"Official" results of programmable channel use with multichannel 7.1 analog inputs

[Chris D]

There has been some concern and confusion here about whether the programmable channels work on the C1/C2 when listening to a source through the 7.1 multichannel analog inputs.

I did some testing on my C1 to get the real answer in operation, not out of a book. The answer is that it depends on which programmable channel you're talking about.

When using the multichannel 7.1 analog inputs:

Pro 2 DOES operate properly. This channel is a duplicate of the main subwoofer output. Anything you input through the ".1" of the 7.1 inputs will be sent to both your main subwoofer and Pro 2. (I confirmed this through my Behringer Feedback Destroyer, which indicated that when playing the 7.1 inputs, I output equal signals to my two subwoofers, one hooked up to the main sub out, the other to Pro 2)

Pro 4 DOES operate properly. This channel is also a duplicate of the main sub output, with the addition of a 20Hz filter for use with tactile transducers. (I confirmed this with my Clark Synthesis tactile transducers and AudioSource amplifiers, both of which indicated a proper signal when receiving bass while I was playing SACD's and DVD-A's)

Pro 1 and Pro 3 DO NOT operate properly. These are the fully programmable channels. (Channels 9 and 10 in the setup menus) Originally, I had my Clark TST's hooked up to Pro 1, and noticed I wasn't getting tactile output when playing SACD's and DVD-A's through the 7.1 inputs. Luckily, as I had dialed in my TST's in the past, I settled on the exact same settings as experienced in Pro 4, and just never had a need to change it over. So by swapping my TST's to Pro 4, I didn't lose anything, and gained use of my TST's with the 7.1 inputs.

Hope this helps people.

[Chris D]

Here's what this means for people:

1. If you use tactile transducers, I highly recommend powering them through your Pro 4 output, so they work with every source, including the 7.1 inputs. My Clarks are supposed to be the highest fidelity TST's on the market, so originally I was setting my cutoff filter much higher to try to include some higher frequencies with their use. I found the experience to be just not quite right, and kept dialing down the filter until I reached 20 Hz, which is the same as the Pro 4. So if anybody DOES use TST's with higher frequencies, powered in some other way like using the fully programmable channels 1 or 3, you'll have to decide whether you lose some higher freqs and change over to Pro 4, or whether you keep them fully programmable, but lose the capability of powering the TST's when using your 7.1 inputs.

2. For EVERYBODY that uses the fully programmable channels 1 and 3, for tactile transducers, extra speakers, highly configured subwoofers, etc, heads up that they will not work with the 7.1 analog inputs. Even if you don't currently use the 7.1 inputs, be aware that with new sound formats about to hit the market with stuff like HD-DVD and Blu-Ray, the 7.1 analog inputs will be the only way to listen to these formats. The C1/C2 will not accept new sound formats in any other way! (at least until we get a MAJOR hardware upgrade, which is not officially planned yet) This also includes SACD and DVD-A.

So if you use your fully programmable channels 1 and 3 for anything, once you hook up your new Blu-Ray player or such, Pro 1 and 3 won't work for that unit.

[slayer]

Thanks for posting. I had figured it out a while ago when I was playing with the setup of my second sub. I ended up chosing the duplicate sub output rather than a custom "surround channel" sub so that it always worked all the time.
Now I've gone a step further and will only use the main sub output. Only now it will run into a Velodyne SMS-1 and then go to my two subs. I've been having trouble getting my subs to blend properly with my mains so I'm hoping this will help me get it set up right. Thanks again for the report.

[Q-Man]

That's true.
I use the aux. channels 1 & 3 for what I call front effect channels. Yamaha named these channels front effect channels and has them on their higher end gear. I use LaScala speakers mounted to the ceiling in the front left and right corners of the room. They add depth and make a broader soundstage. I mix the left and right channels into these channels with a little time delay.

I am sad to say that your right. They don't work with the 7.1 inputs (DVD-Audio, and SACD).

[Chris D]

I use LaScala speakers mounted to the ceiling in the front left and right corners of the room.

Wow, that alone deserves a round of applause. Color me impressed.

[goldear]

Hey Q-Man, I haven't been here in a while but I remember when you were still debating replacing your Yamaha with a Halo or Lex. I take it you finally got the Halo? Is it working out for you in your system...and how do you like it?

[Q-Man]

I narrowed my choices down to the Anthem AVM-30 and the C1 or C2.
While waiting for Anthem and Parasound to come out with Pro Logic IIx I did a lot of reading about the two. I found that those people that compared the two processors felt that the Halo had a better sound quality.

The AVM-30 had some features that I wanted, but I decided to give them up
for better sound.

I ended up with a C1 and I'm happy with it. I like the sound, even though it seems a little bright at times. Then again I use Pro midrange drivers and horns for the midrange and tweeters. I am going to change my crossovers and knock down the tweeters a db or two. The multi channel seperation for music and movies is incredible. The center channel is better then I'm used to and it really plays full range. I also use a Klipschorn for the center channel and it sounds better then it ever did. Over all sound is very nice. I'm a tweaker, and I don't feel like tweaking anymore. It mates very well with my McIntosh amps and modified Klipschorns. I also think that my subwoofer sounds better. Back ground noise is also very low. I know find myself listening and enjoying instead of thinking of ways to make my system sound better.

[goldear]

Hey Q...I'm glad to hear that it worked for you. I'm also a tweaker, so it was a change for me to go the Halo, which was a little less flexible than some other SSPs I owned in the past. Ironically (just like you), I started to enjoy this simplicity as I found myself actually listening to the music more often...rather than fiddling with everything, trying to achieve that perfect sound

I would also have to agree that your speakers probably do contribute to some of the brightness you may be experiencing since the one thing I loved about the Halo was its neutral-to-warm presentation. Between the Anthem I demo'd and the Lex I owned, the Halo had a bit more warmth (yet detailed sound) for my tastes. Congrats!