Ah... I see better.

In this case, you'll want two "types" configured on the processor.

Meridian can store different configs, and you can switch between them.

One type will be configured set for 7.1 output, and the other type can be set for 5.1 output.

In each type, you can explicitly configure the output channels.

This is not how most people use Meridian product. Usually there are the preset types and the User config types, and the purpose for either is to set the system up, and then you just forget about it and enjoy.

I know this is possible, what I don't know is how difficult it is to switch between types. Normally, you hold the up arrow on the processor, and it does a countdown. Usually this is a failsafe so you can select a preset type in case everything goes south. It may be possible to store 2 different custom types and choose between them using this method.

Now, let's see... l/c/r/sub use the same outputs (balanced) for 7.1 and 5.1. For 7.1, you can use 4 of the unbalanced for ls/rs/lz/rz, and for 5.1, use the other 2 unbalanced for ls/rs... This assumes your center and sub can be driven via balanced.

I know 100% that this is doable on the 861. I don't know enough about the G68 series to know if the outputs are 100% reconfigurable.

Cheers,
- Ken

1. Trinnov Alt32, Meadowlark Semi-custom 4-way Digital mains, Custom 3-Way Digital center, M6, DSP420, HSU VTF2
2. G68D, DSP6000, DSP5kC, DSP420