Meyer Sound M'elodie, Operating Instructions Manual

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CHAPTER 5

NOTE:

When precise array design, subwoofer 

integration, DSP and delay systems, and 

compensation for acoustical conditions all come into 
play, measurement and correction tools are a must. 
Meyer’s SIM 3 measurement system, Galileo, LD-3, 
CP-10 parametric equalizer and the VX-1 program 
equalizer are highly recommended.

USING M’ELODIE WITH SUBWOOFERS

A M’elodie system will provide full bandwidth frequency 
range down to 70 Hz. The height of the array (number of 
cabinets) will determine the total SPL available and how 
much low frequency energy can be provided, proportional 
to the upper-frequency spectrum.

If higher SPL is necessary, or the program content requires 
additional low-frequency energy (e.g., the reinforcement 
of popular music), then subwoofers should be used to 
augment your M’elodie loudspeaker array(s).

Meyer Sound subwoofers such as 700-HP, 600-HP, and 
650-P can achieve frequency response down to the 30 to 
36 Hz range, extending the system response appreciably 
and increasing the acoustic power of the system in the 
lowest frequencies. The ideal ratio of M’elodie loudspeakers 
to subwoofers depends on three factors:

1.  Array configuration (number of elements and angles)

2.  Placement of the subwoofers — whether they are flown 

or ground-stacked 

3.  Frequency content of the signal being reproduced by 

the system 

For most applications, two M’elodie loudspeakers for each 
ground-stacked subwoofer yields good results in frequency 
response and headroom. Using higher ratios (for example, 
three M’elodie cabinets for one subwoofer) should be 
done carefully since this can have negative consequences, 
decreasing the headroom in the low frequencies and 
exposing the drivers in the subwoofers to excessive levels.

NOTE:

The limit LEDs indicate when the safe 

power level is exceeded. If the subwoofers 

used in the system begin to limit before reaching the 
required SPL at low frequencies, consider adding 
more subwoofers to satisfy the SPL requirements 
without exposing the drivers to excessive heat and/
or excursion — and eventual damage.

Using the filters in Galileo and LD-3 helps to easily integrate 
and optimize your M’elodie arrays with subwoofers. The 
use of high-pass filters may augment array headroom by 
removing lower frequencies near the unit’s lower operating 
range, while low-pass filters can remove unwanted mid-
low frequencies reproduced by the subwoofers. The use of 

these filters reduces the area of overlap and minimizes the 
interaction and possible cancellations between subsystems.

NOTE:

Full-range signals may be applied to 

Meyer Sound’s self-powered loudspeakers 

and subwoofers because they have built-in active 
crossovers. However, the use of external filters 
— like the ones in the Galileo and LD-3 — is 
optional, and should be handled very carefully to 
minimize phase shifts that can cause cancellations 
and deteriorate the impulse response of the system.

Using M’elodie with the 700-HP Subwoofer 

A M’elodie array can be deployed in combination with 
Meyer Sound 700-HP subwoofers in applications where 
high SPL is necessary, or the program content requires 
additional low-frequency energy. For these applications, the 
features of the 700-HP are desirable — ultrahigh power and 
response down to 30 Hz. 

The 700-HP can be ground-stacked under a flown M’elodie 
array or next to a M’elodie ground-stacked array. In 
addition, the 700-HP subwoofers can be flown in a straight 
array next to the M’elodie array using the optional MRK-700 
rigging kit and the MTG-700 top grid.

NOTE:

When loudspeakers and subwoofers 

are physically separated by more than 4 

feet — or delay must be used between them — a 
measurement system such as SIM should be used 
to determine the correct delay and polarity.

Using M’elodie with the 600-HP Subwoofer 

A M’elodie array can be deployed in combination with 
Meyer Sound 600-HP subwoofers in applications where the 
600-HP’s compact size and versatile M’elodie-compatible 
flying capabilities are more desirable than the extended low 
frequency output and other features of the 700-HP. The  
600-HP extends the range of the system down to 36 Hz. 

600-HP subwoofers with the optional MRF-600 can be 
flown on the same array as M’elodie by using the MG-
M’elodie multipurpose top grid to fly the 600-HP and the 
MTF-MICA/M’elodie to transition to the M’elodie array. The 
600-HP can also be flown in an array next to M’elodie. In 
addition, 600-HP subwoofers can be ground-stacked under 
a flown M’elodie array, next to a M’elodie array, or in the 
same ground-stacked array via the transition frame.

NOTE:

When loudspeakers and subwoofers 

are physically separated by more than 4 

feet — or delay must be used between them — a 
measurement system such as SIM should be used 
to determine the correct delay and polarity.