Meridian G68 INSTALLATION GUIDE

G68 Digital Surround Controller

Installation Guide

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Important safety instructions

• Read the instructions.

• Keep these instructions.

• Follow all instructions.

• Do not use this apparatus near water.

• Clean only with a dry cloth.

• Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Refer all servicing to approved service personnel.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

This apparatus has been designed with Class 1 construction and

must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective

earthing connection (the third grounding pin).

This apparatus uses a single-pole power switch. As a result it is

not isolated from AC mains power when switched off at the rear

panel. The apparatus may be isolated from mains power either by

unplugging the power connector from the rear of the unit, or by

unplugging the connector at the opposing end of the power cord

or cable from its supply outlet. As a result, either or both of these

connectors should remain accessible

Safety warnings

• Do not expose the product to dripping or splashing.

• Do not place any object filled with liquid, such as a vase, on the

product.

• Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, on the

product.

To avoid overheating

• Leave at least 10cm around the equipment to ensure sufficient

ventilation.

Do not position the product:

• In direct sunlight.

• Near heat sources, such as a radiator.

• Stacked with any other audio products, as the heat it generates

may damage the other products.

• On a soft surface, such as a carpet, which would obstruct the

ventilation holes in the base.

The product normally runs warm to the touch.

Radio interference

FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate radio

frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly in

accordance with our instructions may cause interference to radio

communications or radio and television reception. It has been type-

tested and complies with the limits set out in Subpart J, Part 15 of

FCC rules for a Class B computing device. These limits are intended

to provide reasonable protection against such interference in home

installations.

EEC: This product has been designed and type-tested to comply

with the limits set out in EN55013 and EN55020.

To avoid interference

Do not position the product:

• Near strong magnetic radiation, such as near a power amplifier.

• Near to a television, or where connecting cables may be subject

to or cause interference.

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Contents

Introduction 1

Provides information about the digital surround controller

models, a description of each product, and technical

specifications.

Specifications

Installing the digital surround
controller 5

Describes how to install the digital surround controller and

connect it to the other equipment in the system.

Unpacking 5

Audio inputs 6

Audio outputs 10

Tuner and communications connections 16

Configuring the digital surround
controller 19

Explains how to configure the digital surround controller

using the front-panel controls.

Configuration Wizard 19

Stage 1: Resetting the product 20

Stage 2: Configuring speakers 22

Stage 3: Configuring sources 24

DSP presets 37

Gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and

describes how to modify them.

DSP presets 37

3

Defining your own presets 47

Troubleshooting 49

Provides suggested solutions to problems while installing,

configuring, or operating the product.

Maintenance 53

Service and guarantee 54

Index 55

C o n t e n t s

Calibrating the system 29

Describes how to fine-tune the digital surround controller

to achieve the optimum performance from your sources and

speaker layout.

Introduction 29

Calibration tests 31

Speaker size 33

Using the Sine/Sub/Sens controls 34

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Copyright and acknowledgements

Sales and service in the UK

Meridian Audio Ltd

Latham Road

Huntingdon

Cambridgeshire

PE29 6YE

England

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

World Wide Web – http://www.meridian-audio.com/

Copyright © 2003-2010 Meridian Audio Ltd

Designed and manufactured in the UK by Meridian Audio

Ltd. Meridian Audio reserves the right to make changes and

improvements to any of the products described in this document

without prior notice.

Dolby, Dolby Digital, Pro Logic, AC-3, PLII, PLIIx, AAC, and the

double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing

Corporation. Lucasfilm, THX, and THX Cinema are registered

trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd. Surround EX is a jointly developed

technology of THX and Dolby Laboratories, Inc and is a trademark

of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved. Used under

authorisation. DTS is a registered trademark of Digital Theatre

Systems Inc. MPEG is a registered trademark of the MPEG

organisation. Ambisonic is a registered trademark of Nimbus

Records Ltd. Trifield is a trademark of Trifield Productions Ltd.

LaserDisc is a trademark of Pioneer Electric Corp.

Sales and service in the USA

Meridian America Inc

8055 Troon Circle

Suite C

Austell

GA30168-7849

USA

Tel [phone]

Fax [phone]

This guide was produced by Human-Computer Interface Ltd,

http://www.interface.co.uk/

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories, Lucasfilm Ltd.

(US patents 5,043,970;5,189,703;5,222,059. European patent

0323830), Trifield Productions Ltd, and Nimbus Records Ltd.

MHR: This product incorporates patented copyright protection

technology and intellectual property of Meridian Audio Ltd.

This technology is provided for the express purpose of securely

containing copyright audio within the Meridian System only.

Reverse engineering or circumvention of this protection is strictly

prohibited.

Boothroyd|Stuart Meridian, Meridian, Meridian Digital Theatre, and

Sooloos are registered trademarks of Meridian Audio Ltd.

Part no: GSC/5 (P89569)

Introduction

This guide provides full information about unpacking the G68 Digital Surround Controller,

connecting it to the other equipment in the system, and configuring it using the front panel.

Once you have connected and configured the product, refer to the

information about operating it.

G Series System Guide

for

1

I n t r o d u c t i o n

The G68 is a powerful, flexible surround controller, and represents

the centrepiece of the G Series range. It provides eight balanced

analogue outputs, eight digital outputs, component video

switching, and Meridian Room Correction.

At the heart of the G68 is a powerful DSP engine consisting of five

Motorola 56367s running at 150MHz – delivering an incredible

750MIPS (million instructions per second) capability. Processing

is performed at high sample rates and with 48-bit precision

throughout, ensuring that all filtering, processing, and other

operations are carried out beyond the limits of human hearing. The

G68 is thus a perfect processor for the very latest in digital audio.

Inputs

Analogue signals are converted via a 24-bit Delta-Sigma converter

to high-sample-rate digital on input to the processor, while all

digital signals are reclocked to minimise jitter and maintain total

data integrity. The G68 includes two six-channel S/PDIF digital

inputs (coax), a USB audio input, four stereo TOSlink optical inputs,

and six more stereo coax digital inputs. In addition, there is a six-

channel analogue input, and five stereo analogue inputs.

Formats supported

The G68 combines controller and surround processor functions,

meeting the latest THX specifications and including MPEG, DTS,

Dolby, Trifield, and Ambisonic decoding. In many cases the decoders

incorporate our own code, giving them superior integration with

the Meridian design philosophy, as well as superior performance.

As a result, the G68 can decode surround signals from all PCM

optical discs. The G68 is thus an ideal complement to a G Series

optical disc player like the G96.

I n t r o d u c t i o n

2

Smart Source feature

The G68’s ’Smart Source’ feature continually monitors the digital

inputs and automatically loads the correct decoding software for

the format, speaker layout, and encoding of the incoming signal.

This capability is enhanced by MHR SmartLink, which provides

a digital link between a Meridian optical disc player or HD621

and surround controller, carrying explicit information about the

nature of the datastream as well as encrypted high-resolution

digital signals from DVD-Audio – the first system of its kind to

be approved. Virtually all other manufacturers oblige you to go

through an analogue connection, losing quality in the process.

You can also store separate parameters for each source (such

as DVD) depending on whether the incoming signal is stereo or

surround, so that any source material is played with the decoder of

your choice.

Meridian Room Correction

The G68 incorporates Meridian Room Correction, a unique system

that compensates for acoustic deficiencies in your listening room,

particularly at the bass end. It achieves this by automatically

analysing the room response and then using powerful Digital

Signal Processing (DSP) technology to build a set of filters, called a

profile. This audibly improves the sound by eliminating resonances

and making the decay time consistent for frequencies below about

250Hz.

Multi-zone capabilities

The G68 provides multi-zone/recording features, consisting of

stereo digital and analogue outputs providing independent sources

to two additional zones. Meridian communications (DIN and

BNC) are also included along with RS232 and USB serial ports for

maintenance and control, an infra-red sensor input, and up to three

12V triggers.

Integral tuner

The G68 includes an integral tuner which provides AM (LW/MW)

and FM (VHF stereo Band II) reception and is fitted with its own

A/D stage. Digital signal processing provides a sophisticated FM

stereo blend/width control which allows the user to minimise noise

on a received signal. There is also a DSP-based low-pass filter and

a whistle filter for improved AM reception.

3

Specifications

Digital inputs 6 coax digital inputs, 4 optical digital inputs, 2 6-channel coax inputs, all MHR.

USB input 1 USB digital input allows connection to a Windows PC or Macintosh.

Analogue inputs 5 stereo unbalanced inputs; 1 6-channel unbalanced input.

Digital outputs L+R, C+SUB, SIDE L+R, REAR L+R Meridian SpeakerLink outputs.

Unbalanced

analogue outputs

Balanced analogue

outputs

Zone/Tape 2 analogue outputs, 2 digital outputs.

Video 1 component video output, 3 component video inputs.

Trigger output 12VDC/100mA configurable by source.

Comms 2 5-pin 240º DIN sockets, BNC socket, USB, RS232 interface.

Conversion Up to 192kHz, 24-bit Sigma-Delta conversion on all analogue inputs and outputs.

Formats Include Dolby Digital, DTS, MPEG Surround, and AAC.

DSP modes Direct, Music, Trifield, Ambisonics, Super, Stereo, MusicLogic, Mono, TV Logic, PLIIx Music, PLIIx Movie, PLIIx THX,

Power Universal supply 100-240V, 50-60Hz, 40W.

Processing 5 Motorola 56367s running at 150MHz to give a total of approximately 750MIPS. 48-bit arithmetic throughout.

Dimensions 440mm x 132mm x 350mm (17.32" x 5.20" x 13.78") WHD.

Weight 10kg (22lb) approx.

Controls Front-panel soft keys include control of Source, Copy, Zone, Preset, etc. Standby and display buttons, volume

Display Multi-character dot-matrix Vacuum Fluorescent Display.

Indicators Standby button lit when off.

LZ/RZ.

Main L/R, Centre/Sub, Rear L/R, Side L/R.

Discrete, Cinema, PLIIx Mov6, PLIIx Mus6, THX, THX Surround EX, THX Ultra2 Cinema, THX Music.

control, mute. Full remote control of all features via MSR+.

I n t r o d u c t i o n

4

I n t r o d u c t i o n

Installing the digital surround controller

This chapter explains how to install the digital surround controller. It describes what you

should find when you unpack the product, and how you should connect it to the other

equipment in the system.

You should not make any connections to the product or to any other component in the

system while the AC power supply is connected and switched on.

Unpacking

The G68 Digital Surround Controller is supplied with the following

accessories:

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• MSR+ remote control with batteries, manual, and spare key caps.

• Meridian Comms lead.

• Power cord.

• This manual.

•

Meridian G Series System Guide.

• Meridian Configuration Program Guide.

• AM antenna.

• FM antenna.

• FM antenna (Belling-Lee) adaptors.

If any of these items are missing please contact your dealer.

Note: You should retain the packaging in case you need to

transport the unit.

6

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUT COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y3SAT

Y1DVD

LZ

RZ

MAIN L MAIN R CENTRE SUB

REAR L REAR R SIDE L SIDE R

ANALOGUE OUT

SPEAKERLINK OUT

REAR L+RSIDE L+RC+SUBL+R

MASTER

(ONE ONLY, THIS ROW)

ON OFF

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTIANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7VCR1 A6 CABLE A5TV A4 TAPE SURRR

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

L

OPT IN

O5

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

ANTENNA

FM

AM

GND

O1SAT O2GAME

Optical inputs 3 and 4

Multichannel digital coax inputs

Digital coax inputs

USB input

Multichannel analogue input

Optical input 2

Analogue inputs

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Audio inputs

Use this connector To connect to this

MULTI DIG IN 1 (DVD) or D1-D3,

MULTI DIG IN 2 or D4-D6

DIG IN D7 (CD), D8 (DISC), D9 (VCR2),

The multichannel digital output of a source such as the G96 DVD Transport, a Meridian

HD621, or three digital sources.

The digital output of a source such as a G08 24-bit Upsampling CD Player or DAB tuner.

D10-D12

MULTI AN IN (AUX) or A1-A3 A multichannel analogue source such as an SACD player.

The unbalanced analogue output of a source such as a tape recorder, TV tuner, cable box,

or VCR.

Configuring sources

, page 24.

ANALOGUE IN A4 (TAPE), A5 (TV),

A6 (CABLE), A7 (VCR1)

USB INPUT U1 A computer USB port.

OPTICAL IN O2 (GAME), O3-O5 The optical output of a source such as a satellite receiver or computer game console.

ANALOGUE IN MIC (A8-L) An SPL meter for use in room correction configuration.

The default assignment of the sources to each input is shown in brackets after the input name in the above table. RADIO is normally

assigned to the internal tuner. To assign a different input to a source see

To connect to a digital source (eg G06 24-bit CD Player)

G68 Digital Surround Controller

DIG IN
D7 CD

DIGITAL LEAD

COMMS LEAD

COMMS

DIGITAL OUT COMMS

G06 24-bit CD Player

TV tuner

OUTPUT

PHONO LEADS

G68 Digital Surround Controller

ANALOGUE IN

A5 TV

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You can connect up to 12 digital coax sources to the G68 Digital

Surround Controller.

• Connect the digital source to one of the digital input sockets of

the digital surround controller, using a 75Ω screened coax phono

lead.

To connect to an analogue source (eg TV tuner)

You can connect up to eight analogue sources to the G68 Digital

Surround Controller.

• Connect the analogue source to one of the analogue input

sockets of the digital surround controller, using screened coax

phono leads.

If the source is a Meridian product connect together the COMMS

sockets using the Comms lead provided.

8

Computer

USB

USB A-B CABLE

G68 Digital Surround Controller

USB INPUT

HD621 HDMI Audio Processor

3 x DIGITAL LEADS

COMMS LEAD

G68 Digital Surround Controller

MULTI DIG IN 1

(DVD)

COMMS

COMMS

SMARTLINK

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To connect to a computer via USB

You can connect a Windows PC or Macintosh to the G68 via the

USB input to allow you to use the G68 as a digital audio output

device.

The first time that the G68 is plugged in to the PC or Macintosh

it will automatically be recognised, and appropriate drivers will be

installed. The G68 will then appear as a sound output device called

Meridian 48k/16 in the Sound control panel (PC) or Sound

On a PC, Windows XP/SP2 or later is required. On a Macintosh,

system preferences panel (Macintosh).

OSX 10.4 or later is recommended. Linux computers that support

USB audio class drivers can also be used.

Note: The computer volume control will have no effect on the

playback volume; use the Meridian system control instead.

• Connect the computer’s USB port to USB INPUT U1 on the G68

using a standard USB A-B cable. The flat rectangular end plugs

into the PC and the square end into the G68.

To connect to a Meridian Smart Source with digital multichannel outputs (eg HD621 HDMI Audio Processor)

The G68 Digital Surround Controller provides 12 digital coax inputs,

six of which can be used as two multichannel inputs from a source

with a suitable digital multichannel output, such as the HD621

HDMI Audio Processor.

• Connect the SmartLink outputs 1/2, 3/4, and 5/6 on the HD612

to the MULTI DIG IN 1 on the G68, using three 75Ω screened

coax phono leads.

• Connect together the COMMS sockets using the Comms lead

provided.

To connect to a source with analogue multichannel outputs (eg SACD player)

SACD player

6 x PHONO LEADS

DIGITAL LEADS

G68 Digital Surround Controller

MULTI AN IN

MULTICHANNEL

OUTPUT

DIG IN D8 DISC

DIGITAL
OUTPUT

The G68 Digital Surround Controller provides eight analogue

inputs, three of which can be used as a multichannel input from a

source with a suitable analogue multichannel output, such as an

SACD player.

• Connect the ANALOGUE OUT sockets from the source to the

analogue multichannel inputs on the digital surround controller

using six phono leads.

• Optionally connect a digital output from the source to digital

input D8 (DISC) on the digital surround controller, using a digital

phono lead.

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You can then select the source corresponding to the multichannel

input (AUX) for playing surround material, and the source

corresponding to the digital input (DISC) to decode other formats.

Note: Multichannel analogue sources may have subwoofer level

outputs that vary by up to 10dB, so it may be necessary to reduce

the LFE level to give correct bass integration; see

DSP presets

, page

37.

1 0

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUT COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y3SAT

Y1DVD

LZ

RZ

MAIN L MAIN R CENTRE SUB

REAR L REAR R SIDE L SIDE R

ANALOGUE OUT

SPEAKERLINK OUT

REAR L+RSIDE L+RC+SUBL+R

MASTER

(ONE ONLY, THIS ROW)

ON OFF

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTIANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7

VCR1A6 CABLEA5TVA4 TAPE SURRR

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

L

OPT IN

O5

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

ANTENNA

FM

AM

GND

O1SAT O2GAME

SpeakerLink outputs

Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs

Balanced analogue outputs

Analogue outputs

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Audio outputs

Use this output To connect to this

L+R, C+SUB, SIDE L+R, REAR L+R Digital loudspeakers, using Meridian SpeakerLink leads or standard CAT5 network

cables. Connect the master speaker to the appropriate socket on the lower row.

Connect the slave speakers to the other sockets as shown in the following diagrams.

ANALOGUE OUT MAIN L, MAIN R, CENTRE,

SUB, REAR L, REAR R, SIDE L, SIDE R

ANALOGUE OUT LZ/RZ A pair of analogue active speakers, the unbalanced analogue inputs of a power

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 ANALOGUE OUT The unbalanced analogue input of a tape recorder, or second and third-room systems.

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 DIG OUT The digital input of a digital recorder, or second and third-room systems.

The balanced analogue input of a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, using XLR

connections.

amplifier, or up to two active subwoofers, using screened coax phono leads.

To connect the G68 to Meridian DSP loudspeakers (daisy chain)

G68 Digital Surround Controller

SPEAKERLINK

OUTPUTS

SPEAKERLINK LEAD

SPEAKERLINK LEAD

SPEAKERLINK LEAD

DSP Loudspeaker – Centre (Slave)

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

DSP Subwoofer – Sub (Slave)

DSP Loudspeaker – Main Left (Master)

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

DSP Loudspeaker – Main Right (Slave)

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

DSP Loudspeaker – Rear Left (Slave)

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

DSP Loudspeaker – Rear Right (Slave)

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

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This is an alternative to the “home run” wiring configuration

shown in the next section.

The G68 automatically assumes that the main left speaker is the

master, unless it is analogue, in which case the DSP centre, left

side, or left rear is used in order of priority (unless explicitly set

differently in the Meridian Configuration program).

• Connect the appropriate

of the G68 to the master digital speaker (typically the main left

speaker), using a Meridian SpeakerLink lead.

SpeakerLink output on the lower row

• Connect the appropriate SpeakerLink outputs on the G68 to one

of each of the remaining pairs of speakers, using a Meridian

SpeakerLink lead.

• Link each pair of speakers together with a Meridian SpeakerLink

lead, out of the first speaker and into the second speaker, as

shown in the diagram.

The speakers should then be configured appropriately as master

and slaves, and Left, Right, Centre, Surround; see

Loudspeaker User Guide

for more details.

Meridian DSP

1 2

G68 Digital Surround Controller

SPEAKERLINK

OUTPUTS

SPEAKERLINK LEAD

SPEAKERLINK LEAD

SPEAKERLINK LEAD

DSP Loudspeaker – Centre (Slave)

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

DSP Subwoofer – Sub (Slave)

DSP Loudspeaker – Main Left (Master)

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

DSP Loudspeaker – Main Right (Slave)

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

DSP Loudspeaker – Rear Left (Slave)

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

DSP Loudspeaker – Rear Right (Slave)

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

SPEAKERLINK

INPUT OUTPUT

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To connect the G68 to Meridian DSP loudspeakers (home run)

This is an alternative to the “daisy chain” wiring configuration

shown in the previous section.

The G68 automatically assumes that the main left speaker is the

master, unless it is analogue, in which case the DSP centre, left

side, or left rear is used in order of priority (unless explicitly set

differently in the Meridian Configuration program).

• Connect the appropriate

of the G68 to the master digital speaker (typically the main left

SpeakerLink output on the lower row

speaker), using a Meridian SpeakerLink lead.

• Connect the appropriate SpeakerLink outputs on the G68 to each

of the remaining speakers, using a Meridian SpeakerLink lead.

The speakers should then be configured appropriately as master

and slaves, and Left, Right, Centre, Surround; see

Loudspeaker User Guide

for more details.

Meridian DSP

Alternatively you can use standard CAT5 network cables instead of

SpeakerLink leads.

To connect the G68 to power amplifiers or to analogue active and passive speakers powered by a Meridian G41

CHANNEL 1 INPUTS

1 3 4

A B

2

CHANNEL 3

G41 Powered

Crossover/Amplifier

CHANNEL 2

CH. A CH. B

ANALOGUE OUT

G68 Digital Surround Controller

A330

Main right

A330

Centre

P330

Rear right

P330

Rear left

A330

Main left

Analogue subwoofer

COMMS

INPUT OUTPUT

PHONO

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The G68 provides eight balanced and two unbalanced analogue

outputs to allow you to connect to power amplifiers and passive

loudspeakers, or 300 Series Active and Passive Installation

Loudspeakers powered by the G41 Active Crossover Amplifier.

• Connect the LEFT and RIGHT analogue outputs to the power

amplifier inputs for the main front loudspeakers.

• Connect the CENTRE analogue output to the power amplifier

input for the centre loudspeaker.

• Connect the REAR L and REAR R analogue outputs to the power

amplifier inputs for the rear loudspeakers.

When the G41 is used with five speakers, as shown above, inputs

A and B for the rear speakers are unbalanced inputs, so use the

unbalanced LZ and RZ outputs.

• If the system includes a subwoofer connect the SUB analogue

output to an active analogue subwoofer, such as the Meridian

SW1600.

1 4

Subwoofer

PHONO LEAD

G68 Digital Surround Controller

SUB

CROSSOVER

INPUT

DIRECT

INPUT

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To connect to an active subwoofer (eg Meridian SW1600 or SW5500)

The Meridian SW1600 and SW5500 subwoofers provide both

digital and analogue inputs, allowing you to connect them to

either the digital or analogue subwoofer outputs of the G68. The

analogue connection must be used if you do not have a digital

main speaker.

• Connect the SUB analogue output socket from the G68 Digital

Surround Controller to the subwoofer’s line-level input using a

phono lead.

Use the RZ output (or RZ and LZ if you have two subwoofers).

The digital surround controller provides a very high-quality

crossover for the subwoofer, and for best results you should use

this instead of the subwoofer’s crossover. To do this remove any

crossover in the subwoofer or set it to its highest setting (eg

200Hz). The subwoofer crossover can be set from the front panel of

the G68; see

Subwoofer crossover frequency

, page 34.

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUT COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y3SAT

Y1DVD

LZ

RZ

MAIN L MAIN R CENTRE SUB

REAR L REAR R SIDE L SIDE R

ANALOGUE OUT

SPEAKERLINK OUT

REAR L+RSIDE L+RC+SUBL+R

MASTER

(ONE ONLY, THIS ROW)

ON OFF

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTIANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7

VCR1A6 CABLEA5TVA4 TAPE SURRR

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

L

OPT IN

O5

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

ANTENNA

FM

AM

GND

O1SAT O2GAME

Component inputs

Component outputs

Video connections

Use this connection To connect to this

Y1 (DVD), Y2 (CABLE), Y3 (SAT)

COMPONENT OUT

The component video output of a video source (interlaced or HD), using a 75Ω coax

cable with phono connectors.

The component video input of a TV or monitor, using a 75Ω coax cable with phono

connectors.

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1 6

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUT COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y3SAT

Y1DVD

LZ

RZ

MAIN L MAIN R CENTRE SUB

REAR L REAR R SIDE L SIDE R

ANALOGUE OUT

S

PEAKERLINK OUT

REAR L+RSIDE L+RC+SUBL+R

MASTER

(ONE ONLY, THIS ROW)

ON OFF

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTIANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7

VCR1A6 CABLEA5TVA4 TAPE SURRR

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

L

OPT IN

O5

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

ANTENNA

FM

AM

GND

O1SAT O2GAME

AM tuner aerial

Trigger output 1

FM or DAB/FM tuner aerial

RS232 connection

Infra-red repeater input

Power & fuse

Meridian DIN Comms connection

Meridian BNC Comms connection

Trigger outputs 2&3

USB connection

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Tuner and communications connections

Use this connection To connect to this

DIN COMMS Other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment, or Meridian DSP loudspeakers.

BNC COMMS Meridian components with BNC Comms.

RS232 connection A computer, for configuring the digital surround controller.

USB connection A computer, for configuring the digital surround controller.

IR IN A G12 IR Receiver, or approved alternative infra-red receiver. Contact your dealer for details.

ANTENNA FM, AM FM and AM antennae.

TRIG 1, TRIG 2, TRIG 3* Other equipment, via mono 3.5mm jack plug outputs (centre pin hot) providing 12VDC. They are always

low in standby. By default they are high for all sources, so can be used to bring a G Series power

amplifier out of standby. Alternatively you can program them to be high for specific sources; eg to control

a projection screen.

To connect to other Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment

COMMS

COMMS LEAD COMMS LEAD

G Series or 800 Series unit

COMMS

G68 Digital Surround Controller

Auto

Con.

Not Con.

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In a system of Meridian products the products should be linked

together in a chain, via the COMMS sockets, using the Comms

leads supplied with each product. The sequence in which you

connect the units is not important.

One of the products acts as the controller for the system, receiving

infra-red commands from the MSR+, and then, if appropriate,

relaying them to the other products via the Comms link. The

following procedure should be used to set up the Comms correctly

between several products:

• Switch all the units to standby.

Clear (MSR+).

• Press

Each unit will display:

One unit will then be designated as the controller, and display:

All the other units will be configured as non-controllers, and

display:

The system is now ready for use.

If the automatic setup does not work, first make sure you are

operating the MSR+ from a position where all the units can receive

the infra-red, and try again. Then:

• Check that none of the units have been configured to be IR

Controller; see

set to Auto, or one should be configured as Controller and the

others as Not Controller.

Note: Do not, under any circumstances, connect any equipment

other than Meridian G Series or 800 Series to any socket marked

COMMS on the back of the product.

Settings

, page 27. Either all products should be

1 8

G68 Digital Surround Controller

AMFM

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To connect FM and AM antennae

• Connect an FM antenna or split-flex dipole to the FM Coax

connector, if necessary using the adaptor provided.

In the UK use a female Belling-Lee (VCR) connector.

Although the FM tuner is very sensitive, the FM antenna is supplied

for basic installation only, and for best performance and lowest

noise use a high-quality antenna placed as high as possible and

oriented towards the transmitter.

Note: For all outdoor antennae we strongly recommend you use a

qualified installer who will comply with local safety regulations.

• Connect an AM antenna to the AM connector by pressing

the tabs and inserting a bare wire into each hole. The ground

connection (black on the supplied AM antenna) should be

connected to the socket marked GND.

The product is supplied with an indoor loop antenna. This is

directional, and for best results you will need to orient it, and this

may be station dependent.

• Place the antenna as far away from other electrical equipment

and as high as possible.

For best AM results use an external AM antenna.

Note: For AM you must fit a good ground as well as an antenna.

The tuner can be used with most proprietary indoor AM, FM, or

combi (AM/FM) antennae. It is possible in some cases to use a

trigger output (+12V) from the G68 to power such devices.

Configuring the digital surround controller

5NLOCK6ERSION

,OCK#ALIB6ERSION )2 7IZARD

This chapter explains how to configure the digital surround controller using the Configuration Wizard.

Alternatively, for complete control over all aspects of the product’s configuration you can set up the unit

from a computer using the Meridian Configuration Program. For full information refer to the

Configuration Program Guide

available separately.

Meridian

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Configuration Wizard

The Configuration Wizard leads you through the correct

sequence to configure your digital surround controller. Alternatively,

you can skip between the configuration stages, which allow you to

reset the configuration, or configure the sources or other settings

of the digital surround controller.

To run the Configuration Wizard

• If necessary press

into standby.

More.

• Press

If the product is locked the display shows:

• Press Unlock to unlock it, then press More.

On/Off to put the digital surround controller

The display then shows:

• Press Wizard.

Follow the sequence of configuration stages described in the

following pages, pressing Next to proceed after each stage.

At any stage in the Configuration Wizard the following options are

available:

To do this Press

Go back to an earlier configuration option Back

Return to the title screen for the stage Home

Exit from the configuration menus On/Off

Display help about the current option More

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C on f i g ur i n g t he

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Stage 1: Resetting the product

The digital surround controller provides several alternative standard

settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the product

into the most commonly needed configurations.

Choosing one of the Types overrides any other configuration you

may have performed, and so can be used to reset the configuration

of the unit.

To reset the configuration

• Press

Wizard.

The display shows the title screen for stage 1:

• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go stage 2.

If you pressed Enter the display shows:

• Press A or V to step through the available Types.

A description of the speakers for each type is shown on the top

line of the display. As you select each Type the digital surround

controller is reset to that Type.

When you have selected the Type you want:

Either:

• Press Next to proceed to configuring speakers, as described in

the next section.

Or:

• Press On/Off to return to standby.

• Press Yes to proceed or Back to exit.

The display shows the current Type:

Types

The following table lists the available Types:

Type Speakers Music Sub Logic Sub 5.1 Movie Sub

0 All analogue. LFE Centre LFE

1 All analogue. Mono Mono Mono

2 All digital. LFE Centre LFE

3 All digital, large centre. None None None

4 Digital left, right, and centre. LFE Centre LFE

5 Digital left and right. LFE Centre LFE

Music Sub refers to a subwoofer used for all Music DSP presets, Logic Sub to a subwoofer used for all Logic DSP presets, and 5.1 Movie

Sub to a subwoofer used for all 5.1 Movie DSP presets; see

LFE subwoofer is only active in multichannel presets. Mono and Centre Subwoofers are active in all presets.

Speaker layouts

, page 37.

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Note that any Types stored using the Meridian Configuration Program will also be available in this list; see the

Program Guide

for more information

.

Meridian Configuration

2 2

SkipBack Enter

2: Select speakers

Press More for help

öõú óòô Back Next

Number of Subwoofers:

one

Back Next

Speaker choice finished.

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Stage 2: Configuring speakers

The Speakers configuration stage allows you to set up the digital

surround controller for the particular arrangement of loudspeakers

in your system.

To configure the speakers

Either:

• Press Next after resetting the product; see

page 20.

Resetting the product

Or:

• Press Wizard; see page 19.

Skip to skip past the Reset settings menu.

• Press

The display shows the title screen for stage 2:

• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go to stage 3.

The display shows the first speaker configuration option:

A description of each option is shown on the top line of the

display, and its current value is shown below this to the right.

The options are summarised in the table on the next page.

To change an option

• Press

,

A or V to step between the alternative values for the

option.

When you have stepped through all the speaker options the display

shows:

Either:

• Press Next on the last option of the last speaker to proceed to

configuring sources, as described in the next section.

Or:

• Press On/Off to return to standby.

• Press Next or Back to step between options.

If you press On/Off before completing the configuration a warning

is displayed, giving you the option of continuing or abandoning the

configuration.

Speaker options

The following table summarises the speaker options:

Option Values Description

Number of Subwoofers: none, one, two, three How many subwoofers.

The main L&R speakers

are:

The Centre is used: always, never, for music, for movies When the centre speaker is to be available.

The Centre speaker is a: small analogue/THX, small DSP, large

Number of Surrounds: none, two, four The total number of rear and side surround speakers.

The Side speakers are: small analogue/THX, small DSP, large

The Rear speakers are: small analogue/THX, small DSP, large

The Subs are used: for movies only, always When the subwoofers are used. If you have small main speakers,

The Sub handles: all the bass, only the LFE Whether to use the subwoofer for all bass or just the LFE channel.

The bass balance is: neutral, heavy Whether the bass is distributed to all the large speakers

The 2 Subs are used for: Left and Right, Front and Surround If there are two subwoofers, their position. Only available if there

The sub is: analogue, digital The type of subwoofer(s).

small analogue/THX, small DSP, large

analogue, large DSP

analogue, large DSP

analogue, large DSP

analogue, large DSP

The types of the main left and right speakers. If you have no

subwoofers, you cannot specify small main speakers.

The type of the centre speaker.*

The types of the side speakers.*

The types of the rear speakers.*

the subwoofer must always be used.

Only available if there is only one subwoofer.

and subwoofer (heavy) or just the subwoofer (neutral –

recommended). Only available if there is only one subwoofer, and

it handles all the bass not just the LFE.

are two subwoofers.

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*If you have small main speakers, you cannot specify small centre or surrounds.

2 4

SkipBack

Press More for help

Enter

3: Configure sources

öõú óòô Back Next

This source is:

Source

Radio in use

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Stage 3: Configuring sources

The digital surround controller provides up to 12 sources

corresponding to the 12 source keys on the MSR+:

CD, RADIO, DVD, AUX, DISC, TAPE, TV, CABLE, SAT, VCR1, VCR2,

GAME.

For each source the Configure sources stage allows you to

configure a series of options, including:

• Whether it is in use.

• The label used for it on the front-panel display.

• The audio input it selects.

• The TRIGGER output level it selects.

The procedure for doing this is as follows.

To configure a source

Either:

• Press Next after configuring speakers; see page 22.

Or:

• Press Wizard; see page 19.

Skip to skip past the Reset settings and Select

• Press

speakers menus.

The display shows the first source and the first configuration option

for that source, whether it is in use:

• Press Next or Back to step between options.

The top line of the display shows a description of each option, and

its current value is shown to the right of the source name.

When changing the source name, Next and Back step between

character positions.

The options are summarised in the table on the next page.

To change an option

• Press

A or V to step through the alternative values for the

option.

To move to the next source

• Press

Source.

When you have finished configuring sources:

The display shows the title screen for stage 3:

• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go to stage 4.

Either:

• Press Next on the last option of the last source (Game) to

proceed to configuring settings, as described in the next section.

Or:

• Press On/Off to return to standby.

Source options

The following table summarises the source options:

Option Values Description

The source is: in use, not in use Whether the source is enabled.

Audio input: D1-D12, MD1-MD2, U1, O2-O5, Tuner,

A1-A8, MA1, Last Valid*

Component Input: Y1-Y3, Last Valid*, Blank Component video input used for the source.

Source name: Any name of up to five characters.

Copy/Zone use main

inputs:

Copy/Zone 2 audio input: D1-D12, MD1-MD2, U1, O2-O5, Tuner,

Zone 3 audio input: D1-D12, MD1-MD2, U1, O2-O5, Tuner,

Trigger #1: High, Low, Last Valid Trigger outputs for the source.

Trigger #2: High, Low, Last Valid Trigger outputs for the source.

Trigger #3: High, Low, Last Valid Trigger outputs for the source.

Comms Type: CD 1C, Tuner 2C, DVD 3C, Sooloos 4C,

Comms Address: 1A-8A Allows you to have up to eight of each source type.

yes, no If no, provides options for feeding separate inputs to the Copy/

A1-A8, MA1, Last Valid*

A1-A8, MA1, Last Valid*

5C-8C, No Comms NC

The audio input used for the source; digital, multichannel digital,

USB, optical, tuner, analogue, or multichannel analogue.

Zone outputs.

The audio input used for Copy/Zone 2.

The audio input used for Zone 3.

Set to NC unless the source is a Meridian or Sooloos product.

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*Last Valid leaves the input set to the last input you selected.

2 6

SkipBack Enter

4: Other settings

Press More for help

öõú óòô Back Next

Tuner region:

Europe/elsewhere

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Stage 4: Configuring other settings

The next stage allows you to configure other aspects of the

product’s operation.

To configure other settings

Either:

• Press Next after configuring the sources; see page 24.

Or:

• Press Wizard; see page 19.

Skip to skip past the stages 1 to 3.

• Press

The display shows the title screen for stage 4:

• Press Enter to proceed or Skip to go to the calibration

procedure.

The first setting is displayed:

To change a setting

• Press

A or V to step through the alternative values for the

setting.

To calibrate the system

When you have finished configuring the settings:

Next to proceed to calibrating the system, as described in

• Press

the next chapter.

Alternatively, to return to standby:

On/Off.

• Press

A description of each setting is shown on the top line of the

display, and its current value is shown to the right of the display.

The settings are summarised in the table on the next page.

Settings

The following table summarises the product settings:

Option Values Description

Tuner region: Europe/elsewhere, Japan, USA Band selection (MW/LW or AM), tuning steps, and FM

deemphasis standard. For all countries except the USA or

Japan use the Europe setting.

The fan is: used as necessary, never used Specifies how the temperature controlled fan operates.

Distance measurement: feet/inches, metres Units for displaying and entering distances.

Do your subs play to 20Hz? No, THX Ultra2/yes Subwoofer frequency response.

Boundary Gain Compensation: off, on Reduces the bass to compensate for listening positions close

to a wall.

Rear speaker separation <12"/0.3m, 12-48"/0.3-1.2m,

>48"/1.2m

Use AAC decoder to decode: all Zone 2 streams, AAC to main out Action of AAC decoder; only if a tape card is fitted.

Zone 2 digital output is: decoded, bitstream Zone 2 digital output format when previous option is set to

Copy/Zone 2 analogue out: fixed, variable Whether the Copy/Zone 2 analogue output is controlled by the

Zone 3 analogue out: fixed, variable Whether the Zone 3 analogue output is controlled by the

Timeout to Home buttons: on, off Whether the soft keys revert to the home keys after a delay.

Diagnostic displays: on, off Whether diagnostic displays are shown.

Is the G68 IR Controller? Auto, Controller, Not Controller Whether the product is the infra-red controller for the system.

Main System Address 1-8 Advanced setting (normally 1).

Copy System Address 1-8 Advanced setting (normally 2).

Zone System Address 1-8 Advanced setting (normally 3).

Product Address 1-8 Advanced setting (normally 1).

Separation between rear speakers; only available when there

are four surrounds.

Zone 2.

volume control.

volume control.

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2 8

,OCK#ALIB6ERSION )2 7IZARD

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To toggle the IR mode

• If necessary press

On/Off to put the surround controller into

standby.

More.

• Press

The display shows:

• Press IR to toggle between IR Auto (auto setup), IR Con.

(controller), and IR N.Con. (not controller).

After a short delay the surround controller will return to standby.

Calibrating the system

To help you to set up the installation to give the best possible sound with any particular

combination of associated equipment, the G68 Digital Surround Controller includes a built-in

calibration procedure.

This calibration procedure uses test signals to present a series of sounds, which you use to

adjust certain aspects of the system to their optimum settings.

You should use the calibration procedure the first time you set up the system, and whenever

you want to check the calibration, such as after changing the layout of the room.

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Introduction

We recommend that you perform the calibration procedure using

the MSR+ and from the listening position.

As you run the calibration procedure the name of each calibration

test is shown on the front-panel display, followed by the

parameters adjusted in the test.

Each calibration test uses a test signal designed to give the best

results.

Using a Sound Pressure Level meter

Although you can perform the calibration procedure by ear, it is

recommended that you perform the tests using a Sound Pressure

Level meter.

Set the Sound Pressure Level meter to C weighted, and Slow. Take

readings with the meter at the listening position, pointing vertically.

You should hold the meter with an outstretched arm to minimise

reflections from your body.

You can choose to display and enter distances in either feet and

inches or metres.

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3 0

UnlockVersion

,OCK#ALIB6ERSION )2 7IZARD

Left Level +0.0dB

ìî ïñ öõú óòô

Press More for help

Back Next Restart

Calibration complete.

RestartBack Exit

Press More for help

Wizard complete

To start the calibration procedure

Either:

• Press Next on the last option of configuring settings; see

calibrate the system

, page 26.

To

Or:

• Press On/Off to put the digital surround controller into standby.

More.

• Press

If the product is locked the display shows:

• Press Unlock.

The display shows:

For more detailed information about this and the other calibration

tests see the following sections.

To exit from the calibration procedure

You can exit from the calibration procedure at any time, and any

parameters you have set will be retained:

On/Off.

• Press

To complete the calibration procedure

When you reach the end of the calibration procedure the following

display confirms that you have completed the calibration of the

system:

• Press Restart to restart the calibration procedure, or Next to

complete the wizard.

The display shows:

• Press Calib.

The displays shows Please wait….

After a few seconds the display shows the first calibration test:

Either:

• Press Exit to return to standby.

Or:

• Press Restart to return to stage 1; see

product

, page 20.

Stage 1: Resetting the

Left Level +0.0dB

ìî ïñ öõú óòô

Press More for help

CentreSub

Left Right

Left
Side

Right

Side

Left Rear Right RearSurround Sub

Calibration tests

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Levels

These tests allow you to adjust the output level to each speaker

individually, and it follows the general guidelines from Dolby

Laboratories and THX.

In each test the display shows the speaker being tested, and the

current relative level. For example:

• Use > and < to move between each of the speakers in the

layout in the sequence: Left, Centre, Right, Side R, Rear R, Rear L,

Side L, and subwoofers.

A and V to adjust the level of the speaker. Ignore any tonal

• Use

difference.

For correct THX reproduction you should adjust each speaker to

75dB SPL using an SPL meter. Even if the speakers are not THX

approved this setting is recommended.

If you have Meridian DSP loudspeakers they cannot be set above

+0dB.

Note: You cannot set the level of a subwoofer by ear, because

low-frequency noises sound quieter. To set the subwoofer correctly

either use an SPL meter, or set it by ear and then reduce the

subwoofer gain by 15dB to correct for human hearing.

• When you have completed the Levels section press

to the next test.

> to proceed

Distance

These tests allow you to adjust the delay of each of the speakers in

the layout to time-align the system so that sounds are coincident

when they arrive at the listening position.

Before setting up the speaker outputs you need to measure the

distance to each speaker from the listening position:

Measure from ear height at the listening position to the tweeter

on each speaker (where applicable), in the distance units you have

chosen; see

Settings

, page 27.

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3 2

Left Distance 18'0

Units ìî ïñ öõú óòô

Press More for help

Left Phase +

ìî ïñ öõú óòô

Press More for help

Left Distance 18'0

ìî ïñ öõú óòô

Press More for help

• Use > and < to move between each of the speakers in the

layout.

The display shows the speaker being tested, and the distance:

• Use A and V to change the distance.

• You can press

Repeat this for each of the speakers in your layout.

• Press

Units to change between feet/inches and metres.

> to proceed to the next calibration stage.

Fine tuning

These tests allow you to fine-tune the phase and delay of each

speaker when used in conjunction with other speakers on the

layout.

> and < to move between each of the speakers in the

• Use

layout.

The next display shows the distance for the same speaker. For

example:

• Choose the correct setting as follows:

Setting What it sounds like

Correct The sound between the speakers is very even, and

does not change radically as you move your head.

Incorrect The sound appears diffused, and changes in timbre

and apparent location as you move your head.

Pay particular attention to the centre channel, as this can have a

dramatic effect on the overall sound.

> to proceed to the next calibration stage.

• Press

The first display allows you to adjust the phase. For example:

ìî ïñ öõú óòô

Press More for help

Sizes set to zero

ìî ïñ öõú óòô

Press More for help

Left Size 0

Speaker size

These tests allow you to determine the bass handling capability

of subwoofers and large analogue speakers. Once set, the digital

surround controller will limit the bass level to protect the speakers

from potential damage.

On starting the test the speaker sizes are set to zero to avoid the

possibility of damaging the speakers, and the display shows:

The display then shows the first large analogue speaker; for

example:

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• Press A or V to adjust the size value for the speaker until it just

begins to distort distinctly, and then reduce the value by one.

> or < to move between each of the speakers to be

• Press

adjusted.

This is the last test in the calibration procedure; see

the calibration procedure

To complete

, page 30.

C a l i b r a t i n g

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3 4

3INE3UB3ENS

2ADIO4RIFIELD

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Sine -Xover+ -Sens.+

C

D Xover 85Hz

Using the Sine/Sub/Sens controls

This section explains how to use the Sine/Sub/Sens controls

to check for room resonances, adjust the subwoofer crossover

frequency, or adjust the sensitivity of the analogue sources.

To display the Sine/Sub/Sens controls

• If necessary, unlock the digital surround controller as described in

Configuration Wizard

• Select a source and press

display shows:

• Press Sine/Sub/Sens.

The bottom line of the display shows the Sine/Sub/Sens controls:

, page 27.

More until the bottom line of the

Subwoofer crossover frequency

The G68 Digital Surround Controller allows the crossover frequency

for any subwoofers which you have to be adjusted between 30 and

150Hz. The crossover can be set independently for Music, Logic,

and 5.1 Movie layouts. The default is the THX standard of 80Hz.

To adjust the subwoofer crossover frequency

• Select a source, then display the

described above.

Sine/Sub/Sens controls as

Xovr- or Xovr+ to decrease or increase the crossover

• Press

frequency.

The display shows the current crossover frequency:

For THX loudspeaker systems you should not adjust these settings;

they should be left at 80Hz. 80Hz is also the recommended setting

for all movie listening. You may prefer, however, to lower the

crossover frequency for music if the main speakers have good bass

handling down to, say, 50Hz.

Sinewave sweep test

The G68 includes a sinewave signal test, to help you set the

subwoofer crossover frequencies, or check for room resonances. To

avoid possible damage to the speakers the volume is reduced to 50

on entering the test.

Warning: This test is very loud. Bass protection is turned

off during this test, and very loud low-frequency signals

may damage the speakers.

To use the sinewave sweep test

• Select a source, then display the

described above.

Sine to turn on the sinewave signal.

• Press

Sine/Sub/Sens controls as

3 5

Chan óòô öõú ExitSound

C

D Sine 80.0Hz

Chan óòô öõú ExitSound

C

D >> 88.5Hz

Chan óòô öõú ExitSound

C

D > 81.5Hz

Chan óòô öõú ExitSound

C

D Pause 80.0Hz

Chan óòô öõú ExitSound

C

D < 78.5Hz

Chan óòô öõú ExitSound

C

D << 70.5Hz

C a l i b r a t i n g

t h e s y s t e m

The display shows:

An 80Hz sinewave will be played through all channels.

You can change the test signal using the menu keys, as described

in the following sections.

To select the channel

• Press

Chan.

You can select any individual channel, or All Channels.

To change the sweep rate

• Press

A or V to change the sweep rate and direction, as

follows:

Display Description

Fast sweep up.

To change the volume

• Use the volume keys in the usual way.

To change the input

• Press

Sound.

You can select between the following inputs:

Option Description

Input The current input.

Sine A sinewave.

Noise Pink noise, band pass 500Hz to 2kHz for main

channel.

Silent Silence.

Alternatively you can switch between inputs using the menu keys

on the MSR+.

Slow sweep up.

Paused.

Slow sweep down.

Fast sweep down.

3 6

Sine -Xover+ -Sens.+

T

V 1.4V Peak -3

Sine -Xover+ -Sens.+

T

V 2.0V Clip -0

Sine -Xover+ -Sens.+

D

VD Not Analogue

C a l i b r a t i n g

t h e s y s t e m

Setting up sources

This section explains how to use the Sine/Sub/Sens controls to

adjust the sensitivity of the analogue sources.

To adjust the sensitivity of a source

To obtain the best signal-to-noise ratio for each analogue source

you can adjust its sensitivity to give the highest level that does not

produce clipping.

• Select the source you want to adjust, with loud source material

playing.

• Display the

• Press

The display shows the current sensitivity and the peak level; for

example:

You can adjust the sensitivity between 0.7, 1.0, 1.4, 2.0, and 2.8V

(least sensitive).

Sine/Sub/Sens controls as described above.

Sens- or Sens+ to decrease or increase the sensitivity.

The display shows, for example:

In this case reduce the sensitivity by selecting a higher number.

If you have selected a digital source you cannot adjust the

sensitivity and the display shows, for example:

If the sensitivity is set too high the input will clip the loudest

passages, and the peak will be 0dB.

DSP presets

This chapter gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and describes how to

modify them.

3 7

D S P p r e s e t s

DSP presets

The G68 Digital Surround Controller provides two types of DSP

preset. One set is available if the input is two-channel; eg from a

traditional stereo source. The other set is available if the input is

5.1 or 6 channels of discrete audio; eg from a Dolby Digital DVD.

The DSP presets available in each set are described in the following

pages.

Speaker layouts

The G68 Digital Surround Controller provides great flexibility in

the way in which you use the loudspeakers in your system. For

example, the speaker step of the Configuration Wizard allows

you to use the subwoofers and centre speaker only for movie

material see

Configuration Program you can specify three different speaker

layouts, each with a different use of subwoofers and centre

speaker:

Configuring speakers

, page 22. With the Meridian

Layout Description

Music For music presets: two-channel (eg Trifield) and

multichannel (eg Discrete).

Logic For two-channel movie presets: eg PLIIx Movie.

5.1 Movie For multichannel movie presets: eg Cinema.

3 8

D S P p r e s e t s

Standard parameters

All DSP presets (except Mono and Direct) provide the following

standard parameters.

Individual DSP presets provide additional parameters, to allow you

to adjust specific features provided by that preset. For full details

refer to information about each preset later in this chapter.

Parameter Range Default What it changes

Treble* -10dB to +10dB +0dB The slope of the frequency response.

Bass* -5dB to +5dB +0dB The bass response.

Phase* + or - + The phase of all loudspeakers.

Axis† -2 to +3 -1 The vertical balance.

Balance <10 to 10> <0> The L-R balance.

HS Output?* Y or N Y Select Y for high-rate audio, upsampled if necessary. Select N for

standard-rate audio, downsampled if necessary.

Centre -3.0dB to +3.0dB +0.0dB The level of the centre.

Depth -2.5ms to +5.0ms +0.0ms The delay of the centre.

Rear -30dB to +10dB +0dB The level of the rears.

Sides -30dB to +10dB +0dB The level of the sides.

R Delay 0ms to 30ms Varies The delay of the rears.

S Delay 0ms to 30ms Varies The delay of the sides.

LipSync 0ms to 30ms 0ms The sync. delay.

RC As defined Bypassed The Room Correction profile, or Bypassed for no room correction.

*These parameters apply to all DSP presets.

†Axis is only available with Meridian DSP loudspeakers.

3 9

D S P p r e s e t s

DSP presets for two-channel material

The G68 provides several signal processing options for two-channel

material. The Music DSP presets are designed for use with music

from sources such as CD or radio:

• Music, Trifield, Ambisonics, Super Stereo, Music Logic, PLIIx Music,

Stereo, and Direct.

The Logic DSP presets are designed for use with film soundtracks

or TV programmes:

• PLIIx Movie, PLIIx THX, TV Logic, and Mono.

The Music and Logic DSP presets use the Music and Logic speaker

layout respectively; see

Music

The Music DSP preset extracts the mono and surround components

of the original recording. These components provide an alternative

representation of the original sound, and this is sometimes used

for recording systems or in broadcasts such as FM radio. The mono

element is equalised using a proprietary Meridian technique to

match the tone colour of the centre speaker, and to compensate

Speaker layouts

, page 37.

for the fact that the frequency response of human hearing changes

with direction.

The Music DSP preset is recommended for recordings made with

spaced omnidirectional microphones, or using a mono-surround

technique.

Trifield

As for the Music DSP preset, the Trifield preset extracts the mono

and surround components of the original recording. It then

calculates the signals for the front, left, centre, and right speakers,

using the phase and amplitude differences between the three front

channels, to redistribute the sounds on a frequency-dependent basis.

This gives a significant improvement over traditional stereo, which

converts the differences between the microphone signals into

amplitude differences in the speaker signals. This version of the

Trifield algorithm is virtually impossible to implement without

digital signal processing.

Trifield is recommended for well-made recordings and stereo

television broadcasts that are not Dolby Surround encoded. An

advantage over the Music DSP preset is that the front stereo image

is more focused, and the width of the image can be adjusted.

Music and Trifield DSP preset parameters

Parameter Options What it changes

Centre Flat, EQ1-3 The timbre of the centre loudspeaker.

Width† 0-1.5 The width of the image.

Surr. Rear Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. All Switches the surround signal between the side and rear speakers.

R Filter Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz The cutoff of high frequencies from the rear surrounds.

S Filter Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz The cutoff of high frequencies from the side surrounds.

†Trifield only.

4 0

D S P p r e s e t s

Ambisonics

The Ambisonics DSP preset can decode UHJ format, the two-

channel stereo-compatible encoding found on Ambisonically-

recorded discs and broadcasts. This material is specifically encoded

for surround reproduction and can give breathtakingly realistic

sound when replayed using the digital surround controller.

Ambisonics surround sound is quite unlike conventional stereo. A

special microphone technique picks up the sound of the original

performance in all three dimensions, allowing an archive to be

made which describes the soundfield exactly at that position. The

microphone signals are then encoded using a phase-amplitude

matrix to allow the effect to be conveyed on two-channel carriers

(like FM radio, LP, or CD).

The digital surround controller uses accurately matched, frequency-

dependent, phase-amplitude matrices to decode the signal and

construct the signals for each speaker feed.

Ambisonics and Super DSP preset parameters

Parameter Options What it changes

Width* 0 to 1 The width of the image.

Row† A, C, E, G, I, K, M The seating position; the letters are like rows in a hall.

Channels 7, 6, 5, 4 The number of speakers.

R Filter Off, 3kHz, 7kHz, 9kHz The cutoff of high frequencies from the rear surrounds.

S Filter Off, 3kHz, 7kHz, 9kHz The cutoff of high frequencies from the side surrounds.

The fundamental difference between Ambisonics surround sound

and conventional stereo is that the signals from all the speakers

combine to produce a coherent soundfield at the listening position,

giving the illusion that you are sitting inside the recording space

whether you are at the exact central seat or well off to one side.

Of all the signal-processing options, Ambisonics is the one that

requires the greatest attention to speaker choice and positioning.

Super

Super synthesises a signal from a conventional stereo recording

or broadcast so that it can be decoded using the Ambisonic

decoder. The result is especially effective for two particular types of

recordings:

• Those using true coincident microphone techniques.

• Multi-tracked or multi-miked recordings.

*Super only.

†Ambisonics only.

MusicLogic

MusicLogic is a music DSP preset based on Pro Logic II with

the addition of user-adjustable steering, designed to provide an

exciting experience with many types of studio-produced music.

MusicLogic DSP preset parameters

Parameter Options What it changes

Roll Off, Low, Med, Max The degree of left-right steering.

Yaw Off, Low, Med, Max The degree of front-rear steering.

Steered All Steered Rear, Steered Side, Steered All Which of the four surround channels are generated by steering.

PLIIx Music

The PLIIx Music preset is designed to use the Pro Logic IIx DSP

processing mode to decode music sources. It provides additional

Width, Dimension, and Panorama preset parameters to allow

you to adjust the soundfield.

4 1

D S P p r e s e t s

PLIIx Music DSP preset parameters

Parameter Options What it changes

Steered All Steered Rear, Steered Side, Steered All Which of the four surround channels are generated by steering.

Width 0 to 7 The centre spread, where 0 is full centre and 7 is full left and right.

Dimension -3 to +3 The spatial soundfield, where -3 puts the balance to the rear of the room

and +3 puts it to the front.

Panorama No, Yes Extends the front stereo image to include the surround speakers, providing

a wrap-around effect new to Pro Logic.

4 2

D S P p r e s e t s

Stereo and Direct

The Stereo preset passes the left and right input signals directly to

the left and right main speakers. Any mono or front left and right

subwoofers continue to be used.

With the Direct preset only the left and right main speakers are

used, bypassing any spatial processing and bass management.

There are no additional DSP preset parameters for Stereo and

Direct.

PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX

PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX use the Dolby Pro Logic IIx DSP

processing mode, and are the recommended choice for Dolby

Surround encoded material. They also give excellent results with

two-channel sources not specifically encoded for Dolby Surround,

including two-channel Dolby Digital sources.

Pro Logic IIx re-creates 7.1-channel movie surround from the two-

channel source, using improved decoding techniques that preserve

the directness of the soundfield, resulting in enhanced image

PLIIx Movie and PLIIx THX DSP preset parameters

stability compared with the original Pro Logic decoding. Meridian’s

implementation of Pro Logic IIx uses proprietary code based on 48-

bit precision to give outstanding clarity.

The PLIIx THX DSP preset uses the same PLIIx processing as PLIIx

Movie, but adds THX Cinema processing. THX is a set of standards

and technologies developed by Lucasfilm Ltd. with the aim of

making your experience of the film soundtrack as faithful as

possible to what the director intended.

Re-equalisation is used to restore the correct tonal balance for

watching a film soundtrack in a small home environment.

Timbre matching filters the information going to the surround

speakers so that they more closely match the tonal characteristics

of the sound coming from the front speakers. This ensures seamless

panning between the front and surround speakers.

THX can also be used with the 5.1 Movie DSP presets; see

page 53.

THX

,

Parameter Options What it changes

Surrounds Rear, Side, All Which of the four surround channels are generated by steering.

Pro Logic Off, On On selects an emulation of the original Pro Logic decoding.

TV Logic

TV Logic is a Logic preset based on Pro Logic IIx with the addition

of user-adjustable steering, designed to give higher intelligibility

and a more appropriate spatial presentation for studio-based TV

material.

TV Logic DSP preset parameters

Parameter Options What it changes

Roll Off, Low, Med, Max The degree of left-right steering.

Yaw Off, Low, Med, Max The degree of front-rear steering.

Surrounds Rear, Side, All Which of the surround channels are generated by steering.

4 3

D S P p r e s e t s

Mono

In the Mono DSP preset you can choose to listen to:

• Only one of two input channels, such as when different

languages or material are carried on each channel.

• A combined version of the two input channels, such as if the

material was originally mono and has been conveyed on a two-

channel carrier.

Mono DSP preset parameters

Parameter Options What it changes

Input Auto L+R, Input L, Input R, Input L+R The channel selected.

Academy Off or On Select On to include an equalisation (recommended by Lucasfilm Ltd) to

Party? No or Yes Select Yes to play the mono signal through all speakers, including

If Party? is set to No, the combined or selected signal is played

only through the centre speaker, or the left and right speakers if

there is no centre, to centrally localise high-frequency hiss and

clicks.

Note: If Party? is set to Yes, full range bass is played through any

speakers that are not supplemented by a subwoofer, and this may

damage small speakers at high volume levels.

correct for a high-frequency balance in some old mono films.

subwoofers.

4 4

D S P p r e s e t s

DSP presets for multichannel material

Multichannel audio signals can come from either encoded data

streams (such as Dolby Digital) or as discrete channels from a DVD

player. If you are using Meridian SmartLink then all formats will

reach the G68 as discrete channels. With suitable loudspeakers the

G68 can upsample these to provide a more enjoyable surround

experience.

The G68 Digital Surround Controller will automatically select the

right decoder algorithm and present the same set of preset choices

for all streams. Note: Some presets are only available if there are

four surround speakers in the system.

There are four multichannel Music presets:

• Discrete, PLIIx Mus6, THX Music, and Ambisonics B format

(discrete inputs only).

Discrete and Cinema DSP preset parameters

Parameter Options What it changes

2+2+2* Off, 5.1, Side, 7.1 Allows you to specify how DVD Audio channels 3+4 should be interpreted:

Surround† Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. All Allows you to specify which speakers the surround channels should be

R Filter Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz The cutoff of high frequencies from the rear surrounds.

S Filter Off, 1kHz, 3kHz, 7kHz The cutoff of high frequencies from the side surround.

LFE -28dB to 0dB The relative level of the LFE bass channel.

There are five multichannel Movie presets:

• Cinema, PLIIx Mov6, THX, THX Surround EX, and THX Ultra2

Cinema.

The multichannel Music presets all use the Music speaker layout

and the multichannel Movie presets all use the 5.1 Movie speaker

layout; see

Cinema

The Cinema preset is recommended for listening to multichannel

movie soundtracks when no further processing is required.

Discrete

The Discrete preset is similar to Cinema, except that it uses the

Music speaker layout and sets the LFE level to -10dB.

Off ignores them, 5.1 and 7.1 use them for centre and LFE, Side uses

them for the side speakers, 7.1 adds side speakers to 5.1.

sent to in a system with four surrounds.

Speaker layouts

, page 45.

*Discrete only.

†Cinema only.

THX

As with the PLIIx THX DSP preset, THX re-equalises the signals to

suit domestic listening conditions, and applies frequency-response

correction and decorrelation to the surround channels to make the

surround sound more realistic. It can be used whether or not your

other equipment is THX approved.

THX DSP preset parameters

Parameter Options What it changes

Surround Surr. Rear, Surr. Side, Surr. All Switches the surround signal between the side and rear speakers.

4 5

D S P p r e s e t s

PLIIx Mov6, THX Surround EX, PLIIx Mus6, THX Ultra2

Cinema, and THX Music

These presets are available if you have four surround speakers. They

use Dolby Pro Logic IIx, Dolby Surround EX, and THX Ultra2 Cinema

processing to generate multiple signals for larger home theatres.

PLIIx Mov6 uses extended PLII technology from Dolby to generate

four surround signals from traditional multichannel source material

like Dolby Digital 5.1. It is intended for use with movie soundtracks.

PLIIx Mus6 also creates four surround signals; it is intended for

multichannel music playback from sources such as DVD-A or SACD

music discs.

PLIIx Mov6, THX Surround EX, PLIIx Mus6, THX Ultra2 Cinema, and THX Music preset parameters

Parameter Options What it changes

LFE -28dB to 0dB The relative level of the LFE bass channel.

THX Ultra2 Cinema and THX Music use a THX proprietary process

called advanced speaker array to provide a mix of ambient and

directional surround sounds using four surround speakers. Optimum

performance of THX Ultra2 Cinema and THX Music is produced

when the two rear speakers are placed close together behind the

listening position. THX Ultra2 Cinema is recommended for movie

soundtracks that are not Dolby Surround EX encoded, and THX

Music is recommended for listening to multichannel music.

4 6

D S P p r e s e t s

Ambisonics

The Ambisonics preset allows you to decode multi-channel sources

which have been encoded in Ambisonics B format.

Ambisonics B format contains four independent channels of

information to give a three-axis representation of the sound at the

recording position. The signals are: mono sound pressure, left-right

velocity component, front-back velocity component, and up-down

velocity component.

Using dynamic range control

If the input format is Dolby Digital, the 5.1 Movie DSP presets

provide an additional Compress parameter to allow you to take

advantage of the dynamic range information provided in the

Dolby Digital format to provide dynamic range control without the

distortion involved in analogue methods.

4 7

Store öõú óòô

Pick Preset
to overwrite

User 1

Store öõú óòô

Pick Preset
to overwrite

Classical

Store öõú óòô

Pick Preset
to overwrite

Trifield

ìî ïñ óòô Store öõú

Write label
for preset

User 1

Defining your own presets

The G68 Digital Surround Controller allows you to modify any of

the built-in presets, and save them for future use.

You can either save the changes to the built-in preset, or you can

create up to 10 presets of your own, with names of your choice, so

you can use them alongside the built-in presets.

To save the preset settings

• Make sure the menus are unlocked; see

Wizard

, page 19.

DSP to select the preset you want to modify.

• Press

• Change the preset parameters to the values you want to store.

More then Store, or Function + Store on the MSR+.

• Press

The display shows the next available user-defined preset. For

example:

• If you want to overwrite an existing user-defined preset press A

to select the preset you want to overwrite.

For example:

To run the Configuration

Alternatively press V to choose the built-in preset you started

with. For example:

• Press Store.

The settings have been stored in the new or existing preset you

selected.

If you are defining a user preset you can now edit the name of the

preset if you wish.

A flashing cursor shows the letter you are editing:

• Press > or < to select the character position you want to edit.

A or V to change the character.

• Press

Each press steps through the sequence A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, full

stop, and blank. You can also select a blank directly by pressing

Clear on the MSR+.

D S P p r e s e t s

4 8

ìî ïñ óòô Store öõú

Write label
for preset

Concert

Stored

ìî ïñ óòô Assign öõú

D S P p r e s e t s

For example, you could change the name to:

• When you have entered the name you want to use press Store.

The display shows:

To make the new preset the default for the current source and

audio format:

Assign.

• Press

To clear a user-defined preset

• Make sure the menus are unlocked; see

Wizard

, page 19.

DSP to select the preset you want to clear.

• Press

More then Clear, or Function + Clear on the MSR+.

• Press

To run the Configuration

The display shows Preset Clear.

If you clear a preset that was saved over a built-in preset, the

original settings are restored.

Troubleshooting

We expect you to achieve superb results with your digital surround controller. If, however, you
encounter any problems, either when installing and configuring it, or during operation, please

check the following pages for suggested solutions.

If these suggestions fail to cure the problem, please contact your Meridian dealer for further

assistance.

4 9

Tr o u bl e s ho o ti n g

General operating problems

Standby light not lit

• Check that the AC power supply is connected correctly.

• Check that the

position.

If the light still does not illuminate, check any fuses in your power

supply and the fuse in the inlet of the G68. If these are all intact,

contact your dealer.

ON OFF switch on the back panel is in the ON

Erratic or unexpected system behaviour

Redo the Auto Configure process as follows:

• Put the whole system into standby.

• Make sure you are operating the MSR+ from a position where all

the units can receive the infra-red.

• Press

Clear on the MSR+.

• Observe all units responding correctly.

In extreme cases, the memory of the G68 may have been

corrupted. If this is suspected perform a full reset; see

product

, page 20.

Resetting the

5 0

Tr o u bl e s ho o ti n g

Remote not working

Check the following:

• The battery in the MSR+.

• Remove the Comms connections from the G68 and check

whether it responds now. If so, replace the connections and

perform an Auto Configure procedure; see T

Meridian G Series, 500 Series, or 800 Series equipment

• See if the G68 has been set up as Not Controller in the

Configuration Menu; see

Note: This may be deliberate by your dealer.

When playing a Dolby Digital DVD, the G68 selects a two-

channel preset

DVDs include a two-channel Dolby Digital soundtrack, which will

use the default two-channel preset.

• Select a six-channel soundtrack, if it is available.

Unit is overheating

Check that there is adequate ventilation around the unit.

Configuring other settings,

o connect to other

, page 17.

page 26.

Audio problems

Hum on analogue input

• Check the source equipment. Disconnect each source in turn.

• If the hum originates from a ground loop, an antenna or cable

supply may be the cause. In this case an antenna-lead isolator

should be fitted.

• If the G68 seems to be the cause of hum consult your dealer.

There is radio interference

The G68 is a digital audio and computing device which has been

designed to very high standards of electromagnetic compatibility.

If this equipment does cause or suffer from interference to/from

radio or television reception then the following measures should

be tried:

• Reorient the receiving aerial (or antenna) or route the antenna

cable of the receiver as far as possible from the G68 and its

cabling.

• Ensure that the receiver uses well-screened antenna cable.

• Relocate the receiver with respect to the G68.

• Connect the receiver and this product to different AC outlets.

• If the problem persists contact your dealer.

5 1

Tr o u bl e s ho o ti n g

Audible hiss at high volume settings

The input dynamic range of most current recordings is at maximum

16 bit. The reason for this is that currently CD, DVD, and LaserDisc

use a 16-bit standard, although DVD can support up to 24-bits. The

analogue sources you have cannot achieve this kind of range. For

comparison, analogue sources are likely to be of the order of:

• VCR, 12 bits.

• FM radio, 13 bits.

• Reel to reel tape, 13 bits.

• Cassette tape, 12 bits.

• LP, 11 bits.

Note: There may be a difference between the dynamic range of

the source channel when it is operating, and the noise you hear

in standby. For example, LP normally has lower noise when the

stylus is not in the groove; similarly tape will be quieter when it is

stopped. CD may also be quieter when it is stopped, producing so

called ‘digital silence’.

The G68 has a 24-bit capability on its internal analogue-to-digital

converter, which is used for analogue sources. When the volume is

turned up high you may hear its dither as a hiss when the sources

are stopped. This hiss is lower than the background noise of your

recordings and should be of no consequence.

Sound not clear

• If speech sounds muffled in a system with a centre speaker,

check that sound is coming from the centre as there may be a

connection problem.

• If the centre is a Meridian digital speaker, check that it is

configured as left. If configured as right it will be receiving the

subwoofer signal.

• If speech sounds muffled in a system with no centre speaker, you

may have selected a layout that expects one. See

speakers

, page 22.

Centre not working

There may be a connection problem.

• If the centre is a Meridian digital speaker, check that it is

configured as left. If configured as right it will be receiving the

subwoofer signal.

There is a hiss when starting DTS LaserDiscs or CDs

The DTS audio stream is indistinguishable from a PCM audio

stream; the G68 takes 30ms to identify the encoding, during which

a hiss is heard.

• With non-video DTS sources you can add a 30ms delay to avoid

this.

• With video sources you can create a DTS-only source to avoid any

hiss.

Configuring

For more information about each of these options see the

Configuration Program Guide

.

Meridian

5 2

Tr o u bl e s ho o ti n g

The preset changes unexpectedly with a multichannel

source

If you are using a non-Meridian source on the MHR SmartLink

input, proprietary data may cause preset switching.

Force this source to be six-channel for the source. See

• Select

the

Meridian Configuration Program Guide

.

Video problems

Poor picture quality

Picture quality may suffer if you do not attend to the following:

• Are you using suitable quality cables with good connectors?

• Is there a ground loop created between any of the components

connected to the G68?

Remember that reception of broadcast or cable signals can be

significantly deteriorated by cross-modulation in the RF domain. It

is unwise to attempt to cascade and mix several video sources, eg

LaserDisc, VCR, etc, to an antenna system.

FM tuner problems

FM tuner reception is poor

To obtain high-quality stereo reception on FM a good aerial is

essential. Try positioning the aerial at different points in a room;

generally performance is best high up and near a window.

In some areas an external fixed aerial will be necessary. This can be

placed in a loft or mounted externally.

RDS station names are not being received

Not all stations transmit the station name in all areas.

If the station name is not available you can define a preset station

with a name; see the

G Series System Guide

.

AM tuner problems

AM tuner reception is poor

Position the antenna to maximise the strength of the station you

want to receive and to reduce interference from other stations on

nearby frequencies.

Position the antenna away from items that generate electrical

interference, such as fluorescent tubes or televisions.

5 3

Maintenance

Cleaning

To clean the case, display panel, and keypad

• Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit.

The exterior surfaces of Meridian G Series products are made from

solid anodised aluminium, powder coated steel, thermoplastic

rubber, and glass.

They are designed to be easily wiped clean with a dry, lint free

cloth. Greasy marks should be removed by light rubbing with a

slightly damp cloth and a trace of proprietary glass cleaner. Do not

use any other solvent or abrasive based cleaners.

Ensure that no liquid enters the casework and that the product is

completely dry before re-connection.

To clean the audio and video connections

The audio and video sockets on the back of the product are gold

plated and do not need to be cleaned if gold-plated phono plugs

are used. Otherwise, it is recommended that you unplug and

reconnect the plugs at least once a year. A proprietary contact

cleaner can be used to some advantage.

Tr o u bl e s ho o ti n g

To change the mains fuse

• Remove the mains connector, and pull out the drawer above the

power input to access the fuse.

Before replacing a blown fuse, it is best to ascertain the cause of

the failure.

The fuse drawer includes a spare fuse. This should be replaced by a

fuse of the same rating.

5 4

Tr o u bl e s ho o ti n g

Service and guarantee

Service

The Meridian G Series of hi-fi components has been carefully

designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user-

serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any form

of maintenance.

In the unlikely event that your product fails to function correctly,

it should be returned, in its original packaging, to your Meridian

dealer.

In case of difficulty within the UK or USA please contact the

appropriate sales and service address shown on page iv.

In case of difficulty outside the UK or USA, contact the importing

agent for the territory. A list of Meridian agents outside the UK is

available from Meridian Audio.

No responsibility can be accepted for the product whilst in transit

to the factory or an agent, and customers are therefore advised to

insure the unit. When seeking service under guarantee, proof of the

date of purchase will be required.

Guarantee

The product is guaranteed against defects in material and

workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.

The guarantee is void if the product has been subject to misuse,

accident, or negligence, or has been tampered with or modified

in any way without the written authorisation of Meridian Audio

Limited. Note: Connecting anything other than the correct network

lead to the Comms sockets may cause damage to the product

which will not be covered by this guarantee. Attempted servicing

by unauthorised people may also invalidate this guarantee. Labour

and carriage charges are not covered unless by local agreement.

Outside the UK, local warranty liability is restricted to equipment

purchased within the territory. Our agents outside the UK are only

under contractual obligation to service under-guarantee equipment

sold through them. They are entitled to make a non-refundable

charge for any service carried out on other equipment.

This guarantee does not limit your statutory rights within the

country of purchase.

Index

5 5

I n d e x

A

Academy (DSP parameter) 43

accessories 5

active loudspeakers, connecting to 13

active subwoofer, connecting to 14

Ambisonics (DSP preset) 40, 46

analogue source, connecting 7

antennae, connecting 18

audio inputs 6

audio outputs 10

automatic setup 17

Axis (DSP parameter) 38

B

Balance (DSP parameter) 38

Bass (DSP parameter) 38

built-in presets, replacing 47

C

calibration procedure 29

moving between tests 30

starting 30

tests 31

calibration tests 31

distance 31

fine-tuning 32

levels 31

speaker size 33

Centre (DSP parameter) 38, 39

Channels (DSP parameter) 40

Cinema (DSP preset) 44

cleaning 53

COMMS, connecting 17

communications connections 16

Compress (DSP parameter) 46

compression 46

computer, connecting to 8

configuration, resetting 20

Configuration Wizard 19

configuring

settings 26

sources 24

connections 15

audio inputs 6

audio outputs 10

cleaning 53

communications 16

Controller, setting 17

D

Depth (DSP parameter) 38

digital source, connecting 7

Dimension (DSP parameter) 41

Direct (DSP preset) 42

Discrete (DSP preset) 44

Dolby Digital DSP preset, dynamic range control 46

DSP parameters

Balance 38

Bass 38

5 6

I n d e x

DSP parameters

Centre 38

Depth 38

LipSync 38

Phase 38

RC 38

R Delay 38

Rear 38

S Delay 38

Sides 38

Treble 38

DSP presets

Ambisonics 40, 46

Cinema 44

clearing 48

Compress parameter 46

Direct 42

Discrete 44

Mono 43

multichannel 44

Music 39

MusicLogic 41

PLIIx Mov6 45

PLIIx Movie 42

PLIIx Mus6 45

PLIIx Music 41

PLIIx THX 42

standard parameters 38

Stereo 42

Super 40

(continued)

DSP presets

dynamic range control 46

(continued)

THX 44, 45

THX Music 45

THX Surround EX 45

THX Ultra2 Cinema 45

Trifield 39

two-channel 39

user-defining 47, 48

G

guarantee 54

H

HD621 HDMI Audio Processor 8

HS Out? (DSP parameter) 38

I

Input (DSP parameter) 43

L

layouts

5.1 Movie 44

Music 39

LFE (DSP parameter) 44, 45

LipSync (DSP parameter) 38

5 7

I n d e x

M

mains fuse, changing 53

Meridian DSP loudspeakers, connecting to 11, 12

Mono (DSP preset) 43

Mono Rear (DSP parameter) 41, 43

Music (DSP preset) 39

MusicLogic (DSP preset) 41

O

OSD (DSP parameter) 38

P

Panorama (DSP parameter) 41

Party? (DSP parameter) 43

Phase (DSP parameter) 38

PLIIx (DSP preset) 42

PLIIx Mov6 (DSP preset) 45

PLIIx Movie (DSP preset) 42

PLIIx Mus6 (DSP preset) 45

PLIIx Music (DSP preset) 41

PLIIx THX (DSP preset) 42

presets

multichannel 44

standard parameters 38

two-channel 39

user-defining 47

Pro Logic (DSP parameter) 42

R

RC (DSP parameter) 38

R Delay (DSP parameter) 38, 41

Rear (DSP parameter) 38

R Filter (DSP parameter) 39, 40, 44

Roll (DSP parameter) 41, 43

Row (DSP parameter) 40

S

SACD player, connecting to 9

safety warnings ii

S Delay (DSP parameter) 38, 41

settings 27

configuring 26

S Filter (DSP parameter) 39, 40, 44

Sides (DSP parameter) 38

Sine/Sub/Sens controls 34

sinewave sweep test 34

Sound Pressure Level meter 29

sources

options 25

sensitivity 36

setting up 36

sources, configuring 24

speaker layouts 37

SpeakerLink 10, 11, 12

speakers

configuring 22

options 23

setting up 33

5 8

I n d e x

specifications 3

Steered All (DSP parameter) 41, 42, 43

Stereo (DSP preset) 42

subwoofer crossover frequency 34

subwoofers

connecting to 14

crossover frequency 34

Super (DSP preset) 40

Surr. Rear (DSP parameter) 39, 44, 45

T

THX (DSP preset) 44, 45

THX Music (DSP preset) 45

THX Surround EX (DSP preset) 45

THX Ultra2 Cinema (DSP preset) 45

Treble (DSP parameter) 38

Trifield (DSP preset) 39

troubleshooting 49

tuner connections 16

2+2+2 (DSP parameters) 44

Types 20, 21

U

UHJ format 40

USB audio input 6, 8

user-defined presets 47

clearing 48

editing name 47

W

Width (DSP parameter) 39, 40, 41

Y

Yaw (DSP parameter) 41, 43