Rotel Stereo Amplifier RSP 985 User Guide

RSP-985  
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR  
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
LISTENING  
VIDEO  
2
CD  
TUNER  
VIDEO  
1
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
3
3
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
4
4
MASTER VOLUME  
STANDBY  
RECORDING  
VIDEO  
2
CD  
TUNER  
VIDEO  
1
MODE  
DOLBY  
2
CH  
MONO  
1,2  
TREBLE  
3,4 PRO LOGIC DIGITAL  
DTS  
THX  
BASS  
TAPE  
MONITOR  
5.1 CH  
INPUT  
MODE  
REMOTE  
SENSOR  
Owner’s Manual  
 
RSP-985  
Figure 1 – Controls and Connections  
10  
11  
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
LISTENING  
VIDEO 2  
CD  
CD  
TUNER  
TUNER  
VIDEO 1  
VIDEO 3  
VIDEO 3  
VIDEO 4  
VIDEO 4  
MASTER VOLUME  
STANDBY  
RECORDING  
VIDEO 2  
VIDEO 1  
MODE  
DOLBY  
2 CH  
BASS  
MONO  
1,2  
TREBLE  
3,4 PRO LOGIC DIGITAL  
DTS  
THX  
TAPE  
5.1 CH  
INPUT  
MODE  
MONITOR  
REMOTE  
SENSOR  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
22  
23  
24  
19  
25  
26  
EXTERNAL  
CAUTION  
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE  
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE  
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR  
MODEL NO. RSP-985  
POWER CONSUMPTION: 45W  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
RSP-985  
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE–NE PAS OUVRIR  
VIDEO 4 IN  
IN  
INPUT  
OUTPUT  
TV MONITOR  
S-VIDEO INPUT  
S-VIDEO OUTPUT  
REMOTE  
EXTENSION  
CD  
TUNER  
V 1  
V 2  
V 3  
V 4  
V 2  
V 3  
V 4  
IN  
OUT  
SWITCHED AC 4A 500W MAX  
POWER  
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
3
5.1 CH OUTPUT  
5.1 CH INPUT  
3
OUTPUT  
REAR  
DIGITAL INPUT  
V 1 V 2  
CD  
TUNER  
1
2
4
2
4
TAPE MONITOR ZONE 2  
IN  
OUT  
OUT  
FRONT  
CENTER  
L
R
SUBW  
TUNER  
CD  
V 3  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
3
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
Figure 2 – Remote Control  
Figure 3 – Output Connections  
27  
AUD  
SAT  
CD  
TV  
TAPE  
VCR  
DVD  
CBL  
COMPOSITE  
VIDEO INPUT  
S-VIDEO  
POWER  
28  
29  
VIDEO INPUT  
VOL  
CH  
BAND  
MUTE  
T / V  
SURROUND +  
GUIDE  
ON SCREEN  
MENU  
PAUSE  
C. DELAY  
34  
31  
30  
31  
32  
TRACK –  
TRACK +  
DOWN  
PLAY  
SEL  
UP  
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE  
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE  
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR  
MODEL NO. RSP-985  
POWER CONSUMPTION: 45W  
STOP  
DYNAMIC  
RSP-985  
PRE  
CH  
S
OUVRIR  
VIDEO 4  
S-VIDEO OUTPUT  
V 2 V 2 V 4  
RECALL  
OPN/CLS  
OUTPUT  
TV MONITOR  
S-VIDEO INPUT  
SUR-DELAY  
CD  
TUNER  
V 1  
V 2  
V 3  
V 4  
MOVIE FILT  
PROG  
1
DISC 1  
2
DISC 2  
3
DISC 3  
35  
36  
DEO  
VIDEO  
3
5.1 CH OUTPUT  
5.1 CH INPUT  
3
OUTPUT  
REAR  
D
4
2
4
TAPE MONITOR ZONE 2  
4
DISC 4  
5
DISC 5  
6
DISC 6  
5.1 CH  
TIME [REVIEW]  
IN  
OUT  
OUT  
FRONT  
CENTER  
7
8
0
9
SELECT  
CLEAR [SCAN]  
SUBW  
TUNER  
10  
>10  
ENTER  
BACK  
RANDOM [REPEAT]  
37  
33  
PHONO  
CD  
TUNER VIDEO 4  
AUX/V5  
DB25 or RCA  
TAPE 1  
M 1  
TAPE 2 VIDEO 1 VIDEO 2 VIDEO 3  
M 4  
M 2  
M 3  
[SHIFT]  
LIGHT  
RIGHT  
FRONT  
REAR  
SUB  
RR-939  
LEFT  
CENTER  
INPUT  
INPUT  
SPEAKERS  
CENTER  
RIGHT  
SURROUND  
FRONT  
F
o
38  
4
 
RSP-985  
Figure 4 – RCA Source Connections  
CD / DVD  
AUDIO OUTPUT  
VIDEO OUTPUT  
S-VIDEO  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
DIGITAL  
OUT  
COMPOSITE  
TUNER  
AUDIO OUTPUT  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
VCR  
AUDIO OUTPUT  
VIDEO OUTPUT  
AUDIO INPUT  
VIDEO INPUT  
S-VIDEO  
S-VIDEO  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
COMPOSITE  
COMPOSITE  
ROTEL RSP-985  
EXTERNAL  
CAUTION  
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE  
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE  
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR  
MODEL NO. RSP-985  
POWER CONSUMPTION: 45W  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
RSP-985  
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE–NE PAS OUVRIR  
VIDEO 4 IN  
IN  
INPUT  
OUTPUT  
TV MONITOR  
S-VIDEO INPUT  
S-VIDEO OUTPUT  
REMOTE  
EXTENSION  
CD  
TUNER  
V 1  
V 2  
V 3  
V 4  
V 2  
V3  
V 4  
IN  
OUT  
SWITCHED AC 4A 500W MAX  
POWER  
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
3
5.1 CH OUTPUT  
5.1 CH INPUT  
OUTPUT  
REAR  
DIGITAL INPUT  
3
CD  
TUNER  
1
2
4
2
4
TAPE MONITOR ZONE 2  
IN  
OUT  
OUT  
FRONT  
CENTER  
V 1  
V 2  
L
R
SUBW  
TUNER  
CD  
V 3  
CASSETTE RECORDER  
LINE OUTPUT  
REC INPUT  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
5
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
Figure 5 – S-Video Source Connections  
CD / DVD  
AUDIO OUTPUT  
VIDEO OUTPUT  
S-VIDEO  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
DIGITAL  
OUT  
COMPOSITE  
TUNER  
AUDIO OUTPUT  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
VCR  
AUDIO OUTPUT  
VIDEO OUTPUT  
AUDIO INPUT  
VIDEO INPUT  
S-VIDEO  
S-VIDEO  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
COMPOSITE  
COMPOSITE  
ROTEL RSP-985  
EXTERNAL  
CAUTION  
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE  
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE  
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR  
MODEL NO. RSP-985  
POWER CONSUMPTION: 45W  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
RSP-985  
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE–NE PAS OUVRIR  
VIDEO 4 IN  
IN  
INPUT  
OUTPUT  
TV MONITOR  
S-VIDEO INPUT  
S-VIDEO OUTPUT  
REMOTE  
EXTENSION  
CD  
TUNER  
V 1  
V 2  
V 3  
V 4  
V 2  
V 3  
V 4  
IN  
OUT  
SWITCHED AC 4A 500W MAX  
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
3
5.1 CH OUTPUT  
5.1 CH INPUT  
OUTPUT  
REAR  
DIGITAL INPUT  
3
CD  
TUNER  
1
2
4
2
4
TAPE MONITOR ZONE 2  
IN  
OUT  
OUT  
FRONT  
CENTER  
V 1  
V 2  
POWER  
L
R
SUBW  
TUNER  
CD  
V 3  
CASSETTE RECORDER  
LINE OUTPUT  
REC INPUT  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
6
 
RSP-985  
Figure 6 – Zone 2 Connections  
CD PLAYER  
OUTPUT  
ANALOG  
OUTPUT  
DIGITAL  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
AM/FM TUNER  
OUTPUT  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
IR REMOTE IN  
ROTEL RSP-985  
EXTERNAL  
CAUTION  
WARNING:TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE  
OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE  
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.  
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR  
MODEL NO. RSP-985  
POWER CONSUMPTION: 45W  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK  
DO NOT OPEN  
RSP-985  
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE–NE PAS OUVRIR  
VIDEO 4 IN  
IN  
INPUT  
OUTPUT  
TV MONITOR  
S-VIDEO INPUT  
S-VIDEO OUTPUT  
REMOTE  
EXTENSION  
CD  
TUNER  
V 1  
V 2  
V 3  
V 4  
V 1  
V 2  
V 3  
IN  
OUT  
SWITCHED AC 4A 500W MAX  
POWER  
VIDEO  
VIDEO  
2
3
5.1 CH INPUT  
OUTPUT  
REAR  
DIGITAL INPUT  
CD  
TUNER  
1
2
4
1
3
TAPE MONITOR ZONE 2  
IN  
OUT  
OUT  
FRONT  
CENTER  
V 1  
V 2  
L
5.1 CH OUTPUT  
R
SUBW  
TUNER  
CD  
V 3  
ZONE 2 POWER AMP  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
INPUT  
ZONE 2  
IR REPEATER  
ZONE 2 SPEAKERS  
7
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
Figure 7 – On-Screen Menus  
SYSTEM STATUS  
Listen:  
DOLBY DIGITAL  
Compression:  
Mode :  
Pro Logic :  
Domain:  
Signal:  
Reset to factory  
default settings?  
DIGITAL AUDIO STATUS  
Main Volume :  
Surr Offset :  
dB  
dB  
Input  
Signal :  
Channels:  
:
YES = ENTER  
NO = BACK  
THX  
:
Rec Out......:  
Zone 2 In....:  
Zone 2 Volume:  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
Press ENTER for menu  
INPUT SETUP  
SYSTEM SETUP  
Input........:  
Input Domain.:  
Volume Offset:  
Analog Level.:  
THX..........:  
Default......:  
Recording.......:  
Zone 2 in.......:  
Zone 2 volume...:  
Power-on mode...:  
One-line display:  
Zone 2 auto mute:  
Factory Defaults: menu  
dB  
2V  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
MAIN MENU  
Digital audio..: menu  
Input setup....: menu  
System setup...: menu  
Speaker Setup..: menu  
Delay Setup....: menu  
Balance Setup..: menu  
Subwoofer Setup: menu  
ENTER to enter menu  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to exit  
BALANCE SETUP  
Noise.........:  
Left..........:  
Center........:  
Right.........:  
Right surround:  
Left surround.:  
Subwoofer.....:  
SPEAKER SETUP  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
Main ..........:  
Center.........:  
Surrounds......:  
Subwoofer......:  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
SUBWOOFER SETUP  
SUBWOOFER SETUP  
SW limiter.....:  
DELAY SETUP  
< 1 ms : 1 ft >  
SW limiter.....:  
STEREO/P/L SW....:  
LFE MIX LEVEL  
dB  
dB  
Left..........:  
Center........:  
Right.........:  
Right surround:  
Left surround.:  
Subwoofer.....:  
ms  
ms  
ms  
ms  
ms  
ms  
Dolby Dig......:  
Dolby Dig. THX.:  
DTS............:  
DTS THX........:  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
Increase limiter level  
using VOL buttons. Press  
ENTER just before the  
subwoofer is clipping.  
press BACK to cancel.  
ENTER enter menu  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
8
 
RSP-985  
Contents  
Figure 1 – Controls and Connections  
3
4
4
5
6
7
8
Rear Panel Input Connections ________________________ 14  
12  
Figure 2 – Remote Control  
RCA Audio and Video Inputs  
14  
15  
15  
15  
15  
16  
23  
S-Video Source Inputs  
Figure 3 – Output Connections  
Figure 4 – RCA Source Connections  
Figure 5 – S-Video Source Connections  
Figure 6 – Zone 2 Connections  
Figure 7 – On-Screen Menus  
19  
Digital Audio Inputs  
16  
5.1 Channel Audio Input  
RCA Tape Monitor Inputs  
14  
25  
External In Jack  
About Rotel _________________________________________ 10  
Getting Started _____________________________________ 10  
Rear Panel Output Connections ______________________ 16  
13  
RCA Audio and Video Outputs  
16  
16  
16  
16  
17  
17  
24  
RSP-985 Key Features  
About the THX Ultra™ System  
Unpacking the RSP-985  
Placement  
10  
10  
10  
10  
S-Video Outputs  
Main Processor RCA Audio Outputs  
Main Processor 25-pin Audio Outputs  
18  
17  
22  
TV/Monitor Video Outputs  
14  
Front Panel Controls _________________________________ 11  
Tape Monitor Audio Outputs  
3
Standby LED  
11  
11  
11  
11  
11  
11  
12  
12  
12  
12  
13  
Rear Panel AC Power Connections ____________________ 17  
2
21  
Standby Switch  
Remote Sensor  
AC power  
17  
17  
1
26  
AC Convenience Outlets  
4
Master Volume Control  
Zone 2 Connection and Operation ____________________ 17  
6
Tone Controls  
Zone 2 Power On/Off Operation  
18  
18  
18  
11  
15  
Listening Input Source Buttons  
Zone 2 Audio Outputs  
9
20  
5.1 Channel Input  
Remote External Sensor/Repeater Jacks  
8
Tape Monitor  
On-Screen Display and System Configuration _________ 18  
10  
27 31 34 37 38  
Recording Input Source Buttons  
Navigation Buttons  
Start-up Screen  
19  
19  
20  
20  
21  
22  
22  
23  
24  
25  
25  
26  
5
Surround Sound Mode LEDs  
7
Mode Button  
System Status Screen  
Main Menu Screen  
RR-939 Remote Control ______________________________ 13  
Programming the RR-939  
13  
13  
13  
14  
14  
14  
14  
14  
14  
14  
14  
14  
14  
Dolby Digital Setup Menu  
Input Setup Menu  
28  
Power Button  
Volume Buttons  
Mute Button (remote only)  
27  
System Setup Menu  
Speaker Setup Menu  
Delay Setup Menu  
29  
33  
Input Select Buttons  
36  
5.1 CH Button  
Balance Setup Menu  
Subwoofer Setup Menu  
Factory Default Menu  
30  
Surround + Button  
35  
32  
Movie Filter/THX (remote only)  
Numeric Buttons (remote only)  
On-Screen Button (remote only)  
RSP-985 Specifications ______________________________ 26  
34  
31  
Audio  
Video  
26  
26  
26  
DOWN/UP Buttons (remote only)  
38  
Enter Button (remote only)  
Back Button (remote only)  
General  
37  
9
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
5.1 channel input for outboard surround processing such as  
MPEG® or any future digital standard.  
About Rotel  
User friendly ON-SCREEN MENU System.  
A family whose passionate interest in music led them to manufac-  
ture high fidelity components of uncompromising quality founded  
Rotel over 30 years ago. Through the years that passion has re-  
mained undiminished and the family goal of providing exceptional  
value for audiophiles and music lovers regardless of their budget,  
is shared by all Rotel employees.  
Comprehensive rear panel input and output connections for audio  
and video sources (RCA, S-Video, digital).  
Comprehensive input switching with separate input selection for  
listening (analog & digital) and recording (analog).  
The engineers work as a close team, listening to, and fine tuning  
each new product until it reaches their exacting musical stan-  
dards. They are free to choose components from around the world  
in order to make that product the best they can. You are likely to  
find capacitors from the United Kingdom and Germany, semi con-  
ductors from Japan or the United States, while toroidal power  
transformers are manufactured in Rotel’s own factory.  
“Zone 2” output with independent input selection and level adjust-  
ments for multi-zone custom installations.  
Universal remote control to operate the RSP-985 and up to seven  
other components.  
About the THX Ultra™ System  
Rotels reputation for excellence has been earned through hun-  
dreds of good reviews and awards from the most respected re-  
viewers in the industry, who listen to music every day. Their  
comments keep the company true to its goal - the pursuit of  
equipment that is musical, reliable and affordable.  
THX is an exclusive set of standards and technologies established  
by the world-renowned film production company, Lucasfilms Ltd.  
THX grew from George Lucas’ personal desire to make your expe-  
rience of the film soundtrack, in both movie theaters and in your  
home theater, as faithful as possible to what the director intended.  
All of us at Rotel, thank you for buying this product and hope it will  
bring you many hours of enjoyment.  
Movie sound tracks are mixed in special movie theaters called  
dubbing stages and are designed to be played back in movie the-  
aters with similar equipment and conditions. The soundtrack cre-  
ated for movie theaters is then transferred directly onto Laserdisc,  
VHS tape, DVD, etc., and is not changed for playback in a small  
home theater environment. THX engineers developed patented  
technologies to accurately translate the sound from the movie  
theater environment into the home, correcting the tonal and spa-  
tial errors that occur.  
Getting Started  
Thank you for purchasing the Rotel RSP-985 Surround Sound Pro-  
cessor. The RSP-985 is a full-featured audio/video control center  
designed to handle both analog and digital source components.  
Its surround sound processing includes Dolby® Pro Logic®, Dolby  
Digital®, DTS® and THX® as well as synthesized surround modes  
for music from both analog and digital inputs. System control flex-  
ibility includes inputs for six audio/video components plus a re-  
cording function that allows independent recording of any analog  
input signal. Zone 2 capability allows the use of the RSP-985 in a  
main listening room plus a remote location. The RSP-985 is a natu-  
ral extension of Rotel’s passion for high performance, providing  
accurate reproduction of both movie soundtracks and demanding  
musical selections.  
Before any home theater component can be THX Ultra certified, it  
must incorporate the THX technologies and also pass a rigorous  
series of quality and performance tests. Only then can a product  
feature the THX Ultra logo, which is your guarantee that the Home  
Theater products you purchase will give you superb performance  
for many years to come.  
Unpacking the RSP-985  
Remove the unit carefully from its packing. Look for the handheld  
remote control and other accessories. Save the packing and box  
as it will protect the RSP-985 if you move or need to return it to us  
for maintenance.  
To get the most from your RSP-985, we suggest you read this  
manual and keep it as a reference to answer any future questions.  
RSP-985 Key Features  
Placement  
Rotels Balanced Design Concept combines advanced circuit  
board layout, comprehensive parts evaluation, and extensive lis-  
tening tests for superior sound and long term reliability.  
Place the RSP-985 on a solid, dry, level surface away from direct  
sunlight, excessive heat, high humidity, or strong vibrations.  
Make sure the RSP-985 is close to the other components in your  
audio/video system and, if possible, place it on its own shelf. This  
will make initial cable routing, hookup, and any subsequent sys-  
tem changes easier. It also minimizes potential interference or  
heat buildup from other components.  
Dolby® Pro Logic®, Dolby Digital®, and DTS® surround processing  
with DSP music modes.  
THX® Ultra™ surround processing.  
10  
 
RSP-985  
The RSP-985 can generate heat during normal operation. Do not  
block ventilation openings. Allow a minimum of 10 cm (4 inches) of  
unobstructed open space around the unit. If installed in a cabinet,  
make sure that there is adequate ventilation.  
The operation of the STANDBY switch is somewhat more elabo-  
rate when using the RSP-985’s ZONE 2 capability. For a detailed  
explanation, see the ZONE 2 Connections and Operations section  
of this manual.  
Make sure there is enough room behind the RSP-985 for easy  
hookup. Remember, you are connecting many other components  
to this unit and you’ll probably need more space than you think.  
1
Remote Sensor  
This sensor receives infrared signals from the handheld remote  
control. Make sure you do not accidentally block this sensor with  
cables or accessories.  
Don’t stack other objects (components or other items) on top of  
the RSP-966. Don’t let water fall into the RSP-966 as this could  
damage delicate circuitry.  
4
Master Volume Control  
Turn this control clockwise to raise and counterclockwise to  
lower the volume to all six main output channels simultaneously.  
Front Panel Controls  
MASTER VOLUME buttons are also available on the RSP-985's  
handheld remote control.  
Although we have designed the RSP-985 to be as simple to use as  
possible, it is still a complex piece of equipment. For that reason,  
we suggest you look over the RSP-985’s front and rear panels be-  
fore you start connecting other components to it. The following  
brief explanations provide an overview of the unit’s connections,  
features, and controls, with number references corresponding to  
the illustrations at the front of this manual.  
Note: The MASTER VOLUME control is mechanically connected to  
an internal servomotor and responds to commands from the  
handheld remote. It will rotate in the appropriate direction auto-  
matically when adjusting the volume from the remote control.  
Use the position of the LED indicator on the knob’s outer edge to  
determine relative volume settings. When the volume control LED  
blinks, you’ve engaged MUTE from the remote controller.  
Most functions are duplicated on the front panel and on the  
handheld remote control, a few only on one or the other. These  
duplications are noted below. In addition, when two reference  
numbers appear, one refers to the location of the button on the  
front panel, the other to the location of the button on the handheld  
remote control.  
6
Tone Controls  
BASS and TREBLE controls increase and decrease the audio  
signal’s low and high frequency content. Rotate each one clock-  
wise to increase output in the respective frequency range and  
counterclockwise to reduce it. The center detent removes each  
control from the audio path for maximum signal integrity. The ON-  
SCREEN DISPLAY will show tone control settings as you adjust  
them.  
3
Standby LED  
Some of the RSP-985’s circuitry (microprocessor, infrared sensor,  
etc.) remains powered at all times, while the rest of the circuitry is  
turned on or off by the user. The STANDBY LED lights whenever  
the RSP-985 is plugged into a live AC outlet but does not neces-  
sarily mean that the RSP-985 is totally active. If other front panel  
LEDs are lit, then the RSP-985 is fully functional.  
Note: The BASS and TREBLE controls are bypassed in THX mode  
and will have no effect, regardless of the setting indicated by the  
ON-SCREEN DISPLAY.  
Note: During system setup, it is possible to select an alternative  
FULLY-ON power-up mode in which the unit is fully activated  
whenever it is connected to a live AC outlet.  
11  
Listening Input Source Buttons  
Six front panel pushbuttons select an audio/video input source  
such as a CD player, VCR, Laser Disc Player, etc. Push any of  
these buttons (or the duplicates on the handheld remote) to select  
the desired source. You will hear this source and, if you have se-  
lected a video source, see its picture on your TV. An LED indicator  
on each pushbutton lights to confirm your selection. In addition,  
the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY confirms your selection.  
2
Standby Switch  
Similar to a power switch in function, this button switches the  
RSP-985 from standby mode to fully active mode. If only the  
STANDBY LED is lit, push the front panel (or handheld remote  
POWER button) to fully activate the RSP-985. Other front panel  
LEDs light up and a welcome screen will appear on your TV set.  
Push the STANDBY switch again to deactivate the RSP-985. You'll  
see that only the STANDBY LED remains lit.  
Note: The source inputs can accommodate either analog signals  
or digital signals. This selection is made from the ON-SCREEN  
MENU system during initial setup of the system.  
Note: The STANDBY switch also controls the rear panel AC power  
outlets. When the RSP-985 is in STANDBY mode, the AC outlets  
are off. When the RSP-985 is functional, the AC outlets are live.  
11  
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
some TV watching, for example if you have the news report on in  
the background and do not want the volume levels or effects of  
the full surround system.  
9
5.1 Channel Input  
This button overrides all other audio inputs and directly connects  
an external adaptor to the RSP-985’s MASTER VOLUME control  
and audio outputs. Press this button to listen to the audio input  
from a 5.1 channel decoder. An LED above the button will light to  
indicate your selection. All of the RSP-985’s circuitry is bypassed,  
except the MASTER VOLUME control. The 5.1 CHANNEL button is  
duplicated on the handheld remote control.  
MUSIC 1, MUSIC 2, MUSIC 3, and MUSIC 4 simulate different  
acoustic environments and are primarily used to recreate ambi-  
ence when listening to music sources. MUSIC 1 (“Hall”) produces  
the long, bright echo of a large auditorium, suitable for live re-  
cordings. MUSIC 2 (“Club”) provides the short, dark echo of a  
crowded club, suitable for pop and rock. MUSIC 3 (“Natural”) pro-  
vides minimal ambience suitable for a wide range of music includ-  
ing jazz, acoustic, and surround encoded music. MUSIC 4  
(“Party”) sends the full stereo signal with no surround processing  
to front and rear speakers for maximum output. Experiment to de-  
termine which mode best matches your chosen source. All speak-  
ers are on in all MUSIC modes.  
Note: The 5.1 Channel Input is an audio-only signal. The video sig-  
nal from the selected source remains active. The 5.1 Channel in-  
put signal is not available for recording or for Zone 2.  
8
Tape Monitor  
This switch overrides the normal Listening Source Selectors to  
listen to whatever source component is connected to the Tape  
Monitor Input jacks. A confirming LED will light whenever the  
Tape Monitor switch is depressed.  
Note 1: A single LED is used to indicate both the MUSIC 1 and 2  
modes while a second LED indicates both MUSIC 3 and 4.  
Note 2: The subwoofer is normally not active in MUSIC modes, if  
LARGE front speakers are selected (although, this setting can be  
overridden to make the subwoofer active during system configu-  
ration).  
10  
Recording Input Source Buttons  
The RSP-985 allows you to listen to and/or watch one source  
while simultaneously recording from a second source. For ex-  
ample, you could listen to a CD while recording from a DVD player  
to a VCR. The row of RECORDING front panel buttons allows you  
to select the analog input from any source for recording. Its signal  
is routed to the rear panel VIDEO 2, 3, and 4 outputs and has no ef-  
fect on the source selected for listening. LEDs immediately above  
each pushbutton light to confirm your selection.  
DOLBY PRO LOGIC® provides proper playback decoding and pro-  
cessing for any Dolby Surround encoded analog audio source,  
whether it be a music CD, videotape, videodisc, conventional ste-  
reo TV broadcast, or satellite broadcast. Dolby Pro Logic process-  
ing and playback through a properly calibrated system will  
preserve the directionality, ambiance, and spatial effects intended  
by the source’s producers.  
The handheld remote does not have RECORDING buttons. How-  
ever, a recording selection can be made from the remote using  
the ON-SCREEN MENU system.  
DOLBY DIGITAL® provides proper playback decoding processing  
for any discrete Dolby Digital encoded digital audio source such  
as an AC-3 Laser Disc or DVD disc. Dolby Digital provides up to 5  
channels of discrete surround information plus subwoofer.  
Note: The RECORD inputs accept only analog signals. Thus, if you  
are using a digital connection from a CD player or DVD for listen-  
ing, you should also connect an analog signal for recording. See  
the section on Rear Panel Input Connections.  
DTS® provides proper playback decoding processing for any dis-  
crete Digital Theater Systems (DTS) encoded digital audio source  
such as a Laser Disc or DVD disc. Like Dolby Digital, DTS is a pro-  
prietary digital system providing up to 5 channels of discrete sur-  
round information plus subwoofer.  
5
Surround Sound Mode LEDs  
THX® Ultra™ is a set of patented technologies developed by THX  
engineers to accurately translate the sound from the movie the-  
ater environment into the home, correcting tonal and spatial er-  
rors. When the THX indicator is lit, the following THX technologies  
are automatically added after the Dolby Pro Logic, Dolby Digital,  
or DTS decoder.  
The RSP-985 provides numerous surround sound modes to ac-  
commodate different types of audio and video source material as  
described below. These LEDs indicate which surround sound  
mode you’ve selected. Here is a brief description of the various  
surround sound modes.  
2 CH STEREO provides conventional 2-speaker stereo with no sur-  
round sound or other processing. The front left and right speakers  
are on. The center and surround speakers are off.  
Re-Equalization™: The tonal balance of a film soundtrack will  
be excessively bright and harsh when played back in the home  
because it was originally designed to be played in large movie  
theaters using very different equipment. Re-Equalization re-  
stores the correct tonal balance for movie soundtracks in the  
smaller home environment.  
Timbre Matching™: The human ear changes our perception of  
sound depending on the direction from which the sound is  
coming. In a movie theater, there is an array of surround  
speakers so that the surround information is all around you. In  
MONO combines all channels from the source input into a single  
signal. The signal is sent to the center channel speaker. If there is  
no center channel speaker in your system, the signal is sent  
equally to the front left and right speakers. All other speakers (ex-  
cept the subwoofer) are off. This setting might be suitable for  
12  
 
RSP-985  
a home theater, you only use two speakers located to the side  
of your head. The Timbre Matching filters the information going  
to the surround speakers so that they more closely match the  
tonal characteristics of the sound coming from the front  
speakers. This ensures seamless panning between the front  
and surround speakers.  
Adaptive Decorrelation™: In a movie theater, a large number  
of surround speakers help create an enveloping surround  
sound experience. In a home theater, there are only two sur-  
round speakers which can reduce spatiousness and envelop-  
ment. Surround sound can also collapse into the closest  
speaker as you move away from the middle seating position.  
Adaptive Decorrelation slightly changes one surround  
channel’s time and phase relationship with respect to the other  
surround channel. This expands the listening position and cre-  
ates the same spacious surround experience as in a movie  
theater.  
RR-939 Remote Control  
The RSP-985 includes a handheld remote control that does far  
more than operate the RSP-985. The RR-939 is a full-function uni-  
versal remote control that can operate up to 8 additional audio/  
video components.  
A separate manual, included with the remote, gives detailed infor-  
mation on programming and using the RR-939 to replace all of the  
remote controls in your system. This section is intended to provide  
only that information which pertains to the use of the RR-939 to  
operate the RSP-985.  
Note: Many functions duplicate the RSP-985 front panel controls  
and are listed here only for your reference. Please refer to the  
previous Front Panel Controls section of this manual if you need  
additional information.  
By pressing the MOVIE FILTER button on the remote control, you  
activate the THX technologies described above. Movies that have  
been encoded in Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby Pro Logic, Stereo, and  
Mono can all benefit from activating these THX features. THX  
should only be activated for movies that were mixed for playback  
in large movie theaters. It need not be activated for music, made  
for TV movies, sports, talk shows or other programs mixed for  
small rooms.  
Programming the RR-939  
The RR-939 is preprogrammed from the factory to operate the  
RSP-985. Should the AUDIO command set on your RR-939 not op-  
erate the RSP-985, it’s possible that the programming has been in-  
advertently changed. To program the remote to operate the  
RSP-985 (AUDIO Button / 3-digit code 002):  
Note: All of the surround modes described above are selected  
with the MODE button (described below) except Dolby Digital ,  
DTS, and THX. Dolby Digital and DTS are automatically activated  
when special digital codes in the source material are detected.  
THX is added to any of the other cinema surround modes using  
the MOVIE FILTER button on the remote control or during initial  
system setup from the ON-SCREEN MENUS.  
Step One: Press the AUDIO button at the top of the remote while  
simultaneously pressing the MUTE button and hold both for at  
least one second. The AUDIO button will light in red for 20 sec-  
onds, indicating that you have entered the program mode. The  
next step must be done within this 20 second period, or the RR-939  
will revert to its standard operating mode.  
Step Two: Use the NUMERIC buttons to enter the 3-digit code  
(002) for the RSP-985 – press 0, then 0, then 2. The AUDIO button  
will flash each time you enter a digit.  
7
Mode Button  
The MODE button selects one of the surround modes described  
above. To make a selection, press the MODE button (or the SUR-  
ROUND + button on the remote). The LED above the button will  
light. Each time you press the button while the LED is lit, the sur-  
round mode will cycle to the next available setting as indicated by  
the SURROUND MODE LEDs. In addition, the surround mode set-  
ting may be changed using the ON-SCREEN MENU system.  
Step Three: Store the code number by pressing the corresponding  
AUDIO button again. The button will blink twice to confirm the  
storage of the code in memory.  
To operate the RSP-985, make sure that the AUDIO mode is active  
by pressing it before you start. If it is active, pressing command  
keys on the RR-939 will cause the AUDIO button to flash red. Once  
the AUDIO mode is active, it will stay active unless you press one  
of the other DEVICE buttons to control a different component.  
No selection is required when playing Dolby Digital or DTS source  
material. These settings are automatically engaged. THX can be  
added to any of the cinema surround modes by pressing the  
MOVIE FILTER button on the remote control.  
28  
Power Button  
Note: A default MODE selection can be memorized for each input  
so that whenever you select that input source, the desired mode  
is automatically engaged. The default setting is made from the  
ON-SCREEN MENU system during setup of the system described  
at the end of this manual.  
Duplicates the function of the STANDBY switch on the front panel.  
Press to activate the RSP-985. Press again to deactivate.  
27  
Volume Buttons  
A pair of buttons which duplicate the function of the front panel  
volume control. Press VOLUME UP to increase the volume and  
press VOLUME DOWN to decrease the volume. These buttons are  
also used to change the current settings for a menu choice in the  
ON-SCREEN MENU system.  
13  
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
29  
34  
Mute Button (remote only)  
On-Screen Button (remote only)  
Push this button once to interrupt all AUDIO PREOUT (RCA and  
DB25) signals – in other words, to turn the sound off. To provide  
visual indication that the sound is muted, the front panel volume  
control LED will blink and a MUTE indication will appear in the On  
Screen Display. Press the MUTE button again to restore previous  
volume levels.  
Push this button to turn on the ON-SCREEN MENU System and its  
initial SYSTEM STATUS menu. If the ON-SCREEN DISPLAY is al-  
ready visible, push this button to cancel the Display.  
31  
DOWN/UP Buttons (remote only)  
These two buttons (also labelled RECALL and PRE CH) are used to  
move up and down in the lists that appear on the ON-SCREEN  
MENU system.  
33  
Input Select Buttons  
Two rows of buttons which duplicate the function of the six LIS-  
TENING INPUT SOURCE buttons on the RSP-985 front panel. Se-  
lect any input source by pressing the appropriate button.  
38  
Enter Button (remote only)  
This button is used to activate a choice on the ON-SCREEN MENU  
system. For example, you might select an option to take you to an-  
other menu using the DOWN/UP buttons and then press ENTER to  
execute the command. See below for more information on these  
menus.  
Note: The TAPE 1 button on the RR-939 duplicates the front panel  
TAPE MONITOR button. The AUX/V5, PHONO, and TAPE2 buttons  
are not used in the operation of the RSP-985.  
36  
37  
5.1 CH Button  
Back Button (remote only)  
Duplicates the 5.1 CH button on the front panel. Selects the 5.1  
Channel input, overriding any other source selection.  
The BACK button is used to cancel a selection on an ON-SCREEN  
MENU and return to the previous menu.  
30  
Surround + Button  
Duplicates the function of the MODE button on the front panel.  
Steps sequentially through various surround sound operating  
modes: 2 CH STEREO, MONO, MUSIC 1, MUSIC 2, MUSIC 3, MU-  
SIC 4, and DOLBY PRO LOGIC. Dolby Digital and DTS are automati-  
cally selected when playing appropriately encoded source  
material.  
Rear Panel Input Connections  
This section of the manual provides information on the audio and  
video signal input connections on the rear panel of the RSP-985.  
Note: DO NOT plug any system component into an AC source until  
system hookup is complete and you are confident that all compo-  
nent-to-component connections have been properly made.  
Your current selection will be indicated by front panel LEDs and by  
the ON-SCREEN MENU System as you step through the available  
options.  
All video cables should have a 75 ohm impedance rating. Al-  
though conventional audio interconnects will pass a video signal,  
their construction and limited bandwidth impose a performance  
penalty because, in part, they do not adhere to the 75 ohm stan-  
dard. The S/PDIF digital audio interface standard specifies a 75  
ohm transmission line and all good digital cables adhere to this  
requirement. Because the video and S/PDIF standards are so  
close, you can use a video cable for digital audio data transmis-  
sion. We strongly advise that you NOT substitute a conventional  
analog audio interconnect cable for either digital or video.  
35  
Movie Filter/THX (remote only)  
This button activates THX technologies for movie playback. See  
the prior description of THX for more details.  
RE-EQ ON: Re-EQ is one of the THX technologies and can be indi-  
vidually selected. This setting activates Re-EQ without the other  
THX features.  
THX ON: Adds all of the THX features to the cinema modes.  
THX OFF: No THX processing.  
12  
RCA Audio and Video Inputs  
Note: These settings can also be made during initial system setup  
from the ON-SCREEN MENUS and memorized so that they are au-  
tomatically activated for each source input.  
Six sets of RCA inputs (CD, TUNER, VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, VIDEO 3,  
and VIDEO 4) accept line level audio and composite video signals  
from source components. All six sets of inputs accept left and  
right channel audio plus a video signal.  
32  
Numeric Buttons (remote only)  
Ten numeric buttons, labeled 1 through 10. Used with the RSP-985  
only in entering the 3-digit address code (002) during initial setup.  
14  
 
RSP-985  
All RCA-type connections on the RSP-985 follow these standard  
color codes:  
To take full advantage of various digital sources, the RSP-985 ac-  
cepts digital signals from source components in two different for-  
mats. The digital inputs are as follows:  
Left channel audio  
Right channel audio  
Composite video  
=
=
=
RCA jack with white inset  
RCA jack with red inset  
RCA jack with yellow inset  
OPTICAL: Allows connection of a standard optical digital output  
from a digital TV tuner, DVD player, or other source component.  
Requires an optical digital cable. Optical digital inputs are avail-  
able on the back panel for the TUNER input and the VIDEO 4 input.  
Connect the OUTPUTS of your source components to the appro-  
priate INPUTS on the RSP-985. For example, if your system in-  
cludes a CD player, connect its left and right channel analog  
outputs to the RSP-985’s CD inputs. To hookup a video source,  
connect its analog audio outputs to one pair of the RSP-985s  
VIDEO audio inputs and its video composite RCA output to the cor-  
responding composite RCA video input.  
COAXIAL: Standard digital connectors for use with the digital out-  
put of any component. Coax digital connectors are available for  
the CD, VIDEO 1, VIDEO 2, and VIDEO 3 inputs.  
Note: To connect a Laser Disc player’s AC-3 RF output connection,  
you must use an external RF demodulator to convert the RF-modu-  
lated AC-3 signal to a conventional digital signal which is then  
connected to the RSP-985’s coax digital input.  
23  
S-Video Source Inputs  
[See Figure 5]  
These mini-DIN inputs allow the RSP-985 to receive S-Video sig-  
nals from appropriately-equipped source components as an alter-  
native to the standard RCA video inputs described above.  
To use the digital inputs, connect the appropriate cable from the  
digital output of your source component to the corresponding  
digital input on the RSP-985.  
If you opt for S-Video connections, remember that long S-Video  
cable runs can cause significant signal degradation. In some diffi-  
cult system configurations, composite connections may actually  
be preferable. In all cases, keep your cables as short as possible  
to insure the best performance.  
It is necessary to configure each source to use the desired input  
(digital or analog). This configuration is done using the ON-  
SCREEN MENU system and is memorized so that simply selecting  
a SOURCE INPUT button activates the appropriate audio input.  
Note: You may not get the best signal from a Laser Disc player by  
using the S-Video output. Because the format is older, LD players  
add a circuit to separate the luminance (black and white) from the  
chrominance (color) information that make up the complete video  
signal. This extra circuitry may actually degrade the apparent  
resolution of an LD player’s S-Video output. Experiment to deter-  
mine which output provides a sharper picture in your system.  
Note: The RSP-985 is a digital component. Incoming analog sig-  
nals are converted to the digital domain for processing. To avoid a  
D/A conversion at the source component and subsequent A/D  
conversion at the RSP-985 input stage, it is best to use digital sig-  
nal connections whenever possible. However, you should still  
hook up analog audio signal connections from each source be-  
cause only analog inputs are available at the tape monitor out-  
puts, for recording and for use in Zone 2.  
S-Video hookup is straightforward. Simply connect the S-Video  
output of each video source component to the appropriate S-  
Video input on the back panel of the RSP-985 in place of the RCA  
composite video connections. Remember that you will still need to  
use the RCA-type connections for the audio signals from each  
source component.  
16  
5.1 Channel Audio Input  
This 25-pin input connects six discrete channels of analog infor-  
mation from an outboard processor.  
Many external adaptors provide a choice of RCA or DB25 outputs.  
We suggest that you use a DB25-to-DB25 cable to reduce the  
number of cables and to insure proper channel-to-channel conti-  
nuity. If your external adaptor does not have a DB25 output, you  
will need to purchase a multi-RCA to DB25 adaptor cable from  
your authorized Rotel dealer. Be sure to observe proper channel  
continuity.  
When connecting video source components, make sure that all  
audio and video signals from one component connect to the same  
set of inputs on the RSP-985. For example, if you connect your  
VCR to the VIDEO 2 inputs, make sure that both the audio and  
video signals are connected to the VIDEO 2 inputs.  
19  
Digital Audio Inputs  
Note: The 5.1 Channel Input is an audio-only signal. The video sig-  
nal from the selected source remains active. The 5.1 Channel in-  
put signal is not available for recording or for Zone 2.  
The RSP-985 features a complete decoding and D/A conversion  
capability which accepts digital input signals from source compo-  
nents. These include digital signals from CD players (44.1kHz sam-  
pling rate), satellite TV tuners (32kHz sampling rate), and 5.1  
channel Dolby Digital and DTS signals from DVD and Laser Disc  
players (32kHz to 48kHz sampling rate). The digital circuitry  
senses the incoming signal type and adjusts to it automatically.  
14  
RCA Tape Monitor Inputs  
A pair of standard RCA inputs accept the left and right analog au-  
dio signals from a cassette deck or other audio tape recorder.  
These inputs are activated when the front panel TAPE MONITOR  
button is pressed.  
15  
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
25  
24  
External In Jack  
S-Video Outputs  
This 3.5 mm jack accepts a remote infrared sensor which dupli-  
cates the function of the front panel IR sensor in installations  
where the front panel sensor could be blocked by a cabinet. See  
your authorized Rotel dealer for a selection of remote sensors that  
will work with your RSP-985.  
[See Figure 5]  
Mini-DIN outputs give you the option of using S-Video outputs in-  
stead of the RCA composite video connections described above.  
Note: Composite video signals cannot be converted to S-Video  
signals. There will be no signal available at the S-Video outputs  
unless S-Video connections have also been used at the inputs.  
Rear Panel Output Connections  
If you have opted for S-Video connections rather than composite  
RCA video connections, connect the S-Video outputs for VIDEO 2  
to the S-Video input on your first source component.  
This section of the manual provides complete information on all of  
the audio and video signal output connections on the rear panel of  
the RSP-985. For convenience, each topic begins with an over-  
view of the particular connection, followed by detailed hookup in-  
structions.  
Remember that you are merely substituting an S-Video connection  
for the standard RCA-style composite video connection. Your au-  
dio connections will still use the RCA outputs described above.  
Also remember to observe the same component-to-component  
continuity between audio and video signals described above.  
13  
RCA Audio and Video Outputs  
[See Figure 4]  
Repeat the same process using VIDEO 3 and VIDEO 4 if you have  
additional video source components.  
These three sets of RCA outputs (VIDEO 2, VIDEO 3, and VIDEO 4)  
include left and right channel audio plus composite video outputs  
from the RSP-985 to appropriate components (VCR, etc.) for re-  
cording or further processing. Standard color coding applies.  
18  
Main Processor RCA Audio Outputs  
[See Figure 3]  
Connect the RSP-985's VIDEO 2 left and right audio outputs to the  
audio inputs of the first source component. Then, connect the  
VIDEO 2 composite video output to the video input of the same  
source component. Repeat these steps for VIDEO 3 and VIDEO 4  
connections.  
The RSP-985 sends six channels of audio to the power amplifiers.  
These outputs (6 individual RCA-style jacks) direct the RSP-985’s  
main output to power amplifiers for speakers in the primary listen-  
ing/viewing area. These six outputs (Left Front, Center Front, Right  
Front, Left Surround, Right Surround, and Subwoofer) connect the  
RSP-985's main audio output to a multichannel power amplifier or  
multiple power amplifiers for the primary listening area.  
To avoid mistakes, make sure that you:  
Connect the source component’s outputs to the appropriate  
RSP-985 inputs  
Standard color coding applies with black insets to distinguish  
Center Channel and Subwoofer outputs from Left (white) and Right  
(red) Front and Rear outputs. To hook up the RCA main audio out-  
puts, connect a standard audio cable from each output to the in-  
put of the amplifier channel that will power the corresponding  
speaker. In a full home theater system, you will need to make six  
different connections corresponding to the six speakers (Left  
Front, Center Front, Right Front, Left Surround, Right Surround,  
and Subwoofer).  
Connect the appropriate RSP-985 outputs to the source compo-  
nent inputs.  
Make sure that whatever video component is connected to the  
VIDEO 2 inputs is the same component connected to the VIDEO 2  
outputs, etc.  
It is important to make sure that you have the correct output con-  
nected to the proper amplifier channel. Take your time and you  
will have no trouble getting it right.  
Note 1: The signal available at these outputs is determined by the  
RECORDING input selection buttons and is not necessarily the  
same source as that selected by the LISTENING input selection  
buttons.  
17  
Main Processor 25-pin Audio Outputs  
Note 2: A source’s signal cannot be sent back to itself. For ex-  
ample, if you select VIDEO 2 with the RECORDING select buttons,  
the outputs for VIDEO 2 will be muted and you can only record  
from the VIDEO 3 or VIDEO 4 outputs.  
Note 3: Only analog input signals are routed to the VIDEO OUT  
jacks. If you are using a digital input, you should also connect the  
analog output of the source component for recording.  
[See Figure 3]  
As an alternative to the RCA outputs , the RSP-985 also provides  
DB25 multi-pin output connector which carries all output channels  
in a single cable. The DB25 output connector provides exactly the  
same signal as the RCA outputs, but is more convenient for use  
with Rotel, or other, multichannel amplifiers equipped with a  
matching DB25 input. Choose whichever is most convenient for  
your system hookup.  
To use the DB25 output connections, simply connect a female-to-  
male DB25 audio cable from the output of the RSP-985 to the  
matching input on the multichannel power amplifier.  
16  
 
RSP-985  
26  
AC Convenience Outlets  
22  
TV/Monitor Video Outputs  
Two outlets let you plug AC cords from source components into  
the back of the RSP-985 so that they will be turned on and off au-  
tomatically. The outlets are powered whenever the RSP-985 is  
fully active. It is off when the RSP-985 is in STANDBY mode.  
[See Figure 3]  
The video output of the RSP-985 is sent to your TV monitor from ei-  
ther an RCA-type composite video connection or an S-Video con-  
nection. Use the type of connection appropriate for your monitor  
and system.  
Note: We DO NOT RECOMMEND using this outlet for a power am-  
plifier. Do not exceed the maximum 500 watt capability of these  
switched outlets.  
For example, if you’ve chosen to use S-Video connections, run an  
S-Video cable (with mini-DIN connectors) from the RSP-985’s S-  
Video output to your monitor’s S-Video input.  
If you have chosen a composite interface, connect the RSP-985s  
RCA output jack to the matching RCA input on your television  
monitor.  
Zone 2 Connection and Operation  
Note: The RSP-985 cannot convert composite RCA video signals  
from source components to an S-Video signal to send to the TV  
monitor. Unless all of your video sources have S-Video connec-  
tions, you may decide to use RCA composite signals for ALL video  
connections. Alternatively, if your TV monitor has two selectable  
inputs, you could connect the RCA output of the RSP-985 to one  
input and the S-Video output to the other. This would require  
switching between the two inputs on the TV monitor in order to  
watch an RCA composite or an S-Video components. This is the  
only way to have a “mixed” system with some RCA composite and  
some S-Video sources.  
The RSP-985 provides a second zone capability for a separate am-  
plifier and pair of speakers in a remote location in your house.  
From the remote zone, you can select a source component (even  
if different from the source playing in the main listening room), ad-  
just the volume level in the remote zone, and (depending on the  
remote control you are using) operate the source components.  
To take advantage of the Zone 2 capability, you will need addi-  
tional components: a pair of speakers installed in the remote zone  
and a power amplifier to drive them.  
Although Zone 2 can be controlled from the RSP-985’s ON-  
SCREEN MENU system, operation from the second zone requires  
the installation of an infrared repeater system such as a Xantech,  
Niles, etc. This repeater system relays infrared remote control  
commands from a handheld remote to the REMOTE EXTENSION  
IN repeater input on the back of the RSP-985. Ask your authorized  
Rotel dealer for additional information on repeater systems and  
their installation.  
14  
Tape Monitor Audio Outputs  
[See Figure 4]  
A pair of RCA-type audio outputs send a signal to an audio record-  
ing device (cassette deck, DAT, or Mini-Disc recorder, etc.). The  
analog signal from any of your source components will be routed  
to these outputs for recording, depending on the selection made  
with the LISTENING input buttons.  
Several points to keep in mind about the Zone 2 function:  
Connect audio cables from the RSP-985’s TAPE MONITOR OUT  
jacks to your recorder’s analog inputs.  
An infrared repeater system (Xantech, Niles, et al) should be used  
for Zone 2 control via the 3.5 mm REMOTE EXTENSION IN jack on  
the back panel  
Note: Only analog input signals are routed to the TAPE MONITOR  
OUT jacks. If you are using a digital input, you should also connect  
the analog output of the source component for recording.  
Zone 2 is immediately active when the RSP-985 is turned on, ei-  
ther at a zero volume level or at the last previous volume depend-  
ing on the “Zone 2 Auto-Mute” setting chosen from the  
ON-SCREEN MENU system during initial system setup. By default,  
Auto-Mute is engaged, meaning that every time you turn the unit  
off, the volume in the remote zone is muted and must be manually  
raised the next time Zone 2 is used. If Auto-Mute is not engaged,  
the remote zone will begin playing at the previous volume the next  
time the RSP-985 is activated.  
Rear Panel AC Power Connections  
21  
AC power  
The RR-939 remote control supplied with the RSP-985 will operate  
Zone 2 if used in conjunction with a repeater system from the re-  
mote zone. It can also be programmed to operate Rotel source  
components via the RSP-985's REMOTE EXTENSION OUT jack.  
Your RSP-985 is configured at the factory for the proper AC line  
voltage in the country where you purchased it (115 volts/60Hz AC  
in the USA and 230 volts/50Hz AC in Europe). The AC line configu-  
ration is noted on the back of your unit.  
Plug the supplied power cable into the AC receptacle on the back  
of the unit. Then, plug into an appropriate AC outlet.  
17  
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
All source components connected to the RSP-985's analog audio  
20  
Remote External Sensor/Repeater Jacks  
inputs (except the TAPE MONITOR and 5.1 CHANNEL input) are  
available at the line level output for Zone 2. The ZONE 2 outputs  
are independent of the main outputs. You can select a different  
source or adjust Zone 2 volume without effecting the MAIN out-  
puts in any way.  
[See Figure 6]  
These 3.5 mm mini-jacks allow your RSP-985 to send/receive com-  
mand codes from industry-standard infrared transmitters and re-  
ceivers via hard-wired connections. They are used in configuring  
your RSP-985 with the proper IR connections for Zone 2 operation.  
Avoid sending the same infrared command to the RSP-985 front  
panel sensor and the Zone 2 repeater at the same time. This  
means that Zone 2 must be in a different room from the RSP-985.  
These 3.5 mm mini-jack connections provide easy incorporation of  
third party infrared transmitters and repeaters (Xantech, etc.) for  
total control of custom installed and multi-zone systems.  
Zone 2 Power On/Off Operation  
The REMOTE EXTENSION IN jack accepts signals from infrared  
repeaters located in a remote area of your home. This receptacle  
is required for connecting a remote sensor/transmitter to enable  
operation of the RSP-985’s ZONE 2 functions.  
With the factory default settings, the RSP-985 provides totally in-  
dependent power on/power off operation for both zones. Pressing  
the STANDBY button on the front panel or from the remote in the  
main room activates or deactivates the RSP-985 in the main room  
only and has no effect on Zone 2. Conversely, using the remote  
control from Zone 2 activates or deactivates Zone 2 only and has  
no effect on the main listening room. In other words, Zone 2 can  
be turned on without turning on the main room and vice versa.  
Each room can only be turned on or off from that room.  
The REMOTE EXTENSION OUT jack sends signals from the RE-  
MOTE EXTENSION IN jack to a remote infrared repeater or to  
Rotel CD players, cassette decks, or tuners with a compatible rear  
panel remote connector.  
The EXTERNAL IN JACK located above these two jacks is for use  
with an external IR sensor duplicating the front panel IR sensor  
and should not be used for ZONE 2 IR connections.  
Note: In this default mode, you cannot deactivate the entire sys-  
tem from the front panel of the RSP-985. To turn off ZONE 2, you  
would have to go to ZONE 2 and use the remote control STANDBY  
button to deactivate ZONE 2 from that location. You can change  
this default operation by selecting the AUTO-MUTE NO selection  
at the SYSTEM SETUP MENU. When AUTO MUTE is disabled, the  
entire system (both zones) is activated or deactivated when the  
front panel STANDBY button is pressed. See the section on the  
SYSTEM SETUP MENU for details of changing this setting, either  
on a permanent basis or as a temporary measure to allow you to  
deactivate ZONE 2 from the front panel.  
Note: ZONE 2 and its IR repeater should be in a different area from  
the main room. The RSP-985 should not be within range of Zone  
2’s remote control to prevent IR commands intended to control  
Zone 2 from inadvertently controlling the main room operations.  
On-Screen Display and System  
Configuration  
15  
Zone 2 Audio Outputs  
[See Figure 6]  
These variable line-level RCA-type audio outputs send the Zone 2  
audio signal to a stereo power amplifier driving a pair of speakers  
in the remote zone.  
The RSP-985 features two on-screen systems to help operate the  
system. The first is a simple ONE-LINE DISPLAY that appears at  
the bottom of the TV screen whenever primary settings (Volume,  
Input, etc.) are changed. ONE-LINE DISPLAY can be turned off  
during the configuration of the system if you prefer.  
Although you have the option of using an integrated amplifier or a  
receiver to power the remote speakers, we strongly suggest using  
a fixed-gain power amplifier. This simplifies system installation  
and operation. Your authorized Rotel dealer may make another  
recommendation based on specific system requirements.  
A more comprehensive ON-SCREEN MENU system is available at  
any time by pressing the ON-SCREEN button on the remote con-  
trol. This system includes intuitive menus that guide you through  
the setup and operation of virtually every function and setting of  
your RSP-985 using the buttons on the remote control.  
If you are configuring your system for Zone 2 operation, connect  
the left and right Zone 2 outputs on the RSP-985 to the left and  
right channels of the amplifier powering the remote speakers, us-  
ing conventional RCA audio cables.  
18  
 
RSP-985  
27 31 34 37 38  
Navigation Buttons  
Start-up Screen  
SAT  
TV  
VCR  
CBL  
POWER  
MUTE  
27  
VOL  
CH  
BAND  
ROTEL  
RSP-985  
T / V  
VOLUME  
SURROUND +  
GUIDE  
ON SCREEN  
MENU  
SURROUND SOUND  
PROCESSOR  
PAUSE  
C. DELAY  
34  
MENU  
TRACK –  
TRACK +  
DOWN  
PLAY  
SEL  
UP  
STOP  
DYNAMIC  
PRE  
CH  
31  
RECALL  
The RSP-985s ON-SCREEN MENU system automatically appears  
on your TV monitor whenever you take the RSP-985 out of  
STANDBY mode. The first screen you’ll see is the START-UP  
screen.  
DOWN  
OPN/CLS  
SUR-DELAY  
31  
MOVIE FILT  
PROG  
1
DISC 1  
2
DISC 2  
3
DISC 3  
UP  
4
DISC 4  
5
DISC 5  
6
DISC 6  
5.1 CH  
TIME [REVIEW]  
38  
7
8
0
9
SELECT  
CLEAR [SCAN]  
ENTER  
10  
>10  
ENTER  
BACK  
RANDOM [REPEAT]  
37  
BACK  
The following buttons are used to navigate the ON-SCREEN MENU  
system:  
34  
ON-SCREEN/MENU Button:  
To display the main SYSTEM STA-  
TUS screen. All other menus are reached from this menu. If a  
menu is already visible, push this button to cancel the display.  
31  
DOWN/UP Buttons:  
To move up and down in the lists that ap-  
pear on the ON-SCREEN MENU system.  
27  
VOLUME DOWN/UP Buttons:  
To change the current settings  
for a selected menu choice in the ON-SCREEN MENU system.  
38  
ENTER Button:  
To execute a command on the ON-SCREEN  
MENU system, generally to move to the next menu or confirm a  
choice.  
BACK Button:  
37  
The BACK button is used to cancel a selection  
on an ON-SCREEN MENU and return to the previous menu.  
Note: There is no need to memorize these buttons. A help system  
at the bottom of each ON-SCREEN MENU reminds you which but-  
tons to press.  
Figure 7 at the front of this manual shows the menus that consti-  
tute the ON-SCREEN MENU system and how to reach them. Most  
of the menus are used to configure the system and will not typi-  
cally be used during normal operation. Details of each menu fol-  
low:  
19  
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
System Status Screen  
Main Menu Screen  
SYSTEM STATUS  
Listen:  
Mode :  
Domain:  
Signal:  
MAIN MENU  
Digital audio..: menu  
Input setup....: menu  
System setup...: menu  
Speaker Setup..: menu  
Delay Setup....: menu  
Balance Setup..: menu  
Subwoofer Setup: menu  
Main Volume :  
Surr Offset :  
dB  
dB  
THX  
:
Rec Out......:  
Zone 2 In....:  
Zone 2 Volume:  
ENTER to enter menu  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to exit  
Press ENTER for menu  
The SYSTEM STATUS screen provides the status all of the impor-  
tant settings of the RSP-985 and a starting point for reaching all  
other screens and menus. This screen is available at any time by  
pressing the ON-SCREEN button on the remote control. The  
screen displays the following status information:  
The MAIN MENU screen is the entry point for all of the RSP-985s  
settings and setup menus where system configuration settings  
can be made. These are typically accessed only during initial sys-  
tem configuration and are not used in day-to-day operation:  
DIGITAL AUDIO MENU: Reach this menu by moving the highlight  
to this line and pressing the ENTER button. This takes you to a  
menu for setting up digital sources.  
LISTEN: the current source selected  
MODE: the current surround mode  
DOMAIN: whether a DIGITAL or ANALOG signal is active for the  
listening source  
SIGNAL: type of digital signal available at the selected input, for  
example: DOLBY DIGITAL, DIGITAL AUDIO, DTS, NO SIGNAL, or  
ANALOG  
INPUT SETUP: Reach this menu by moving the highlight to this line  
and pressing the ENTER button. This will take you to a menu for  
configuring each input including selection of digital or analog  
connections, type of digital connection, input levels, etc.  
SYSTEM SETUP: Reach this menu by moving the highlight to this  
line and pressing the ENTER button. This takes you to a menu for  
basic system settings, Zone 2 settings, etc.  
SPEAKER SETUP: Reach this menu by moving the highlight to this  
line and pressing the ENTER button. This will take you to a menu  
for configuring the number and type of speakers in the system.  
DELAY SETUP: Reach this menu by moving the highlight to this  
line and pressing the ENTER button. This takes you to a menu for  
configuring delay times to each speaker in surround modes.  
BALANCE SETUP: Reach this menu by moving the highlight to this  
line and pressing the ENTER button. This will take you to a menu  
for configuring the relative volume levels of each speaker .  
SUBWOOFER SETUP: Reach this menu by moving the highlight to  
this line and pressing the ENTER button. This takes you to a menu  
for configuring your subwoofer for various surround modes.  
MAIN VOLUME: the output volume setting  
SURR OFFSET: a temporary increase or decrease in the surround  
speaker volume for more or less emphasis on surround effects.  
The setting is made with the SEARCH +/– buttons on the RR-939  
remote and reverts to the calibrated settings when the surround  
mode is changed or the unit is powered off.  
THX: current status of the additional cinema circuitry – THX ON,  
THX OFF, or RE-EQ ON.  
REC OUT: which source is selected for the recording outputs  
ZONE 2 IN: which source is selected for Zone 2  
ZONE 2 VOLUME: the volume setting for Zone 2  
The SYSTEM STATUS screen simply provides information. None of  
the settings can be adjusted from this screen. To make changes to  
the settings, go to the MAIN MENU by pressing the ENTER button  
on the remote control, as indicated at the bottom of the SYSTEM  
STATUS screen.  
20  
 
RSP-985  
The options for processing 2-channel signals from a Dolby Digital  
or DTS source are as follows.  
Dolby Digital Setup Menu  
DOLBY DIGITAL  
Compression:  
Pro Logic :  
Auto/On: Turns on Dolby Pro Logic decoding for all signals un-  
less the RSP-985 is able to sense a control code identifying the  
2-channel material as conventional stereo, in which case Pro  
Logic is turned off automatically. This is the default setting, suit-  
able for most applications.  
Auto/Off: Turns off Dolby Pro Logic decoding and plays 2-chan-  
nel stereo, unless a Pro Logic signal is specifically identified, in  
which case Pro Logic will be activated.  
DIGITAL AUDIO STATUS  
Input  
:
Signal :  
Channels:  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
On: Turns on Dolby Pro Logic decoding for all 2-channel signals,  
disabling the automatic sensing.  
Off: Turns off Dolby Pro Logic decoding for all 2-channel sig-  
nals, disabling the automatic sensing. Plays conventional 2-  
channel stereo.  
This menu, which is reached from the MAIN MENU, provides sta-  
tus information and setup options for digital inputs.  
The first two lines of the screen allow you to set system-wide  
configuration options for Dolby processing:  
Note: The above settings only effect 2-channel signals from a  
Dolby Digital or DTS source. Discrete digital surround signals (e.g.  
5.1 channel signals) will play correctly regardless of the setting.  
COMPRESSION: Today’s digital sources are capable of extremely  
high dynamic range (the difference between the softest and loud-  
est sounds). In some cases, the available dynamic range may tax  
the amplifiers or speakers. In other cases, it may be desirable to  
compress the dynamic range when listening at low volume levels.  
This configuration option allows you to select three different lev-  
els of dynamic range: OFF (no compression), MODERATE, or LATE  
NIGHT (maximum compression). The factory default is OFF (no  
compression). If loud passages are causing distortion or audible  
stress to the system, try a setting with more compression.  
The three lines in the DIGITAL AUDIO STATUS portion of the menu  
screen provide information about the current status of Dolby Digi-  
tal inputs:  
INPUT: Shows the name of the input source.  
SIGNAL: Shows the format of the current source, i.e. DOLBY DIGI-  
TAL, DTS, etc.  
CHANNELS: Dolby Digital and DTS signals can contain up to six  
discrete channels of information – left, center, right, left rear, right  
rear, and a subwoofer or low frequency effects channel. This sta-  
tus line indicates how many channels are active in the current  
source material.  
PRO LOGIC: This setting determines how the RSP-985 processes  
2-channel Dolby Digital or DTS source material. Processing of dis-  
crete multi-channel surround material is automatic. But, some  
source material, such as a CD played on a Dolby Digital DVD or an  
older movie soundtrack, might have either a 2-channel stereo sig-  
nal or a matrix encoded two-channel Pro Logic signal. In some  
cases, the RSP-985 can detect an encoded ID tag which tells it  
how to process a 2-channel signal. In other cases, it cannot.  
21  
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
Input Setup Menu  
System Setup Menu  
INPUT SETUP  
SYSTEM SETUP  
Input........:  
Input Domain.:  
Volume Offset:  
Analog Level.:  
THX..........:  
Default......:  
Recording.......:  
Zone 2 in.......:  
Zone 2 volume...:  
Power-on mode...:  
One-line display:  
Zone 2 auto mute:  
Factory Defaults: menu  
dB  
2V  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
The RSP-985 accepts both analog and digital signals. The INPUT  
SETUP menu allows you to configure each input:  
This menu, which is reached from the MAIN MENU, provides ac-  
cess to a wide range of system-wide configuration options.  
INPUT: Select the input you wish to setup by highlighting this line  
and stepping through the available choices with the VOLUME  
DOWN/UP buttons. You will need to configure each input, repeat-  
ing the following configuration sequence several times, each time  
selecting a different input.  
RECORDING: Select a source for the VIDEO 2, 3, and 4 record out-  
puts by moving the highlight to this line and then stepping through  
the six available input choices using the VOLUME DOWN/UP but-  
tons.  
ZONE 2 IN: Select a source for Zone 2 by moving the highlight to  
this line and then stepping through the six available input choices  
using the VOLUME DOWN/UP buttons.  
ZONE 2 VOLUME: Set the volume level for Zone 2 by moving the  
highlight to this line and then adjust the volume up or down using  
the VOLUME DOWN/UP buttons.  
POWER-ON MODE: This setting determines how the RSP-985  
powers up when connected to an AC outlet. In the default  
STANDBY mode, the unit goes into a standby status when AC is  
applied and must be fully activated from the front-panel or remote  
control. In the DIRECT mode, the unit is fully active whenever it is  
connected to AC. This may be desirable in installations where the  
RSP-985 is plugged into a switched outlet.  
INPUT DOMAIN: Select ANALOG or DIGITAL or AUTO depending  
on the type of signal connection you have made by stepping  
through the available choices with the VOLUME DOWN/UP but-  
tons. Using a DIGITAL signal, if available, avoids a D/A conversion  
in the source component and A/D conversion in the RSP-985. Note  
that even when using a digital input, you still should make analog  
connections from the source. These will be used for recording, re-  
gardless of the setting on this menu. Selecting AUTO for the input  
will check for the presence of a DIGITAL signal and automatically  
revert to an ANALOG input if no DIGITAL signal is present.  
VOLUME OFFSET: This menu item adjusts the volume of each  
source component so that the volume level remains relatively  
constant when switching between sources and so that the signal  
does not overload the RSP-985. Typically, you determine which  
source has the lowest level and then match the others to that one.  
Adjust the level using the VOLUME DOWN/UP buttons. Note that  
you are matching the perceived level you hear from that source,  
not the dB readout that appears on-screen.  
ONE-LINE DISPLAY: This option determines whether a one-line in-  
formation display appears on the TV screen for 5 seconds every  
time an RSP-985 setting is changed. Some users prefer to turn it  
off so that it never appears. Change the setting by highlighting this  
menu line and using the VOLUME DOWN/UP buttons to change  
from ON to OFF or vice versa.  
ZONE 2 AUTO-MUTE  
Note: It is essential not to set the source input levels so high that  
the signal overloads the RSP-985s input circuitry. Adjust to match  
the quietest source, not the loudest.  
Determines whether Zone 2 is automatically muted when the  
RSP-985 is activated. If auto-mute is YES, the volume of Zone 2  
will be muted when the system is turned on. If auto-mute is NO,  
the volume in Zone 2 will return to its last previous setting when  
the system is turned on.  
FACTORY DEFAULTS: Highlight this option and press the ENTER  
button on the remote control to go to the FACTORY DEFAULT menu  
which allows you to return ALL system settings to the factory de-  
fault settings.  
ANALOG LEVEL: The maximum input level for analog sources is 2V  
RMS. It is possible that a source with a very high output level,  
such as some CD players, may overdrive the input. This will be in-  
dicated with the word CLIP appearing on the screen. Should this  
occur, change the ANALOG LEVEL menu setting for that source to  
4V which will reduce its input level by 6dB.  
THX: This setting determines which additional surround circuitry  
should be activated for the current input. Choices are THX ON,  
RE-EQ (activated Re-EQ only), and THX OFF.  
Press the BACK button to return to the MAIN menu.  
DEFAULT: This setting specifies the default surround mode for  
each input. Choices are 2 CH STEREO, MONO, MUSIC 1-4, and  
PRO-LOGIC. DOLBY DIGITAL are DTS are automatically selected  
when an appropriate signal is present.  
Once you have completed the settings for all of your input  
sources, return to the MAIN MENU by pressing the BACK button.  
22  
 
RSP-985  
crossover and then connecting the subwoofer directly to the front  
speaker connection terminals. In this arrangement, the speakers  
would be classified as LARGE and the subwoofer setting would be  
OFF for all surround modes. No information will be lost during  
playback because the system knows to redirect the bass informa-  
tion to the front LARGE speakers. This configuration may be opti-  
mal for many users as it can improve the way the bass integrates  
into the listening room and ensure correct satellite speaker op-  
eration by using the speaker manufacturer’s own crossovers.  
Speaker Setup Menu  
SPEAKER SETUP  
Main ..........:  
Center.........:  
Surrounds......:  
Subwoofer......:  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
To configure your system, highlight each of the following menu  
lines and use the VOLUME DOWN/UP buttons to make the setting  
that best matches your speakers.  
This menu, which is reached from the MAIN menu, allows you to  
configure the RSP-985 to make optimum use of the capabilities of  
the speakers in your system. Using these settings, the RSP-985  
adjusts its crossovers and digital processing to direct signals to  
the appropriate speakers.  
MAIN (Small/Large): This menu setting tells the RSP-985 what  
kind of main front left and right speakers you are using. Use the  
LARGE setting if your main left and right speakers are full range  
designs with good bass response capability. If you are using sat-  
ellite mini-speakers or if you have THX certified front speakers,  
choose the SMALL setting to redirect LFE bass frequencies to the  
subwoofer. Highlight this menu line and use the VOLUME DOWN/  
UP buttons to make the appropriate setting. If you have THX certi-  
fied front speakers, choose the SMALL setting.  
Home theater speaker systems vary considerably in their size and  
performance, particularly in their bass output. For this reason,  
today’s surround sound processors feature elaborate logic which  
can send bass information from movie soundtracks to the  
speaker(s) best able to handle it – subwoofers and/or LARGE  
speakers. For optimum performance, it is necessary to tell the  
RSP-985 the number and type of speakers in your system.  
CENTER (small/large/none): Surround sound derives much of its  
spatial accuracy from a center channel speaker located very  
close to a TV. This center channel speaker anchors dialog infor-  
mation to your screen for greater coherence between the appar-  
ent point of origin for picture and sound.  
The following configuration instructions refer to LARGE and  
SMALL speakers. The size refers more to the bass performance of  
the speaker than its physical size. A full-range speaker that has  
extended bass response is considered LARGE. A compact  
minispeaker with limited bass response or power handling is con-  
sidered SMALL.  
Use the LARGE position if your system’s center channel  
speaker is capable of full-range, extended bass response. In  
this position, bass frequencies are handled by the center  
channel speaker itself.  
While understanding the terms LARGE and SMALL is useful, it is  
probably more important to understand what these different  
speaker types mean in terms of system performance. This will  
help determine how you should configure your system. As a gen-  
eral rule, the system will redirect bass information away from  
SMALL speakers and send it to the LARGE speakers and/or the  
SUBWOOFER in your system.  
Use the SMALL position if your center channel speaker has  
more limited low frequency capability or if you have a THX  
certified center channel speaker. Low frequencies below 80  
Hz are redirected to the front left and front right speakers (or  
to a subwoofer) so they will not overload the center channel  
speaker. When no subwoofer is used, all bass frequencies  
below 80 Hz are sent to the front left and right speakers.  
When a subwoofer is used, bass below 80 Hz is automatically  
sent to the subwoofer.  
Things become a little more complex in systems with a subwoofer.  
For example, the system will generally not redirect bass informa-  
tion away from a LARGE speaker to the subwoofer. Thus, the de-  
cision you often need to make when faced with a choice of LARGE  
or SMALL is whether you want the particular speaker to play the  
deep bass or whether you would prefer that the deep bass be sent  
to the subwoofer. If you have invested in a subwoofer for your  
system, you might decide to send all of the bass to it, regardless  
of how capable the other speakers in the system may be. In this  
case, you would tell the RSP-985 that all of your speakers are  
SMALL, without regard to how big they may actually be.  
Select the NONE setting if your system does not have a cen-  
ter channel speaker. The RSP-985 turns the center channel  
output off and divides the center channel signal equally be-  
tween left and right front speakers.  
An alternative configuration for setting up front SMALL speakers  
with a subwoofer would be to follow the speaker manufacturers  
instructions, wiring the SMALL speakers to the subwoofer’s  
23  
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
SURROUNDS (small/large/none): Surround speaker performance  
varies widely from system to system. It is important to tell the  
RSP-985 what type of surround speakers you have in your system.  
Delay Setup Menu  
DELAY SETUP  
< 1 ms : 1 ft >  
If your rear surround speakers are capable of sustained low  
frequency output below 80 Hz, select the LARGE setting. This  
ensures that your rear speakers receive a full bandwidth sig-  
nal whenever available from the RSP-985.  
Left..........:  
Center........:  
Right.........:  
Right surround:  
Left surround.:  
Subwoofer.....:  
ms  
ms  
ms  
ms  
ms  
ms  
If your rear speakers have limited bass capability or if you  
have THX certified surround speakers, use the SMALL set-  
ting. This limits the RSP-985’s low frequency output so that  
the speaker is not overdriven. The result will be cleaner re-  
production of ambience and effects information. In the  
SMALL position, the bass information originally intended for  
particular speakers is sent to the Subwoofer or LARGE  
speakers instead. Fundamental tones are not lost but simply  
redirected to the speakers best able to handle them.  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
This menu, which is reached from the MAIN menu, allows you to  
set the delay time for each individual speaker. This is an important  
feature as it enables the sound from each speaker to arrive at the  
listening position at the same time, even when they are not all  
placed at equal distances from the listener. This preserves accu-  
rate sound imaging even with irregular speaker placements.  
If your system has no rear surround speakers, select the  
NONE setting. Surround information is sent to the front  
speakers and, in certain cases, the subwoofer.  
As a rule of thumb, increase the relative delay to speakers located  
closer to the seating area and decrease the relative delay to  
speakers located farther from the seating area. Start by measur-  
ing the distance from your seating position to each speaker. The  
speaker farthest away should receive no additional delay. Each of  
the other speakers will receive one millisecond of delay for each  
foot (30 cm) closer to you than the farthest speaker. For example,  
if the left front speaker is farthest away at 13 feet and the left rear  
speaker is 7 feet away, you should add 6 milliseconds of delay to  
the left rear speaker. Continue setting delays for each speaker un-  
til you have compensated for each speaker that is closer to you  
than the farthest speaker.  
SUBWOOFER (On/Off): Use the ON setting if your system has a  
subwoofer. This activates the built-in electronic crossover to  
route low frequencies (called “redirected bass”) from any SMALL  
speakers to the subwoofer, which is best capable of reproducing  
these low frequency signals. If your system does not have a  
subwoofer, put this switch in the OFF position. This sends the re-  
directed bass signals plus the LFE channel (Low Frequency Exten-  
sion, the .1 channel) to LARGE speakers in the system.  
Note: In STEREO, DOLBY PRO LOGIC, and DSP MUSIC modes,  
bass is directed to the front speakers and NOT to the subwoofer  
when LARGE is selected. For subwoofer output in these modes  
with LARGE front speakers, override the bass management sys-  
tem with a setting in the SUBWOOFER SETUP menu.  
Once you have completed the delay settings for all of your speak-  
ers, return to the MAIN menu by pressing the BACK button.  
Once you have completed the settings for all of your speakers, re-  
turn to the MAIN menu by pressing the BACK button.  
24  
 
RSP-985  
Balance Setup Menu  
Subwoofer Setup Menu  
BALANCE SETUP  
SUBWOOFER SETUP  
Noise.........:  
SW limiter.....:  
STEREO/P/L SW....:  
LFE MIX LEVEL  
dB  
Left..........:  
Center........:  
Right.........:  
Right surround:  
Left surround.:  
Subwoofer.....:  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
Dolby Dig......:  
Dolby Dig. THX.:  
DTS............:  
DTS THX........:  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
ENTER enter menu  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
VOL buttons to set  
DOWN/UP to move  
BACK to return  
This menu, also reached from the MAIN screen, adjusts the rela-  
tive volume level of all six speakers. Just as you set the delays in  
the previous step to ensure that the sound from all of the speakers  
arrives at the same time, you also need to ensure that the volume  
of the sound from all speakers is the same.  
This menu, also reached from the MAIN screen, allows you to op-  
timize the RSP-985 for your particular subwoofer. The settings in  
this menu may be considered to be “advanced” and need not be  
adjusted unless specifically desired.  
SW LIMITER: The wide dynamic range and impressive bass ef-  
fects of today’s source material can overload a subwoofer. This  
setting allows you to limit the level of the signal sent to the  
subwoofer. Go to the limiter menu by highlighting the SW LIMITER  
line and pressing ENTER. An instruction menu appears and a low  
frequency noise signal is sent to the subwoofer (or LARGE speak-  
ers if no subwoofer is present). Adjust the noise level with the VOL  
buttons until you just begin to hear distortion from the speakers.  
Press the ENTER button to set the limiter at this level. Press BACK  
to return.  
To calibrate levels, turn on the built-in noise generator by high-  
lighting the NOISE line of the BALANCE SETUP menu and use the  
VOL DOWN/UP buttons to choose the AUTO position. You will hear  
noise coming from the first speaker. After three seconds with no  
adjustment , the test signal will automatically shift to the next  
speaker, continuing through all of the speakers in sequence.  
While seated in the normal listening location, listen to hear if one  
speaker is significantly louder or quieter than the others. It is best  
to identify a speaker that is in the middle range (neither the loud-  
est nor the quietest) to use as a reference.  
STEREO/P/L SW: This setting allows you to override the standard  
bass management in STEREO, PRO LOGIC, and DSP MUSIC modes  
when LARGE front speakers are selected. Select YES to have a  
subwoofer active with LARGE front speakers in these modes. Se-  
lect NO if you don’t have a subwoofer. Select NORMAL for the  
standard automatic bass management in all modes.  
Leaving the volume level of the reference speaker unchanged,  
cycle through the other speakers, this time adjusting each of their  
volume levels up or down to match the reference speaker, using  
the VOLUME DOWN/UP buttons to change the volume of the high-  
lighted speaker while the test noise is coming from it. Alterna-  
tively, you can switch to the MANUAL noise setting which will  
send the noise signal to the speaker you highlight on the menu.  
LFE MIX LEVEL: This setting determines the relative signal level of  
the LFE (Low Frequency Extension) channel (the .1 channel) rela-  
tive to the five full-range channels. It is factory set according to  
the standards of Dolby Labs, DTS Technology, and THX Lucasfilm.  
The adjustment may be varied for each surround mode according  
to personal taste, if desired.  
Continue through all of the speakers until they produce the same  
output level. It may be necessary to cycle through the speakers,  
adjusting volumes several times to get the desired result.  
It is also possible to adjust the balance with an external signal,  
such as a test signal disc. In this case, turn the noise setting to OFF  
and proceed directly to volume settings of individual speakers.  
The LFE content of DTS encoded movies is mixed differently than  
DTS encoded music. For DTS movies, the LFE MIX LEVEL should  
be set to 10dB for correct THX playback. For DTS music, the level  
should be set to 0db. THX should not be activated for music play-  
back. For Dolby Digital movies, the LFE MIX LEVEL should be set to  
10db for proper playback in DOLBY DIGITAL and THX modes.  
Note: This calibration will be more accurate using a sound pres-  
sure level (SPL) meter to measure the output of each speaker. SPL  
meters are available from electronics stores, or your authorized  
Rotel dealer may loan you one. Set the meter to its SLOW re-  
sponse with C-weighting and hold it away from your body. Adjust  
each speaker so that the meter provides the same reading for  
each of the speakers in your system. Use the MANUAL noise set-  
ting. For the most accurate calibration of a surround system, an  
SPL meter must be used and all speakers must be calibrated to  
produce a 75 dB reading at the listening position.  
Once you have completed the subwoofer settings for all of your  
speakers, return to the MAIN menu by pressing the BACK button.  
Once you have completed the balance settings for all of your  
speakers, return to the MAIN menu by pressing the BACK button.  
25  
 
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR RSP-985  
Factory Default Menu  
RSP-985 Specifications  
Audio  
Reset to factory  
default settings?  
Total Harmonic Distortion (10 Hz - 70 kHz):  
<0.03%  
YES = ENTER  
NO = BACK  
Intermodulation Distortion (60 Hz: 7 kHz):  
Frequency Response (line level):  
<0.03%  
20 Hz - 20 kHz, ± 1 dB  
Signal to Noise Ratio (IHF “A” weighted):  
100 dB (Stereo)  
90 dB (Dolby Digital, dts)  
The final menu that can be reached from the SYSTEM SETUP  
screen is the FACTORY DEFAULT menu, which resets all system  
configuration settings to the factory supplied settings.  
Gain/Input Impedance  
Analog Gain:  
Digital:  
10dB/47 kohms  
0.5V/-20dBf  
Tone Controls (Bass/Treble):  
±6 dB at 50 Hz/15 kHz  
Note: Resetting to factory default settings will erase all stored set-  
tings including delay settings, speaker settings, balance settings,  
input settings and more. You will lose ALL system configuration  
settings. Be certain that you wish to do so before resetting the  
factory defaults.  
Video  
Frequency Response:  
Signal to Noise Ratio:  
Input Impedance:  
Output Impedance:  
Output Level:  
3 Hz-10 MHz, ± 3 dB  
45 dB  
75 ohms  
75 ohms  
To reset the factory defaults, press the ENTER button. This will  
take you to a confirmation screen where you will have a chance  
to confirm your decision by pressing ENTER a second time.  
1 volt  
General  
Power Consumption:  
46 watts  
To return to the SYSTEM SETUP screen without resetting the fac-  
tory defaults, press the BACK button.  
Power Requirements (AC):  
115 volts, 60Hz (USA version)  
230 volts, 50Hz (Europe version)  
Weight:  
7.0 Kg/15.4 lb.  
Dimensions (W x H x D):  
440 x 121 x 329 mm  
173/8" x 47/8" x 13"  
All specifications are accurate at the time of printing.  
Rotel reserves the right to make improvements without notice.  
Rotel and the Rotel HiFi logo are registered trademarks of The Rotel Co, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.  
DTS is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems.  
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. “Dolby”, “Pro Logic”, and  
the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Confidential unpub-  
lished works © 1992 – 1997 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.  
THX Ultra™ and the THX Ultra logo are registered trademarks of Lucasfilms, Ltd.  
26  
 
RSP-985  
27  
 
RSP-985  
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR  
The Rotel Co. Ltd.  
10-10 Shinsen-Cho  
Shibuya-Ku  
Tokyo 150-0045  
Japan  
Phone: +81 3-5458-5325  
Fax: +81 3-5458-5310  
Rotel of America  
54 Concord Street  
North Reading, MA 01864-2699  
USA  
Phone: +1 978-664-3820  
Fax: +1 978-664-4109  
Rotel Europe  
Meadow Road  
Worthing, West Sussex BN11 2RX  
England  
Phone: +44 (0)1903 524 813  
Fax: +44 (0)1903 524 831  
Rotel Deutschland  
Kleine Heide 12  
D-33790 Halle/Westf.  
Germany  
Phone: +49 5201-87170  
Fax: +49 5201-73370  
082 OMRSP-985 061899  
 

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