As of firmware update 1.6.2, the MT 48 introduced the Monitor Mission by popular demand. But what is it, and when might the Monitor Mission be advantageous to use?
The default UI when turning on the MT 48 is the Music Mission, which can be thought of as a highly configurable digital mixer. Each analog output pair on the MT 48 corresponds to a different mix number, so different mixes can be configured - one for the main XLR Output 1-2 (Mix 1), one for TRS Out 3-4 (Mix 2), Headphone 1 (Mix 3), and Headphone 2 (Mix 4.). Depending on the use case or end goal, mixes can mirror one another or Analog outs 1-4 can be set up as an A/B monitoring mode.
But what if a multichannel monitoring set up is deployed? Or what if a performer needs completely different sources whilst tracking than what the studio engineer is monitoring from within the control room? This is where the Monitor Mission comes into play and allows the MT 48 to function as an efficient monitor controller.
The Monitor Mission is broken down into three separate windows, focusing on three core aspects:
- Sources - what is being monitored [analog inputs, DAW outputs, auxiliary inputs, etc];
- Monitors - a defined monitoring set up- anything from mono to Dolby 9.1.6.
- Sources + Monitors - can trim input sources and (or against) monitor outputs
Additionally, there are three different monitor modes that can be configured:
- Speaker Set - to be used for studio monitors. Speaker sets will have individual channel control (EQ, speaker delay) and bass management settings for subwoofers.
- Headphone - recommended for headphone monitoring. Can adjust L/R channel crossfeed
- Cue - generally a headphone output meant for a performing artist so it can listen to independent sources than the other Monitor sets with low latency. Can also downmix from Surround/immersive playback.
Lastly, monitors can be physically connected over analog outputs, over ADAT to another DA converter, or over AES67/Ravenna (or a combination thereof.). They are not locked to output pairs, as with the Music Mission.
For more information and detailed instructions on the Monitor Mission, please see the Monitoring Mission Manual attached.