Meridian G 68 ADV User Manual

G68 Digital Surround Controller

Installation Guide

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P r e f a c e

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.

Digital surround controller models

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 24

Configuring the digital surround
controller 27

Explains how to configure the digital surround controller

using the front-panel controls.

Configuration Wizard 27

Stage 1: Resetting the product 28

Stage 2: Configuring speakers 30

Stage 3: Configuring sources 32

DSP presets 45

Gives details of the DSP presets and their parameters, and

describes how to modify them.

DSP presets 45

1

Defining your own presets 55

4

Troubleshooting 57

Provides suggested solutions to problems while installing,

configuring, or operating the product.

Maintenance 61

Service and guarantee 62

Index 63

C o n t e n t s

Calibrating the system 37

Describes how to fine-tune the digital surround controller

to achieve the optimum performance from your sources and

speaker layout.

Introduction 37

Calibration tests 39

Speaker size 41

Using the Sine/Sub/Sens controls 42

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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 © 2003-2007 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, and Meridian Digital Theatre

are registered trademarks of Meridian Audio Ltd.

Part no: GSC/3 (P80415)

Introduction

This guide provides full information about unpacking the 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.

Digital surround controller
models

G Series System Guide

1

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

for

The G68 Digital Surround Controller is available in five different

versions depending on the combination of unbalanced (A),

balanced (X), and digital (D) outputs, and video (V) switching it

provides. The main differences between each of these versions are

given in the following table:

Product Analogue outputs Digital outputs Video switching Tuner

G68AXD 8 unbalanced, 4 balanced 10 digital Component only Yes

G68XXD 8 balanced 10 digital Component only Yes

G68ADV 8 unbalanced 10 digital Yes Yes

G68AXV 6 unbalanced, 4 balanced None Yes Yes

G68XXV 8 balanced None Yes Yes

All versions of the G68 Digital Surround Controller include room correction.

2

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

G68 Digital Surround Controller

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

the centrepiece of the G Series range, with multiple variants

available to suit a wide range of applications.

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,

such as DVD-Audio and DVD-Video.

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. All versions of the G68 include two six-channel

S/PDIF digital inputs (coax), a USB audio input, up to 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.

Video switching

The G68ADV, AXV, and XXV are not only audio processors; they

also provide broadcast-quality video switching and signal handling

for the highest quality picture you have ever seen. There are four

S-video inputs and two outputs; four composite inputs and two

outputs; and three component inputs with one output.

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 G98.

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 and processor,

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.

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

3

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

All models provide multi-zone/recording features, including two

sets of S-video and composite video with conversion from S-video

to composite (ADV, AXV, and XXV only) and 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 tuner 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.

4

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

Specifications

Inputs/outputs

G68AXD G68XXD G68ADV G68AXV G68XXV

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 Main, Centre/Sub, Sides, Rears, A/B*. None. None.

Unbalanced

analogue outputs

Balanced analogue

outputs

Zone/Tape 2 analogue outputs, 2 digital outputs. 2 analogue outputs, 2 digital outputs, 2 S-video outputs, 2

Video 1 component video output, 3 component

*A/B: Subs if two or three subs are used. Optional ceiling speakers with future software update.

†LZ/RZ: May be chosen to be any pair from: Main L/R, Centre/Sub, Sides, Rears, Subs.

Note: Current software supports a maximum of eight outputs. Future software may support up to 12.

Main L/R, Centre/

Sub, Rears, LZ/RZ†.

Main L/R, Centre/

Sub.

video inputs.

None Main L/R, Centre/

Sub, Rears, LZ/RZ†.

Main L/R, Centre/

Sub, Sides/Subs,

Rears.

None Main L/R, Centre/

composite outputs.

2 S-video outputs, 4 S-video inputs; 2 composite outputs, 4

composite inputs; 1 component video output, 3 component video

inputs.

Side, Rears, A/B*. None.

Main L/R, Centre/

Sub.

Sub, Sides/Subs,

Rears.

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, Discrete,

Cinema, PLIIx Mov6, PLIIx Mus6, THX, THX

Surround EX, THX Ultra2 Cinema, THX Music.

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 control, mute. Full

remote control of all features via MSR+.

Display Multi-character dot-matrix Vacuum

Fluorescent Display.

Indicators Standby button lit when off.

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.

5

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

Unpacking

The G68 Digital Surround Controller is supplied with the following

accessories:

• 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.

In addition, models fitted with an AM/FM Tuner include the

following:

• 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

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7 VCR1 A6 CABLE A5 TV A4 TAPE SURR R

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

OPT IN TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2 CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

O5

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

MAIN L REAR R CENTRE SUBMAIN R REAR L

LZ

RZ

MAIN L/R CENTRE/

SUB

SIDES

REARS A/B

DIGITAL OUT

ANALOGUE OUT

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH
SAME TYPE FUSE

T1.6AL 250V for 100 - 240V

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

ON OFF

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND
BYMERIDIAN AUDIO LTD
DESIGN AND COPYRIGHT 2003

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

U1 O2GAME

FM

ANTENNA

AM

GND

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUTCOMPOSITES-VIDEO

S-VIDEO IN MAIN OUT

COMPOSITE IN

V3

CAB

V4

GAME

V1

VCRI

V2

TV

COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

MAIN OUT

S3

SATS1DVD

S4

AUXS2VCR2

Analogue inputs

Optical inputs 3&4

Multichannel digital coax inputs

Digital coax inputs

Optical input 5

USB input

Multichannel analogue input

Optical input 2

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

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),

D10-D12

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

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.

*On the G68AXD and G68XXD optical input O5 is in the leftmost block of outputs. There is no optical input O1.

The multichannel digital output of a source such as the G98DH DVD Audio Transport, or

three digital sources.

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

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

or VCR.

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

Configuring sources

, page 32.

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

7

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

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

G98DH DVD Audio Transport

3 x DIGITAL LEADS

COMMS LEAD

G68 Digital Surround Controller

MULTI DIG IN 1

(DVD)

COMMSCOMMS

MAIN DIGITAL OUT

I ns t a l li n g t h e

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c on t r o ll e r

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.

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

OSX 10.4 or later is recommended. Linux computers that support

USB audio class drivers can also be used.

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

To connect to a DVD-Audio player with digital multichannel outputs (eg G98DH DVD Audio Transport)

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 G98DH

DVD Player.

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

into the PC and the square end into the G68.

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

system preferences panel (Macintosh).

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

playback volume; use the Meridian system control instead.

• Connect the MAIN DIGITAL OUT on the G98DH 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.

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

9

To connect to a source with analogue multichannel outputs (eg SACD or DVD-A player)

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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.

• Connect the S-video output from the SACD/DVD-A player to

video input S4 (AUX) on the G68, and configure the DISC source

to use this video input; see

Configuring sources

, page 32.

• Optionally connect a digital output from the source to digital

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

phono lead.

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

45.

1 0

MAIN L REAR R CENTRE SUBMAIN R REAR L

LZ

RZ

MAIN L/R CENTRE/

SUB

SIDES

REARS A/B

DIGITAL OUT

ANALOGUE OUT

ANALOGUE OUT

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH
SAME TYPE FUSE

T1.6AL 250V for 100 - 240V

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

ON OFF

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND
BYMERIDIAN AUDIO LTD
DESIGN AND COPYRIGHT 2003

MAIN L MAIN R CENTRE SUB

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7 VCR1 A6 CABLE A5 TV A4 TAPE SURR R

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUT COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

U1 O2GAME

FM

ANTENNA

AM

GND

OPT IN TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2 CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

O5

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

Digital outputs

Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs

Unbalanced analogue outputs

Analogue outputs

Balanced analogue outputs

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

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Audio outputs

The G68 hardware architecture is designed to process up to 12

completely independent output channels. Currently the software

software updates will allow these outputs to be used in addition to

side speakers for either extra subwoofers or height channels.

limits the number of outputs to a total of eight: Main L/R, Centre,

Sub, Rears, and either Sides or two more additional subwoofers.

The G68AXD, G68XXD, and G68ADV feature a pair of analogue

outputs, LZ/RZ, which can be used for any pair of outputs such

All versions of the G68 provide analogue and/or digital output

sockets for these eight speakers. The G68AXD, G68XXD, G68ADV,

and G68AXV provide an additional digital stereo output (A/B)

as an analogue subwoofer or a pair of analogue rear speakers.

In conjunction with the other outputs this will in the future allow

these products to drive up to 12 independent outputs.

which may currently be used for a pair of subwoofers. Future

Digital, balanced, and unbalanced version (G68AXD)

Use this output To connect to this

DIGITAL OUT MAIN L/R, CENTRE/SUB,

SIDES, REARS, A/B

AN OUT LEFT, RIGHT, REAR L, REAR R,

CENTRE, SUB, LZ/RZ

ANALOGUE OUT LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE,

SUB

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 ANALOGUE OUT The unbalanced analogue input of a tape recorder, VCR, 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.

Digital loudspeakers, using digital coax cables.

The unbalanced analogue input of a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, using screened

coax phono leads.

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

connections.

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

1 1

Digital and balanced version (G68XXD)

LZ

RZ

MAIN L/R CENTRE/

SUB

SIDES

REARS A/B

DIGITAL OUT

ANALOGUE OUT

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH

SAME TYPE FUSE

T1.6AL 250V for 100 - 240V

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

ON OFF

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND
BYMERIDIAN AUDIO LTD
DESIGN AND COPYRIGHT 2003

REAR L REAR R SIDE L SIDE R

MAIN L MAIN R CENTRE SUB

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7 VCR1 A6 CABLE A5 TV A4 TAPE SURR R

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUT COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

U1 O2GAME

FM

ANTENNA

AM

GND

OPT IN TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2 CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

O5

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

Digital outputs

Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs

Balanced analogue outputs

Analogue outputs

Use this output To connect to this

DIGITAL OUT MAIN L/R, CENTRE/SUB, SIDES,

Digital loudspeakers, using digital coax cables.

REARS, A/B

ANALOGUE OUT MAIN L, MAIN R, CENTRE,

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

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

connections.

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

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

COPY ZONE 2, ZONE 3 ANALOGUE OUT The unbalanced analogue input of a tape recorder, VCR, 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.

1 2

OPT IN TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2 CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

O5

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

MAIN L REAR R CENTRE SUBMAIN R REAR L

LZ

RZ

MAIN L/R CENTRE/

SUB

SIDES

REARS A/B

DIGITAL OUT

ANALOGUE OUT

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH
SAME TYPE FUSE

T1.6AL 250V for 100 - 240V

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

ON OFF

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND
BYMERIDIAN AUDIO LTD
DESIGN AND COPYRIGHT 2003

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7 VCR1 A6 CABLE A5 TV A4 TAPE SURR R

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUTCOMPOSITES-VIDEO

S-VIDEO IN MAIN OUT

COMPOSITE IN

V3

CAB

V4

GAME

V1

VCRI

V2

TV

COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

MAIN OUT

S3

SATS1DVD

S4

AUXS2VCR2

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

U1 O2GAME

FM

ANTENNA

AM

GND

Digital outputs

Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs

Analogue outputs

Analogue outputs

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

Digital and analogue version (G68ADV)

Use this output To connect to this

DIGITAL OUT MAIN L/R, CENTRE/SUB, SIDES,

REARS, A/B

AN OUT LEFT, RIGHT, REAR L, REAR R, CENTRE,

SUB, LZ, RZ

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

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

Digital loudspeakers, using digital coax cables.

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

screened coax phono leads.

systems.

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

1 3

Analogue version (G68AXV)

MAIN L MAIN R CENTRE SUB

ANALOGUE OUT

SIDE L SIDE R

REAR L

REAR R A/B L A/B R

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUTCOMPOSITES-VIDEO

S-VIDEO IN MAIN OUT

COMPOSITE IN

V3

CAB

V4

GAME

V1

VCRI

V2

TV

COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

MAIN OUT

S3

SATS1DVD

S4

AUXS2VCR2

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7 VCR1 A6 CABLE A5 TV A4 TAPE SURR R

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

OPT IN TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2 CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

O5

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

RZ

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH
SAME TYPE FUSE

T1.6AL 250V for 100 - 240V

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

ON OFF

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND
BYMERIDIAN AUDIO LTD
DESIGN AND COPYRIGHT 2003

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

U1 O2GAME

FM

ANTENNA

AM

GND

Balanced analogue outputs

Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs

Unbalanced analogue outputs

Use this output To connect to this

ANALOGUE OUT LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE, SUB The balanced analogue input of a power amplifier or active loudspeakers, using XLR

connections.

ANALOGUE OUT SIDE L, SIDE R, REAR L,

REAR R, L A/B, R A/B

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

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

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

screened coax phono leads.

systems.

1 4

REAR L REAR R SIDE L SIDE R

ANALOGUE OUT

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUTCOMPOSITES-VIDEO

S-VIDEO IN MAIN OUT

COMPOSITE IN

V3

CAB

V4

GAME

V1

VCRI

V2

TV

COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

MAIN OUT

S3

SATS1DVD

S4

AUXS2VCR2

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7 VCR1 A6 CABLE A5 TV A4 TAPE SURR R

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

OPT IN TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2 CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

O5

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

RZ

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH

SAME TYPE FUSE

T1.6AL 250V for 100 - 240V

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

ON OFF

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND
BYMERIDIAN AUDIO LTD
DESIGN AND COPYRIGHT 2003

MAIN L MAIN R CENTRE SUB

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

U1 O2GAME

FM

ANTENNA

AM

GND

Zone 2 and 3 audio outputs

Balanced analogue outputs

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

Balanced analogue version (G68XXV)

Use this output To connect to this

ANALOGUE OUT LEFT, RIGHT, CENTRE, SUB,

REAR L, REAR R, SIDE L, SIDE R

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.

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

1 5

To connect the G68AXD, G68XXD, OR G68ADV to Meridian DSP loudspeakers

G68AXD/XXD/ADV

DIGITAL OUT

COMMS

511 S-patch box

S5 LEAD
(digital unused)

M5 LEAD

S5 LEAD

S5 LEAD

DSP5200 – Centre (Master)

COMMS

INPUT OUTPUT

DIGITAL

INPUTS

2

1

DIGITAL
OUTPUT

SW1600 – Sub (Slave)

COMMS

INPUT OUTPUT

DIGITAL

IN OUT

S5 LEAD

S5 LEAD

S5 LEAD

DSP5200 – Main Left (Slave)

COMMS

INPUT OUTPUT

DIGITAL

INPUTS

2

1

DIGITAL
OUTPUT

DSP5200 – Main Right (Slave)

COMMS

INPUT OUTPUT

DIGITAL

INPUTS

2

1

DIGITAL
OUTPUT

DSP5200 – Surr Left (Slave)

COMMS

INPUT OUTPUT

DIGITAL

INPUTS

2

1

DIGITAL
OUTPUT

DSP5200 – Surr Right (Slave)

COMMS

INPUT OUTPUT

DIGITAL

INPUTS

2

1

DIGITAL
OUTPUT

• Use the Comms part of an M5 lead to connect one of the

COMMS sockets on the G68 to the digital speaker you have

chosen as the master (typically the centre speaker).

• Use the audio part of the M5 lead to connect the digital speaker

to the appropriate digital output socket.

If the system includes more than two Meridian DSP loudspeakers

you may use a 511 S-patch box (available separately) to link

together the S5 leads from each speaker.

• Connect the COMMS output from the master digital speaker to

one socket on the 511 using an S5 lead.

• Link each pair of speakers together with an S5 lead, out of

the first speaker and into the second speaker, as shown in the

diagram.

• Connect the inputs to the first speaker of each additional pair to

the 511 (Comms) and the appropriate output of the G68 (audio),

using an S5 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

1 6

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

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

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

All versions of the G68 provide six balanced or unbalanced

analogue outputs to allow you to connect to six 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. If you have a

G68XXD or G68XXV 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.

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

1 7

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

Subwoofer

PHONO LEAD

G68 Digital Surround Controller

SUB

CROSSOVER

INPUT

DIRECT

INPUT

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.

On the G68AXD or G68XXD 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 42.

1 8

LZ

RZ

MAIN L/R CENTRE/

SUB

SIDES

REARS A/B

DIGITAL OUT

ANALOGUE OUT

CAUTION

REPLACE WITH

SAME TYPE FUSE

T1.6AL 250V for 100 - 240V

POWER INPUT

~50-60Hz 40VA MAX

ON OFF

G68 SURROUND CONTROLLER

DESIGNED AND MADE IN ENGLAND
BYMERIDIAN AUDIO LTD
DESIGN AND COPYRIGHT 2003

REAR L REAR R SIDE L SIDE R

MAIN L MAIN R CENTRE SUB

MERIDIAN COMMS

TRIGGER 1

+12V 100mA

OPTICAL IN

O3 O4

D12 D10 D8 DISC

D11

D9 VCR2

D7 CD

SURR C/LFE L/R

MULTI ANALOGUE IN

MULTI DIGITAL IN

A8 A7 VCR1 A6 CABLE A5 TV A4 TAPE SURR R

MIC

LFE RIGHT

SURR L CENTRE LEFT

MA1
AUX

MD1

MD2

DVD

ANALOGUE IN

DIGITAL IN

L

R

IR IN

MAINTENANCE

USB RS232

COPY
ZONE 2

ZONE 3

DIG OUT COMMS

LLR

R

ANALOGUE OUT

USB AUDIO IN OPT IN

U1 O2GAME

FM

ANTENNA

AM

GND

OPT IN TRIG 2

TRIG 3

+12V 100mA

COMPONENT OUT

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

Y2 CABLE

Pb/B Pr/R Y/G

O5

Y3 SAT

Y1 DVD

Component inputs

Component outputs

I ns t a l li n g t h e

d ig i t a l su rr o u n d

c on t r o ll e r

Video connections

G68AXD and G68XXD Digital Surround
Controllers

The Meridian G68AXD and G68XXD provide video switching of

component video sources only.

Use this connection To connect to this

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

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

cable with phono connectors.

COMPONENT OUT

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

connectors.