Funk Tonstudiotechnik
MTX monitor
Audio cable BS-2.V2
The nice thing is that audio enthusiasts with their stereo systems at home are not out of Mr. Funk's sight. A nice example is the MTX monitor, as it can be seen in the entrance picture. The big brother for the studio is called AMS-2.
Since the MTX monitor, which is also in use at my home, has been described umpteen times by the specialized magazines, I would like to refer to the corresponding articles. Many of them are available for reading on the Funk Tonstudiotechnik homepage. Therefore I would like to emphasize the special characteristics at this point:
Unlike the vast majority of audio devices on the market, the MTX Monitor's balance control keeps the overall level constant. This "real" balance control does not attenuate only one channel, so that the volume would have to be readjusted.
All balanced inputs have special precision chips in ceramic housings, made for Funk Tonstudiotechnik in the USA. This ensures temperature consistency, so that a highly constant resistance (impedance) is always available and drifting of the symmetry parameters (common mode rejection CMRR) is prevented. With the help of 16 separate preamplifiers and impedance converters as well as an electronic switching matrix (no relays), the already extremely low K2 distortions are reduced even further, guaranteeing very clean signals. Unlike relays, the electronic switches are subject to virtually no aging and thus operate with very long-term stability. The output amplifiers are fully balanced (servo balanced) for the left and right channels. This circuit technology has the advantage that even with unbalanced signal receivers the level does not collapse or the signal distorts.
The powerful headphone amplifier was equipped with special inductors developed at Funk Tonstudiotechnik. This guarantees high signal stability for various and/or even longer cable types. The Post SP switch ensures that everything switched in the MTX Monitor is routed through to the headphone amplifier with its independent volume control.
Another special feature is the phase-rotation switch with the mono switch behind it in terms of circuitry. This allows the "left minus right" function. For example, it can be used with phono preamps to balance the signal as quietly as possible by ear. Afterwards the function is deactivated and one has a perfect channel balance for the signal source just listened to without using a measuring device. Since the XLR inputs are permanently calibrated, this balancing option only applies to the RCA inputs.
The optional orderable, extremely fast reacting remote control with 300º volume control, provides the permanent feedback of all functions. This is only possible via wired remote control, important especially in the studio to be 100% sure that the changes have been made.
The circuit boards have a trace thickness of 70 μm instead of the conventional 35 μm to ensure lower resistance values and thus optimal current flow.
The labels in the switches on the front panel are printable and interchangeable if needed, making them adaptable to the user's own needs.
The MTX Monitor has four balanced inputs (XLR) and four unbalanced inputs (RCA). One output is balanced (working level +6 dBu), another unbalanced (RCA, working level 0 dBu or alternatively +6 dBu). Two recording outputs (RCA, working level 0 dBu or alternatively +6 dBu).
One output directly outputs the respective input signal in buffered form and is used, for example, to connect an amplifier with its own volume control or a studio level meter (working level +6 dBu). In my case this is an RTW PPM 1206 D.
Recording devices can be operated independently of the monitoring path via the two REC outputs. For conversion into a balanced signal, I recommend connecting a SAM-1C, see review in "analog 2/2021", page 50. This allows, for example, phono amplifiers with RCA output to be routed via the MTX monitor, the signals balanced with the SAM-1C, adjusted in level and then connected directly to the recording input of a studio tape machine.
The MTX monitor is ideal for my application. The device offers the connectivity that hardly any audio amplifier has today. It is the perfect complement between studio and home use, but in studio quality. I can't report about a spectacular sound, because the device simply does its perfect job: process and output signals without changing them. A flawless cleanliness in the sound image is striking.
If you want to escape the high-priced cable segment, then it is worth taking a look at the solid connection solutions from Funk Tonstudiotechnik. Since the cable discussion is more in the RCA than in the XLR range, I ordered a stereo pair of 2 m length from the highest quality cable BS-2.V2. Again, Mr. Funk's thinking follows the principle of avoiding problems: With the very low cable capacitance of 42 pF/m, this connection is far below the values of most of the competition's cables, often even at half the value.
In order not to influence the frequency response with the non-standardized device parameters in the RCA range, i.e. to minimize matching problems that affect the sound, attention should be paid to the following parameters:
Low output impedance of the source device.
High input impedance of the target device
Low capacitance of the connecting cable
Nevertheless shortest possible cable runs
Although with my previously used cable HMS Duetto MK III with a capacitance of 85 pF/m I was below the critical range of sound change due to the cable length of 1 m, I could hear changes with the Funk BS-2.V2. Connected between the phono stage and the Funk MTX monitor, the BS-2.V2 produced a somewhat tighter bass range.
Funk cables have an even greater advantage when longer connections, such as between a preamplifier and active speakers, are to be covered. In the case of one of my friends, this works easily over a length of seven meters. Many other connecting cables with a higher capacity would most likely cause problems here, because they would influence the signal characteristics and thus the sound in connection with the devices.
Look once on the homepage of Funk Tonstudiotechnik http://www.funk-tonstudiotechnik.de/, about which problem solvers you had already thought in the past. Above all, users who want to connect professional studio equipment with their hi-fi system will find a variety of well-designed devices and connecting cables here.
Text and photos: Claus Müller
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