Surround Sound Processor

OVERVIEW

Key Features
* Supports Dolby® and DTS® source formats and listening modes as well as PCM and analog audio
* Automatic surround sound format detection and decoding
* Seven channel, nine-band parametric EQ
* Live and Emulate operation modes with configuration file saving
* Up to 100 ms lip sync adjustment on each input
* Front panel analog input level adjustment with LED level and clip indication

DESCRIPTION

The Extron SSP 7.1 five input Surround Sound Processor provides up to eight channels of surround sound for pro AV applications in corporate and commercial environments. The SSP 7.1 automatically detects and decodes audio content in various Dolby® and DTS® formats from DVD, Blu-ray Disc, and HDTV broadcasts. It also offers Dolby Pro Logic II/IIx and DTS Neo:6® processing to provide surround sound from two-channel stereo. The SSP 7.1 features coaxial and optical digital inputs, plus an analog balanced/unbalanced two-channel input. It is designed for integration into pro AV installations, with a compact, rack-mountable metal enclosure, RS-232 serial control, and balanced/unbalanced line level outputs. The included control software offers a user-friendly GUI for setup and operation.The SSP 7.1 is designed for simple, intuitive operation from the front panel, with LED indicators for source selection, source format detection, listening mode override, and output volume level. At the touch of a button, the user can override the current surround sound output and switch to a different listening mode, for example, from 5.1 channel Dolby Digital to two-channel downmixed stereo, or from two-channel stereo to 7.1 channels via Dolby Pro Logic IIx. The user also has the option to send stereo audio to all left and right speakers without surround sound processing.

Control and Configuration

The SSP Setup and Control Software features an intuitive user interface for efficient setup and control of the SSP 7.1 as well as calibration of the sound system. Using the software, an integrator can specify the number and size of all speakers in the system, and enter the distance of each speaker from the central listening position, or location where acoustical measurements are taken. A nine-band parametric EQ is available for each of the satellite speaker channels to tailor the output signal to the acoustical environment.

Test Signals for Calibration

The SSP 7.1 generates test signals including Dolby noise and full-bandwidth pink noise that can be routed sequentially to each speaker, or directed selectively to any speaker using the software. Dolby noise is a band-limited pink noise that allows for higher sound pressure levels, which is advantageous when calibrating speaker outputs to equal SPLs. An individual trim level is provided for each channel to facilitate calibration. The pink noise test signals can be used to calibrate a speaker’s interaction with the acoustical environment. The SSP 7.1 also offers the option to use an external source for test signals, which can then be directed to any speaker, or all speakers in sequence.

Designed for Pro AV Integration

The SSP 7.1 is housed in a 1U, half rack width enclosure that is rack-mountable and occupies a fraction of the space required for a conventional surround sound receiver. It can be controlled and configured using RS-232 serial control. For compatibility with pro AV sound equipment, the SSP 7.1 offers balanced or unbalanced inputs and outputs. Front panel controls can be locked out to prevent unauthorized operation.

Features
* Supports Dolby® and DTS® source formats and listening modes as well as PCM and analog audio — Dolby DigitalDolby Digital EXDolby Pro LogicDolby Pro Logic IIDolby Pro Logic IIxDTS Digital SurroundDTS-ES® Discrete 6.1DTS-ES Matrix 6.1DTS 2-ChannelDTS 96/24®DTS 96/24 ES MatrixDTS Neo:6®Uncompressed PCMAnalog stereo or mono
* Inputs: Four S/PDIF digital inputs on two optical connectors and two coaxial RCA connectors; one balanced or unbalanced stereo analog input on a 5-pole captive screw connector
* Outputs: Three balanced or unbalanced stereo line level outputs on 6-pole captive screw connectors for Front, Surround, and Back; two balanced or unbalanced mono line level outputs on 3-pole captive screw connectors for Center and Subwoofer
* Automatic surround sound format detection and decoding — The SSP 7.1 automatically detects the format of the incoming audio signal, and then applies the necessary decoding so that signals are sent to the appropriate outputs.
* SSP Setup and Control Software — The included Windows® control software features an intuitive user interface for efficient setup and control of the SSP 7.1 as well as calibration of the sound system. The software also allows for real-time monitoring and control of the processor.
* Seven channel, nine-band parametric EQ — To optimize speakers to the environment, each full range output features nine fully parametric EQ filters with +/-24 dB of boost and attenuation, with adjustable frequency and Q. Filters can be adjusted by grabbing filter handles with a mouse, or by manually typing in settings.
* Live and Emulate operation modes with configuration file saving — Allows settings to be configured offline, then uploaded to the SSP 7.1. The software also downloads configuration files from the processor for archiving.
* Up to 100 ms lip sync adjustment on each input — The SSP 7.1 offers an independent lip sync offset delay for each input, to keep audio in sync with video signals that noticeably lag behind the audio. Each lip sync offset provides up to 100 ms of delay.
* Front panel analog input level adjustment with LED level and clip indication — Provides overall output volume adjustment for all outputs as well as adjustment of input level for the analog input. Accompanying LEDs display input gain level, and a dedicated LED indicator illuminates red when clipping has occurred.
* Input source format indicator — The appropriate LED indicator illuminates to indicate the incoming format of the selected input source, whether Dolby Digital, DTS, PCM, or two-channel analog.
* Test signals for setup and calibration — The SSP 7.1 generates test signals, including band-limited Dolby noise and full-bandwidth pink noise, to facilitate calibration of sound pressure levels from all speakers, and to fine-tune a speaker’s interaction with the acoustical environment. The SSP 7.1 also offers the option to use an external source for test signals, which can then be directed to any speaker, or all speakers in sequence.
* Front panel input selection with LED indication — A discrete button is provided for each input source, allowing for simple, intuitive operation.
* Listening mode override — At the touch of a button, the listening mode can be changed from the primary decoded surround sound format to an alternate listening mode.
* Distance compensation adjustment for each speaker — The SSP 7.1 ensures that sounds from each speaker reach the listener at the same time by delaying sound from the closer speakers. The software offers up to 100 ms of delay per channel.
* Rack-mountable 1U, half rack width enclosure
* Front panel security lockout — Prevents unauthorized use in non-secure environments. In lockout mode, a special button combination is required to operate the SSP 7.1 from the front panel.
* RS-232 control port — Using serial commands, the SSP 7.1 can be controlled and configured via the SSP Setup and Control Software, or integrated into a control system. Extron products use the SIS™ - Simple Instruction Set command protocol, a set of basic ASCII code commands that allow for quick and easy programming.
* Highly reliable, energy-efficient internal universal power supply — The 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, international power supply provides worldwide power compatibility with high demonstrated reliability.
Note: Dolby and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademark & the DTS logos and Symbol are trademarks of DTS, Inc.

SPECIFICATIONS