the Xtatic shop at www.martinlogan. com) that cleans your speaker better than anything else we have tried. For the wood surfaces it is acceptable to slightly dampen the cloth. Do not spray any kind of cleaning agent on or in close proximity to the electrostatic element.
Will excessive smoke or dust cause any problems with my electrostatic speakers? Exposure to excessive contaminants such as smoke or dust may potentially affect the performance of the electrostatic membrane, and may cause discoloration of the diaphragm membrane. When not in use for extended periods, you should unplug the speakers and cover them with the plastic bags in which the speakers were originally packed. It is a good idea to vacuum the electrostatic portion of each speaker three or four times a year.
Troubleshooting No Output • Check that all your system components are turned on. • Check your speaker wires and connections. • Check all interconnecting cables. • Try hooking up a different speaker. The lack of output could point to a problem with other equipment in your system (amp, pre-amp, processor, etc.) Weak or no Output from Electrostatic Panel, Loss of Highs • Check the power cord.
General Information Specifications* System Frequency Response 73–20,000 Hz ± 3db Dispersion Horizontal: 30 Degrees Sensitivity 89 dB/2.83 volts/meter Impedance Nominal: 6 ohms Minimum: 4 ohms Crossover Frequency 450Hz, 4000Hz Components Air core coils Tweeter Type 1” (2.5 cm) neodymium soft dome Midrange Type CLS™ Electrostatic Woofer Type Two 5.25” (13.
Dimensional Drawings Dimensions: On Stand Plan View (Top) Front Elevation: (no stand rotation) Back Elevation: (no stand rotation) AC & Signal No Rotation 20 Dimensional Drawings Side Elevation Max. Dimensions: Rotated Down Max.
Dimensions: No Stand & With Bracket Plan View (Top) Front Elevation: (no stand rotation) Back Elevation: (no stand rotation) AC & Signal Side Elevation Wall Bracket Dimensional Drawings 21
Glossary of Audio Terms AC. Abbreviation for alternating current. DC. Abbreviation for direct current. Active crossover. Uses active devices (transistors, IC’s, tubes) and some form of power supply to operate. Diffraction. The breaking up of a sound wave caused by some type of mechanical interference such as a cabinet edge, grill frame or other similar object. Amplitude. The extreme range of a signal. Usually measured from the average to the extreme. Arc.
Inductance. The property of an electrical circuit by which a varying current in it produces a varying magnetic field that introduces voltages in the same circuit or in a nearby circuit. It is measured in henrys. Inductor. A device designed primarily to introduce inductance into an electrical circuit. Sometimes called a choke or coil. Linearity. The extent to which any signal handling process is accomplished without amplitude distortion. Midrange. The middle frequencies where the ear is the most sensitive.
WARNING! Do not use your Motif loudspeaker outside of the country of original sale—voltage requirements vary by country. Improper voltage can cause damage that will be potentially expensive to repair. The Motif is shipped to authorized MartinLogan distributors with the correct power supply for use in the country of intended sale. A list of authorized distributors can be accessed at www.martinlogan.com or by emailing info@martinlogan.com. ® Lawrence, Kansas, USA tel 785.749.0133 fax 785.749.
