Sound Performance Lab Area 5.1 User Manual

Manual

Area 5.1

5.1 Surround Microphone Preamplifier & Stereo Downmix System

2

Area 5.1

Version 1.0 - 5/2000

The information in this document has been carefully verified and
is assumed to be correct. However Sound Performance Lab (SPL)
reserves the right to modify the product described at any time.
Changes without notice. This document is the property of SPL
and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or
full without the authorization of SPL.

Limitations of Liability:

In no event will SPL be liable for any damages, including loss of
data, lost profits, cost of cover or other special, incidental, conse­quential or indirect damages arising from the use of the unit,
however caused and on any theory of liability.This limitation will
apply even if SPL or an authorized dealer has been advised of the
possibility of such damage.

Sound Performance Lab

P.O.Box 12 27
D- 41368 Niederkrüchten, Ge

rmany

Phone

+49 - 21 63 / 98 34-0

Fax +49 - 21 63 / 98 34-20

eMail: [e-mail]

www.soundperformancelab.com

Area 5.1 -7402 ledoM Manual

3

Area 5.1

Contents

Introduction ............................................................................................... 3

Feature List ................................................................................................. 7

Installation ................................................................................................. 4

Standard Recording Setup .................................................................... 4

SPL Mic Array .............................................................................................. 6

Operation

Preamplifier .................................................................................... 6

Sub/LFE channel ........................................................................... 7

Stereo downmix stages .............................................................. 8

Stereo output ................................................................................. 8

Monitoring ...................................................................................... 8

Output PPM meter ........................................................................ 8

Power Supply ............................................................................................. 9

Specifications ............................................................................................ 9

Warranty ......................................................................................................10

Notes ...........................................................................................................11

Introduction

Dear customer,

congratulations on choosing the Area 5.1 for producing your 5.1
recordings.We are sure you have as much pleasure using it as we
had making it.

The complete Area 5.1 system contains the Area 5.1 unit and
optionally the SPL mic array and a multicore cable. Though the
Area 5.1 unit could be used with any microphone setup, the
combination with the SPL mic array is recommended since it is
the first proven standard setup to capture three-dimensional sound
images in all recording situations.

This authentic approach in terms of human perception also
minimizes the efforts to set up an 5.1 microphone installation.
Another essential feature is the stereo downmix stage that allows
to record both stereo and 5.1 simultaneously.

Since the Area 5.1 constitutes an electroacoustical system in
highest degrees of complexity,there are a few things to mention.
This manual contains basic informations regarding setup,connec­tions,first placing in operation and control elements.

4

Area 5.1

The Area 5.1 unit should not be installed near units which
produce strong magnetic fields or extreme heat. Do not install
the unit directly above or below power amplifiers. Generally
choose a place with sufficient air circulation.

The mic array has to be placed the way that the LCR heads
(those closer to the microphone center/90° angle) are facing the
sound source. Be aware that placing the mic array close to the
ground may result in ground reflections and comb filtering
effects. The best horizontal position for the mic array is right on
the crossing between the direct sound field and the diffuse sound
field.

BEFORE switching on power, make sure that the microphones
are connected with the Area 5.1 unit. (optional multicore lead
recommended). Check that the voltage details quoted on the
back panel are the same as your local mains electricity supply.Use
a minus (-) screwdriver to set the voltage selector to the required
voltage.

NOW switch on the Area 5.1.Chassis ground and AC ground can
be disconnected by the “Ground Lift” switch (GND LIFT) on the
back panel, if hum problems occur. An AC power cord is included
to feed the IEC-spec,3-prong connector.

After switching on the Area 5.1,proceed as follows:

1) Press the Ch. 1-4 Lock button of channel 5.

2) Turn the Mic Gain control of channel 5 clockwise until sufficient

recording level is indicated at the PPM output meters (all other
mic gain controls follow precisely)

Installation

Standard Recording
Setup

Connect all devices BEFORE

switching on the Area 5.1

See chapter Operation/Monitoring,

page 8, for further information on

stereo headphone monitoring