Cinema sound processor

The DCP's audio leaves the server or media block as digital channels. The processor takes them, applies the volume set on its fader, routes each channel to the right loudspeaker group and applies the equalisation that tunes the system to the room. From its outputs onwards is the B-chain: amplifiers, loudspeakers and the auditorium, calibrated to the X-curve.

It is also the box staff touch most. The fader is where "it's too loud" complaints are answered, and a processor left on the wrong input or format preset is a common cause of a silent or mono show.

Dolby's current line shows what a modern unit does. The CP950 handles Dolby Surround 7.1 and 5.1, has 16 channels of analog or 16 channels of digital output over AES67 or BLU link, internal loudspeaker crossovers, high-resolution EQ, a built-in booth monitor, a touchscreen and a web interface for remote control. It has an expansion slot for an upgrade to Dolby Atmos.

The CP950A adds an integrated Dolby Atmos media block card and supports up to 64 channels of digital output. Other manufacturers make cinema processors too; the same questions apply to any of them.