Dolby Digital Dolby Digital version | Lexicon DC-1 instruction

DC-1 Effects

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Dolby Digital (Dolby Digital version)

Dolby Digital Parameters

Available only in the Dolby Digital version of the DC-1, the Dolby Digital effect decodes Dolby AC-3 encoded soundtracks. Unlike analog Dolby surround decoding, Dolby Digital uses five discrete full-range channels and a sixth dedicated, Low Frequency Effect (LFE) channel. In this effect, any rear speakers present are connected in parallel with the side speakers. This is the basic Dolby AC-3 effect. It does not include the enhancements by Lexicon or LucasFilm which are available with other AC-3 effects in the DC-1.

Parameter	Initial Value	Range
AC-3 STATUS (display only — not user adjustable)
COMPRESSION	Off	Off, On, AUTO
DIALOG ENHANCE	+0.0dB	+0.0dB, +3.0dB, +6.0dB
LFE MIX LEVEL	+0.0dB	-10.0db to +0.0dB
SUBWOOFER LVL	+0dB	-5 to +5dB
CUSTOM

AC-3 STATUS displays the current status of incoming AC-3 data. The displayed items are not user adjustable.

COMPRESSION enhances the intelligibility of Dolby Digital material at low volume levels (-6dB or lower). When set to AUTO, this control auto- matically limits peak signals and boosts low level signals. The amount of compression increases proportionately as volume is decreased. This is quite useful when listening to Dolby Digital soundtracks at low output levels. When set to ON, full compression is applied, regardless of volume.

DIALOG ENHANCE boosts dialog in the center channel. By targeting specific frequencies, it can boost only dialog, without raising the entire center channel level (which would alter the output balance achieved during calibration).

LFE MIX LEVEL allows separate level attenuation of the LFE channel, which is ultimately mixed to the subwoofer output. As the bass from as many as five other channels is added to the LFE, it can significantly raise subwoofer output levels — and create the risk of damage to a system. Careful adjustment of this parameter will allow you to achieve proper tonal balance and reduce the risk of damage.

SUBWOOFER LVL boosts or cuts the subwoofer output level. Although the normal subwoofer level is set during the calibration procedure, with some recordings it may be desirable to increase or decrease this deep bass level.