Lexicon CP-3 User manual

CP-3
Digital
Surround
Processor
Owner's Manual

Lexicon
Lexicon Part #070-08342 Rev 1 Printed in the United States of America
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. Additionally licensed under one or more of the
followingpatents:U.S.numbers3,632,886,3,746,792and3,959,590;Canadiannumbers1,004,603and1,037,877."Dolby"andthedouble-
D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
The CP-3 is manufactured under license from LucasArts Entertainment Company. "THX" and "Home THX Cinema" are trademarks of
LucasArts Entertainment Company.
"Auto-Azimuth" and the A-Z logo
are trademarks of Lexicon, Inc.
Copyright ©1991 Lexicon. Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Lexicon Patent: U.S. no. 4, 862, 502; other patents pending on the CP-3.
Unpacking and Inspection
After unpacking the CP-3, save all packing materials in case you ever need to ship the unit. Thoroughly inspect
the CP-3 and packing materials for signs of damage. Remove the adhesive protective film from the CP-3 front-
panel lens. Report any shipment damage to the carrier at once; report equipment malfunction to your dealer.
AUTO AZIMUTH
Precautions
This equipment hasbeen tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class Bdigitaldevice, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limitsaredesignedto provide reasonableprotectionagainst harmfulinterferenceina residentialinstallation.Thisequipmentgenerates,uses
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to
radio communications.However,there isno guaranteethat interferencewillnotoccurinaparticular installation.Ifthis equipmentdoescause
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Thistriangle,whichappearson
your component, alerts you to
important operating and main-
tenance instructions in this ac-
companying literature.
This triangle, which appears on
your component, alerts you to
the presence of uninsulated,
dangerous voltage inside the
enclosure...voltagethatmaybe
sufficient to constitute a risk of
shock.
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THE UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
WARNING:
DO NOT DEFEAT OR REMOVE
GROUND PIN ON THE POWER PLUG.

Safety Suggestions
Read Instructions Read all safety and operating instruc-
tions before operating the unit.
Retain Instructions Keep the safety and operating instruc-
tions for future reference.
HeedWarnings Adheretoallwarningsontheunitandinthe
operating instructions.
Follow Instructions Follow operating and use instructions.
Heat Keep the unit away from heat sources such as radia-
tors, heat registers, stoves, etc., including amplifiers which
produce heat.
VentilationMakesurethat thelocationorpositionoftheunit
doesnotinterferewithitsproperventilation.Forexample,the
unit should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar
surfacethatmayblockthe ventilation openings;or,placedin
acabinetwhichimpedestheflowofairthroughtheventilation
openings.
Wall or Ceiling Mounting Do not mount the unit to a wall or
ceiling except as recommended by the manufacturer.
Power Sources Connect the unit only to a power supply of
thetypedescribedintheoperatinginstructions,orasmarked
on the unit.
Grounding orPolarization* Take precautions notto defeat
the grounding or polarization of the unit’s power cord.
*Not applicable in Canada.
Power Cord Protection Route power supply cords so that
theyarenotlikelytobewalkedonorpinchedbyitemsplaced
on or against them, paying particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point at which they
exit from the unit.
Nonuse Periods Unplug the power cord of the unit from the
outlet when the unit is to be left unused for a long period of
time.
Water and Moisture Do not use the unit near water — for
example, near a sink, in a wet basement, near a swimming
pool, near an open window, etc.
Objectand liquid entryDonotallowobjectsto fall orliquids
to be spilled into the enclosure through openings.
CleaningThe unitshould be cleanedonlyasrecommended
by the manufacturer.
ServicingDo notattemptanyservicebeyondthatdescribed
in the operatinginstructions. Refer all otherservice needs to
qualified service personnel.
Damage requiring service The unit should be serviced by
qualified service personnel when:
the power supply cord or the plug has been damaged,
objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the
unit,
the unit has been exposed to rain,
the unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits
a marked change in performance,
the unit has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
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 Na-
tional Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70-1984, provides
informationwithrespecttoproper grounding ofthemastand
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to an
antenna-discharge unit, size of grounding conductors, loca-
tion 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.

CP-3
Digital Surround
Processor Owner's
Manual

CP-3 Digital Surround Processor
Contents
1 Introduction to the CP-3 1
Introduction 1
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-3 as a
preamp • Connecting the CP-3 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
Customization 30
Locking in Settings • Custom Name
Custom Modes • Modifying the mode
3 Using the CP-3 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-3
CP-3 Digital Surround Processor
Introduction
1
All of the operating modes of the Lexicon CP-3 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 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 performance or film when
heard with the CP-3 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-3 is 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-3,
allows complete control of every aspect of operation.
To recreate the experience of being at a live musical performance the CP-3
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 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-3 increases SI by either extract-
ing 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

2
Introduction
to the CP-3 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
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 is optimized for each of these
unique tasks. The Music Surround mode is specifically designed to opti-
mally play conventional stereo music through any system which includes
side or side-located rear speakers. Additionally, the CP-3 is able to perform
automatic analysis and error correction to compensate for problems in the
source material.
For films encoded with Dolby Surround, Lexicon has incorporated the
Lucasfilm Home THX Cinema processing into the CP-3. 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).
The CP-3 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-3
CP-3 Digital Surround Processor
Using the
Documentation
Because the CP-3 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 is shipped with
an Owner's Manual, a Quick Reference Card and a booklet titled: CP-3
Theory and Design.
The Owner's Manual is designed to assist you in installing, calibrating and
operating the CP-3. 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.
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 design will make sense of each step in the setup procedure,
and will help you make the most of the operating features.

4
Introduction
to the CP-3 Lexicon
System Overview Although the CP-3 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.
Mode A mode is a configuration that determines how the CP-3 will
process an input signal. The CP-3 contains four basic modes: Panorama,
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 contains 45 registers, or memory locations, where
modes are stored.
Bank The CP-3'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 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-3
CP-3 Digital Surround Processor
Essentially, the CP-3 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 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. 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 Digital Surround Processor
2
Controls and
Indicators
The Front Panel
Installation and
Calibration
ThePROGRAMbuttonsteps
through the modes of the
bank currently in use. Using
itsExpandedmodes,theCP-
3 can have as many as 45
operating modes: Presets 1-
15 are configured at the fac-
tory, those labeled User A1-
15 and User B1-15 are avail-
able 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.
9. Effects Mute
3. Alphanumeric Display
The alphanumeric LCD (liq-
uid crystal display) shows
boththemodethatisrunning
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
the CP-3 to detect signals
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.
6. Program
1. Input
The four INPUT buttons are
used to select which input is
processed by the CP-3.
Pressing any one of these
buttons will select that input
and light the LED above it.
The CP-3 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-
3's digital encoding circuits
and is used to indicate the
correct Dolby level for video
sound sources (marked by
the double-D symbol be-
tween the LEDs.) When cor-
rectly set, the loudest pas-
sages will light the entire row
ofgreenLEDs,thetwoyellow
ones, and occasionally flash
thered peakLEDs at thetop.
See Page 22, Setting Input
Levels. (The input level me-
terscanbeturnedofftoelimi-
nate distraction — See Page
19.)
EFFECTSMUTEturnsoffall
signals added by the CP-3,
lights the yellow EFFECTS
MUTE LED on the front
panel, and displays “EF-
FECTS MUTED.” This by-
passes all signal processing
in the CP-3 except level con-
trol, and is the simplest way
to play “normal” two-speaker
stereo. Pressing again will
restore normal operation.
10. On/Off
ON/OFF alternately puts the
CP-3 into and out of standby
mode. Turning the CP-3 off
withthisbutton(orwitheither
remote) deactivates the unit
while leaving power to the
signal processing circuitry to
keep it at optimum operating
temperature. Although this
switch may be used to turn
the CP-3 off, it is important
that the CP-3 be turned on
with the remote control that
will be used during each lis-
tening session. If the front
panel switch is used to turn
on the CP-3, it will resume
operationinwhichevermode
(Standard or Expanded) it
was last in.

8
Lexicon
The Rear Panel
Controls and
Indicators
CAUTION:Nevermakeorbreakanyconnections
to the CP-3 with the rear-panel power ON. Make
sureanyassociatedamplifiershavebeenturned
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. 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.
3. 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.TheCP-3will generate
a blue background field if
thereis novideo signal inthe
selected input. If the CP-3 is
turned off via the front panel
or either remote, the last in-
put selected will continue to
be passed to the video out-
put. If the rear-panel master
power switch is turned off, or
if AC power is removed from
the unit, the video output will
default to Input 1.
4. Tape Out
This provides an unproc-
essed,bufferedaudiooutput
of whatever input has been
selected. This output will be
activeiftheCP-3isturnedoff
via remote, or front panel,
but is shut off when the rear-
panelmasterpowerswitchis
turned off.
5. Audio Inputs and
Outputs
There are four stereo audio
inputs on the CP-3.Input 4 is
audio only; it uses the video
signal from Video Input 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 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-3, lights the yellow
EFFECTSMUTELEDonthe
front panel, and displays
“EFFECTS MUTED.” This
bypasses all signal process-
ing in the CP-3 except level
control, and is the simplest
way to play “normal” two-
speaker stereo. Pressing
again will restore normal op-
eration.
The Standard
Remote
1. The Operating Modes
Thefiveoperatingmodebut-
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)isdesignedforany sur-
round sound encoded mov-
ies, music, or television pro-
grams.
4. On/Off
TurningtheCP-3offwith this
button(orthefrontpanelON/
OFF button) deactivates the
unit while leaving power to
the signal processing cir-
cuitry to keep it at optimum
operating temperature.
The CP-3 uses this button’s sig-
nal to differentiate between the
remotes. Therefore it is impor-
tant that the CP-3 be turned on
with the remote control that will
be used during each listening
session. To use the other re-
mote, simply turn the CP-3 off
(with either remote or the front
panelswitch),thenturnitonwith
theON/OFFbuttonoftheremote
you wish to use.
5. Balance
These four buttons adjust
thelevelofthesoundrelative
to the other channels. For
instance,pressingtheleftar-
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, changingthevalue rapidly.
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
effect the CP-3 is adding without the main channels on. 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-3 including Input and
Output levels, visual dis-
plays, speaker configura-
tions, etc.
3. Store
The STORE button saves in
memorythesettingsfromthe
SETUP mode and is used to
memorizeandstoreanycus-
tomized operating modes.
4. On/Off
TurningtheCP-3offwith this
button(orthefrontpanelON/
OFF button) deactivates the
unit while leaving power to
the signal processing cir-
cuitry to keep it at optimum
operating temperature.
The CP-3 uses this button’s sig-
nal to differentiate between the
remotes. Therefore it is impor-
tant that the CP-3 be turned on
with the remote control that will
be used during each listening
session. To use the other re-
mote, simply turn the CP-3 off
(with either remote or the front
panelswitch),thenturnitonwith
theON/OFFbuttonoftheremote
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(4,5and6)
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(7,8and9)
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.Ifaprogramisdes-
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
musicandeffectsonmonau-
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 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
cursortothenextparameter.
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-3.
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-3. Use it to compare
the sound with and without
CP-3 processing, or as a
simple way to play normal
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
INPUTbuttons1-4selectthe
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 is a highly specialized signal processing computer and requires
special care during installation to ensure optimum performance.
The CP-3 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-3 directly above heat-producing equipment such as
power amplifiers.
•Avoid placing the CP-3 near unshielded TV or FM antennas, cable TV
decoders, or other receivers. The CP-3 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 if they are in
close proximity.
•Make sure the IR receiver window (located above the On/Off switch on
the CP-3 front panel) is unobstructed. The remote control must be in line-
of-sight to this receiver for proper operation. If line-of-sight is impracti-
cal, an infrared remote repeater can be used. Place the sender/emitter so
that it has an unobstructed path to the CP-3’s IR receiver window. The
CP-3 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 into walls or ceiling.
The CP-3 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 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 over-
voltage conditions. A lithium battery prevents loss of information stored in
the CP-3 in the event of power loss. This battery should not need replace-
ment for 5-7 years. As it is not user-replaceable, please contact Lexicon or
your local dealer for service.
The CP-3 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-3 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-3, 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-3.
AC Connections

13
CP-3 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-3 — 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)
Contact your dealer for specific recommendations regarding interconnects
and speaker cables.
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-3 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-3 into the system, but they basically fall into
two categories: those where the CP-3 is connected directly to all of the
amplifiers in the room, and those where the CP-3 is connected into a tape or
signal processor loop of a preamp or receiver.
As most systems which use the CP-3 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-3, and to connect all of the system
amplifiers to the CP-3 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-3.
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-3 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-3 in the tape monitor, or external
processor loop of a preamp, allowing you to completey bypass the CP-3.
This, however, will make the system somewhat more complicated to
operate, and adds a gain stage (the preamp) that is not needed.
CAUTION: The CP-3 Tape Out output is not a tape monitor circuit.
The audio input selected isalways fed directly toTape Out. Ifa tape
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, the speakers, and your ears.

15
CP-3 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-3 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-3’s FRONT outputs. Connect
any additional amplifier/speaker combinations to the remaining outputs
on the CP-3: side amplifiers to the SIDE outputs, rear amplifiers to the REAR
outputs, center-channel amplifier to the CENTER output and the sub-
woofer 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-3 SIDE outputs.
Connecting the
CP-3 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-3's on-screen display.

16
Lexicon
Connecting the CP-3
in a Tape Monitor Loop If you have a receiver with no external access to the preamplifier outputs,
you can use a tape output or external processor loop to the CP-3. However,
any change in the receiver’s volume control after the system is adjusted will
upset the balance between the main and auxiliary speakers.
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-3's on-screen display.