Getting Started Lexicon
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ABOUT THE MC-12
Thank you for purchasing the MC-12 Digital Controller, a reference-
quality, 12-channel audio and video control center with independent
zone monitoring to provide control of input source selection in three
zones at the same time. As flexible as it is powerful, the MC-12
includes 12 configurable inputs, each of which can be assigned to
its 13 digital audio, 8 analog audio, 5 composite video, 8 S-video,
or 4 component video input connectors. The analog audio input
connectors can be configured for stereo or 5.1-channel sources.
Beyond the standard 5.1-channel audio output connectors, the
rear panel includes stereo rear and stereo subwoofer connectors, as
well as stereo auxiliary connectors to provide even more audio
channels. All Main Zone audio output connectors include 24-bit/
96kHz D/A converters operating in dual differential mode. In
addition, the MC-12 Balanced includes balanced audio output
connectors for all Main Zone and Zone 2 channels.
Inside and out, the MC-12 is designed to remain viable in a future
of emerging technologies. Two RS-232 connectors are provided for
serial control, one to perform flash-memory software upgrades and
configuration tool downloads and another to support future
expansion. A removable access panel is provided to accommodate
new connectors. Inside, two expansion slots are available for future
hardware upgrades, making it possible to more than quadruple the
MC-12’s tremendous processing power.
More than just an audio and video control center, the MC-12
features the latest version of Lexicon’s critically acclaimed LOGIC7
decoding, which derives 7.1-channel output from stereo, 5.1-, and
6.1-channel sources. Unlike other decoders, LOGIC7 is compatible
with all input sources and requires no special encoding. Because
the improvement it provides is clearly audible, LOGIC7 decoding is
widely regarded as the finest available.
In addition to LOGIC7, the MC-12 is also equipped with Dolby
Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic, dts 96/24,
dts NEO:6, dts-ES, THX Ultra2, and THX Surround EX decoding.
THX Ultra2 Certification guarantees that the MC-12 meets the
highest THX performance specifications.
With four 32-bit floating-point SHARC™ digital signal processing
(DSP) engines, the MC-12 offers unparalleled processing power .
These DSP engines perform custom Lexicon processing such as
LOGIC7 decoding, bass enhancement, dialog enhancement,
auto azimuth, 5-speaker enhancement, bass management, high-
precision digital crossovers, and tone controls. This processing is
available at sample rates up to 96kHz, with 24-bit resolution to
retain top performance from all input sources and listening modes.
A fifth DSP engine is dedicated to decoding multi-channel
compressed audio sources.
High-precision 24-bit/96kHz A/D converters can be used to convert
stereo analog audio input signals to digital signals, allowing the
MC-12 to provide the benefits of precise digital signal processing
without sacrificing signal integrity. Alternatively, stereo analog signals
can bypass A/D conversion and internal processing to remain in the
analog domain straight to the output connectors.
Digital audio input signals are processed through a two-stage
phase lock loop for extremely low intrinsic jitter and high rejection.
Lexicon’s proprietary auto azimuth technology corrects timing and
level imbalances in stereo sources, ensuring exceptionally accurate
playback of surround-encoded sources. A digital audio pass-
through option is available for recording digital signals with a CD
recorder or a similar component.