Value
Equipped with 2 independent zones, 8 configurable inputs, and 8 channels of output, the MC-8 is ideal for all but the most elaborate systems.With fewer rear panel connectors and one less zone than the MC-12, the MC-8 is physically smaller and more affordable. Drawing on Lexicon’s legendary expertise in digital audio, the MC-8 offers superior performance and value for today’s music and home theater enthusiast.

Balanced
The MC-8 Balanced includes balanced audio outputs for all channels, including Zone 2. In many installations, the Digital Controller is located in an equipment rack along with tuners, satellite receivers, and so on which can introduce audible interference into the system. By using balanced audio connections between the digital controller and the power amplifier, the potential for audio interference is minimized. For systems utilizing amplified speakers, balanced connections will eliminate noise introduced on cables between the digital controller and speakers.

Powerful
At the heart of the MC-8 are four Analog Devices SHARC digital signal processing engines, one Cirrus Logic DSP engine, and ten 24-bit/192kHz digital-to-analog converters - an architecture that is nearly identical to the MC-12. As a result, the MC-12 and MC-8 share the same tremendous processing power and sonic soul.The MC-8 includes THX Ultra2 certification and dts 96/24 decoding, rounding out its impressive list of playback technologies: Dolby Digital EX, Pro-Logic II, dts-ES, dts Neo:6, and LOGIC7.

LOGIC7
The MC-8 features Lexicon’s decoding technology:
LOGIC7. Based on years of psychoacoustic research, LOGIC7 strikes a delicate balance between channel separation and surround envelopment. For music, film, and broadcast sources, LOGIC7 distinguishes between primary and background signals and processes them appropriately. Prominent sounds like a singer’s voice or an airplane’s roar are reproduced with stunning clarity. The signal is sent to the appropriate speaker with high channel separation, while secondary sounds like the ambient noise of a concert hall or the great outdoors are reproduced with amazing spaciousness. With LOGIC7, the listener experiences an unmatched sense of involvement.

Connected
With formats such as DVD-Video, DVD-Audio, Super Audio CD, and High-Definition TV, the demand for input connectors has grown. The MC-8 provides compatibility with these formats, offering 3 component video inputs and 8 configurable analog inputs. The analog inputs can be configured as; 8 stereo inputs, 5 stereo inputs plus one 5.1-channel input, or 2 stereo inputs plus two 5.1-channel inputs for separate DVD-A and SACD sources.

Expandable
Like the MC-12, the MC-8 provides the ability to easily upgrade its software via a rear panel RS-232 port. The MC-8 also features 2 internal upgrade slots and 2 rear panel access plates, which provide the ability to augment the rear panel connections should upgrades be made available by Lexicon.

Simple
The MC-8 uses the same intuitive on-screen menu system and user interface as the MC-12 for navigation of the set-up options and features. Both new users and those that are familiar with Lexicon digital controllers will instantly feel at home with the MC-8 and will be fine-tuning it in minutes.

Conclusion
Designed with a careful balance of performance and function, the MC-8 is sure to impress with its stellar performance, simple user interface, set-up flexibility, and expandability. Combined with a RT-10 disc player and a LX series power amplifier, the MC-8 serves as the core of a high performance, high value home theater system.