This has a relatively narrow viewing angle, although a contrast control allows it to be optimised for your particular installation. Physically, the machine measures 179 x 129 x 39mm (whd) with a 320 x 240‑pixel monochrome LCD display. For comparison, a pair of AB/MS PPMs, a true peak‑reading meter, and a phase‑correlation meter would cost close to the asking price of this base model, and these still wouldn't convey as much information. The most 'inexpensive' base model of the MSD100 is equipped with analogue inputs on unbalanced phonos, whereas the other MSD100s have either transformer‑balanced XLR analogue or AES‑EBU digital inputs, and it is the only meter in the range without a real‑time spectrum analyser. Note the six soft‑key assignments at the bottom of the screen, which are used to navigate through the meter's operating system. MSD100Īll but the most basic MSD unit include a 1024‑band FFT spectrum analyser, shown here on the electroluminescent screen of the MSD500. None of the units work directly from mains power, but external power adaptors are sold separately if required. All models except the MSD100 have an RS232 connection, allowing the installation of operating software upgrades downloaded from the company's web site this connection also allows the user to modify metering scales from a supplied PC program. The systems are configured through 'soft keys' below the screen - three buttons on the MSD100, six on the MSD200, MSD500 and MSD800, and eight on the MSD600. The amount of information presented by these three complementary displays is simply enormous, and once you are familiar with them, they're hard to work without!ĭepending on the model, options include digital inputs (with interface status information), a real‑time spectrum analyser, multi‑channel monitoring (of 4, 6, or 8 inputs), test signal outputs (tone, white or pink noise and impulses), and surround‑sound 'jellyfish' display modes. All share a common basic display screen with a phase‑correlation meter running vertically up the left‑hand edge, an audio vectorscope in the centre (see 'Up Vectorscope!' box), and selectable bar‑graph level displays (including conventional VU and PPM options) on the right‑hand edge. The midrange units are the MSD200, MSD500 and MSD800, with a yellow monochrome electroluminescent display, while the range‑topping MSD600 boasts a slightly larger, colour LCD. The base model is the MSD100 which employs a monochrome LCD display panel. Although they may appear expensive, it must be remembered that these meters provide far more information and functionality than other typical stand‑alone models. Their range of Master Stereo Displays spans a wide price range and has an extensive list of options. The main bar‑graph level meters can be seen on the right‑hand side, and provide a choice of meter types, scale settings and peak‑hold options.ĭK Audio, a small Danish company, produce a comprehensive range of systems which address every aspect of metering for the modern age. The majority of the screen is occupied by a large vectorscope readout, to the left of which is a vertical phase‑correlation meter. The monochrome LCD screen of the MSD100T/SA, showing the most common metering display. Growing interest in surround sound is also placing much greater demands on metering technology, which few manufacturers have yet addressed. The wholesale move towards digital recording formats is forcing the 'virtually useless' VU meter and the misnamed Peak Programme Meter (PPM) into retirement while true peak‑reading digital meters are becoming the standard (see 'Meter Types' box). Not only average and peak levels, but also panning offsets and phase errors can be hard to hear but easy to 'see'! Hugh Robjohns is impressed.Ī good meter provides visual detection or confirmation of things that might be extremely hard to hear, even in good monitoring environments. Metering is a critical element of any audio recording system, and the modular nature of DK Audio's extensive range of high‑quality units makes it possible to purchase a system that exactly meets your requirements.
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