M G 6 1 D E R I D I A N I G I T A L I S G S E R I E S U R R O U N D N S T A L L A T I O N G C O N T R O L L E R U I D E
G61 Digital Surround Controller Installation Guide
ii Preface Important safety instructions • Read the instructions. • Keep these instructions. • Follow all instructions. To avoid overheating • Leave at least 10cm around the equipment to ensure sufficient ventilation. • 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.
iii Contents Contents Introduction 1 DSP presets Provides information about the digital surround controller, Gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and and technical specifications. describes how to modify them. Specifications 3 33 DSP presets 33 Defining your own presets 43 Installing the digital surround controller 5 Troubleshooting Describes how to install the digital surround controller and connect it to the other equipment in the system.
iv Preface Copyright and acknowledgements Sales and service in the UK Sales and service in the USA Meridian Audio Ltd Meridian America Inc Latham Road 8055 Troon Circle Huntingdon Suite C Cambridgeshire Austell PE29 6YE GA30168-7849 England USA Tel +44 (0)1480 445678 Tel +1 (404) 344 7111 Fax +44 (0)1480 445686 Fax +1 (404) 346 7111 World Wide Web – http://www.meridian-audio.
1 Introduction Introduction This guide provides full information about unpacking the G61 Digital Surround Controller, connecting it to the other equipment in the system, and configuring it using the front panel. Once you have connected and configured the product, refer to the G Series System Guide for information about operating it. The G61 is a powerful, flexible surround controller, with 8 more stereo coax digital inputs.
2 Introduction carrying explicit information about the nature of the datastream as well as encrypted high-resolution digital signals from DVD-Audio – the first system of its kind to be approved. Virtually all other manufacturers oblige you to go through an analogue connection, losing quality in the process.
3 Specifications Introduction Digital coax inputs 6 coax digital inputs, 2 6-channel coax inputs, all MHR. Digital optical inputs 5 optical digital inputs. Analogue inputs 5 stereo unbalanced inputs; 1 6-channel unbalanced input. Digital outputs Unbalanced outputs Main, Centre/Sub, Sides, Rears, A/B*. Main L/R, Centre/Sub, Rears, LZ, RZ†. Trigger outputs 3 12VDC/100mA trigger outputs configurable by source. Comms 2 5-pin 240º DIN sockets, BNC socket, USB, RS232 interface.
4 Introduction
5 Installing the digital surround controller Installing the digital surround controller This chapter explains how to install the 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.
6 Installing the digital surround Audio inputs /PTICAL INPUTS /04)#!, ).054 -%2)$)!. #/--3 42)''%23 42)''%2 -!).4%.!.#% !.!,/'5% 6 M! 6 M! -!). , 53" / / $ / $ 6#2 $ #$ /. /54054 2%!2 , 2%!2 2 #%.42% -5,4) $)')4!, ).054 $6$ 2%!23 ! " -5,4) !.!,/'5% ).054 !.!,/'5% ).054 -)# -!). , 2 -$ $)')4!, ). 3522 , #%.42% ,%&4 / 3!4 -! !58 $)')4!, /54054 #%.42% 3)$%3 35" ,: 2 -$ $ $ $ $)3# 3522 ' 3522/5.$ #/.42/,,%2 $%3)'.
7 Installing the digital surround controller To connect to a digital source (eg G07 24-bit CD Player) ' BIT #$ 0LAYER ' $IGITAL 3URROUND #ONTROLLER #/--3 $)' ). $ #$ $)')4!, /54 #/--3 #/--3 ,%!$ $)')4!, ,%!$ You can connect up to 12 digital coax sources to the G61 Digital If the source is a Meridian product connect together the COMMS Surround Controller. sockets using the Comms lead provided.
8 Installing the digital surround controller To connect to a DVD-Audio player with digital multichannel outputs (eg G98DH DVD Audio Transport) ' $( $6$ !UDIO 4RANSPORT ' $IGITAL 3URROUND #ONTROLLER #/--3 #/--3 -5,4) $)')4!, ).054 $6$ -!).
9 Installing the digital surround Audio outputs controller !NALOGUE OUTPUTS -%2)$)!. #/--3 42)''%23 42)''%2 -!).4%.!.#% !.!,/'5% 6 M! 6 M! -!). , 53" / / $ / $ 6#2 $ #$ $6$ -)# , -!). , 2 3522 , #%.42% ,%&4 / 3!4 -! !58 $)')4!, /54054 2%!23 #%.42% 3)$%3 35" 2 -$ $ $ $ $)3# 3522 2%!2 2 #%.42% # ,&% , 2 /&& 35" -5,4) !.!,/'5% ).054 !.!,/'5% ).054 -$ ' 3522/5.$ #/.42/,,%2 $%3)'.%$ /. /54054 2%!2 , )2 ). -5,4) $)')4!, ).
10 Installing the digital surround controller To connect the G61 to Meridian DSP loudspeakers $30 # ' $IGITAL 3URROUND #ONTROLLER #/--3 ).054 #/--3 $)')4!, /54054 /54054 - ,%!$ $)')4!, /54054 $)')4!, ).0543 3 PATCH BOX 3 ,%!$ DIGITAL UNUSED $30 n -!). 2 $)')4!, ).0543 3 ,%!$ $30 n -!). , $)')4!, ).0543 $)')4!, #/--3 /54054 /54054 ).054 $)')4!, #/--3 /54054 /54054 ).
11 Installing the digital surround controller To connect the G61 to active unbalanced loudspeakers (eg Meridian M33s) M33 M33 ' $IGITAL 3URROUND #ONTROLLER !.!,/'5% /54054 PHONO LEAD PHONO LEAD • Connect the appropriate analogue out sockets from the digital surround controller to the speaker inputs, using phono leads. To connect the G61 to a stereo power amplifier (eg Meridian G56 or G57) ' ' 4WO #HANNEL 0OWER !MPLIFIER ' !.!,/'5% /54054 ).054 0(/.
12 Installing the digital surround controller To connect an active subwoofer (eg Meridian M1500 or M2500) 3UBWOOFER ' $IGITAL 3URROUND #ONTROLLER 35" $)2%#4 ).054 0(/./ ,%!$ • Connect the SUB analogue output socket from the G61 Digital Surround Controller to the subwoofer’s line-level input using a phono lead. Use RZ and LZ if you have two subwoofers.
13 Installing the digital surround Communications connections controller -ERIDIAN $). #OMMS 4RIGGER OUTPUT -ERIDIAN ".# #OMMS 53" CONNECTION 4RIGGER OUTPUTS 23 CONNECTION -%2)$)!. #/--3 42)''%23 42)''%2 -!).4%.!.#% !.!,/'5% 6 M! 6 M! -!). , 53" / / $ / $ 6#2 $ #$ $6$ 2%!2 2 #%.42% , -!). , 2 -$ 2%!23 ! " 3522 , #%.42% ,%&4 -! !58 $)')4!, /54054 #%.42% 3)$%3 35" ,: 2 -$ $ $ $)3# 3522 ' 3522/5.$ #/.42/,,%2 $%3)'.
14 Installing the digital surround controller To connect to other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment ' $IGITAL 3URROUND #ONTROLLER ' 3ERIES 3ERIES OR 3ERIES UNIT #/--3 #/--3 #/--3 ,%!$ #/--3 ,%!$ In a system of Meridian products the products should be linked All the other units will be configured as non-controllers, and together in a chain, via the COMMS sockets, using the Comms display: leads supplied with each product.
15 Configuring the digital surround controller Configuring the digital surround controller This chapter explains how to configure the digital surround controller using the Configuration Wizard. Alternatively, for complete control over all aspects of the product’s configuration you can set up the unit from a computer using the Meridian Configuration Program. For full information refer to the Meridian Configuration Program Guide available separately.
16 Configuring the digital surround controller Stage 1: Resetting the product The digital surround controller provides several alternative standard • Press A or V to step through the available Types. settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the product into the most commonly needed configurations. A description of the speakers for each type is shown on the top line of the display.
17 Configuring the digital surround controller Types The following table lists the available Types: Type Speakers Music Sub Logic Sub 5.1 Movie Sub 0 All analogue. LFE Centre LFE 1 All analogue. Mono Mono Mono 2 All digital. LFE Centre LFE 3 All digital, large centre. None None None 4 Digital left, right, and centre. LFE Centre LFE 5 Digital left and right.
18 Configuring the digital surround controller Stage 2: Configuring speakers The Speakers configuration stage allows you to set up the digital The options are summarised in the table on the next page. surround controller for the particular arrangement of loudspeakers To change an option in your system. • Press A or V to step between the alternative values for the option. To configure the speakers Either: • Press Next after resetting the product; see page 16.
19 Configuring the digital surround controller Speaker options The following table summarises the speaker options: Option Values Description Number of Subwoofers: none, one, two, three How many subwoofers. The main L&R speakers are: small analogue/THX, small DSP, large The types of the main left and right speakers. If you have no analogue, large DSP subwoofers, you cannot specify small main speakers.
20 Configuring the digital surround controller Stage 3: Configuring sources The digital surround controller provides up to 12 sources The display shows the first source and the first configuration option corresponding to the 12 source keys on the MSR+: for that source, whether it is in use: CD, RADIO, DVD, AUX, DISC, TAPE, TV, CABLE, SAT, VCR1, VCR2, This source is: Radio GAME.
21 Configuring the digital surround controller Source options The following table summarises the source options: Option Values Description The source is: in use, not in use Whether the source is enabled. Audio input: D1-D12, MD1-MD2, O1-O5, A1-A8, The audio input used for the source; digital, multichannel MA1, Last Valid* digital, optical, tuner, analogue, or multichannel analogue. Source name: Any name of up to five characters. Trigger #1: High, Low Trigger outputs for the source.
22 Configuring the digital surround controller Stage 4: Configuring other settings The next stage allows you to configure other aspects of the To change a setting product’s operation. • Press A or V to step through the alternative values for the setting. To configure other settings Either: When you have finished configuring the settings: • Press Next after configuring the sources; see page 20. Either: Or: • Press Next to proceed to calibrating the system, as described in the next chapter.
23 Configuring the digital surround controller Settings The following table summarises the product settings: Option Values Description The fan is: used as necessary, never used Specifies how the optional temperature controlled fan operates. Distance measurement: feet/inches, metres Units for displaying and entering distances. Do your subs play to 20Hz? No, THX Ultra2/yes Subwoofer frequency response.
24 Configuring the digital surround controller
25 Calibrating the system Calibrating the system To help you to set up the installation to give the best possible sound with any particular combination of associated equipment, the G61 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.
26 Calibrating the system To start the calibration procedure For more detailed information about this and the other calibration Either: tests see the following sections. • Press Next on the last option of configuring settings; see page To exit from the calibration procedure 22. You can exit from the calibration procedure at any time, and any parameters you have set will be retained: Or: • Press On/Off to put the digital surround controller into standby. • Press On/Off. • Press More.
27 Calibrating Calibration tests the system • When you have completed the Levels section press > to proceed Levels These tests allow you to adjust the output level to each speaker individually, and it follows the general guidelines from Dolby Laboratories and THX. to the next test.
28 Calibrating the system • Use > and < to move between each of the speakers in the The next display shows the distance for the same speaker. For example: layout. The display shows the speaker being tested, and the distance: Press More for help Left Distance 18'0 ìî ïñ óòô öõú Press More for help Left Distance 18'0 Units ìî ïñ óòô öõú • Use A and V to change the distance. • You can press Units to change between feet/inches and metres.
29 Calibrating Speaker size the system These tests allow you to determine the bass handling capability of large analogue speakers and subwoofers. Once set, the digital surround controller will limit the bass level to protect the speakers from potential damage.
30 Calibrating the system Using the Sine/Sub/Sens controls This section explains how to use the Sine/Sub/Sens controls to check for room resonances, adjust the subwoofer crossover • Press Xovr- or Xovr+ to decrease or increase the crossover frequency. frequency, or adjust the sensitivity of the analogue sources. The display shows the current crossover frequency: To display the Sine/Sub/Sens controls • If necessary, unlock the digital surround controller as described in Configuration Wizard, page 15.
31 Calibrating the system The display shows: To change the volume • Use the volume keys in the usual way. CD Sine Chan óòô öõú 80.0Hz Sound Exit To change the input • Press Sound. An 80Hz sinewave will be played through all channels. You can change the test signal using the menu keys, as described You can select between the following inputs: Option Description Input The current input. Sine A sinewave. • Press Chan.
32 Calibrating the system The display shows, for example: Setting up sources This section explains how to use the Sine/Sub/Sens controls to adjust the sensitivity of the analogue sources. TV Sine 2.0V -Xover+ Clip -0 -Sens.+ To adjust the sensitivity of a source To obtain the best signal-to-noise ratio for each analogue source In this case reduce the sensitivity by selecting a higher number.
33 DSP presets DSP presets This chapter gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and describes how to modify them. DSP presets The G61 Digital Surround Controller provides two types of DSP preset. One set is available if the input is two-channel; eg from a traditional stereo source or a two-channel DVD-A. The other set is available if the input is 5.1 or 6 channels of discrete audio; eg from a Dolby Digital DVD-V or a music DVD-A.
34 DSP presets Standard parameters All DSP presets (except Mono and Direct) provide the following standard parameters. Individual DSP presets provide additional parameters, to allow you to adjust specific features provided by that preset. For full details refer to information about each preset later in this chapter. Parameter Range Default What it changes Treble* -10dB to +10dB +0dB The slope of the frequency response. Bass* -5dB to +5dB +0dB The bass response.
35 DSP presets DSP presets for two-channel material The G61 provides several signal processing options for two-channel material. The Music DSP presets are designed for use with music from sources such as CD, radio, or two channel DVD-A: • Music, Trifield, Ambisonics, Super Stereo, Music Logic, PLIIx Music, Stereo, and Direct. for the fact that the frequency response of human hearing changes with direction.
36 DSP presets Ambisonics The fundamental difference between Ambisonics surround sound The Ambisonics DSP preset can decode UHJ format, the two- and conventional stereo is that the signals from all the speakers channel stereo-compatible encoding found on Ambisonically- combine to produce a coherent soundfield at the listening position, recorded discs and broadcasts.
37 DSP presets MusicLogic MusicLogic is a music DSP preset based on Pro Logic II with the addition of user-adjustable steering, designed to provide an exciting experience with many types of studio-produced music. MusicLogic DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Roll Off, Low, Med, Max The degree of left-right steering. Yaw Off, Low, Med, Max The degree of front-rear steering.
38 DSP presets Stereo and Direct stability compared with the original Pro Logic decoding. Meridian’s The Stereo preset passes the left and right input signals directly to implementation of Pro Logic IIx uses proprietary code based on 48- the left and right main speakers. Any mono or front left and right bit precision to give outstanding clarity. subwoofers continue to be used.
39 DSP presets TV Logic TV Logic is a Logic preset based on Pro Logic IIx with the addition of user-adjustable steering, designed to give higher intelligibility and a more appropriate spatial presentation for studio-based TV material. TV Logic DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Roll Off, Low, Med, Max The degree of left-right steering. Yaw Off, Low, Med, Max The degree of front-rear steering. Surrounds Rear, Side, All Which of the surround channels are generated by steering.
40 DSP presets There are five multichannel Movie 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 G61 as discrete channels. With suitable loudspeakers the G61 can upsample these to provide a more enjoyable surround • Cinema, PLIIx Mov6, THX, THX Surround EX, and THX Ultra2 Cinema.
41 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.
42 DSP presets Ambisonics The Ambisonics preset allows you to decode multi-channel sources which have been encoded in Ambisonics B format. Ambisonics B format contains four independent channels of information to give a three-axis representation of the sound at the recording position. The signals are: mono sound pressure, left-right velocity component, front-back velocity component, and up-down velocity component. Using dynamic range control If the input format is Dolby Digital, the 5.
43 Defining your own presets DSP presets The G61 Digital Surround Controller allows you to modify any of Alternatively press V to choose the built-in preset you started the built-in presets, and save them for future use. with. For example: You can either save the changes to the built-in preset, or you can Pick Preset to overwrite create up to 10 presets of your own, with names of your choice, so Trifield Store óòô öõú you can use them alongside the built-in presets. • Press Store.
44 DSP presets For example, you could change the name to: Write label for preset ìî ïñ Concert óòô öõú Store • When you have entered the name you want to use press Store. The display shows: Stored ìî ïñ óòô öõú Assign To make the new preset the default for the current source and audio format: • Press Assign. To clear a user-defined preset • Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To run the Configuration Wizard, page 15. • Press DSP to select the preset you want to clear.
45 Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g Troubleshooting We expect you to achieve superb results with your digital surround controller. If, however, you encounter any problems, either when installing and configuring it, or during operation, please check the following pages for suggested solutions. If these suggestions fail to cure the problem, please contact your Meridian dealer for further assistance. General operating problems Standby light not lit • Check that the AC power supply is connected correctly.
46 Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g Remote not working Check the following: • The battery in the MSR+. • Remove the Comms connections from the G61 and check whether it responds now. If so, replace the connections and perform an Auto Configure procedure; see To connect to other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment, page 14. • See if the G61 has been set up as Not Controller in the Configuration Menu; see Configuring other settings, page 22. Note: This may be deliberate by your dealer.
47 Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g Audible hiss at high volume settings Sound not clear The input dynamic range of most current recordings is at maximum • If speech sounds muffled in a system with a centre speaker, 16 bit. The reason for this is that currently CD, DVD, and LaserDisc check that sound is coming from the centre as there may be a use a 16-bit standard, although DVD can support up to 24-bits. The connection problem.
48 Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g The preset changes unexpectedly with a multichannel source If you are using a non-Meridian source on the MHR SmartLink input, proprietary data may cause preset switching. • Select Force this source to be six-channel for the source. See the Meridian Configuration Program Guide.
49 Maintenance Cleaning To clean the case, display panel, and keypad • Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit. The exterior surfaces of Meridian G Series products are made from solid anodised aluminium, powder coated steel, thermoplastic rubber, and glass. They are designed to be easily wiped clean with a dry, lint free cloth. Greasy marks should be removed by light rubbing with a slightly damp cloth and a trace of proprietary glass cleaner.
50 Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g Service and guarantee Service Guarantee The Meridian G Series of hi-fi components has been carefully The product is guaranteed against defects in material and designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user- workmanship for two years from the date of purchase. serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any form of maintenance.
51 Index Index A compression 42 Academy (DSP parameter) 39 Compress (DSP parameter) 42 accessories 5 configuration, resetting 16 active loudspeakers, connecting to 11 Configuration Wizard 15 active subwoofer, connecting to 12 configuring Ambisonics (DSP preset) 36, 42 analogue source, connecting 7 audio inputs 6 settings 22 sources 20 connections audio outputs 9 audio inputs 6 automatic setup 14 audio outputs 9 Axis (DSP parameter) 34 cleaning 49 communications 13 Controller, setting 14
52 Index DSP parameters (continued) DSP presets (continued) LipSync 34 PLIIx Music 37 Panorama 37 PLIIx THX 38 Party? 39 standard parameters 34 Phase 34 Stereo 38 Pro Logic 38 Super 36 Rear 34 THX 41 Roll 37, 39 THX Music 41 Row 36 THX Surround EX 41 R Delay 34 THX Ultra2 Cinema 41 R Filter 35, 36, 40 Trifield 35 Sides 34 two-channel 35 Steered All 37 user-defining 43, 44 Surr.
53 Index M S mains fuse, changing 49 safety warnings ii Meridian DSP loudspeakers, connecting to 10 settings 23 Mono (DSP preset) 39 configuring 22 MusicLogic (DSP preset) 37 Sides (DSP parameter) 34 Music (DSP preset) 35 Sine/Sub/Sens controls 30 Sine/Sub/ Sens menu, sources 32 sinewave sweep test 30 P Panorama (DSP parameter) 37 Party? (DSP parameter) 39 Phase (DSP parameter) 34 PLIIx (DSP preset) 38 PLIIx Mov6 (DSP preset) 41 PLIIx Movie (DSP preset) 38 PLIIx Mus6 (DSP preset) 41 PLIIx Musi
54 Index T U THX (DSP preset) 40, 41 UHJ format 36 THX Music (DSP preset) 41 user-defined presets 43 THX Surround EX (DSP preset) 41 clearing 44 THX Ultra2 Cinema (DSP preset) 41 editing name 43 Treble (DSP parameter) 34 Trifield (DSP preset) 35 troubleshooting 45 2+2+2 (DSP parameters) 40 W Width (DSP parameter) 35, 36, 37 Types 16, 17 Y Yaw (DSP parameter) 37, 39
