Phantom Mode

[rkeman]

Greetings to all UMC-1 owners! May I ask if the center channel phantom mode is offered in in the UMC-1? Assuming it is, can the center channel level be adjusted while in phantom mode? I have found this feature in the Theta Casablanca and Casanova and greatly appreciated it. The preliminary owner's manual posted doesn't even mention a phantom or "off" mode for the center channel.
Thanks!

[jmilton]

Feb 7, 2010 7:33:48 GMT -5 rkeman said:

Greetings to all UMC-1 owners! May I ask if the center channel phantom mode is offered in in the UMC-1? Assuming it is, can the center channel level be adjusted while in phantom mode? I have found this feature in the Theta Casablanca and Casanova and greatly appreciated it. The preliminary owner's manual posted doesn't even mention a phantom or "off" mode for the center channel.
Thanks!

It's called stereo. Friends don't let friends do Phantom.

[julien]

I believe that Phantom Mode is a requirement for Dolby licensing.

[venaka]

It's called stereo. Friends don't let friends do Phantom.

Hey I have the umc set to stereo all the time when I listen to music, it sounds better to me than neo6, what do u set yours to.

[pultzar]

Yes you can do Phantom mode, such as a 4.1 or 4.0 setup. However I don't believe that the center level can be adjusted unfortunately.

[jmilton]

Feb 7, 2010 11:21:53 GMT -5 venaka said:

It's called stereo. Friends don't let friends do Phantom.

Hey I have the umc set to stereo all the time when I listen to music, it sounds better to me than neo6, what do u set yours to.

I am not a big fan of any DSP modes, so I prefer stereo as well. However, If a TV show is in DD 2.0, I prefer Neo 6 Cinema over DPL II. There is no setting for Phantom in the setup menu or in the manual except for this blurb:

"Overall, the best placement for front speakers is where the sound is directed at ear level. This means that the speakers themselves can be in positions lower (like small floor standing speakers) or higher (like in‐wall or in‐ceiling speakers) as long as the sound is “pointed” toward the listeners and preferably around ear level. Ideally you will place the speakers so they create an imaginary triangle with the listening position. This is known as the “Stereo Triangle” among audiophiles. A little toe‐in of the front speakers sometimes helps the perceived distance between the speakers as more intimate and reinforces a phantom center image."

[LCSeminole]

Ok I'm game. Why would one need center channel trim level control on a channel that is not on? Doesn't Phantom mode mean the center channel information is sent to the front channels in the scenario where one doesn't have a center channel??? Am I missing something here?

[ratmice]

Feb 8, 2010 15:42:25 GMT -5 LCSeminole said:

Ok I'm game. Why would one need center channel trim level control on a channel that is not on? Doesn't Phantom mode mean the center channel information is sent to the front channels in the scenario where one doesn't have a center channel??? Am I missing something here?

I think he means adjusting the DSP effect responsible for creating the phantom center channel, rather than an actual center channel trim, per se.

[robfive]

Feb 7, 2010 7:33:48 GMT -5 rkeman said:

Greetings to all UMC-1 owners! May I ask if the center channel phantom mode is offered in in the UMC-1? Assuming it is, can the center channel level be adjusted while in phantom mode? I have found this feature in the Theta Casablanca and Casanova and greatly appreciated it. The preliminary owner's manual posted doesn't even mention a phantom or "off" mode for the center channel.
Thanks!

Yes, you can run the UMC-1 without a center speaker. I do not think you can adjust the level of the center channel that is sent to the L&R channels however. I see how this would be useful in case you wanted to increase the volume of the center channel signal relative to the L&R signals. I am running 4.1 at the moment while I finish building my center speaker.

[rkeman]

Use of a phantom center channel eliminates many problems related to frequency response anomalies associated with center channel speakers. The purpose of the center channel is predominantly to anchor dialog to the screen for off axis listeners and is not necessary or even desirable when the listener is in the "sweet spot" of the main channel speakers. I have often found that the center channel is "hot" compared in many 5.1 movie mixes and benefits from a 1 to 3 db reduction. The Theta preamp/processors and some others allow the level of the phantom center to be adjusted and I hoped that the Emotiva UMC-1 would offer a similar capability.

[oneliterpeter]

Feb 8, 2010 20:06:04 GMT -5 rkeman said:

Use of a phantom center channel eliminates many problems related to frequency response anomalies associated with center channel speakers. The purpose of the center channel is predominantly to anchor dialog to the screen for off axis listeners and is not necessary or even desirable when the listener is in the "sweet spot" of the main channel speakers. I have often found that the center channel is "hot" compared in many 5.1 movie mixes and benefits from a 1 to 3 db reduction. The Theta preamp/processors and some others allow the level of the phantom center to be adjusted and I hoped that the Emotiva UMC-1 would offer a similar capability.

Good point!

I'm one of those that prefer that my mains do most of the work and that my center and surrounds work only to augment the mains. My center is setup at around 5db less than the mains. When watching TV... a lot of stuff is 2 channel and on my system it sounds really good. Good enough that I don't need nor want to use any of the DSP modes or surround emulators.