About the MartinLogan Motion® 30i

Cinematic sound from a compact center
Cinematic sound from a compact center
MartinLogan's Motion 30i center channel delivers clear, accurate movie dialogue and robust sound effects for a more enjoyable home theater experience. This speaker improves upon the performance of the popular Motion 30 center channel, adding drive-stabilizing dust caps and stiffened motor suspension on its woofers.
A solid mid- and low-frequency foundation
MartinLogan uses aluminum cones for their unique blend of lightness and rigidity. Two 5-1/2" woofers — spaced for optimum output distribution — blend clear and neutral midrange frequencies with solid, satisfying low end. The rear-firing bass port helps efficiently enhance bass response without adding distortion to this speaker's clean performance.
Detail and precision from the Folded Motion® tweeter
Between the Motion 30i's woofers is the source of this speaker's impressive high-frequency performance — MartinLogan's acclaimed Folded Motion tweeter. Its pleated diaphragm works similarly to an accordion by "squeezing" air to create sound. Because it requires almost 90% less excursion than the typical 1" dome tweeter, response time and distortion are drastically reduced. The diaphragm's increased surface area also provides wide, yet controlled sound dispersion to create a realistic and highly accurate soundstage.
Unique crossover network
Motion Series speakers feature proprietary Vojtko™ crossovers, named after MartinLogan's chief audio technologist, Joe Vojtko. "A Vojtko crossover isn't so much a set of design requirements as it is a philosophy," the company explains. Each speaker's drivers are carefully selected or designed to operate within an intentional frequency range and specific performance parameters. That allows the crossover networks — built from high-quality capacitors and resistors — to be clean and uncomplicated.
Versatile cabinet design
This center channel speaker is sized to fit inside most standard audio/video cabinets. The speaker's angled enclosure is a nice touch for versatility. No matter where you place it, you can direct the sound toward your ears. Place it beneath your TV firing up toward your listening position, or mount it high and flip the cabinet upside down to aim sound down into the room.
Part of a complete MartinLogan surround sound system
The MartinLogan Motion Series features an array of speakers that are voice-matched for compatibility in an immersive surround sound system:
- floor-standing speakers for front left and right channels
- bookshelf speakers for front, rear, or surround channels
- center channel speakers for clear dialogue
- Dolby Atmos® toppers and surround speakers for effects channels
Got wire?
Most speakers don't include any. Read our article about choosing and installing speaker wire.
Shop our selection of speaker wire.
Product highlights:
- 1" x 1.4" Folded Motion® tweeter for exceptional musical detail with low distortion
- two 5-1/2" aluminum-cone woofers with cast baskets
- bass-reflex (ported) cabinet with rear-firing port
- proprietary high-performance Vojtko™ crossover network
- frequency response: 65-25,000 Hz (±3dB)
- sensitivity: 91 dB
- nominal impedance: 4 ohms
- recommended amplifier power: 20-200 watts
- fabric-wrapped magnetic grille
- 5-way binding post speaker terminals
Dimensions and warranty:
- 16-1/2"W x 6-15/16"H x 10-1/2"D
- weight: 18 lbs.
- warranty: 5 years (with product registration)
- MFR # MO30IRW
What's in the box:
MartinLogan Motion® 30i owner's manual
- Center-channel loudspeaker
- Grille
- 4 Rubber feet
- User's Manual
- Warranty/Registration Information
Customer reviews for MartinLogan Motion® 30i
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More details on the MartinLogan Motion® 30i

Features & specs
Enclosure | Ported | |
Color | Walnut | |
Tweeter Type | Folded Motion Ribbon | |
Tweeter Size (inches) | 1.0 x 1.4 | |
Midrange size (inches) | N/A | |
Woofer size (inches) | 5-1/2 | |
Connector Type | Binding post | |
Power Range | 20-200 | |
Sensitivity | 91 dB | |
Impedance (Ohms) | 4 | |
Frequency Response | 65-25k Hz | |
Height (inches) | 6-15/16 | |
Width (inches) | 16-5/8 | |
Depth (inches) | 11-1/16 | |
Weight | 18 lbs | |
Wall-mountable | No | |
Bracket Included | No | |
Parts Warranty | 5 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 5 Years |
Product Research
Features
Folded Motion Tweeter: MartinLogan's signature 1.0" x 1.4" Folded Motion tweeter utilizes an extremely low mass diaphragm that "squeezes" air, thus demanding significantly less excursion than the typical 1" dome tweeter. Its folded design also allows for a much larger surface area than compared to that of a regular 1" dome tweeter for controlled dispersion and low distortion characteristics. MartinLogan's Folded Motion tweeter is engineered to deliver much of the same high-frequency detail and speed of their large, dynamic electrostatic panel in a small space. This Folded Motion tweeter with advanced thin-film transducer technology offers a 40% larger radiating surface and 80x80 degree controlled dispersion for an increased audible bandwidth without sacrificing any detail and minimizing distortion to an unprecedented level, while also increasing efficiency and the tweeter's already lightning-fast response time. The result is a natural, realistic, and dynamic sound.
Dual Aluminum Cone Woofers: Two custom built, 5.5" low-distortion drivers pair a high-power magnet structure with an aluminum cone diaphragm to deliver massive excursion and sound output, while preserving bass details and maximizing power handling capability - all without a hint of distortion. A unique concave dust cap design reinforces the strength and rigidity of the cone, while also reducing break up modes. The use of aluminum for the cone maximizes rigidity and strength of the driver without adding excessive weight. This, along with the exceptional damping properties of aluminum, ensures the smooth, non-resonant response necessary for seamless blending with the high-resolution Folded Motion tweeter. An added benefit of aluminum is its outstanding thermal conduction capability which allows cones to serve as efficient heat sinks for the voice coil.
Proprietary Vojtko Crossover Network: The MartinLogan Motion Series speaker features a proprietary Vojtko crossover network network using polypropylene and low-DF electrolytic capacitors, custom-wound inductors, and thermal and current protection. Vojtko crossovers are named after MartinLogan's chief audio technologist, Joe Vojtko. His unique approach to crossover design is as big of a part of the "MartinLogan Sound" as are electrostatic and Folded Motion thin-film driver technologies. A Vojtko crossover isn't so much a set of design requirements as it is a philosophy. Vojtko crossovers are designed in such a way that all drivers are kept within their optimal frequency range and balanced with one another. The drivers themselves are as much a part of a Vojtko crossover as are capacitors and resistors. Before the design of any crossover begins, drivers are carefully selected or designed to operate within a very intentional frequency range and with precise and predictable performance parameters. Vojtko crossovers are always built from high-quality parts, and care is taken to avoid overly complex topologies (a straightforward objective due to the careful selection of woofers and tweeters). The final and most critical aspect of a Vojtko Crossover is its final voicing is conducted in a space that is indicative of a real-world environment, so the MartinLogan Motion Series speakers will sound their best in real-world rooms.
Bass Reflex MDF Cabinet: The MartinLogan Motion Series loudspeaker utilizes a solid built cabinet design to eliminate fidelity robbing vibrations. The speaker cabinet is constructed from 18mm (0.7") MDF with 31mm (1.2") thick front baffles and additional internal bracing to further reduce cabinet resonance. On the back of the cabinet is a rear-firing port which helps the speaker be more efficient and have better bass performance. The speaker enclosure comes with a fabric wrapped magnetic grille. The cabinet is available in three finishes - gloss black, matte white, and red walnut.
Gold-Plated Binding Posts: The MartinLogan Motion Series loudspeaker is outfitted with a set of gold-plated binding post terminals for excellent audio signal transfer and resistance to corrosion. These binding post terminals will accept bare wire (up to 10AWB), pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and banana connectors (single only).
Mounting Options: The Motion 30i center-channel loudspeaker can be mounted on a speaker stand (sold separately - see Accessories Tab), shelf, tabletop, or other flat surface. Self-adhesive rubber feet are included to isolate the speaker from the mounting surface and to protect the mounting surface and speaker from scratches. The rubber feet add approximately 0.125" to the overall height of the speaker. Although the speaker is designed to deliver a superb sonic performance when placed close to a wall, you may notice improved imaging and detail if you are able to place the speaker 2' to 3' from the rear wall and 2' or more from the side walls.
Note: The Motion 30i does not offer any threaded-inserts, key-hole slots, or brackets to wall-mount the speaker.
Motion Series: MartinLogan's Motion Series incorporate Folded Motion tweeter technology, high performance aluminum cone woofers, custom tune crossovers, and solidly built MDF cabinets to deliver refined sound with an ultra-wide dynamic range for stunning clarity and low distortion. The Motion Series consists of three floor-standing loudspeakers (MO20i / MO40i / MO60XTi), two bookshelf loudspeakers (MO15i / MO35XTi), and two center channel loudspeakers (MO30i / MO50XTi).
Optional Powered Subwoofer: Add on an optional MartinLogan powered subwoofer (sold separately - see Accessories Tab) for bigger and deeper bass response when listening to your movie and music soundtracks.
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Customer Q&A
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So far so good. Clear vocals and big improvement over my old polk center speaker
Kris from Nashville, TN