Description
Radial Engineering MC3 Overview
The MC3 from Radial Engineering is a studio monitor controller that enables an engineer to quickly select between reference monitors, sub-woofer or headphones and compare how the mix translates via various playback systems. The unit is 100% passive and delivers “straight wire” performance, eliminating any coloration and distortion that can be introduced via active electronics.
Several features make the unit stand out. The first is a switch that quickly sums the output to mono to check for AM radio compatibility. Secondly, the sub output can be switched to a 180° polarity reversal in the event help is needed to deal with room nodes in the mix position. Additionally, each output is equipped with a top-mount “set and forget” dial to fine tune outputs for the ideal balance.
Two 1/4″ headphone outputs with a volume control allow for sharing mix monitoring. To facilitate the trend towards portable device listening, a separate 1/8″ headphone output takes ear buds for checking mix levels. A separate Dim switch is also adjustable to enable the engineer to temporarily drop the playback level without affecting the mix level settings. The unit may be configured for either balanced or unbalanced setups.
- Passive studio monitor switcher with headphone amplifier
- Control two sets of monitors and a sub-woofer
- Straight wire resistive audio circuit ensures distortion-free signal transfer
- 1/4″ TRS input and output connectors
- Mono sum for AM radio compatibility and phase check
- Individual “Set and Forget” controls to fine tune levels on the top panel
- Dual output headphone jacks allow for sharing a mix with the producer
- 1/8″ (3.5 mm) stereo mini headphone output for use with ear-buds
- Dim switch reduces the playback level in the studio without affecting the monitor playback settings
- Sub switch allows for activating the sub-woofer separately
- 180° reverse switch used to reverse the polarity of the sub-woofer to counter the effect of room nodes
- Balanced or unbalanced operation
- Double sided military grade circuit board with full ground plane to reduce radio frequency interference
- Extra durable switches with metal outer casing are rated at over 20,000 cycles for added durability
- I-BEAM reinforced enclosure makes it impossible to torque the PC board and eliminates cold solder joints
- Bookend design creates a protective zone around the switches and potentiometers to keep them out of harm’s way
Radial Engineering MC3 Specs
| Circuit Type | Passive stereo signal path with active sub and HP |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4″ TRS phone LEFT (balanced/unbalanced line level) 1 x 1/4″ TRS phone RIGHT (balanced/unbalanced line level) |
| Input Impedance | 4.4kΩ balanced, 2.2kΩ unbalanced |
| Maximum Input Level | +14 dBu |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4″ TRS phone LEFT Monitors A/B 2 x 1/4″ TRS phone RIGHT Monitors A/B 1 x 1/4″ TRS phone AUX 1 x 1/4″ TS phone SUB (full range unbalanced output with phase reverse) 2 x 1/4″ TRS phone Headphone 1 x 1/8″ TRS stereo mini Headphone |
| Output Impedances | Varies with level adjustment |
| Dynamic Range | 114 dB |
| Frequency Response | DC to 20 kHz, +0 dB/-1 dB |
| Noise Floor | Stereo: -108 dBu Sub: -95 dBu Headphones: -87 dBu |
| THD | 0.001% @ 1 kHz/0 dBu output |
| IMD | 0.001% @ 1 kHz/0 dBu output |
| CMR | -51 dB @ 55 Hz |
| Meters | Monitor selection status LEDs |
| Talkback Mic | No |
| Power Requirements | +15V DC/400 mA via included external power adapter |
| Construction | 14 gauge steel chassis and outer shell, baked enamel finish |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 5 x 3.5 x 2″ (127 x 84 x 48 mm) |
| Weight | 1.3 lb (0.6 kg) |
| Specialties | DIM switch with master volume provides variable attenuation up to -72 dB Level control for DIM, Mon-A, Mon-B and Sub outputs |
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.