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Meridian 861 User Manual

Reference digital surround controller
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Meridian 861 Reference Digital Surround
Controller User Guide
Reference Digital Surround Controller 861
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DSP
Mute
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Summary of Contents for Meridian 861

  • Page 1 Meridian 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller User Guide Reference Digital Surround Controller 861 Source Mute...
  • Page 2 Designed and manufactured in the UK by Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Cambs PE29 6EX England Copyright © 1997-2003 Meridian Audio Ltd Part no: 861U/6 Manufactured under license from Licensing Corporation. Lucasfi lm, THX, Dolby Laboratories Licensing and THX Cinema are registered Corporation (Canadian patent trademarks of Lucasfi...

  • Page 3: Important Safety Instructions

    Clean only with a dry cloth. • Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. • Only use with a Meridian 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller. • Refer all servicing to approved service personnel. • Connection to the mains should be carried out by a skilled and suitable qualifi...

  • Page 4: Radio Interference

    PREFACE Radio interference FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly in accordance with our instructions may cause interference to radio communications or radio and television reception. It has been type-tested and complies with the limits set out in Subpart J, Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class B computing device.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 2 Format decoding, DSP presets, and layouts Overview Typical specifi cation Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller 11 Front panel keys Meridian System Remote keys Switching on and off Selecting a source...
  • Page 6 Calibration tests Setting up sources Sinewave sweep test Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer The Meridian Confi guration program Installing the Meridian Confi guration program Creating a new settings fi le Setting up speakers Setting up sources Confi guring presets Confi...
  • Page 7 Editing fi lters Changing settings at a later date Troubleshooting Glossary Index...
  • Page 8 viii...

  • Page 9: Introduction

    Introduction Welcome to the Meridian 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller! This User Guide provides full information about using the surround controller in conjunction with your other equipment, to achieve the superb results you can expect from it. Reference Digital Surround Controller 861...

  • Page 10: The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller

    DVD, LaserDisc or digital broadcasting, are already in digital format and do not need to be converted. The signals are then retained in digital form throughout the 861 until they are converted back to analogue form at the analogue outputs, to drive power amplifi...

  • Page 11: Format Decoding, Dsp Presets, And Layouts

    MPEG Surround is an alternative to Dolby Digital, used to encode multi- channel soundtracks on DVD-Video. When the 861 detects the input format it automatically decodes it for the appropriate number of speakers. It then allows you to apply a range of signal processing options, called DSP presets.
  • Page 12 INTRODUCTION PREFACE Two-channel presets Direct Uses only the left and right speakers, bypassing spatial processing. Tone controls and speaker protection still operate. Music Extracts the mono and surround components of the original recording. The mono element is equalised to match the tone colour of the centre speaker. Trifi...
  • Page 13 Allows 5.1-channel fi lm soundtracks to be encoded with an extra surround channel to give improved surround imaging with four surround speakers. A Meridian variation of EX processing with the addition of user-adjustable steering. Provides additional signal processing refi nements developed by Lucasfi lm Ltd.
  • Page 14 INTRODUCTION PREFACE Layouts The 861 allows you to defi ne three different speaker layouts, called Music, Logic, and 5.1 Movie, optimised for different types of preset. The layout used for each preset is shown in the following table: Layout DSP presets Direct, Music, Trifi...

  • Page 15: Overview

    INTRODUCTION PREFACE Overview The architecture of the 861 allows for wide fl exibility – future sources and formats can be handled by upgrading either software or cards. Meridian MHR Smartlink The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller incorporates a unique multi-...
  • Page 16 Logic, and a variety of award-winning music programs including Trifi eld and Ambisonic. Outputs The 8+ outputs can be provided as digital signals to feed Meridian DSP Loudspeakers, or as variable analogue outputs using a proprietary on-board 24-bit resolution conversion method.

  • Page 17: Typical Specifi Cation

    Optional 5.1-channel analogue input. Control signals • 3 trigger outputs, programmable by source. • Meridian Comms and RS232 for control and setup. Controls, etc. Front-panel facia controls for: • Source, DSP, Mute, Volume, and Off. Hinged control panel provides additional switches for: •...
  • Page 18 INTRODUCTION PREFACE...

  • Page 19: Using The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller

    Using the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller This chapter provides a summary of the functions of the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller to identify the controls which you use to operate the unit. It also provides step-by-step instructions for operating the digital surround controller, using either the front panel or the Meridian System Remote.

  • Page 20: Front Panel Keys

    USING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Front panel keys SURROUND CONTROLLER...

  • Page 21: Meridian System Remote Keys

    USING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Meridian System SURROUND CONTROLLER Remote keys Control keys Store/Clear For controlling a For programming Source keys CD player, DVD DSP presets Select a source player, or tuner Number keys For controlling a Switches all CD player, DVD...

  • Page 22: Switching On And Off

    • Press Source (front panel), or select a source by pressing the appropriate source key on the remote; eg CD. If the digital surround controller is part of a Meridian system it will automatically switch on any other unit in the system, such as the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player and Meridian DSP Loudspeakers.

  • Page 23: Selecting A Source

    USING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Selecting a source SURROUND CONTROLLER The digital surround controller provides the following 12 sources: CD, Radio, DVD-A, TV, Tape 1, Tape 2, CDR, Cable, DVD, VCR1, VCR2, LDisc. The input and DSP preset associated with each source...

  • Page 24: Adjusting The Volume

    Adjusting the volume SURROUND CONTROLLER The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller adjusts the volume in precise steps of 1dB, where 9dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness. The current volume setting is displayed in dB on the front-panel display, and can be varied in the range 1 to 99dB.

  • Page 25: Changing The Dsp Preset

    USING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the DSP preset SURROUND CONTROLLER Each source has a set of DSP presets associated with it, one for each of the alternative content types: Music 2 (2-channel music), Music 6 (multi-channel music), Movie 2 (2-channel movie soundtrack), or Movie 6 (multi-channel movie soundtrack).

  • Page 26: Changing The Display

    REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the display SURROUND CONTROLLER The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller displays information about the current settings on the 20-character front-panel display. In addition, it can display the same information superimposed on a video image. You can adjust the contrast and brightness of the front-panel display for optimum viewing, and choose what information is displayed.
  • Page 27 You can choose the position of the on-screen display; see To change the position of the on-screen display, page 33. If the Diagnostic display option has been selected additional diagnostic displays are included; refer to the Meridian Web site at www.meridian-audio.com for details.
  • Page 28 In addition, the following symbols on the front-panel display indicate SURROUND CONTROLLER which of the DSP processing modes are operating, or what the original format was if received via the Meridian MHR Smartlink: Symbol What it means Dolby processing is operating.

  • Page 29: Recording A Source

    REFERENCE DIGITAL Recording a source SURROUND CONTROLLER The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller allows you to copy any of the standard sources to the tape outputs, independently of the source you are listening to. If you are using the digital surround controller in a two-room system, you copy a source to the tape output to make it available to the second room.
  • Page 30 USING THE 861 REFERENCE DIGITAL SURROUND CONTROLLER...

  • Page 31: Customising The

    Surround Controller In addition to being able to change the source, volume, and DSP preset, the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller provides a sophisticated range of more advanced adjustments for each DSP preset, to allow you to tailor the sound.

  • Page 32: Locking And Unlocking The Menus

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 PREFACE REFERENCE DIGITAL Locking and unlocking the menus SURROUND CONTROLLER To simplify the normal operation of the digital surround controller, and to protect the settings from accidental changes, you can lock the menus so that the DSP parameters cannot be accessed.

  • Page 33: Changing The Dsp Parameters

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 PREFACE REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the DSP parameters SURROUND CONTROLLER Each DSP preset provides a series of parameters that you can vary to customise the behaviour of the preset to your specifi c requirements. For example, most presets provide Balance and Depth parameters to allow you to alter the characteristics of the sound.
  • Page 34 LipSync 0ms to 30ms The sync. delay. * Only available with compatible hardware; contact your Meridian dealer. † Certain presets may have a reduced range. Individual DSP presets provide additional parameters, to allow you to adjust specifi c features provided by that preset. For full details refer to DSP presets, page 37.
  • Page 35 CUSTOMISING THE 861 PREFACE REFERENCE DIGITAL As you change the value you will be able to hear the effect on the sound, SURROUND CONTROLLER and the display will show the current value. After a short delay the display will revert to the normal display of DSP preset and volume.

  • Page 36: Changing Treble, Bass, Or Phase

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 PREFACE REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing treble, bass, or phase SURROUND CONTROLLER The digital surround controller provides sophisticated treble and bass controls, to allow you to adjust the broad balance of the system to correct for the acoustics of your listening room, or for a misbalanced recording.

  • Page 37: Changing The Listening Position

    SURROUND CONTROLLER A conventional stereo system provides a single balance control, which changes the relative loudness of the two speakers. The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller provides a more sophisticated adjustment which corresponds to moving the listening position to the left or right.
  • Page 38 CUSTOMISING THE 861 PREFACE REFERENCE DIGITAL To change the relative level of the side or rear SURROUND CONTROLLER loudspeakers • Press < or > until the display shows the speakers you want to adjust. Rear +0dB For example: • Use A or V to change the relative level of the speakers, in dB.

  • Page 39: Changing The Integration Of The Centre

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 PREFACE REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the integration of the SURROUND CONTROLLER centre If you have a centre loudspeaker you can adjust its relative loudness, to provide the best integration of the centre with the main left and right speakers.

  • Page 40: Changing The Spaciousness Of The Sound

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 PREFACE REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the spaciousness of the SURROUND CONTROLLER sound You can adjust the spaciousness of the sound by altering the delay on the rear and side channels. Note: These adjustments are not available for the Direct, Stereo, or Mono presets.

  • Page 41: Changing The Lip Sync And On-Screen Display

    SURROUND CONTROLLER display To adjust the lip sync The LipSync parameter is a feature originated by Meridian that allows you to adjust the delay between the sound and the video image by up to one video frame. Most movies are mixed for a viewing distance of 90m (30 feet), and when viewed from 36m (12 feet) or less the sound arrives too early, giving a disconcerting effect.

  • Page 42: Changing The Dsp Preset For A Source

    CUSTOMISING THE 861 PREFACE REFERENCE DIGITAL Changing the DSP preset for a SURROUND CONTROLLER source Each source has an appropriate DSP preset associated with it for each music format. For example, for a standard stereo (PCM) signal the CD source uses Trifi...

  • Page 43: Defi Ning Your Own Presets

    Defining your own presets SURROUND CONTROLLER The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller allows you to modify any of the built-in presets, and save them for future use. You can either save the changes to the built-in preset, or you can create up to 10 presets of your own, with names of your choice, so you can use them alongside the built-in presets.
  • Page 44 CUSTOMISING THE 861 PREFACE REFERENCE DIGITAL If you have an on-screen display it shows: SURROUND CONTROLLER • Press > or < to select the character position you want to edit. • Press A or V to change the character. Each press steps through the sequence A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, full stop, and blank.

  • Page 45: Dsp Presets

    DSP presets This chapter gives technical information about each of the DSP presets built in to the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller including information about which preset you should select for different types of material. It also gives details of the special DSP parameters available for each preset.

  • Page 46: Music Dsp Presets

    FM radio. The mono element is equalised using a proprietary Meridian technique to match the tone colour of the centre speaker, and to compensate for the fact that the frequency response of human hearing changes with direction.
  • Page 47 DSP PRESETS PREFACE Music and Trifi eld DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Centre Flat, EQ1–3 The timbre of the centre loudspeaker. Width† 0–1.5 The width of the image. Surr. Rear Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. Switches the surround signal between the side and rear speakers.
  • Page 48 DSP PRESETS PREFACE Super Super synthesises a signal from a conventional stereo recording or broadcast so that it can be decoded using the Ambisonic decoder. The result is especially effective for two particular types of recordings: • Those using true coincident microphone techniques. •...
  • Page 49 DSP PRESETS PREFACE PLII Music DSP preset parameters Parameter Options What it changes Steered All Steered Rear, Steered Side, Which of the four surround channels are Steered All generated by steering. Width 0 to 7 The centre spread, where 0 is full centre and 7 is full left and right.

  • Page 50: Logic Dsp Presets

    Pro Logic decoding. Meridian’s implementation of Pro Logic II was the fi rst in the world to receive Dolby approval, and uses proprietary code based on 48-bit precision to give outstanding clarity.
  • Page 51 DSP PRESETS PREFACE TV Logic TV Logic is a movie preset based on ProLogic II 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...

  • Page 52: Movie And 5.1 Music Dsp Presets

    DSP PRESETS PREFACE 5.1 Movie and 5.1 Music DSP presets The digital surround controller provides nine DSP presets designed for processing multi-channel movie or music materials, whether from a multi- channel source, or decoded from a 5.1 Dolby Digital, DTS, or MPEG signal. 5.1 Movie DSP presets •...
  • Page 53 They are recommended for movies marked as being recorded in Dolby Surround EX. The EZ preset is a Meridian variation of EX that allows the steering to be varied from 7 (full EX steering) to 0 (no steering). Reducing the steering...
  • Page 54 DSP PRESETS PREFACE increases the spaciousness of the surround and is useful for movies that are not Dolby Surround EX encoded, or that are DTS ES encoded. THX Ultra2 and THX Music use a THX proprietary process called advanced speaker array to provide a mix of ambient and directional surround sounds using four surround speakers.
  • Page 55 DSP PRESETS PREFACE The Compress parameter allows you to set one of the following options: Option Description Compress off No compression. Quiet boost Provides a moderate amount of bottom-up compression. This raises quiet sounds above the background noise, which is ideal for demonstration and quiet listening.
  • Page 56 DSP PRESETS PREFACE...

  • Page 57: Configuring The Digital Surround Controller Without A Computer

    Configuring the digital surround controller without a computer The 861 Digital Surround Controller can be set up for most standard confi gurations of loudspeakers and sources using just the front-panel controls and Meridian System Remote. This chapter explains how to confi gure the digital surround controller without using a computer, and then how to calibrate the loudspeakers and sources for your particular system.

  • Page 58: Choosing A Standard Setting

    Choosing a standard setting The digital surround controller provides six standard settings, called Types, which confi gure all aspects of the 861 into the most commonly needed confi gurations. In addition, any User Types you create using the Meridian Confi guration program are also available.
  • Page 59 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A COMPUTER • Hold down the A key on the front Type in... 3 panel until the display shows: • Keep holding down the A key for a further three seconds. Type- please wait. The display will show: If you have an on-screen display it shows: Then after a short delay the display shows the current Type.
  • Page 60 • Switch on again to use the standard settings you have selected. Setting up the digital surround controller with other Meridian equipment If you are using the 861 with other Meridian equipment, such as the 800 Reference DVD/CD Player, you should set up the Comms with the following automatic setup procedure: •...

  • Page 61: Calibrating The System

    Calibrating the system To help you to set up your installation to give the best possible sound with any particular combination of associated equipment, the 861 Reference 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.
  • Page 62 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A COMPUTER Calibration The display shows: If you have an on-screen display it shows: After a few seconds the Left Level +0.0dB display shows: For more detailed information about this and the other calibration tests see the following sections. To move between the calibration tests •...

  • Page 63: Calibration Tests

    For correct THX reproduction you should adjust each speaker to 75dB SPL using an SPL meter. Even if your speakers are not THX approved this setting is recommended. If you have Meridian DSP Note: You cannot directly set the level of a subwoofer loudspeakers they cannot be set by ear, because low-frequency noises sound quieter.
  • Page 64 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A COMPUTER Distance These tests allow you to adjust the delay of each of the speakers in the layout to time-align the system so that sounds are coincident when they arrive at the listening position. Before setting up the speaker outputs you need to measure the distance, in feet and inches, to each speaker from the listening position: Centre Left...

  • Page 65: Fine Tuning

    CONFIGURING WITHOUT A COMPUTER Repeat this for each of the speakers in your layout. • Press > or Store to proceed to the next calibration stage. Fine tuning These tests allow you to fi ne-tune the phase and delay of each speaker when used in conjunction with other speakers on the layout.
  • Page 66 Speaker size These tests allow you to determine the bass handling capability of large analogue speakers and subwoofers. Once set, the 861 will limit the bass level to protect the speakers from potential damage. In each test the display shows the speaker being tested and the level of the test signal, followed by the limit value set for the speaker.
  • Page 67 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A COMPUTER You have now completed the calibration of your system. • Press Off (front panel or remote) to exit from the calibration procedure.

  • Page 68: Setting Up Sources

    CONFIGURING WITHOUT A COMPUTER Setting up sources This section explains how to use Gain/Sub mode to set up the sources connected to the digital surround controller, and confi gure them to suit your other equipment. You can also adjust the subwoofer crossover frequency to suit the subwoofers in your system.
  • Page 69 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A COMPUTER You can select between sensitivities of 0.5V (most sensitive), 1.0V, 2.0V, or 2.5V (least sensitive). If the sensitivity is set too high the input will clip the loudest passages. Radio 0.5V In Clip The display shows, for example: In this case reduce the sensitivity.

  • Page 70: Sinewave Sweep Test

    CONFIGURING WITHOUT A COMPUTER Sinewave sweep test The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller includes a sinewave signal test, to help you set the subwoofer crossover frequencies, or check for room resonances. • Select a PCM source; eg an analogue source or CD.
  • Page 71 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A COMPUTER To select other test signals • Press < or > (remote or under the front panel) until the display shows the current signal. Sine For example: • Press A or V to choose between the following test signals: Display Description A sinewave.
  • Page 72 CONFIGURING WITHOUT A COMPUTER...

  • Page 73: Configuring The Digital Surround Controller Using A Computer

    Configuring the digital surround controller using a computer The 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller provides a fl exible range of customisation options which you can change to suit your own preferences and the other equipment in your system. This chapter explains how to install the Meridian Confi guration program, and use it to create your own confi...

  • Page 74: The Meridian Confi Guration Program

    The Meridian Confi guration program provides the following sections to allow you to control the corresponding aspects of each 800 Series product’s...

  • Page 75: Installing The Meridian Confi Guration Program

    • Follow the on-screen instructions. If you have an 800 Reference DVD/CD Player If your equipment includes both an 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller and an 800 Reference DVD/CD Player confi gure the DVD/CD Player fi rst as described in the corresponding chapter of the 800 Reference...
  • Page 76 USING A COMPUTER To run t he Meridian Confi guration program • Click Start, point at Programs, then click Meridian Confi guration. The Meridian window will be displayed: T h e toolbar provides a convenient way of accessing the most important...
  • Page 77 The serial cable is symmetrical, and can be connected either way round. • Connect one end to the RS232 connector on the COMPUTER card on the back panel of the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller. • Connect the other end to one of the serial ports on the PC or PC notebook computer.

  • Page 78: Creating A New Settings Fi Le

    CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER Creating a new settings file This section explains how to create a new settings fi le, using the Meridian Confi guration program, and how to enter personal information to identify the settings in your product. The fi rst step is to fetch the initial settings from the digital surround controller, to use as a starting point for your confi...
  • Page 79 • Double-click the Surround controller icon, to open it and display the settings it contains. The left-hand panel of the Meridian window will change to show the following three ic ons: Owner lets you enter personal information, for future reference, and choose the message displayed when you fi...
  • Page 80 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER You can enter up to 20 characters in each fi eld, the size of the 861 front- panel display: The Owner text will be displayed when you turn the product on. The Dealer and Description text are displayed after the product version and serial numbers if you hold down the front-panel Display key in standby.

  • Page 81: Setting Up Speakers

    CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER Setting up speakers This section describes how to use the Meridian Confi guration program to confi gure the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller for the confi guration of loudspeakers in your system, and specify information about the type of each speaker, for optimum performance.
  • Page 82 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER • Choose analogue, DSP, or 96.24 DSP according to the type of each speaker. The following table gives recommended settings for Meridian loudspeakers: Loudspeaker Recommended setting DSP8000, DSP7000, DSP5500HC Large 96.24 DSP DSP5000, DSP5500, DSP6000, Large DSP or Large 96.24 DSP*...
  • Page 83 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER Subwoofers Use the Subwoofers drop-down menus to specify the number of subwoofers, and the DSP presets that use them. If your main left and right speakers are small you will need to use one or more subwoofers to handle the bass. You can choose between appropriate combinations of mono (front), centre, left and right, or surround.
  • Page 84 A setting of Max corresponds to no protection, and 0 corresponds to full protection. By default any Meridian DSP loudspeakers in your system are set to Max, as these include built-in protection. You can use SizeCalc to help you calculate the correct value for your speakers: •...
  • Page 85 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER To complete the speaker setup You have now completed the fi rst stage of setting up the digital surround controller, and you should save the changes you have made by choosing Save from the File menu. You can ignore the Distances, Crossovers, Precision, Phase/Gain, and Connection pages of settings for the moment;...

  • Page 86: Setting Up Sources

    To set up so urces • Click the Sources icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window. The right-hand panel shows a list of the 12 sources that are available. For each source you can display four pages of settings by clicking on the Options, Audio, Video, or Advanced tabs.
  • Page 87 The name can consist of up to fi ve letters, digits, or the characters space, full-stop, and minus. The name you specify is shown in the list of sources, followed by the Meridian System Remote key used to select the source in brackets.
  • Page 88 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER • Select the card in the Card list to specify the location of the connector used for the source. • From the Input on card drop-down menu specify the digital or analogue audio input you want to use for the source, or Last valid to leave the input unchanged when you select the source.
  • Page 89 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER To specify the video connections • Click the Video tab to show the connections for the video inputs: • Select the card in the Card list to specify the location of the connector used for the source. •...
  • Page 90 • Click the Advanced tab to show the Advanced page of settings: • If the source is a Meridian product set Comms type to 1C for a CD player, 2C for an FM tuner, and 3C for a DVD player. Otherwise set it to none.
  • Page 91 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER The following additional options are available. You should only change these with advice from your dealer: Option Description Delay for audio sources to avoid DTS Avoids the noise caused by switching to a DTS noise (DTS delay) source.

  • Page 92: Confi Guring Presets

    To set up presets • Click the Presets icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window. The right-hand panel shows a list of the 20 built-in presets, and the 10 unused user-de fi ned presets.
  • Page 93 Only profi les appropriate to the preset’s speaker layout will be available, or (Bypass) to use no profi le. If you have run the Meridian Room Correction program Set up wizard the profi les Mus, Log, and Mov will be created for the Music, Logic, and 5.1...
  • Page 94 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER To restore the DSP parameters to their defaults • Select the preset in the list of presets. • Click the Reset to default bu tton. To create a user-defi ned preset • Select the preset you want to use as the basis for the user-defi ned preset.
  • Page 95 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER To delete a user-defi ned preset • Select the preset in the list of presets. • Click the Delete this preset button. To copy a preset to a specifi c position in the list of user-defi ned presets •...

  • Page 96: Confi Guring Cards

    Changes to this panel should only be made by an experienced Meridian dealer, and this will normally only be necessary if you upgrade the 861 Reference Digital Surround Controller by adding a new card. To set up cards •...
  • Page 97 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER To change the address of a card If your unit has more than one card of the same type you will need to select the card address. • Double-click the card in the Card column The Card Properties dialogue box shows the card’s current setting: •...

  • Page 98: Changing The Setup Options

    The fi nal stage in editing the settings is to confi gure the general Setup options. To change the setup options • Click the Setup icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window. • If necessary click the Setup tab to display the Setup page of options: The Setup options will be displayed:...
  • Page 99 System and Copy address For multi-room setups. Meridian High Resolution If the 861 is Meridian High Resolution compatible, and the left, right, and centre speakers are 96.24 DSP types, specifi es whether the digital output uses Meridian High Resolution for all sources, or only when necessary.

  • Page 100: Calibrating The Settings Of Your System

    Once you have edited the settings to suit the confi guration of your system, the next step is to store the settings to the digital surround controller and use the calibration listening tests built into the 861 to calibrate it for optimum performance.
  • Page 101 To fetch the calibrated settings Finally fetch the calibrated settings back from the digital surround controller as follows: • Make sure your settings fi le is loaded into the Meridian Confi guration program. • Click the Fetch button in the toolbar:...

  • Page 102: Creating A User Type

    50. To name the User Type • Click the Settings icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window: • Enter a suitable name in the Type name fi eld to identify your User Type, such as Standard.
  • Page 103 The new User Type will be specifi ed as In use, as identifi ed by the circle icon in the left-hand panel of the Meridian window: Initially the new type will be created with the same settings as the type you based it on, and with the name New type: You can then change the name of the new Type, and confi...
  • Page 104 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER • Highlight the same icon in the User Type you want to copy to. • Choose Paste from the Edit menu, or click the Paste button in the toolbar:...

  • Page 105: Completing The Confi Guration

    CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER Completing the configuration The fi nal stage in creating a settings fi le is to save it, and then store it to the digital surround controller. To save the current settings • Choose Save from the File menu or click the Save toolbar button, to save the changes you have made to the settings fi...
  • Page 106 CONFIGURING USING A COMPUTER...

  • Page 107: Using Meridian Room Correction

    This chapter explains how to run the Meridian Room Correction program and use it to create profi les for use with the 861. Reference Digital Surround Controller 861 Source...

  • Page 108: Introduction

    These are then downloaded to the 861 and can be associated with particular presets, or selected from the front panel. Selecting a profi le applies a set of digital fi lters individually to each speaker to achieve the required room correction.
  • Page 109 Unless your listening room has been specially designed for acoustic performance, you will almost certainly hear distinct benefi ts after incorporating room correction into your 861, and if the room has major resonances or imbalances the difference should be quite dramatic.

  • Page 110: Auto Set Up

    Auto set up This section explains how to create a basic room correction using default settings, download it to the 861, and select it for use with the DSP presets. The Room Correction program is run from within the Meridian Confi...
  • Page 111 • Click the Launch Meridian Room Correction application button. If necessary, you will fi rst be prompted to save the current confi guration. The Meridian Room Correction Set up wizard will then be displayed: • Click the Next button to continue.
  • Page 112 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION The next page allows you to specify which input card and analogue input you are going to use for the microphone or Sound Pressure Level meter, and the sensitivity of the input: • Select the appropriate card and input.
  • Page 113 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION The following dialogue box will count down to the test: A signal will then be played through the main left loudspeaker. • Check that the SPL meter reading does not indicate that the input signal is too large for the selected range.
  • Page 114 A countdown dialogue box will give you time to leave the room. The Room Correction program will then present a test tone to each loudspeaker in turn for each of the distinct layouts defi ned in the 861 Confi guration fi le:...
  • Page 115 fi lters being built for each channel and each speaker layout in turn: Finally the calculated fi lters will automatically be stored to the 861. The following dialogue box confi rms that the Auto set up has completed successfully: •...
  • Page 116 CORRECTION You will then be given the option of saving the settings: • Click the Yes button to save the settings and return to the Meridian Confi guration program. All the room correction settings and measurements will be saved in a folder named after the MSF fi...
  • Page 117 You have now completed the Auto set up, which creates a recommended set of room correction profi les. In most situations this is all you need to do in order to take advantage of room correction with your 861. The next sections describe some of the more advanced options available in the Meridian Room Correction program, including the options for remeasuring channels, creating multiple profi...

  • Page 118: Viewing And Repeating Measurements

    The Measurements panel shows a measurement for each of the speaker layouts set up in the 861 confi guration. You can also create additional measurements, such as to cater for different furniture layouts, and for each measurement you can view the effect of applying different profi les:...
  • Page 119 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION To view the measurements • Click with the right mouse button on the measurement you want to view and choose the appropriate channel from the View Measurement submenu on the pop-up menu: The Plot measurement window allows you to see the measurement for...
  • Page 120 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION You can select one of the following three graph types from the Graph type pop-up menu. All three views of the measurment are calculated from the same measured test signal: Impulse response Shows the response over time of the loudspeaker to a click. The curve shows a maximum just after time zero, and then decays rapidly depending on the amount of reverberation in the room.
  • Page 121 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION Waterfall plot Shows the response of the room to a series of short sine wave pulses of frequencies between 0 and 250Hz. It shows how the response decays over time at each of those frequencies. The ideal waterfall plot would have a smooth profi le and decay evenly to a low level within 0.5 to 0.8 seconds.
  • Page 122 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION The two graphs will be displayed one above the other on the screen: To change the axes • Click the Axes… button in the Plot measurement window. The Set axes dialogue box allows you to set the range of the x, y, and z (waterfall plot only) axes: •...
  • Page 123 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION To repeat measurements You can repeat measurements for one or more channels; for example, if an external sound interfered with an existing measurement. • Click with the right mouse button on the measurement you want to repeat and choose Speakers…...
  • Page 124 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION The following dialogue box then indicates how long the selected measurements will take, and gives you an opportunity to leave the room before the test sequence begins: To create multiple measurements To create a room correction profi le you need at least one measurement set for each of the speaker layouts defi...

  • Page 125: Creating Multiple Profi Les

    USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION Creating multiple profiles After creating a measurement set you need to create a profi le for each of the speaker layouts in each of the measurement sets. The Profi les panel shows a list of all the active profi les and allows you to create new profi...
  • Page 126 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION To build the fi lters for a profi le • Select the profi le in the Active profi les list and click the Build fi lters… button. The Build fi lters dialogue box is displayed to allow you to specify the...
  • Page 127 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION If you have more than one measurement set the following dialogue box is displayed to allow you to select which measurement set you want to use for the fi lters: Note: The process of building fi lters is computationally intensive, and it is recommended that you do not try to run other programs at the same time.
  • Page 128 40 fi lters. To store profi les temporarily to the 861 You can store profi les temporarily to the 861 so you can listen to them while using the Meridian Room Correction program. • Click the Store… button.
  • Page 129 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION Editing filters After building the fi lters for a profi le you can edit the fi lters numerically or graphically to adjust their parameters, or change the response of each fi lter. Note: This should only be attempted by users with an understanding of fi...
  • Page 130 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION To edit the fi lters graphically • Click the Graphical tab to display the Graphical panel in the Edit Filters dialogue box. • Select the channel in the Channel list to display the fi lters for that channel in the Filter response graph: •...
  • Page 131 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION The fi lter will be displayed with a red vertical bar at the fi lter centre frequency, and a rectangle indicating the bandwidth of the fi lter: To adjust the centre frequency of the fi lter: •...

  • Page 132: Editing Fi Lters

    861. To edit an existing profi le, or add a new profi le • Run the Meridian Confi guration Program and open the MSF fi le used to create the original profi les.
  • Page 133 Meridian Room Correction program. If you use the Meridian Room Correction program to create new measurements and profi les and store these to the 861, the old profi les will be overwritten.

  • Page 134: Troubleshooting

    Meridian Room Correction program. If problems still persist after working through the following steps please send an email to support@meridian.co.uk with a zip fi le containing your MSF fi le and all the fi les in the associated mrd folder and its subfolders. For example if your MSF fi...
  • Page 135 • The Sensitivity setting is adequate for the SPL meter or microphone. The sensitivity value for the 861 analogue input cards is given in rms volts (Vrms). For example a sensitivity of 1Vrms allows a signal of 2.8Vpp. A sensitivity of 1V is recommended for use with most SPL meters though 0.5V...
  • Page 136 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION Power OK, SNR less than 18 The following error will be displayed: The most likely cause of this problem is that an analogue source is connected to the input chosen for the microphone. • Check that the lead from the SPL meter is connected to the input you have chosen for the microphone test.
  • Page 137 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION Repeated measurements due to poor SNR Measurements are retried until the SNR is larger than 43 or the maximum number of retries have been made. The maximum number of times each measurement will be retried due to poor SNR can be set in the Preferences dialogue box, accessed from the Options menu: The default number of retries is 3.
  • Page 138 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION SPL meter is set on a high band The following graph shows an impulse response obtained when a Radio Shack SPL meter was set on the 120dB band. The tail of the response is generally noisy. The SNR value was 39 but the Power was only –48:...
  • Page 139 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION If problems are still encountered, use the phase/gain tab under speaker layout to reduce the gain of the channel. Use the reduced gain setting for the room correction measurements, then return to the correct level for a calibrated system after running room correction measurements.
  • Page 140 USING MERIDIAN ROOM CORRECTION...

  • Page 141: Glossary

    Glossary Reference Digital Surround Controller 861 Source Mute...

  • Page 142: Aspect Ratio

    A DSP parameter providing dynamic range control for Dolby Digital sources. Controller The product in a Meridian system that uses the infra-red signals from the remote to control the system. The controller is normally chosen automatically, but the installer can override this.
  • Page 143 Menus The fl exible system for choosing options and confi guring settings in Meridian products. On the 861 the menus are controlled by the <, >, A, and V keys under the front panel or on the MSR.
  • Page 144 Picture Expert Group. Like Dolby Digital it provides fi ve full-frequency range channels and an additional Low Frequency Effects (LFE) channel. Meridian Settings File, a fi le containing settings and User Types for one or more Meridian products. The Meridian System Remote, or handset.
  • Page 145 The larger the SNR the better the quality. Source An input to the system, such as CD or TV. The Meridian 500 and 800 Series provide 12 named sources, corresponding to the names of the 12 source keys on the MSR. In the 861 you can choose the logo displayed for each source, and the input used for it.
  • Page 146 GLOSSARY PREFACE Type A standard confi guration of the digital surround controller. Selecting a Type resets any confi guration and calibration changes to either a factory default, or a stored set of user settings.

  • Page 147: Index

    Index confi guration resetting 50 AC-3 3 without a computer 49 Academy (DSP parameter) 43 Confi guration program 66 accessories, Tape card 21 installation 67 Advanced setup options 91 requirements 67 Ambisonics (DSP preset) 39,46 running 68 analogue sources, adjusting toolbar buttons 68 sensitivity 60 content types 17, 19, 79...
  • Page 148 46 menus, locking 24 Meridian Confi guration program. See confi guration program EX (DSP preset) 45 Meridian High Resolution (MHR) 91 EZ (DSP preset) 45 Meridian Room Correction. See room correction Meridian Room Correction program. fetching calibrated settings 93 See Room Correction program fi...
  • Page 149 Mono (DSP preset) 43 Mono Rear (DSP parameter) 40, 43 Rear (DSP parameter) 26, 30 Movie 2 17, 79 rear speakers Movie 6 17, 79 changing the relative delay 32 MPEG Surround encoding 3 changing the relative level 30 multi-channel link 7 recording 21 MusicLogic (DSP preset) 40 remote 13...
  • Page 150 Sound Pressure Level meter 53 THX EX (DSP preset) 45 sources 15 THX level 55 adjusting sensitivity of analogue 60 THX Music (DSP preset) 45 advanced options 82 THX Ultra2 (DSP preset) 45 assigning DSP presets 34 time-aligning the system 56 confi...

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