General Description

Rane develops the first equalizer designed to meet the demands of Home THX audio systems. Rane equalizers are found in many of the finest recording studios and dubbing stages in the world. This same expertise is available for home theater playback.

The THX 44 provides exact equalization controls for use in correcting room response problems -- a critical step in recreating the home theater listening experience. Only by addressing room acoustics can the final goal be achieved. With the THX 44, Home THX audio systems come one step closer to meeting Home THX ideals. All rooms differ, and all rooms display acoustical problems of some sort. These anomalies distract from the enjoyment of the true home theater experience. Recording studios equalize their playback, and the same procedure at home yeilds an uncolored, transparent sound, as heard in the studio. The THX 44 is also one of the quietest equalizers available at any price. After alignment, pressing the Bypass switch reveals the before and after. The clarity is obvious.

Traditional surround sound systems also benefit from the THX 44. Though it meets Lucasfilm specifications, the THX 44 is ideal for other home theater applications. Left, center and right channel equalization compensates for poor room acoustics and help to "timbre match" non-THX speakers, particularly when using a different center channel speaker model.

The THX 44 provides four channels of equalization for the left, center, right, and subwoofer signals of a home theater system. The left, center, and right channels feature an 11-band 1/3-octave graphic section for low frequency corrections, plus a 2-band parametric equalizer for high frequencies. A specially designed low frequency 2-band parametric equalizer for the subwoofer channel completes the package. Room equalization demands greater control over lower frequencies, where the THX 44 delivers +/-6 dB of correction below 1 kHz.

The THX 44 installs between the preamp/controller and the power amplifiers. Setting the controls to THX standards requires the temporary use of a 1/3-octave analyzer with averaging. Once set-up, all controls are hidden away behind the included security panel. Attachable 19" rack mounting ears are also provided.