Lexicon MC-8 Brochure

Digital Controller

Processors

> 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 Pro Logic 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

>

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 heart of 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

The MC-8 Balanced includes balanced audio outputs for all channels,

including Zone 2. In many installations, 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.

Dolby Digital EX

, Pro-Logic II,

DTS-ES,DTS Neo:6

, and LOGIC 7

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.

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.

MC-8Specifications

Audio Inputs and Outputs

Analog Audio Inputs Eight stereo pairs (RCA) or five stereo pairs and one 5.1-chan-

Digital Audio Inputs Four S/PDIF coaxial (RCA), four S/PDIF optical (TosLink); coaxial

Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz

Accepts: 16-24 bits PCM audio, Dolby Digital, DTS and DTS-ES discrete

Main Audio Outputs Eight unbalanced (RCA) and eight balanced (XLR, MC-8 Balanced

Zone 2 Audio Outputs One unbalanced stereo pair (RCA, variable output level);

nel analog input or two stereo pairs and two 5.1-channel ana­log inputs

and optical inputs conform to IEC-958, S/PDIF standards

data formats

only) for Front L/R, Center, Subwoofer, Side L/R, Rear L/R

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
Conversion

Frequency Response

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

Input Impedance 100kΩ in parallel with 150pF

Output Level 150mVrms typical, 6Vrms maximum (RCA outputs); 300mVrms

Output Impedance 100Ω in parallel with 150pF (RCA outputs); 50Ω in parallel with

24-bit, 44.1 to 192kHz, multi-bit S∑ architecture

10Hz to 20kHz, +0.05dB/-0.1dB,

-0.5dB at 40 kHz, reference 1kHz

gain

typ, 12Vrms maximum (XLR outputs, MC-8 Balanced only);
maximum value with full-scale input signal and volume at
+12dB

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

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 100kΩ in parallel with 150pF

Output Level 200mVrms typical, 4Vrms maximum (RCA outputs); 400mVrms

Output Impedance 100Ω in parallel with 150pF (RCA outputs); 50Ω in parallel

10Hz to 20kHz, +0.1dB/-0.25dB,

-0.75dB at 40kHz, reference 1kHz

typical, 8Vrms maximum (XLR outputs, Zone 2 only, MC-8
Balanced only); maximum value with full-scale input signal and
volume at 0dB

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

Video Outputs Two composite (RCA, one monitor and one Zone2), two S-

(RCA)

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

K Factor <0.3%

Gain ±0.15dB

Signal/Noise Ratio >65dB

Frequency Response 10Hz to 10MHz + 0.1/

-0.3dB

Specifications

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 software upgrades

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.