Operation Stereo downmix stages

Sub/LFE channel

To separate those frequencies that are not localisable, a 24 dB Butterworth low-pass filter can be activated at 130 Hz (Dolby AC 3). If the low-pass filter is not activated, the output can be fed to any other LFE processor to generate the Sub/LFE signal for other encodings such as DTS.

Stereo downmix stages

The Area 5.1 allows to record 5.1 and stereo signals in parallel. For each of the five channels a stereo downmix stage allows to control the particular level and panorama in the stereo image. Each channel is muted when the Mute switch is not pressed.

Dual concentric volume/pan controls

The inner ring of the dual concentric controls determines the output level for the concerning channel. The control range covers values from -65 dB to +12 dB.

The outer ring of the dual concentric controls allows to adjust the panorama of the channel’s signal in the stereo image. The pan control is center detended.

Operation Stereo output

Operation

Monitoring

Gain control

To determine the output gain of the stereo downmix use the gain control in the stereo output section. It covers values from -80 dB up to +6 dB. Two peak LEDs illuminate 6 dB before clipping for the left and right channel of the stereo signal.

Monitoring section

In the Monitor section a plug is installed on the front panel to connect any stereo headphone. A volume control serves to adjust the monitoring volume.

The L/R, SUB, SL/SR, C and Stereo buttons are used to select the channels to be monitored. This way, any channel or channel combination of the preamp output signal can be monitored.

Operation Output PPM meter

Output PPM meter

The preamplifier output gain values for all 6 channels (L, C, R, SL, SR, Sub) are displayed on the PPM output meters. The PPM meter shows the peak levels and ranges from -48 dB up to +9 dB.