California AUDIO LABS CL-2500 SSP User manual

CL-2500 SSP

CL-2500 SSP Surround Sound Processor

User’s Guide

Dolby, ProLogic, and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corp.

DTS is a trademark of DTS Technology, LLC.

All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

California Audio Labs/Sensory Science

7835 East McClain Drive

Scottsdale, Arizona USA 85260

www.sensoryscience.com

www.calaudio.com

CL-2500 SSP Surround Sound Processor

User’s Guide

WARNING:

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not

expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Do not open

the cabinet; dangerous high voltage is present. Refer

servicing to qualified personnel only. This Surround

Sound Processor should only be used with 120V, 60Hz

(standard U.S. household) current.

USER/INSTALLER CAUTION:

Your authority to operate this FCC certified equipment

could be voided if you make changes or modifications

not expressly approved by the manufacturer, who is

responsible for compliance with Part 15 FCC rules.

CAUTION:

To prevent fire, shock hazard, or annoying interfer-

ence, use only the recommended accessories.

To prevent electric shock, do not use this (polarized)

plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlet

unless the blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade

exposure.

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the

unit cover or back. There are no serviceable parts

inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to

the presence of uninsulated dangerous

voltage within the product’s enclosure that

may be of sufficient magnitude to consti-

tute risk of fire or electric shock.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to

the presence of important operating and

maintenance instructions in the literature

accompanying this product.

CUIDADO:

Para prevenir incendio, riesgo de choque, o interferencia enfadosa, use solamente los accesorios

recomendados.

Para prevenir electrochoque, no use este enchufe (polarizado) con un cordón de extensión, toma de

corriente, o cualquier otra toma a menos que los dientes puedan ser completamente insertados para

prevenir exposición de los dientes.

Para reducir el riesgo de descarga eléctrica, no remueva la cubierta o la parte posterior del aparato.

Dentro del aparato no hay partes que requieren servicio. Diríjase solamente a personal calificado cuando

requiera servicio.

ATTENTION:

Pour éviter les incendis, risque de chocs, ou interférences fâcheuses, employer seulement les accessoires

recommandés.

Pour éviter les chocs électriques, ne pas employer cette prise (polarisée) avec une rallonge, une prise de

courant ou une autre sortie de courant à moins que les lames peuvent être insérées à fond pour

l’exposition des lames.

Pour réduire les risques de chocs électriques, ne pas retirer le couvercle ou l'arrière du module. Il n'y a

pas de pièce utilisable à l'intérieur. Ne faire effectuer l'entretien que par un personnel qualifié.

TABLE OF CONTENTS i

Table of Contents

Safety iii

Important Safety Instructions .............................................................................................................................................iii

1 - Introduction 1

Unpacking..........................................................................................................................................................................1

General Precautions ...........................................................................................................................................................2

Installation Conditions........................................................................................................................................................3

About This Manual .............................................................................................................................................................4

2 - System Overview 5

Rear Panel Overview..........................................................................................................................................................5

Analog Connections ...........................................................................................................................................................6

Digital Connections............................................................................................................................................................7

Network/Other Connections...............................................................................................................................................8

Front Panel Overview.........................................................................................................................................................9

Front Panel Display .......................................................................................................................................................... 11

3 - Connections 13

Personal Inventory............................................................................................................................................................13

Basic System Setup ...........................................................................................................................................................14

SSP–Analog Audio Source Diagram..................................................................................................................................16

SSP–Digital Audio Source Diagram ..................................................................................................................................17

SSP–Video Source Diagram ..............................................................................................................................................18

4 - Default Audio Setup 19

Front Panel Menu Controls...............................................................................................................................................19

Default Audio Setup .........................................................................................................................................................20

Set Subwoofer...................................................................................................................................................................20

Set Front Speakers ............................................................................................................................................................21

Set Center Speakers ..........................................................................................................................................................21

Set Surround Speakers ......................................................................................................................................................22

Using the Noise Generator with a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Meter...............................................................................26

“California Audio Labs” is a registered

trademark of Sensory Science Corporation.

All other brand and product names are

trademarks or registered trademarks of

their respective companies.

ii CL-2500 SSP USER’S GUIDE

5 - Edit User Presets 29

Introduction to Presets......................................................................................................................................................29

Customizing Your Presets .................................................................................................................................................30

Digital Audio Input ...........................................................................................................................................................31

Analog Audio Input ..........................................................................................................................................................32

Network Setup..................................................................................................................................................................33

Restore Original Factory Configuration ............................................................................................................................36

6 - Operations 37

Operating Your SSP ..........................................................................................................................................................37

How Presets are Organized ..............................................................................................................................................38

Overriding the Listening Mode .........................................................................................................................................40

Available Listening Modes................................................................................................................................................41

Multi-zone Operation.......................................................................................................................................................42

7 - Network Control 43

Networking Cal Audio Products .......................................................................................................................................43

Programming Network Commands...................................................................................................................................44

Wake Up SSP Links...........................................................................................................................................................48

Appendix A - Help 49

Glossary of Terms .............................................................................................................................................................49

Index 53

SAFETY iii

Important Safety Instructions

1. READ INSTRUCTIONS - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the SSP is operated.

2. RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3. HEED WARNINGS - All warnings on the SSP and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS - All operating and maintenance instructions should be followed.

5. CLEANING - Unplug the SSP from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use a dry cloth for

dusting cabinet.

6. ATTACHMENTS - Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer, as they may be hazardous.

7. WATER & MOISTURE - Do not use the SSP near water—for example, near a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a

wet basement, near a swimming pool or the like.

8. ACCESSORIES - Do not place the SSP on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The SSP may fall, causing serious injury

to a child or adult, and serious damage to the SSP. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table recommended by the

manufacturer or sold with the SSP. Any mounting of the SSP should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and should use a

mounting accessory recommended by the manufacturer.

9. VENTILATION - Never place your SSP on a bed, sofa, rug or other similar surface, on or near a radiator or heat register. The SSP

should not be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the

manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.

10. POWER SOURCES - The SSP should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are

not sure of the type of power supply to your home consult your appliance dealer or local power company.

11. GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION - The SSP is equipped with a 3-wire grounding plug having a third (grounding) pin. Do not

defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.

12. POWER-CORD PROTECTION - Power-supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by

items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords of plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where

they exit from the SSP.

13. LIGHTNING - For added protection of the SSP during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods

of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the SSP due to lightning and power line surges.

PORTABLE CART WARNING

(Symbol provided by RETAC)

Safety

iv CL-2500 VSW USER’S GUIDE

14. OVERLOADING - Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in the risk of fire or electric

shock.

15. OBJECTS AND LIQUIDS - Never push objects

of any kind into the SSP through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could

result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquids of any kind onto the SSP. Should spillage occur, unplug the SSP

and have it checked by a technician before use.

16. SERVICING - Do not attempt to service the SSP yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to a

dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

17. DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE - Unplug the SSP from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service

personnel under the following conditions:

a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.

b. If any liquid has been spilled onto or objects have fallen into the SSP.

c. If the SSP has been exposed to rain or water.

d. If the SSP does not operate normally by following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are

covered by the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often

require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the SSP to its normal operation.

e. If the SSP has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged.

f. When the SSP exhibits a distinct change in performance—this indicates a need for service.

18. REPLACEMENT PARTS - When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement

parts specified by the manufacturer or those having the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized

substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.

19. SAFETY CHECK - Upon completion of any service or repairs to the SSP ask the service technician to perform safety

checks to determine that the SSP is in safe operating order.

20. HEAT - The SSP should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, stoves, or other products (including

amplifiers) that produce heat.

INTRODUCTION 1

Unpacking

Unpacking the CL-2500 SSP

Please do not dispose of the box and packing materials. Keep in a safe place in case you need to move the unit or

if servicing is required. Before proceeding with installation, remove the plastic protective film from the display

window of the front panel.

Please record your machine’s serial number here for future reference:

Serial Number ___________________

The CL-2500 SSP contains the following accessories:

• IEC-type detachable AC Cord for appropriate voltage configuration

• Warranty/Registration Card

• User’s Guide

• Remote Control Kit

- Pronto Remote Control

- 1.5V AA Batteries (4)

- Remote Control Manual

- PC Interface Cable

• Quick Start Guide

1 - Introduction

2 CL-2500 SSP USER’S GUIDE

General Precautions

Power Source

Attach the CL-2500 SSP to an AC power source only of the type

and voltage described in these operating instructions or as marked

on the rear panel of the unit.

AC Cord Wall-End

The CL-2500 SSP is equipped with a polarized, 3-pin AC power

plug that will fit into the AC outlet only one way. If you are

unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, do not defeat the

directional plug by breaking off its rounded ground pin.

Instead, use a three-hole female to two-prong male adapter ob-

tainable in any hardware or electronics store. Be sure to utilize

the adapter plug’s “ground ring,” and fasten it to the outlet’s

cover plate attachment screw.

The CL-2500 SSP is designed to be operated in a “grounded”

state; that is, connected by its three-wire, three-prong AC cord

to your household’s AC earth ground. Defeating this ground con-

nection may impact performance and possibly render the all-

metal unit more vulnerable to static discharge shock from the

user’s hand. If the unit’s connection to ground is defeated by

necessity, i.e., grounded outlets are not present in household,

requiring use of two-pin adapter or two-prong cord:

• TAKE CAUTION to discharge accumulated static from

hand/body to some other inert metal object prior to

touching the CL-2500 SSP faceplate controls, or use the

remote control as much as possible if strong static condi-

tions are present in your listening environment. Even unfelt

static discharges can affect the CL-2500 SSP’s internal

microprocessors.

• If you suspect that static may have discharged to the

faceplate, turn the CL-2500 SSP off, unplug its AC cord

from the rear of the player or outlet, and allow to remain

off and unplugged for one minute to completely clear and

discharge. Re-plug the AC cord and turn the unit back on.

Normal function should resume thereafter.

Non-Use Periods

When left unused for a long period of time, the unit should be

disconnected from household AC. It is recommended that the

CL-2500 SSP be plugged into a UL (or similar) compliant surge

and spike protection device, preferably of high quality with sepa-

rate isolated ground paths.

CAUTION: Do not entrust the CL-2500 SSP nor any system com-

ponents to protective devices when environmental conditions

or public utility problems exist or are suspected. Occasionally,

lightning, brownouts, and extreme spikes or surges can not only

overwhelm your protective device, but can override a system

component’s internal fusing and do serious damage. Use the

rear panel switch to turn off your equipment when you are not

present to monitor conditions. Please reference the conditions

stipulated in the limited warranty policy.

INTRODUCTION 3

Installation Conditions

Environment

The operating temperature range of the CL-2500 SSP is 41-

95°

F

(5-35° C). Operating humidity is 5% to 90% (no condensation).

Do not operate the unit when ambient temperatures and/or hu-

midity are outside of this range.

Condensation

Moisture may form on the display lens due to temperature or

humidity extremes, or as relates to following:

• Immediately after a heater has been turned on

• When the unit is moved from a cold environment into a

warm one

• If placed too close in proximity to a heat source such as a

radiator etc.

If moisture forms inside the unit, it may not operate properly. To

correct the problem, move the product away from the heat

source, turn the unit’s power on and allow approximately one

hour for the moisture to evaporate before operating the unit.

Placement

As the CL-2500 SSP is a critical processing component, it must

be mounted on a stable, non-resonant and vibration-free sur-

face and outside the dispersion paths and magnetic fields of your

loudspeakers. DO NOT place the CL-2500 SSP directly atop

any device that emits heat or vibration (i.e., transformers, ampli-

fiers), nor in the path of direct sunlight.

Allow adequate air circulation (4” minimum surround) to pre-

vent excess internal heat buildup. Keep the CL-2500 SSP apart

from FM or cable TV coaxial antenna leads to minimize recep-

tion interference.

Precautions

Make all connections to and disconnections from the CL-2500

SSP with AC Power disconnected and all system components

switched “OFF.”

Commence installation with the CL-2500 SSP’s AC cord discon-

nected and the unit removed from power, with all other system

components turned off, until all interconnects are installed.

Whenever the CL-2500 SSP is connected to AC power and the

rear panel switch is “ON,” it is indeed “live,” and in Standby

mode. Turning the Front Panel Power Switch ON or OFF toggles

the SSP between “ON” and “Standby.”

Maintenance

Clean the CL-2500 SSP faceplate, control buttons and chassis

only with a soft, lint-free cotton cloth (like a well-worn, oft-

washed T-shirt), lightly moistened with a mild detergent solu-

tion.

Do not use any abrasive pad, scouring powder nor solvent-con-

taining spray cleaners, (especially anything including alcohol

and benzine) on the player.

4 CL-2500 SSP USER’S GUIDE

About This Manual

SSP Shorthand term for the CL-2500 SSP Surround

Sound Processor. Sometimes referred to as

simply “the unit.”

Rear Panel General term for the back of the SSP.

Front Panel General term for the front of the SSP.

Front Panel Display Sometimes referred to as FLT (Fluorescent

Light Tube), the Front Panel Display is the sta-

tus and programming window on the Front

Panel of the SSP.

Input Device Any component connected to one of the SSP’s

inputs, such as a DVD or CD player. Some-

times referred to as “Source Device.”

Output Device Any component connected to one of the

SSP’s outputs, such as an Amplifier or VCR.

Active Preset A shortcut to activate a specific connected

device, including all of its custom audio set-

tings. The Active Preset is always visible on

the Front Panel Display, unless you are in Sys-

tem Configuration mode.

System Configuration Refers to the set of Presets that allow you to

customize your SSP for virtually any home

theater environment. You can make adjust-

ments to both the overall and component

level audio settings.

Listening Mode The currently selected configuration for pro-

cessing of the incoming audio signal, such

as 5.1, Dolby ProLogic, DSP Bypass or Ste-

reo. You can listen to the default Listening

Mode, as set by the Active Preset, or you can

override this setting by pressing the Listening

Mode Override buttons on the Front Panel.

Input Signal The format, or data type, of the incoming sig-

nal received by the SSP, including PCM, DTS,

Dolby Digital or MPEG (optional).

Standby Mode Refers to the state when the On/Off switch

on the Rear Panel is set to “On,” but the Power

button on the Front Panel is set to “Off.” Leave

your SSP in Standby mode unless you add

new components, move the unit, or plan to

be away for a long time.

Zone Refers to the SSP’s multi-room functionality.

Zone 1 is the primary room, Zone 2 is an

analog output to a second room, and Zone 3

is a digital output to a third room.

Network Control Refers to the interoperability of California

Audio Labs products via RS232 cables.

RCA Inputs/Outputs Standard phono plugs, either 2-channel ana-

log or single channel digital.

Terms

You will notice a number of terms used consistently throughout this manual. These terms are listed below to eliminate any confusion.

SYSTEM OVERVIEW 5

Rear Panel Overview

AC Power Input

Detachable AC connector. Use to connect the supplied AC power cord.

On/Off Switch

AC power switch. Connects and disconnects AC Power to the SSP. When set to “On,” the unit is in Standby mode.

You then use the Power button on the Front Panel or Remote Control to turn the unit on and off. Be sure to

connect all components before selecting the On position.

2 - System Overview

The following is an overview of

the CL-2500 SSP Rear Panel,

Front Panel, and Front Panel

Display. For an overview of

Remote Control operations,

please refer to the separate

Pronto manual.

1

2

6 CL-2500 SSP USER’S GUIDE

Analog Connections

Analog Audio Inputs

(1) CD, (2) DVD, (3) TUNER, (4) CABLE, (5) SAT, (6) LD, (7) VCR

IN — Use to connect up to 7 analog components to your SSP.

Note: The input labels are suggestions only. You are free to con-

nect any analog device to any input.

VCR Out

If an analog source is present in the currently selected Zone 1 pre-

set, that stereo analog signal will also be available at the VCR Out.

Connect these output jacks to the input of your VCR for recording.

The signal will not be processed by the SSP. For example, if you are

watching TV in the Main zone and the “(4) CABLE” Analog input is

selected for that preset, you can record the signal from your cable

box onto your VCR.

Zone 2 Out

Use to connect the SSP to a secondary amplifier for multi-room

functionality. You can assign any analog source to Zone 2 inde-

pendent of the main preset (see page 42).

Main Audio Outputs

LF, C, RF, LR, RR, SUB — Use to connect the SSP to the line-level

inputs of your primary amplifier, e.g. connect the LF (left front)

Out to the LF Input of the CL-2500 MCA 5-channel amplifier.

1

2

3

4

SYSTEM OVERVIEW 7

Digital Connections

Digital RCA Inputs

(1) DVD, (2) CD, (3) 96K — Use to connect as many as 3 digital

components using high-quality cables with gold-plated male RCA

connectors. CAUTION: To prevent damage, do NOT twist or

rotate cables when you insert or remove them. NOTE: The input

labels are suggestions only.

Digital TOSlink Inputs

(4) CABLE/SAT, (5) LD — Use to connect up to 2 digital compo-

nents (e.g., DAT players, Mini-Discs, etc.) using TOSlink con-

nectors.

AC3 RF Input

(6) LD AC3 — If you purchased the optional RF demodulator,

use to connect the SSP to a Laserdisc player via the AC3 RF

digital output.

Tape Out

Digital Audio Output. Use to record incoming digital signals. If

a digital input is currently selected in Zone 1, that unprocessed

digital bitstream will be output to the Tape Out RCA jack. This

digital stream can be recorded onto a Mini-Disc or CD Writer,

etc. CAUTION: To prevent damage, do NOT twist or rotate cables

when you insert or remove them.

Zone 3 Out

Digital Audio Output. Use to connect the SSP to a third ampli-

fier for multi-room functionality (see page 42). You can assign a

digital source to Zone 3 independent of the main preset. NOTE:

Connect the Tape Out and Zone 3 Out RCA jacks to a device

which is capable of processing digital bitstreams. The digital

bitstream will not be processed in any way. If you are recording

an encoded Dolby Digital or DTS bitstream, only connect it to a

device which is equipped to handle such bitstreams.

4

5

1

2

3

8 CL-2500 SSP USER’S GUIDE

Network/Other Connections

RS232 Inputs

The five RS232 inputs allow you to control other California Au-

dio Labs products with the SSP, including: CL-10, CL-15, CL-20/

25, CL-2500 MCA Multi-channel Amplifier, and CL-2500 VSW

Video Switch (see Chapter 7).

Other Connections

PC — allows you to control your SSP from a personal com-

puter or custom control system (e.g., Crestron) using the 9-pin

PC serial port.Software and/or other devices not provided by

California Audio Labs may be required to effect such controls.

MODEM (optional) — allows you to update your SSP software

via telephone connection to California Audio Labs (when new

versions are available).

IR IN — allows you to add an IR extension if your SSP’s front

IR sensor is obstructed.

SCREEN — allows you to control a movie screen through the

SSP.

1

2

3

4

5

SYSTEM OVERVIEW 9

Power Button

Toggles the SSP between “On” and “Standby.” To turn on the

SSP, you must first connect AC power and set the rear panel On/

Off switch to the “On” position.

Enter Button

Activates the Preset that is currently shown on the Front Panel

Display.

Front Panel Overview

Select Knob

Cycles the Front Panel Display through all Active User Presets.

When you see the desired preset, press the Enter button to select

or wait 3 seconds to activate the Preset automatically. Also used

to make selections in System Configuration mode (see page 20).

Level Knob

Turns the current audio output level up or down. Whenever you

turn the Level Knob, the Front Panel Display switches to Level

mode and displays a numerical representation of the current

level value.

3

4

1

2

10 CL-2500 SSP USER’S GUIDE

“Quick-Select” Preset Buttons

Automatically activates one of the six “Quick-Select” Presets:

DVD, TV, Satellite, VCR, Tuner, or CD.

Listening Mode Override Buttons

An LED within each button indicates the active Listening Mode.

If you have pressed one of the Listening Mode Override buttons,

an LED will turn on to indicate the Override you have selected.

In some cases, that mode will not be available and the LED will

remain on, indicating that the mode will be engaged if a suit-

able bitstream is present. When a new Preset is selected, the

Override condition will be removed. NOTE: The SSP will auto-

matically override the selected Listening Mode when the incom-

ing audio signal is incompatible with the default Listening Mode.

Input Signal Display

Automatically detects and decodes four types of incoming sig-

nals:

• Dolby Digital - Most common digital Surround Sound

format, developed by Dolby Labs.

• DTS (Digital Theater Surround) - Surround Sound format

found on some DVDs.

• PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) - Digital audio format used

on CDs.

• MPEG (Motion Picture Experts Group) - Surround Sound

used only in Europe (optional feature—not available on all

units).

Note: If “DSP Bypass” is the currently selected Listening Mode,

the PCM indicator will always be selected.

5

6

7

SYSTEM OVERVIEW 11

Front Panel Display

Active Preset

Shows the name of Active Preset. To program up to 29 custom presets, see page 29.

Audio Input

Shows the currently selected Audio Input. To connect Input Devices, see page 14.

Available Source Channels

Shows the number of available channels in the incoming bitstream. “2.0” indicates a 2-channel stereo input

typical of CDs, Video tapes, and some DVDs. “5.1” indicates 6 discrete channels typical of Dolby Digital and

DTS encoded DVDs.

Listening Mode

Shows the active Listening Mode. If a Digital Audio source is selected, but no signal is present, the phrase “No

Data” will be displayed. For more information on Listening Modes, see page 40.

Shows the current status of the

SSP, including the Active Preset,

Audio Input, Available Source

Channels and Listening Mode.

Notes:

• When you adjust the Master

Level, the Front Panel Display

will show a numeric indication

of the volume.

• The Front Panel Display is also

used to program your SSP. See

System Configuration (page

20).

1

2

3

4

12 CL-2500 SSP USER’S GUIDE

Channel Level Screen

The Channel Level Screen

appears on the Front Panel

Display when you adjust channel

levels with the Pronto remote

control. Channel Levels range

from -12.0 to +12.0.

Turn on Pronto

Touch the Pronto remote control screen.

Select CL-2500 SSP

Touch the CL-2500 SSP button.

Select Channel Levels

Touch the Channel Levels button.

1

2

4

5

Adjust Front Channel Levels

Press the +/– buttons to adjust levels for the 3

front speakers:

• Left Front

• Center

• Right Front

Adjust Rear Channel Levels

Press the “Rear & Subw” button, then use the

+/– buttons to adjust levels for the rear speak-

ers and subwoofer:

• Left Rear

• Subwoofer

• Right Rear

3

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California AUDIO LABS CL-2500 SSP User manual

California AUDIO LABS CL-2500 SSP User manual

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