861 Reference Digital Surround Controller User Guide
ii Preface Important safety instructions • • • • • • Read the instructions. Keep these instructions. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. • Refer all servicing to approved service personnel. WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
iii Contents Contents Introduction 1 Changing the spaciousness of the sound 22 The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 2 Changing the LipSync 23 DSP presets and layouts 4 Changing the DSP preset for a source 24 Specifications 6 Defining your own presets 25 DSP presets 27 DSP presets for two-channel material 28 DSP presets for multichannel material 32 Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 7 Front panel keys 8 MSR+ keys 9 Switching on and off 10 Selecting a s
iv Preface Copyright and acknowledgements Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Latham Road Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE England Tel (01480) 445678 Fax (01480) 445686 Sales and service in the USA Meridian America Inc 8055 Troon Circle Suite C Austell GA30168-7849 USA Tel (404) 344 7111 Fax (404) 346 7111 Designed and manufactured in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Latham Road Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE England Copyright © 1999-2010 Meridian Audio Ltd. Visit us on the Web: http://www.
Introduction Introduction Welcome to the Meridian 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller. This User Guide provides full information about using the surround controller in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from it.
Introduction The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Digital signal processing, or DSP, is a technique pioneered by Meridian in hi-fi products for achieving extremely accurate reproduction of audio signals. Unlike conventional analogue systems – which process signals using electronic circuits based on resistors, capacitors, and inductors – DSP works by performing exact mathematical calculations on digital versions of the signals.
Introduction Processing The Meridian 861 routes all signals – if necessary via a 24-bit A/D converter – into the digital domain for processing in the highly developed Meridian DSP cards. The incoming signals are processed using a variety of proprietary algorithms, and up to eight output signals are generated. These output signals can be used to feed a number of speaker layouts, ranging from two to eight loudspeakers.
Introduction DSP presets and layouts The 861 provides an extensive range of options for decoding and processing analogue and digital signals for multichannel reproduction. Music on CD or radio The following DSP presets add a surround dimension to stereo recordings, such as on audio CDs or radio. Music extracts the mono and surround components of the original recording for the centre and surround speakers to give a spacious open sound field.
Introduction Multichannel music recordings The following presets are recommended for music recordings containing more than two channels: Discrete renders the source channels to your speaker layout with the ultimate precision and transparency. Ambisonics is especially designed for multichannel recordings on DVD-Audio discs that use Ambisonic encoding. Speaker layouts The surround controller provides great flexibility in the way in which you use the loudspeakers in your system.
Introduction Specifications Audio in and out • Up to 12 analogue inputs. User-adjustable sensitivity. Re-nameable legends. • Up to 12 digital inputs. Re-nameable legends. 32 to 96kHz sampling, and up to 24-bit precision. • Up to 8 digital outputs. • Up to 8 analogue outputs. • Up to 4 configurable 6-channel analogue inputs. Control signals • 3 trigger outputs, programmable by source. • Meridian Comms and RS232 for control and setup. Controls, etc.
Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit. It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the digital surround controller, using either the front panel or the MSR+.
Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Front panel keys Copy Copies a source to the tape output Indicators Show the current DSP processing mode Display Changes the information displayed on the front panel Display Shows the current source, DSP preset, and volume Store Stores the parameters for a preset Assign Assigns the current DSP preset to the current source Menu keys Allow you to select and change DSP parameters Display Copy Calibrate Sets up the loudspeakers Indicators Show the
Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller MSR+ keys Indicator Flashes when you send a command.
10 Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Switching on and off When not playing, the digital surround controller should be left in the standby state. This ensures that the components of the digital surround controller operate at maximum efficiency from the moment you start. If you are not going to use the digital surround controller for several days you should switch the unit off completely at the rear panel, and disconnect it from the AC power supply.
11 Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Selecting a source The digital surround controller provides the following 12 sources: CD, Radio, DVD, Aux, Disc, Tape, TV, Cable, Sat, VCR1, VCR2, and Game. The input and DSP preset associated with each source depends on how the digital surround controller has been set up; for more information see Setting up sources, page 51. Your installer may have customised the labels displayed for each source to suit your other equipment.
12 Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Adjusting the volume The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller adjusts the volume in precise steps of 1dB, where 9dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness. The current volume setting is displayed in dB on the front-panel display, and can be varied in the range 1 to 99dB.
13 Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Changing the DSP preset Each source has a set of DSP presets associated with it, one for each of the alternative content types: Music 2 (2-channel music), Music 6 (multichannel music), Movie 2 (2-channel movie soundtrack), or Movie 6 (multichannel movie soundtrack). When you choose a source, a DSP preset is selected depending on the incoming content type.
14 Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Changing the display The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller displays information about the current settings on the 20character front-panel display. In addition, it can display the same information superimposed on a video image. To change the displayed information You can adjust the contrast and brightness of the frontpanel display for optimum viewing, and choose what information is displayed.
15 Customising the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Customising the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller In addition to being able to change the source, volume, and DSP preset, the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller provides a sophisticated range of more advanced adjustments for each DSP preset, to allow you to tailor the sound.
16 Customising the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Locking and unlocking the menus To simplify the normal operation of the digital surround controller, and to protect the settings from accidental changes, you can lock the menus so that the DSP parameters cannot be accessed. The only parameters available with the menus locked are Brightness and Contrast. To display or change the DSP presets, or to define your own presets, you first need to unlock the digital surround controller menus.
17 Changing the DSP parameters Each DSP preset provides a series of parameters that you can vary to customise the behaviour of the preset to your specific requirements. For example, most presets provide Balance and Depth parameters to allow you to alter the characteristics of the sound. For each of the built-in DSP presets these parameters are set to standard values, designed to give the best sound in typical listening conditions and with most source materials.
18 Customising the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller To change a DSP parameter • Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To unlock the menus, page 16. • Press > or < (remote or under the front panel) until the display shows the name of the parameter you want to change. For example: CD Depth +0.0 • Press A or V (remote or under the front panel) to change the value of the parameter.
19 Customising the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Changing treble, bass, or phase The digital surround controller provides sophisticated treble and bass controls, to allow you to adjust the broad balance of the system to correct for the acoustics of your listening room, or for a misbalanced recording. The controls are more subtle than conventional tone controls, and take advantage of digital signal processing techniques to provide a more natural adjustment of the frequency response.
20 Customising the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Changing the listening position A conventional stereo system provides a single balance control, which changes the relative loudness of the two speakers. The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller provides a more sophisticated adjustment which corresponds to moving the listening position to the left or right.
21 Changing the integration of the centre If you have a centre loudspeaker you can adjust its relative loudness, to provide the best integration of the centre with the main left and right speakers. You can also adjust the relative delay, or depth, of the centre speaker to give the best perspective between the three front speakers. Note: These adjustments are not available for the Direct, Stereo, or Mono presets.
22 Customising the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Changing the spaciousness of the sound You can adjust the spaciousness of the sound by altering the delay on the rear and side channels. Note: These adjustments are not available for the Direct, Stereo, or Mono presets. To change the relative delay of the rear or side speakers • Press > or < until the display shows the current rear delay. For example: CD R Delay 0.0 • Press A or V to change the relative delay of the rear speakers.
23 Changing the LipSync To adjust the LipSync The LipSync parameter is a feature originated by Meridian that allows you to adjust the delay between the sound and the video image by up to 50ms, or up to 85ms if Meridian Room Correction is not being used. Most movies are mixed for a viewing distance of 9m (30'), and when viewed from 3.6m (12') or less the sound arrives too early, giving a disconcerting effect.
24 Customising the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Changing the DSP preset for a source Each source has an appropriate DSP preset associated with it for each music format. For example, for a standard stereo (PCM) signal the CD source uses Trifield and the TV source uses TV Logic. This section explains how to change the DSP preset associated with any source. To assign a DSP preset to a source • Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To unlock the menus, page 16.
25 Customising the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Defining your own presets The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller allows you to modify any of the built-in presets, and save them for future use. You can either save the changes to the built-in preset, or you can create up to 10 presets of your own, with names of your choice, so you can use them alongside the built-in presets. To save the preset settings • Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To unlock the menus, page 16.
26 Customising the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller
27 DSP Presets DSP presets This chapter gives technical information about each of the DSP presets built in to the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller, including information about which preset you should select for different types of material. It also gives details of the special DSP parameters available for each preset.
28 DSP Presets DSP presets for two-channel material The digital surround controller provides several signal processing options for two-channel material. The Music DSP presets are designed for use with music from sources such as CD or radio: • Music, Trifield, Ambisonics, Super Stereo, Music Logic, PLIIx Music, Stereo, and Direct. stereo, which converts the differences between the microphone signals into amplitude differences in the speaker signals.
29 DSP Presets Ambisonic surround sound is quite unlike conventional stereo. A special microphone can be used to capture the sound of the original performance in all three dimensions, allowing a recording to be made in a special format (B-Format) that describes the soundfield exactly at the microphone position. Alternatively, special mixing techniques including Ambisonic spatial localisation controls (panpots) can be used to mix conventional multitrack into the same Ambisonic surround format.
30 DSP Presets PLIIx Music PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX The PLIIx Music preset is designed to use the Pro Logic IIx DSP processing mode to decode music sources. It provides additional Width, Dimension, and Panorama preset parameters to allow you to adjust the soundfield. PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX use the Dolby Pro Logic IIx DSP processing mode, and are the recommended choice for Dolby Surround encoded material.
31 DSP Presets PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Surrounds Rear, Side, All Which of the four surround channels are generated by steering. Pro Logic Off, On On selects an emulation of the original Pro Logic decoding. If Party? is set to No, the combined or selected signal is played only through the centre speaker, or the left and right speakers if there is no centre, to centrally localise high-frequency hiss and clicks.
32 DSP Presets DSP presets for multichannel material Multichannel audio signals can come from either encoded data streams (such as Dolby Digital) or as discrete channels from a DVD player. If you are using Meridian SmartLink then all formats will reach the 861 as discrete channels. With suitable loudspeakers the 861 can upsample these to provide a more enjoyable surround experience. Discrete and Cinema DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes 2+2+2* Off, 5.1, Side, 7.
33 DSP Presets THX As with the PLIIx THX DSP preset, THX re-equalises the signals to suit domestic listening conditions, and applies frequency-response correction and decorrelation to the surround channels to make the surround sound more realistic. It can be used whether or not your other equipment is THX approved. THX DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Surround Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. All Switches the surround signal between the side and rear speakers.
34 DSP Presets Using dynamic range control Dialogue Normalisation display If the input format is Dolby Digital, the 5.1 Movie DSP presets provide an additional Compress parameter to allow you to take advantage of the dynamic range information provided in the Dolby Digital format to provide dynamic range control without the distortion involved in analogue methods. Dolby Digital audio streams include Dialogue Normalisation and Mix levels, to specify the recommended listening level of the soundtrack.
35 Installing the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Installing the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller This chapter explains how to install the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller. It describes what you should find when you unpack the product, and how you should connect it to the other equipment in the system. You should not make any connections to the product or to any other component in the system while the AC power supply is connected and switched on.
36 Unpacking Back panel The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller is supplied with the following accessories: The following diagram gives details of the back panel connections on a standard 861. Note that your unit may include optional cards to provide additional inputs and/or outputs: • MSR+ remote control with batteries, manual, and spare key caps. • Meridian Comms lead. • Power cord. • This manual. If any of these items are missing please contact your dealer.
37 Installing the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Standard and optional cards The following diagram shows the cards supplied as standard to the 861, and the optional cards (shown in brackets): (OA18) IA04 (OA18) OE14 + IE44 (IA04) (ID26) (ID40) CO00 IEC (OA08) (OA08) Analogue inputs – IA04 Use this output To connect to this A1 to A6 and B1 to B6* The analogue outputs of a source, such as a TV or tape deck.
38 Installing the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Digital inputs – IE44 Communications connections – CO00 Use this input To connect to this Use this connection To connect to this D1 to D6* The digital output of a source such as a DVD player. MERIDIAN COMMS Other Meridian equipment, or Meridian DSP loudspeakers. O1 and O2 The optical output of a source such as a satellite receiver or computer. RS232 A computer, for configuring the 861, or a serial control system.
39 Installing the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Applications To connect to a digital source (eg G06 24-bit CD Player) 861 Digital Surround Controller Meridian G06 CD Player MERIDIAN COMMS DIGITAL OUT DIGITAL IN MERIDIAN COMMS Digital coax leads Meridian Comms lead You can connect up to six digital coax sources to the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller, or 12 with the optional ID26 card.
40 Installing the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller To connect to a digital source using SpeakerLink (eg 808.3) Meridian 808.3 CD Player 861 Digital Surround Controller SPEAKERLINK OUTPUT SPEAKERLINK INPUT SpeakerLink lead • Connect the DIGITAL output from the 808.2/808.2i to the SpeakerLink input on the digital surround controller, using a Meridian SpeakerLink lead.
41 Installing the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller To connect to a source with analogue multichannel outputs (eg SACD player) 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller SACD player DIGITAL OUT ANALOGUE OUT Digital leads A1-A6 DIGITAL IN Phono leads The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller provides two sets of 6 analogue inputs, called A1-A6 and B1B6. Each set can be used as a multichannel input from a source with a suitable analogue multichannel output, such as an SACD player.
42 Installing the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller To connect to DSP loudspeakers using SpeakerLink (daisy chain) Front R – Slave 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Front L – Master MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead SpeakerLink lead Centre – Slave Rear R – Slave MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK Rear L – Slave INPUT OUTPUT MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead This is an altern
43 Installing the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller To connect to DSP loudspeakers using SpeakerLink (home run) Front R – Slave 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Front L – Master MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK SPEAKERLINK MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead SpeakerLink lead Centre – Slave Rear R – Slave MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK Rear L – Slave MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT MERIDIAN SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT SpeakerLink lead This is an alternat
44 Installing the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller To connect to other Meridian G Series or 800 Series equipment 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series unit MERIDIAN COMMS MERIDIAN COMMS Meridian Comms lead In a system of Meridian products, one of the products acts as the controller for the system, receiving infra-red commands from the MSR+ and then, if appropriate, relaying them to the other products via the Comms link.
45 Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller This chapter explains how to set up the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller for most standard configurations of loudspeakers and sources using just the front-panel controls and MSR+.
46 Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Choosing a standard setting The digital surround controller provides six standard settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the 861 into the most commonly needed configurations. In addition, any User Types you create using the Meridian Configuration program are also available. Types 0 to 5 are factory settings, designed to cater for the most commonly needed configurations of associated equipment.
47 Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Setting up the digital surround controller with other Meridian equipment If you are using the 861 with other Meridian equipment, such as the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player, you should set up the Comms with the following automatic setup procedure: • Switch all the units to standby. • Press Clear (remote).
48 Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Calibrating the system To help you to set up your installation to give the best possible sound with any particular combination of associated equipment, the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller includes a built-in calibration procedure. This calibration procedure uses test signals to present a series of sounds, which you use to adjust certain aspects of the system to their optimum settings.
49 Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Calibration tests Levels These tests allow you to adjust the output level to each speaker individually, and it follows the general guidelines from Dolby Laboratories and Lucasfilm Ltd. A Sound Pressure Level (SPL) meter can be useful at this stage; see Using a Sound Pressure Level meter, page 48.
50 Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Fine tuning For example: These tests allow you to fine-tune the phase and delay of each speaker when used in conjunction with other speakers on the layout. • Press > or < to move between each of the speakers under test. • Press > or < to move between each of the speakers in the layout. The first display allows you to adjust the phase. For example: Left Phase The next display shows the distance (or delay) for the same speaker.
51 Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Setting up sources This section explains how to use Gain/Sub mode to set up the sources connected to the digital surround controller, and configure them to suit your other equipment. For example: You can also adjust the subwoofer crossover frequency to suit the subwoofers in your system. You can select between sensitivities of 0.5V (most sensitive), 1.0V, 2.0V, or 2.5V (least sensitive).
52 Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller For THX loudspeaker systems you should leave the crossover setting at 80Hz. 80Hz is also the recommended setting for all movie listening. You may prefer, however, to lower the crossover frequency for music if your main speakers have good bass handling down to, say, 50Hz.
53 Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller Sinewave sweep test The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller includes a sinewave signal test, to help you set the subwoofer crossover frequencies, or check for room resonances. To change the volume • Select a PCM source; eg an analogue source or CD. Warning: Very loud low-frequency signals may damage speakers. • Press Configure (under the front panel). The displays shows: CD Sine • Use the volume keys in the usual way.
54 Configuring the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller
55 Index Index A Channels (DSP parameter) 29 Distance (calibration test) 49, 50 Academy (DSP parameter) 31 Cinema (DSP preset) 32 DSP 2 clip indicator 51 DSP loudspeakers accessories 36 Ambisonics (DSP preset) 28, 33 analogue inputs 37 analogue source, connecting 39 analogue sources, adjusting sensitivity 51 Axis (DSP parameter) 17 axis, changing 20 B back panel connections 36 Comms, connecting 44 communications connections 38 Compress (DSP parameter) 34 compression 34 connecting via SpeakerLi
56 Index DSP presets (continued) LipSync (DSP parameter) 17, 23 Phase (DSP parameter) 17, 19 Trifield 28 listening position, changing 20 phase, changing 19 two-channel 28 locking the menus 16 PLIIx (DSP preset) 30 user-defining 25 dynamic range control 34 F front panel keys 8 G Gain/Sub mode 51 H M PLIIx Mov6 (DSP preset) 33 PLIIx Movie (DSP preset) 31 menus, locking 16 PLIIx Mus6 (DSP preset) 33 Meridian DSP loudspeakers, PLIIx Music (DSP preset) 30 connecting to 42, 43 Meridian System
57 Index S Filter (DSP parameter) 28, 29, 32 Sides (DSP parameter) 17, 20 side speakers changing the relative delay 22 changing the relative level 20 sinewave sweep test 53 Sooloos connections 38 Sound Pressure Level meter 48 sources 11 adjusting sensitivity 51 assigning DSP presets 24 default DSP preset 13 selecting 11 setting up 51 spaciousness of the sound, changing 22 speaker layouts 5 T THX (DSP preset) 32, 33 THX level 49 THX Music (DSP preset) 33 THX Surround EX (DSP preset) 33 THX Ultra2 Cinema (D
58 Index
