Personal monitor mixer with up to 16 mono or stereo sources, 2-band EQ, 8 user presets, automatic key assignment and PoE/12 V DC power.

The ME-500 is a digital personal monitor mixer that allows performers to control their own monitor mix. It can receive up to 16 mono or stereo audio sources over a single Cat5 cable and provides individual level and pan control for each source.

Automatic key assignment provides fast setup - the first 16 channels received from the mixer are automatically assigned to the ME-500's 16 select keys. Stereo-linked channel pairs are assigned to a single key, allowing personal monitor mixing to start without complex configuration.

The ME-500 features a 2-band master EQ, adjustable limiter, Solo and Mute functions. The display shows information about the parameter being adjusted, including level, pan, EQ and limiter settings.

General Features

• Audio sources: up to 16 mono or stereo sources.
• Channel control: level and pan.
• Automatic key assignment: the first 16 received channels are automatically assigned to the 16 select keys.
• Presets: 8 user presets.
• Master EQ: 2-band EQ.
• Limiter: adjustable master output limiter.
• Display: illuminated display showing level, pan, EQ and limiter parameters.
• Keys: 16 illuminated select keys.
• Solo/Mute: quick monitoring and muting of individual channels.

Easy Operation

The ME-500 is designed for fast and intuitive personal monitor mixing. Pressing one of the 16 select keys selects the corresponding channel. The rotary control adjusts its level, while pressing and turning the rotary control adjusts pan.

User mixes can be stored as 8 presets, retaining channel levels, pan and Mute settings. Presets can be saved to a USB device and transferred to another ME-500. The USB connection can also be used for firmware updates.

Convenient Connection

The ME-500 receives audio sources over a single Cat5e or higher STP cable, using locking EtherCON connectors. The maximum cable length for a single connection is 100 m.

Multiple ME mixers can be daisy-chained or connected in parallel using an Ethernet switch. Direct connection to Allen & Heath digital mixers or the ME-U hub does not require additional audio infrastructure.

Headphones can be connected via the 3.5 mm and 1/4" stereo outputs, which can also be used to connect stereo line-level equipment. A separate 1/4" TRS mono output is provided for external sound systems.

Mounting and Power

The ME-500 can be used freestanding, mounted on a plinth or attached to a microphone stand. It features an integrated 3/8" thread for top-of-stand mounting. A side mounting bracket for microphone stands is available separately. A headphone hook is also available as an optional accessory.

Power can be supplied using the included 12 V DC power supply or via PoE. IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at standards are supported. The ME-500 consumes 10 W, and Allen & Heath recommends allowing 15 W from the PoE source per mixer.

Compatibility

The ME-500 is designed for use with Allen & Heath dLive, Avantis, SQ/SQ+ and Qu digital mixers. It is also compatible with Aviom A-Net 16 systems.

Using the ME-U hub, the ME system can be integrated with third-party digital audio systems. With suitable Dante or MADI option cards, ME-U allows the ME-500 to receive up to 16 audio sources from third-party systems.

ME-500 and ME-1 mixers can be used within the same ME system.

Specifications

Audio

• Maximum audio sources: up to 16 mono or stereo sources.
• AD/DA conversion: 24-bit Delta/Sigma, 48 kHz.
• Frequency response: 10 Hz - 20 kHz (+0/-1 dB).
• Residual output noise: -95 dBu.
• Headphone output power: 300 mW + 300 mW into 100 Ω.
• Maximum headphone/stereo line output level: +21 dBu.
• Mono output nominal level: 0 dBu.
• Mono output maximum level: +18 dBu.

Connections and Power

• Network connections: 2 × locking EtherCON RJ45.
• Headphone/stereo outputs: 1 × 3.5 mm stereo, 1 × 1/4" TRS stereo.
• Mono output: 1 × 1/4" TRS.
• USB: USB Type-A.
• External power supply: 100-240 V AC, 50/60 Hz / 12 V DC, 1.25 A.
• PoE: IEEE 802.3af / 802.3at.
• ME-500 PoE power consumption: 10 W.
• Recommended PoE source power: 15 W per device.

Mounting

• Mounting options: freestanding, plinth or microphone stand.
• Stand thread: 3/8".
• Side mounting bracket: available as an optional accessory.
• Headphone hook: available as an optional accessory.

Dimensions and Weight

• Dimensions (W × D × H): 230 × 160 × 70 mm.
• Weight: 1.1 kg.
• Recommended operating temperature: 5-35 °C.