MC3

The Radial MC3™ monitor controller is a studio tool that enables the engineer to quickly select between reference monitors, subwoofer or headphones and compare how the mix translates via various playback systems. Unique to the MC3 is the ability to quickly sum mono for AM radio compatibility.

And while most monitor switchers are active, the MC3 is 100% passive. This means that unlike active switchers that introduce a buffered electronic circuit in between your recording system and monitors, the MC3 delivers straight wire performance. This eliminates coloration and distortion for more accurate monitoring.

The MC3 features an easy access level control that lets you quickly set playback levels on all speakers. Each output is equipped with a top-mount ''''set & forget'''' dial to fine tune outputs for the ideal balance. The sub is augmented with a 180 degree polarity reverse to help deal with room modes that may cause a frequency bump in the mix position. A separate Dim switch is also adjustable to enable the engineer to temporarily drop the playback level without affecting the mix level settings. To address the ever increasing popularity of ear buds, the Radial MC3 is equipped with a built-in headphone amplifier with stereo 3.5mm (?" TRS) output along with two standard ¼" headphone phone outs to share. The MC3 may be configured for either balanced or unbalanced setups.

The Radial MC3... passive, simple and effective monitor control for the masses!

• Circuit type: Relay switched passive stereo with active headphones and subwoofer outputs
• Number of channels: 2.1 (Stereo with subwoofer output)
• Frequency response: 0Hz ~ 20KHz (-1dB @ 20kHz)
• Dynamic range: . 114dB
• Noise:  -108dBu (Monitor A and B outputs); -95dBu (Subwoofer output)
• THD+N: <0.001% @1kHz (0dBu output, 100k load)
• Intermodulation distortion:  >0.001% 0dBu output
• Input impedance:  4.4K Minimum Balanced; 2.2K Minimum Unbalanced
• Output impedance:  Varies with level adjustment
• Headphone max output:  +12dBu (100k Load)

Features

• Dim attenuation:  -2dB to -72dB
• Mono:  Sums left & right sources to mono
• Sub:  Activates the subwoofer output
• Source input:  Left & right balanced/unbalanced ¼” TRS
• Monitors output:  Left & right balanced/unbalanced ¼” TRS
• Aux output: Stereo unbalanced ¼” TRS
• Sub output: Mono unbalanced ¼” TS

General

• Construction:  14 gauge steel chassis & outer shell
• Finish: Baked enamel
• Size: (W x H x D): 148 x 48 x 115mm (5.8” x 1.88” x 4.5”)
• Weight:  0.96 kg (2.1 lbs)
• Power:  15VDC 400mA power adapter (center pin positive)
• Warranty: Radial 3-year, transferable

Front Panel

•  DIM – When engaged, the DIM toggle switch temporarily reduces the playback level in the studio without having to adjust the MASTER level control. The DIM level is set using the top panel LEVEL ADJUSTMENT control.
• MONO – Sums the left and right inputs to test for mono-compatibility and phase problems.
• SUB – Separate on-off toggle switch lets you activate the subwoofer.
•  MASTER – Master level control used to set the overall output level going to the monitors, subwoofer and AUX outputs.
• MONITOR SELECT - Toggle switch activates the A and B monitor outputs. Separate LED indicators illuminate when outputs are active.
•  HEADPHONE CONTROLS – Level control and on/off switch used to set the level for the front panel headphone jacks and the rear panel AUX output.
•  3.5MM JACK – Stereo headphone jack for ear-bud style headphones.
•  ¼” JACKS - Dual stereo headphone jacks let you share the mix with the producer when listening to playback or for overdubbing.
•  BOTTOM PAD: A full pad covers the underside, keeps the MC3 in one place and won’t scratch your mixing console.
• BOOKEND DESIGN – Creates protective zone around the controls and connectors.
•  BAKED ENAMEL – Tough outer coat is designed to keep your MC3 looking good for years.

REAR Panel

•  SOURCE INPUTS – Balanced/unbalanced ¼” TRS inputs receive the stereo signal from your recording system or mixing console.
• CONFIG – Recessed toggle switch used to configure the monitor-A and B outputs for balanced or unbalanced operation. Set the toggle switch to match the type of cables you are using to connect the MC3 inputs and outputs.
• MONITORS OUT-A & OUT-B – Balanced/unbalanced ¼” TRS outputs used to feed active monitor speakers. The level of each stereo output may be trimmed using the top panel LEVEL ADJUSTMENT controls to balance the level between monitor speakers.
• SUB – Unbalanced ¼” TS mono output used to feed a subwoofer. The output level may be trimmed using the top panel LEVEL ADJUSTMENT controls to match the level of other monitor speakers.
• AUX – Unbalanced ¼” TRS stereo auxiliary output controlled by the headphone level. Used to drive an auxiliary audio system like a studio headphone amplifier.
•  POWER – Connection for a Radial 15VDC 400mA external power supply.
• CABLE CLAMP – Used to secure the power supply cable and prevent accidental power disconnection.

Top Panel

•  LEVEL ADJUSTMENT – Separate set & forget trim controls on the top panel make it easy to adjust A and B monitor levels for optimal balance between different monitors.
•  SUB WOOFER - Level adjustment and 180º PHASE switch for the subwoofer output. The phase control is used to reverse the polarity of the subwoofer to counter the effect of room modes.