e i d u g r e s u Meridian 541 Surround Controller
Sales and service in the UK Meridian Audio Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows Sales and service in the USA Huntingdon PE18 6ED Meridian America Inc England 3800 Camp Creek Parkway Building 2400 Tel (01480) 52144 Designed and manufactured in the UK by Suite 112 Fax (01480) 459934 Atlanta GA 30331 World Wide Web Digital Gramophone and Wireless Ltd Stonehill Stukeley Meadows http://www.meridian.co.
Contents Introduction 1 Introduces the 541 Surround Controller, sound configurations that it supports. Using the surround controller The Meridian 500 Series ........................ 2 Provides step-by-step instructions for Sample configurations ........................... 3 operating the surround controller, using The surround sound options .................. 6 either the front panel or the Meridian Specification and accessories ............... 9 System Remote.
Setting up the surround controller 27 Describes how to unpack and install the surround controller, and gives details of the video and loudspeaker connections. Unpacking .............................................. 28 Connecting the surround controller ....... 29 Connecting video ................................... 32 Connecting loudspeakers ......................
Setting up sources 45 Explains how to connect sources to the surround controller, and set them up to your preferred configuration. Connecting sources ............................... 46 Setting up a two-room system .............. 48 Setting up sources ................................. 49 Examples of configuring the sources .... 52 Troubleshooting and maintenance 55 Provides suggested solutions to typical problems, and gives information about cleaning and servicing your surround controller.
vi Preface
Introduction The Meridian 541 Surround Controller is unique in providing high quality surround-sound processing in an audio-visual remote-control preamplifier. The surround processing provides a range of modes both for home cinema and music, making the 541 ideal as the heart of a general-purpose hi-fi system. The 541 also has all the features of a high-performance audiovisual controller. It provides six analogue inputs, together with three video inputs for home cinema switching.
The Meridian 500 Series The Meridian 541 Surround Controller is part of the Meridian 500 500 Series communications series of advanced digital, analogue, and video components designed to meet the demand for absolute quality, ease of use, The Meridian 500 Series incorporates a sophisticated and lasting value. communications link, to ensure that any configuration of units will work together as a fully integrated system.
Sample configurations Three-channel surround system – Type 3 Four-channel surround system – Type 4 The ideal starting point for a surround sound system is to add a If you are primarily interested in home cinema you may prefer to centre loudspeaker to the left and right loudspeakers of a extend an existing stereo system by adding a pair of rear conventional stereo system. surround loudspeakers, for cinema effects and ambient sounds.
Five-channel surround system – Type 5 Cinema surround systems – Type 1 or 2 Our recommended surround system for music and cinema uses If your primary interest is cinema, you can use a mono five loudspeakers, with the main left and right loudspeakers subwoofer to enhance the bass performance for both cinema providing the bass. This gives a very natural sound for music and music presets. Introduction listening, and a precise three-dimensional image combined with 4 good bass performance for cinema.
Second room system – Type 7 The 541 Surround Controller has all the features necessary to set up a two (or three) room hi-fi system. From either room you can watch and listen to any source playing in the main room, in addition to any local sources in that room. The Meridian communications system lets you control the system from either room. using whichever of the other types is appropriate; eg Type 5.
The surround sound options The 541 Surround Controller provides a sophisticated range of For more information see Defining your own presets, page 24. audio and video control options, and even if you have no immediate plans for surround sound it is an ideal choice as a The 541 Surround Controller provides two categories of presets: conventional two-channel preamplifier. cinema and music, and these are described in the following sections.
Cinema presets Use the ProLogic and Cinema presets for film soundtracks, television programmes, and music encoded using the Dolby The surround controller provides three alternative presets Surround encoding system. Such materials are usually identified designed for decoding TV, film, video, and LaserDisc sound by a Dolby Surround logo on the packaging. tracks.
Music presets Each of the music presets can be used for reproducing material originally designed for a conventional stereo pair of The 541 Surround Controller provides two alternative presets loudspeakers, and the choice of which to choose largely designed to enhance traditional stereo recordings and depends on your own personal preferences. broadcasts.
Specification and accessories Specification Audio inputs Specification 6 analogue inputs. User-adjustable Video connections sensitivity. Re-nameable legends. 1 composite video out to monitor. Optional LP module for MM or MC. Audio outputs 1 composite video tape loop for VCR Left, Right, Centre, Subwoofer, or second room. Surround Left and Right. Outputs for 1 trigger control output (12V) for power amplifiers or active switching amplifiers, screens, etc. loudspeakers up to 3.5 Vrms.
Available accessories The following accessories are available from your dealer: ❍ Phono modules: 515 (MC) and 516 (MM). Meridian Audio reserves the right to amend product Introduction specifications at any time.
Using the surround controller This chapter provides a visual summary of the functions of the 541 Surround Controller in order to identify the controls which you will use to operate the unit. It also describes how to use the Meridian System Remote in conjunction with the surround controller.
Front panel 1 Source Selects the source. 2 Copy Copies a selected source Display to the tape output. 3 Preset Changes the preset. BOOTHROYD STUART ProLogic 541 Source Copy Preset Surround Controller 65 Mute Display Off 4 Mute Mutes the sound. Using the surround controller 5 Display 12 Changes the information displayed on the front panel. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 V (Decrease) Decreases the volume. 7 A (Increase) Increases the volume. 8 Off Switches to standby.
Meridian System Remote 1 2 3 1 Source selection keys Selects the source. 2 Source control keys Control the source functions. 3 Off Switches to Standby. 4 Function shift Used to access additional functions. 5 Numeric keys Volume keys Using the surround controller For entering track numbers Change the volume. 13 and radio presets. 6 Store, Clear For defining custom presets. 7 Menu keys For customising the 541.
Selecting a source During normal use the surround controller should be left in the The display shows the source, Standby state. This uses a negligible amount of electricity and is and volume setting; for example: CD 65 completely safe, but ensures that the components of the surround controller operate at maximum efficiency from the Then after a short delay the display shows the preset associated moment you start. with that source.
Adjusting the volume The 541 Surround Controller adjusts the volume in precise steps To mute the sound of 1 dB, where 9 dB is equivalent to doubling the loudness. The ● Press Mute. current volume setting is displayed in dB on the front panel display, and can be varied in the range 1 to 99 dB.
Changing the preset Each source has a preset associated with it, and when you To change the preset select a source its default preset will automatically be selected. ● Press Preset (front panel), or • (remote) to step between the Once you have selected a source you can change the preset; different presets. so, for example, if the default preset associated with the CD source is Music, you may wish to select the Trifield preset You will be able to choose any of the following predefined instead.
Changing the display The 541 Surround Controller displays information about the In addition, the following symbols on the front panel display current settings on the 12-character front panel display. In indicate which of the presets are selected: addition, It can display the same information superimposed on a video image. For more information about setting up the on-screen display refer to Setting up the surround controller, page 27.
Recording a source The 541 Surround Controller allows you to copy any of the Display standard sources to the tape and VCR outputs, independently of the source you are listening to. Copy Source If you are using the 541 Surround Controller in a two-room Copy Mute Copy CD Copies the first source to the tape and VCR outputs. To copy a source Copy Radio ● Press Copy. Using the surround controller The tape and VCR outputs are muted. available to the second room.
Defining your own presets In addition to being able to change the source, volume, and preset, the 541 Surround Controller provides a sophisticated range of more advanced adjustments for each preset, to allow you to change the characteristics of the sound to the settings you want. This chapter explains how to adjust these advanced parameters, and how to store them permanently so they are available whenever you want to use them.
Locking and unlocking the menus To simplify the normal operation of the surround controller, and to protect the settings from accidental changes, you can lock the menus so the advanced parameters cannot be accessed. To lock the menus ● Press Off to put the surround controller in standby. . The display shows: Defining your own presets ● Press and hold down Mute for several seconds.
Changing the listening position A conventional stereo system provides a single balance control, which changes the relative loudness of the two loudspeakers. To move the listening position to the front or rear The 541 Surround Controller provides a more sophisticated adjustment which correspond to changing the effective listening Rear +0 position relative to the loudspeakers.
Changing the preset parameters Each preset provides a series of parameters which you can vary You can save the changes you have made to a preset so that to customise the behaviour of the preset to your specific you can use the same settings whenever you want. You have a requirements. For example, most presets provide a Delay choice of saving changes to the built-in preset, or you can parameter, to allow you to specify the delay applied to the rear create a new preset with a name of your choice.
To change a preset parameter ● Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To unlock the menus, page 20. ● Press > or < until the display shows the name of the parameter you want to change. Delay 25.0 For example: ● Press A or V to change the value of the parameter. change preset. To change a parameter permanently see the next Defining your own presets As you change the value you will be able to hear the effect on section. 23 the sound, and the display shows the current value. Delay 30.
Defining your own presets ● If you want to overwrite an existing preset press A or V to The 541 Surround Controller allows you to modify one of the built-in presets, and save it for future use. select the preset you want to overwrite. You can either save the changes to the built-in preset, or you Sto.User can create up to 10 presets of your own, with names of your 1 For example: choice, so you can use them alongside the built-in presets.
For example, you could change Sto.Stadium the name to: ● When you have entered the name you want to use press Store. Stored The display shows: To clear a user-defined preset ● Make sure the menus are unlocked; see To unlock the menus, page 20. ● Press Preset (front panel), or A and V (remote) to select the ● Press and hold down Clear (remote) for several seconds.
26 Defining your own presets
Setting up the surround controller This chapter explains how to install the 541 Surround Controller. It describes what you should find when you unpack the surround controller, how you should connect it to your other audio and video equipment and loudspeakers, and the siting constraints. Before you begin installation you should ensure that your surround controller is the correct voltage for you local AC supply. If it is not, do not try to install the unit, and contact your dealer.
Unpacking The 541 Surround Controller comes in a box containing the Radio interference following components: FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate radio ❍ 541 Surround Controller. frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly in ❍ Meridian System Remote. accordance with our instructions may cause interference to ❍ Power cord. radio communications or radio and television reception. It has ❍ 500 series communications lead.
Connecting the surround controller Rear panel RS232 connection Surround outputs SURR-L CENTRE Main audio outputs MAIN-L SURR-R RS232 SUB MAIN-R LD/V1 LD RADIO CD TAPE1/LP L TAPE OUT Trigger LD R A6 A5 A4 TV A3 A2 A1 VCR1 VCR1/V3 TV/V2 C-VIDEO IN Video outputs Video inputs SCART audio/video connections Audio connections The following table gives details of the audio outputs: The following table gives details of the six audio inputs: Use this output Use this input To connect to th
Video connections On-screen display The following table gives details of the composite video inputs: If your surround system includes video or a television the 541 can add a text overlay to the video signal, to provide additional Use this input To connect to this LD/V1, TV/V2, Composite video signals. VCR1/V3 Setting up the surround controller display (OSD). In normal operation this repeats the information provided on the front panel display.
SCART connectors In addition, the 541 provides European standard SCART (or Peritel) connectors, which duplicate the signals on the composite video connectors and some of the audio connectors.
Connecting video To connect a TV 541 Surround Controller To connect a VCR Audio lead 541 Surround Controller Television Video recorder Audio leads AUDIO TV OUT TV IN A5 TUNER OUT AUDIO OUT MONITOR IN VCR OUT VCR1 IN Setting up the surround controller the television SCART input or composite video input using a 32 suitable video cable.
To connect a VCR using SCART 541 Surround Controller To connect a LaserDisc Video recorder 541 Surround Controller SCART LD/V1 IN LaserDisc AUDIO VCR1 VIDEO A4 Audio lead Video lead SCART-SCART lead If your VCR has a SCART connector you can make all the above connections using a single SCART-SCART lead in which case you should leave all the corresponding composite video and controller’s LD/A4 audio inputs using an audio phono lead.
Connecting loudspeakers Connect to loudspeakers as follows: To connect to active loudspeakers Use this output To connect to this ● Connect the appropriate outputs from the surround controller Main-L, Main-R Main left and right loudspeakers. Centre Centre speaker. Sub Subwoofers. Surr-L, Surr-R Left and right surround speakers. to the speaker inputs, using screened audio cable.
Configuring the surround controller This chapter explains how to configure the 541 Surround Controller to suit the loudspeaker arrangement you want to use, and the other equipment in your system. The first stage in configuring the surround controller is to choose one of the standard settings, and these are designed to set all of the parameters to their most common values.
Choosing standard settings The 541 Surround Controller provides seven alternative standard The Type you choose depends on the following aspects of your settings, called Types, which configure all aspects of the system: surround controller into the most commonly needed ❍ The layout of loudspeakers in your system. configurations. ❍ Whether you are using the earlier Meridian 200 Series units.
To select a standard setting For example, to select Type 3 for use Type 3 LP with a phono module the display shows: Warning! Selecting Type will reset the 541 Surround Controller to one of a standard set of configurations. If you want to make ● Wait for one second, and then switch off the surround changes to the configuration of an existing system use Config; controller using the power switch on the back panel. see Specifying information about your system on the next page.
Specifying information about your system ● Press A or V to step between the alternative options, as If none of the standard settings exactly matches your requirements choose the one that is closest, and then use the shown in the following table: 541 Surround Controller’s configuration menus, called Config, to make the necessary changes to the appropriate parameters.
To specify the type of subwoofer ● Press > or < until you see a Sub To specify the surround speakers Wide display such as: shown in the following table: Description Narrow The surround controller provides a 120Hz cut off; the subwoofer crossover should be bypassed. The surround controller provides a wide-band signal for a subwoofer that includes a crossover. No subwoofer present. The main channels are full bandwidth. When you have chosen the subwoofer option you want to use proceed to the next step.
To specify the speakers to use for music presets To specify other options The more advanced options are summarised in the following If your centre speaker and/or subwoofer are of lower quality than table: your main left and right loudspeakers, you may prefer to use them for only for home cinema, but not for music.
Calibrating the loudspeakers The 541 Surround Controller includes a built-in calibration procedure to help you to set up your installation to give the best possible sound with any particular combination of associated equipment. This calibration procedure uses a test signal so you can adjust each loudspeaker to the same level.
Using the calibration procedure As you run the calibration procedure the name of each To start the calibration procedure loudspeaker is shown on the front panel display. The on-screen display also provides additional text explaining what to do, and sample displays are reproduced in the following sections for reference. For information about setting up the on-screen display see On-screen display, page 30.
To calibrate a loudspeaker If you are calibrating by ear adjust each speaker until the sound is uniformly loud as you switch from speaker to speaker, ● Press Source (front panel), or > or < (remote) to select the The display shows the loudspeaker ignoring any differences in timbre. Note that it is difficult to adjust the subwoofer correctly by ear, because low frequency loudspeaker you want to calibrate. sounds appear much quieter, and we recommend using a Left +0.
44 Calibrating the loudspeakers
Setting up sources This chapter explains how to connect up sources to the 541 Surround Controller, and set them up to your preferred configuration. When you set up the surround controller to one of the standard settings, the inputs are automatically configured to cater for the six most common arrangements of sources and inputs. Alternatively, you can configure each source individually to suit the other equipment in your system.
Connecting sources To connect to other Meridian 500 Series equipment. One unit will then be designated ● Connect one of the Comms sockets on the rear panel of the This is the unit that will respond to the handset. Controller as the controller, and display: Surround controller to one of the comms sockets on another 500 series unit (excluding the 563), using the 500 comms lead All the other units will be configured provided.
To connect to Meridian 600 or 200 Series equipment If your system includes any Meridian 600 or 200 Series units, with 600 COMMS or 200 COMMS sockets, you should set all the 500 Series units to 200 COMMS operation using the following procedure: the Meridian System Remote User Guide for details. ● To return to 500 COMMS operation repeat the above procedure, and select any type apart from Type 2. For more information see Choosing standard settings, page 36.
Setting up a two-room system The design of the Meridian 500 Series incorporates a powerful To set up a two-room system two-room capability, making it possible to link systems between 541 Surround Controller two or more rooms. COMMS The most usual configuration is to provide all the sources in the main room.
Setting up sources The 541 Surround Controller provides six sources corresponding For most settings there is a last valid, or L.V., option that leaves to the following source selection keys on the remote control: the corresponding setting unchanged from its previous value when the source is selected. For example, selecting CD after TV CD, Radio, TV, Tape1 (or LP), VCR1, and LD. would leave the TV picture.
To configure a source To change an option ● Turn off the control unit, using the power switch on the back ● Press Copy (front panel) or > and < (remote) to change. The panel. left-hand side of the display shows the source you are ● Turn on the power again while holding down the Display key on the front panel. Config configuring, and the right-hand side shows the current value of the option. ● Press A or V to step between the alternative values for the option.
Option Preset Initial value Alternative values Explanation CD Music Music, Trifield, etc, or See To change a source preset, page 52. No Preset. Label CD CD CD, RD, LP, etc. See To change a source label, page 52. Audio input CD Audio A2 A1 to A6, L.V.Audio, Choose A1 to A6 to specify the input, L.V.Audio to and Mute. use the last valid input, or Mute to mute the sound. 1.0V, 1.4V, or 2.0V. Choose the input sensitivity for the source. V1 to V3, L.V.
Examples of configuring the sources The following examples illustrate how you can configure the For example, to configure the CD source options to your own requirements. video input choose: To change a source preset ● Press A or V to choose the video input. ● Display the source you want to configure, together with its For example, if you always want the TV current preset, as described in To configure a source, CD L.V.Video CD Video V2 picture when you select CD, set it to: page 50.
To use a source key to change preset To set up a system with two Meridian CD players You can use the unused source keys on the remote to change the preset for your current source. ● Configure the source you are going to use for the first CD player. For example, you can make the CDR key on the remote switch the preset to Stereo for comparison, whatever source you are For example: Source CD, Preset Music, Label CD, Audio input listening to: A2, Video input L.V.Video, Function Select Last F.S.
54 Setting up sources
Troubleshooting and maintenance This chapter describes problems you may encounter when using the surround controller, and includes suggested solutions. If these suggestions fail to cure the problem, please contact your Meridian dealer for further assistance.
Troubleshooting No lights are displayed when switching on There is hum on other inputs ❍ Check your other equipment. ❍ Check that your AC power supply is connected correctly. ❍ Consult your dealer. ❍ Check that the ON OFF switch on the rear panel is in the ON position. ❍ Check that the fuse on the control unit rear panel and the fuse in the unit’s power plug have not blown; see To change the Troubleshooting and maintenance mains fuse, page 58.
Communication is not working between the surround controller and other Meridian products Remember that reception of broadcast or cable signals can be significantly degraded 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. ❍ Check that all products are interconnected using the correct comms leads.
Maintenance Cleaning To clean the audio and video connections When cleaning the surround controller bear in mind that the front of the unit is plastic, and the display panel and lid are glass. The audio and video sockets on the rear of the surround controller are gold-plated and need no cleaning if gold-plated Disconnect the power cord before cleaning the unit. phono plugs are used. Otherwise, it is recommended that you unplug and reconnect the plugs at least once a year.
Service and guarantee Service Guarantee The Meridian 500 Series of hi-fi components have been carefully The 541 Surround Controller is guaranteed against defects in designed to give years of untroubled service. There are no user- material and workmanship for 2 years from the date of purchase. serviceable parts inside the case, nor do the units require any form of maintenance.
60 Troubleshooting and maintenance
Index A Accessories 10 Changing (continued) Config options (continued) Active subwoofer preset system address 40 connecting 34 preset parameters 16 Config settings, Sub Narrow Audio connections 29 Cinema preset 7 Configuring sources Audio inputs Cinema presets 7 Configuring the surround Audio outputs 34 9 Balance, changing 21 Balance parameter 22 Cables 30 Calibrating loudspeakers 41 Connecting 7 Pro Logic 7 active subwoofer 34 Cinema surround systems 4 LaserDisc 33 Cleaning 58
Connections (continued) Function Select signal 32 Loudspeakers (continued) Peritel Fuse, changing 58 specifying for Music presets 31 SCART Controller, configuring 46 G Guarantee H Hum on inputs 56 59 M Controls 9 Copying, a source 18 56 I controller 38 Meridian 200 mode 36 audio 9 Meridian 200 Series operation video 9 19, 24 Meridian 500 Series 2 Interference, solving Display 9, 17 Introduction 1 56 L L.V.
Music preset 8 Preset parameters (continued) Recording Music presets 8 Delay a source Music OSD 22 from a television specifying loudspeakers for 40 Rear 22 Restoring the sound 15 Stereo 8 saving 24 Trifield Sub 8 8 Music Sub Config option Muting the sound O P 22 S 22 18 Sample configurations 3 cinema surround systems Presets 40 changing 15 18 4 five-channel surround system 4 16 changing for a source 52 four-channel surround system On-Screen Display 22 changing paramete
Standby Sources Address Types 36 switching on from 51 14 audio input 51 switching to audio sensitivity 51 Stereo preset changing label 52 Sub Config option 39 changing presets 52 Sub Narrow config setting 200 Series operation 47 14 choosing 8 U 34 Sub parameter 22 Unpacking 28 Subwoofers User-defined presets configuring 50 calibrating 43 clearing connecting 46 specifying 39 creating 24 default 52 25 Surround speakers, specifying 39 editing name 24 Function Select 51 Surro
Index 65
66 Index
