Understanding Room Equalization

Version 4 EQ User Guide

feet, so it will be scattered by any person (or object bigger than 1 foot) in the room. The strength of reflections also depends on the transmission properties of the reflector. For example, depending on its size and stiffness, a wall may have its own resonant frequency. This can happen when a sound wave of sufficient amplitude hits the wall and causes it to resonate.

Parallel walls can reflect sound back and forth many times, as shown in Figure 1-3. When multiple copies of the same waveform are “added together,” they do not necessarily produce louder sound. Multiple reflections could cause an increase of more than 10dB. Yet, the level could be reduced by 10dB or more. The relative timing between the two sounds (phase difference) determines what actually happens. The end result of all these reflections is that you hear an extremely complicated sum that cannot be easily char- acterized. Fortunately our ears (actually, our brains) are able to sort through the resultant sound and interpret it all as the “room sound.” As we get accustomed to the room sound reflections, they become a critical part of our enjoyment of most music. Without the room reflections, most people would find the perceived audio quite uninteresting, even unpleasant. Logic 7 recreates these reflections.

Figure 1-3. Parallel walls reflect sound multiple times.

If you can imagine sound waves as moving objects, it is easier to think about how they interact with common objects such as humans and furniture. The wavelength of audible sound can be as long as 57 ft (20Hz) or as short as 2/3 of an inch (20kHz). A 1kHz sound wave will be about a foot long when it leaves the speaker, and it will bounce off of almost everything solid (people, walls, fur- niture) in its path. A 100Hz sound wave will be 11 feet long after leaving the speaker and, because of its length, won’t bounce off of nearly as many surfaces as the 1kHz sound wave. This concept is shown in Figure 1-4.

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MC-12 specifications

The Lexicon MC-12 is a high-end home theater processor that has garnered admiration for its impressive performance and advanced features. Designed for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts, the MC-12 combines cutting-edge technologies with user-centric design to create an unparalleled listening experience.

One of the standout features of the MC-12 is its analog bypass mode, which allows pure analog signals to pass through without digital processing. This feature is particularly appealing to users who prefer the warmth and richness of analog sound. The processor also boasts a 24-bit/192 kHz digital-to-analog converter (DAC), ensuring that audio playback is both high-fidelity and precise.

Equipped with a range of surround sound formats, including Dolby Digital, DTS, and THX, the MC-12 provides an immersive audio experience. It supports multiple channels, delivering up to 7.1 surround sound, making it ideal for cinema-style setups. The processor also features Lexicon's proprietary Logic 7 processing, which enhances stereo and discrete surround signals for a more enveloping soundstage.

The MC-12 features customizable room acoustic settings that allow users to tailor the audio output to their specific environment. An integrated automatic calibration system uses sophisticated algorithms to analyze room acoustics and adjust speaker settings accordingly. This optimization ensures that users achieve the best possible sound quality, regardless of their room’s dimensions or layout.

Connectivity is another strong point of the MC-12. It comes with multiple inputs, including HDMI, coaxial, optical, and balanced inputs, allowing users to connect a variety of audio and video sources. Additionally, the processor includes both analog and digital outputs, ensuring compatibility with a multitude of external devices.

The Lexicon MC-12 also features a user-friendly interface, allowing for easy navigation and control. Its ergonomic design includes a sleek front panel and a backlit remote control, enhancing the overall user experience.

In summary, the Lexicon MC-12 stands out as a premium choice for audiophiles seeking exceptional sound quality and advanced features. Its combination of analog and digital processing, multiple surround sound formats, room calibration technology, and extensive connectivity options make it a versatile and powerful home theater processor. Whether for casual listening or serious cinephile pursuits, the MC-12 promises to deliver a captivating audio experience.