SP MK II OPERATING PARAMETERS
The SP MK II offers a full array of surround parameters which will accommodate all
types of music and movies. Conventional motion picture surround processing technol-
ogy was never intended for music reproduction, so virtually every other manufacturer
of surround processors has chosen to offer digital soundfield processing, or “DSP,” for
music listening enhancement. While DSP is rather technically ambitious, the results are
often artificial. Digitally-generated reverberation or effects are added to the natural or
studio-created ambience of the original recording. The result is usually not representa-
tive of the original recording or the desired new venue.
The SP MK II surround parameters are tailored for specific movie and music applica-
tions. We suggest that you experiment with the various modes. A limited amount of
audio signal delay is available to enhance some modes. Changes you may make in
audio signal delay settings are automatically stored in selected modes. The following
descriptions of each mode will help you to select the appropriate one for your specific
listening tastes.
ROCK
This mode was designed to give an exciting presentation of typical multi-track rock
recordings. The Rock mode is unique in that it provides full frequency range, stereo
surround channels. No other processor is capable of delivering true stereo surround.
Any audio signal delay setting may be used (up to 80 ms), and the Panorama control
may be adjusted to suit the recording. (An explanation of the Panorama function is
found on page 26 in this manual.) The logic steering speed is “fast.” In the Rock mode,
you can expect to hear a full soundfield which totally surrounds you with a significant
amount of back channel information.
Music that has a great deal of stereo separation will be reproduced with an excitement
and intensity that is similar to listening through headphones but with the visceral
impact that only dynamic loudspeaker systems can produce. The Rock mode will also
yield exciting results with most New Age and electronic music as well.
POPULAR
The Popular music mode is intended for a natural presentation of the majority of popu-
lar music titles. The perspective is more frontal and not quite as “wrap-around” as the
Rock mode. The surround channels are monophonic and are full frequency response.
Any audio signal delay setting may be selected (up to 80 ms), as well as Panorama.
Logic speed is “fast.” The Popular mode is the most universal for a wide variety of
music, including rock, light rock, Broadway shows, etc.
7
