Emotiva Flagship 16-Channel Processor to Ship in November

Emotiva’s anticipated top-of-the-line 9.1.6 AV processor, the RMC-1, priced at $4,999, will ship to dealers and users on November 15, 2018. The unit will include 4K UHD video management and can be expanded out to accommodate 24 channels of object-based audio. Some of you may remember that the product was originally previewed at CEDIA Expo 2017, and the company says that the RMC-1 is a ‘no-holds-barred AV processor’ that will support the latest Dolby Atmos and DTS-X object-oriented surround sound formats, as well as UHD 4k video sources.

The RMC-1 will also sport 16 fully balanced channels, including an all-analog preamplifier section, 32-bit AD/DA conversion, and an advanced 4K UHD video management system. Eight HDMI inputs and dual HDMI outputs support 2.0b and HDCP 2.2, ensuring ‘theater-like’ video quality from all 4K UHD HDR and Dolby Vision sources and equipment. A full list of specifications can be viewed below this article.

“Since we first announced the RMC-1, it has been one of the most requested of our upcoming models, especially by custom professionals who understand the amount of performance and value packed in its chassis,” said Dan Laufman, President and Founder, Emotiva Audio Corp. “We achieved our goal of designing and building the best AV processor in our company’s history. Of course, we’re talking about Emotiva, so the price is drastically lower than what you would expect for such an extraordinary product.”

The RMC-1 will feature a full 16 channels of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X surround sound in a 9.1.6 channels configuration, with a decoded audio signal for each channel that is processed by a separate AKM Verita 32-bit DAC, operated in ‘Differential Reference’ balanced mono mode. Support is provided for native audio decoding of single and double-rate DSD digital audio signals, accepted from either HDMI or USB sources.

Emotiva says that he precision circuitry will rival the most pricey audiophile preamps, while the unit’s ‘Reference Stereo’ mode should provide a listening experience that promises ‘unparalleled’ performance at the price point. Dirac Live room correction is also on board running all 16 channels at 96kHz sample rate, as well as 11-band parametric equalization on every channel for those who prefer to do their own tweaking. There is also compatibility with Room EQ Wizard room correction and analysis software.

A ‘simple’ menu system is accessed from front panel controls, and there is an included infrared remote and various network remote control options. System status is displayed on dual 64 x 256 front panel OLED displays, as well as a color on-screen display. Fully modular construction should ensure easy updates and service. The RMC-1 is made in the U.S.A. at the company’s headquarters in Franklin, TN.

Full features and specs of the RMC-1 below:

• Audio Capabilities

o Dirac Live™ 15.1 or 13.3 automatic room correction system with a GUI for complete system control and adjustment, “on-the-fly,” including the creation of your own customized response curve for precise alignment with your individual preferences.
o Twin Analog Devices Sharc™dual-core, 450 MHz DSP engines handle all audio decoding and post processing.
o 16 audio channel paths with stereo bass management, .1 channel support, and post processing for the ultimate 3D cinema and stereo listening experience.
o Extensive loudspeaker and bass management options
o Independent slope rates by channel groupings.
o Stereo subwoofer support with independent level, distance and parametric EQ.
o LFE channel support with independent level, distance, and parametric EQ.
o Selectable dynamic range control.
o Selectable independent or global 11 band parametric EQ.
o Support for multichannel 1x and 2x DSD via USB and HDMI.
o Global bass and treble controls with user selectable turnover points.
o High performance AM/FM tuner with RDS text information, including artist, category, and title. Also features a signal strength meter.
o Internal test tone generator with variable frequency.
o Internal wide-band and shaped pink noise generator.

• Video Capabilities

o 18 Gbps video bandwidth with bit-perfect signal switching on all HDMI inputs and outputs. Support formats up to 4k UHD 50/60Hz 4.4.4 with HDR, HDR10, and Dolby Vision
o Full HDCP 2.2 support on all inputs and main output.
o ARC and CEC support on primary output.
o Informative color OSD overlays over live video. Setup menus shown with no interruption or degradation of the native video. Variable opacity, including 4K and 3D sources.
o Video sub-system uses 3 Panasonic MN864788’s.

• AD/DAC’s and Volume Controls

o AKM AK5572 Verita™ 32 bit 768k A/D.
o AKM AK4490 Verita™32 bit 768k D/A’s running in fully balanced mono mode.
o Cirrus CS3318 lossless resistor ladder volume controls for main zone, 0.5dB resolution.
o Cirrus CS3310 lossless resistor ladder volume controls for secondary zones, 0.5dB resolution.
o ADI DG333 and DG407 wide-band analog switches for analog routing and switching.

• Second Audio Zone

o Independent audio selection from:
o Balanced Analog In.
o Unbalanced Analog in 1-4.
o 5.1 analog down-mix.
o AM/FM tuner (shared with main zone).
o USB Audio.
o 2-ch PCM.
o Zone 1 sync, including multichannel sources.
o Analog selections can be used with main zone off.
o Independent volume control, 0.5dB resolution

• Computer

o 1 Ethernet port for control (RJ-45) for Firmware updates.
o Compatible with Control4™, RTI™, URC™, Crestron™, etc.
o Setup and control via PC/ Mac.
o Dirac Live™ interface control via external device.
o Firmware update via USB-A.

• Main System Micro processor

o Texas Instruments AM-1808 Sitara™Arm9 32 bit 375MHz processor

• Display

o Custom designed, twin full graphical 256×64 OLED blue displays with 5.5” display width.
o Fully dimmable.

• Control Interface

o Single multi-axis encoder controls all operating functions

Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.

Post Disclaimer

Some of our content may contain marketing links, which means we will receive a commission for purchases made via those links. In our editorial content, these affiliate links appear automatically, and our editorial teams are not influenced by our affiliate partnerships. We work with several providers (currently Skimlinks and Amazon) to manage our affiliate relationships. You can find out more about their services by visiting their sites.

Share this post:

Most Popular