SSP (Surround Sound Processor) Mode
•Allows for complete integration between the Nº 320S and a multi-channel surround sound processor.
In the past, the difference between the number of channels in each component made integration difficult.
•Sending multi-channel processor output signals to a stereo preamplifier distorts calibrated processor output levels. Multi- channel processor volume controls adjust the relative volume level of all channels in unison. However, stereo preamplifier volume controls adjust the relative volume level of just the front left and right channels, leaving the center, surround, and subwoofer channels unaffected.
Different techniques have been used to compensate for this, including marking a calibrated point on the preamplifier volume control or using Dolby Pro Logic for volume level adjustments. But these techniques are crude, time consuming, and imprecise, resulting in an inconsistent performance at best.
•Sending stereo preamplifier output signals to a multi-channel processor interferes with some Dolby noise reduction processing. Processors that feature Dolby Pro Logic decoding sometimes also feature a form of Dolby noise reduction similar to the Dolby B noise reduction found in cassette decks. Designed to respond to input sources based on their strength, Dolby noise reduction requires input sources to be calibrated to Dolby standards. Variable preamplifier output signals cause Dolby noise reduction to mis-track and, in extreme cases, Dolby circuits to overload.
To avoid these problems, SSP mode allows input sources to pass through the Nº 320S without interference. When SSP mode is activated:
•The front panel display appears as shown to the left, indicating that the Nº 320S is sending line-level input signals to the associated processor.
•The Gain parameter for the selected input is set to a fixed level of +0dB for inputs using balanced (XLR) connectors and +6dB for inputs using single-ended (RCA) connectors.
•All Nº 320S volume controls – including master volume, balance, and volume-related parameters – are deactivated to prevent the Nº 320s from distorting channel balance. As a result, the processor controls the relative volume level of all channels while maintaining its calibrated output levels.
