AudioControl Hops IMAX Enhanced Bandwagon for AVRs, Preamp/Processors

AudioControl's Maestro M9 preamp/sound processor

AudioControl is teaming with IMAX and DTS as a licensee in the IMAX Enhanced program, and is offering a firmware update for its cinema products, which include AV receivers (AVRs) and preamp/processors, making them IMAX Enhanced as a result of the relationship.

IMAX Enhanced is a certification and licensing program combining consumer electronics products with IMAX digitally re-mastered 4K HDR content and DTS audio technologies to offer consumers immersive sight and sound experiences for the home. The firmware update is on the AudioControl Concert AVR-7 and AVR-9 receivers and the Maestro M5 and M9 preamp/processors, and is slated to become available Feb. 5th.

The update enables consumers, via AudioControl’s AV cinema line, to experience IMAX’s signature movie theater sound mix, delivered by DTS. To become IMAX Enhanced-certified, manufacturers must meet performance standards set by a certification committee comprised of IMAX and DTS engineers as well as Hollywood technical specialists.

AudioControl’s IMAX Enhanced products feature DTS:X immersive audio decoding that is optimized to reproduce the full dynamic range of IMAX theatrical sound mixes available in IMAX Enhanced content. With adjustments modeled on the IMAX theatrical sound system, this proprietary IMAX audio mix is translated for home theater environments and delivered using a variant of the DTS:X codec technology. Additionally, IMAX is working with its global studio and content partners to make available IMAX Enhanced versions of movies and additional programming.

Current owners of the AudioControl Concert AVR-7 and AVR-9 receivers and the Maestro M5 and M9 preamp/processors may download the required firmware from the AudioControl website at audiocontrol.com to update their units.