Introduction To The Dc-1; Introduction - Lexicon DC-1 - REV 1 Owner's Manual

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Introduction

Introduction
to the DC-1
to the DC-1
DC-1 Digital Controller
Introduction
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 digital inputs can be assigned to any of the audio
inputs for custom configuration. The digital inputs are processed through
true 20-bit D/A converters, providing a level of performance not found in
most stand alone converters. Built-in digital crossovers make it possible to
tailor the output to match any speakers in a system. There is also a second
set of pre-outs with independent volume and source selection to accommo-
date music in a separate zone.
A great deal of effort went into designing an instrument which would be
flexible enough to satisfy the most critical listeners and yet be simple to
operate. Essentially, the DC-1 is a signal processing computer that can be
custom-programmed for any specific system. Once installed, it can be
operated easily via a remote providing effects tailored for your specific
listening environment, and complete control of every aspect of operation.
The Lexicon DC-1 Digital Controller has a single goal: to draw you, the
listener, more deeply into a musical performance or a film. For music the
DC-1 uses true stereo digital processing to recreate the original recording
space or to create a new one of your choosing. For films it offers an extremely
accurate version of Dolby Pro Logic surround decoding with all of the
enhancements of the LucasFilm Home THX Cinema system and Lexicon's
®
proprietary enhancement for film soundtracks. The increase in impact of a
musical performance or film when heard with the DC-1 is incredible.
To recreate the experience of being at a live musical performance the
DC-1 draws on recent studies of concert-hall acoustics, and applies this
research to home listening rooms. Our auditory sense is quite adept at
interpreting clues about our physical environment. Even with your eyes
closed, it is possible to get a good mental picture of the room or hall you are
in by listening to the ambience, or reflected sound energy, in the room. We
are not aware of our auditory sense in everyday life because it confirms
what our eyes identify as the environment. When we listen to recorded
music, however, there are no visual clues and we rely completely on our
sense of hearing. The introduction of two-speaker stereo systems over
thirty years ago brought dramatic improvement to high fidelity music
reproduction. With a carefully-designed system, and good recording, it
became possible to produce a good sonic picture of the original event.
Unfortunately, our listening rooms do not approximate the acoustics of a
good concert hall, an intimate jazz club, or a magnificent cathedral — our
ears tell us where we really are. The Lexicon DC-1 is designed to overcome
this fundamental limitation to two-speaker reproduction and bring us
closer to the ultimate goal of transporting ourselves to the original musical
event. The object is to increase the sideways-moving sound in a room, thus
increasing Spatial Impression, or SI. The DC-1 increases SI by either
extracting it from the original recording, using the Panorama or Surround
effects, or by generating a new acoustic environment such as a Concert Hall,
a Nightclub or a Cathedral.
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