G68 Digital Surround Controller Installation Guide
ii Preface Important safety instructions • Read the instructions. • Keep these instructions. • Follow all instructions. • Do not use this apparatus near water. • Clean only with a dry cloth. • Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. • Refer all servicing to approved service personnel. To avoid overheating • Leave at least 10cm around the equipment to ensure sufficient ventilation. Do not position the product: • In direct sunlight. • Near heat sources, such as a radiator.
iii Contents Contents Introduction 1 DSP presets Provides information about the digital surround controller Gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and models, a description of each product, and technical describes how to modify them. specifications.
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.com/ This guide was produced by Human-Computer Interface Ltd, http://www.interface.co.
Introduction Introduction This guide provides full information about unpacking the G68 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.
Introduction Smart Source feature The G68’s ’Smart Source’ feature continually monitors the digital inputs and automatically loads the correct decoding software for the format, speaker layout, and encoding of the incoming signal.
Specifications Digital inputs 6 coax digital inputs, 4 optical digital inputs, 2 6-channel coax inputs, all MHR. USB input 1 USB digital input allows connection to a Windows PC or Macintosh. Analogue inputs 5 stereo unbalanced inputs; 1 6-channel unbalanced input. Digital outputs L+R, C+SUB, SIDE L+R, REAR L+R Meridian SpeakerLink outputs. Unbalanced LZ/RZ. analogue outputs Balanced analogue Main L/R, Centre/Sub, Rear L/R, Side L/R. outputs Zone/Tape 2 analogue outputs, 2 digital outputs.
Introduction
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.
Installing the digital surround controller Audio inputs Digital coax inputs Optical inputs 3 and 4 DIG OUT MERIDIAN COMMS ANALOGUE OUT COMMS L Multichannel digital coax inputs R TRIGGER 1 +12V 100mA USB S PEAKERLINK OUT MAINTENANCE RS232 L+R C+SUB SIDE L+R REAR L+R COPY ZONE 2 LZ ON OFF RZ IR IN ZONE 3 L OPT IN R MASTER Y1 DVD Y3 SAT TRIG 2 OPTICAL IN D11 D9 VCR2 D7 CD MULTI DIGITAL IN DVD DIGITAL IN O5 TRIG 3 Pb/B +12V 100mA USB AUDIO IN Pr/R Y/G Pb/B COMPONENT
Installing the digital surround controller To connect to a digital source (eg G06 24-bit CD Player) G06 24-bit CD Player G68 Digital Surround Controller COMMS DIGITAL OUT DIG IN D7 CD COMMS COMMS LEAD DIGITAL LEAD You can connect up to 12 digital coax sources to the G68 Digital If the source is a Meridian product connect together the COMMS Surround Controller. sockets using the Comms lead provided.
Installing the digital surround controller To connect to a computer via USB Computer G68 Digital Surround Controller USB INPUT USB USB A-B CABLE You can connect a Windows PC or Macintosh to the G68 via the The first time that the G68 is plugged in to the PC or Macintosh USB input to allow you to use the G68 as a digital audio output it will automatically be recognised, and appropriate drivers will be device. installed.
Installing the digital surround controller To connect to a source with analogue multichannel outputs (eg SACD player) SACD player G68 Digital Surround Controller DIG IN D8 DISC MULTICHANNEL OUTPUT DIGITAL OUTPUT MULTI AN IN DIGITAL LEADS 6 x PHONO LEADS The G68 Digital Surround Controller provides eight analogue inputs, three of which can be used as a multichannel input from a source with a suitable analogue multichannel output, such as an SACD player.
10 Installing the digital surround controller Audio outputs SpeakerLink outputs Analogue outputs Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs DIG OUT MERIDIAN COMMS ANALOGUE OUT COMMS L R TRIGGER 1 +12V 100mA USB S PEAKERLINK OUT MAINTENANCE RS232 L+R C+SUB SIDE L+R REAR L+R COPY ZONE 2 LZ ON OFF RZ IR IN ZONE 3 L OPT IN R MASTER Y1 DVD Y3 SAT TRIG 2 OPTICAL IN D11 D9 VCR2 D7 CD MULTI DIGITAL IN DVD DIGITAL IN TRIG 3 O5 Pb/B +12V 100mA USB AUDIO IN Pr/R Y/G Pb/B COMPONENT OUT Pr/R
11 Installing the digital surround controller To connect the G68 to Meridian DSP loudspeakers (daisy chain) G68 Digital Surround Controller SPEAKERLINK OUTPUTS DSP Loudspeaker – Main Left (Master) DSP Loudspeaker – Main Right (Slave) SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT SPEAKERLINK LEAD DSP Loudspeaker – Centre (Slave) SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT DSP Subwoofer – Sub (Slave) SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT SPEAKERLINK LEAD DSP Loudspeaker – Rear Left (Slave) SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT DSP Loudspea
12 Installing the digital surround controller To connect the G68 to Meridian DSP loudspeakers (home run) G68 Digital Surround Controller SPEAKERLINK OUTPUTS DSP Loudspeaker – Main Left (Master) DSP Loudspeaker – Main Right (Slave) SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT SPEAKERLINK LEAD DSP Loudspeaker – Centre (Slave) SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT DSP Subwoofer – Sub (Slave) SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT SPEAKERLINK LEAD DSP Loudspeaker – Rear Left (Slave) SPEAKERLINK INPUT OUTPUT DSP Loudspeaker
13 Installing the digital surround controller To connect the G68 to power amplifiers or to analogue active and passive speakers powered by a Meridian G41 Analogue subwoofer G68 Digital Surround Controller PHONO ANALOGUE OUT CHANNEL 1 1 CHANNEL 3 A330 Main right P330 Rear right INPUTS 3 4 2 A B CHANNEL 2 COMMS INPUT OUTPUT G41 Powered Crossover/Amplifier CH. A CH.
14 Installing the digital surround controller To connect to an active subwoofer (eg Meridian SW1600 or SW5500) Subwoofer G68 Digital Surround Controller SUB DIRECT INPUT PHONO LEAD The Meridian SW1600 and SW5500 subwoofers provide both digital and analogue inputs, allowing you to connect them to either the digital or analogue subwoofer outputs of the G68. The analogue connection must be used if you do not have a digital main speaker.
15 Installing the digital surround Video connections controller Component inputs DIG OUT MERIDIAN COMMS ANALOGUE OUT COMMS L TRIGGER 1 +12V 100mA R USB S PEAKERLINK OUT MAINTENANCE RS232 L+R C+SUB SIDE L+R COPY ZONE 2 REAR L+R LZ ON OFF RZ IR IN ZONE 3 L OPT IN R MASTER Y1 DVD Y3 SAT TRIG 2 OPTICAL IN D11 D9 VCR2 D7 CD MULTI DIGITAL IN DVD DIGITAL IN TRIG 3 O5 Pb/B +12V 100mA USB AUDIO IN Pr/R Y/G COMPONENT OUT Pb/B Pr/R Y2 CABLE ANTENNA OPT IN FM AM Y/G O3
16 Installing the digital surround controller Tuner and communications connections Trigger output 1 Infra-red repeater input Meridian DIN Comms connection USB connection Meridian BNC Comms connection Trigger outputs 2&3 RS232 connection DIG OUT MERIDIAN COMMS ANALOGUE OUT COMMS L R TRIGGER 1 +12V 100mA USB S PEAKERLINK OUT MAINTENANCE RS232 L+R C+SUB SIDE L+R COPY ZONE 2 REAR L+R LZ ON OFF RZ IR IN ZONE 3 L OPT IN R MASTER Y1 DVD Y3 SAT TRIG 2 OPTICAL IN D11 D9 VCR2 D7 CD
17 Installing the digital surround controller To connect to other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment G68 Digital Surround Controller COMMS G Series or 800 Series unit COMMS COMMS LEAD COMMS LEAD 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.
18 Installing the digital surround controller To connect FM and AM antennae G68 Digital Surround Controller FM AM • Connect an FM antenna or split-flex dipole to the FM Coax connector, if necessary using the adaptor provided. • Place the antenna as far away from other electrical equipment and as high as possible. In the UK use a female Belling-Lee (VCR) connector. For best AM results use an external AM antenna.
19 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.
20 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.
21 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.
22 Configuring the digital surround controller Stage 2: Configuring speakers The Speakers configuration stage allows you to set up the digital A description of each option is shown on the top line of the surround controller for the particular arrangement of loudspeakers display, and its current value is shown below this to the right. in your system. The options are summarised in the table on the next page.
23 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 small analogue/THX, small DSP, large The types of the main left and right speakers. If you have no are: analogue, large DSP subwoofers, you cannot specify small main speakers.
24 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.
25 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, U1, O2-O5, Tuner, The audio input used for the source; digital, multichannel digital, A1-A8, MA1, Last Valid* USB, optical, tuner, analogue, or multichannel analogue. Y1-Y3, Last Valid*, Blank Component video input used for the source.
26 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: To calibrate the system • Press Next after configuring the sources; see page 24.
27 Configuring the digital surround controller Settings The following table summarises the product settings: Option Values Description Tuner region: Europe/elsewhere, Japan, USA Band selection (MW/LW or AM), tuning steps, and FM deemphasis standard. For all countries except the USA or Japan use the Europe setting. The fan is: used as necessary, never used Specifies how the temperature controlled fan operates. Distance measurement: feet/inches, metres Units for displaying and entering distances.
28 Configuring the digital surround controller To toggle the IR mode • If necessary press On/Off to put the surround controller into standby. • Press More. The display shows: 6ERSION )2 7IZARD #ALIB ,OCK • Press IR to toggle between IR Auto (auto setup), IR Con. (controller), and IR N.Con. (not controller). After a short delay the surround controller will return to standby.
29 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 G68 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.
30 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 To calibrate the system, page 26. To exit from the calibration procedure You can exit from the calibration procedure at any time, and any Or: parameters you have set will be retained: • Press On/Off to put the digital surround controller into standby. • Press On/Off.
31 Calibrating Calibration tests the system Levels • When you have completed the Levels section press > to proceed 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.
32 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 • Choose the correct setting as follows: • Use A and V to change the distance.
33 Calibrating Speaker size the system These tests allow you to determine the bass handling capability of subwoofers and large analogue speakers. Once set, the digital surround controller will limit the bass level to protect the speakers from potential damage.
34 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 27.
35 Calibrating the system To change the volume The display shows: • Use the volume keys in the usual way. CD Sine Chan óòô öõú 80.0Hz Sound Exit An 80Hz sinewave will be played through all channels. You can change the test signal using the menu keys, as described To change the input • Press Sound. You can select between the following inputs: Option Description Input The current input. Sine A sinewave. • Press Chan.
36 Calibrating the system Setting up sources The display shows, for example: 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.
37 DSP presets DSP presets This chapter gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and describes how to modify them. DSP presets The G68 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. The other set is available if the input is 5.1 or 6 channels of discrete audio; eg from a Dolby Digital DVD. The DSP presets available in each set are described in the following pages.
38 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.
39 DSP presets DSP presets for two-channel material for the fact that the frequency response of human hearing changes The G68 provides several signal processing options for two-channel material. The Music DSP presets are designed for use with music with direction.
40 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.
41 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.
42 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.
43 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.
44 DSP presets DSP presets for multichannel material There are five multichannel Movie presets: 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 G68 as discrete channels. With suitable loudspeakers the G68 can upsample these to provide a more enjoyable surround • Cinema, PLIIx Mov6, THX, THX Surround EX, and THX Ultra2 Cinema.
45 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.
46 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.
47 Defining your own presets DSP presets The G68 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 you can use them alongside the built-in presets. óòô öõú • Press Store.
48 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 19. • Press DSP to select the preset you want to clear.
49 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.
50 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 G68 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 17. • See if the G68 has been set up as Not Controller in the Configuration Menu; see Configuring other settings, page 26. Note: This may be deliberate by your dealer.
51 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 use a 16-bit standard, although DVD can support up to 24-bits. The analogue sources you have cannot achieve this kind of range.
52 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. FM tuner problems FM tuner reception is poor To obtain high-quality stereo reception on FM a good aerial is essential.
53 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.
54 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.
55 Index Index A Academy (DSP parameter) 43 accessories 5 active loudspeakers, connecting to 13 active subwoofer, connecting to 14 Ambisonics (DSP preset) 40, 46 analogue source, connecting 7 antennae, connecting 18 audio inputs 6 audio outputs 10 automatic setup 17 Axis (DSP parameter) 38 Channels (DSP parameter) 40 Cinema (DSP preset) 44 cleaning 53 COMMS, connecting 17 communications connections 16 Compress (DSP parameter) 46 compression 46 computer, connecting to 8 configuration, resetting 20 Configu
56 Index DSP parameters (continued) DSP presets (continued) Centre 38 THX 44, 45 Depth 38 THX Music 45 LipSync 38 THX Surround EX 45 Phase 38 THX Ultra2 Cinema 45 RC 38 Trifield 39 R Delay 38 two-channel 39 Rear 38 S Delay 38 user-defining 47, 48 dynamic range control 46 Sides 38 Treble 38 DSP presets Ambisonics 40, 46 Cinema 44 G guarantee 54 clearing 48 H Compress parameter 46 HD621 HDMI Audio Processor 8 Direct 42 HS Out? (DSP parameter) 38 Discrete 44 Mono 43 multichannel 44 Mus
57 Index M R mains fuse, changing 53 RC (DSP parameter) 38 Meridian DSP loudspeakers, connecting to 11, 12 R Delay (DSP parameter) 38, 41 Mono (DSP preset) 43 Rear (DSP parameter) 38 Mono Rear (DSP parameter) 41, 43 R Filter (DSP parameter) 39, 40, 44 Music (DSP preset) 39 Roll (DSP parameter) 41, 43 MusicLogic (DSP preset) 41 Row (DSP parameter) 40 O S OSD (DSP parameter) 38 SACD player, connecting to 9 safety warnings ii S Delay (DSP parameter) 38, 41 P Panorama (DSP parameter) 41 Part
58 Index specifications 3 tuner connections 16 Steered All (DSP parameter) 41, 42, 43 2+2+2 (DSP parameters) 44 Stereo (DSP preset) 42 Types 20, 21 subwoofer crossover frequency 34 subwoofers connecting to 14 crossover frequency 34 Super (DSP preset) 40 Surr.
