Meridian America Digital Audio Processor Meridian 518 - Manual (Page 12)

Overview of 518 12
518 User Guide
Overview as Mastering Processor (Type 2)
Using 518 as a Mastering Processor
518 Recorder
ADC
DAT
Recorder
Mixer
The 518 is closely related to the highly respected Meridian 618 Mastering
Processor; in fact 518 uses identical DSP to the 618 in this mode.
The Meridian 618 has been used for over three years by some of the
world's most experienced recording engineers and there is a long and
growing list of superior CDs that have used 618 in their production. See
page 4.
A mastering processor is used during recording, editing and transfer
processes. In the course of making a CD for example, the music may
pass through 518 two, three or four times.
The diagram shows 518 between a recorder – which may be DAT, reel–
reel, CDR, MO or hard disk – and a source which may be also a recorder
or an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC).
The Mastering processor provides these important functions at each
stage:
•
de-jittering
•
matching wordlengths output to input
•
translating between consumer and professional serial interface modes
•
stripping subcode and some flags
•
level-shifting to optimise dynamic range
•
fading during edits
•
multiple re-dithering options
•
DSP application of pre-emphasis or de-emphasis
•
RS232 control
Overview as Multimedia Processor (Type 2)
Using 518 as a Multimedia Processor
518
Speaker
ADC
CD/DAT
Computer
Mixer Computer
DAT
CDR
The Multimedia application of 518 is somewhat similar to the Mastering
Processor just described.
Inevitably a PC is a very unfriendly place for high-quality sound for a
number of reasons. The nature of the electrical environment, the block
(i.e. 'jerky') access of hard-disc data and severe electrical noise combine
to seriously limit the jitter performance of digital audio functions and the
analogue performance of sound cards.
The principle benefits of using 518 in multimedia systems are: