Audio Design Associates ADA 6.1 Operation & installation manual - Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is ADA 6.1 Surround a new decoding format?
The answer is no. Unlike the technology differences between Dolby Prologic and Dolby Digital or
DTS, ADA 6.1 Surround is not a new encode/decode format.
Is ADA 6.1 Compatible with Dolby Digital or DTS software?
Yes, the ADA 6.1 is compatible with Dolby Digital and DTS software, but it is important to note, only if
these mixes are recorded in a 5.1 format. Two channel mixes do exist, even though, they are encoded
on DVD’s locked into Dolby Digital. For example, many older movies, both those mixed in stereo or
mono, are available on DVD.
Is ADA 6.1 Compatible with upcoming Surround EX software?
Actually, here we have a resounding yes. Software mixed in Surround EX has been intentionally
designed around the existence of a back surround sound speaker channel. While a great deal of 5.1
material will sound better in ADA 6.1 Surround, the software mixed in Surround EX will playback as the
creators intended it to on the ADA 6.1 Processor.
Why will my home theater sound different when playing it through the ADA 6.1
Processor?
While movies mixed in Surround EX are designed around a speaker array based on six channels and
a subwoofer, most 5.1 encoded films are based on a five speaker array and subwoofer. These perfor-
mances where not intended to be utilized in systems with six primary speakers. However, a great
many were designed to create a sense of a center-point, between the right and left surround channels.
The ADA 6.1 Processor augments this experience.
How does the ADA 6.1 enhance 5.1 soundtracks?
Essentially, whenever the left and right surround speakers play the same information, the ADA 6.1
removes this signal from these speakers and sends it out of a back-surround speaker. While regular
5.1 films didn’t have the benefit of a back-surround speaker in the mixing rooms, sound engineers
where able to create an imaginary back sound by simply mixing the levels of the right and left channels
equally. When these channels play a mono-mix, they create a collasped stereo image and as such,
an imaginary sonic foot print somewhere between the two surround speakers. The ADA 6.1 can take
this audio image and play it out through a back speaker.
How does the ADA 6.1 Processor effect sound tracks?
For example, as a jet flies across the back of the room, in standard 5.1 environments, the left surround
speaker first fills with sound. Then the right surround speaker begins to fill with the same signal.
Slowly at first and then increasing, until the sounds are equal in both speakers. At this time, the
listener imagines the sound to be somewhere behind them or over them. As the jet finishes its sweep,
the left speaker lowers in level until only the right speaker remains and then, it too, drifts off. While 5.1
systems play this transition effectively, adding the ADA 6.1 Processor to the system for ADA 6.1 Sur-
round augments and enhances the transition by placing the imagined sounds in an real speaker. It
extremely expands the sound stage for both slow and quick moving transitions.
How does the ADA 6.1 Processor handle high-speed sound images?
Fast moving effects sound more real in ADA 6.1 Surround because while the sound engineer may
have intended a 5.1 mix to create an imaginary back-surround effect, some sounds move so fast that
the listener does not have ample time to imagine the sonic footprints location. The ADA 6.1 places this
sonic footprint in the form of an active speaker dramatically increasing the sense of realism.