Owner’s Manual Nº40 Media Console
Important Safety Instructions 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with a dry cloth. 7. Do not block ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or another apparatus that produces heat. 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug.
FCC Notice This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Table of Contents Section 1: Getting Started Document Conventions ....................................................1-1 Special Design Features ...................................................1-2 Modular Design ................................................................ 1-2 Extraordinary Flexibility ..................................................... 1-2 HDMI ............................................................................... 1-4 No-compromise Audio ..................................
Table of Contents Mark Levinson Section 3: Rear Panel Operation v Video Processor Rear Panel ............................................. 3-1 Composite Inputs ..............................................................3-2 Video Input Expansion ......................................................3-3 S-video Inputs ...................................................................3-3 Component Inputs ............................................................3-3 Video Input Expansion .............
Nº40 Media Console Table of Contents Standby Button ................................................................ 4-6 Battery Compartment ....................................................... 4-6 Section 5: Menu System Overview .........................................................................5-1 Navigating The Menus ...................................................... 5-2 The About... Screen .........................................................5-5 System Locked/Unlocked ...............
Table of Contents vii Mark Levinson Display Options ..............................................................5-50 Control Options ..............................................................5-53 Surround Options ...........................................................5-55 The Output Zones Menu ............................................... 5-57 Main Zone Name ............................................................5-57 Default Video System ..................................................
Nº40 Media Console Table of Contents Appendix Audio Processor Specifications ........................................ A-1 Video Processor Specifications ......................................... A-3 Declaration of Conformity ............................................... A-5 Nº40 Video Processor Dimensions ................................... A-6 Nº40 Audio Processor Dimensions ................................... A-7 Rack Mount Kit ...............................................................
1 Getting Started Document Conventions This document contains general safety, installation and operation instructions for the Nº40 Media Console. It is important to read this document before attempting to use this product. Please pay particular attention to safety instructions. Appears on the component to indicate the presence of non-insulated, dangerous voltages inside the enclosure – voltages that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
Getting Started Mark Levinson Special Design Features Modular Design As seen from the rear panel, perhaps the most obvious characteristic of the Nº40 is its extraordinary modularity. Both the Audio Processor and the Video Processor are built on “card cage” designs that maximize hardware flexibility now and in the future.
Nº40 Media Console Getting Started • 1 monitor video output • 2 “RZone” output paths (assignable Remote or Record zones) that each include composite and S-video outputs, two pairs of stereo analog outputs, a digital audio output, and a zonespecific IR input for control purposes • 2 PHASTLink™-compatible communications ports • 2 RS-232 communications ports • 3 programmable DC triggers • 1 main zone infrared input jack Of course, an expandable, modular design does little good without some room f
Getting Started Mark Levinson When watching an action movie, many people like to turn up the surround channels and subwoofer a bit to enhance the excitement; additionally, they may require THX™ processing, and particular bass management settings to suit the explosive nature of such films. However, when the movie is over and you put on some relaxing music, all those settings that were so perfect for the action movie now sound quite inappropriate, if not outright dreadful.
Nº40 Media Console Getting Started High Definition Video The Nº40 supports the high-definition formats 720p and 1080i. It also supports standard and enhanced definition formats such as 480i, 480p, 576i and 576p. Resolution is defined by the number of horizontal lines displayed on-screen that comprise each frame of a video image. The more lines of resolution used to create each frame of video, the greater the detail and sharpness of the image.
Getting Started No-compromise Audio Mark Levinson As befits the first multichannel, audio/video product to carry the Mark Levinson name, the Nº40 Media Console offers no-compromise audio performance that is worthy of its heritage.
Nº40 Media Console Getting Started In support of this goal, each of the “RZone” (Remote or Record Zone) audio cards has two SHARC DSP chips of its own. With this level of processing power, it becomes possible (for example) to select a Dolby Digital 5.1 channel signal for enjoyment in the master bedroom, and have the signal both decoded and then downmixed to two channels for reproduction. You do not have to think about the format of a given source – the Nº40 works everything out.
Getting Started Mark Levinson fiers. While we would hope you would consider matching Mark Levinson power amplifiers to go with your Nº40, we recognize our responsibility to preserve your choice in the matter. Providing this singularly robust output stage does just that, allowing the Nº40 to make the most of whatever cables and amplifiers you elect to use. THX Ultra2™ Processing THX is an exclusive set of standards and technologies established by the world-renowned film production company, THX Ltd.
Nº40 Media Console Getting Started speaker as you move away from the middle seating position. Adaptive Decorrelation slightly changes one surround channel's time and phase relationship with respect to the other surround channel. This expands the listening position and creates – with only two speakers – the same spacious surround experience as in a movie theater. THX Surround EX™ Dolby Digital Surround EX is a joint development of Dolby Laboratories and THX.
Getting Started Mark Levinson • THX Ultra2 Cinema Mode THX Ultra2 Cinema mode plays 5.1 movies using all 8 speakers giving you the best possible movie watching experience. In this mode, ASA processing blends the side surround speakers and back surround speakers providing the optimal mix of ambient and directional surround sounds. • THX Music Mode For the replay of multi-channel music, the THX Music Mode should be selected. In this mode THX ASA processing is applied to the surround channels of all 5.
Nº40 Media Console Getting Started High performance switcher When operating as a switcher, the Nº40 offers performance comparable to the finest professional switchers that you might find in post-production houses in Hollywood. The key here is the video crosspoint switch (the circuitry that allows any input to be routed to any or all outputs simultaneously). It has video frequency response in excess of 70MHz, with a signalto-noise ratio better than 60dB.
Getting Started Mark Levinson about switching between formats as you select sources – the Nº40 takes care of that for you. Also, high-definition or progressive input signals cannot be routed to RZones, since no definition for progressive composite or S-video signal format exists. If you have a progressive source, we suggest connecting both its progressive output (for use in the main zone, without any further signal processing) and its S-video or composite output (for use in remote or record zones).
Nº40 Media Console Getting Started Installation Considerations The Nº40 Media Console requires special care during installation to ensure optimal performance. Pay particular attention to instructions included in this section and to precautions included throughout this owner’s manual. Unpacking The Nº40 Media Console is a two-component system, each dedicated to state of the art switching and processing of video and audio, respectively.
Getting Started Mark Levinson In the Nº40 Audio Processor carton: Item Quantity Nº40 Audio Processor 1 Detachable AC power cord 1 White gloves 1 Product Registration Please register the Nº40 within 15 days of purchase. To do so, register online at www.marklevinson.com or complete and return the included product registration card. Retain the original, dated sales receipt as proof of warranty coverage.
Nº40 Media Console Getting Started DO NOT install either Nº40 chassis near unshielded TV or FM antennas, cable TV decoders, or other RF-emitting devices that might cause interference. DO NOT place either Nº40 chassis on a windowsill or in another location in which it will be exposed to direct sunlight. DO NOT obstruct the IR receiver/transmitter located on the right side of the Video Processor front panel display.
Getting Started Mark Levinson Power Requirements Mark Levinson products are factory-set for 100V, 120V, 220V, 230V or 240V AC mains operation at either 50 or 60Hz, based on the country for which they are manufactured. If you have more than one circuit feeding the system with power, please ask your electrician to ensure that they are all operating with a solid, low impedance ground reference that is the same for all products in the system.
Nº40 Media Console Getting Started While Reading the Manual... The following brief introduction to the Nº40 Media Console assumes that your installer has already programmed the system for you. For complete information on using your Nº40 and customizing it to suit your individual preferences, please continue reading this manual. We hope you will be able to do so while listening to some outstanding music on your new system.
Getting Started Surround Mode Mark Levinson Once you have selected the source and set the volume, you may find that a different surround sound processing mode would better complement the material you are playing. The surround mode knob (and the surround mode rocker switch on the remote) gives you access to all available and appropriate surround mode options, based on the nature of the signal you have selected.
Nº40 Media Console Getting Started easy. You might have two defined inputs labeled “DVD-Film” and “DVD-Music” that would automatically configure the system for either music or movies, depending on the type of disc you put in your DVD player. Zone The standard configuration of the Nº40 is as a three zone system. This means that you can have the signals from any connected source component sent to any of three different “zones,” in any combination.
2 Front Panel Operation Video Processor Front Panel Figure 2-1: Video Processor front panel. STANDBY 2-1 1. Power (AC mains) button & LED indicator 2. Input Select knob 3. LCD display 4. Zone knob 5. IR window 6. Preview button 7. Display Mode button 8. Menu Select button 9. Enter button 10.
Front Panel Operation Power (AC Mains) Button & LED Indicator Mark Levinson The power button disconnects the Nº40 Video Processor from the AC mains. If you plan to be away for an extended period, or have any other reason to turn the system completely off, you can either unplug your components, or use the power buttons on your various Mark Levinson components.
Nº40 Media Console Front Panel Operation • To “cue up” the next video source prior to sending the signal to the main display; • To monitor what is happening on any Remote or Record zones (“RZones”). The behavior of the LCD display is affected by the preference setting found in the User options menu. See “Menu System” on page 5-1 for more details. Zone Knob The Nº40 Media Console is a “multi-zone” system – it can manage several signals at once, as if it were several separate systems.
Front Panel Operation Mark Levinson Lastly, when in a menu, the zone knob can also be used to select from among items in a menu. Turning it moves the cursor up or down in the list, highlighting different items in turn. You can press menu select to cancel out of a menu item (moving back up one level in the hierarchy), or enter to save a change or advance to the next level. Please refer to “Menu System” on page 5-1 for more information.
Nº40 Media Console Front Panel Operation When you have everything the way you want it, press the enter button again to send the signal to the zone you had originally indicated. Doing so will change whatever was happening in that zone until that time. Display Mode Button Pressing this button repeatedly will toggle the LCD display of the Nº40 between always on and preview only. If you want the LCD display to reflect whatever the currently selected zone activity is, leave it in always on mode.
Front Panel Operation Enter Button Mark Levinson The enter button (both on the front panel and on the remote control) is used in the menu system, in one of two ways (depending on context). When in the menu system, a highlighted area will indicate the currently selected item on the menu. If that item has its own subitems, pressing enter will advance you to that next level “down” in the hierarchy.
Nº40 Media Console Front Panel Operation Audio Processor Front Panel Figure 2-2: Audio Processor front panel. SURROUND MODE POWER SOUND PROFILE 9K9";^ab 9daWn 9 Dc 2 VOLUME -!$2)'!, !5$)/ ,!"/2!4/2)%3 DISPLAY INTENSITY RECALL BALANCE MUTE -%$)! #/.3/,% . STANDBY 1. Power (AC mains) button & LED indicator 2. Surround Mode knob 3. Alpha-Numeric display 4. Volume knob 5. Sound Profile button 6. Display Intensity button 7. Recall button 8. Balance button 9.
Front Panel Operation Mark Levinson your components, or you can use the power buttons on your various Mark Levinson components. When first connected to the AC mains, the audio and the video portions of the Nº40 run extensive self-diagnostics before they respond to your commands. Please wait until the standby LED indicators on both units begin to blink, indicating that they have completed their initialization procedures and are in Standby mode.
Nº40 Media Console Front Panel Operation When listening to a discrete multichannel signal like Dolby Digital 5.1, or DTS, your options include: • Downmix (2ch) • Multichannel • Dolby Pro Logic IIx Movie • Dolby Pro Logic IIx Music • Dolby Digital EX • THX Cinema. By creatively using the sound profile feature, the Nº40 will most often be able to determine what is the “correct” surround mode for the signal you are playing, and automatically engage it.
Front Panel Operation Mark Levinson a particular sound profile, the system can reconfigure itself to better suit the needs of a particular piece of music or film. Alternatively, you can think of a sound profile as being like a “macro” of the many changes you might make to the system manually to optimize it for a particular use. Rather than having to do so manually every time, you can define it once, give it a name, and call it up as needed.
Nº40 Media Console Front Panel Operation • Subwoofer Adjusts the level of the subwoofer channel, relative to the other channels. • Center Adjusts the level of the center channel, relative to the other channels. • Stereo Front Adjusts the level of the front left and front right channels, relative to the other channels. • Surrounds Adjusts the level of the surround channels, (normally at the sides of the room) relative to the other channels.
Front Panel Operation Mute Button and LED Indicator Mark Levinson Pressing the mute button reduces the main output level of the Nº40 Audio Processor by an amount that you can modify, ranging from -3 to -50 decibels, or completely off. When engaged, an LED indicator above the button lights up to indicate that the system is muted. Pressing the mute button a second time without adjusting the volume will return it to its previous setting.
3 Rear Panel Operation Video Processor Rear Panel Figure 3-1: Video Processor rear panel. 3-1 1. Composite Input Card (slot 1) 2. Video input expansion (slot 2) 3. S-video Input cards (slots 3 – 4) 4. Component Input cards (slots 5 – 7) 5. Video input expansion 6. Video RZone expansion (slots 9 – 10) 7. Video RZone cards (slots 11 – 12) 8. Serial number label and IEC power input 9. Main S-video output 10.
Rear Panel Operation Mark Levinson 11. Main component video outputs 12. Monitor output 13. PHASTLink-compatible control ports 14. RS-232 control ports 15. Nº40 communications port 16. DC triggers 17. IR input The Mark Levinson Nº40 Media Console uses a card cage design for several reasons. One important advantage of the card cage design is that it allows you to take advantage of hardware features if you so choose.
Nº40 Media Console Figure 3-2: Composite Input Card. video input 1 composite video 2 3 Rear Panel Operation We suggest using high quality 75Ω video cables for all your video connections. Connect any composite video outputs that you plan to use from your video components to these composite video inputs on the Nº40.
Rear Panel Operation Figure 3-4: Component Input Card. video input Mark Levinson Y/G Pb/B component video These three wires contain a single luminance signal (a black-andwhite version of the picture), along with two color difference signals. The color, or chrominance, “components” of component video are sometimes called by different names, but for your purposes they all mean the same thing. Whether U or V, Cr or Cb, or Pb or Pr, it equates to the same thing: terrific quality (and three wires).
Nº40 Media Console Rear Panel Operation Figure 3-5: Video RZone Card. The RZones are counted from right to left; hence slot 11 is reserved for RZone 2, and slot 12 is reserved for RZone 1. remote zone Each card includes an S-video output, a composite video output on an RCA connector, and a dedicated infrared (IR) input that is specific to the particular zone.
Rear Panel Operation Mark Levinson delay to initialize and run some self-diagnostics, the Nº40 will be ready for initial setup and use. Please wait to begin until their standby LEDs begin blinking together, indicating that the initialization and self-test routines are complete and the system has entered standby. The Nº40 is designed to be left in standby when not in use, rather than completely “off.
Nº40 Media Console Rear Panel Operation If there is no High Definition input assigned, then the Standard Definition signal will be switched to these outputs. If no analog video is associated with a new input, a message will be displayed in standard definition on the component output. See “The Define Inputs Menu” on page 5-32 for more information. Figure 3-9: Main component outputs. Connect this main component output to an appropriate display device (or external video processor) as needed.
Rear Panel Operation Mark Levinson tors at both ends. You can buy these cables from your dealer as an accessory item. Thus, if the only other Mark Levinson PHAST-compatible component you have is an amplifier, you should connect one of the Nº40’s control ports to one of the power amplifier’s control ports using a “straight-through” RJ-45 cable. If there are additional Mark Levinson PHAST-compatible components in the system, daisy chain them in a similar way.
Nº40 Media Console Rear Panel Operation you in taking advantage of these advanced features, should the need arise. The pin connections used on the RJ-11 connectors used for the RS-232 ports are as follows: Figure 3-12: RS-232 ports pin connections. Nº40 Communications Port The two “halves” of the Nº40 (the Video Processor and the Audio Processor) need to be able to “talk to each other” in order to coordinate their efforts. The Nº40 communications port on each component is reserved for this purpose.
Rear Panel Operation Mark Levinson should be between 5V to 12VDC, with a positive tip polarity, as shown below: Figure 3-14: IR input tip polarity. 5-12 volts positive tip polarity Your Mark Levinson dealer can help you take advantage of these design features to maximize the versatility of your system.
Nº40 Media Console Rear Panel Operation Audio Processor Rear Panel Figure 3-15: Audio Processor rear panel. , -!2+ ,%6).3/. -%$)!ª#/.3/,%ª. . COMM , !5$)/ª02/#%33/2 3 .
Rear Panel Operation Mark Levinson 13. Surround left rear and surround right rear analog outputs (slot C) 14. Aux 1 and aux 2 main analog outputs (slot D) Balanced Analog Input Figure 3-16: Balanced Analog Input. analog inputs As shipped from the factory, slot 1 is normally used for a balanced analog input. This input accepts right-channel and left-channel signals from source equipment with balanced outputs.
Nº40 Media Console Figure 3-17: Single-ended inputs. R1 analog inputs L1 R2 L2 Rear Panel Operation These inputs accept right-channel and left-channel audio signals from source equipment with single-ended (RCA) outputs. Connect the right-channel and left-channel single-ended outputs of your various source components to the corresponding inputs on the Nº40.
Rear Panel Operation Mark Levinson simple list or by making a note on the Hookup Chart at the end of this manual. SPDIF on RCA and EIA-J Digital Inputs Figure 3-19: S/PDIF on RCA & EIA-J. 1 spdif 2 spdif 3 spdif digital inputs 4 eiaj 5 eiaj 3-14 Audio RZone Expansion As shipped from the factory, slots 6 and 7 are normally used for two digital input cards that include three S/PDIF connections on RCA and two EIA-J optical connections each.
Nº40 Media Console Rear Panel Operation Note Only a single HDMI input card should be installed. If more than one is installed, only the card in the first numerical slot will be available, and an error message will alert you that only one is allowed. Using the Define Inputs menu, you have the option of setting the HDMI inputs to use both HDMI video and audio, HDMI video only, or HDMI audio only. Figure 3-20: HDMI Inputs & Output.
Rear Panel Operation Mark Levinson Audio RZones 1 & 2 As shipped from the factory, slots 10 and 11 are normally used for the audio portions of the two standard Remote or Record zones (“RZones”). Figure 3-21: Audio RZones. The RZones are counted from right to left; hence slot 10 is reserved for RZone 2, and slot 11 is reserved for RZone 1. This is shifted one slot over from the arrangement on the Video Processor, since the audio processing and system communications card occupies slot 12.
Nº40 Media Console Figure 3-22: Control card. control Nº40 comm. aux comm. Rear Panel Operation • The card also includes an auxiliary communication port that is reserved for future use. (You can safely ignore it for now.
Rear Panel Operation Mark Levinson commands from the remote control and maintains a stable operating temperature at all times for optimal performance and longevity. Caution Front Left & Right Main Analog Outputs (slot A) The Mark Levinson Nº40 has been safety-tested and is designed for operation with a three-conductor power cord. Do not defeat the earth ground pin of the AC power cord.
Nº40 Media Console Figure 3-25: Center/Sub outputs. sub center Rear Panel Operation Slot B (along the bottom of the Nº40 Audio Processor) provides high quality digital to analog conversion and volume control of the center and the subwoofer channels.
Rear Panel Operation Mark Levinson tion. If not, wire the cable so that the appropriate output pin connects to the equivalent input pin, or reverse the leads of your speaker cables to restore correct polarity. If you have a variety of amplifiers from different companies, particular care must be taken to ensure that all the speakers are “in phase” with each other, since some of the amplifiers themselves can invert polarity.
Nº40 Media Console Rear Panel Operation connects to the equivalent input pin, or reverse the leads of your speaker cables to restore correct polarity. If you have a variety of amplifiers from different companies, particular care must be taken to ensure that all the speakers are in phase with each other, since some of the amplifiers themselves can invert polarity.
Rear Panel Operation Mark Levinson For the Audio Processor: • Slots 1-9 Each slot can be used for any input card (analog or digital) or the HDMI card. • Slots 8-11 These slots can be used for the audio portion of an RZone. They can route either two-channel analog or digital signals to a Remote or Record zone, and as discussed, the audio RZone card has significant on-board DSP resources for doing decoding and downmixing as needed.
Nº40 Media Console Rear Panel Operation combination. Any two channel processor can be used including the Nº36S, Nº360 and Nº360S. If you would like to use a Digital Output Card, please contact your authorized Mark Levinson dealer. Note HDCP places restrictions on digital audio outputs with copy-protected HDMI input. Audio coming from HDMI inputs with HDCP-encoding is always downsampled to two channels at 48kHz for output on nonHDMI digital audio outputs.
4 Remote Control Figure 4-1: Remote Control. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 8 10 12 11 (on bottom) 1. Navigation cluster 2. Enter button 3. Menu button 4. Input Select rocker button 5. Surround Mode rocker button 6. Volume rocker button 7. Sound Profile button 8. Balance button 9. Mute button 10. F1, F2, F3 keys 11.
Remote Control Mark Levinson 12. Standby button 13. Battery compartment (on rear-bottom of remote control) Navigation Cluster The up, down, left and right buttons are most often used to move around within the menu system of the Nº40. For example, if you want to move to the right to see a submenu under a currently selected menu item, press the right button on the remote. If you want to move down a menu to highlight a different item, press the down button.
Nº40 Media Console Remote Control Surround Mode Rocker Button The surround mode rocker button cycles through the list of available surround modes, in either direction (based on which end of the rocker you press). It duplicates the function of the surround mode knob on the front panel. As with that knob, the list of available surround modes changes depending on what type of audio signal has been selected.
Remote Control Mark Levinson a different input is selected. (Specifically, changes in the nature of the incoming signal that might otherwise have triggered a change in profile will be ignored, in favor of the explicit selection on the part of the user.) Balance Button The balance control changes the perceived “balance” of the sound along a left/right axis, and can be helpful when you are sitting offcenter.
Nº40 Media Console Remote Control There is another incremental change you can make to the “balance” of Nº40 audio processing. By pressing and holding the balance button, you can alter the relative delays of the various speakers in your system. This can be used to “tweak” the speaker delays to create an extra sense of space, or (on the center channel) to move the vocalist forward or back in the mix without altering the basic volume of the vocals relative to the rest of the instruments.
Remote Control Light Button Mark Levinson Press the Light button to illuminate the label on the Nº40 remote control with a soft blue-green light. The illuminated labelling of the remote makes it considerably easier to use in a darkened room. After a few seconds, the backlighting will turn off to conserve battery power.
5 Menu System Overview The Mark Levinson Nº40 Media Console includes a comprehensive and sophisticated graphical menu system that serves several critical functions.
Menu System Mark Levinson the system will be to start at the top, and simply work your way through. This is important, since selections you make early on affect the options you are subsequently given. For example, how you elect to use your auxiliary channels (aux 1 and aux 2) will alter many menu items further on in the menu system that pertain to adjusting and using those channels.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System Try to remember this “branch” and “leaf” idea. We will come back to it in a few moments. Using the up/down buttons on the remote control (or the zone knob on the Video Processor), you can move the highlighted item among any of the menu items displayed at the current level of the menu. Press the right arrow button on the remote to move into the item’s submenu.
Menu System Mark Levinson Front panel menu navigation Sometimes it is more convenient to navigate the menu system of the Nº40 from the front panel, rather than from the remote control. The controls on the front panel you need to use are as follows: • menu The menu button on the front panel of the Nº40 Video Processor performs exactly as the menu button on the remote control would. • enter The enter function performs exactly as the enter button on the remote control would.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System The About... Screen The first screen you see in the setup menu consists of a column of icons (each of which represents a major area within the setup menu) and a large field to the right of those icons that contains certain information about your Mark Levinson Nº40. We call this field of information the Nº40’s “About…” screen, since it is similar to the “About…” boxes that you see on your computer, describing whatever application you might be in at the time.
Menu System Mark Levinson The Speaker Setup Menu The first thing you need to tell your Nº40 Media Console about is the speakers with which it has to work. The Nº40 has remarkably powerful and flexible bass management capabilities that allow it to redirect deep bass away from any speaker than cannot easily reproduce it, to those that can. In addition, it can (within limits) compensate for any speakers that might be missing from what would be considered a “standard” 5.
Nº40 Media Console Surround Channels Menu System If you are using surround speakers in the system, select “Yes” in the menu. If not, choose “No.” Note that in many systems, these speakers can be described as “side” speakers. We have elected to use the standard nomenclature as advocated by THX for their Home THX® Audio System and Surround EX technologies. The Nº40 supports many possible system configurations, and using industry-standard terminology should minimize any possible confusion.
Menu System Mark Levinson Note The subwoofer is not shown in these drawings, since no one subwoofer location is always going to be optimal in all rooms. If there is information that would normally be presented to the aux outputs (for example, in a Surround EX sound track), this setting will cause it to be redirected to the available pair of surround speakers to ensure that you do not miss anything in the soundtrack.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System To summarize, in this setting: • The subwoofer channel becomes the right sub channel • The aux 1 channel remains unused • The aux 2 channel becomes the left sub channel. One Surround Back (A1) If your system requires only a surround back (Sb) in addition to the standard 5.1 channels (front left, front center and front right, plus surround left and surround right, plus a subwoofer), select “one surround back” from the menu.
Menu System Mark Levinson • The aux 1 channel becomes the surround back right channel (sbr) • The aux 2 channel becomes the surround back left channel (sbl). THX recommends that these speakers be placed together, facing forward at the rear of the room for best Advanced Speaker Array effects as indicated below: Figure 5-3: Setup for 7.1 surround sound.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System We have omitted indicating where the subwoofer is located in these drawings, since no one subwoofer location is always going to be optimal in all rooms. The surround back speakers can be used to reproduce Surround EX surround information, and other similar information on nonencoded material (such as Dolby PLIIx or DTS 6.1 ES). They are generally designated Sbl and Sbr for surround back left and surround back right, respectively.
Menu System Mark Levinson settings, indicated by “sub #1” and “sub #2” in the menu system when this option is selected. Surr. Back(A1), Left Sub Some installations require separate left and right subwoofers, rather than two mono subwoofers. This is partly a matter of preference, and sometimes a matter of speaker design philosophy. If your system requires this approach as well as a surround back (Sb), select “surround back & left sub” from the menu.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System over slope that ought to be used. Thus, you have independent control over the crossover characteristics for each of the following groups: • Front left and front right • Center • Surround left and surround right • Any surround back channel(s) you have elected to use. For each of these logical groups of speakers, you can select a crossover frequency from among the following: • Full range (e.g., not “crossed over” at all) • 30Hz to 100Hz, in 10Hz increments.
Menu System Mark Levinson the sum of all active channels for whatever is being played in the main zone, and is a full bandwidth mono signal. An appropriate low pass filter must be applied to this signal before it is reproduced, presumably in the subwoofer’s own electronics.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System ASA Back Speaker Separation If you have two back speakers, the Nº40 needs to get an indication of how far apart they are in order to implement the Advanced Speaker Array technology of THX Ultra2 Cinema and THX Music Mode. You will be given the following options: • Together: Separation is less than 1 foot (<0.3m) • Intermediate: Separation is between 1 and 4 feet (>0.3–1.2m) • Apart: Separation is greater than 4 feet (>1.2m).
Menu System Mark Levinson Line with a blinking cursor on the currently active character. A keyboard with characters and operations to select is shown with one highlighted character. 3. Rotate the zone knob and the input select knob (or use the up/ down and left/right arrows on the remote) to move the highlight to the desired character or operation and press enter to select it. The selected character will be added to the Name Line at the cursor, and the cursor will move one space to the right.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System With the meter at the listening position being defined, and pointing straight up at the ceiling so as to avoid favoring one speaker over another, adjust the output levels of each speaker in turn to 75dB SPL (C-weighted, slow). (The Nº40 will automatically generate appropriate test signals when you move into the section of the menu in which you can adjust output levels.
Menu System Mark Levinson the work of six speakers, and the listener-controlled volume is turned up fairly high, it is easy to imagine the woofer being taken beyond its limits. With the bass peak limit control, you are given an opportunity to establish a maximum volume beyond which you do not want your subwoofers to go. If you are reasonably judicious with your main volume control during listening, you do not have to perform this adjustment at all.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System The Sound Profiles Menu This section of the Nº40 Setup Menu allows you to create customized sound profiles that suit your needs. Once defined, you can cycle through them using the profile button on the remote control or the sound profile button on the Audio Processor’s front panel. People often want to adjust their multichannel audio systems a bit differently, depending on the material to which they are listening.
Menu System Mark Levinson 1. Select the Name menu item. 2. Press enter (or right arrow, on the remote). Invokes the keyboard window. The current name is displayed in the Name Line with a blinking cursor on the currently active character. A keyboard with characters and operations to select is shown with one highlighted character. 3.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System prefer to control your listening position manually, choose no change. The profile will then make no changes to the current listening position. If all of your profiles are set to no change, then the Nº40 will power up to the first listening position and the listening position is only changed in the audio controls menu or through a direct command. Mono Signal Note As of today, the only truly “mono” digital signal that exists is Dolby Digital 1.
Menu System Mark Levinson The Nº40 provides a variety of processing options for two channel material. They include: • 2 Channel Stereo Used to play the two-channel signal in its native state through the front left and front right speakers. Note that if you have specified a crossover and subwoofer, it will still be used in this mode. (You can change this as another part of the sound profile.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System Note Your speaker setup will determine whether Dolby Pro Logic IIx or Dolby Pro Logic II mode is available.The Dolby Pro Logic IIx modes are only available when the front, side and rear speakers are present (6- or 7-channel configuration). Dolby Pro Logic II modes are available when 2- or 5-channels are defined. • Dolby Pro Logic IIx Movie OR Dolby Pro Logic II Movie Dolby Pro Logic IIx Movie expands any stereo or 5.1-channel sources for 7.1- or 6.1-channel playback.
Menu System Multichannel Signal Mark Levinson The multichannel signal menu item describes what (if any) further processing you would like to have applied to a discrete multichannel signal such as Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS 5.1, AAC 5.1 or MPEG 5.1, when you are in this particular sound profile. When receiving and decoding a multichannel signal, allowable surround modes depend on the number of back speakers you have defined and the particular input signal being decoded.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System • Pro Logic IIx Movie Use Pro Logic IIx matrix encoding to create 7.1 discrete channels decoded from 5.1-channel Dolby Digital film sources. This mode is only available when a 6- or 7- channel configuration is defined. • Pro Logic IIx Music Use Pro Logic IIx Music matrix encoding to create 7.1 discrete channels decoded from 5.1 channel Dolby Digital music sources. This mode is only available when a 6- or 7- channel configuration is defined.
Menu System Mark Levinson Level Trims If you find yourself often reaching for the balance control of the Nº40 to switch between one or two preferred adjustments, you should consider incorporating those adjustments into a couple of sound profiles instead. Using the level trim adjustments in the sound profile menu, you can establish preset balance shifts that can be called up as part of a sound profile.
Nº40 Media Console Front L/R HPF Menu System • None (no compression) • Mild (slight compression of the recording’s dynamic range) • Medium (moderate compression of the recording’s dynamic range) • Full (maximum compression of the recording’s dynamic range). The Front L/R HPF (high pass filter) specifies the frequency above which information is passed to the front left and right loudspeakers.
Menu System Mark Levinson When the main speakers are set to full range in 2-channel stereo mode, no information is sent to the subwoofer. Full range with sub allows the subwoofer to reinforce a “full range” main set of speakers that might in fact have reduced output below about 50Hz (a surprisingly common problem).
Nº40 Media Console Menu System If you selected an aux use option that included a pair of surround back (Sbl &Sbr) speakers, the following options are available for the use of those speakers: • Off Do not use the surround back speakers. • Surround Plus The surround back speakers supplement the surround speakers. The left surround channel is reduced and sent to both the left surround speaker and the surround back left (Sbl) speaker.
Menu System Mark Levinson DTS NEO:6 Music Front Balance – This setting controls the mix of the extracted center channel between the center speaker and the left/right front speakers. The center channel information is always sent to the center speaker at the same level, with the front balance control defining how much is also sent to the Left and Right front speakers. You can adjust it between most center and most wide. The neutral setting is recommended.
Nº40 Media Console Delete This Profile Menu System You can create a sound profile and subsequently decide to eliminate it. Or you may want to delete one of the factory-default sound profiles we provide as suggestions in order to help you get started. If so, enter that profile’s submenu and select the following menu item: >>>>Delete this profile<<<< (the last item on its menu). You will be asked to confirm your decision to delete the sound profile.
Menu System Mark Levinson The Define Inputs Menu As can be seen from the rear panel diagrams and explanations earlier in this manual, the Nº40 Media Console includes a plethora of connectors and options for hooking up source components. The Define Inputs menu specifies how you want to use the available hardware, and gives you several powerful options designed to make daily operation of the system simpler and more intuitive.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System keyboard with characters and operations to select is shown with one highlighted character. 3. Rotate the zone knob and the input select knob (or use the up/ down and left/right arrows on the remote) to move the highlight to the desired character or operation and press enter to select it. The selected character will be added to the Name Line at the cursor, and the cursor will move one space to the right.
Menu System Mark Levinson Informational text describes the currently highlighted input. You can also choose to de-assign the input or quit to leave the input unchanged. 4. Press enter to save the currently highlighted input and return to the HDMI inputs menu. If an HDMI input is not assigned, the HDMI menu will display HDMI: Unassigned. If an HDMI card is not installed, the menu will display HDMI: None. Pressing the menu button quits the operation.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System when the input is changed, the Nº40 is put in standby, or the recall button is pressed. An alternate method for you to use different audio inputs from the same source is to define multiple logical inputs with the same video, but with different audio. For example, you could define two separate inputs DVD-HDMI and DVD-SPDIF.
Menu System 5-36 Mark Levinson Note You can associate the same physical connector with more than a single input. Video The method for defining which of the many analog video inputs is associated with a particular input is similar to the method used for audio, with one important exception: the video input can have multiple sources associated with it to allow for both Standard Definition and High Definition component inputs to be associated with the same logical input.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System 4. Rotate the zone knob and the input select knob (or the up/ down arrows on the remote) to navigate the yellow highlight around the inputs. Informational text describes the currently highlighted input. You can also choose to de-assign the input or quit to leave the input unchanged. 5. Press enter to save the currently highlighted input and return to the audio inputs menu. Pressing the menu button quits the operation.
Menu System Mark Levinson there is no analog video associated with the new input, a message will be displayed on the component output. Note If both Standard and High Definition inputs are assigned, the Input Menu will display Video: (2). If only one is assigned, it will display the slot and offset it is assigned to. If neither are assigned, it will display Video: Unassigned. Note You can associate the same physical connector with more than a single input.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System setting as the default setting for that input, which will save you from running into this problem again—unless you later play something that is even louder. (In which case, you simply repeat the process outlined below.) 1. Turn the master volume control on the Nº40 down. When the analog to digital converter clips, it distorts the waveform much as a power amplifier does when it clips. This is both unpleasant to hear and potentially dangerous to speakers at high volumes.
Menu System Mark Levinson Record Loop Check Your choices are none required and your list of RZone outputs which you wish to prohibit the sending of this particular source. For example, if you have defined two RZones named VCR and Bedroom, your choices would be: • None Required • Prohibit on VCR • Prohibit on Bedroom The default setting is None Required.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System on the LCD screen or a separate monitor.) When this feature is turned on, the Video Options menu becomes unavailable. Note Video Options THX recommends “Video Path: Passthru” for highest video quality. The Nº40 Video Processor includes a state of the art video decoder, which is a portion of the circuitry that provides for transcoding between composite, S-video, and component video formats.
Menu System Mark Levinson Leave this setting at 100 unless you find that there is a problem in the brightest areas of the picture from this particular source. (If you have the same problem for all sources, you should adjust your television, rather than all the individual inputs of the Nº40.) Black Level The black level control is an input-specific version of the same control (often called “brightness”) on your television. It controls the level at which black is reproduced on your television.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System Leave this setting at 100 unless you find that there is a problem in the perceived saturation or “vividness” of the color in the picture from this particular source. (If you have the same problem for all sources, you should adjust your television, rather than all the individual inputs of the Nº40.) Tint The tint control is an input-specific version of the same control on your television (NTSC only – there is no tint control under the PAL broadcast system).
Menu System Mark Levinson S-video output of the Nº40 to your post processor and switch the post processor when using your VCR. Video Filter The video filter is a digital video noise reduction filter that is available on a source-by-source basis. It is most beneficial on sources such as analog videotape that tend to be somewhat “grainy” or noisy in appearance. Despite sophisticated algorithms for reducing noise without losing picture detail, there is always something of a trade-off in this regard.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System you change your mind about deleting it, press menu to cancel the action. (You can always re-create the input if you make a mistake.) Move This Input You can change the order of your inputs in the list so that your most used ones are near the top of the list. To do so, go to the input submenu and select the following item: >>>>Move this input<<<<. A list of all of the inputs is displayed with the current input highlighted.
Menu System Mark Levinson The Audio Defaults Menu The audio defaults menu allows you to direct the Nº40 to automatically switch to a particular sound profile whenever it senses a particular type of incoming audio signal. Any sound profile selection based on the input definition described in the previous section overrides this setting. That is, if there is a conflict between what the input definition says to do, and what the signal default says to do, the input definition gets priority.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System The Nº40 does not compare channels of two-channel recordings to determine whether or not they are mono. Thus the selection you make here applies only to Dolby Digital 1.0 recordings that you might find of older movies that have been transferred to DVD. A sound profile can be associated with Dolby Digital 1.0 signals.
Menu System Mark Levinson • All 6 Channel Analog (using option card for SACD, DVD-A machines) • All Multichannel PCM (some movies on DVD) • All Multichannel Dolby (most movies on DVD) • All DTS, 44kHz (DTS music CDs and laserdiscs) • All DTS, 48kHz (some movies on DVD) • All Multichannel MPEG (some European movies) • All Multichannel AAC (Japanese Satellite) • All DTS, 96kHz (specialized DTS music DVDs and DVD-A) A different sound profile can be associated with each of these types of signa
Nº40 Media Console Menu System The User Options Menu The User Options menu is where you can change many aspects of the routine operation of the Nº40 Media Console to suit your individual tastes. It also includes support for a certain amount of custom-installation options that can vary depending on associated equipment in the system. These menu items are explained below.
Menu System Mark Levinson • Absolute On a scale of 0.0 (no sound) to 80.0 (extremely loud) • Relative On a scale which is measured “plus or minus,” relative to the calibrated reference volume (established during calibration). As an example, if your calibrated reference level is 70, the display would read 0 in the relative mode when it would read 70 in the absolute mode. Most people find absolute more intuitive, while some people find relative more informative.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System • Sound Profile To display the current sound profile whenever it changes. • Surround Mode To display the current surround mode whenever it changes. • Input Signal To display the current input signal, e.g., Dolby Digital, DTS, etc., whenever it changes. • Signal Info To display information on what is being done to the incoming signal whenever it changes. You can turn any or all of these messages on or off as you see fit.
Menu System Mark Levinson LCD, Monitor Text Continuing on the “where is information displayed” category, you have two options for the type of information that is shown on the built-in LCD display and the monitor output. They are as follows: • Menus, Messages Both full-fledged menus like the setup menu itself and the transitory messages will be displayed on the built-in LCD display and the monitor output.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System To avoid this problem, the Nº40 provides a way of defining the location of the upper left corner of the reliably-visible screen. When you choose the Set Left Hand Side submenu item, a line appears along the left side of the screen. Using the left/right arrows (or the knobs on the front of the Nº40), move the line left or right as needed until it aligns with the left edge of your screen.
Menu System Mark Levinson • zone knob The Nº40 Video Processor’s front panel zone knob (the knob adjacent to the menu and enter buttons) operates in the same fashion as the up/down buttons on the remote control, allowing you to either move up and down in a menu list, or to increment/decrement a value of a menu item. A comprehensive, scrolling list of the available IR commands will be displayed when you enter this menu.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System Triggers 1, 2, 3 Each of the three DC triggers provided on the rear panel of the Nº40 Video Processor can be programmed in two regards: output level and activation condition: • Output Either 5 volts or 12 volts across the output jack, continuously present when “on;” 0 volts across the output jack when “off.
Menu System Mark Levinson mode. Selected modes are indicated by a change in the color and a + next to their names. Two Channel This allows you to choose which modes are available, when a two channel input, such as PCM from a CD player or Dolby Digital 2.0 is being processed. Select this option in the menu and then select each desired surround mode. Selected modes are indicated by a change in the color and a + next to their names.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System The Output Zones Menu The last major area of the setup menu system is the Output Zones menu. In this menu, you specify certain details of the output signals of the Nº40, which can vary by zone. For example, the main zone may need a global audio delay in order to maintain “lip sync” with the video.
Menu System Mark Levinson • CLEAR Clears the entire Name Line • CAP Toggles the characters between capital and small letters • SAVE Saves the current Name Line and returns to the menu • QUIT Returns to the menu without saving the Name Line • ––> Moves the cursor one space to the right • <–– Moves the cursor one space to the left. 4. Repeat step 3 as needed to complete the name. 5. To end the editing session, use the save or quit operations. The menu button also quits.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System The other component option is RGB. The 480i RGB standard is used primarily in Europe, as part of the SCART interconnection standard that uses RGB information with a separate, composite sync connection.
Menu System Mark Levinson The goal here is to make sure you can always see the information you want to see from the Nº40, while minimizing the chances of obscuring information from other components. Message Backdrop Main Audio Delay On-screen messages can be presented in either of two ways: • None – using white message text on a transparent background, to maximize the visible video “behind” the message.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System • Stereo A normal, stereo signal in which information from the left side of the room goes to the left speaker, and information from the right side of the room goes to the right speaker. Center channel information is split equally between both speakers so as to create a “phantom” center channel image. • Surround This term refers to the “Left/total, Right/total” (LtRt) signal used by Dolby Pro Logic decoders to create Left, Center, Right and Surround channels.
Menu System Mark Levinson The following operations are available to complete editing the name: • INSERT Adds a space at the cursor position • DEL • CLEAR Clears the entire Name Line • CAP Toggles the characters between capital and small letters • SAVE Saves the current Name Line and returns to the menu • QUIT Returns to the menu without saving the Name Line • ––> Moves the cursor one space to the right • <–– Moves the cursor one space to the left.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System This ensures that you do not inadvertently ruin recordings by accidentally changing the volume. Digital Output This RZone option determines whether the digital output is downmixed or native. Downmix converts multichannel signals to two-channel (PCM) digital signals on the fly, for compatibility with either a digital recording device or for digital transmission to a remote zone that can only handle two channel (PCM) signals.
Menu System Mark Levinson Playing it back through a Dolby Pro Logic decoder will return you to a multichannel experience, albeit a matrixed one rather than the full, discrete signal with which you began. On Screen Text This item determines the positioning of text messages on the video display. You have six options: • 4:3 Top The first line of text is just below the top of a standard 4:3 television screen, just inside the “safe picture area.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System The Audio Controls Menu The Audio Controls menu utilizes the Nº40 user interface to add a powerful means for accessing audio controls. Your Nº40 will initially show the option audio controls on your toolbar when you press the menu button. Highlight that item and then press enter to access the audio controls menu. Unlike the setup item, audio controls can be deleted from the toolbar.
Menu System Mark Levinson • Mono Center The mono signal is formed by summing the left and right channels. The result is sent out the center speaker only. • Mono Fronts The mono signal is formed by summing the left and right channels. The result is sent out all three front speakers (L,C,R). • Mono Surround The mono signal is formed by summing the left and right channels. This mode uses all available loudspeakers to add additional ambience to create a larger soundfield.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System mized for playback of 5.1 channels decoded from 2-channel sources. Note The DTS NEO:6 modes described below are only available when 6- or 7-channels are defined. • Neo:6 Cinema Provides up to six full-band channels of matrix decoding from stereo matrix material. • Neo:6 Cinema + THX The same decoding as Neo:6 Cinema, but with the addition of THX post processing: re-equalization and timbre matching filters.
Menu System Mark Levinson a scaled version of the left surround and the back right speaker gets a scaled version of the right surround. It is not available for six channel streams (Dolby-EX or DTS-ES). • Surround Plus + THX Cinema Add THX cinema processing to above. • Surround Matrix Use DTS NEO:6 matrix processing to create surrounds and back channels from the surround left and surround right channels. It requires one or two back speakers.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System • Surround Redirect The surround channels are sent to the surround back speakers and the primary surround speakers are turned off. Two surround back speakers are required and it is not available for six channel streams (Dolby-EX or DTS-ES). Surround Adjust If the current surround mode allows for adjustments, this menu item will show you which are available and let you make immediate changes.
Menu System Mark Levinson THX Re-EQ THX Re-EQ (re-equalization) can be turned off for recordings that were mixed directly for home theater. The on setting is used for film soundtracks that were mixed for large movie theaters. The on setting is recommended.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System Delays The delays section of the balance control enables you to adjust the delays of individual and groups of speakers to balance the sound in the room or to attempt to change the apparent depth of a set of speakers. The following groups are defined: • Main delay Adjusts the absolute delay of all the speakers to adjust for lip sync problems due to a bad source or extra video processing. • Center Adjusts the delay of the center channel relative to the other channels.
Menu System Mark Levinson The Zone Status Display The Zone Status Display provides on-screen access to current zone status information. This information can only be displayed when you are currently not within a menu. To access the zone status display: 1. Either turn the zone knob, press the remote control right arrow button once, or use a direct command via RS-232. 2. The zones are listed in a menu box in the upper right-hand corner of the display.
Nº40 Media Console Menu System Profile Surround Position HDMI Displays the currently selected sound profile, either Music or Movies. Displays the currently selected surround sound mode. Displays the currently selected sound profile listening position (Position 1-4). Displays current HDMI input status. Possible values are Inactive, Active audio/video, Active video only and Active audio only.
6 Using the RZones RZones are the secondary zones that give you the flexibility and power to extend the value of your source components beyond one main room. The standard configuration of the Nº40 is as a threezone system, one Main zone and two RZones. This means that you can have the signals from any connected source component sent to any of the three different “zones” in any combination.
Using the RZones Mark Levinson on-screen display processing. See “The Output Zones Menu” on page 5-57 for a complete description of zone setup options. RZones are numbered from the outside in, thus RZone 1 is closest to the side of your audio or video box. RZone User Interface The RZones can be controlled from the front panel of your Nº40, from the main zone remote control, or from a remote IR input on the video RZone card.
Nº40 Media Console Using the RZones zone. Any commands received at that IR input will be interpreted as being intended for that particular RZone, if appropriate. They will not affect the main zone or the LCD screen at all and setup functions are not available.
7 Advanced Features The Mark Levinson Nº40 Media Console is a remarkably powerful and flexible control center for even the most advanced home entertainment system. Products such as this appeal to “power users” who demand the highest possible performance and functionality. Yet they also appeal to people who simply enjoy owning fine products in general, whether they be consumer electronics or fine automobiles.
Advanced Features Patterns of Use Mark Levinson As you live with the system for a while, you may notice certain patterns of use emerging. For example, you may use the balance control to add a little emphasis to the surround and subwoofer channels during action movies to make it more exciting, and then go back to “normal” balance for music because the exaggerations no longer appeal to you. One of the most powerful concepts in the Nº40 is the sound profile.
Nº40 Media Console Advanced Features • The listener position would be focused squarely on your favorite chair • 2-channel signals would be set to be reproduced as 2-ch Stereo (which could even turn off the unused amplifiers if you have them Linked and have set “inactive linked amps” accordingly) • Switch your main front speakers to full range, or perhaps lower the stereo HPF (crossover frequency) for two-channel music as compared to what you might prefer for movies • The screen trigger would be set
Advanced Features Mark Levinson Input association You can associate individual profiles with particular inputs in the define inputs menu. If you almost always listen to Compact Discs in stereo surround, associate the appropriate profile to your CD input. If there is a particular recording that you prefer to hear differently, you are free to change things as you like. The association is a default setting that will be implemented when you first select the input.
Nº40 Media Console External Control Systems Advanced Features The Nº40 has powerful tools that allow a remarkable degree of automation of the system, including ancillary products that can be controlled by the Nº40’s three DC triggers. However, as powerful as it is, it cannot be a replacement for a full home automation system such as AMX, Crestron, or PHAST.
8 Troubleshooting & Maintaining Startup Sequence Refer any service problems to your authorized Mark Levinson dealer. Before contacting your dealer, however, check to see if the problem is listed here. If it is, try the suggested solutions. If none of these solves the problem, contact your Mark Levinson dealer. The normal startup sequence for the Nº40 Media console is as follows: Video Processor When power is provided to the unit, the power LED turns on and stays on.
Troubleshooting & Maintaining Mark Levinson LEDs should begin to blink together, indicating that the system is ready to be turned on and used. • Check the Nº40 communications cable between the two processors. They must be able to communicate in order to operate properly. No sound or picture, and the standby LED is blinking slowly. The Nº40 is in standby. Press either front panel standby button to change to a fully operational mode.
Nº40 Media Console Troubleshooting & Maintaining 2. Following the cleaning with alcohol, dampen a clean cloth with water and wipe over the surface you just cleaned with alcohol. This removes the alcohol residue. Caution Never apply liquid cleaners directly to the Nº40 – the direct application of liquids can result in damage to electronic components inside the unit.
Appendix Audio Processor Specifications Analog Inputs (standard configuration) 6 S/PDIF electrical on RCA 1 S/PDIF electrical on BNC 2 AES/EBU electrical on XLR 4 EIAJ optical 6 single-ended multichannel analog on RCA (optional) Digital Inputs (standard configuration) 1 balanced stereo pair on XLR 6 single-ended stereo pairs on RCA Outputs HDMI Connectors Frequency Response THD + N Noise Crosstalk: 8 balanced on XLR 8 single-ended on RCA 2 remote zone audio (each include 2 stereo RCA single ended pa
Appendix Mark Levinson Audio Processor Specifications (continued) Maximum Output (RCA) 6V rms Dynamic Range > 98dB Analog Filter Low-level Linearity Volume Range Volume Resolution Bessel-tuned, linear phase to 40kHz Deviation less than 1dB to -100dB FS (1kHz, 20 bit data, 80kHz measurement bandwidth) 80dB user/100dB system 0.1dB steps above 20.0 in display 1.0dB steps between Off and 20.
Nº40 Media Console Appendix Video Processor Specifications Input Complement (standard configuration) Main Video Outputs Remote Zone Connectors Monitor Video Outputs (standard configuration) Additional Connectors 3 composite on RCA 6 S-video on Y/C inputs 3 component on three 75Ω BNC 1 component on four 75Ω BNC 1 S-video on Y/C 1 composite on RCA 2 remote zone video (each include 1 S-video and 1 composite RCA output, IR input) 1 composite on RCA monitor 1 Nº40 comm on RJ-11 connector 2 PHASTlink control
Appendix Mark Levinson Video Processor Specifications (continued) Differential phase (through decoder) Differential gain (passthrough) Differential gain (through decoder) Available trigger current Power Consumption Operating Environment Operating Voltage Operating Frequency <1° <0.
Declaration of Conformity Application of Council Directive(s): 2004/108/EC and 73/23/EEC, as amended Standard(s) to which Conformity is Declared: • EN 55013 : 2001 • EN 61000-3-2 :2000 • EN 55020 : 2002 • EN 61000-3-3 :2001 • EN 60065 : 1998 Manufacturer: Harman Specialty Group 3 Oak Park Bedford, MA 01730-1413 USA The equipment identified here conforms to the Directive(s) and Standard(s) specified above.
Nº40 Video Processor Dimensions Figure A-1:Nº40 Video Processor side, top/bottom, and front views. 30!#% %.6%,/0% &/2 2%!2 0!.%, #/..%#4/23 !002/8)-!4% ,/#!4)/.
Nº40 Media Console Appendix Nº40 Audio Processor Dimensions Figure A-2: Nº40 Audio Processor side, top/bottom, and front views. 30!#% %.6%,/0% &/2 2%!2 0!.%, #/..%#4/23 !002/8)-!4% ,/#!4)/.
Appendix Mark Levinson Rack Mount Kit If you want to rack mount your Nº40, contact your Mark Levinson dealer about the optional rack mount kit. This purpose-designed assembly provides the needed ventilation for the Nº40, and the support required for this heavy component.
Nº40 Media Console Appendix Figure A-4: Rack mount instructions Part 2.
Appendix Mark Levinson Video Processor Hookup Chart Please use the following graphic to help keep track of where you have connected various components. It will make defining your inputs to work the way you want them to work much easier. A-10 Figure A-5: Nº40 Video Processor rear panel.
Nº40 Media Console Appendix Audio Processor Hookup Chart Please use the following graphic to help keep track of where you have connected various components. It will make defining your inputs to work the way you want them to work much easier. SLOTª$ ANALOGªOUTPUTS ^ ACªMAINS , , 2 DIGITALªOUT AUXª AUXªCOMM AUXª -ADE IN THE 5 3 ! !5$)/ª02/#%33/2 3 . , CONTROL . COMM DIGITALªOUT 2 -!2+ ,%6).3/. -%$)!ª#/.3/,%ª. Figure A-6: Nº40 Audio Processor rear panel.
Index Numerics 1 Channel signal, 5-21, 5-46, 5-55 2 Channel signal, 5-21, 5-23, 5-47, 5-56, 5-67 2 Channel Surround Backs, 5-9, 5-28 5.
Index I-2 Define Inputs Menu about, 5-32 add new input, 5-45 assigning input names, 5-32 analog input offset, 5-38 audio, 5-34 defined inputs, 1-17 delete this input, 5-44 HDMI, 3-15, 5-33, 5-44 main audio delay, 5-39 move this input, 5-45 record loop check, 5-40 sound profile, 5-38 video, 5-36, 5-41 video path, 5-40 digital audio input connectors, 3-13 Digital output card, 3-22 Digital Output parameter, 5-63 DSP (Digital Signal Processing), 1-6, 5-5 digital to analog conversion, 1-7 DVI (Digital Video In
Nº40 Media Console Options parameter, 5-44 order of priority, 1-17 troubleshooting, 8-2 video formats, 1-5 heat considerations, 1-15 high definition video, 1-5 home automation, 1-4 HPF (high-pass filter), 5-27 Index M IEC power input, 3-5, 3-17 input select knob, 1-17, 2-2 inputs add new input, 5-45 analog, 3-12, 3-23 component, 3-3 composite, 3-2 defining inputs menu, 5-33 delete input, 5-44 digital, 3-13, 3-14 extra modules, 3-21, 3-23 move input, 5-45 S-video, 3-3 video expansion, 3-3 installation co
Index O I-4 On Screen Text parameter, 5-64 one surround back parameter, 5-9 operating states, 1-16 optional equipment, 3-21 OS (Operating System), 5-5 outputs assigning RZone names, 5-61 Audio Output, 5-62 component type, 5-58 default video system, 5-58 Digital output, 5-63 display position, 5-59 Dolby downmix, 5-60, 5-63 extra digital card, 3-22 latency, 5-60 main analog, 3-18 to 3-20 main audio delay, 5-60 main zone, 3-6 main zone name, 5-57 message backdrop, 5-60, 5-64 on-screen text, 5-64 Output Zone
Nº40 Media Console Sound Profile 2 channel, 5-21, 5-28, 5-47 about, 1-3, 1-18, 5-19 adding profiles, 5-31 adding simple automation, 7-3 assigning a name, 5-19 audio defaults menu, 5-46 button, 2-9 define inputs, 5-38 defined profiles, 2-9 deleting profiles, 5-31 Dolby Digital compression, 5-26 front L/R HPF, 5-27 level trims, 5-26 listening position, 5-20 mono, 5-21, 5-46 multichannel, 5-24, 5-47 parameter, 5-38 remote button, 4-3 setup menu, 5-19 speaker setup changes, 5-28 surround adjustments, 2-9, 5-29
Index assigning video path, 5-40 connectors, 3-2, 3-6 expansion slot, 3-1 video options, 5-41 video output connectors, 3-6 video monitor, 3-7 Video parameter, 5-36 video processor about, 1-10 backplanes, 1-11 front panel controls, 2-1 to 2-6 input expansion, 3-3, 3-4 LCD display, 2-2 optional equipment, 3-21 rear panel connectors, 3-1 to 3-10 RZones, 3-4 video system, default, 5-58 volume analog control, 1-7 knob, 1-17, 2-9 mute button, 2-12, 4-5 remote button, 4-3 resolution, 1-17 user options, 5-49 I-6
3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA | Telephone: 781-280-0300 | Fax: 781-280-0490 | www.marklevinson.com Customer Service Telephone: 781-280-0300 | Sales Fax: 781-280-0495 | Service Fax: 781-280-0499 Product Shipments: 16 Progress Road, Billerica, MA 01821-5730 USA Part No.
