User manual REVOX RESOURCE M51 - DECODER MKII

of Switzerland of Switzerland Re:source 5.1 Decoder Module MKII Dominating Entertainment. Revox of Switzerland. 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Contents 5.1 Decoder Module Installation 5.1 Decoder connections Line outputs Digital inputs Edit source name Digital output 5.1 Decoder menu Room sound programs Sound field description Stereo-Pure Analogue Amplifier Sub-menu Level setting Adjusting the Subwoofer Level resetting Bass and treble Dynamic range Overview: Amplifier sub-menus Setup Amplifier Speaker configuration 1 Large 2 Small 3 None 4 Digital Speaker settings Subwoofer settings Adjusting volume Speaker distance Adjusting amplifier power Home Cinema glossary Technical data Notes Guarantee 2 3 4 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 11 12 12 13 13 14 14 15-16 17 17 18 19 20 20-22 22-23 24-25 26 27 28 28 29 1 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source 5.1 Decoder Module The 5.1 Decoder module forms the core of the M51's audio processing with all functions, which the puristic Stereo and the inspired home cinema listener expects. It monitors and controls all the audio signals; it generates all the home cinema signals and sends them on to the outputs. A further task, which the 5.1 Decoder Module handles is the connection of digital sources. In this case, you can either feed the digital signals in using an optical fibre or coax cable. If the 5.1 Decoder Module has an additional DLC Module*, there is also a coax output available to control all REVOX digital speakers. You can use all normal audio formats such as Dolby Surround, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Digital, DTS or MPEG with the 5.1 Decoder Module, naturally in high resolution 24 bit as well. These signals are also made available to external devices through 6 cinch sockets. The 5.1 Decoder Module handles the conversion of the symmetrical analogue signals in ultra-linear stereo operation. From here, it also goes through gold-coated silver contact relays to the output stages. Important The 5.1 Decoder module plays a very significant role for the whole system. Since it represents the Audio Control Centre, the system will not operate without the decoder module. * The DLC Module is not supplied as standard. 2 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Installation The 5.1 Decoder plug-in card has the most modern technology on it and should be handled with care. Before you start to install the card, the M51 must be switched off and the power plug must be removed from the power socket. Slot 7 is reserved for the Decoder module, right next to the speaker connections. No other module should be plugged in to this slot because this provides the shortest possible signal route to the outputs. Loosen the two screws with the TORX screwdriver supplied and remove the slot blanking plate. Before removing the Decoder module from its packaging, make sure that you are not charged with any static electricity. This could cause a damaging power discharge when you touch the module. To be on the safe side, you should discharge any static from yourself by touching an earthed metal object such as a radiator. Remove the decoder module from its packaging and insert it into the slot position, using the two tracks within the M51 to guide it into position. The lettering on the card must be at the top. Just before the card is fully inserted, you will feel a certain mechanical resistance as the card meets the M51 contact strip. Push the card fully home by pushing in the area where the 2 screw holes are located and fix it in place with the two screws. All further steps needed to integrate the new module into the M51 will be carried out automatically next time the unit is switched on. 3 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source 5.1 Decoder connections Line outputs The 5.1 Decoder offers 6 line outputs where audio signals are available in 5.1 format. The following is an overview of the individual signals: REVOX DIGITAL OUT DIGITAL IN 2 OUTPUT L Line output for the left-hand front channel OUTPUT R Line output for the righthand front channel SUB Line output for the active subwoofer CENTER Line output for the centre channel SURROUND L Line output for the rear lefthand surround channel SURROUND R Line output for the rear right hand surround channel 1 OUT L PUTS 3 R SUB CEN TER L SURROUND R 5.1 Decoder 1.551.084.01 4 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Digital inputs These line outputs are used to supply external outputs. In the same way, active speakers can be connected. In Home cinema operation, the active subwoofer is principally controlled by the SUB output. The level of the 6 line outputs is controlled synchronously to the total volume. The 5.1 Decoder Module can play back digital sources such as a CD, MD or DAT player using the two digital inputs DIGITAL IN 1-2. You should connect the external devices to the 5.1 Decoder Module using either a Cinch cable (Digital 1 input / Softkey Coaxial) or with a fibre-optic cable with a TOSLink plug (Digital 2 input/ Softkey Optical). Active loudspeakers are speakers with integrated outputs which don't need any amplifier. The external digital sources are activated with the two softkeys in the Source menu. The line outputs are not muted during headphone operation. The externally connected digital sources are not available at the REC OUT output. They also can't be used in neighbouring rooms in Multiroom operation. 5 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Edit source name The 5.1 Decoder Module offers you the option to select your own name for the inputs. In this way, you no longer have to remember which external device you have connected to which input. You can label it accordingly. Select the digital source in the SOURCE menu whose name you want to change. You can choose between: Coaxial (1) and Optical (2) You call this function by pressing the Setup button for approx. 2 seconds and then pressing the Source softkey. The following display appears: Edit function You will move to the following menu display by pressing the Edit Name softkey. The following Edit functions are available: The softkey Cursor moves the [ ] cursor to the left. The softkey Cursor moves the [ ] cursor to the right. The softkey Delete deletes the cursor at the current [ ] cursor position. The softkey Insert inserts a character to the left of the [ ] cursor. The softkey Store saves the currently displayed name and returns you to the source menu. The softkey Cancel returns you to the source menu without saving any modifications made. 6 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Digital output* As opposed to the analogue music signal, the digital signal can carry more music channels in one cable. This is why only one cable is necessary per device for stereo or multichannel reproduction with the DIGITAL IN inputs. The coaxial digital output DIGITAL OUT is activated by the external DLC module. This DLC module is plugged onto the 5.1 Decoder Module board and is naturally available for use the next time you power on. Further details are to be found in the Speaker Configuration chapter. DLC = Digital Loudspeaker Controller * The DLC Module is not supplied as standard. 7 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source 5.1 Decoder menu As the 5.1 Decoder module is the central unit for the processing of audio signals, this module has been assigned its own function key, namely the large key labelled as Amplifier on the front of the M51. Room sound programs The Amplifier button brings you directly into the 5.1 Decoder Main Menu. Here, you can choose between 6 Surround sounds and an ultra-lineal stereo playback: Movie Music Matrix Spatial X-Stereo Stereo The five large buttons on the front of the M51 are shown as Setup Source Amplifier Power Disc in the following chapters. The individual programmes can be selected by pressing the corresponding softkey and each programme can be set individually for each source. The inner part of the display shows a graphic of up to 5 speakers, including seating positions. The speakers which are activated by the individual programs are shown dark; the deactivated speakers are shown light. 8 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Sound field description Pro Logic II is a further development of Dolby Pro Logic and was developed especially for the surround-sound playback of pure stereo sources, alongside the other well-known decoding of Pro Logic sound material (mainly films). With Pro Logic II, this part handles the Music sound field, with the freely definable parameters Center Width, Dimension and Panorama. Through this, you get a realistic, enveloping sound, which you would expect from 1 5.1 Channel System. It greatly enriches the usual stereo sound that you get from the Dolby Digital multi-channel system. When you play a DVD, whether using the M51's internal drive or an external device over DIGITAL IN, the 5.1 audio format that the DVD requires is automatically selected. These are: Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG In this case, all other surround sound programmes are blocked. Movie The Movie mode has been optimised for use with films or programmes with a sound track in Dolby Surround. It is also suitable for video games. Movie mode has all the important properties of Pro Logic, while the Stereo Surround outputs, which cover the whole frequency range, give you a sound experience that much more closely resembles the quality of Dolby Digital. Surround With this setting, the 5.1 Decoder always adapts itself to the current audio format of the selected source. This setting is recommended for use with Pro Logic quality television films, which are being shown in your living room with the original studio mix. 9 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Music With pure stereo music recordings, the Music mode delivers a new level of live atmosphere, which satisfies the most discerning listener. You can set up every conceivable combination of settings using the Center Width, Dimension and Panorama parameters. The choice of parameters is made through the second Menu page of Music. Center Width This parameter allows you to define the centre settings, allowing you to choose to hear the centre range just from the Center speaker, to hear it as a "phantom centre" using the right and lefthand speakers or to setup a combination of all three speakers. Depending on the requirements of your living room, you can choose, for instance, to have a partial mixture of the three front speakers or a wider or more compact sound picture. Dimension This parameter allows you to position the sound field more to the back or to the front. This enables you to get a better balance between the speakers with different recordings. Panorama mode This mode widens the output from the front speakers. In combination with the surround boxes, this gives you a fascinating and enveloping effect with those sounds that are located at the edges of the sound picture. 10 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Matrix This parameter primarily increases the surround effect for programmes sources recorded in stereo sound, by using an elaborate Dolby Matrix decoder. Spatial This is a living sound picture, which was developed in the REVOX sound studios. It emulates a small hall where you might expect to hear some live jazz or chamber music. For this reason, Spatial is particularly well suited for listening to this or similar music types. X-Stereo With this stereo sound, the stereo signal is also sent to the rear surround speakers but as a mirror image. This means that you have stereo reproduction between each pair of speaker. With a square layout, this can give a fantastic feeling of space. Stereo Additionally, it is possible to listen to music in pure stereo with out the influence of any room sound program. In the lower display field this is indicated with . In this case, the audio cables are connected directly to the outputs on an ultra linear amplifier path. If, however, you want to modify the treble and bass settings in stereo mode, this will take you out of the ultra linear path. Playback is then done through a DSP as shown by the display field at the bottom of the screen. All surround speakers are deactivated in this function and are therefore shown as light symbols on the display. 11 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Amplifier sub-menu The Sound fields have different sub-menus to fine-tune your desired sound settings. You will find an overview of which sub-menus are available for which sound fields at the end of the description of the individual sub-menus. Level setting The sub-menu shown below suggests level settings for the surround speakers, including Center and Subwoofer: The speakers can be adjusted to the correct volume ratio to the main speakers using the softkeys. This function allows you to make a temporary adjustment to the Center and Surround volumes. The settings are automatically reset as soon as another source is selected or the M51 is switched off. The setting for the Subwoofer, on the other hand is saved until the next modification of the subwoofer level or until a complete reset using the Reset key. You get to the Amplifier submenus through the Menu softkey. 12 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Adjusting the Subwoofer Unlike the normal passive speakers that are connected to the M51 speaker outputs, active subwoofers have their own volume control. To set the correct basic volume, you should first bring the subwoofer level to the neutral mid-position with the Reset key. Then you should adjust the volume at the subwoofer itself to suit your listening position. The right basic volume setting for the subwoofer is achieved when the subwoofer doesn't dominate the sound picture but nevertheless gives a sustained support to the bass tone ranges. Resetting the level Level settings can be reset to the neutral mid-position with the Reset key. Speakers, like the Center in the above example, which are deactivated in the basic settings, are identified by the text -Not Used-. The basic volume setting for all speakers is set through the Setup Adjusting volume menu. Tip: Automatic switch-on Many active subwoofers have a function that automatically switches the subwoofer on as soon as there is a bass signal with a particular level. If your subwoofer doesn't switch on automatically at normal room volume levels, because the bass signal is too low, you could increase the level on the subwoofer output through the amplifier menu, until the auto switch-on function is activated. After this, of course, the volume at the subwoofer must be adjusted again. 13 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Bass and treble As well as the sound field settings, you also have the option of increasing or decreasing the bass and treble levels in the range of ± 12dB. This option is only available with the sound fields Stereo, X-Stereo and Spatial. You can access the bass/ treble menu by pressing the Menu softkey twice: Dynamic range With DVD playback, you can modify the volume dynamic range. If you select the setting Maximum, the dynamics are played back in an unmodified form. This means that the quietest and the loudest passages maintain the whole level range. If you select the setting Standard, the dynamic range is cropped. This means that the volume in the loudest passages is lowered and in the quietest passages, it is increased. This is particularly useful if listening to DVDs later in the evening and you don't want to disturb other people in the house. Now with the Bass +/- and the Treble +/- softkeys you can adjust the bass and treble ranges respectively. If you press the Linear softkey, you will restore the neutral middle range settings. 14 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Overview: Amplifier sub-menus Pure Analog Pro Logic Dolby Digital Dolby Digital Stereo DTS DTS Stereo 15 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Overview: Amplifier sub-menus MPEG MPEG Stereo Pro Logic Movie Pro Logic Music Pro Logic Matrix DSP Spatial DSP X-Stereo 16 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Amplifier Setup Using the Setup menu, you can adapt your loudspeakers to the optimum acoustics with the M51. This menu is called by pressing and holding the Setup key for some 2 seconds and then pressing the Amplifier key in the display that follows. Speaker configuration The first page in the Amplifier setup covers the configuration of home cinema speakers. Here, you can define which speakers you have connected and whether these are large speakers with the full frequency range or smaller speakers with limited bass reproduction. There are three options for each speaker type that can be selected by repeated pressing of the corresponding softkey: Now you are in the 5.1 Decoder Setup menu. 17 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source 1 Large The speaker receives the full frequency range. This is the right setting for speakers whose bass speaker has a diameter of at least 12cm and as a result can reproduce frequencies under 80 Hz. 2 Small The speaker only receives frequencies above 80 Hz. This is the right setting for smaller speakers, which because of their smaller size cannot reproduce frequencies under 80 Hz. As a rule, these are small or satellite speakers with bass cones smaller than 12cm. The bass part below 80 Hz is not "lost". Instead, it is added to the subwoofer or the two front speakers. Small speakers benefit from the small setting by an increased load capability and a nondistorted sound picture. Frequency response: Large Level 80 Hz Frequency Frequency response: Small Level 80 Hz Frequency 18 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source 3 None The setting None deactivates the speaker output. There is no signal at the output available. This setting is selected if you want to work without this speaker. This setting is only available for the Center and rear surround speakers. Speakers with the setting None do not appear in the amplifier menu. In the above example, the Center is deactivated. 4 Digital With the Digital operating mode, you can control REVOX digital speakers easily and comfortably as front speakers. In this case, the front speaker amplifier outputs are muted and replaced by the digital speakers, which are connected to the DIGITAL OUT output on the 5.1 decoder module. .!. Important .!. The Digital setting is only available for the front speakers and only if the DLC plug-in module is installed. The coaxial digital output DIGITAL OUT is activated by the installed DLC module. This DLC module is plugged onto the 5.1 Decoder module board and identifies itself automatically, the next time the unit is switched on. Please use the DIGITAL OUT socket on the DVD module for an external 5.1 decoder. 19 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Speaker settings Main speaker The settings Large, Small and Digital are available here. Optically, the status of the speakers is shown in the display with the symbol or . Center speaker The Center can also be configured as Large, Small or None. With the None setting, the Center signal is split between the two front speakers. Optically, the status of the speaker is shown in the display with the symbol . Surround speakers The surround speakers can also be configured as Large, Small or None. With the None setting, the surround signal is split between the two front speakers. Optically, the status of the speakers is shown in the display with the symbol or . Subwoofer Using the Subwoofer menu, you can setup the operation of an active subwoofer in the whole speaker concept. By repeatedly pressing the Subwoofer key, you will reach the menus shown where you can make the appropriate settings for your use. 20 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Subwoofer Sur. and Stereo Subwoofer Surround only This mode is recommended if the active subwoofer should work with multi-channel reproduction ( DSP Spatial, Dolby Pro Logic, e.g.) and in Pure Stereo operation. Such a setting is particularly beneficial if the other speakers can produce bass tones, but only within a limited range. Main compact or shelf-mounted speakers with limited bass reproduction belong to this category. In this mode, the subwoofer is only activated if a surround sound such as Movie, Matrix, DSP Spatial e.g. is selected. In Pure Analog operation such as Pure Analog, DSP Stereo or Digital Stereo, the subwoofer remains silent. This setting is ideal for the purist listener who likes to experience films and concerts on DVD with all six channels, including the subwoofer, but is happy to rely on just the main speakers for normal stereo operation such as CD or Phono. This assumes, of course, that both main speakers can produce the required deep base tones cleanly. 21 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Subwoofer None Adjusting volumes The second page of the setup menu gives you the option of adjusting the volume to the listening position. This mode should be selected if no subwoofer is available. In this case, the main speakers must be capable of reproducing the deepest bass sounds. This is particularly necessary in the action scenes of DVD films in order to achieve the maximum live atmosphere. The layout in the centre of the display mirrors your listening area. The seating is in the middle with the individual speakers distributed around it. The sixth speaker with a 5.1 system, the subwoofer, is not shown in this layout. As soon as the Noise key is pressed, the M51 produces a noise on the front left speaker for some 3 seconds. During this time, you can set up the volume of the noise using the rotary control knob. Once this time has elapsed, the 5.1 Decoder starts the adjusting process itself. In this case, the sounds are moved in a clockwise direction around the listener. Quit To quit the Subwoofer menu, simply press a softkey. 22 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Setting the levels on passive speakers The signal from each individual speaker can be heard for about 3 seconds. During this time, you can set the optimum volume in a range of ± 10 dB, using the rotary volume control or the remote control. The goal The aim of this exercise is that the sound should be experienced at the same intensity from each speaker. This guarantees that effects, dialogue or music reaches the ear in the correct relationship. This procedure continues until you press the Noise softkey again. .!. Subwoofer level .!. The activated speaker is shown dark. The basic subwoofer volume setting is not defined through the Noise menu, as there are very different recording levels, particularly in the case of DVDs, which often require an individual adjustment. This adjustment can be carried out simply and comfortably in the normal amplifier menu. You can reach this directly through the Amplifier key on the M51 or using the remote control. Please refer to the Chapter level setting on page 13. Setting the levels on REVOX Digital speakers* Level setting is the same as with passive speakers. The only difference is that the setting range for the two digital front speakers is limited to ­10 to 0 dB. * Only available with installed DLC-Module. 23 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Speaker distances Distance selection between the listening position and the individual speakers. Center distance You can setup the centre speaker distance by pressing the Distance softkey again. Here, you also use the rotary control knob to set the distance. In order to achieve optimum acoustic reproduction, there should be a certain relationship between the front speaker distances and the centre speaker distance. For this reason, the M51 offers you exactly the correct range to make your selection from. Example: Selected distance: and = 4.5 m Optimum distance: = 3.0 ­ 4.5 m If you can't position the Center speaker within this distance range, you will just have to select a distance which most closely approximates to it. The M51 offers the option to make sure that the acoustic signal reaches you at the right time at the listening position. Here, the M51 needs to know the exact distance from the speaker to the listener. Main speaker distance The first time you press the Distance softkey, you can set the distance to the front speakers and using the rotary control knob. These two speakers should be the same distance from the listener and you can select in the range from 2.0 to 9.9 metres. 1m 40 inch 1m 3.3 feet 24 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Surround speaker dist. As opposed to the main speakers, the rear surround speakers can be set at different distances from the listener. By pressing the Distance softkey one more time, you can set up first the right and then the left rear surround speaker. Also here, you use the rotary control knob to set the distance. Quit Distance Simply press one of the other softkeys in the Setup menu if you want to quit the Distance menu field. If you don't want to make any more settings through the Setup menu, press either the Source or Amplifier keys. In the same way as with the centre speaker, the M51 only allows a certain distance range in relation to the main speakers Example: Selected distance: and = 4.5 m Optimum distance: and = 0.0 ­ 4.5 m If you can't position the surround speakers within this distance range, just choose the nearest alternative distance available to you. 25 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Adjusting amplifier power The M51 can be equipped with two outputs with different power levels; either an analogue output [5 x 60 watt] or the more powerful digital alternative [5 x 200 watt]. If you want to connect speakers to the digital output, which are not set up for this power level, there is a menu point in the Setup menu where you can adjust the output power level. The three screenshots below show you three of the six power steps that can be selected: The following table shows you the relative volume reductions and the remaining power: Full -1 dB -2 dB -3 dB -4 dB -5 dB -6 dB - 100% - 90% - 80% - 71% - 63% - 56% - 50% Example Analogue output Reduction: ­2 dB Power: 80% of 60W = 48W Example: Digital output Reduction: ­2 dB Power: 80% of 200W = 160W Volume display The reduction in volume is visible in the display field if you select a volume that is higher than the reduction; the volume bars flash in the corresponding area as shown in grey in the following graphic: The power adjustment can be used for the analogue and the digital outputs and is applied equally over all five channels. 26 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Home Cinema glossary The world of Home Cinema is full of abbreviations and we have included a few of the more important ones here: AC-3 Abbreviation for Audio Coding No. 3. To start with, this was a widely used name for Dolby Digital. Dolby Surround Established in the cinema since the 70s and in Home Cinema since the 90s as Dolby Stereo, it works with analogue sound as well as earlier produced analogue. It is now replaced with Digital Signal Processors. Dolby Digital Current standard in the cinema and the most widely used sound on DVD. In this case with two channels (stereo) or 5 tracks plus subwoofer (5.1 format). DTS Competition ( Digital Theater Systems) to Dolby Digital in the cinema as well as on DVD. DVD Video 12 cm data carriers, similar to a CD, stores on a maximum 18 Gb complete films in more languages and sound formats. Frequently extended with bonus material, e.g. "The Making of...". Country code Is found on DVDs and DVD players. Both must be the same. Code 2 is planned for the European market. Code 1 DVDs from the USA will not play on such players. LFE Low Frequency Effects The sixth sound track on DVDs with low frequency sound effects. THX Technical definition from Lucasfilm as a quality norm in cinemas and living rooms. The goal is that films should always be like they are in the director and preview cinemas in Hollywood. Widescreen 16:9 picture format or wider. In comparison, the original TV format is 4:3. 27 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Technical data Formats: Dolby Prologic II, Dolby Digital (AC3), dts MPEG 1 Layer 2, MPEG 2 with/ without extension MP3 Inputs: Digital In 1 Digital In 2 SPDIFF SPDIFF 32, 44.1, 48 kHz Coaxial (RCA socket) 32, 44.1, 48 kHz Optical (TOSLink) Analogue outputs: Front Sub Center Rear L/R 1.75 V / 100 Ohm 1.75 V / 100 Ohm 1.75 V / 100 Ohm 1.75 V / 100 Ohm 0.006% 0.009% 6 x 24 bit 92dB CCIR-ARM 90dB CCIR-ARM Pure Analog Dolby Digital (DIN 40040) (based on 0dBFS (based on 0dBFS (based on 0dBFS (based on 0dBFS ) ) ) ) L/R Harmonic distortion: Pure Analog Dolby Digital D / A conversion Low noise spacing : Operating conditions +10°...40 °C / 50°...104°F Errors excepted Product subject to modification Description: version 1.60 28 5.1 Decoder Module II Re:source Notes Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. ,,Dolby", ,,Pro-Logic". ,, Dolby Digital " and the double DSymbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. Manufactured under license from Digital Theatre Systems, Inc. US Pat No. 5,451,942 and other worldwide patents issues and pending. ,,dts", ,, dts Digital Surround ,, are trademarks of Digital Theatre Systems, Inc. C 1996 Digital Theatre Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Guarantee The guarantee period is 24 months from the date of purchase. Your dealer should be your first contact if you need service. If he can't give you the help you need, send Decoder module carriage free and without any accessories to your national Sales Office. Please supply a complete description of the problem and a full return postal address. 5.1 Decoder -Module MKII Operating instructions / Part no.: 10.30.3032 29