Multi-channel stereo on UMC-1

[jremitio]

What do you guys think? I'm seriously considering the UMC-1 but am hesitating because of the lack of multi-channel stereo. I like 2-channel music listening but there are times I like equal amounts of power in all channels. It seems like ProLogic II (music) is the only option but all channels don't have the same power.

I'm really hoping that Emotiva reinstalls multi-channel stereo. I love my XPA-5 and am hoping to pair it with a UMC-1.

[Mischief]

To each their own, I appreciate that but I think about audio the same way I look at a movie. The director had a vision. I don't want pan and scan, I don't want colorized films, and I don't want to listen to stereo mastered music in multi-channel.

I do understand party mode but I still prefer stereo during my parties.

[moe]

Absolutely a must,no I'd keep it regardless.Should it have 5ch stereo,of course,I don't even understand the exclusion.I would say however with two good mains,amps and a sub I get a rather large room full of music.

[markus]

What is multi-channel stereo?? Either it's stereo (2 channels) or multichannel. If you want to upmix stereo then there's Pro Logic II or Neo:6

[HardWorkinBeaver]

Definitely to each his own....I still don't understand why there has to be one or the other. Can't both be enabled?

[bootman]

Why two threads for the same subject?

[Spiky]

Apr 5, 2010 21:15:05 GMT -5 HardWorkinBeaver said:

Definitely to each his own....I still don't understand why there has to be one or the other. Can't both be enabled?

I don't understand why this isn't a choice in the poll??

[matt]

I think that multichannel stereo should be an option. As long as it does not route stuff to the center speaker, I am fine with it.

[Deleted]

I understand the idea of all channel stereo but to me it is sort of 360 degree noise. It might be OK for multiple speakers in a restaurant, shop, etc. However, IMO it does not make much sense for a party.

Imagine going to a party in a large hall or auditorium with a live band. Would you want 4 clones of the same band all playing on the four different sides of the hall? No of course not. If you want the sound loud and direct you can dance or drink at the end of the hall that is the front soundstage. The other end of the hall still has fairly loud sounds but gives you the natural sense of where the band is located.

This is what multi-channel DSP sound is for, to simulate a natural performance perception in your home theater room or large party room. Some people in my opinion do not realize that a properly set up system using Dolby Pro Logic IIx music (or other multi-channel DSP modes) sounds very natural, but not necessarily of equal volume from all directions, thank God! If you have all 5 or 7 speakers timbre and gain matched the effect can be very enjoyable and natural sounding. Who wants to listen to Jimi at your party when it sounds like his voice is coming from every direction? (probably those who should not be driving home ;D) Rear channel dipole/bipole speakers can help maintain the natural hall sound when moving around in your room.

[merlinwerks]

I know people have their reasons for it and I'm all for multichannel if they can add it back in; But definitely not at the expense of a 2 ch only mode...

[sbavnut]

Voted for "multi-channel stereo" (yes, I know, it should be called "all-channels").

This has been stated before - the BEST solution is to have BOTH. In other words, as you cycle thru the listening options, you should get something like this...

1. Direct (don't touch the signal)
2. Stereo (if input is 2 channel, output as 2.1, if input is multi-channel, collapse the surrounds to FL or FR and output as 2.1)
3. All channel (if input is 2 channel, output as 5/7.1 - copy FL to rear and side L, copy FR to rear and side R, sum FR and FL and send to center - might need to adjust the center trim or it may sound too loud compared to the other speakers...
4. Dolby Pro Logic
5. DTS Neo

(and any that I may have missed)...

[Mike Ronesia]

Having the music come from all speakers at a party where people are trying to enjoy conversation and the music is secondary, is a big help. It's much easier to keep the volume low so all areas of the room have are pleasant for conversation.

[hemster]

+1. This is a very useful thing indeed.

[RSavage]

This horse must be about dead by now.....isn't it?



R

[pczach]

Apr 6, 2010 0:55:26 GMT -5 @chuckienut said:

I understand the idea of all channel stereo but to me it is sort of 360 degree noise. It might be OK for multiple speakers in a restaurant, shop, etc. However, IMO it does not make much sense for a party.

Imagine going to a party in a large hall or auditorium with a live band. Would you want 4 clones of the same band all playing on the four different sides of the hall? No of course not. If you want the sound loud and direct you can dance or drink at the end of the hall that is the front soundstage. The other end of the hall still has fairly loud sounds but gives you the natural sense of where the band is located.

This is what multi-channel DSP sound is for, to simulate a natural performance perception in your home theater room or large party room. Some people in my opinion do not realize that a properly set up system using Dolby Pro Logic IIx music (or other multi-channel DSP modes) sounds very natural, but not necessarily of equal volume from all directions, thank God! If you have all 5 or 7 speakers timbre and gain matched the effect can be very enjoyable and natural sounding. Who wants to listen to Jimi at your party when it sounds like his voice is coming from every direction? (probably those who should not be driving home ;D) Rear channel dipole/bipole speakers can help maintain the natural hall sound when moving around in your room.

Chuckie, even when you have a party at the house, the multichannel stereo helps. If you play the music loud enough to be heard throughout the area, the people nearest the two front speakers will hear the music much louder than the people in other areas of the room. I think it just gives a much more even presentation of volume. No one has to talk over the music.

I know this isn't life or death here, but this feature was included in the UMC-1 we all signed up for. That's something nobody here seems to be talking about. It's not like we are asking Emotiva to include inputs or formats that were never promised or intended to be included in this processor. This was part of the package of features that made me decide to get on the pre-order list. I could just opt out and wait for the XMC-1. That was my initial plan, but I think the UMC-1 may work for me until the XMC-1 arrives.

I can't help it if your ears aren't good enough to appreciate the aural sweetness that is multichannel stereo.

[pczach]

Apr 6, 2010 17:31:41 GMT -5 RSavage said:

This horse must be about dead by now.....isn't it?



R

[snodog]

Apr 6, 2010 17:31:41 GMT -5 RSavage said:

This horse must be about dead by now.....isn't it?



R

This is a horse that must be beaten, whipped and kicked until multichannel is added, then and only then can the horse be euthanized.

[jremitio]

I'm hoping that with this poll, Emotiva would realize that most of us would like this feature reinstalled and maybe do something about it.

[brijenjas]

I vote for BOTH multi-channel stereo and 2 channel stereo.

[matt]

Apr 6, 2010 15:07:04 GMT -5 sbavnut said:

Voted for "multi-channel stereo" (yes, I know, it should be called "all-channels").

This has been stated before - the BEST solution is to have BOTH. In other words, as you cycle thru the listening options, you should get something like this...

1. Direct (don't touch the signal)
2. Stereo (if input is 2 channel, output as 2.1, if input is multi-channel, collapse the surrounds to FL or FR and output as 2.1)
3. All channel (if input is 2 channel, output as 5/7.1 - copy FL to rear and side L, copy FR to rear and side R, sum FR and FL and send to center - might need to adjust the center trim or it may sound too loud compared to the other speakers...
4. Dolby Pro Logic
5. DTS Neo

(and any that I may have missed)...

I would add multi-channel stereo, which is basically 3 minus the use of the center speaker.