Lexicon MC-8 User manual

>Eight channels, eight configurable inputs, and two zones
>Up to two 5.1-channel analog audio inputs
>Analog bypass available for stereo and 5.1-channel analog audio
inputs
>24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converters (DACs)
>Balanced main and second zone audio outputs
(balanced version only)
>Stereo side and rear outputs and a dedicated subwoofer output
>S/PDIF coaxial and S/PDIF optical digital audio inputs
>S/PDIF coaxial digital audio output
>Automatic switching between analog and digital audio inputs
>Two broadcast-quality video switchers
>Three component video inputs with full high-definition television
compatibility
>Eight S-video and five composite video inputs
>Four 32-bit, floating-point DSP engines
>Separate DSP engine to decode Dolby Digital and DTS signals
>LOGIC 7 decoding
>Dolby Digital Surround EX and Dolby ProLogic II decoding
>DTS 96/24, DTS Neo:6, and DTS-ES (matrix and discrete) decoding
>THX Ultra2 and THX Surround EX decoding
>Two trigger outputs, rear panel IR input, and RS-232 control
>Optional rack mount kit
Processors
Digital Controller

Based on the MC-12 Digital Controller, the MC-8 is ideal for less complex
multi-channel systems in which sound quality, picture quality, ease-of-use
and reliability are still of paramount importance. The MC-8 is equipped
with two independent zones, eight configurable inputs, and eight channels
of output, and is both physically smaller and more affordable than the
MC-12. Drawing on Lexicon's legendary expertise in digital audio, the
MC-8 offers superior performance and value for today's music and home
theater devotee.
At the heartof the MC-8 are four Analog Devices SHARC®digital signal
processing engines, one Cirrus Logic DSP engine, and ten 24-bit/192kHz
digital-to-analog converters - an architecture that is nearly identical to the
MC-12. As a result, the MC-12 and MC-8 share the same tremendous
processing power and sonic soul.The MC-8 includes THX Ultra2 certifi-
cation and dts 96/24 decoding. Its impressive list of playback technologies
also includes Dolby Digital EX , Pro-Logic II, DTS-ES , DTS Neo:6 , and LOGIC 7 .
The MC-8 Balanced includes balanced audio outputs for all channels,
including Zone 2. In manyinstallations, the Digital Controller is located in
an equipment rack along with tuners, satellite receivers, and so forth
which can introduce audible interference into the system. By using bal-
anced audio connections between the digital controller and the power
amplifier, the potential for audio interference is minimized. For systems
utilizing amplified speakers, balanced connections will eliminate noise
introduced on cables between the digital controller and the speakers.
With the advent of formats such as DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio
CD, and High-Definition TV, the demand for input connectors has grown.
The MC-8 provides compatibility with these formats, offering three com-
ponent video inputs and eight configurable analog inputs.The analog inputs
can be configured as eight stereo inputs, five stereo inputs plus one 5.1-
channel input, or two stereo inputs plus two 5.1-channel inputs (useful for
systems containing separate DVD-A and SACD sources).
Like the MC-12, the MC-8 software is easily upgradeable via a rear panel
RS-232 port.There are also two internal upgrade slots and two rear panel
access plates, which allow for additional connections should upgrades be
made available by Lexicon.
The MC-8 uses the same intuitive on-screen menu system as the MC-12
for navigation of the set-up options and features. Both new users and
those that are familiar with Lexicon digital controllers will instantly feel at
home with the MC-8 and will be fine-tuning it in minutes.
Designed with a careful balance of performance and function, the MC-8 is
sure to impress with its stellar performance, simple user interface, flexibil-
ity, and expandability. Combined with an RT-20 disc player and an LX series
power amplifier, the MC-8 serves as the core of a high performance, high
value home theater system.

Specifications
MC-8Specifications
Audio Inputs and Outputs
Analog Audio Inputs Eight stereo pairs (RCA) or five stereo pairs and one 5.1-chan-
nel analog input or two stereo pairs and two 5.1-channel ana-
log inputs
Digital Audio Inputs Four S/PDIF coaxial (RCA), four S/PDIF optical (TosLink); coaxial
and optical inputs conform to IEC-958, S/PDIF standards
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz
Accepts: 16-24 bits PCM audio, Dolby Digital, DTS and DTS-ES discrete
data formats
Main Audio Outputs Eight unbalanced (RCA) and eight balanced (XLR, MC-8 Balanced
only) for Front L/R, Center, Subwoofer, Side L/R, Rear L/R
Zone 2 Audio Outputs One unbalanced stereo pair (RCA, variable output level);
One balanced stereo pair (XLR) variable output
(MC-8 Balanced only)
One coaxial (RCA) S/PDIF output
Performance (Main Zone)
Analog-to-Digital 24-bit, 96kHz, dual-bit S∑architecture
Conversion
Digital-to-Analog 24-bit, 44.1 to 192kHz, multi-bit S∑architecture
Conversion
Frequency Response 10Hz to 20kHz, +0.05dB/-0.1dB,
-0.5dB at 40 kHz, reference 1kHz
THD + Noise Below 0.008% at 1kHz, maximum output level
Dynamic Range 108dB minimum, 22kHz bandwidth
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 108dB minimum, 22kHz bandwidth
Input Sensitivity 200mVrms (2Vrms for maximum output level) at 0dB input
gain
Input Impedance 100kΩin parallel with 150pF
Output Level 150mVrms typical, 6Vrms maximum (RCA outputs); 300mVrms
typ, 12Vrms maximum (XLR outputs, MC-8 Balanced only);
maximum value with full-scale input signal and volume at
+12dB
Output Impedance 100Ωin parallel with 150pF (RCA outputs); 50Ωin parallel with
150pF (XLR outputs, MC-8 Balanced only)
Performance (Zone 2)
Digital-to-Analog 24-bit, 44.1 to 192kHz, multi-bit S∑architecture
Conversion
Frequency Response 10Hz to 20kHz, +0.1dB/-0.25dB,
-0.75dB at 40kHz, reference 1kHz
THD + Noise Below 0.005% at 1kHz, maximum output level
Dynamic Range 103dB minimum, 22kHz bandwidth
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 103dB minimum, 22kHz bandwidth
Input Sensitivity 200mVrms (4Vrms for maximum output level)
Input Impedance 100kΩin parallel with 150pF
Output Level 200mVrms typical, 4Vrms maximum (RCA outputs); 400mVrms
typical, 8Vrms maximum (XLR outputs, Zone 2 only, MC-8
Balanced only); maximum value with full-scale input signal and
volume at 0dB
Output Impedance 100Ωin parallel with 150pF (RCA outputs); 50Ωin parallel
with 150pF (XLR outputs, Zone 2 only, MC-8 Balanced only)
Video Inputs and Outputs
Video Inputs Five composite (RCA), five S-video, and three component video
(RCA)
Video Outputs Two composite (RCA, one monitor and one Zone2), two S-
video (one monitor and one Zone2), and one component (RCA)
Performance (Composite & S-video)
Compatibility NTSC, PAL, and SECAM
Switching Active
Output Level 1.0V peak-to-peak
Impedance 75Ω
Input Return Loss >40dB
Differential Gain <0.5%
Differential Phase <0.5°
Bandwidth >25MHz
KFactor <0.3%
Gain ±0.15dB
Signal/Noise Ratio >65dB
Frequency Response 10Hz to 10MHz + 0.1/
-0.3dB

Performance (Component Video)
Compatibility 3-channel (Y, Pr, Pb), format-independent
Switching Passive
Impedance 75Ω
Bandwidth >150MHz
Insertion Loss <3dB
Other
Trigger Outputs One power on/off trigger, one programmable trigger; +12
VDC, 0.5 amps each; detachable screw terminals
RS-232 Serial Two 9-pin D-sub connectors for system
Input/Output control and softwareupgrades
Power Requirements 90-250 VAC, 50-60Hz, 60W (universal line input), detachable
power cord
Dimensions
MC-8:
Height (with feet) 3.81” (97mm) (two rack units without feet)
Width 17.3” (440mm)
Depth 14.85” (377mm)
MC-8 Balanced:
Height (with feet) 5.04” (128mm)
(~three rack units without feet)
Width 17.3” (440mm)
Depth 14.85” (377mm)
Weight
MC-8: 17lbs (7.6kg)
MC-8 Balanced: 24lbs (10.7kg)
Rack Mounting Optional brackets are available for installing either unit in a
standard 19-inch equipment rack (two rack units required for
MC-8, three rack units required for MC-8 Balanced).
Environment
Operating Temp: 0° to 35°C (32° to 95°F)
Storage Temp: -30° to 75°C (-22° to 167°F)
Relative Humidity: 95% maximum without condensation
Remote Control Hand-held, backlit infrared remote control unit
Batteries: Two AA
Specifications subject to change without notice.