Audio Video News

This summer, Bedford, MA-based Lexicon, Inc. will introduce two new digital controllers that will assume the lead in the company's audio product lineup. The MC-12 and MC-12 Balanced Digital Controllers feature "leading-edge audio processing technology, and a unique new industrial design," according to a May 14 announcement.

Now in production, the MC-12 is a 12-channel digital controller with 12 configurable inputs and 3 independent output zones: Main, Zone-2 and Record. In addition to the standard front left/center/right, rear left/right outputs and "summed" low frequency channel of 5.1 systems, the MC-12 includes left/right subwoofer outputs. Any source can be assigned to any input, and the MC-12 will automatically detect and switch from digital to analog modes depending on the input selected. An onscreen menu lets users configure their systems as they prefer.

Lexicon claims that the MC-12 can synthesize 7.1 channel outputs from any input (stereo or multichannel) via its Logic 7® technology, said to be compatible with all existing surround-sound systems: Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II, THX Surround EX, dts, and dts-ES 6.1. A Crystal Semiconductor 49326 digital signal processing chip decodes dts, dts-ES, Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II audio sources; and four Analog Devices SHARC® 32-bit DSP engines process 24-bit/96kHz audio in all listening modes.

The MC-12 Balanced features balanced audio outputs via XLR connectors for the Main and Zone-2 outputs. The RS-232 port on the rear panel enables upgrades of the MC-12's in the field, and three expansion slots are provided for future options. Each main output on the MC-12 is said to be in full 24bit/192kHz resolution; all MC-12 processors will carry Lucasfilm THX Ultra certification.

Sound quality and versatility are only part of the appeal of the MC-12. It also contains two broadcast-quality video switchers: one, an ultra-wide bandwidth component video switcher that accepts any analog component or RGB video input signal. The second switcher accepts any S-video or composite video in the NTSC, PAL, or SECAM formats.

Available in July, the MC-12 will sell for $8,995; the MC-12 Balanced will arrive in August at a price of $9,995. The upgrade from MC-12 to the balanced version will cost $1,250, and will also be available in August. Lexicon is a member of the Harman Consumer Systems Group of quality audio and video products.