M E R I D I A N
G
S E R I E S
G 6 1 D I G I T A L S U R R O U N D C O N T R O L L E R
I N S T A L L A T I O N G U I D E
G61 Digital Surround Controller
Installation Guide
i i
P r e f a c e
Important safety instructions
• Read the instructions.
To avoid overheating
• Leave at least 10cm around the equipment to ensure sufficient
ventilation.
• Keep these instructions.
• Follow all instructions.
• Do not use this apparatus near water.
• Clean only with a dry cloth.
Do not position the product:
• Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Refer all servicing to approved service personnel.
• In direct sunlight.
• Near heat sources, such as a radiator.
• Directly on top of heat producing equipment, such as a power
amplifier.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
• On a soft surface, such as a carpet, which would obstruct the
ventilation holes in the base.
This apparatus has been designed with Class 1 construction and
must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective
earthing connection (the third grounding pin).
The product normally runs warm to the touch.
Radio interference
Safety warnings
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. These limits are intended
to provide reasonable protection against such interference in home
installations.
• Do not expose the product to dripping or splashing.
• Do not place any object filled with liquid, such as a vase, on the
product.
• Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the
product.
To avoid interference
Do not position the product:
EEC: This product has been designed and type-tested to comply
• Near strong magnetic radiation, such as near a power amplifier.
• Near to a television, or where connecting cables may be subject
to or cause interference.
with the limits set out in EN55013 and EN55020.
i i i
C o n t e n t s
Contents
Provides information about the digital surround controller,
and technical specifications.
Gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and
describes how to modify them.
Describes how to install the digital surround controller and
connect it to the other equipment in the system.
Provides suggested solutions to problems while installing,
configuring, or operating the product.
Explains how to configure the digital surround controller
using the front-panel controls.
Describes how to fine-tune the digital surround controller
to achieve the optimum performance from your sources and
speaker layout.
i v
P r e f a c e
Copyright and acknowledgements
Sales and service in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd
Latham Road
Sales and service in the USA
Meridian America Inc
8055 Troon Circle
Suite C
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE29 6YE
Austell
GA30168-7849
USA
England
Tel +44 (0)1480 445678
Fax +44 (0)1480 445686
Tel +1 (404) 344 7111
Fax +1 (404) 346 7111
Copyright © 2003-2005 Meridian Audio Ltd
Boothroyd|Stuart Meridian, Meridian, and Meridian Digital Theatre
are registered trademarks of Meridian Audio Ltd.
This guide was produced by Human-Computer Interface Ltd,
Designed and manufactured in the UK by Meridian Audio
Ltd. Meridian Audio reserves the right to make changes and
improvements to any of the products described in this document
without prior notice.
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories, Lucasfilm Ltd.
(US patents 5,043,970;5,189,703;5,222,059. European patent
0323830), Trifield Productions Ltd, and Nimbus Records Ltd.
Dolby, Dolby Digital, Pro Logic, AC-3, PLII, PLIIx, AAC, and the
double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation. Lucasfilm, THX, and THX Cinema are registered
trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. Surround EX is a jointly developed
technology of THX and Dolby Laboratories, Inc and is a trademark
of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Used under
authorisation. DTS is a registered trademark of Digital Theatre
Systems Inc. MPEG is a registered trademark of the MPEG
organisation. Ambisonic is a registered trademark of Nimbus
Records Ltd. Trifield is a trademark of Trifield Productions Ltd.
LaserDisc is a trademark of Pioneer Electric Corp.
MHR: This product incorporates copyright protection technology
covered by certain patent applications and intellectual property
of Meridian Audio Ltd. This technology is provided for the express
purpose of securely containing copyright audio within the
Meridian System only. Reverse engineering or circumvention of this
protection is strictly prohibited.
Part no: G61/1
2
I n t r o d u c t i o n
carrying explicit information about the nature of the datastream as
well as encrypted high-resolution digital signals from DVD-Audio
– the first system of its kind to be approved. Virtually all other
manufacturers oblige you to go through an analogue connection,
losing quality in the process.
You can also store separate parameters for each source (such
as DVD) depending on whether the incoming signal is stereo or
surround, so that any source material is played with the DSP mode
of your choice.
3
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Specifications
Digital coax inputs
Digital optical inputs
Analogue inputs
Digital outputs
Unbalanced outputs
Trigger outputs
Comms
6 coax digital inputs, 2 6-channel coax inputs, all MHR.
5 optical digital inputs.
5 stereo unbalanced inputs; 1 6-channel unbalanced input.
Main, Centre/Sub, Sides, Rears, A/B*.
†
Main L/R, Centre/Sub, Rears, LZ, RZ .
3 12VDC/100mA trigger outputs configurable by source.
2 5-pin 240º DIN sockets, BNC socket, USB, RS232 interface.
Up to 192kHz, 24-bit Sigma-Delta conversion on all analogue inputs and outputs.
Include Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG Surround, and AAC.
Conversion
Formats
DSP modes
Direct, Music, Trifield, Ambisonics, Super, Stereo, MusicLogic, Mono, TV Logic, PLIIx Music, PLIIx Movie, PLIIx
THX, Discrete, Cinema, PLIIx Mov6, PLIIx Mus6, THX, THX Surround EX, THX Ultra2 Cinema, THX Music.
Power
Universal supply 100-240V, 50-60Hz, 40W.
Processing
3 Motorola 56367s running at 150MHz to give a total of approximately 450MIPS. 48-bit arithmetic
throughout.
Dimensions
Weight
440mm x 90mm x 350mm (17.32" x 3.54" x 13.78") WHD.
((to be added))
Controls
Front-panel soft keys include control of Source, Preset, etc. Standby and display buttons, volume control,
mute. Full remote control of all features via MSR+.
Display
Multi-character dot-matrix Vacuum Fluorescent Display.
Standby button lit when off.
Indicators
*A/B: Subs if two or three subs are used. Optional ceiling speakers with future software update.
†LZ/RZ: May be chosen to be any pair from: Main L/R, Centre/Sub, Sides, Rears, Subs.
Note: Current software supports a maximum of eight outputs. Future software will support up to 12.
4
I n t r o d u c t i o n
5
Installing the
digital surround
controller
Installing the digital surround controller
This chapter explains how to install the digital surround controller. It describes what you
should find when you unpack the product, and how you should connect it to the other
equipment in the system.
You should not make any connections to the product or to any other component in the
system while the AC power supply is connected and switched on.
Unpacking
The G61 Digital Surround Controller is supplied with the following
accessories:
• MSR+ remote control with batteries, manual, and spare key caps.
• Meridian Comms lead.
• Power cord.
• This manual.
• Meridian G Series System Guide.
If any of these items are missing please contact your dealer.
Note: You should retain the packaging in case you need to
transport the unit.
6
Installing the
digital surround
controller
Audio inputs
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-ULTICHANNEL ANALOGUE INPUTS
$IGITAL COAX INPUTS
-ULTICHANNEL DIGITAL COAX INPUTS
!NALOGUE INPUTS
Use this connector
To connect to this
MULTI DIGITAL INPUT 1 (DVD) or D1-D3,
MULTI DIGITAL INPUT 2 or D4-D6
The multichannel digital output of a source such as the G98DH DVD Audio Transport, or
three digital sources.
DIGITAL INPUT D7 (CD), D8 (DISC), D9
(VCR2), D10-D12
The digital output of a source such as a G08 24-bit Upsampling CD Player or DAB tuner.
MULTI ANALOGUE INPUT (AUX) or A1-A3
A multichannel analogue source such as an SACD player.
ANALOGUE INPUT A4 (TAPE), A5 (TV),
A6 (CABLE), A7 (VCR1)
The unbalanced analogue output of a source such as a tape recorder, TV tuner, cable box,
or VCR.
OPTICAL INPUT O1 (SAT), O2 (GAME), O3-O5 The optical output of a source such as a satellite receiver or computer game console.
The default assignment of the sources to each input is shown in brackets after the input name in the above table. To assign a different
input to a source see Configuring sources, page 20 .
7
Installing the
digital surround
controller
To connect to a digital source (eg G07 24-bit CD Player)
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You can connect up to 12 digital coax sources to the G61 Digital
Surround Controller.
If the source is a Meridian product connect together the COMMS
sockets using the Comms lead provided.
• Connect the digital source to one of the digital input sockets of
the digital surround controller, using a 75Ω screened coax phono
lead.
To connect to an analogue source (eg TV tuner)
46 TUNER
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You can connect up to eight analogue sources to the G61 Digital
Surround Controller.
• Connect the analogue source to one of the analogue input
sockets of the digital surround controller, using screened coax
phono leads.
8
Installing the
digital surround
controller
To connect to a DVD-Audio player with digital multichannel outputs (eg G98DH DVD Audio Transport)
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The G61 Digital Surround Controller provides 12 digital coax
inputs, six of which can be used as two multichannel inputs from
a source with a suitable digital multichannel output, such as the
G98DH DVD Player.
• Connect the MAIN DIGITAL OUT on the G98DH to the MULTI
DIGITAL INPUT 1 on the G61, using three 75Ω screened coax
phono leads.
• Connect together the COMMS sockets using the Comms lead
provided.
To connect to a source with analogue multichannel outputs (eg SACD or DVD-A player)
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The G61 Digital Surround Controller provides eight analogue
inputs, three of which can be used as a multichannel input from a
source with a suitable analogue multichannel output, such as an
SACD player.
You can then select the source corresponding to the multichannel
input (AUX) for playing surround material, and the source
corresponding to the digital input (DISC) to decode other formats.
Note: Multichannel analogue sources may have subwoofer level
outputs that vary by up to 10dB, so it may be necessary to reduce
the LFE level to give correct bass integration; see DSP presets, page
33.
• Connect the ANALOGUE OUTPUT sockets from the source to the
analogue multichannel inputs on the digital surround controller
using six phono leads.
• Optionally connect a digital output from the source to digital
input D8 (DISC) on the digital surround controller, using a digital
phono lead.
9
Installing the
digital surround
controller
Audio outputs
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!NALOGUE OUTPUTS
$IGITAL OUTPUTS
Use this output
To connect to this
DIGITAL OUTPUT MAIN L/R, CENTRE/SUB,
SIDES, REARS, A/B
Digital loudspeakers, using digital coax cables.
ANALOGUE OUTPUT LEFT, RIGHT, REAR L, REAR The unbalanced analogue input of a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, using
R, CENTRE, SUB, LZ, RZ screened coax phono leads.
The G61 hardware architecture is designed to process up to 12
completely independent output channels. Currently the software
limits the number of outputs to a total of eight: Main L/R, Centre,
Sub, Rears, and either Sides or two more additional subwoofers.
The G61 provides analogue and/or digital output sockets for these
eight speakers.
1 0
Installing the
digital surround
controller
To connect the G61 to Meridian DSP loudspeakers
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• Use the Comms part of an M5 lead to connect one of the
COMMS sockets on the G61 to the digital speaker you have
chosen as the master (typically the centre speaker).
• Link each pair of speakers together with an S5 lead, out of
the first speaker and into the second speaker, as shown in the
diagram for the main L&R.
• Use the audio part of the M5 lead to connect the digital speaker
to the appropriate digital output socket.
• Connect the inputs to the first speaker of each additional pair to
the 511 (Comms) and the appropriate output of the G61 (audio),
using an S5 lead.
If the system includes more than two Meridian DSP loudspeakers
you will need a 511 S-patch box (available separately) to link
together the S5 leads from each speaker.
The speakers should then be configured appropriately as master
and slaves, and Left, Right, Centre, Surround; see Meridian DSP
Loudspeaker User Guide for more details.
• Connect the COMMS output from the master digital speaker to
one socket on the 511 using an S5 lead.
1 1
Installing the
digital surround
controller
To connect the G61 to active unbalanced loudspeakers (eg Meridian M33s)
M33
M33
'ꢀꢁ $IGITAL 3URROUND # ONTROLLER
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PHONO LEAD
PHONO LEAD
• Connect the appropriate analogue out sockets from the digital
surround controller to the speaker inputs, using phono leads.
To connect the G61 to a stereo power amplifier (eg Meridian G56 or G57)
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• Connect the appropriate analogue output sockets from the digital
surround controller to the stereo power amplifier inputs, using
phono leads.
• Connect the speaker outputs from the stereo power amplifier to
suitable speakers.
1 2
Installing the
digital surround
controller
To connect an active subwoofer (eg Meridian M1500 or M2500)
3UBWOOFER
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• Connect the SUB analogue output socket from the G61 Digital
Surround Controller to the subwoofer’s line-level input using a
phono lead.
Use RZ and LZ if you have two subwoofers.
The digital surround controller provides a very high-quality
crossover for the subwoofer, and for best results you should use
this instead of the subwoofer’s crossover. To do this remove any
crossover in the subwoofer or set it to its highest setting (eg
200Hz). The subwoofer crossover can be set from the front panel of
the G61; see Subwoofer crossover frequency, page 30.
1 3
Installing the
digital surround
controller
Communications connections
-ERIDIAN $). # OMMS
-ERIDIAN ".# # OMMS
4RIGGER OUTPUT ꢁ
53" CONNECTION
23ꢄꢌꢄ CONNECTION
4RIGGER OUTPUTS ꢄ ꢋ ꢌ
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)NFRAꢆRED REPEATER INPUT
0OWER ꢋ FUSE
Use this connector
DIN COMMS
To connect to this
Other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment, or Meridian DSP loudspeakers.
Other Meridian G Series equipment or some Meridian DSP loudspeakers.
A computer, for configuring the digital surround controller.
BNC COMMS
RS232 connection
USB connection
IR IN
A computer, in future applications.
A G12 IR Receiver, or approved alternative infra-red repeater. Contact your dealer for details.
TRIG 1, TRIG 2, TRIG 3
Other equipment, via mono 3.5mm jack plug outputs (centre pin hot) providing 12VDC. They are always low
in standby. By default they are high for all sources, so can be used to bring a G56 or G57 Power Amplifier
out of standby. Alternatively you can program them to be high for specific sources; eg to control a projection
screen.
1 4
Installing the
digital surround
controller
To connect to other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment
'ꢀꢁ $IGITAL 3URROUND # ONTROLLER
' 3ERIESꢍ ꢊꢂꢂ 3ERIESꢍ OR ꢈꢂꢂ 3ERIES UNIT
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In a system of Meridian products the products should be linked
together in a chain, via the COMMS sockets, using the Comms
leads supplied with each product. The sequence in which you
connect the units is not important.
All the other units will be configured as non-controllers, and
display:
Not Con.
One of the products acts as the controller for the system, receiving
infra-red commands from the MSR+, and then, if appropriate,
relaying them to the other products via the Comms link. The
following procedure should be used to set up the Comms correctly
between several products:
The system is now ready for use.
If the automatic setup does not work, first make sure you are
operating the MSR+ from a position where all the units can receive
the infra-red, and try again. Then:
• Switch all the units to standby.
• Press Clear (MSR+).
• Check that none of the units have been configured to be IR
Controller; see Configuring other settings, page 22. Either all
products should be set to Auto, or one should be configured as
Controller and the others as Not Controller.
Each unit will display:
Auto
Note: Do not, under any circumstances, connect any equipment
other than Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series to any
socket marked COMMS on the back of the product.
One unit will then be designated as the controller, and display:
Con.
1 5
Configuring the
digital surround
controller
Configuring the digital surround controller
This chapter explains how to configure the digital surround controller using the Configuration Wizard.
Alternatively, for complete control over all aspects of the product’s configuration you can set up the unit
from a computer using the Meridian Configuration Program. For full information refer to the Meridian
Configuration Program Guide available separately.
The displays then shows:
Configuration Wizard
The Configuration Wizard leads you through the correct
sequence to configure your digital surround controller. Alternatively,
Version
Wizard Calib Lock
you can skip between the configuration stages, which allow you to
reset the configuration, or configure the sources or other settings
of the digital surround controller.
• Press Wizard.
Follow the sequence of configuration stages described in the
To run the Configuration Wizard
• If necessary press On/Off to put the digital surround controller
into standby.
following pages, pressing Next to proceed after each stage.
At any stage in the Configuration Wizard the following options are
available:
• Press More.
If the product is locked the display shows:
To do this
Press
Back
Go back to an earlier configuration option
Return to the title screen for the stage
Exit from the configuration menus
Display help about the current option
Home
On/Off
More
Version
Unlock
• Press Unlock to unlock it, then press More.
1 6
Configuring the
digital surround
controller
Stage 1: Resetting the product
The digital surround controller provides several alternative standard
settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the product
into the most commonly needed configurations.
• Press A or V to step through the available Types.
A description of the speakers for each type is shown on the top
line of the display. As you select each Type the digital surround
controller is reset to that Type.
Choosing one of the Types overrides any other configuration you
may have performed, and so can be used to reset the configuration
of the unit.
When you have selected the Type you want:
To reset the configuration
Either:
• Press Wizard.
• Press Next to proceed to configuring speakers, as described in
the next section.
The display shows the title screen for stage 1:
Or:
Press More for help
• Press On/Off to return to standby.
1: Reset settings
Back
Enter
Skip
• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go stage 2.
If you pressed Enter the display shows:
Reset all settings?
Back Yes
• Press Yes to proceed or Back to exit.
The display shows the current Type:
7.1, All An, Mono/THX Sub
Type 1
Back Next
óòô
öõú
1 7
Configuring the
digital surround
controller
Types
The following table lists the available Types:
Type
Speakers
Music Sub
LFE
Logic Sub
Centre
Mono
5.1 Movie Sub
0
1
2
3
4
5
All analogue.
LFE
All analogue.
Mono
LFE
Mono
LFE
All digital.
Centre
None
All digital, large centre.
Digital left, right, and centre.
Digital left and right.
None
LFE
None
LFE
Centre
Centre
LFE
LFE
Music Sub refers to a subwoofer used for all Music DSP presets, Logic Sub to a subwoofer used for all Logic DSP presets, and 5.1 Movie
Sub to a subwoofer used for all 5.1 Movie DSP presets; see Speaker layouts, page 33.
LFE subwoofer is only active in multichannel presets. Mono and Centre Subwoofers are active in all presets.
1 8
Configuring the
digital surround
controller
Stage 2: Configuring speakers
The Speakers configuration stage allows you to set up the digital
surround controller for the particular arrangement of loudspeakers
in your system.
The options are summarised in the table on the next page.
To change an option
• Press A or V to step between the alternative values for the
To configure the speakers
option.
Either:
When you have stepped through all the speaker options the display
shows:
• Press Next after resetting the product; see page 16.
Or:
Speaker choice finished.
Back Next
• Press Wizard; see page 15.
• Press Skip to skip past the Reset settings menu.
Either:
The display shows the title screen for stage 2:
• Press Next on the last option of the last speaker to proceed to
Press More for help
configuring sources, as described in the next section.
2: Select speakers
Back
Enter
Skip
Or:
• Press On/Off to return to standby.
• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go to stage 3.
If you press On/Off before completing the configuration a warning
is displayed, giving you the option of continuing or abandoning the
configuration.
The display shows the first speaker configuration option:
Number of Subwoofers:
one
Back Next
óòô
öõú
• Press Next or Back to step between options.
A description of each option is shown on the top line of the
display, and its current value is shown below this to the right.
1 9
Configuring the
digital surround
controller
Speaker options
The following table summarises the speaker options:
Option
Values
Description
Number of Subwoofers:
none, one, two, three
How many subwoofers.
The main L&R speakers are: small analogue/THX, small DSP, large The types of the main left and right speakers. If you have no
analogue, large DSP
subwoofers, you cannot specify small main speakers.
When the centre speaker is to be used.
The Centre is used:
always, never, for music, for movies
The Centre speaker is a:
small analogue/THX, small DSP, large The type of the centre speaker.*
analogue, large DSP
Number of Surrounds:
The Side speakers are:
none, two, four
The number of rear or side surround speakers.
small analogue/THX, small DSP, large The types of the side speakers.*
analogue, large DSP
The Rear speakers are:
The Subs are used:
The Sub handles:
small analogue/THX, small DSP, large The types of the rear speakers.*
analogue, large DSP
for movies only, always
all the bass, only the LFE
neutral, heavy
When the subwoofers are used. If you have small main speakers,
the subwoofer must always be used.
Whether to use the subwoofer for all bass or just the LFE channel.
Only available if there is only one subwoofer.
The bass balance is:
Whether the bass is distributed to all the large speakers and
subwoofer (heavy) or just the subwoofer (neutral – recommended).
Only available if there is only one subwoofer, and it handles all the
bass not just the LFE.
The 2 Subs are used for:
The sub is:
Left and Right, Front and Surround
analogue, digital
If there are two subwoofers, their position. Only available if there
are two subwoofers.
The type of subwoofer.
*If you have small main speakers, you cannot specify large centre or surrounds.
2 0
Configuring the
digital surround
controller
Stage 3: Configuring sources
The digital surround controller provides up to 12 sources
corresponding to the 12 source keys on the MSR+:
The display shows the first source and the first configuration option
for that source, whether it is in use:
This source is:
CD, RADIO, DVD, AUX, DISC, TAPE, TV, CABLE, SAT, VCR1, VCR2,
GAME.
Radio
in use
Source Back Next
óòô
öõú
For each source the Configure sources stage allows you to
configure a series of options, including:
• Press Next or Back to step between options.
The top line of the display shows a description of each option, and
its current value is shown to the right of the source name.
• Whether it is in use.
• The label used for it on the front-panel display.
• The audio input it selects.
When changing the source name, Next and Back step between
• The TRIGGER output level it selects.
character positions.
The procedure for doing this is as follows.
The options are summarised in the table on the next page.
To configure a source
To change an option
Either:
• Press A or V to step through the alternative values for the
• Press Next after configuring speakers; see page 18.
option.
Or:
To move to the next source
• Press Source.
• Press Wizard; see page 15.
• Press Skip to skip past the Reset settings and Select
When you have finished configuring sources:
speakers menus.
Either:
The display shows the title screen for stage 3:
• Press Next on the last option of the last source (Game) to
Press More for help
proceed to configuring settings, as described in the next section.
3: Configure sources
Back
Enter
Skip
Or:
• Press On/Off to return to standby.
• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go to stage 4.
2 1
Configuring the
digital surround
controller
Source options
The following table summarises the source options:
Option
Values
Description
The source is:
Audio input:
in use, not in use
Whether the source is enabled.
D1-D12, MD1-MD2, O1-O5, A1-A8,
MA1, Last Valid*
The audio input used for the source; digital, multichannel
digital, optical, tuner, analogue, or multichannel analogue.
Source name:
Trigger #1:
Trigger #2:
Trigger #3:
Comms Type:
Any name of up to five characters.
Trigger outputs for the source.
High, Low
High, Low
High, Low
Trigger outputs for the source.
Trigger outputs for the source.
CD 1C, Tuner 2C, DVD 3C, 4C-8C,
No Comms NC
Set to NC unless the source is a Meridian product.
Comms Address:
1A-8A
Allows you to have up to eight of each source type.
*Last Valid leaves the input set to the last input you selected.
2 2
Configuring the
digital surround
controller
Stage 4: Configuring other settings
The next stage allows you to configure other aspects of the
product’s operation.
To change a setting
• Press A or V to step through the alternative values for the
setting.
To configure other settings
Either:
When you have finished configuring the settings:
• Press Next after configuring the sources; see page 20.
Either:
Or:
• Press Next to proceed to calibrating the system, as described in
the next chapter.
• Press Wizard; see page 15.
• Press Skip to skip past the stages 1 to 3.
Or:
• Press On/Off to return to standby.
The display shows the title screen for stage 4:
Press More for help
4: Other settings
Back
Enter
Skip
• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go to the calibration
procedure.
The first setting is displayed:
The fan is:
used as necessary
Back Next
óòô
öõú
A description of each setting is shown on the top line of the
display, and its current value is shown to the right of the display.
The settings are summarised in the table on the next page.
2 3
Configuring the
digital surround
controller
Settings
The following table summarises the product settings:
Option
Values
Description
The fan is:
used as necessary, never used
Specifies how the optional temperature controlled fan
operates.
Distance measurement:
feet/inches, metres
No, THX Ultra2/yes
Units for displaying and entering distances.
Subwoofer frequency response.
Do your subs play to 20Hz?
Boundary Gain Compensation: off, on
Reduces the bass to compensate for listening positions close
to a wall.
Rear speaker separation
<12"/0.3m, 12-48"/0.3-1.2m,
Separation between rear speakers.
>48"/1.2m
Timeout to Home buttons:
Diagnostic displays:
on, off
Whether the soft keys revert to the home keys after a delay.
Whether diagnostic displays are shown.
on, off
Is the G61 IR Controller?
Main System Address
Product Address
Auto, Controller, Not Controller
Whether the product is the infra-red controller for the system.
Advanced setting (normally 1).
1-8
1-8
Advanced setting (normally 1).
2 4
Configuring the
digital surround
controller
2 5
C a l i b r a t i n g
t h e s y s t e m
Calibrating the system
To help you to set up the installation to give the best possible sound with any particular
combination of associated equipment, the G61 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.
You should use the calibration procedure the first time you set up the system, and whenever
you want to check the calibration, such as after changing the layout of the room.
Using a Sound Pressure Level meter
Introduction
Although you can perform the calibration procedure by ear, it is
recommended that you perform the tests using a Sound Pressure
Level meter. These are available fairly cheaply from Tandy/Radio
Shack, or your Meridian dealer may be able to lend you one.
We recommend that you perform the calibration procedure using
the MSR+ and from the listening position.
As you run the calibration procedure the name of each calibration
test is shown on the front-panel display, followed by the
parameters adjusted in the test.
Set the Sound Pressure Level meter to C weighted, and Slow. Take
readings with the meter at the listening position, pointing vertically.
You should hold the meter with an outstretched arm to minimise
reflections from your body.
Each calibration test uses a test signal designed to give the best
results.
You can choose to display and enter distances in either feet and
inches or metres.
2 6
C a l i b r a t i n g
t h e s y s t e m
To start the calibration procedure
For more detailed information about this and the other calibration
tests see the following sections.
Either:
• Press Next on the last option of configuring settings; see page
To exit from the calibration procedure
22.
You can exit from the calibration procedure at any time, and any
parameters you have set will be retained:
Or:
• Press On/Off to put the digital surround controller into standby.
• Press On/Off.
• Press More.
To complete the calibration procedure
When you reach the end of the calibration procedure the following
display confirms that you have completed the calibration of the
system:
If the product is locked the display shows:
Version
Unlock
Calibration complete.
• Press Unlock.
The display shows:
Back
Next
Restart
• Press Restart to restart the calibration procedure, or Next to
complete the wizard.
The display shows:
Version
Wizard Calib Lock
Press More for help
• Press Calib.
Wizard complete
Back
Exit
Restart
The displays shows Please wait….
Either:
After a few seconds the display shows the first calibration test:
• Press Exit to return to standby.
Press More for help
Or:
Left Level +0.0dB
ìî
ïñ
óòô
öõú
• Press Restart to return to stage 1; see page 16.
2 7
C a l i b r a t i n g
t h e s y s t e m
Calibration tests
• When you have completed the Levels section press > to proceed
Levels
to the next test.
These tests allow you to adjust the output level to each speaker
individually, and it follows the general guidelines from Dolby
Laboratories and THX.
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.
In each test the display shows the speaker being tested, and the
current relative level. For example:
Press More for help
Before setting up the speaker outputs you need to measure the
distance to each speaker from the listening position:
Left Level +0.0dB
ìî
ïñ
óòô
öõú
Sub
Centre
Left
Right
• Use > and < to move between each of the speakers in the
layout in the sequence: Left, Centre, Right, Side R, Rear R, Rear L,
Side L, and subwoofers.
• Use A and V to adjust the level of the speaker. Ignore any tonal
difference.
For correct THX reproduction you should adjust each speaker to
75dB SPL using an SPL meter. Even if the speakers are not THX
approved this setting is recommended.
Left
Side
Right
Side
If you have Meridian DSP loudspeakers they cannot be set above
+0dB.
Left Rear
Surround Sub
Right Rear
Note: You cannot set the level of a subwoofer by ear, because
low-frequency noises sound quieter. To set the subwoofer correctly
either use an SPL meter, or set it by ear and then reduce the
subwoofer gain by 15dB to correct for human hearing.
Measure from ear height at the listening position to the tweeter
on each speaker (where applicable), in the distance units you have
chosen; see Settings, page 23.
2 8
C a l i b r a t i n g
t h e s y s t e m
The next display shows the distance for the same speaker. For
example:
• Use > and < to move between each of the speakers in the
layout.
Press More for help
The display shows the speaker being tested, and the distance:
Left Distance 18'0
ìî
ïñ
óòô
öõú
Press More for help
Left Distance 18'0
Units ìî
ïñ
óòô
öõú
• Choose the correct setting as follows:
Setting
What it sounds like
• Use A and V to change the distance.
Correct
The sound between the speakers is very even, and
does not change radically as you move your head.
• You can press Units to change between feet/inches and metres.
Repeat this for each of the speakers in your layout.
• Press > to proceed to the next calibration stage.
Incorrect
The sound appears diffused, and changes in timbre
and apparent location as you move your head.
Pay particular attention to the centre channel, as this can have a
dramatic effect on the overall sound.
Fine tuning
These tests allow you to fine-tune the phase and delay of each
speaker when used in conjunction with other speakers on the
layout.
• Press > to proceed to the next calibration stage.
• Use > and < to move between each of the speakers in the
layout.
The first display allows you to adjust the phase. For example:
Press More for help
Left Phase
+
ìî
ïñ
óòô
öõú
2 9
C a l i b r a t i n g
t h e s y s t e m
Speaker size
These tests allow you to determine the bass handling capability
of large analogue speakers and subwoofers. Once set, the digital
surround controller will limit the bass level to protect the speakers
from potential damage.
On starting the test the speaker sizes are set to zero to avoid the
possibility of damaging the speakers, and the display shows:
Press More for help
Sizes set to zero
ìî
ïñ
óòô
öõú
The display then shows the first large analogue speaker; for
example:
Press More for help
Left Size
0
ìî
ïñ
óòô
öõú
• Press A or V to adjust the size value for the speaker until it just
begins to distort distinctly, and then reduce the value by one.
• Press > or < to move between each of the speakers to be
adjusted.
This is the last test in the calibration procedure; see To complete
the calibration procedure, page 26.
3 0
C a l i b r a t i n g
t h e s y s t e m
Using the Sine/Sub/Sens controls
This section explains how to use the Sine/Sub/Sens controls
to check for room resonances, adjust the subwoofer crossover
frequency, or adjust the sensitivity of the analogue sources.
• Press Xovr- or Xovr+ to decrease or increase the crossover
frequency.
The display shows the current crossover frequency:
To display the Sine/Sub/Sens controls
• If necessary, unlock the digital surround controller as described in
Configuration Wizard, page 15.
CD
Xover 85Hz
-Xover+
Sine
-Sens.+
• Press More until the bottom line of the display shows:
For THX loudspeaker systems you should not adjust these settings;
they should be left at 80Hz. 80Hz is also the recommended setting
for all movie listening. You may prefer, however, to lower the
crossover frequency for music if the main speakers have good bass
handling down to, say, 50Hz.
Radio Trifield
65
Sine/Sub/Sens. StoreClear
• Press Sine/Sub/Sens.
The bottom line of the display shows the Sine/Sub/Sens controls:
Sinewave sweep test
The G61 includes a sinewave signal test, to help you set the
subwoofer crossover frequencies, or check for room resonances. To
avoid possible damage to the speakers the volume is reduced to
50, if necessary, on entering the test.
Radio Trifield
Sine
65
-Xover+
-Sens.+
Subwoofer crossover frequency
Warning: This test is very loud. Very loud low-frequency
signals may damage the speakers.
The G61 Digital Surround Controller allows the crossover frequency
for any subwoofers which you have to be adjusted between 30 and
150Hz. The crossover can be set independently for Music, Logic,
and 5.1 Movie layouts. The default is the THX standard of 80Hz.
To use the sinewave sweep test
• Select a source, then display the Sine/Sub/Sens controls as
described above.
To adjust the subwoofer crossover frequency
• Select a source, then display the Sine/Sub/Sens controls as
described above.
• Press Sine to turn on the sinewave signal.
3 1
C a l i b r a t i n g
t h e s y s t e m
The display shows:
To change the volume
• Use the volume keys in the usual way.
CD
Sine
80.0Hz
öõú Sound Exit
To change the input
Chan óòô
• Press Sound.
An 80Hz sinewave will be played through all channels.
You can select between the following inputs:
You can change the test signal using the menu keys, as described
in the following sections.
Option
Input
Sine
Description
The current input.
A sinewave.
To select the channel
Noise
Pink noise, band bass 500Hz to 2kHz for main
channel.
• Press Chan.
Silent
Silence.
You can select any individual channel, or All Channels.
Alternatively you can switch between inputs using the menu keys
on the MSR+.
To change the sweep rate
• Press A or V to change the sweep rate and direction, as
follows:
Display
Description
Fast sweep up.
CD
>> 88.5Hz
öõú Sound Exit
Chan óòô
Slow sweep up.
Paused.
CD
> 81.5Hz
öõú Sound Exit
Chan óòô
CD
CD
Pause 80.0Hz
öõú Sound Exit
Chan óòô
Slow sweep down.
Fast sweep down.
< 78.5Hz
öõú Sound Exit
Chan óòô
CD
<< 70.5Hz
öõú Sound Exit
Chan óòô
3 2
C a l i b r a t i n g
t h e s y s t e m
The display shows, for example:
Setting up sources
This section explains how to use the Sine/Sub/Sens controls to
TV
2.0V Clip -0
-Xover+
adjust the sensitivity of the analogue sources.
Sine
-Sens.+
To adjust the sensitivity of a source
In this case reduce the sensitivity by selecting a higher number.
To obtain the best signal-to-noise ratio for each analogue source
you can adjust its sensitivity to give the highest level that does not
produce clipping.
If you have selected a digital source you cannot adjust the
sensitivity and the display shows, for example:
• Select the source you want to adjust, with loud source material
playing.
DVD Not Analogue
Sine
• Display the Sine/Sub/Sens controls as described above.
-Xover+
-Sens.+
• Press Sens- or Sens+ to decrease or increase the sensitivity.
The display shows the current sensitivity and the peak level; for
example:
TV
1.4V Peak -3
-Xover+
Sine
-Sens.+
You can adjust the sensitivity between 0.7, 1.0, 1.4, 2.0, and 2.8V
(least sensitive).
If the sensitivity is set too high the input will clip the loudest
passages, and the peak will be 0dB.
3 3
D S P p r e s e t s
DSP presets
This chapter gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and describes how to
modify them.
Layout
Description
DSP presets
Music
For music presets: two-channel (eg Trifield) and
multichannel (eg Discrete).
The G61 Digital Surround Controller provides two types of DSP
preset. One set is available if the input is two-channel; eg from a
traditional stereo source or a two-channel DVD-A. The other set is
available if the input is 5.1 or 6 channels of discrete audio; eg from
a Dolby Digital DVD-V or a music DVD-A. The DSP presets available
in each set are described in the following pages.
Logic
For two-channel movie presets: eg PLIIx Movie.
For multichannel movie presets: eg Cinema.
5.1 Movie
Speaker layouts
The G61 Digital Surround Controller provides great flexibility in
the way in which you use the loudspeakers in your system. For
example, the speaker step of the Configuration Wizard allows
you to use the subwoofers and centre speaker only for movie
material see Configuring speakers, page 18. With the Meridian
Configuration Program you can specify three different speaker
layouts, each with a different use of subwoofers and centre
speaker:
3 4
D S P p r e s e t s
Standard parameters
All DSP presets (except Mono and Direct) provide the following
standard parameters.
Individual DSP presets provide additional parameters, to allow you
to adjust specific features provided by that preset. For full details
refer to information about each preset later in this chapter.
Parameter
Treble*
Range
Default
+0dB
+0dB
+
What it changes
-10dB to +10dB
-5dB to +5dB
+ or -
The slope of the frequency response.
The bass response.
Bass*
Phase*
The phase of all loudspeakers.
The vertical balance.
Axis†
-2 to +3
-1
Balance
HS Output?*
<10 to 10>
Y or N
<0>
Y
The L-R balance.
Select Y for high-rate audio, upsampled if necessary. Select N for
standard-rate audio, downsampled if necessary.
Centre
Depth
Rear
-3.0dB to +3.0dB
-2.5ms to +5.0ms
-30dB to +10dB
-30dB to +10dB
0ms to 30ms
+0.0dB
+0.0ms
+0dB
+0dB
Varies
Varies
0ms
The level of the centre.
The delay of the centre.
The level of the rears.
The level of the sides.
The delay of the rears.
The delay of the sides.
The sync. delay.
Sides
R Delay
S Delay
LipSync
0ms to 30ms
0ms to 30ms
*These parameters apply to all DSP presets.
†Axis is only available with Meridian DSP loudspeakers.
3 5
D S P p r e s e t s
for the fact that the frequency response of human hearing changes
with direction.
DSP presets for two-channel material
The G61 provides several signal processing options for two-channel
material. The Music DSP presets are designed for use with music
from sources such as CD, radio, or two channel DVD-A:
The Music DSP preset is recommended for recordings made with
spaced omnidirectional microphones, or using a mono-surround
technique.
• Music, Trifield, Ambisonics, Super Stereo, Music Logic, PLIIx Music,
Stereo, and Direct.
Trifield
As for the Music DSP preset, the Trifield preset extracts the mono
and surround components of the original recording. It then
calculates the signals for the front, left, centre, and right speakers,
using the phase and amplitude differences between the three front
channels, to redistribute the sounds on a frequency-dependent basis.
The Logic DSP presets are designed for use with film soundtracks
or TV programmes:
• PLIIx Movie, PLIIx THX, TV Logic, and Mono.
The Music and Logic DSP presets use the Music and Logic speaker
layout respectively; see Speaker layouts, page 33.
This gives a significant improvement over traditional stereo, which
converts the differences between the microphone signals into
amplitude differences in the speaker signals. This version of the
Trifield algorithm is virtually impossible to implement without
digital signal processing.
Music
The Music DSP preset extracts the mono and surround components
of the original recording. These components provide an alternative
representation of the original sound, and this is sometimes used
for recording systems or in broadcasts such as FM radio. The mono
element is equalised using a proprietary Meridian technique to
match the tone colour of the centre speaker, and to compensate
Trifield is recommended for well-made recordings and stereo
television broadcasts that are not Dolby Surround encoded. An
advantage over the Music DSP preset is that the front stereo image
is more focused, and the width of the image can be adjusted.
Music and Trifield DSP preset parameters
Parameter
Centre
Options
What it changes
Flat, EQ1-3
The timbre of the centre loudspeaker.
Width†
0-1.5
The width of the image.
Surr. Rear
R Filter
Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. All
Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz
Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz
Switches the surround signal between the side and rear speakers.
The cutoff of high frequencies from the rear surrounds.
The cutoff of high frequencies from the side surrounds.
S Filter
†Trifield only.
3 6
D S P p r e s e t s
Ambisonics
The fundamental difference between Ambisonics surround sound
and conventional stereo is that the signals from all the speakers
combine to produce a coherent soundfield at the listening position,
giving the illusion that you are sitting inside the recording space
whether you are at the exact central seat or well off to one side.
The Ambisonics DSP preset can decode UHJ format, the two-
channel stereo-compatible encoding found on Ambisonically-
recorded discs and broadcasts. This material is specifically encoded
for surround reproduction and can give breathtakingly realistic
sound when replayed using the digital surround controller.
Of all the signal-processing options, Ambisonics is the one that
requires the greatest attention to speaker choice and positioning.
Ambisonics surround sound is quite unlike conventional stereo. A
special microphone technique picks up the sound of the original
performance in all three dimensions, allowing an archive to be
made which describes the soundfield exactly at that position. The
microphone signals are then encoded using a phase-amplitude
matrix to allow the effect to be conveyed on two-channel carriers
(like FM radio, LP, or CD).
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:
The digital surround controller uses accurately matched, frequency-
dependent, phase-amplitude matrices to decode the signal and
construct the signals for each speaker feed.
• Those using true coincident microphone techniques.
• Multi-tracked or multi-miked recordings.
Ambisonics and Super DSP preset parameters
Parameter
Width*
Row†
Options
What it changes
0 to 1
The width of the image.
A, C, E, G, I, K, M
7, 6, 5, 4
The seating position; the letters are like rows in a hall.
The number of speakers.
Channels
R Filter
Off, 3kHz, 7kHz, 9kHz
Off, 3kHz, 7kHz, 9kHz
The cutoff of high frequencies from the rear surrounds.
The cutoff of high frequencies from the side surrounds.
S Filter
*Super only.
†Ambisonics only.
3 7
D S P p r e s e t s
MusicLogic
MusicLogic is a music DSP preset based on Pro Logic II with
the addition of user-adjustable steering, designed to provide an
exciting experience with many types of studio-produced music.
MusicLogic DSP preset parameters
Parameter
Roll
Options
What it changes
Off, Low, Med, Max
The degree of left-right steering.
Yaw
Off, Low, Med, Max
The degree of front-rear steering.
Steered All
Steered Rear, Steered Side, Steered All
Which of the four surround channels are generated by steering.
PLIIx Music
The PLIIx Music preset is designed to use the Pro Logic IIx DSP
processing mode to decode music sources. It provides additional
Width, Dimension, and Panorama preset parameters to allow
you to adjust the soundfield.
PLIIx Music DSP preset parameters
Parameter
Steered All
Width
Options
What it changes
Steered Rear, Steered Side, Steered All
Which of the four surround channels are generated by steering.
The centre spread, where 0 is full centre and 7 is full left and right.
0 to 7
Dimension
-3 to +3
The spatial soundfield, where -3 puts the balance to the rear of the room
and +3 puts it to the front.
Panorama
No, Yes
Extends the front stereo image to include the surround speakers,
providing a wrap-around effect new to Pro Logic.
3 8
D S P p r e s e t s
Stereo and Direct
stability compared with the original Pro Logic decoding. Meridian’s
implementation of Pro Logic IIx uses proprietary code based on 48-
bit precision to give outstanding clarity.
The Stereo preset passes the left and right input signals directly to
the left and right main speakers. Any mono or front left and right
subwoofers continue to be used.
The PLIIx THX DSP preset uses the same PLIIx processing as PLIIx
Movie, but adds THX Cinema processing. THX is a set of standards
and technologies developed by Lucasfilm Ltd. with the aim of
making your experience of the film soundtrack as faithful as
possible to what the director intended.
With the Direct preset only the left and right main speakers are
used, bypassing any spatial processing and bass management.
There are no additional DSP preset parameters for Stereo and
Direct.
Re-equalistion is used to restore the correct tonal balance for
watching a film soundtrack in a small home environment.
PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX
PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX use the Dolby Pro Logic IIx DSP
processing mode, and are the recommended choice for Dolby
Surround encoded material. They also give excellent results with
two-channel sources not specifically encoded for Dolby Surround,
including two-channel Dolby Digital sources.
Timbre matching filters the information going to the surround
speakers so that they more closely match the tonal characteristics
of the sound coming from the front speakers. This ensures seamless
panning between the front and surround speakers.
Pro Logic IIx re-creates 7.1-channel movie surround from the two-
channel source, using improved decoding techniques that preserve
the directness of the soundfield, resulting in enhanced image
THX can also be used with the 5.1 Movie DSP presets; see THX,
page 41.
PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX DSP preset parameters
Parameter
Surrounds
Pro Logic
Options
Rear, Side, All
Off, On
What it changes
Which of the four surround channels are generated by steering.
On selects an emulation of the original Pro Logic decoding.
3 9
D S P p r e s e t s
TV Logic
TV Logic is a Logic preset based on Pro Logic IIx with the addition
of user-adjustable steering, designed to give higher intelligibility
and a more appropriate spatial presentation for studio-based TV
material.
TV Logic DSP preset parameters
Parameter
Roll
Options
What it changes
Off, Low, Med, Max
Off, Low, Med, Max
Rear, Side, All
The degree of left-right steering.
Yaw
The degree of front-rear steering.
Which of the surround channels are generated by steering.
Surrounds
Mono
If Party? is set to No, the combined or selected signal is played
only through the centre speaker, or the left and right speakers if
there is no centre, to centrally localise high-frequency hiss and
clicks.
In the Mono DSP preset you can choose to listen to:
• Only one of two input channels, such as when different
languages or material are carried on each channel.
• A combined version of the two input channels, such as if the
material was originally mono and has been conveyed on a two-
channel carrier.
Note: If Party? is set to Yes, full range bass is played through any
speakers that are not supplemented by a subwoofer, and this may
damage small speakers at high volume levels.
Mono DSP preset parameters
Parameter
Input
Options
What it changes
Auto L+R, Input L, Input R, Input L+R
Off or On
The channel selected.
Academy
Select On to include an equalisation (recommended by Lucasfilm Ltd) to
correct for a high-frequency balance in some old mono films.
Party?
No or Yes
Select Yes to play the mono signal through all speakers, including
subwoofers.
4 0
D S P p r e s e t s
There are five multichannel Movie presets:
DSP presets for multichannel material
Multichannel audio signals can come from either encoded data
streams (such as Dolby Digital) or as discrete channels from a DVD
player. If you are using Meridian SmartLink then all formats will
reach the G61 as discrete channels. With suitable loudspeakers the
G61 can upsample these to provide a more enjoyable surround
experience.
• Cinema, PLIIx Mov6, THX, THX Surround EX, and THX Ultra2
Cinema.
The multichannel Music presets all use the Music speaker layout
and the multichannel Movie presets all use the 5.1 Movie speaker
layout; see Speaker layouts, page 33.
The G61 Digital Surround Controller will automatically select the
right decoder algorithm and present the same set of preset choices
for all streams. Note: Some presets are only available if there are
four surround speakers in the system.
Cinema
The Cinema preset is recommended for listening to multichannel
movie soundtracks when no further processing is required.
Discrete
There are four multichannel Music presets:
The Discrete preset is similar to Cinema, except that it uses the
Music speaker layout and sets the LFE level to -10dB.
• Discrete, PLIIx Mus6, THX Music, and Ambisonics B format
(discrete inputs only).
Discrete and Cinema DSP preset parameters
Parameter
Options
What it changes
2+2+2*
Off, 5.1, Side, 7.1
Allows you to specify how DVD Audio channels 3+4 should be
interpreted: Off ignores them, 5.1 and 7.1 use them for centre and LFE,
Side uses them for the side speakers, 7.1 adds side speakers to 5.1.
Surround†
Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. All
Allows you to specify which speakers the surround channels should be
sent to in a system with four surrounds.
R Filter
S Filter
LFE
Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz
Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz
-28dB to 0dB
The cutoff of high frequencies from the rear surrounds.
The cutoff of high frequencies from the side surround.
The relative level of the LFE bass channel.
*Discrete only.
†Cinema only.
4 1
D S P p r e s e t s
THX
As with the PLIIx THX DSP preset, THX re-equalises the signals to
suit domestic listening conditions, and applies frequency-response
correction and decorrelation to the surround channels to make the
surround sound more realistic. It can be used whether or not your
other equipment is THX approved.
THX DSP preset parameters
Parameter
Options
What it changes
Surround
Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. All
Switches the surround signal between the side and rear speakers.
PLIIx Mov6, THX Surround EX, PLIIx Mus6, THX Ultra2
Cinema, and THX Music
THX Ultra2 Cinema and THX Music use a THX proprietary process
called advanced speaker array to provide a mix of ambient and
These presets are available if you have four surround speakers. They directional surround sounds using four surround speakers. Optimum
use Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Surround EX, and THX Ultra2 Cinema performance of THX Ultra2 Cinema and THX Music is produced
processing to generate multiple signals for larger home theatres.
when the two rear speakers are placed close together behind the
listening position. THX Ultra2 Cinema is recommended for movie
soundtracks that are not Dolby Surround EX encoded, and THX
Music is recommended for listening to multichannel music.
PLIIx Mov6 uses extended PLII technology from Dolby to generate
four surround signals from traditional multichannel source material
like Dolby Digital 5.1. It is intended for use with movie soundtracks.
PLIIx Mus6 also creates four surround signals; it is intended for
multichannel music playback from sources such as DVD-A or SACD
music discs.
PLIIx Mov6, THX Surround EX, PLIIx Mus6, THX Ultra2 Cinema, and THX Music preset parameters
Parameter
Options
What it changes
LFE
-28dB to 0dB
The relative level of the LFE bass channel.
4 2
D S P p r e s e t s
Ambisonics
The Ambisonics preset allows you to decode multi-channel sources
which have been encoded in Ambisonics B format.
Ambisonics B format contains four independent channels of
information to give a three-axis representation of the sound at the
recording position. The signals are: mono sound pressure, left-right
velocity component, front-back velocity component, and up-down
velocity component.
Using dynamic range control
If the input format is Dolby Digital, the 5.1 Movie DSP presets
provide an additional Compress parameter to allow you to take
advantage of the dynamic range information provided in the
Dolby Digital format to provide dynamic range control without the
distortion involved in analogue methods.
4 3
D S P p r e s e t s
Defining your own presets
The G61 Digital Surround Controller allows you to modify any of
the built-in presets, and save them for future use.
Alternatively press V to choose the built-in preset you started
with. For example:
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.
Pick Preset
Trifield
to overwrite
Store
óòô
öõú
• Press Store.
To save the preset settings
• Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To run the Configuration
The settings have been stored in the new or existing preset you
selected.
• Press DSP to select the preset you want to modify.
• Change the preset parameters to the values you want to store.
• Press More then Store, or Function + Store on the MSR+.
If you are defining a user preset you can now edit the name of the
preset if you wish.
A flashing cursor shows the letter you are editing:
The display shows the next available user-defined preset. For
example:
Write label
User 1
for preset
Pick Preset
User 1
ìî
ïñ
óòô
öõú Store
to overwrite
Store
óòô
öõú
• Press > or < to select the character position you want to edit.
• If you want to overwrite an existing user-defined preset press A
• Press A or V to change the character.
to select the preset you want to overwrite.
Each press steps through the sequence A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, full
stop, and blank. You can also select a blank directly by pressing
Clear on the MSR+.
For example:
Pick Preset
Classical
to overwrite
Store
óòô
öõú
4 4
D S P p r e s e t s
For example, you could change the name to:
Write label
for preset
Concert
ìî ïñ
óòô
öõú Store
• When you have entered the name you want to use press Store.
The display shows:
Stored
ìî
ïñ
óòô
öõú Assign
To make the new preset the default for the current source and
audio format:
• Press Assign.
To clear a user-defined preset
• Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To run the Configuration
Wizard, page 15.
• Press DSP to select the preset you want to clear.
• Press More then Clear, or Function + Clear on the MSR+.
The display shows Preset Clear.
If you clear a preset that was saved over a built-in preset, the
original settings are restored.
4 5
Trouble shooting
Troubleshooting
We expect you to achieve superb results with your digital surround controller. If, however, you
encounter any problems, either when installing and configuring it, or during operation, please
check the following pages for suggested solutions.
If these suggestions fail to cure the problem, please contact your Meridian dealer for further
assistance.
Erratic or unexpected system behaviour
General operating problems
Standby light not lit
Redo the Auto Configure process as follows:
• Check that the AC power supply is connected correctly.
• Check that the ON OFF switch on the back panel is in the ON
position.
• Put the whole system into standby.
• Make sure you are operating the MSR+ from a position where all
the units can receive the infra-red.
• Press Clear on the MSR+.
If the light still does not illuminate, check any fuses in your power
supply and the fuse in the inlet of the G61. If these are all intact,
contact your dealer.
• Observe all units responding correctly.
In extreme cases, the memory of the G61 may have been
corrupted. If this is suspected perform a full reset; see Resetting the
product, page 16.
4 6
Trouble shooting
Remote not working
Audio problems
Hum on analogue input
Check the following:
• Check the source equipment. Disconnect each source in turn.
• If the hum originates from a ground loop, an antenna or cable
supply may be the cause. In this case an antenna-lead isolator
should be fitted.
• The battery in the MSR+.
• Remove the Comms connections from the G61 and check
whether it responds now. If so, replace the connections and
perform an Auto Configure procedure; see To connect to other
Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment, page 14.
• See if the G61 has been set up as Not Controller in the
Configuration Menu; see Configuring other settings, page 22.
Note: This may be deliberate by your dealer.
• If the G61 seems to be the cause of hum consult your dealer.
There is radio interference
The G61 is a digital audio and computing device which has been
designed to very high standards of electromagnetic compatibility.
When playing a Dolby Digital DVD, the G61 selects a two-
channel preset
If this equipment does cause or suffer from interference to/from
radio or television reception then the following measures should
be tried:
DVDs include a two-channel Dolby Digital soundtrack, which will
use the default two-channel preset.
• Reorient the receiving aerial (or antenna) or route the antenna
cable of the receiver as far as possible from the G61 and its
cabling.
• Select a six-channel soundtrack, if it is available.
Unit is overheating
• Ensure that the receiver uses well-screened antenna cable.
• Relocate the receiver with respect to the G61.
• Connect the receiver and this product to different AC outlets.
• If the problem persists contact your dealer.
Check that there is adequate ventilation around the unit.
4 7
Trouble shooting
Audible hiss at high volume settings
Sound not clear
The input dynamic range of most current recordings is at maximum
16 bit. The reason for this is that currently CD, DVD, and LaserDisc
use a 16-bit standard, although DVD can support up to 24-bits. The
analogue sources you have cannot achieve this kind of range. For
comparison, analogue sources are likely to be of the order of:
• If speech sounds muffled in a system with a centre speaker,
check that sound is coming from the centre as there may be a
connection problem. In a digital or Meridian feed to the centre
you may have set it up to be right instead of left so that it is
playing a subwoofer signal.
• If speech sounds muffled in a system with no centre speaker, you
may have selected a layout that expects one. See Configuring
speakers, page 18.
• VCR, 12 bits.
• FM radio, 13 bits.
• Reel to reel tape, 13 bits.
• Cassette tape, 12 bits.
• LP, 11 bits.
Centre not working
There may be a connection problem.
Note: There may be a difference between the dynamic range of
the source channel when it is operating, and the noise you hear
in standby. For example, LP normally has lower noise when the
stylus is not in the groove; similarly tape will be quieter when it is
stopped. CD may also be quieter when it is stopped, producing so
called ‘digital silence’.
• In a digital or Meridian feed to the centre, you may have set it
up to be right instead of left, and therefore it may be playing a
subwoofer signal.
There is a hiss when starting DTS LaserDiscs or CDs
The DTS audio stream is indistinguishable from a PCM audio
stream; the G61 takes 30ms to identify the encoding, during which
a hiss is heard.
The G61 has a 24-bit capability on its internal analogue-to-digital
converter, which is used for analogue sources. When the volume is
turned up high you may hear its dither as a hiss when the sources
are stopped. This hiss is lower than the background noise of your
recordings and should be of no consequence.
• With non-video DTS sources you can add a 30ms delay to avoid
this.
• With video sources you can create a DTS-only source to avoid any
hiss.
For more information about each of these options see the Meridian
Configuration Program Guide.
4 8
Trouble shooting
The preset changes unexpectedly with a multichannel
source
If you are using a non-Meridian source on the MHR SmartLink
input, proprietary data may cause preset switching.
• Select Force this source to be six-channel for the source. See
the Meridian Configuration Program Guide.
4 9
Trouble shooting
Maintenance
To change the mains fuse
Cleaning
To clean the case, display panel, and keypad
• Remove the mains connector, and pull out the drawer above the
power input to access the fuse.
• Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit.
Before replacing a blown fuse, it is best to ascertain the cause of
the failure.
The exterior surfaces of Meridian G Series products are made from
solid anodised aluminium, powder coated steel, thermoplastic
rubber, and glass.
The fuse drawer includes a spare fuse. This should be replaced by a
fuse of the same rating.
They are designed to be easily wiped clean with a dry, lint free
cloth. Greasy marks should be removed by light rubbing with a
slightly damp cloth and a trace of proprietary glass cleaner. Do not
use any other solvent or abrasive based cleaners.
Ensure that no liquid enters the casework and that the product is
completely dry before re-connection.
To clean the audio and video connections
The audio and video sockets on the back of the product are gold
plated and do not need to be cleaned if gold-plated phono plugs
are used. Otherwise, it is recommended that you unplug and
reconnect the plugs at least once a year. A proprietary contact
cleaner can be used to some advantage.
The electrical digital output should be treated in a similar way.
5 0
Trouble shooting
Service and guarantee
Service
Guarantee
The Meridian G Series of hi-fi components has been carefully
designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user-
serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any form
of maintenance.
The product is guaranteed against defects in material and
workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.
The guarantee is void if the product has been subject to misuse,
accident, or negligence, or has been tampered with or modified
in any way without the written authorisation of Meridian Audio
Limited. Note: Connecting anything other than the correct network
lead to the Comms sockets may cause damage to the product
which will not be covered by this guarantee. Attempted servicing
by unauthorised people may also invalidate this guarantee. Labour
and carriage charges are not covered unless by local agreement.
In the unlikely event that your product fails to function correctly,
it should be returned, in its original packaging, to your Meridian
dealer.
In case of difficulty within the UK or USA please contact the
appropriate sales and service address shown on page iv.
In case of difficulty outside the UK or USA, contact the importing
agent for the territory. A list of Meridian agents outside the UK is
available from Meridian Audio.
Outside the UK, local warranty liability is restricted to equipment
purchased within the territory. Our agents outside the UK are only
under contractual obligation to service under-guarantee equipment
sold through them. They are entitled to make a non-refundable
charge for any service carried out on other equipment.
No responsibility can be accepted for the product whilst in transit
to the factory or an agent, and customers are therefore advised to
insure the unit. When seeking service under guarantee, proof of the This guarantee does not limit your statutory rights within the
date of purchase will be required. country of purchase.
5 1
Index
I n d e x
compression 42
A
Compress (DSP parameter) 42
configuration, resetting 16
Configuration Wizard 15
configuring
Academy (DSP parameter) 39
accessories 5
active loudspeakers, connecting to 11
active subwoofer, connecting to 12
Ambisonics (DSP preset) 36, 42
analogue source, connecting 7
audio inputs 6
settings 22
sources 20
connections
audio inputs 6
audio outputs 9
audio outputs 9
cleaning 49
automatic setup 14
Axis (DSP parameter) 34
communications 13
Controller, setting 14
B
Balance (DSP parameter) 34
Bass (DSP parameter) 34
built-in presets, replacing 43
D
Depth (DSP parameter) 34
digital source, connecting 7
Dimension (DSP parameter) 37
Direct (DSP preset) 38
Discrete (DSP preset) 40
DSP parameters
Academy 39
C
calibration procedure 25
moving between tests 26
starting 26
tests 27
Axis 34
calibration tests 27
distance 27
Balance 34
Bass 34
fine-tuning 28
Centre 34, 35
Channels 36
levels 27
speaker size 29
Compress 42
Centre (DSP parameter) 34, 35
Channels (DSP parameter) 36
Cinema (DSP preset) 40
cleaning 49
Depth 34
Dimension 37
HS Output? 34
Input 39
COMMS, connecting 14
communications connections 13
LFE 40
5 2
I n d e x
DSP parameters (continued)
LipSync 34
DSP presets (continued)
PLIIx Music 37
Panorama 37
Party? 39
PLIIx THX 38
standard parameters 34
Stereo 38
Phase 34
Pro Logic 38
Rear 34
Super 36
THX 41
Roll 37, 39
THX Music 41
Row 36
THX Surround EX 41
THX Ultra2 Cinema 41
Trifield 35
R Delay 34
R Filter 35, 36, 40
Sides 34
two-channel 35
Steered All 37
Surr. Rear 35
Surround 40, 41
Surrounds 39
S Delay 34
user-defining 43, 44
DVD-Audio player, connecting to 8
dynamic range control 42
G
S Filter 35, 36, 40
2+2+2 40
guarantee 50
Treble 34
Width 35, 36
Yaw 37, 39
H
HS Output? (DSP parameter) 34
DSP presets
Ambisonics 36, 42
Cinema 40
I
Input (DSP parameter) 39
clearing 44
Direct 38
Discrete 40
L
Mono 39
layouts
multichannel 40
Music 35
5.1 Movie 33
Music 35
MusicLogic 37
PLIIx Mov6 41
PLIIx Movie 38
PLIIx Mus6 41
LFE (DSP parameter) 40, 41
LipSync (DSP parameter) 34
5 3
I n d e x
M
S
mains fuse, changing 49
Meridian DSP loudspeakers, connecting to 10
Mono (DSP preset) 39
MusicLogic (DSP preset) 37
Music (DSP preset) 35
safety warnings ii
settings 23
configuring 22
Sides (DSP parameter) 34
Sine/Sub/Sens controls 30
Sine/Sub/ Sens menu, sources 32
sinewave sweep test 30
Sound Pressure Level meter 25
sources
P
Panorama (DSP parameter) 37
Party? (DSP parameter) 39
Phase (DSP parameter) 34
PLIIx (DSP preset) 38
PLIIx Mov6 (DSP preset) 41
PLIIx Movie (DSP preset) 38
PLIIx Mus6 (DSP preset) 41
PLIIx Music (DSP preset) 37
PLIIx THX (DSP preset) 38
presets
options 21
sensitivity 32
setting up 32
sources, configuring 20
speakers
configuring 18
options 19
setting up 29
speaker layouts 33
multichannel 40
specifications 3
standard parameters 34
two-channel 35
Steered All (DSP parameter) 37, 38, 39
Stereo (DSP preset) 38
stereo power amplifier, connecting to 11
subwoofers
user-defining 43
Pro Logic (DSP parameter) 38
connecting to 12
R
crossover frequency 30
subwoofer crossover frequency 30
Super (DSP preset) 36
Surr. Rear (DSP parameter) 35, 40, 41
Surrounds (DSP parameters) 39
S Delay (DSP parameter) 34, 37
S Filter (DSP parameter) 35, 36, 40
Rear (DSP parameter) 34
Roll (DSP parameter) 37, 39
Row (DSP parameter) 36
R Delay (DSP parameter) 34, 37
R Filter (DSP parameter) 35, 36, 40
5 4
I n d e x
T
U
THX (DSP preset) 40, 41
THX Music (DSP preset) 41
THX Surround EX (DSP preset) 41
THX Ultra2 Cinema (DSP preset) 41
Treble (DSP parameter) 34
Trifield (DSP preset) 35
troubleshooting 45
UHJ format 36
user-defined presets 43
clearing 44
editing name 43
W
Width (DSP parameter) 35, 36, 37
2+2+2 (DSP parameters) 40
Types 16, 17
Y
Yaw (DSP parameter) 37, 39
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