Copyright 1995 by SMART Devices Inc.
5945 Peachtree Corners East
Norcross, GA 30071-1337
Table of Contents
SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................2
SECTION 2 FEATURES.......................................................................2
SECTION 3 CARD DESCRIPTION......................................................3
SECTION 4 INSTALLATION.................................................................8
-
WIRING HOOKUP INSTRUCTIONS.................................8
SECTION 5 CALIBRATION..................................................................10
- A CHAIN CALIBRATION.................................................10
- B CHAIN CALIBRATION.................................................12
SECTION 6 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS.........................................14
SECTION 7 SCHEMATICS ..................................................................15
SMART products are designed to deliver unsurpassed quality in workmanship and performance. The following information gives detailed instructions on the installation and operation of the SMART MODIIC processor. We strongly encourage new owners of the MODIIC
to thoroughly read this entire manual before placing their new SMART product into service.
This will ensure that the MODIIC will be operated properly to give the superior performance
that it was designed to deliver.
For service or installation assistance, please call our
Technical Support Department between the hours of
8 a.m-5 p.m. E.S.T., Mon.-Fri.
1-800-45-SMART
LIMITED WARRANTY: SMART products and accessories are warranted against malfunction or failure due to defects in workmanship or
materials for a period of one year from the date of shipment. If a problem occurs during the warranty period, the unit will be repaired, or
replaced at our option, without charge for materials or labor. If air freight is requested by the dealer, the difference between air and surface
charges will be billed to the dealer. This limited warranty does not cover products that have been abused, altered, modified, or operated in
other than specified conditions. Prior factory approval is required on all returns. Returned equipment or defective parts must be shipped
freight prepaid to us by the dealer or customer.
Our limited warranty does not cover damages resulting from accident, misuse or abuse, lack of responsible care, or failures not attributable to
manufacturing defects, except as provided herein. SMART Devices, Inc. makes no warranties, express or implied, including warranties of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
RETURN POLICY: Factory authorization MUST be obtained before returning any product. A 15% restocking charge will be issued on unused
equipment (in original box) that is returned for credit. Credit is issued to the dealers account. The credit may be used against future purchases
and no cash transactions are offered. All returns must be shipped freight prepaid by the dealer. Equipment returned without a factory RA
(Return Authorization) will be refused.
Installation and Service Manual
MODIIC Digital/Optical Cinema Processor
SECTION 1:
INTRODUCTION
The MODIIC Cinema Stereo Processor is a full six
channel system featuring the latest technology in optical stereo soundtrack reproduction. This advanced
processor comes standard with many features, yet is
easy to operate.
The MODIIC has the ability to play spectral recording
encoded soundtracks with the built-in SR emulation
noise reduction. Digital soundtracks may be processed
in six channel mode which includes split surrounds
and subwoofer.
Mono soundtracks may be enhanced by using the
optional 3-D sound module which may be factory
installed or easily added in the future. The 3-D sound
module, a design conceived and patented by SRS
Labs, produces a realistic stereo effect from monaural
soundtracks. SMART Devices, Inc. is the only cinema
manufacturer licensed to use this amazing 3-D process
in its cinema processors.
SECTION 2:
FEATURES
FADER CONTROL:
To begin, the MODIIC has one STEREO MASTER
FADER that controls the overall playback level for all
six channels. This master fader is used as the volume
control for all formats except music mode. The master
music level control is located behind the front panel
on the Format Card.
FORMAT SWITCHING:
The formats available on the MODIIC are Mono, 3-D
Mono, Stereo A, Film SR, Digital and Music. All formats may be manually controlled by green pushbuttons on the front panel Format Card. The pushbuttons
are lighted with internal LED’s to indicate which format is selected. The indicator LED’s can be seen from
a distance so it is not necessary to be near the processor to verify the status. Format switching is also possible by connecting an automation or remote switch
contacts to the FORMAT SELECT terminals on the
back of the MODIIC.
Intelligent design, superb sound quality and the many
features push the MODIIC processor into a class all its
own.
To achieve optimum results from your new MODIIC
cinema processor, the theatre engineer installing the
system should be totally familiar with all features and
adjustments. Careful attention to detail and familiarity
with the installation instructions will allow you to
offer a system that has a sound quality second to none.
SOLAR CELL INPUTS:
The MODIIC has stereo solar cell inputs with electronic changeover for two projectors. Each pair of stereo
cell inputs is a quasi-balanced circuit which helps to
reduce any interference pickup on the solar cell leads.
DIGITAL INPUTS:
The MODIIC is fully compatible with popular digital
formats (i.e. DTS, Dolby Digital, etc.). The MODIIC
will easily process the stage, split surround and sub-
2
INSTALLATION & OPERATION
woofer channels from an external digital decoder.
MUSIC INPUTS:
The MODIIC is designed to process both stereo and mono music sources from tape, CD or cartridge players. The
music processing circuitry contains a simple matrix which derives four channels of sound from a stereo music
source.
SURROUND CHANNEL TIME DELAY:
The MODIIC has a digital time delay circuit for the surround channel while playing optical stereo prints. Time
delay of the surround channel in optical stereo mode is necessary for two reasons: 1) to mask any front to surround crosstalk and, 2) to synchronize the stage and surround channels to eliminate echo caused by different
sound path lengths from the stage and surround speakers.
MAIN OUTPUTS:
The MODIIC has six output channels: LEFT, CENTER, RIGHT, LEFT SURROUND, RIGHT SURROUND AND
SUB(woofer). The SUB outputs are balanced with SUB+ and SUB- terminals available. This allows a standard
dual channel amplifier to be used in mono bridged mode to feed a subwoofer speaker.
MAIN POWER SUPPLY:
A heavy duty fully-regulated power supply is furnished with the MODIIC processor. This bipolar supply is
heavily filtered and supplies ample current for both the positive and negative 20 VDC supplies. This external
power supply minimizes the chances of hum pickup when high gain electronic circuits are placed in the same
chassis as a power supply. Also, the large power capacity of the supply provides a very “stiff” voltage to all cards
in the MODIIC to prevent power sag (momentary drop of the supply output due to heavy loads). This gives
excellent transient response and superior stability.
EMERGENCY SOUND BACKUP POWER SUPPLY:
A backup power supply is included with the MODIIC to power the backup preamp built into the MODIIC. This
will ensure that you will never lose a show when using the MODIIC processor. The backup supply is located
within the main power supply package and delivers about 15 VDC at 100 mA. The backup capability is a standard feature on the MODIIC and is not an extra cost option as it is on other systems.
MODULAR CIRCUITRY:
The MODIIC system is housed in a card cage rack mount assembly. All circuitry in the MODIIC is on individual
plug-in cards that allows for easy servicing and future expansion of the system. Each card has its own voltage
regulators that stabilize the circuits locally as well as filter unwanted signals that may be present on the main
power buses.
SECTION 3:
CARD DESCRIPTION
Test points are included on some cards for the sound engineer to access vital circuit points with his scope or
meter. These terminals will accept a meter probe or “alligator” clip. Power must be turned off to the MODIIC
before any attempt is made to remove or install a card. If not, then damage to individual circuit cards may result.
FORMAT CARD:
SRS5x390
Audio format selection, both manual and through automation, is controlled by the Format Card. The different
format changes available are MONO, 3-D MONO, STEREO A (Dolby type A encoded prints), FILM SR (Dolby
type SR encoded prints), DIGITAL and MUSIC. A format is active when the corresponding button is illuminated.
The 3-D Mono feature is active when the 3-D Mono button is lit.
3
MODIIC STEREO PROCES-
Electrical power to the other cards in the system is distributed through this card. The Format Card is where
the STEREO MASTER FADER, MUSIC LEVEL control
and REMOTE/LOCAL volume control switches are
located. The NORMAL/BACKUP switch is also located on this card. Flipping this switch to BACKUP gives
an emergency mono center channel. The backup audio
level is set by a multi-turn pot on the Mono/Backup
Card.
Jumper H3
Jumper H2
3-D button on the Format Card. By toggling the 3-D feature on and off, you can hear the difference the 3-D process makes. If the 3-D feature is activated, the button will remain lit all the
time, but the 3-D “action” is only used in Mono mode and only if the optional 3-D Mono card
has been installed. Without the optional 3-D Mono card, the 3-D button has no effect in Mono
mode. In Stereo, Digital and Music modes, the 3-D “action” is not part of the signal processing.
DUAL PROJECTOR PREAMP CARD:
MOD4x300
There are two jumpers on the
Format Card that select different
defaults. Jumper H3 is used to
select default optical selection for
digital movies (see DEFAULT
OPTICAL SELECTION in the
WIRING HOOKUP INSTRUCTIONS section). Jumper H2 is used to select whether or not the 3-D feature
is on or off for Mono mode when the processor is powered on (see diagram). Units are shipped to power up with the 3-D function active. Either
way, the 3-D feature can be activated or disabled by simply pushing the
There are two stereo solar cell preamplifiers in the
MODIIC. Each preamplifier channel is equipped with
slit-loss correction. The Stereo-optical preamplifiers
on this card increase the incoming level from the
stereo solar cells. Electronic changeover circuitry
between stereo pairs is built on the card to allow use
in dual projector booths. If the MODIIC is installed in
a single projector booth, leave the second projector
inputs unconnected.
The Dual Projector Preamp Card has two solar cell
preamplifier gain controls (marked L1 G, etc.) and two
slit-loss correction controls (marked L1 HF, etc.) for
each projector. There is sufficient gain built into the
preamps for narrow slit optical sound lenses when the
exciter lamp is run at 80% of its rated value. The card
is silk screened to make it easier to see the location of each preamplifier gain and slit-loss correction control pot.
4
INSTALLATION & OPERATION
MONO/BACKUP CARD:
MOD2x305
The MONO/BACKUP card provides the necessary
frequency response shaping and level shifting to provide a quality mono signal from mono prints. In addition, a special open ended noise reduction circuit
called Dynamic Noise Reduction is used to eliminate
much of the “hiss” and film scratch noise often present on film.
The MONO/BACKUP card contains the necessary circuitry for the emergency backup system in the event
of loss of sound within the MODIIC processor. The
multi-turn pot on this card is for setting the emergency backup level.
3-D MONO/BACKUP CARD:
SRS5x305
This optional card can be ordered to replace the above Mono/Backup card. The 3-D feature, a design patented by
SRS Labs, will generate a very realistic two channel Left-Right stereo sound from any mono print. The MODIIC
can be figured to power up with the 3-D feature active for Mono prints (see Format Card description), or it can be
activated by simply pushing the 3-D Mono button on the Format card. The 3-D Mono feature is only used in
Mono mode. Both the Mono and 3-D Mono lights will be lit when this feature is active.
The 3-D Mono/Backup card also contains the circuitry for the emergency backup system.
METER CARD:
MOD2x335
The two LED arrays on this card are used to monitor
the levels of various points in the circuitry. These are used during calibration for setting preamp levels and
also during normal operation for
monitoring other levels. DIP switches on the card select what will be
monitored. There are five DIP
switches. The top two switches (#5 & #4) control the
top LED array. The bottom three DIP switches (#3 #1) control the bottom LED array. A DIP switch to the
right means that it is on, and the corresponding LED
array will indicate the selected channel or output.
Only two DIP switches should be on at one time, one
for the top LED array and one for the bottom LED
array. All other DIP switches should be set to off (to
the left).
Note: In order to make the overall appearance of the MODIIC look symmetrical as viewed from the front, the
LED’s on the Meter Card were moved to the solder side. Because of this, the Meter Card will have to be removed
anytime it is necessary to remove the left Noise Reduction Card. If not, then the LED’s on the Meter Card will
block the Noise Reduction Card from being removed.
5
MODIIC STEREO PROCESSOR
MATRIX CARD:
MOD4x317
This is the heart of the stereo conversion process. The
Wide Trac Deluxe Matrix card takes the signal from
the preamp and noise reduction circuits and converts
the two channel soundtrack into the four channels
required for normal stereo mode.
NOISE REDUCTION CARDS:
MD2Bx374
The SMART noise reduction cards provide noise
reduction for decoding Dolby type A stereo prints and
Spectral Recording (SR) encoded prints. The noise
reduction circuitry is automatically switched to the
proper mode when selected by the format switches on
the front of the processor. There are four trimpots and
two test points on each NR card. These are for factory
use only. Do not attempt to adjust these trimpots or
use the test points.
There is a surround null adjustment trimpot on the
Matrix Card which the installer can adjust to minimize surround channel crosstalk without disturbing
the input signal calibration settings of the preamplifier
and noise reduction circuits.
1/3 Octave EQ 1 Octave EQ
OPTIONAL 1/3 OCTAVE EQUALIZER CARDS:
MOD4x320
Three one third octave room tuning equalizers can be specially ordered or added
later for the front stage speakers (Left, Center and Right). Each adjustable frequency
band in the stage EQs may be cut or boost ± 10 dB. A +6 dB gain adjustment is also on
each card. For overall unity gain, leave the gain pot in the CCW position. For unity
gain on each of the frequency band adjustments, leave the pot in the mid position. All
pots are the single turn type.
ONE OCTAVE EQUALIZER CARDS:
MOD4x324
This card is the standard EQ for the Stage Channels and the Left and Right Surround
Channels. There is no gain adjustment pot on the one octave EQ card. For the stage
channels, only the top eight trimpots are stuffed and used on each EQ card. For the
surround channels, one 1-octave EQ card is configured as a dual channel card. The
top eight trimpots are for Left Surround, and the bottom eight trimpots are for Right
Surround (see diagram).
6
OUTPUT/MUSIC CARD:
SRS5x330
Six channels of audio, (Left, Center, Right, Left
Surround, Right Surround and Sub), pass through the
MASTER VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifiers) located on the Output/Music Card. The digital inputs also
allow for separate Left Surround and Right Surround
channels in addition to a separate subwoofer input.
The VCAs exhibit very close tracking between channels and are controlled by the STEREO MASTER
FADER contained on the Format Card. Music Fade-in
and Fade-out, controlled by the automation or front
panel format switch, is also on the output card along
with a special music matrix to generate a four channel
non-sync sound from a standard two channel music
tape or CD player.
INSTALLATION & OPERATION
DIGITAL TIME DELAY CARD:
MOD5x325
The digital time delay portion of the MODIIC system
is contained on this card. The surround channel passes through the time delay whenever any StereoOptical format is selected by the operator. Music or
digital inputs are NOT time delayed. There is a rotary
switch on this card that is used to set the time delay
setting. The rotary switch has 16 positions: 0-9 & A-F.
Position 0 is 10 milliseconds of delay, which is the
minimum delay setting. Each position clockwise adds
10 milliseconds of delay for a maximum setting of 160
milliseconds (position F).
MOTHERBOARD:
SRS5x370
7
MODIIC STEREO PROCESSOR
SECTION 4:
INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS
PROCESSOR PLACEMENT IN THE RACK:
Before mounting the MODIIC processor in the equipment rack or projector console, be sure to select a well
ventilated area that allows cool air to circulate around
the individual components. In SMART prewired rack
systems, the Power Supply is mounted on the floor of
the rack, and the rack-mounted processor is placed at
eye level for easy visibility of the system operation status.
Make sure that the processor is not immediately adjacent to hum producing components. Run the factorysupplied power supply wiring harness along the left
side of the equipment cabinet (when viewed from the
rear) to the MODIIC processor. Dress the wires for
appearance and craftsmanship. The wiring harness
has a terminal strip that screws onto the back of the
MODIIC. Make sure to observe polarity. As you are
looking at the back of the MODIIC, the top left terminal strip is where the power supply harness attaches.
The power supply wires will exit from the bottom of
the terminal strip. The red wire should go to the terminal marked MAIN PS (+), the yellow wire to MAIN
PS(-), and the black wire to GND.
The emergency power supply is contained within the
Main Power Supply. There is a white wire with a red
stripe that is part of the power supply harness and it
should be connected to the MODIIC terminal marked
BACKUP (+).
Remember to check all connections before applying
power to the system. A wire that is reversed could be
very destructive to the system.
WIRING HOOKUP INSTRUCTIONS:
EASY HOOKUP:
All connections are made to rear of the MODIIC via
terminal strips. Inputs, Outputs, Power and Control
connections are carefully laid out in groups. Make
sure each group has good separation between lowlevel and high-level signals.
SOLAR CELL HOOKUP:
Using two-conductor shielded cable, connect the wire
from the left solar cell (red) to the corresponding LEFT
projector 1 input terminal of the MODIIC. Connect the
wire from the right solar cell (green) to the RIGHT
projector 1 input terminal. The common solar cell lead
(black) should be connected to the NEUTRAL projector 1 input terminal, and the shield of the cables
should be connected to a GROUND terminal. Be sure
to cut off the shield at the projector end so that a
ground loop is not created. Only the shields on the
MODIIC end of the cable should be grounded. It is
good practice to tape or shrink wrap the end of the
shielded cable at the sound head to prevent any stray
shield wires from grounding out to the sound head
case.
If you have a second projector, repeat the above steps
except hook your solar cell wires to the projector 2
inputs.
DOUBLE CHECK your work to see that the solar cell
leads arrive at the proper terminals. A reversal of
leads will cause very strange results. You may hear
the center channel information through the surround
speakers, the surround through the stage, and the left
channel out of phase with the right. This is a common
error, so verify correct wiring before proceeding.
CHANGEOVER WIRING OF DUAL PROJECTOR
PREAMPS:
Changeover between projectors is done electronically
in the MODIIC. This necessitates that BOTH exciter
lamps be lit at the same time. No exciter light
changeover is provided in the unit. An exciter light
changeover has at least 3 dB more circuit noise than an
electronic changeover and is NOT recommended in
high quality systems.
Projector changeover is accomplished by using only a
single pair of wires and either a manual switch or
relay contacts in the automation system. A relay closure in the automation equipment will execute a
changeover by grounding the CHNG-OVER terminal.
Run a 2-conductor shielded cable to the “dry” contacts
of the automation projector changeover relay. On the
other end, connect one wire to the CHNG-OVER terminal on the MODIIC. Ground the other wire to the
nearest ground terminal on the MODIIC. Connect the
shield of the wire, on the MODIIC end, to a ground
terminal. Cut off the shield on the automation end.
When the automation relay closes, PROJECTOR TWO
of the MODIIC will be “enabled,” and the first pair of
stereo preamplifiers (PROJ ONE) will be “disabled.”
Releasing the relay will cause the reverse action to
occur. In other words, PROJ ONE is always ON until
the CHNG-OVER terminal is grounded. The CHNGOVER terminal must be held low to activate PROJ 2. It
is not a pulse input.
8
MUSIC INPUT:
The non-sync music inputs for the MODIIC feature a
special music matrix decoder that separates in-phase
and out-of-phase signals on a standard two channel
recording (CD player or tape) and creates four channels of auditorium music. Connect your stereo music
source to the MUSIC LEFT and MUSIC RIGHT inputs
on the back of the MODIIC.
Occasionally, a theatre may use a monaural sound
player such as a background music cartridge player
that does not have stereo capabilities. A jumper on the
OUTPUT CARD in the MODIIC is moved to the
MONO position for this use. The music source should
then be connected to both LEFT and RIGHT MUSIC
inputs. Music will appear on all stage channel and surround speakers when mono material is feeding the
sound system.
INSTALLATION & OPERATION
ual equalizers, Output Card and Master VCA circuit
before they appear at the Main Outputs. These signals
do not pass through the Matrix or Time Delay circuits.
See the REAR CHASSIS DB25 SECTION for specific
pinout designation.
Another application of the Digital Input terminals is
for external sync sources. Sound-Interlock from a 35
mm reproducer or a single 16 mm projector may be
fed into the DIGITAL INPUTS and selected with the
front panel DIGITAL program switch on the MODIIC
Format Card.
REAR CHASSIS DB25 CONNECTOR:
The computer-type DB25 connector marked DIGITAL
INPUTS on the back of the processor is for an external
digital decoder. SMART provides the proper cables
for the different digital decoders available on the market. See below for specific pinout configuration.
FORMAT SELECT TERMINALS:
A momentary ground contact to one of the FORMAT
SELECT inputs on the rear of the MODIIC will switch
the processor to any desired format, including music.
When the MODIIC is in music mode and any one of
the film formats are pulsed, the film sound will appear
at the main outputs, and the music will slowly fade
out. While the processor is in one of the film formats
and the music terminal is pulsed, the MODIIC will
fade from the film mode to music.
Note: The MODIIC powers up in Music mode.
DIGITAL INPUTS:
The MODIIC system has six inputs (Left, Center,
Right, Left Surround, Right Surround and Sub) via a
DB25 input connector marked DIGITAL INPUTS that
can be used to process the outputs from an external
digital decoder (i.e. DTS, Dolby Digital). The DIGITAL
INPUTS accept any high level multi-channel source.
The audio signals are processed through the individ-
The DIGITAL DB25 inputs
Pin 1 Left
Pin 3 Center
Pin 5 Right
Pin 6 Left Surr.
Pin 7 Right Surr.
Pin 8 Sub
Pin 12 Digital Select
Pin 13 Stereo A / Stereo SR Default*
Pin 14-25 Ground
*see Default Optical Selection below
DEFAULT OPTICAL SELECTION:
External digital decoders available on the market have
a function that instructs the processor to switch to an
optical format in the event that the digital decoder
fails or loses time code. When this happens, the digital
decoder will pulse a special terminal to ground to alert
the processor to switch to the optical format.
On the MODIIC Digital DB25 input connector, this ter-
9
MODIIC STEREO PROCESSOR
minal is the Stereo A / Stereo SR pin (see above). The
MODIIC will switch to either Stereo A or Stereo SR
depending on the location of a jumper (H3) located on
the Format Card.
SECTION 5:
CALIBRATION
The MODIIC is shipped to default to Stereo A in the
event of a digital decoder problem. In this default
mode, jumper H3 on the Format Card jumpers the
center pin to the “A” pin. For a default setting of
Stereo SR, you must move the H3 jumper to jump the
center pin to the “SR” pin. The factory default setting
of Stereo A should be adequate for most theatres.
However, if Stereo SR default is desired, then the
Format Card must be removed to access the H3
jumper. Make sure power is removed from the system
before removing any card or plugging one in.
OUTPUTS:
The MAIN OUTPUTS are labeled LEFT, CENTER,
RIGHT, LEFT SURROUND, RIGHT SURROUND,
SUB+ and SUB-. Shielded cable should be run
between these terminals and the next piece of equipment in the sound system (equalizer, amplifier, etc.).
Convenient GROUND (GND) terminals are provided
near the outputs. A balanced subwoofer output is
available on the MODIIC to provides an easy means to
mono bridge the sub amplifier. The subbass output
may also be operated in an unbalanced configuration
by connecting to the SUB+ terminal and GROUND.
MUTING FUNCTION:
A convenient MUTE terminal on the back of the
MODIIC allows all output channels of the MODIIC to
be silenced whenever this terminal is grounded.
REMOTE FADER OPERATION:
The volume control of the MODIIC can be operated
remotely at another location, independent of the
STEREO MASTER FADER. This can be accomplished
by adding a remote, linear taper 10k ohm pot (to act as
a volume control) between the REM SEND and
GROUND terminals on the back of the MODIIC.
Connect the wiper of the remote pot to the REM
RETURN terminal.
The toggle switch on the right hand side of the Format
Card, labeled REMOTE/LOCAL, allows the operator
to select either local or remote volume control of the
MODIIC. This switch is easily accessible by removing
the four thumb screws that attach the front plate to the
MODIIC.
Note: Remote operation is for film formats only, and
will not affect the music level.
For more detailed information about setting up
SMART processors, see the Theatre Sound for SMART
Systems guide. The Sound Systems should be turned
on for at least one hour before alignment. All doors
should be closed and the exhaust fan should be running if the MODIIC is placed in an equipment rack.
Note: Before plugging or unplugging cards in the
MODIIC during calibration, be certain power is
removed from the MODIIC. Otherwise, damage to
cards or the processor may result!
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
Sound Pressure level meter, real time analyzer (RTA)
with a calibrated microphone, dual trace oscilloscope,
multimeter, a tuning wand and appropriate test loops.
A CHAIN CALIBRATION
The A chain is usually considered to be the signal path
originating from the solar cell and continuing to the
processor’s master fader. This signal path includes the
preamp, noise reduction and matrix stages.
PRELIMINARY:
1. Clean soundhead optics, exciter lamp, optical lens
and solar cell before attempting a soundhead alignment.
2. Set exciter lamp voltage for at least 80% of rated
voltage.
BXM 9 volt 4 amp — 7.2 volts
BXN 10 volt 5 amp — 8 volts
Most foreign 6.3 volt 4 amp — 5 volts
3. Make sure film/cell spacing is approximately 1 mm
with the slit image striking the top one-third of solar
cell.
4. Connect oscilloscope and real time analyzer to the
Left and Right Preamp outputs on the rear terminals
of the MODIIC (marked LEFT PRE & RIGHT PRE).
5. Locate the Gain and Slit Loss controls on the
Preamp Card. Turn Gain controls fully clockwise.
Turn Slit Loss controls fully counterclockwise.
6. Turn the STEREO MASTER FADER all the way
down to avoid excessive noises in the auditorium for
the next steps.
10
Low crosstalk between channels
Diagram 1
INSTALLATION & OPERATION
solar cell laterally and vertically until you
have achieved minimum crosstalk between
channels (see diagram 1).
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until no further
improvement can be obtained.
4. Play Pink Noise side of CAT.# 69 Test Film.
Switch oscilloscope to X/Y Mode. Adjust
soundhead optical lens azimuth for narrowest
diagonal trace (see diagram 2). Observe the
real time analyzer and focus the lens for maximum high frequency output while maintaining the best azimuth. This is not easy, but it is
one of the most critical adjustments affecting
the overall system performance and is often
not done as well as it should be.
5. Adjust the vertical and lateral alignment of
the EXCITER LAMP for maximum output on
both channels. This is especially critical with a
narrow slit optical lens because there is a much smaller “window” for the light to pass through.
SOUNDHEAD ALIGNMENT:
1. Play a S.M.P.T.E. Buzz Track loop. Adjust the lateral
film guide assembly or exciter lamp assembly.
Monitor the preamp signals with the oscilloscope.
Adjust for minimum signal on the left and right channels. Refer to specific instructions in the projector
soundhead manual. Minor variations in alignment
procedure depend on the individual mechanical
design of the soundhead.
2. Play CAT.# 97 Stereo Cell Alignment Film. Move
Diagram 2
6. Check the high frequency output on both channels.
Make sure the response is the same on both channels.
With a narrow slit optical lens, the response should be
flat within ± 3 dB to about 12 kHz with NO slit loss
correction. If not, this MUST be corrected before proceeding with the next steps. It is not permissible to use
slit loss correction to correct poor high frequency
response caused by misalignment of the optical
soundhead. An EXCITER LAMP out of alignment, the
barrel of the optical lens crooked, or oil in the optical
lens will all affect output and balance.
SLIT LOSS CORRECTION:
Run the Pink Noise side of the CAT. # 69 Test Film.
Observe the frequency response on your RTA which
should be still connected to the preamp testpoints.
Adjust the left and right slit loss correction trimpots
on the PREAMP CARD for optimum flat high frequency response. Do not over adjust the slit loss correction in an effort to obtain extended response. This
will result in an undesirable frequency response peak.
Note: While adjusting the slit loss correction, aim for
as flat a high frequency response as possible. If one of
the preamp channels is slightly worse than the other,
then adjust the better responding preamp to match the
lesser. This will ensure that the matrix steering in the
MODIIC will be as accurate as possible.
OPTICAL PREAMP CALIBRATION:
Run a Dolby CAT. # 69 Test Film, Dolby tone side.
11
MODIIC STEREO PROCESSOR
Locate the Meter Card and set DIP switches #2 and #5
ON (to the right). All other DIP switches should be off.
This causes the top LED array to indicate the left channel preamp level, and the bottom LED array the right
channel preamp level.
Make sure you are changed over to the correct projector by observing the CHANGEOVER LED’s on the
Preamp Card. The top LED is Projector 1.
Turn Projector 1 left channel gain control counterclockwise until the bottom red LED on the top LED
array of the Meter Card just blinks out. All green and
yellow LED’s on the Meter Card should be lit (on the
channel you are adjusting).
Repeat the above procedure for the right channel gain
control, using the bottom LED array on the Meter
Card as a reference.
You can verify that the LED meters are indicating correctly by connecting an AC voltmeter to the LEFT PRE
and RIGHT PRE terminals on the rear panel. You
should read between 700 to 714 mV AC at these test
points.
If this is a two projector system, change over from
Projector 1 to Projector 2 by grounding the CHNGOVER terminal on the back panel. Then repeat the
above A chain calibration steps for the second projector.
SURROUND NULL:
Turn off switch #2 (to the left) on the Meter Card.
Now, turn on switch #3 (to the right) which makes the
bottom LED array the NULL reading. Select the
STEREO A button on the Format Card. Adjust the
SURROUND NULL trimpot on the Matrix Card until
a minimum number of LED’s are lit on the bottom
LED array of the Meter Card. A good null is when
only two or three LED’s are lit. This setting is crucial
because a good null means minimum crosstalk in the
surround channel. For normal operation, leave switches #2 & #5 on (to the right), and all others off.
while switching from Normal mode to Backup mode.
This completes the A Chain and BYPASS calibrations.
B CHAIN CALIBRATION
The B chain calibration is generally considered to be
the signal path from the processor’s master fader to
the speakers. This signal path includes the equalizers
and output stage. Before continuing with the B Chain
calibration, check the wiring of all auditorium speakers to make sure the phase is correct. The “SMART EZ
Phase Checker” is a perfect unit for verifying proper
phase of speakers.
PRELIMINARY:
It is desirable to have a SMART PINK NOISE GENERATOR CARD and an EXTENDER CARD for performing the calibration and testing of the MODIIC. Note:
Make sure the SMART Pink Noise Generator Card has
the following minor modification: There must be a
jumper wire between pins 4 & 5 of the edge connector
as viewed from the component side. This allows the
Surround switch to simultaneously feed pink noise to
both Left and Right Surround channels. A future version of the Pink Noise Generator card will have separate Left and Right Surround switches.
The PINK NOISE card may be plugged directly in
without the extender card if the metal cover is
removed from the Pink Noise Card. However, it is
easier if the extender card is used with the PINK
NOISE card. The PINK NOISE card plugs into the
MATRIX CARD position for setting house EQ levels
and sub-bass levels. The PINK NOISE CARD has
seven switches. Make sure the bottom switch is in the
NORMAL position. The top six switches are used to
turn individual channels on and off. These channel
The most likely cause of difficulty in obtaining a good
null is the azimuth alignment of the optical sound
lens. This is a very critical soundhead adjustment if
you expect to get the best performance.
BYPASS:
Run a film soundtrack. Listen to the CENTER channel
on the booth monitor. Switch from Normal to Backup
(the switch on the Format Card) and adjust the backup
level pot on the Mono Card to achieve equal levels
12
The optional extender card can be used with the Pink Noise
Card to calibrate the MODIIC. This allows easier access to
the Pink Noise Card.
INSTALLATION & OPERATION
switches are three position, with center position
being off, the top position giving an in-phase signal and the bottom position giving an out-ofphase signal. There is a built-in high quality pink
noise source which feeds these switches.
If a Pink Noise Card is not available for the
MODIIC calibration, then an external pink noise
source may be used instead. Feed the external
pink noise source into the DIGITAL INPUTS on
the rear DB25 input connector of the MODIIC for
the following checks. Set the pink noise source
level for .55 volts RMS. You must use an analog
meter to measure this voltage level.
Special Note: If you will be installing an external digital decoder, do so AFTER setting house levels. See the
DIGITAL LEVEL SETTINGS at the end of the B
CHAIN CALIBRATION section for more information.
For the following procedures, select STEREO A by
pushing the appropriate button on the Format Card.
Also, set the STEREO MASTER FADER to the one
o’clock position.
EQUALIZATION
AND HOUSE
LEVELS:
The equalizers are
normally shipped
with the individual
trimpots set for a
flat frequency
response. The
optional 1/3 octave
equalizers used for
the stage channels
are capable of cut-
The optional 1/3 octave EQ card
band ± 10 dB. The individual trimpots are single turn
types, with the mid position of each pot being flat
(unity gain).
On the standard one octave equalizer cards, all frequencies are cut and boost ± 10 dB with single turn
trimpots also.
ting and boosting
each frequency
10
dB
-10
-15
ISO Cinema playback standard states that 1/3 octave bands
should be tuned for flat response to 2 kHz, with a 3
dB/octave rolloff above 2K.
5
0
-5
31.5 63 125 250 500 1K 2K 4K 8K 16K
pot on the OUTPUT/MUSIC CARD so that 79 dBC spl
is measured in the auditorium. Do this for the five
main channels (Left, Center, Right, Left Surround &
Right Surround). If more gain is needed, then the gain
pot on the stage EQs can be used which gives an additional 6 dB of gain. However, do not boost the gain on
the EQ cards unless it is absolutely necessary.
The optional 1/3 octave stage channel equalizers in
the MODIIC allow the same tuning results obtained in
professional room tuning filter sets used in high-end
sound playback applications. Sound contractors
learned, a long time ago, that boosting frequency
bands adjacent to bands that are cut introduce a phase
shift that the ear is very sensitive to. Although the test
instruments show a nice curve, the sound has a coloration that is not natural. For this reason, we encourage you to apply the minimum amount of boost and
cut whenever needed. Never over-equalize the system. All frequencies may be cut and boosted by as
much as 7 dB in each of the 1/3 octave bands without
creating the above problems. The use of bass and treble controls on the equalizer has also been avoided to
further minimize phase shift. Each filter section uses a
single turn trimpot for adjustment. The equalizers are
factory set for a flat response during final QC test.
Before attempting to equalize be sure the stage speaker connections are properly polarized, the polarity of
the components in each speaker system is correct, and
the speaker devices are mechanically aligned according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Remember that equalizers are used to tune the room,
NOT to correct poor speaker installation and alignment.
Diagram 3
Remove the MATRIX CARD from its slot and set it
aside. Plug the PINK NOISE CARD into the MATRIX
CARD slot. Make sure the NORMAL/CHOO-CHOO
switch is in the NORMAL position. Turn on the
appropriate switch on the PINK NOISE CARD for the
channel you wish to equalize. Perform the equalization (see diagram 3) and then adjust the output trim-
SUB-BASS LEVELS:
With the Pink Noise Generator Card plugged into the
Matrix Card slot, turn on the LEFT and RIGHT pink
noise switches. Turn off the Left and Right channel
amplifiers to prevent sound from the Left and Right
stage speakers from affecting this adjustment. Adjust
the SUB LEVEL trimpot on the Output Card for 90
13
MODIIC STEREO PROCESSOR
POSITION DELAY
0 10
1 20
2 30
3 40
4 50
5 60
6 70
7 80
8 90
9 100
A 110
B 120
C 130
D 140
E 150
F 160
dBC spl from the subwoofer. The installer may wish to
adjust for another level, depending on the amount of
subwoofer desired. Turn the Left and Right channel
amplifiers back on.
An alternative procedure is to turn on the LEFT and
RIGHT pink noise switches and adjust the SUB LEVEL
on the Output Card to “level out” the lower end frequencies as viewed on an RTA set up in the auditorium. Do not turn off the Left and Right channel amplifiers for the alternative method.
Plug the MATRIX Card back into its slot.
OPTIONAL 3-D MONO FUNCTION:
No adjustments are necessary for units equipped with
the optional 3-D Mono/Backup Card.
MUSIC LEVELS:
Set the MUSIC LEVEL control, located behind the
front panel on the right side of the Format Card, twothirds up from its counterclockwise position . Select
Music mode and turn on the music source that is feeding the MODIIC. Turn the left and right music level
trimpots on the Output/Music Card to obtain a normal house level. These trimpots are factory set and
may not need adjustment. DO NOT TURN THESE UP
TOO HIGH as music-to-film crosstalk may occur.
Adjust the trimpots so that right and left music are set
to the same level. A way to accomplish this is to play a
stereo music selection with a good vocal track and
adjust either the left or right music trimpots for minimum vocals in the surround channel.
The music circuit in the MODIIC has a simple matrix
which generates four channels of music from any 2channel stereo music source.
TIME DELAY:
Locate the 325 DIGITAL TIME
DELAY Card. The bottom of this
card has a rotary switch. Each
position clockwise on the rotary
switch equals 10 mSec (milliseconds) of delay. Position 0 is the
minimum delay setting which
equals 10 mSec of delay. Position
1 produces a total of 20 mSec of
delay, position 2, 30 mSec, etc.
The maximum amount of delay
possible is 160 mSec. Measure the
distance in feet from the ideal seat (which
is usually 2/3 of the way back from the
stage speakers, centered side to side) to
the stage speakers. Now measure the dis-
14
mSec
tance from the ideal seat to the nearest surround
speaker. Subtract the two measurements. Now add 20
to this number to get the delay (in milliseconds)
required in the auditorium. Set the rotary switch to the
nearest setting in milliseconds.
DIGITAL LEVEL SETTINGS:
Incoming signals feeding the DIGITAL INPUT terminals MUST be trimmed externally to match levels
from the Stereo-Optical signals. These adjustments can
be made at the output of the external digital decoder
or interlock audio tape machine (see manufacturer’s
manual). Make sure that all other B-chain calibration
adjustments have been made prior to adjusting the
digital levels (see special note in the PRELIMINARY
section of the B CHAIN CALIBRATION).
This completes the B chain calibration.
SECTION 6:
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
The MODIIC system is one of the easiest systems to
operate. The Manager/Operator of the sound booth
should review the operation instructions to assure that
emergency functions are also understood, should they
ever be needed.
TURNING ON THE SYSTEM:
The sound engineer who installed the sound system
has provided a way to apply power to the system
through a master power switch or circuit breaker.
Also, several of the individual components in the
equipment rack have their own power switches.
Become familiar with all switches or breakers that control power to the sound equipment.
If the components are normally turned on individually, it is important that the processing components are
turned on first and the power amplifiers are turned on
last. This will allow time for the low level circuits to
stabilize so that the power amplifiers will not pass a
“turn-on thump” to the auditorium speakers. Repeat
in reverse order when turning off the system.
MUSIC SELECTION:
It is likely that the sound system will be turned on
before the arrival of the first audience of the day. The
MODIIC powers up in Music mode. If the music player (CD player or tape machine) is running, music will
be heard in the auditorium and on the booth monitor.
Music may also be selected by pressing the front panel
MUSIC button.
PROGRAM SELECTION:
The automation should be set to select the proper formats when needed. However, any format may be
overridden by simply pushing one of the Format buttons located on the front of the MODIIC.
INSTALLATION & OPERATION
SECTION 7:
SCHEMATICS
Format Card (SRS5x390) – page 16
STEREO MASTER FADER:
This control is located on the MODIIC Format Card
and is used to set the system level for any film format,
but not for music level. The system was calibrated
with the STEREO MASTER FADER at the one o’clock
position, which is where most prints will play at a normal level.
MUSIC LEVEL CONTROL:
The music level should have been preset by the
installer of the sound system. However, if any change
in music level is desired then the MUSIC LEVEL control can be turned to change the overall volume level.
This trimpot is located on the lower right side of the
Format Card. The four screws holding the front panel
of the MODIIC must be removed to access the MUSIC
LEVEL control.
EMERGENCY BYPASS SWITCH:
The MODIIC contains a backup system that will keep
the show sound on the screen in the event of a failure
of the processor. This special circuitry is located on the
Mono card in the main card cage unit and is activated
by the NORMAL-BACKUP switch located just above
the Format pushbuttons.
Pushbutton Card (MD2BX392) – page 17
Dual Projector Preamp Card (MOD4x300) – page 18
Mono/Backup Card (MOD2x305) – page 19
Meter Card (MOD2x335) – page 20
Noise Reduction Card (MD2Bx374) – page 21
Matrix Card (MOD4x317) – page 22
Optional 1/3 Octave EQ Card (MOD4x320&321) –
page 23-24
One Octave EQ Card (MOD4x324) – page 25
Digital Time Delay Card (MOD5x325) – page 26
Output/Music Card (SRS5x330) – page 27
MODIIC Power Supply (RPS-20) – page 28
3-D Mono Card (SRS5x305) – page xx
The Normal/Backup switch and Stereo Master Fader
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