OWNER'S MANUAL

MELIOR DIGITAL CENTER

Overview | Features | Unpacking | Connections | Displays | Operation | Remote | Programming | Protection

Overview

Thank you for purchasing the Melior Digital Center.

Digital format has now become an accepted format in high-end audio. The integrated CD players are being replaced with separates, the DAT is fast becoming the recording format of the nineties, laser video players are now being provided with digital outputs for sound and digital signal processing is just around the corner.

Melior Digital Center is designed to accommodate all known sources in the digital format including a processor loop. The uniqueness of this unit however, is in the quality of sound. The proprietary digital to analog conversion methods used in the Melior Digital Center makes it one of the best sounding digital converters in the market. In addition to this, the Melior Digital Center is a full function, remote controlled pre-amplifier.

Please take the time to read this instruction manual so that you can enjoy the many unique features of the Melior Digital Center.

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Features

Full Function Pre-Amplifier: The Melior Digital Center has all the functions of a regular pre-amplifier but in the digital domain. You can switch sources, record and playback, use an external processor and adjust volume and balance all in the digital mode.

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Unpacking

When you first unpack the Melior Digital Center, confirm that the following are included.

 

Contact your dealer if any of the items are missing.

Remove all parts from the packing. The "liquid injection method" used in packing your unit affords the best protection for your equipment. Museatex products are finished in polished wood, glass and acrylic, which can be damaged in shipping with conventional packing methods.

When handling the Melior Digital Center, take care not to scratch the side panels or the acrylic top. The protective self-adhesive covering on the acrylic top should not be removed until after the installation has been completed.

Keep the Packing. Be sure to keep the shipping carton with all the packing material. The Melior Digital Center cannot be safely shipped without this.

Shipping Damage. It is important that the unit be examined for shipping damage. If there is any indication of damage, please contact your dealer. It is important that the carton be maintained to initiate any claims.

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Connections


A Cautionary Note
When connecting the input or output ensure that the following conditions are observed:

  1. The source component is not on and playing.
  2. The Melior Digital Center is unplugged.
  3. The amplifier is turned off.

Your attention to the above, will ensure that the damage to your system is avoided during set-up.

Connecting Sources
Any source component that you wish to use that has a digital output can be connected to the Melior Digital Center. Make sure that the digital output of your source is functional. Some of the older units with "digital" outputs do not have usable outputs.
There are four inputs clearly identified at the back of the unit. Depending on whether the input is fiber optic or conventional RCA co-axial, connect your source to the input jacks. Given the option to use fiber optics or co-ax, fiber optic connections have lower signal loss rate, especially over lengths in excess of 2 feet. Digital signals are not separated by channel so the conventional "left" and "right" channel identification is missing from the inputs.
The fiber optic inputs and tape outputs used in the Melior Digital Center is Electronic Association of Japan Standard CD-340. Should any of your fiber optic sources use any other type of connector, suitable adapters should be available from the manufacturer of the other product.
The user can program the input source name so that the LCD display shows the details on the front panel. Refer to section on programming for details.

Connecting to Digital Tape Decks.
Most of the new digital tape decks have digital output in fiber optic and co-axial format. We would recommend that you use the fiber optic connections for best results. Please note that the analog output/inputs will not work with the Melior Digital Center.
You should now be able to record any source connected to the Melior Digital Center to the Digital Tape Deck in the digital format. Digital recording permits recording of source data with almost no loss of signals. On playback the Melior Digital Center will convert the signal to analog using the special converter built in to the Melior Digital Center.
Please note that there may be copyright laws in your country against duplication of original source material. Please check with your local government regulations regarding the legality of duplicating digital source information.

Connecting to Amplifier.
The analog output section is clearly marked. Connect the left and right channels to the corresponding inputs of your amplifier.

Connecting to Melior Analog Control Center.
The Melior Digital Control can be connected to any line input of the Melior Control Center or any other analog pre-amplifier. In this case the digital volume and balance control of the Melior Digital Center can be "disabled" by programming the unit to be in the "tandem" mode. (Refer to section on set up and programming.)
Connect the left and right channels of the analog outputs of the Melior Digital Center to the corresponding line inputs of the Melior Control Center or any other high quality pre-amplifier.

Connecting to External Processor
The external processor loop can be connected to any Digital Signal Processor. The connections provided are co-ax type and the input and output should be connected as per the instructions supplied by the manufacturer of the digital processor. It will not function with any analog-based processors.

Connecting to MIDI Interface
This is for connecting to the multi-room remote control link system by Museatex. The MIDI input and output use an international standard 5 Pin Din plug. All the functions and signals of the Melior Digital Center are on the MIDI "out" and by using the MIDI "in", the unit can communicate with other remote locations and update the status on the Melior Digital Center. Full MIDI specifications can be obtained from our customer service department.

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Front Panel Display

One of the most visible features of the Melior Digital Center is the Liquid Crystal display found on the left side of the front panel. This unit provides you with a visual read out of the operating status of the unit at all times. By using the remote control, you can view any of three different types of displays:

  1. General Status Display
  2. Expanded Status Display
  3. Programming display

The different displays and their uses are explained in the following section.

General Status Display:
The default display that appears when the unit is first turned on, or when you leave any of the other display modes.

How to Read the General Status Display:

M: LAS

LOOP

V: 75

R: CD-D

OUT

B: CTR

 

M: The input you are monitoring, i.e. listening to. This is the signal that goes to the main analog output.

R: The input you are recording from. This is the signal that goes to the record output. As the two are connected through different busses, it is possible to record one source while listening to another.

V: Volume. This gives a numerical readout of the volume level. The scale is 0 to 127.

B: Balance. This indicates balance changes in .5 dB increments, although the actual steps of audible changes are much finer. An arrow points to the right or left to indicate which channel is the louder.

LOOP: This shows whether the external processor loop is engaged or not. When the loop is not active, you can obtain status information regarding "phase" and "emphasis" by pressing the appropriate switch on the remote control. (Refer to the section on remote control for details)

Expanded Status Display. The Expanded Status Display has five "status" screens in the "stand-alone" mode and three "status" screens in the tandem mode. The "status" screens appear one after another and can be accessed by pressing the STAT button on the remote control.

The Expanded Status Display uses the full LCD screen and this would allow the display to be viewed from a greater distance.


Stand Alone Mode:

VOLUME

 

BALANCE

1. Volume Display

 

2. Balance Display showing offset to the right.

DEEMPH: OFF

 

PHASE +

BIT RATE: 44.1

3. Digital Status Display showing record emphasis status and bit rate used for sampling.

 

ERROR

4. Absolute Phase Status Error Indicator

MONITOR INPUT: 1 CD-D

 

RECORD INPUT: 3 DAT

5. Monitor Display

 

6. Record Display

 

Tandem Mode

Only displays 3 to 6 are shown in the tandem mode as the volume and balance controls are "disabled" in the tandem mode so that the volume and balance control of the Melior Control Center (or any other pre-amplifier) can be used. In the tandem mode, the volume is "preset" at half maximum volume. Refer to section on programming to chose between "tandem" and "stand alone" modes.

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Operation

Using the Melior Digital Center

The Melior Digital Center can be operated either from the remote control or the front panel. The remote control is necessary for accessing the full range of functions while the front panel controls enable you to perform the basic functions.

Front Panel Controls

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Remote Control

The remote control performs three types of functions:

  1. Principle Operations: These are the standard operations that you would use on a regular basis such as VOLUME, BALANCE, INPUT SELECTION, LOOP, REC, MUTE, ON/OFF, ETC.
  2. Programming and set up: This is used to "customize" your digital control center to your own requirements. This allows you to program the names of your various inputs, select between fiber optic or co-axial cable for input no. 1, program the unit to function as a "stand alone" or "tandem" unit, and preset volume and balance levels for each input.
  3. Selection of Volume and Balance Presets: Once you have programmed the balance and volume levels for the various inputs, you can select the preset levels by simply pressing the V&B button followed by one of the four numerical buttons.

Performing Principle Operations.

  1. Volume Up: This increases the volume. The volume increases are in 0.5dB increments that make the increase gradual and smooth.
  2. Volume Down: Decreases the volume level.
  3. Balance Right: Shifts the balance of the sound to the right.

  4. Balance Center: Irrespective of the balance setting obtained by the left and right balance buttons, pressing this switch once will return the balance to the exact center.

    Note: Volume and balance controls are disabled if the unit is set up to work in the "tandem mode". These functions will be available through your Melior Control Center (or any other analog preamplifier that you are using.)

  5. Mute: Pressing this key completely mutes the sound. Pressing the key a second time restores the volume to its original level.
  6. Loop: This controls the digital processor loop. If a digital processor is connected to the unit, this key allows you to switch the processor "in" and "out".
  7. Stat: This key changes the main display to the expanded mode. The standard display uses half the screen to display the status. In the expanded mode, it uses the full screen for the display and this allows the status to be viewed from a greater distance. The display changes each time the key is pressed as follows:

  8. 1. Expanded Volume Display. The relative volume is displayed by a bar graph. Volume adjustments can be made and the graphical display will indicate the relative volume.

2. Expanded balance bar graph.

Note: Both these displays will not be accessed if the unit is set up for "tandem" operation.

3. Digital Information

DEEMPH: OFF

 

PHASE: +

BIT RATE: 44.1

 

 

 

 

4. Monitor: Shows the source being played through the main output.

5. Record: Show the source being played through the record output.

6. Regular Status Display.

 

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Performing Programming Operations

The unit can be customized to your specific installation. The remote control is necessary for this purpose.

Assigning Names to Inputs

The Melior Digital Center allows you to "name" the four digital inputs according to the source you connect to it. Once this is done, the display will show the name along with the number of teh input, whenever you select it. Please follow these procedures:

(We will assume that you are using the Melior CD-Deck into input one, using the fiber optic cable)

WIRE

 

OPTIC

^

 

 

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Protection Circuitry

Like all other Museatex products, the Digital Control Center features sophisticated protection circuitry that will guard against component or system damage.

If the Digital Control Center recognizes a problem or if you switch to an input source that is not connected the word "ERROR" will flash on the screen and the system will go into mute.

When the problem is corrected or if the correct input is selected, the MUTE key can be used to restore the computer to regular operation.

In rare cases, the system may "latch up" due to the problem. Unplugging the unit from the mains and reconnecting it after a few minutes can usually restore this.

Recommended Cables

The output characteristics of the Digital Control Center have been optimized to take advantage of the electronic transmission properties of the Museatex Interconnects, particularly, the CRYPTON cables. We recommend that you use this whenever possible.

For more information please contact John Wright at (403) 968-1400 or email john@museatex.com

 

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