Lexicon CP-3 PLUS - THEORY AND DESIGN REV 2 User manual

Digital Surround Processor
Owner's Manual
CP-3 PLUS

Lexicon Part #070-09928 Printed in the United States of America
Save these instructions for later use.
Follow all instructions and warnings marked on the unit.
Always use with the correct line voltage. Refer to the manufacturer's operating instructions for power requirements. Be advised that different operating voltages
may require the use of a different line cord and/or attachment plug.
Do not install the unit in an unventilated rack, or directly above heat producing equipment such as power amplifiers. Observe the maximum ambient operating
temperature listed in the product specification.
Slots and opening on the case are provided for ventilation; to ensure reliable operation and prevent it from overheating, these openings must not be blocked or
covered. Never push objects of any kind through any of the ventilation slots. Never spill a liquid of any kind on the unit.
This product is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type plug. This is a safety feature and should not be defeated.
Never attach audio power amplifier outputs directly to any of the unit's connectors.
To prevent shock or fire hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture, or operate it where it will be exposed to water.
Do not attempt to operate the unit if it has been dropped, damaged, exposed to liquids, or if it exhibits a distinct change in performance indicating the need for
service.
This unit should only be opened by qualified service personnel. Removing covers will expose you to hazardous voltages.
Precautions
This triangle, which appears on your component,
alerts you to the presence of uninsulated, dangerous
voltage inside the enclosure... voltage that may be
sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
This triangle, which appears on your component,
alerts you to important operating and maintenance
instructions in this accompanying literature.
Communications Notice
Thisequipmentgeneratesandusesradiofrequencyenergyandifnotinstalledandusedproperly,thatis,instrictaccordancewiththemanufacturer'sinstructions,
may cause interference to radio andtelevision reception. Ithas been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a ClassB computing devicein accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules, which are designated to provide reasonable protection against such interference in a residential
installation.However,thereisnoguaranteethatinterferencewillnotoccurinaparticularinstallation.Ifthisequipmentdoescauseinterferencetoradioortelevision
reception, which can bedeterminedby turning theequipmentOFFand ON,the useris encouragedto tryto correct theinterferenceby one ormore ofthe following
measures:
Reorient the receiving antenna
Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver
Move the computer away from the receiver
Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consultthe dealer oran experienced radio/television technician for additional suggestions.The user may find thefollowing booklet
prepared by the FederalCommunicationsCommission helpful:"How to identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems." This booklet is available fromthe
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
Outdoor Antenna Grounding
If an outside antenna is connected to the receiver, be sure the antenna system is grounded so as to
provide some protection against voltage surges and built-up static charges. Section 810 of the
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides information with respect to proper
groundingofthemastandsupportingstructure,groundingofthelead-inwiretoanantenna-discharge
unit, size of grounding conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding
electrodes, and requirements for the grounding electrode. See figure below.
Power Lines An outside antenna should be located away from power lines.
Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la class B prescrites dans
le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le ministère des Communications du Canada.
Copyright ©1994 Lexicon. Inc. All Rights Reserved. Lexicon Patent: U.S. no. 4, 862, 502; other patents pending on the CP-3.
Lexicon, Inc.• 3 Oak Park • Bedford, MA 01730 USA • Tel [phone] • Fax [phone]
Acknowledgements
The CP-3 is manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Additionallylicensed under one ormore of the following patents: U.S.
numbers3,632,886, 3,746,792 and 3,959,590; Canadian numbers1,004,603 and 1,037,877. "Dolby", "Pro Logic", and the double-Dsymbol are trademarks of
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
The CP-3 is manufactured under license from Lucasfilm Ltd. Additionally licensed under the following patents: U.S. numbers 5,043,970; 5,189,703; and
5,222,059. Foreign patents pending. Lucasfilm THX Audio, Lucasfilm, and Home THX Cinema are trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd.
"Auto-Azimuth" and the A-Z logo are trademarks of Lexicon, Inc.
AUTO AZIMUTH

Dansk
Vigtig information om sikkerhed
Gem denne vejledning til senere brug.
Følg alle anvisninger og advarsler på apparatet.
Apparatet skal altid tilsluttes den korrekte spænding. Der henvises til
brugsanvisningen, der indeholder specifikationer for strømforsyning. Der
gøres opmærksom på, at ved varierende driftsspændinger kan det blive
nødvendigt at bruge andre lednings- og/eller stiktyper.
Apparatet må ikke monteres i et kabinet uden ventilation eller lige over
andet udstyr, der udvikler varme, f.eks. forstærkere. Den maksimale
omgivelsestemperatur ved drift, der står opført i specifikationerne, skal
overholdes.
Der er ventilationsåbninger i kabinettet. For at sikre apparatets drift og
hindreoverophedningmådisseåbningerikkeblokeresellertildækkes.Stik
aldrig nogetind igennem ventilationsåbningerne, og paspå aldrig atspilde
nogen form for væske på apparatet.
Dette apparat er forsynet med et stik med jordforbindelse. Denne
sikkerhedsforanstaltning må aldrig omgås.
Udgangsstik fra audioforstærkere må aldrig sættes direkte i apparatet.
Apparatet må ikke udsættes for regn eller fugt og må ikke bruges i
nærheden af vand for at undgå risiko for elektrisk stød og brand.
Apparatet må aldrig bruges, hvis deter blevet stødt, beskadiget eller vådt,
eller hvis ændringer i ydelsen tyder på, at det trænger til eftersyn.
Dette apparat må kun åbnes af fagfolk. Hvis dækslet tages af, udsættes
man for livsfarlig højspænding.
Denne mærkat på komponenten advarer om vigtig drifts- og
vedligeholdsinformation i den tilhørende litteratur.
Dennemærkatpåkomponentenadvareromuisoleret,farligspænding
i apparatet ... høj nok til at give elektrisk stød.
Suomi
Tärkeitä turvallisuusohjeita
Säilytä nämä ohjeet tulevaa käyttöä varten.
Seuraa kaikkia yksikköön merkittyjä ohjeita ja varoituksia.
Käytäainaoikeaaverkkojännitettä.Tehovaatimuksetselviävätvalmistajan
käyttöohjeista. Huomaa, että eri käyttöjännitteet saattavat vaatia
toisenlaisen verkkojohdon ja/tai -pistokkeen käytön.
Älä asenna yksikköä telineeseen jossa ei ole tuuletusta, tai välittömästi
lämpöätuottavienlaitteiden,esim.tehovahvistimien,yläpuolelle.Ympäristön
lämpötila käytössä ei saa ylittää tuotespesifikaation maksimilämpötilaa.
Kotelo on varustettu tuuletusreiillä ja -aukoilla. Luotettavan toiminnan
varmistamiseksi ja ylilämpenemisen välttämiseksi näitä aukkoja ei saa
sulkeataipeittää.Mitäänesineitäeisaatyöntäätuuletusaukkoihin.Mitään
nesteitä ei saa kaataa yksikköön.
Tuoteonvarustettu3-johtimisellamaadoitetullaverkkopistokkeella.Tämä
on turvallisuustoiminne eikä sitä saa poistaa.
Älä kytke audiotehovahvistimen lähtöjä suoraan mihinkään yksikön
liittimeen.
Sähköiskun ja palovaaran välttämiseksi yksikkö ei saa olla sateessa tai
kosteassa, eikä sitä saa käyttää märässä ympäristössä.
Älä käytä yksikköä jos se on pudonnut, vaurioitunut, kostunut, tai jos sen
suorituskyky on huomattavasti muuttunut, mikä vaatii huoltoa.
Yksikön saa avata vain laitteeseen perehtynyt huoltohenkilö. Kansien
poisto altistaa sinut vaarallisille jännitteille.
Tämä kolmio, joka esiintyy komponentissasi, kertoo sinulle, että
tässä tuotedokumentoinnissa esiintyy tärkeitä käyttö- ja ylläpito-
ohjeita.
Tämä kolmio, joka esiintyy komponentissasi, varoittaa sinua
eristämättömänvaarallisenjännitteenesiintymisestäyksikönsisällä.
Tämä jännite saattaa olla riittävän korkea aiheuttamaan
sähköiskuvaaran.
Norsk
Viktig informasjon om sikkerhet
Ta vare på denne veiledningen for senere bruk.
Følg alle anvisningene og advarslene som er angitt på apparatet.
Apparatet skal alltid anvendes med korrekt spenning. Produktbeskrivelsen
inneholder spesifikasjoner for strømkrav. Vær oppmerksom på at det ved
ulike driftsspenninger kan være nødvendig å bruke en annen ledning- og/
eller støpseltype.
Apparatet skal ikke monteres i skap uten ventilasjon, eller direkte over
varmeproduserende utstyr, som for eksempel kraftforsterkere. Den
maksimale romtemperaturen som står oppgitt i produktbeskrivelsen, skal
overholdes.
Apparatet er utstyrt med ventilasjonsåpninger. For at apparatet skal være
pålitelig i bruk og ikke overopphetes, må disse åpningene ikke blokkeres
eller tildekkes. Stikk aldri noe inn i ventilasjonsåpningene,og pass på at det
aldri søles noen form for væske på apparatet.
Dette apparatet er utstyrt med et jordet støpsel. Dette er en
sikkerhetsforanstaltning som ikke må forandres.
Utgangsplugger fra audioforsterkere skal aldri koples direkte til apparatet.
Unngå brannfare og elektrisk støt vedå sørge for atapparatet ikkeutsettes
for regn eller fuktighet og ikke anvendes i nærheten av vann.
Apparatetskalikke brukeshvisdetharblittutsattforstøt, erskadetellerblitt
vått, eller hvis endringer i ytelsen tyder på at det trenger service.
Dette apparatet skal kun åpnes av fagfolk. Hvis dekselet fjernes, utsettes
man for livsfarlig høyspenning.
Komponenten er merket med denne trekanten, som er en advarsel
om at det finnes uisolert, farlig spenning inne i kabinettet ... høy nok
til å utgjøre en fare for elektrisk støt.
Svenska
Viktiga säkerhetsföreskrifter
Spara dessa föreskrifter för framtida bruk.
Följ alla anvisningar och varningar som anges på enheten.
Använd alltid rätt nätspänning. Se tillverkarens bruksanvisningar för infor-
mation om effektkrav. Märkväl, att andra matningsspänningar eventuellt
kräver att en annan typs nätsladd och/eller kontakt används.
Installerainteenheteniettoventileratstativ,ellerdirektovanförutrustningar
somavgervärme,texeffektförstärkare.Setillattomgivningenstemperatur
vid drift inte överskrider det angivna värdet i produktspecifikationen.
Behållaren är försedd med hål och öppningar för ventilering. För att
garanteratillförlitligfunktionoch förhindraöverhettningfårdessaöppningar
inteblockerasellertäckas.Ingaföremålfårskuffasingenomventilationshålen.
Inga vätskor får spillas på enheten.
Produkten är försedd med en jordad 3-trådskontakt. Detta är en
säkerhetsfunktion som inte får tas ur bruk.
Anslut aldrig audioeffektförstärkarutgångar direkt till någon av enhetens
kontakter.
För att undvika elstöt eller brandfara får enheten inte utsättas för regn eller
fukt, eller användas på ställen där den blir våt.
Använd inte enheten om den har fallit i golvet, skadats, blivit våt, eller om
dess prestanda förändrats märkbart, vilket kräver service.
Enheten får öppnasendast avbehörig servicepersonal. Farliga spänningar
blir tillgängliga när locken tas bort.
Denna triangel, som visas på din komponent, varnar dig om en
oisoleradfarligspänninginneienheten.Dennaspänningäreventuellt
så hög att fara för elstöt föreligger.
Komponenten er merket med denne trekanten, som betyr at den
tilhørende litteraturen inneholder viktige opplysninger om drift og
vedlikehold.
Denna triangel, som visas på din komponent, anger att viktiga
bruksanvisningar och serviceanvisningar ingår i dokumentationen i
fråga.

Dieses Dreieck auf Ihrem Apparat bedeutet daß wichtige Betriebs-
und Wartungsanweisungen in der mitgelieferten Dokumentation zu
finden sind.
Dieses Dreieck auf Ihrem Apparat warnt Sie vor nicht-isolierter,
gefährlicher Spannung im Gehäuse ... stark genug um eine
Berührungsgefahr darzustellen.
Deutsch
Wichtige Sicherheitsanweisungen
Heben Sie sich diese Sicherheitsanweisungen auch für später auf.
BefolgenSiealleaufderVorrichtungstehendenAnweisungenundWarnungen.
ImmernurmitderrichtigenSpannungverwenden!DieGebrauchsanweisungen
des Herstellers informieren Sie über die elektrischen Anforderungen.
Vergessen Sie nicht daß bei verschiedenen Betriebsspannungen ggf. auch
verschiedene Leitungskabel und/oder Verbindungsstecker zu verwenden
sind.
Stellen Sie die Vorrichtung nicht in ein unbelüftetes Gestell oder unmittelbar
über wärmeerzeugendeGeräte wiez.B. Tonverstärker. Halten Sie diein den
Produktspezifikationen angegebene maximale Umgebungstemperatur bei
Betrieb ein.
Schlitze und Öffnungen im Gehäuse dienen der Belüfung; um verläßlichen
BetriebsicherzustellenundÜberheizenzuvermeidendürfendieseÖffnungen
nich verstopft oder abgedeckt werden. Stecken Sie nie irgend einen
GegenstanddurchdieBelüftungsschlitze.VergießenSiekeineFlüssigkeiten
auf den Apparat.
Dieses Produkt ismit einem 3-drahtigen Erdungsstecker ausgerüstet. Diese
Sicherheitsmaßnahme darf nicht unwirksam gemacht werden.
SchließenSienieTonverstärkerunmittelbaraneinenAnschlußdesApparates
an.
Um elektrischen Schlag oder Feuer zu vermeiden, setzen Sie den Apparat
weder Regen noch Feuchtigkeit aus und betreiben Sie ihn nicht dort wo
Wasser eindringen könnte.
Versuchen Sie nicht den Apparat zu betreiben falls er fallen gelassen,
beschädigt, oder Flüssigkeiten ausgesetzt wurde, oder falls sich seine
ArbeitsweisederartändertdaßdarauseinBedarfnachRaparaturzuschließen
ist.
DieserApparatsolltenurvonqualifiziertenFachleutengeöffnetwerden. Das
Abnehmen von Abdeckungen setzt Sie gefährlichen Spannungen aus.
Español
Instrucciones importantes de seguridad
Guarde esta instrucciones para uso posterior.
Utilice siempre el voltajecorrecto. Diríjase a lasinstrucciones de operación
del fabricante para obtener las especificaciones de potencia. Esté al tanto
de que voltajes de operación distintos requieren el uso de cables y/o
enchufes distintos.
Noinstaleestaunidadenunestantesinventilación,nitampocodirectamente
encimadeequiposquegenerencalortalescomoamplificadoresdepotencia.
Fíjese en las temperaturas ambientales máximas de operación que se
mencionan en las especificaciones del producto.
Las aperturas y ranuras del chasis sirven para proveer la ventilación
necesaria para operar la unidad con seguridad y para prevenir
sobrecalentamiento,yporlotantonopuedenserobstruidaso cubiertas.No
introduzca objetos de ningún tipo a través de las ranuras de ventilación, y
nunca deje caer ningún líquido sobre la unidad.
Este producto está equipado con un enchufe de 3 clavijas con conexión a
tierra. Éste es un elemento de seguridad que no debe ser eliminado.
Nuncaconecteningúntipodesalidadeamplificadoresdesonidodirectamente
a los conectores de la unidad.
Paraprevenirdescargaseléctricasoincendios,mantengalaunidadalejada
de la lluvia, humedad o cualquier lugar en el que pueda entrar en contacto
con agua.
Notratedehacerfuncionarlaunidadsisehacaído,estádañada,haentrado
en contacto con líquidos, o si nota cualquier cambio brusco en su
funcionamiento que indique la necesidad de hacerle un servicio de
mantenimiento.
Estaunidaddeberáserabiertaúnicamenteporpersonalcalificado.Siusted
quita las coberturas se expondrá a voltajes peligrosos.
Este triángulo que aparece en su componente lo alerta sobre las
instrucciones de operación y mantenimiento importantes que están
en los materiales de lectura que se incluyen.
Este triángulo que aparece en su componente le advierte sobre la
existencia dentro del chasis de voltajes peligrosos sin aislantes ...
voltajes que son lo suficientemente grandes como para causar
electrocución.
Français
Instructions de Sûreté Importantes
Gardez ces instructions pour réference future.
Observez toutes les instructions et tous les avertissements marqués sur
l’appareil.
Branchez uniquements sur un réseau de tension indiquée. Consultez le
manuel d’instruction du fabriquant pour les spécifications de courant.
N’oubliez pas que différentes tensions peuvent nécessiter l’utilisation de
cables et/ou de fiches de connexion différents.
N’installez pas l’appareil en un compartiment non-aéré ou directement au-
dessus d’équipements générateurs de chaleur, tels qu’amplificateurs de
courants, etc. Ne dépassez pas la température ambiante maximale de
fonctionnement indiquée dans les spécifications du produit.
Des fentes et ouvertures sont prévues dans le boîtier pour l’aération; Pour
assurerlebonfonctionnementetpourprévenirl’échauffement,cesouvertures
ne doivent pas être couvertes ou bloquées. N’insérez pas d’objets dans les
fentes d’aération. Empêchez tout liquide de se répandre sur l’appareil.
Ce produit est muni d’une ficheà trois fils pour la mise àterre. Ceciest une
mesure de sécurité et ne doit pas être contrariée.
Ne connectez jamais d’amplificateurs audio directement aux connecteurs
de l’appareil.
Pourempêcherleschocsélectriquesetledangerd’incendie,évitezd’exposer
l’appareil à la pluie ou à l’humidité, et ne le mettez pas en marche en un
endroit où il serait exposé aux éclaboussures d’eau.
N’essayez pas de faire fonctionner l’appareil s’il est tombé à terre, a été
endommangé, exposé à un liquide, ou si vous observez des différences
nettes dans son fonctionnement, indiquant la nécessité de réparations.
Cet appareil ne doit être ouvert quepar un personnel deservicequalifié. En
enlevant les couvercles vous vous exposez à des tensions électriques
dangereuses.
Ce triangle sur sur votre appareil vous invite de suivre d’importantes
instructions d’utilisation et d’entretien dans la documentation livrée
avec le produit.
Ce triangle, sur votre appareil vous avertit de la présence de tension
dangereuse,non-isolée à l’intérieurdu boîtier...une tension suffisante
pour représenter un danger d’électrocution.
Italiano
Importanti norme di sicurezza
Conservare le presenti norme per l’utilizzo futuro.
Osservare tutte le istruzioni e le avvertenze apposte sull’unità.
Utilizzare esclusivamente con la tensione di rete corretta. Consultare le
istruzioni operativefornitedalfabbricanteperi datiriguardantilatensionee
l’assorbimento di corrente. Potrebbe esserenecessario l’uso di cavi di rete
e/o di spine diverse a seconda della tensione utilizzata.
Noninstallarel’unitàinunoscaffaleprivodiventilazioneoppuredirettamente
sopraunafontedicalore,come,adesempio,unamplificatore.Nonsuperare
la temperatura ambientale massima di funzionamento riportata nei dati
tecnici del prodotto.
Lefessuree lealtreaperturenellascatolaservonoallaventilazione.Per un
funzionamento affidabile, e per evitare un eventuale surriscaldamento,
questeaperturenonvannoostruiteocoperteinnessunmodo.Evitareintutti
icasidiinserireoggettidiqualsiasigenereattraversolefessurediventilazione.
Non versare mai del liquido di nessun tipo sull’unità.
Questo prodotto viene fornito con una spina a 3 fili con massa. Tale
dispositivo di sicurezza non va eliminato.
Evitare sempredicollegarele uscitedell’amplificatoreaudiodirettamenteai
connettori dell’unità.
Perprevenireilpericolodifolgorazioneediincendiononesporrel’unitàalla
pioggiaoadun’umiditàeccessiva;evitarediadoperarel’unitàdovepotrebbe
entrare in contatto con acqua.
Evitare di adoperare l’unità se la stessa è stata urtata violentemente, se ha
subito un danno, se è stata esposta ad un liquido o in caso di un evidente
cambiamento delle prestazioni che indichi la necessità di un intervento di
assistenza tecnica.
Ogniinterventosull’unitàvaeseguitoesclusivamentedapersonalequalificato.
La rimozione della copertura comporta l’esposizione al pericolo di
folgorazione.
Il presente triangolo impresso sul componente avverte l’utente della
presenzanelladocumentazioneallegatadiimportantiistruzionirelative
al funzionamento ed alla manutenzione.
Ilpresentetriangoloimpressosulcomponente avvertedellapresenza
di tensioni pericolose non isolate all’interno della copertura... tali
tensioni rappresentano un pericolo di folgorazione

CP-3 PLUS
Digital Surround
Processor Owner's
Manual

CP-3 PLUS Digital Surround Processor
Contents
1 Introduction to the CP-3 PLUS 1
Introduction 1
Unpacking and Inspection 3
Using the Documentation 3
System Overview 4
2 Installation and Calibration 7
Controls and Indicators 7
The Front Panel • The Rear Panel
The Standard Remote • The Expanded
Remote
Connection 12
Location Cosiderations • AC Connections
Wiring Considerations • Audio/Video
Connections • Connecting the CP-3PLUS as a
preamp • Connecting the CP-3PLUS in a tape
monitor loop • Video Connections
Calibration 18
LCD Adjustment • The Video
On-Screen Display • The Setup Menu
Setting the Speaker Configuration • Setting
Input Levels • Setting Output Levels
Calibrating the Listener Position • Setting
Rear Delay • Setting Center Delay
Customization 30
Locking in Settings • Custom Name
Custom Modes • Modifying the mode
Automation
3 Using the CP-3PLUS 35
Using the Modes 35
Presets and User Registers
Panorama 36
Ambience 38
Reverb 40
Surround 42
Television • Music • Full Range • Mono
Logic • Pro Logic • THX Cinema
4 Troubleshooting 49
5 Installation Documentation 52
6 Specifications 57

1
Introduction
to the CP-3PLUS
CP-3 PLUS Digital Surround Processor
Introduction
1
All of the operating modes of the Lexicon CP-3 PLUS Digital Surround
Processor have a common goal: to draw you, the listener, more deeply into
a musical performance or a film. For music the CP-3 PLUS uses true stereo
digital processing to recreate the original recording space or to create a new
one of your choosing. For films it offers an extremely accurate version of
Dolby®Pro Logic Surround decoding with all of the enhancements of the
LucasFilm Home THX®Cinema system and Lexicon's own decoding for
monaural film soundtracks. The increase in impact of a musical perfor-
mance or film when heard with the CP-3 PLUS is incredible.
A great deal of effort went into designing an instrument which would be
flexible enough to satisfy the most critical listeners and yet be simple to
operate. Essentially, the CP-3PLUSis a signal processing computer that can be
custom-programmed for any specific system. Once installed, it can be
operated by either of the two remote controls supplied with the unit. The
Standard Remote features simple, intuitive controls for most day-to-day
operations; the Expanded Remote, which is used to customize the CP-3PLUS,
allows complete control of every aspect of operation.
To recreate the experience of being at a live musical performance the
CP-3 PLUS draws on recent studies of concert-hall acoustics, and applies this
research to home listening rooms. Our auditory sense is quite adept at
interpreting clues about our physical environment. Even with your eyes
closed, it is possible to get a good mental picture of the room or hall you are
in by listening to the ambience, or reflected sound energy, in the room. We
are not aware of our auditory sense in everyday life because it confirms
what our eyes identify as the environment. When we listen to recorded
music, however, there are no visual clues and we rely completely on our
sense of hearing. The introduction of two-speaker stereo systems over
thirty years ago brought dramatic improvement to high fidelity music
reproduction. With a carefully-designed system, and good recording, it
became possible to produce a good sonic picture of the original event.
Unfortunately, our listening rooms do not approximate the acoustics of a
good concert hall, an intimate jazz club, or a magnificent cathedral — our
ears tell us where we really are. The Lexicon CP-3 PLUS is designed to
overcome this fundamental limitation to two-speaker reproduction and
bring us closer to the ultimate goal of transporting ourselves to the original
musical event. The object is to increase the sideways-moving sound in a
room, thus increasing Spatial Impression, orSI. The CP-3PLUS increases SI by
either extracting it from the original recording, using the Panorama or
Surround modes, or by generating a new acoustic environment with
Ambience or Reverb.
When a listener is in the correct spot the Panorama mode provides an almost
ideal recreation of the original recording space. It works by using digital
signal processing to cancel the crosstalk between the listener’s ears, effec-
tively spreading the sound from the two front loudspeakers in a wide arc in
front of the listener. With the optional addition of rear speakers, Panorama
can be startling in its realism.
Introduction
to the CP-3 PLUS

2
Introduction
to the CP-3 PLUS Lexicon
The Ambience and Reverberation modes transform the listening room into
a new acoustic space, letting you choose an environment which matches
your music or your mood. Unlike most ambience processors, the CP-3 PLUS
provides full stereo processing, preserving the critical SI information in the
recording and expanding upon it. The Ambience mode generates the side
and rear reflection patterns of idealized rooms and concert halls. The larger
spaces add the true depth and realism of a concert hall to classical and
popular music, while the smaller spaces are ideal for jazz and rock. The
Reverberation mode is similar, but places more emphasis on rich, dense
reverberant decay than on early reflections. It is especially good for simu-
lating large, highly reverberant spaces such as churches, stadiums, and
cathedrals.
The requirements for processing sound for home theater are quite different
than those for music. Lexicon invented the technology that permits the most
accurate reproduction of film sound in the same system that is used for
music listening, and the software-based CP-3 PLUS is optimized for each of
these unique tasks. The Music Surround mode is specifically designed to
optimally play conventional stereo music through any system which in-
cludes side or side-located rear speakers. Additionally, the CP-3 is able to
perform automatic analysis and error correction to compensate for prob-
lems in the source material.
For films encoded with Dolby Surround, Lexicon has incorporated the
Lucasfilm Home THX Cinema processing into the CP-3 PLUS. This utilizes a
patented, completely digital Dolby Pro Logic Surround decoder, and is the
only one with automatic correction of inter-channel phase and channel-
balance errors (the most common audio problems in currently available
video releases of films).
A new Stereo Surround feature introduces a technique for extracting five
channels of surround information from a standard 4-2-4 matrix-encoded
soundtrack (Dolby Surround, Ultra*Stereo, etc.) This feature, available in
the THX mode, allows the stereo music in soundtracks to be reproduced
with a full stereo spread, unencumbered by the relatively narrow separa-
tion of the front speakers. Left-to-surround, and right-to-surround pans are
also enhanced. Instead of sound jumping from a front channel to both
surrounds, the left and right side speakers can function independently to
facilitate smooth and fluid pans. Sounds directed to hard left and hard right
(the main left and right speakers) will not appear in the side surrounds.
This technique overcomes the limitation of the monaural sound channel
inherent in these formats, while remaining true to the front hemisphere
directional cues. The audio imaging tracks the picture image in a way which
fulfills the intent of the sound mixer. The drama of this effect is most
noticeable with strong stereo music soundtracks.
The CP-3 PLUS also provides modes for expanding monaural film sound
tracks (Mono Logic), general TV viewing (Television) and, of course, direct
two-channel stereo playback (Effects Mute ON).

3
Introduction
to the CP-3PLUS
CP-3 PLUS Digital Surround Processor
Because the CP-3PLUS is designed to be customized for your system and your
listening space, the information required for installation is considerably
more extensive than that required for use of the system. We have, therefore,
provided separate documentation for these needs. The CP-3 PLUS is shipped
with an Owner's Manual, a Quick Reference Card and a booklet titled:
CP-3 PLUS Theory and Design.
The Owner's Manual is designed to assist you in installing, calibrating and
operating the CP-3PLUS. It should be used in conjunction with the Expanded
Remote Control when configuring the system to perform optimally in your
environment. This manual was written with the underlying assumption
that the installer is familiar with audio/video system installation.
To keep operation simple, the unit recognizes which remote control is used
to turn it on. In the Owner's Manual, references to "Standard" operation
mean that the unit was turned on with the Standard remote; "Expanded"
operation refers to the Expanded remote. "Normal" operation refers to
modes for using (as opposed to setting up) the CP-3 PLUS.
An Installation worksheet is provided in Chapter 5 of the Owner's Manual
for documentation of the settings arrived at during the calibration proce-
dure.
Once installation is satisfactorily completed, you should need only the
Standard Remote and the Quick Reference Card for day-to-day operation
of the system.
Whether you are performing the installation, or simply using the system,
we hope that you will read the Theory and Design booklet. Understanding
the goals of CP-3 PLUS design will make sense of each step in the setup
procedure, and will help you make the most of the operating features.
Using the
Documentation
After unpacking the CP-3 PLUS , save all packing materials in case you ever
need to ship the unit. Thoroughly inspect the CP-3 PLUS and packing
materials for signs of damage. Remove the adhesive protective film from
the CP-3PLUS front-panel lens. Report any shipment damage to the carrier at
once; report equipment malfunction to your dealer.
Unpacking and
Inspection

4
Introduction
to the CP-3 PLUS Lexicon
System Overview Although the CP-3 PLUS performs very complex signal processing, a great
deal of effort has gone into making the technology behind the effects as
transparent as possible to the user. To understand the overall organization
of the unit, it is helpful to define those few terms which are unique to the
CP-3 PLUS.
Mode A mode is a configuration that determines how the CP-3 PLUS will
process an input signal. The CP-3 PLUS contains four basic modes: Pan-
orama, Ambience, Reverb and Surround. Each of these basic modes has
a set of variations which are labeled on the Expanded remote (1-15). In
this manual, these 15 variations are also referred to as modes.
Parameter Each mode has a set of parameters (controls) that uniquely
characterize it. The settings of the parameters can be changed to create
custom User modes.
Mode Parameter values are stored/recalled in Presets and User modes.
Some examples are: Delay Time, Bass Split, etc.
System parameter values are not associated with a particular mode.
System parameters are not stored in User registers or Presets, nor do
their values change when a new mode is recalled. Examples are: display
contrast, volume, etc.
Register The CP-3 PLUS contains 45registers, or memory locations, where
modes are stored.
Bank The CP-3 PLUS's 45 registers are organized into 3 banks, of 15.
Presets One bank of 15 registers is loaded with the modes which appear
on the Expanded Remote. These modes are presets which are perma-
nently initialized at the factory. Presets appear on the display with their
names and their numbers preceded by the letter P.
User Registers Two banks of 15 registers each are designated as User
registers. These are available for storing your own custom modes. The
factory presets cannot be overwritten, but they can be modified and
stored into User registers (or copied into registers,then modified). When
shipped, the CP-3 PLUS has a duplicate of the presets loaded into both
Bank A and Bank B. The contents of User registers appear on the display
with their names and their numbers preceded by the Letter A or B.
Press SETUP to display the Setup menu. PARAM will step a cursor
through the Setup menu selections. Once an item is selected, pressing
PARAM ▲or ▼will display a sub-menu for that item. With the sub-
menu displayed, PARAM once again selects menu items. PARAM ▲
and ▼adjust the settings of the selected item over its available range.
Press STORE to exit any sub-menu; press SETUP to return to the Setup
menu. Press SETUP again to exit the Setup menu.
Glossary of Terms
Finding your way around

5
Introduction
to the CP-3PLUS
CP-3 PLUS Digital Surround Processor
Essentially, the CP-3 PLUS can be thought of as a line level preamp with one
audio-only and three audio/video inputs. It behaves as the master proces-
sor for your system, controlling system volume, balance, source selections
and acoustical environments.
Two remote control units are provided with the system: an Expanded
remote, and a Standard remote. The Expanded remote is designed primar-
ily for use in configuring the CP-3 PLUS to work optimally with your system.
This remote gives you access to setup controls and parameter menus for all
of the modes of operation of the CP-3 PLUS. This remote also allows access to
15 Preset modes and storage of as many as 30 of your own custom modes.
Although some users may continue to use the Expanded remote after
installation and configuration is complete, a second, simpler remote con-
trol, called the Standard remote, is provided for everyday use. This remote
is designed to control some system parameters and to access only five
modes of operation. (We have chosen names for these modes, as labeled on
the Standard remote, but the actual modes that are triggered by these
buttons can be changed.)
In many systems, a universal, or learning remote, may take the place of the
Standard remote. If you are using one of these, we strongly suggest that the
types of operating controls we have provided on the Standard remote be
adapted into the universal remote. We have found these controls enhance
the listening/viewing experience while keeping the technology transpar-
ent.

7
CP-3 PLUS Digital Surround Processor
2
Controls and
Indicators
The Front Panel
Installation and
Calibration
6. Mode
The MODE button steps
through the modes of the
bank currently in use. Using
its Expanded modes, the
CP-3PLUS can have as many
as 45 operating modes: Pre-
sets 1-15 are configured at
the factory, those labeled
User A1-15 and User B1-15
are available for storage of
modes customized by the
user.
In Standard operation, 5
modes are available.
7. Volume
The VOLUME buttons adjust
the level of all channels si-
multaneously.Thesebuttons
assume the function of the
volume control on your
preamp or receiver.
8. Main Mute
MAIN MUTE turns off all out-
puts and lights both MAIN
and EFFECTS MUTE LEDs.
3. Alphanumeric Display
The alphanumeric LCD (liq-
uid crystal display) shows
boththe mode that isrunning
and its modifiable parame-
ters. The contrast of theLCD
can be adjusted for optimum
visibility. See Page 18. (A
video on-screen display is
described on Page 19.)
4. Infrared Receiver
The small unlabeled window
totherightoftheLCDhouses
the infrared receiver used by
theCP-3PLUS todetectsignals
from the remote controls.
5. Bank
In Expanded operation, the
BANK button cycles through
thePresetbankandtwoUser
banks (A&B) where custom-
ized modes can be stored.
The mode number doesn't
change: if you are using Pre-
set 9, pressing BANK once
switches to User A9, press-
ing it again switches to User
B9, pressing it again
switches back to Preset 9. In
Standard operation, the
BANK button is inoperative.
1. Input
The four INPUT buttons are
used to select which input is
processed by the CP-3 PLUS.
Pressing any one of these
buttons will select that input
and light the LED above it.
The CP-3PLUS can be pro-
grammed to engage a spe-
cific operatingmode for each
input, so changing inputs
may change the mode being
used. See Auto-Mode Load,
Page 24.
2. Input Level Display
The INPUT LEVEL display
monitors the level in the
CP-3PLUS's digital encoding
circuits and is used to indi-
cate the correct Dolby level
for video sound sources
(marked by the double-D
symbol between the LEDs.)
When correctly set, the loud-
est passages will light the
entirerowofgreen LEDs, the
two yellow ones, and occa-
sionally flash the red peak
LEDs at the top. See Page
22,SettingInputLevels.(The
input level meters can be
turned off to eliminate dis-
traction — See Page 19.)
9. Effects Mute
EFFECTSMUTEturnsoffall
signals added by the CP-
3PLUS, lights the yellow EF-
FECTS MUTE LED on the
frontpanel,anddisplays“EF-
FECTS MUTED.” This by-
passes all signal processing
in the CP-3PLUS except level
control, and is the simplest
way to play “normal” two-
speaker stereo. Press again
to restore normal operation.
10. On/Off
ON/OFF alternately puts the
CP-3PLUS into and out of
standby mode. Turning the
CP-3PLUS off with this button
(or with either remote) deac-
tivates the unit while leaving
power to the signal process-
ing circuitry to keep it at opti-
mum operating temperature.
Although this switch may be
usedto turn the CP-3PLUS off,
it is important that the
CP-3PLUS be turned on with
theremotecontrolthatwillbe
used during each listening
session. If the front panel
switch is used to turn on the
CP-3PLUS , it will resume op-
eration in whichever mode
(Standard or Expanded) it
was last in.

8
Lexicon
The Rear Panel
Controls and
Indicators
CAUTION:Nevermakeorbreakanyconnections
to the CP-3 PLUS with the rear-panel power ON.
Make sure any associated amplifiers have been
turned off for at least one minute before turning
this master power switch on or off.
1. Power On/Off
The master power switch
should be left ON when the
unit is in regular use. When
the CP-3 will not be used for
an extended period of time,
or whenever you are con-
necting or disconnecting any
cables to the unit, this switch
should be turned OFF.
2. Control Option
This 5-pin DIN connector is
provided for interface to ex-
ternal controllers. Pins 1 and
2: ground; Pin 3: Power on
+5V whenever surround pro-
cessor in on (used to control
external power strips); Pin 4:
nointernalconnection;Pin5:
assigned and unavailable.
3. Power Connector
Connect the supplied AC
power cord here, then plug
the cord into an unswitched
outlet.Besurethatthepower
cord is firmly seated in this
connector.
4. Video In and Video Out
The three video inputs are
switched with their corre-
sponding audio inputs and
fed to VIDEO OUT. VIDEO
OUT should be connected to
avideo inputon your monitor
for the On Screen display to
work. The CP-3PLUS will gen-
erateabluebackgroundfield
if there is no video signal in
the selected input. If the
CP-3PLUS is turned off via the
front panel or either remote,
the last input selected will
continue to be passed to the
videooutput.Iftherear-panel
master power switch is
turned off, or if AC power is
removed from the unit, the
video output will default to
Input 1.
5. Tape Out
This provides an unproc-
essed,bufferedaudiooutput
of whatever input has been
selected. This output will be
active if the CP-3PLUS is
turnedoffviaremote,orfront
panel, but is shut off when
therear-panelmaster power
switch is turned off.
6. Audio Inputs and
Outputs
There are four stereo audio
inputs on the CP-3PLUS . Input
4 is audio only; it uses the
videosignalfromVideoInput
1.
Stereo outputs are provided
for Front, Side, and Rear
amplifiers, as well as single
monaural outputs for the
Centerspeakeramplifierand
the Subwoofer amp.

9
CP-3 PLUS Digital Surround Processor
Controls and
Indicators
2. Main Mute
Turns off all outputs, lights
both MAIN and EFX MUTE
LEDs and displays “SYS-
TEM MUTED.” Pressing
again will restore normal op-
eration. (Because it is pos-
sibletoalterthesetting of the
volume while Main Mute is
on, check the volume before
you turn the mute off again.)
3. EFX Mute (Effects Mute)
Turnsoffallsignalsaddedby
the CP-3PLUS, lights the yel-
low EFFECTS MUTE LED
on the front panel, and dis-
plays “EFFECTS MUTED.”
This bypasses all signal
processing in the CP-3PLUS
except level control, and is
thesimplestwaytoplay“nor-
mal” two-speaker stereo.
Pressing again will restore
normal operation.
The Standard
Remote
1. The Operating Modes
Thefive operating mode but-
tons on the Standard Re-
mote can be customized to
load any of 45 operating
modes. The specific modes
we recommend for each but-
ton are:
NIGHTCLUB gives the best
re-creation of the orignal re-
cording venue, but covers a
somewhat limited listening
area. This modeis most suit-
able for intimate listening of
any type of music.
CONCERT HALL creates
the sound of a near-perfect
large concert hall with your
seat in the front third. This
mode covers a very large lis-
tening area, and is best for
large-scale works.
MUSIC SURROUND is a
unique, versatile surround
program that adapts itself to
the individual recording. The
results, which can be quite
subtle on simply miked re-
cordings, are spectacular on
heavilyproducedrecordings.
TELEVISION provides sur-
round effects for television
viewing of monaural, stereo,
and stereo synthesized pro-
grams.
MOVIES (Home THX Cin-
ema)isdesignedfor any sur-
round sound encoded mov-
ies, music, or television pro-
grams.
4. On/Off
Turning the CP-3PLUS off
with this button (or the front
panel ON/OFF button) deac-
tivates the unit while leaving
power to the signal process-
ing circuitry to keep it at opti-
mum operating temperature.
The CP-3 PLUS uses this button’s
signal to differentiate between
the remotes. Therefore it is im-
portant that the CP-3PLUS be
turnedonwiththeremotecontrol
that will be used during each lis-
tening session. Touse the other
remote,simplyturnthe CP-3PLUS
off (with either remote or the
frontpanelswitch),thenturniton
with the ON/OFF button of the
remote you wish to use.
5. Balance
These four buttons adjust
thelevelofthesound relative
to the other channels. For
instance,pressing the left ar-
rowwillturndownthelevelof
all the right channels. The
effect of the Front/Back con-
trol on the side channels will
depend on speaker configu-
ration and operating mode.
6. Volume
These buttons simultane-
ously adjust the level of all
channels. It should be used
insteadof the volumecontrol
on your preamp or receiver.
The first push of either of these
buttons displays the current
value for 2 seconds; another
push during that time increases
or decreases the displayed
value. Holding the button down
for 1 second engages auto-re-
peat, changing thevaluerapidly.
7. Input
Buttons 1-4 select the input
source and can be pro-
grammed to automatically
engage the desired operat-
ing mode.
Pressing EFX MUTE after the MAIN MUTE (which mutes the main
and effect outputs) has been engaged will turn the effect mute off
while leaving the main speakers muted. This allows you to hear the
effecttheCP-3PLUS isaddingwithoutthe mainchannelson. Operation
depends on the mode in use and is explained in the manual section
for each mode.

10
Lexicon
Controls and
Indicators
The Expanded
Remote
1. The Modes THXCINEMA(15)combines
Dolby Pro Logic decoding
and the spectral enhance-
ments of the LucasFilm
Home THX Cinema system
to re-create film sound in
your home the way it was
heard in the final production
stages.
2. Setup
The SETUP button allows
selection and adjustment of
all the interface functions of
the CP-3PLUS including Input
andOutput levels, visual dis-
plays, speaker configura-
tions, etc.
3. Store
The STORE button saves in
memorythesettingsfromthe
SETUP mode and is used to
memorizeandstoreany cus-
tomized operating modes.
4. On/Off
Turning the CP-3PLUS off with
this button (or the front panel
ON/OFF button) deactivates
the unit while leaving power
to the signal processing cir-
cuitry to keep it at optimum
operating temperature.
The CP-3PLUS uses this button’s
signal to differentiate between
the remotes. Therefore it is im-
portant that the CP-3PLUS be
turnedonwiththeremotecontrol
that will be used during each lis-
tening session. Touse the other
remote, simply turn the CP-3PLUS
off (with either remote or the
frontpanelswitch),thenturniton
with the ON/OFF button of the
remote you wish to use.
The PANORAMA
modes(1,2and3)
provide enhanced
lateral sound (and
hence greater spaciousness
and envelopment) for either
music or films. This mode is
effective even using only the
two front loudspeakers.
NORMAL(1) and WIDE(2)
differ primarily in their initial
EffectLevels. BINAURAL(3)
isforplaybackonloudspeak-
ersofrecordingsmadewitha
dummy head microphone
system.
The AMBIENCE
modes(4,5and 6)
simulate concert
halls of three dif-
ferent sizes, generating re-
flectionsofappropriatedirec-
tionality, delay and spectral
shape, sending them to the
side and rear speakers. The
Ambience modes provide
adjustable recirculation
through the Liveness pa-
rameter but for long rever-
beration times, use Reverb.
Both Ambience and Reverb
are true stereo simulators.
Like Ambience,
the REVERB
modes(7,8and 9)
simulate rooms of
three sizes with the aid of
side and rear channels.
These modes have fewer
specific initial reflections
than Ambience, but richer
and smoother reverberant
decay. Reverb is especially
good for simulating large,
highly reverberant spaces.
SURROUND:
TV (10) is de-
signed to expand
and enhance a
wide range of television pro-
gramming. This mode also
allows adjustment of certain
parameters for film sound
which are not adjustable in
Mode14. If aprogram isdes-
ignatedasbeinginsurround,
use Pro Logic (14), or THX
(15).
MUSIC(11)enhancesmusic
through a unique ambience
extraction method, and can
provide spectacular results
with music that has carefully
recorded stereo information.
FULL (12) allows unproc-
essed music to be played
over all the speakers for
background music, or for
maximum acoustical output
of the system.
MONO (13) expands the
musicandeffectson monau-
ral films into the additional
channels while leaving the
dialog in the front center.
PRO LOGIC (14) provides
the same decoding used in
Dolby Stereo theater sys-
tems,usingasmanyaseight
speakers for front, center,
side, rear, and subwoofer
channels.

11
CP-3 PLUS Digital Surround Processor
Controls and
Indicators
5. Bank
The BANK button switches
between the three register
banks: the Presets and the
two User register Banks (A&
B) where customized modes
may be stored. The mode
number doesn’t change: if
you are using Preset 9,
pressing BANK once
switches to User A9, press-
ing BANK again switches to
USER B9, and pressing
BANK once more selects
Preset 9.
6. Parameter
The three parameter buttons
allow selection and adjust-
ment of variable parameters
within each mode. Pushing
PARAM displays the pa-
rameter menu with a move-
able cursor for 5 seconds;
pushing it again before the
display changes moves the
cursortothenext parameter.
PressingPARAM ▲or ▼will
display and adjust the cur-
rent parameter (whether or
not PARAM has been
pushed.) A single push of ei-
therofthesebuttonsdisplays
the parameter; another push
changes the parameter by
one unit. Holding PARAM ▲
or ▼for more than 1 second
causes the values to change
rapidly in an auto-repeat
mode.
7. Effects*
▲and▼adjustthelevelofall
signals added by the
CP-3PLUS.
8. Mutes
MAIN MUTE turns off all out-
puts and lights both MAIN
andEFXMUTELEDs. Push-
ing EFX MUTE while in sys-
tem- mute mode turns the
effects alone back on. EFX
MUTE alternately turns off
and on all signals added by
the CP-3PLUS. Use it to com-
parethesoundwithandwith-
out CP-3 PLUS processing, or
as a simple way to play nor-
mal two-speaker stereo.
9. Balance*
BALANCE: Thefourbalance
buttons adjust the levels of
the rear speakers relative to
the sides and fronts, and the
left/rightbalanceofallspeak-
ers: front, sides and rear. It
should be used instead of
the balance control on your
preamp or receiver.
10. Volume*
▲and ▼simultaneously ad-
just the level of all channels.
These should be used in-
stead of the volume control
on your preamp or receiver.
11. Input
INPUTbuttons1-4 select the
input source and can be pro-
grammed to automatically
engage the desired operat-
ing mode.
*The first push of either of these
buttons displays the current
value for 2 seconds; another
push during that time increases
or decreases the displayed
value. Holding the button down
for 1 second engages auto-re-
peat, changing values rapidly.
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all references to the remote control in this manual
refer to the Expanded Remote.

12
Lexicon
Connection
Connection
Location
Considerations The CP-3 PLUS is a highly specialized signal processing computer and
requires special care during installation to ensure optimum performance.
The CP-3PLUS may be installed on a shelf or in a standard 19" equipment rack,
using rack-mounting hardware available from Lexicon. Observe the fol-
lowing precautions:
• Select a dry, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.
•Do not stack the CP-3PLUS directly above heat-producing equipment such
as power amplifiers.
• Avoid placing the CP-3 PLUS near unshielded TV or FM antennas, cable
TV decoders, or other receivers. The CP-3 PLUS may interfere with some
FM tuners if it is placed immediately above or below them. Some
products, particularly power amplifiers, may cause hum in the CP-3 PLUS
if they are in close proximity.
•Make sure the IR receiver window (located above the On/Off switch on
the CP-3PLUS front panel) is unobstructed. The remote control must be in
line-of-sight to this receiver for proper operation. If line-of-sight is
impractical, an infrared remote repeater can be used. Place the sender/
emitter so that it has an unobstructed path to the CP-3PLUS ’s IR receiver
window. The CP-3 PLUS may be placed in a glass-doored cabinet but
smoked glass will make the front panel Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
difficult to read and will reduce the sensitivity of the IR receiver.
• Do not mount the CP-3 PLUS into walls or ceiling.
The CP-3PLUS is designed to be connected to an uninterrupted AC power line
in the same manner as a VCR or aTV with a clock in it. Like all computers,
the CP-3 PLUS is sensitive to voltage fluctuations. We therefore recommend
the use of an AC line filter to protect against line surges, or the installation
of a line conditioner to protect against under voltage (brownouts) as well as
overvoltage conditions.
The CP-3 PLUS has a master power switch on the rear panel above the IEC
standard AC power receptacle. This switch may be left ON continuously
when the unit is in regular use. When the CP-3PLUS will not be used for an
extended period of time, or whenever you are connecting or disconnecting
any cables to the unit, this switch should be turned OFF.
Connect the power cable to the CP-3PLUS, then plug the power cord into a
wall outlet or into an unswitched outlet on the back of your preamplifier. Be
sure that the power cord is firmly seated in the connector on the rear panel
of the CP-3PLUS.
AC Connections

13
CP-3 PLUS Digital Surround Processor Connection
Wiring Considerations
Audio/Video CablesThere is controversy over the audible effects of different types of intercon-
nects. Good engineering practices have minimized the effect that cables
might have on the inputs and outputs of the CP-3PLUS — but feel free to
evaluate different interconnects in your system. If you want to do some
tweaking, be conscious of the mechanical stress from repeated insertion
and overly tight connectors, and the possibly corrosive nature of some
contact-enhancing fluids.
Note that the use of audio cables for video applications may cause signal
degradation, and is not recommended. For video connections, please use
only cables that are designed for video applications — these have different
impedance characteristics than cables approved for audio applications.
Both audio and video cables should be kept as short as possible.
In general, speaker cables should be kept short, and low-impedance wire
should be used throughout to assure efficient power transmission and
avoid audible distortion. Recommended wire lengths are given in the table
below. Although these examples can be used as a general guide, your
system manuals should provide detailed information specific to your
components.
Wire Lengths
Length AWG Size & Stranding
up to 12 feet 16 gauge (19/29)
up to 18 feet 14 gauge (19/27)
up to 29 feet 12 gauge (19/27)
up to 51feet 10 gauge (105/30)
Speaker Connections

14
Lexicon
Connection
Audio/Video
Connections Before making any connections, turn off ALL audio and video components, including individual power amplifiers. (Unplug any preamps and power
amps that don’t have power switches.)
The CP-3PLUS is designed to function as the control center of the system,
selecting inputs and controlling the volume of all speakers in the system.
There are several ways to integrate the CP-3PLUS into the system, but they
basically fall into two categories: those where the CP-3PLUS is connected
directly to all of the amplifiers in the room, and those where the CP-3PLUS is
connected into a tape or signal processor loop of a preamp or receiver.
As most systems which use the CP-3PLUS are likely to be fairly complex, one
of the design goals should be to make the entire system intuitive to use. If
there are no more than four line level (not a turntable) sources, it is easiest
to hook them directly to the inputs of the CP-3PLUS, and to connect all of the
system amplifiers to the CP-3PLUS outputs. If a mono source is used (such as
an older VCR), a Y-connector should be used to connect to both left and right
audio inputs on the CP-3PLUS.
Many installations will have more than four sources in the system. A
preamp, or A/V switcher, can handle the additional components — and
possibly add some additional dubbing capabilities. A preamp has the
advantage of a built-in phono amp, and many include decent tone controls
as well. The disadvantages include: a redundant gain stage, another volume
control that can be set incorrectly, forfeit of remote switching and loss of the
CP-3PLUS programmable input functions for the sources connected through
the preamp. An A/V Switcher may yield more dubbing flexibility, and
should be considered if there is no turntable in the system.
You may choose to connect the CP-3PLUS in the tape monitor, or external
processor loop of a preamp, allowing you to completey bypass the CP-3PLUS.
This, however, will make the system somewhat more complicated to
operate, and adds a gain stage (the preamp) that is not needed.
NOTE: The CP-3PLUS Tape Out output is not a tape monitor circuit.
The audio inputselected isalways fed directly toTape Out. If atape
deck is connected to this output and one of the inputs, and that
input is selected, a feedback loop will result. This can damage the
amplifiers, and the speakers.

15
CP-3 PLUS Digital Surround Processor
If there are four or fewer sources to be used in the system, they can each be
connected directly to the CP-3PLUS inputs. A typical system might use Input
1 for television, Input 2 for VCR, Input 3 for video disc and Input 4 for CD
player or turntable (output through a preamp). Since Input 4 is audio only,
the video output will default to the video signal from Input 1. This feature
allows TV or other video source viewing while different audio is playing.
Connect your main stereo amplifier to the CP-3PLUS FRONT outputs. Con-
nect any additional amplifier/speaker combinations to the remaining
outputs on the CP-3PLUS: side amplifiers to the SIDE outputs, rear amplifiers
to the REAR outputs, center-channel amplifier to the CENTER output and
the subwoofer amp to the SUB WOOFER output. If you are using THX-type
dipolar surround speakers, the amplifier driving them should be connected
to the CP-3PLUS SIDE outputs.
Connecting the
CP-3PLUS as a preamp
Connection
* In this configuration, use a Y-connector to hook the VCR to Video 1 as well if its tuner is
used instead of the TV tuner.
** In this configuration, select the TV's video input to see the CP-3PLUS on-screen display.