MC-700 Questions and or Issue list.

[fuerstrainier]

I now installed a heat sink on each IC of the digital board, but sound starts dropping out after ~2 hours. That is definitely not an option. I am tempted to operate it without the casing for now. Any suggestions?

[paulrcalderon]

Dear fuerstrainier: You mention installing a heat sink on "each IC" which implies you installed more than one?  The instructions Emo sends with their heat sink are only for one IC, and show exactly which one it's for.  You may be cooling the wrong IC's.  I wish I could send you a pic, but suggest you contact Emo directly.  It surprised me when I took the lid off that they did not put any ventilation louvers into the casing at manufacture.  Some threads have also suggested boring ventilation holes into the case.  Not a bad idea if you keep having problems.

[DaFalcon]

May 19, 2017 15:01:28 GMT -5 fuerstrainier said:

Which chip has to be cooled? And could I just use some standard heat sink (i.e. the one for Raspberry Pi)?

You audio dropout's sound very similar to one of my original problems with the MC-700. After installing the heatsink provided by Emotiva, it hasn't happened again. I've attached the PDF with the instructions for the heatsink install.

Attachments:

MC-700_DSP_heat_sink_upgrade.pdf (2.48 MB)

[fuerstrainier]

Thanks a lot for sending me the instructions!
I indeed cooled the wrong ones now (the ones on the top circuit board), will try again with cooling the correct IC.

[bullet66]

I think is time to update the MC-700 instructions manual here are some areas that should be expanded

1. Audio modes; there is simply not enough information on each of the audio modes and how signals are process.
2. Calibration; more details of the set up instructions and how calibration affects the different parts of setup.
3. Clearly number the manual revision # on the manual itself
4. Troubleshooting; From HDMI to 5.1 to 7.1 set up problems

feel free to add to the list what would you like to see on the MC 700 Instruction Manual

Ed

[harlan]

I'd like to get the manual we were promised months ago.

Your suggestions are right in line with what I'd like to see.

[Boomzilla]

Enlighten me, please, about how the MC-700 handles 5.1 vs 7.1 -

Does the Emo-Q setup also calibrate the two extra speakers if they're present during setup?

Does the MC-700 automagically convert 5.1 audio to 7.1 if the two extra speakers are there?

How many subs can one split from the single "point-one" channel?

I may want to (eventually) run a total of 4 subs. The options are to split the RCA output, and then split each again OR to run one pair of subs from the XLR sub output and the other pair from the RCA (this would require an XLR splitter, in addition to an RCA splitter, but I do have both).

How will the Emo-Q setup handle multiple subs that are differing distances from the listening position? I don't think it can calibrate individual subs for distance & phase? If Emo-Q can't handle such a sub setup, how would I go about setting phase to get the four subs singing in unison?

The entire speaker setup sequence (suggested by garbulky) is as follows:

Turn off Emo-Q
Put the MC-700 in "direct" mode & turn off the subs.
Adjust the R/L speakers for best imaging
Turn on the subs & manually adjust relative crossovers / volumes for best match
Then run Emo-Q again

Anything missing?

Thanks - Boomzilla

[jolaca]

May 22, 2017 6:25:43 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

Enlighten me, please, about how the MC-700 handles 5.1 vs 7.1 -

Does the Emo-Q setup also calibrate the two extra speakers if they're present during setup?

Does the MC-700 automagically convert 5.1 audio to 7.1 if the two extra speakers are there?

How many subs can one split from the single "point-one" channel?

I may want to (eventually) run a total of 4 subs. The options are to split the RCA output, and then split each again OR to run one pair of subs from the XLR sub output and the other pair from the RCA (this would require an XLR splitter, in addition to an RCA splitter, but I do have both).

How will the Emo-Q setup handle multiple subs that are differing distances from the listening position? I don't think it can calibrate individual subs for distance & phase? If Emo-Q can't handle such a sub setup, how would I go about setting phase to get the four subs singing in unison?

The entire speaker setup sequence (suggested by garbulky ) is as follows:

Turn off Emo-Q
Put the MC-700 in "direct" mode & turn off the subs.
Adjust the R/L speakers for best imaging
Turn on the subs & manually adjust relative crossovers / volumes for best match
Then run Emo-Q again

Anything missing?

Thanks - Boomzilla

Hi Boomzilla! Let me start by telling you that I really enjoy your 'always testing equipment' threads . In regards to your questions I can tell you for sure about one: Does the Emo-Q setup also calibrate the two extra speakers if they're present during setup? Indeed, it just detects the number of speakers installed (till 7.1) and then applies EmoQ to all speakers detected, and that of course includes surround back speakers and the subwoofer.

However, I cannot be as clear to answer the majority of your other questions because I only have 1 subwoofer.

Regarding how it converts 5.1 sources to 7.1 : you can choose each time the modes you want to use from the possible ones: let me explain it, if you're using a bluray with only a DTS HD MA 5.1 track on it you could iterate from the remote between the valid and compatible DTS tracks modes available and I guess that would include a DTS ES(or matrix) don't remember its name for generating artificially the surround back outputs. Moreover for each input you can select a default output mode, but it would only work if it's available from the source you're playing.

I guess that splitting from both the XLR and RCA outputs you could get at least 4 subs. However, it may need confirmation from Emotiva. And running EmoQ for your 4 subs, in order to avoid wave cancellations or peaks I would run them together to see how they all get to perform together. Though I think this won't be enough for your SQ standards! Hope this helps a bit!!

[KeithL]

1)
We recommend that you set your MC-700 for the speakers you have before running EmoQ (so, set the rear surrounds to NONE if you have none, or to large or small otherwise).

2)
By default, the MC-700 will try to match your input to your speakers (so, if you play a 5.1 source, but have 7.1 speakers, it will use PLIIx or the DTS equivalent to synthesize the remaining two channels.)

2a)
You can set it to act differently by changing the defaults.

3)
You can physically split a single subwoofer output to run as many subs as you like - up to a half dozen or so (the load is insignificant).

3a)
As far the MC-700 is concerned it has one sub... and it will see all the subs you connect as "one big sub".

3b)
As jolaca suggested, you should use the adjustments on each of the subs to do your best to get them to work together.
The EmoQ in the MC-700 may be confused by multiple subs - but probably not.
One suggestion would be to adjust your subs as carefully as possible to be IN PHASE AT THE LISTENING POSITION.
(Use whatever adjustments each has to tune them collectively for maximum output at the listening position at the crossover frequency.)

 

May 22, 2017 15:38:35 GMT -5 jolaca said:

May 22, 2017 6:25:43 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

Enlighten me, please, about how the MC-700 handles 5.1 vs 7.1 -

Does the Emo-Q setup also calibrate the two extra speakers if they're present during setup?

Does the MC-700 automagically convert 5.1 audio to 7.1 if the two extra speakers are there?

How many subs can one split from the single "point-one" channel?

I may want to (eventually) run a total of 4 subs. The options are to split the RCA output, and then split each again OR to run one pair of subs from the XLR sub output and the other pair from the RCA (this would require an XLR splitter, in addition to an RCA splitter, but I do have both).

How will the Emo-Q setup handle multiple subs that are differing distances from the listening position? I don't think it can calibrate individual subs for distance & phase? If Emo-Q can't handle such a sub setup, how would I go about setting phase to get the four subs singing in unison?

The entire speaker setup sequence (suggested by garbulky ) is as follows:

Turn off Emo-Q
Put the MC-700 in "direct" mode & turn off the subs.
Adjust the R/L speakers for best imaging
Turn on the subs & manually adjust relative crossovers / volumes for best match
Then run Emo-Q again

Anything missing?

Thanks - Boomzilla

Hi Boomzilla! Let me start by telling you that I really enjoy your 'always testing equipment' threads . In regards to your questions I can tell you for sure about one: Does the Emo-Q setup also calibrate the two extra speakers if they're present during setup? Indeed, it just detects the number of speakers installed (till 7.1) and then applies EmoQ to all speakers detected, and that of course includes surround back speakers and the subwoofer.

However, I cannot be as clear to answer the majority of your other questions because I only have 1 subwoofer.

Regarding how it converts 5.1 sources to 7.1 : you can choose each time the modes you want to use from the possible ones: let me explain it, if you're using a bluray with only a DTS HD MA 5.1 track on it you could iterate from the remote between the valid and compatible DTS tracks modes available and I guess that would include a DTS ES(or matrix) don't remember its name for generating artificially the surround back outputs. Moreover for each input you can select a default output mode, but it would only work if it's available from the source you're playing.

I guess that splitting from both the XLR and RCA outputs you could get at least 4 subs. However, it may need confirmation from Emotiva. And running EmoQ for your 4 subs, in order to avoid wave cancellations or peaks I would run them together to see how they all get to perform together. Though I think this won't be enough for your SQ standards! Hope this helps a bit!!

[Boomzilla]

Thanks again, Mr. L - Just what I needed to know. I can calculate the phase difference (in plus / minus degrees) should I opt to put subs at different distances from the listening position, but I think it'll just be easier to make all the distances identical. Honestly, I don't think I really NEED the extra subs at all - but I DO like to experiment...

A curious question about Emo-Q, please:

I looked at the results of the automatic Q setup, and it shows the right / left LCR speakers being crossed over at 65 Hz, the center LCR being crossed over at 75, the "side surrounds" at 90, and the "rear surrounds" at 120. The sub crossover point was 250 Hz!

Why such a large overlap? And why would the same speakers get different crossover points? I can maybe understand the latter, since room positioning would affect bass extension, but the sub overlap makes no sense to me at all.

Can you enlighten me?

Thanks - Boom

[klinemj]

May 21, 2017 2:02:19 GMT -5 fuerstrainier said:

Thanks a lot for sending me the instructions!
I indeed cooled the wrong ones now (the ones on the top circuit board), will try again with cooling the correct IC.

once you cool the correct one, your system will be "really cool, man!"


sorry...could not resist!

Mark

[dbesh2]

May 22, 2017 18:29:11 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

Thanks again, Mr. L - Just what I needed to know. I can calculate the phase difference (in plus / minus degrees) should I opt to put subs at different distances from the listening position, but I think it'll just be easier to make all the distances identical. Honestly, I don't think I really NEED the extra subs at all - but I DO like to experiment...

A curious question about Emo-Q, please:

I looked at the results of the automatic Q setup, and it shows the right / left LCR speakers being crossed over at 65 Hz, the center LCR being crossed over at 75, the "side surrounds" at 90, and the "rear surrounds" at 120. The sub crossover point was 250 Hz!

Why such a large overlap? And why would the same speakers get different crossover points? I can maybe understand the latter, since room positioning would affect bass extension, but the sub overlap makes no sense to me at all.

Can you enlighten me?

Thanks - Boom

Your subs still carry audio information higher than deep bass. The  setting may be changed in accordance to the upper range response of your particular sub(s) but generally it would always be above 125 Hz. 
The same theory would apply to the low end capability of the speakers you use at L, C, R, Surround, etc. Although, I have found using the THX standard of 80Hz for all speakers (less sub) and having them set to 'SMALL' has worked out well for me. YMMV. 

[donnyb]

Is anyone else experiencing the annoying popping when pausing, fast forwarding, and rewinding during playback through an AppleTV Gen4? It's driving my wife and I crazy. I have heard the audio drop out but rarely.

[jolaca]

May 22, 2017 18:29:11 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

Thanks again, Mr. L - Just what I needed to know. I can calculate the phase difference (in plus / minus degrees) should I opt to put subs at different distances from the listening position, but I think it'll just be easier to make all the distances identical. Honestly, I don't think I really NEED the extra subs at all - but I DO like to experiment...

A curious question about Emo-Q, please:

I looked at the results of the automatic Q setup, and it shows the right / left LCR speakers being crossed over at 65 Hz, the center LCR being crossed over at 75, the "side surrounds" at 90, and the "rear surrounds" at 120. The sub crossover point was 250 Hz!

Why such a large overlap? And why would the same speakers get different crossover points? I can maybe understand the latter, since room positioning would affect bass extension, but the sub overlap makes no sense to me at all.

Can you enlighten me?

Thanks - Boom

I didn't have this problem. All my 4 SCM1 same surrounds (sides and back) were detected at 65Hz, both fronts L/R equal (at <20Hz, though I've changed that to 40Hz) and center a bit higher than L&R as expected. The sub around 110Hz. You can always change and play with the values you get. I am really pleased with the SQ I've got from EmoQ, really controlled bass and crystal clear voices, I'm really enjoying it. You can always take EmoQ as your starting point and iterate from there using REW, till you get what you like. Take also into account that sometimes a perfect curve it's not what your ears are expecting to be satisfied.

[jolaca]

May 24, 2017 6:30:07 GMT -5 donnyb said:

Is anyone else experiencing the annoying popping when pausing, fast forwarding, and rewinding during playback through an AppleTV Gen4? It's driving my wife and I crazy. I have heard the audio drop out but rarely.

Hi, DonnyB, I can't comment about this 'player' as I don't own it but, I don't have any popping issues from my input devices. Some people have suggested that popping issues were resolved either improving HDMI cables, installing 4k certified wires (even if you use only 1080p) or installing the needed heat sink (should you have one of the earlier units). 

[donnyb]

Thanks I'll try swapping out the hdmi cable.

[rbk123]

May 22, 2017 15:53:23 GMT -5 KeithL said:

2)
By default, the MC-700 will try to match your input to your speakers (so, if you play a 5.1 source, but have 7.1 speakers, it will use PLIIx or the DTS equivalent to synthesize the remaining two channels.)

What does it do for 5.1 HD source in a 7.1 setup?

[Boomzilla]

The Emo-Q delivers too much bass in my room. There is an upper-bass dip regardless of where I set the crossover. Maybe the LCR speakers just don't go as low as Emo-Q thinks? Provided the dip (that I've yet to measure) is relatively small, I might use one or more of the MC-700's parametric equalizers to get a better blend.

To answer your question rbk123, Emo-Q recognizes the extra two rear-surround speakers & either synthesizes what it thinks should be there or else doubles the side speakers into both side & rear (when playing 5.1 sources). Either way, the sound-field is significantly more homogenous with the extra 2 speakers.

So what I'm doing now is using my own Emotiva BASX A-300 stereo amp for the front R/L and the BASX 5-channel one for the center, side surrounds, and rear surrounds. IMHO, the extra two surrounds ARE worth the extra cost & complexity for movies. For stereo (even using the "all stereo" mode of the MC-700) - Eh...

Boom

[jolaca]

May 24, 2017 15:21:18 GMT -5 Boomzilla said:

The Emo-Q delivers too much bass in my room. There is an upper-bass dip regardless of where I set the crossover. Maybe the LCR speakers just don't go as low as Emo-Q thinks? Provided the dip (that I've yet to measure) is relatively small, I might use one or more of the MC-700's parametric equalizers to get a better blend.

To answer your question rbk123, Emo-Q recognizes the extra two rear-surround speakers & either synthesizes what it thinks should be there or else doubles the side speakers into both side & rear (when playing 5.1 sources). Either way, the sound-field is significantly more homogenous with the extra 2 speakers.

So what I'm doing now is using my own Emotiva BASX A-300 stereo amp for the front R/L and the BASX 5-channel one for the center, side surrounds, and rear surrounds. IMHO, the extra two surrounds ARE worth the extra cost & complexity for movies. For stereo (even using the "all stereo" mode of the MC-700) - Eh...

Boom

Just in case, have you checked to have the 'DoubleBass' option set to off??

[Boomzilla]

I'll check today, jolaca - Thanks for the tip!