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Multi-Channel Music & Cinema Systems
Theory and Design
Lexicon
The surround effects include our proprietary matrix technology which is
capable of extracting 5 or 7 channels from a two channel encoded original
in such a way that the left and right channels maintain full separation during
music playback. Although matrix decoders have been previously made
with more than 4 channels, they all reduce the separation in the rear
channels when decorrelated material such as music is being decoded. Our
matrix effects maintain full separation and envelopment during the music
sections of films, and for music recordings.
The Ambience (Nightclub and Concert Hall) and Reverberation (Church
and Cathedral) algorithms transform the listening room into a new acoustic
space, letting you choose an environment which matches your music or
your mood. Unlike most ambience processors, ours provide full stereo
processing, preserving the critical SI information in the recording and
expanding upon it. The Ambience algorithm generates the side and rear
reflection patterns of idealized rooms and concert halls. The larger spaces
add the true depth and realism of a concert hall to classical and popular
music, while the smaller spaces are ideal for jazz and rock. The Reverbera-
tion algorithm is similar, but places more emphasis on rich, dense reverber-
ant decay than on early reflections. It is especially good for simulating large,
highly reverberant spaces such as churches, stadiums, and cathedrals.
When a listener is in the correct spot the Panorama effect provides an almost
ideal re-creation of the original recording space. It works by using digital
signal processing to cancel the crosstalk between the listener’s ears, effec-
tively spreading the sound from the two front loudspeakers in a wide arc in
front of the listener. With the optional addition of rear speakers, Panorama
can be startling in its realism.
The requirements for processing sound for home theater are somewhat
different than those for music and our surround programs meet all of these
requirements. Lexicon invented the technology that permits the most
accurate reproduction of film sound in the same system that is used for
music listening, and our software-based processors are optimized for each
of these unique tasks. The Music Surround and Music Logic effects are
specifically designed to optimally play conventional stereo music through
any system which includes side or side-located rear speakers. Additionally,
our processors are able to perform automatic analysis and error correction
to compensate for problems in the source material.
The new 5 channel and 7 channel surround decoding allows the stereo
music in soundtracks to be reproduced with a full stereo spread, unencum-
bered by the relatively narrow separation of the front speakers. Left-to-
surround and right-to-surround pans are also enhanced. Instead of sound
jumping from a front channel to both surrounds, the left and right side
speakers can function independently to facilitate smooth and fluid pans.
Sounds directed to hard left and hard right (the main left and right speakers)
will not appear in the side surrounds.
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