Lexicon manual Getting Started, ABOUT THE MC-12

Getting Started Lexicon

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 backup and restore configuration files, and another to support future expansion. Inside, two expansion slots are available for hardware upgrades, making it possible to more than quadruple the MC-12’s processing power.

More than just an audio and video control center, the MC-12 features the latest version of Lexicon’s critically acclaimed Logic 7 decoding, which derives 7.1-channel output from stereo, 5.1-, and 6.1-channel sources. Unlike other decoders, Logic 7 is compatible with all input sources and requires no special encoding. Because the improvement it provides is clearly audible, Logic 7 decoding is widely regarded as the finest available.

The MC-12 also offers LIVE! (Lexicon Intelligent Variable Environment), designed to transform the way your listening room sounds with the live sound that is created within the room by the occupants of the room. LIVE! does not (nor is it meant to) work with pre-recorded material. LIVE! provides a realistic illusion of a larger, more reverberant listening space – ideal for musicians wishing to practice or perform with the sound of a larger venue.

LIVE! is a unique, sophisticated reverberation system that uses a combination of microphones and digital signal processing (DSP) to enhance a room’s acoustics and create the illusion of a much larger space. When you engage in normal conversation, it seems as if you are in a large room. When you practice or perform with a musical instrument, it seems as if you are in a concert hall. Choose from one of three customizable presets to create an ambiance to liven up a party or amaze your friends.

In addition to Logic 7 and LIVE!, the MC-12 is also equipped with Dolby Digital Surround EX, Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Pro Logic II, Dolby Pro Logic IIx, 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 Logic 7 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.

Afifth DSP engine is dedicated to decoding multi-channel compressed audio sources.

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