Lexicon DC-1 manual

Digital Controller Base, THX ® and Dolby Digital ® Versions Owner's Manual DC-1[...]

Lexicon Part #070-11787 Rev 1 Printed in the United States of America Save these i nstruct ions for later use. Follow all inst ructions and warnings marked on the unit. Always use with the correct li ne voltage. Refer to the m anufa cturer's operating i nstructions for power requir ement s. Be advised that d ifferent o perating voltages may re[...]

Dansk Vigtig information om sikkerhed Gem d enne vejledning til senere brug. Følg alle anvisn inger og advarsler på apparatet. Apparat et ska l altid tilsl utte s den korr ekte spænding. Der henvises til brug sanvisni ngen, der in deholder specifikationer f or strømforsyning. Der gøres o pmærksom på , a t ved va rierende d riftsspændinger k[...]

Die ses Drei eck auf Ihrem Apparat bedeutet daß wichtige Betriebs- und Wartungsanweisungen in der mitgelieferten Dokumentation zu finden sind. Die ses Drei eck auf I hrem Apparat warnt Sie vo r nicht-isolierter, ge fä hr l i c he r S p an n un g im G eh ä us e .. . s ta r k ge n ug u m ei n e Berührungsgefahr darzustellen. Deutsch Wichtige S ic[...]

Digital Controller Base, THX ® and Dolby Digital ® Versions Owner's Manual DC-1[...]

Contents DC-1 Digital Controller 1 Introduc tion to the DC-1 ................. ............................ 1 Introduction ................. ................................................... 1 Unpacking and Inspection ............................................. 5 Using the Documentation ....... ....................................... 5 System O[...]

Lexicon Contents, cont'd. Setting Listener Position .......................................... 32 Surround Delay • Time Alignment (Dolby Digital version) • Center Delay (Base and THX versions) • A/V Sync Delay (Dolby Digital version) • Calibrate Panorama Customization .............................................................. 36 Lo[...]

1 DC-1 Digital Controller Introduction to the DC-1 Introduction 1 Introduction to the DC-1 More than just a surround processor, the DC-1 is a digital control center with state-of-the-art performance and flexibility. A superb line level preamp, the DC-1 provides 8 audio, 5 video (3 S-VHS), and 4 digital (2 coaxial, 2 optical) inputs. The video and d[...]

Introduction to the DC-1 Lexicon 2 The key to our perception of the acoustic space we inhabit lies in the lateral sound field – the sound which moves from side to side in the room. The two front speakers used in conventional two channel stereo do not adequately excite these lateral fields in a playback room. The speakers are too far forward, and [...]

3 DC-1 Digital Controller Introduction to the DC-1 The DC-1 also has the ability to create an acoustic environment which is not present on the original recording. Using the Nightclub, Concert Hall, Church and Cathedral effects, you can select the acoustics the digital processor will simulate. Each of these effects has many adjustments to allow you [...]

Introduction to the DC-1 Lexicon 4 Designed specifically to handle multichannel audio, AC-3 takes advantage of a psychoacoustic phenomenon known as auditory masking. It divides the audio spectrum of each channel into narrow frequency bands of different sizes optimized with respect to the frequency selectivity of human hearing. This makes it possibl[...]

5 DC-1 Digital Controller Introduction to the DC-1 Using the Documentation Because the DC-1 is designed to be customized for your system and your listening space, the information required for installation is extensive. This manual describes the DC-1 base system, the THX version and the Dolby Digital version, which incorporates all of the THX enhanc[...]

Introduction to the DC-1 Lexicon 6 Syste m Overv iew Although the DC-1 performs very complex signal processing, a great deal of effort has gone into making the technology behind the effects as transpar- ent as possible to the user. To understand the overall organization of the unit, it is helpful to define those few terms which are unique to the DC[...]

7 DC-1 Digital Controller Introduction to the DC-1 DC-1 Block Diagram[...]

9 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration 2 Controls and Indicators The F ront Panel 1. ON/OFF ON/OFF alternately puts the DC-1 into and out of standby mode. Turning the DC-1 off with this button ( or with the remote) deactivat es the unit while leaving power to the signal processing circuitry to keep it at optimum operating t e mp er [...]

Lexicon 10 Installation and Calibration The Rear Panel CAUTION: Never make or b reak any connections to th e DC-1 with the rear-panel power ON. Make sure any associated amplifiers have been turned off for at least one minute before turning this master power switch on or off. 1. AUDIO INPUTS Eight stereo analog audio in- puts are switched with corre[...]

11 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration 6. BALANCE Front*/Rear* and Left*/Right* Display, then adjus t the Front / Rear and Left/Right level bal- ances. Front and Rear con- trols change the level bal- ance between the front (Left, Center, Right) and rear (L&R Side, L&R Rear) outputs. L e f t a n d R i g h t c o n t r o l s c[...]

Lexicon 12 Installation and Calibration Remote Control ACCY Functions Press and hold ACCY, then press DONE to activate a "You Are Here" mode which: • Disables mute • Sets volume to -30dB; sets Zone 2 volume to -20dB • Centers Balance controls • Loads the Pro Logic Effect • Selects the VCR1 input; does not affect the Rec/Zone 2 i[...]

13 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Connection Location Considerations The DC-1 is a highly specialized signal processing computer and requires special care during installation to ensure optimum performance. The DC-1 may be installed on a shelf or in a standard 19" equipment rack, using optional rack-mounting hardware avail[...]

Lexicon 14 Installation and Calibration Wiring Considerations There is controversy over the audible effects of different types of intercon- nects. Good engineering practices have minimized the effect that cables might have on the inputs and outputs of the DC-1 — but feel free to evaluate different interconnects in your system. If you want to do s[...]

15 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Connecting the DC-1 as a preamp Input sources can each be connected directly to the DC-1 inputs. A typical system might use the TV, VCR1, V-DISC and CD and TUNER (output through a preamp). Since TAPE, TUNER and CD are audio only, the video output will default to the video signal fromVCR 1. Thi[...]

Lexicon 16 Installation and Calibration The DC-1 has five composite video inputs, three of which also support S- Video. Connection to an S-Video input will override the composite signal connected via the RCA-type connector. Note that an S-Video input will be output on both the composite and S-Video outputs. The reverse is not true — composite inp[...]

17 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Digital Input Status Detection When using a 48kHz digital connection from a source (DSS, DAT), the following effects are available: THX Cinema Two Channel Logic 7 Music Logic Pro Logic TV Matrix Music Surround Note that current "AC-3 ready" laser disc and LD/DVD players do not output[...]

Lexicon 18 Installation and Calibration RECORD/ZO NE 2 Operation The DC-1 is designed to be the control center of any system. As such, there are separate outputs for easy integration of external recording devices as well as additional “zones” in multi-room installations. The Record and Zone 2 outputs on the DC-1 are wired in parallel so that th[...]

19 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration As protection against feedback, the TAPE and VCR1 inputs are normally blocked from being used as sources for the Record and Zone 2 outputs. This default condition can be changed in the Input Configuration menu as follows. Use MENU ▲ and ▼ to select REC/ZONE 2, then press SELECT. The MENU ?[...]

Lexicon 20 Installation and Calibration Digital audio inputs can be selected for the Record/Zone 2 outputs under the following conditions: • The digital input must be assigned to an input via the Setup: Input Configuration menu. • The input must have REC/ZONE 2 set to DIGITAL. (TAPE and VCR1 are normally "BLOCKED", but can be changed [...]

21 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Display Adjustment System Configuration Although the DC-1 memory is cleared before it leaves the factory, it is good practice to reset the unit before programming it. The following procedure resets the unit to factory condition: Turn the DC-1 OFF with either the front panel switch or the remot[...]

22 Lexicon Installation and Calibration Video Input Selection and the On-Screen Display When using the Video M onitor output with the On-Screen Dis- play, the DC-1 automatically put s up a blue or grey background when no video signal is present. Occasionally, an incoming video signal m ay be so weak that it is recognized as essentially no sig- nal,[...]

23 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Input Conf iguration Syste m Setup The DC-1 has eight analog stereo audio inputs, each of which can be associated with any of the five video and four digital audio inputs. Selecting Input Configuration from the Setup menu displays a sub-menu which lists these inputs and allows you to select th[...]

24 Lexicon Installation and Calibration The input level meters are displayed when you select the GAIN parameter for an ac t i v e input which has been selected in the Setup menu. Although you are given the option of defeating the auto level system by selecting MANUAL, this is not recommended. When MANUAL is selected, the display shows the last auto[...]

25 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration The DC-1 has the ability to load an effect whenever an input is chosen. For example, if you primarily listen to CD’s with the CONCERT HALL effect, the DC-1 can be set to load this effect when the CD input is chosen. (You can listen to any effect using the EFFECT button on the front panel or [...]

26 Lexicon Installation and Calibration The four DC-1 digital audio inputs include two coaxial (RCA) and two optical connectors (TOSLINK™). For maximum configuration flexibility, each of the four digital inputs can be assigned to any (or all) of the source selections. The inputs labeled VCR1, VCR2, V-DISC, TV, and AUX normally have corresponding [...]

27 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Setting the Speaker Configuration The high pass filter attenuates low fre- quencies at 12dB per octave. The values given are for the -3dB point. Select LARGE for full-range front speakers to deliver full frequency re- sponse to the front outputs. Selecting SMALL activates a 12dB per octave hig[...]

28 Lexicon Installation and Calibration This menu sets the system for your particular side speaker configuration. Systems with side speakers should be designated as STANDARD (LARGE or SMALL) or DIPOLE (LARGE or SMALL). DIPOLE indicates a THX speaker configuration, and causes the unit to mute the rear outputs when either THX effect is used. When STA[...]

29 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Select INTERNAL NOISE TEST or EXTERNAL NOISE TEST from the Output Levels menu. The INTERNAL NOISE TEST automatically discon- nects all audio and video inputs, disables any EQ functions, centers the Balance controls, loads the Pro Logic effect, and sets the system volume to 0dB. The test signal[...]

30 Lexicon Installation and Calibration In the absence of an SPL meter, it is possible to set the output level by ear. Use the internal noise generator in the DC-1 to adjust all volumes to be the same as they cycle around the various speakers. Depending on timbre variations between your speakers, this may be difficult to judge — get as close as y[...]

31 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Mute Level Power On Vol ume Zone 2 Volume Selecting LIMITER ADJUST in the Sub Peak Limiter menu invokes a calibration routine for setting the optimal peak level for your installation. Pressing SELECT routes low frequency calibration noise to the subwoofer output of the DC-1. A two-line display[...]

32 Lexicon Installation and Calibration The Listener Position menu is used for setting the surround and center delays and calibrating the Panorama effect. Note that the Time Alignment parameter replaced the Surround Delay parameter in Base and THX versions of the DC-1. The Surround Delay parameter is described below. When presented with several sim[...]

33 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Set CENTER DELAY to -1.5ms. Set CENTER DELAY to 2ms. Once you have entered the distance to the nearest speaker, the DC-1 will automatically calculate the maximum distance it can handle. After the distance of the nearest speaker is entered, highlight TIME ALIGN- MENT and press SELECT. A display[...]

34 Lexicon Installation and Calibration SPEAKER ANGLE is the angle between the main speakers as seen from the listen- ing position — here it is about 60°. LIS- TENER POS allows you to adjust for an offset listening position. A/V Sync Delay compensates for the delay that occurs when a video enhancing processor, such as a line doubler, is being ut[...]

35 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Move your head from side to side to find the position where the noise is full left, and the right ear hears near total silence. When calibrating right, if your left ear is in the silent band, the speaker angle is correct. To set the Speaker Angle, center yourself symmetrically between the two [...]

36 Lexicon Installation and Calibration Customization After you have calibrated and customized the DC-1, there are two addi- tional steps recommended to safeguard the settings. First, document your adjustments using the table found at the end of this manual. Second, consider locking the settings so that they cannot be inadvertently changed. The las[...]

37 DC-1 Digital Controller Installation and Calibration Bass Tone Control Frequency Response Equalization (THX and Do lby Digital versions) The THX and Dolby Digital versions of the DC-1 provide Equalization controls as a selection in the Main Menu. Press SELECT to open the Equalization menu which contains Bass and Treble level controls and a Loudn[...]

38 Lexicon Installation and Calibration The Tilt parameter can be thought of as a straight line that pivots on a fulcrum at 1kHz to correct the overall tonal balance of source material. The range is -3.0dB to +3.0dB, referenced to the Treble level. This control, adjustable in 0.2dB increments, is useful on many older recordings, or when the desired[...]

39 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects 3 DC-1 Effects Customizing Effects DC-1 Effects When EFFECT ADJUST is selected from the Main menu, the on-screen display shows a list of parameters specific to the current effect, as well as the current value of each parameter. (The front panel display shows one parameter at a time). Press the MENU ▲ and ?[...]

40 Lexicon DC-1 Effects The RESTORE PARAMETERS function allows you restore the currently selected Effect to its factory preset state. When you select this function, you will be prompted to reconsider erasing your changes. — If you don’t want to erase your versions, press DONE to exit the menu. Pressing SELECT in response to the displayed query [...]

41 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects Music Surround (THX and Dolby Digital ver sio ns) Music Surround, available in the THX and Dolby Digital versions of the DC-1, is a surround effect developed specifically for music listening. It makes full use of additional loudspeakers placed at the center, sides and rear of the room. This effect passes unpr[...]

42 Lexicon DC-1 Effects This Effect provides Dolby Pro Logic Surround decoding designed for any Dolby Surround encoded movies, music, or television programs. The Pro Logic effect is an industry standard. Lexicon's proprietary auto azimuth correction makes it an improvement over other versions. (Even more dramatic improvement has been implement[...]

43 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects Parameter Initial Value Range AUTO AZIMUTH ON ON/OFF SURROUND MODE DECORR STEREO, DECORR RE-EQUALIZER ON ON/OFF SUBW OOFER LVL + 0dB -5 to +5dB CUSTOM This Effect, available only in DC-1’s equipped with THX or Dolby Digital processing, provides Home THX Cinema surround decoding for any Dolby surround encode[...]

44 Lexicon DC-1 Effects Available only in the THX and Dolby Digital versions of the DC-1, this film sound mode reproduces musical material with maximum separation at all times, whether or not directional material is being steered. In addition, Logic 7 uses intelligent steering to extract wide bandwidth stereo surround channels. If both side and rea[...]

45 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects REAR DELAY OFFSET is an additional delay added to the rear channels. This delay increases the apparent size of the listening space by increasing the rear delay time. Feel free to experiment to find the setting that works best. RE-EQUALIZER equalizes the left, center, and right channel outputs to match the ove[...]

46 Lexicon DC-1 Effects The TV Matrix effect provides surround effects for television viewing of monaural, stereo, and stereo synthesized programs. Parameter Initial Value Range AUTO AZIMUTH ON ON/OFF FRONT STEERING FULL 1/4, 1/2, Full, Off REAR ROLLOFF 8.2kHz 4 53Hz-20.0kHz DOLBY B NR OFF ON/OFF RE-EQUALIZER OFF ON/OFF SIDE ASSIGN SIDE Front/Side,[...]

47 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects SIDE ASSIGN determines whether the information fed to the side speakers is from the front, side or rear outputs. Availability of selections varies according to your speaker configuration. Choosing FRONT will give a much larger front sound stage. Choosing SIDE or REAR will provide a more enveloping surround fi[...]

48 Lexicon DC-1 Effects Parameter Initial Value Range ROLLOFF 3.3kHz 453Hz to 20.0kHz ACADEMY FILTER ON ON/OFF MAIN LEVEL 8 0-16 SUBW OOFER LVL +0dB -5 to +5dB EFFECT LEVEL -04dB -3 0 to +05dB CUSTOM Mono Logic Mono Logic takes a monaural soundtrack and sends music and sound effects to the sides and rear through a room simulator mode while keeping [...]

49 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects INPUT BALANCE allows you to compensate for the occasional source with audible channel imbalance. When selected, screen graphics indicate the relative left/right position. LOW FREQ WIDTH allows you to apply low-frequency spatial correction to the signal. Positive values of LOW FREQ Width indicate that the diff[...]

50 Lexicon DC-1 Effects REAR ROLLOFF sets the frequency above which the rear-channel sound is attenuated. The appropriate setting will vary with the program material. It should be set high enough to give presence and airiness to the rear sound without placing distracting instrumental overtones or other sounds behind you. In systems configured witho[...]

51 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects Nightclub Parameters HALL SIZE allows you to select room sizes of lengths ranging from 4-17 meters. LIVENESS adjusts the amount of recirculation within the effect. Higher values mimic more reflective surfaces in the simulated space and increase the amount of time it takes the sound to decay. At very high valu[...]

52 Lexicon DC-1 Effects HALL SIZE allows you to select room sizes of lengths ranging from 20-30 meters (in increments of 4 meters). LIVENESS adjusts the amount of recirculation within the effect. Higher values mimic more reflective surfaces in the simulated space and increase the amount of time it takes the sound to decay. At very high values, the [...]

53 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects The Church Effect uses a reverberation algorithm, which differs from ambience in that it does not simulate the reflections of specific halls, but emphasizes rich, smooth reverberant decay in small and medium spaces. It works well for simulating a space with a long reverberation time relative to its size, such[...]

54 Lexicon DC-1 Effects CENTER LEVEL adjusts the output level from the center speaker. SUBWOOFER LVL boosts or cuts the subwoofer output level. Although the normal subwoofer level is set during the calibration procedure, with some recordings it may be desirable to increase or decrease this deep bass level. EFFECT LEVEL adjusts the loudness of the E[...]

55 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects If there is a strong monaural speaking voice present at the same time, this component of the input to the Cathedral effect is reduced while the stereo component is increased. If the input signal is pure monaural speech the reverb is almost entirely attenuated. SPEECH DETECT is a real benefit to some popular m[...]

56 Lexicon DC-1 Effects SURROUND LEVEL controls the volume level of the side and rear speakers. Although we have selected a default value, the correct setting will vary with each recording, the room, and your personal taste. SIDE ROLLOFF provides a high frequency cutoff for the side speakers. The optimal setting for this control will vary widely wi[...]

57 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects Party The Party effect allows unprocessed stereo signals to be played over all speakers for background music or for maximum acoustical output of the system. Parameter Initial Value Range HIGH PAS S 40Hz OF F, 40-735Hz CENTER LEV EL 15 0-15 SUBW OOFER LVL +0dB -5 to +5dB EFFECT LEVEL +00dB -30 to +05dB CUSTOM [...]

58 Lexicon DC-1 Effects The following five effects are available only in the Dolby Digital version of the DC-1. Each of these effects provides an AC-3 Status Display in the parameter menu. This display contains the following information. MATRIX ENCODED: YES indicates a Dolby Digital input is matrix en- coded; No indicates it is not. DOWNMIX: YES in[...]

59 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects AC-3 STATUS displays the current status of incoming AC-3 data. The displayed items are not user adjustable. COMPRESSION enhances the intelligibility of Dolby Digital material at low volume levels (-6dB or lower). When set to AUTO, this control auto- matically limits peak signals and boosts low level signals. [...]

60 Lexicon DC-1 Effects Dolby Digital (Dolby Digital version) Available only in the Dolby Digital version of the DC-1, the Dolby Digital effect decodes Dolby AC-3 encoded soundtracks. Unlike analog Dolby surround decoding, Dolby Digital uses five discrete full-range channels and a sixth dedicated, Low Frequency Effect (LFE) channel. In this effect,[...]

61 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects Parameter Initial Value Range AC-3 STATUS (display only — not user adjustable) COMPRESSION Off Off, On, AUTO RE-EQUALIZER On On, Off LFE MIX LEVEL + 0.0dB -10.0dB to 0.0dB SUBW OOFER LVL +0dB -5 to +5dB CUSTOM This Effect, available only in DC-1’s equipped with Dolby Digital process- ing, provides THX 5.1[...]

62 Lexicon DC-1 Effects 5.1 Log ic 7 (Dolby Digital version) 5.1 Logic 7 combines all the features of Dolby Digital AC-3 with enhance- ments by Lexicon and LucasFilm. This effect uses Logic 7 matrix technology to enhance the steering between the side speakers and the rear speakers, so sounds intended to come from behind the listener actually do com[...]

63 DC-1 Digital Controller DC-1Eff ects SURROUND LEVEL controls the volume level of the side and rear speakers. Although we have selected a default value, the correct setting will vary with each recording, the room, and your personal taste. LFE MIX LEVEL allows separate level attenuation of the LFE channel, which is ultimately mixed to the subwoofe[...]

64 Lexicon DC-1 Effects Parameter Initial Value Range AC-3 STATUS (display only — not user adjustable) LFE MIX LEVEL +0.0dB -10dB to 0dB SURROUND MIX +2 dB -5 to +5dB SUBW OOFER LVL +0dB -5 to +5dB CUSTOM This Effect mixes Dolby Digital 5.1 information for two-channel playback. These soundtracks can be recorded onto two-channel formats, or played[...]

65 DC-1 Digital Controller Troubleshooting Troubleshooting 4 T roubleshooting If you encounter a problem, please review the items in the following checklist. Also be sure to thoroughly check all other connected components such as speakers, receiver/amplifier/preamp, VCR, TV, CD player, etc. Problem Possible Cause and Solution Power does not come on[...]

66 Lexicon Troubleshooting Problem Possible Cause and Solution Hum Finding and eliminating audio hum in a complex installation can be a very frustrating task. Often, the easiest way to identify the culprit(s) is to systematically eliminate devices from the audio chain. If Cable TV is connected to any component in the system, start by unplugging the[...]

67 DC-1 Digital Controller Troubleshooting Routine Maintenance Other than occasional replacement of the batteries in the remote control units, the DC-1 requires minimal maintenance. Use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with warm water and a mild detergent to clean the exterior surfaces of the unit. Do not use alcohol, benzene or acetone-ba[...]

69 DC-1 Digital Controller Specifications 5 Specificati ons S pecifications Inputs: Audio: 8 stereo (RCA) pairs Minimum Input Level: 500 mVrms for maximum output 200 mVrms for Dolby level (Input Gain=0dB) Input Impedance: 100 k Ω in parallel with 150pF Video: 5 composite (RCA), 3 S-video, NTSC, PAL, SECAM compatible Input Level and Impedance: 1Vp[...]

Installation Worksheet Model/Serial #________/____________ Installed by________________________________Phone____________________Date______________ Inputs VCR1 Gain _______ Name ___________ Effect _______ AC-3 FX _______ Digital _______ Video _______ Rec/Zone2: ■ Analog ■ Digital ■ Blocked Trigger: ■ enabled ■ disabled VCR2 Gain _______ Na[...]

Lexicon Part #070-11787 Rev 1 Printed in the United States of America Lexicon, Inc. 3 Oak Park, Bedford MA 01730-1 441 USA Telephone : 781-280-0300 Fax: 781-280-0490 www.lexicon.com[...]