Orban OPTIMOD-AM 9400 Effect Processor
Manufacturer:
Model:
OPTIMOD-AM 9400
Date:
2009
Category:
Group:
Description:
Digital Audio Processor

Information

Orban's all-digital 9400 OPTIMOD-AM Audio Processor can help you achieve the highest possible quality in AM shortwave, medium wave and long wave broadcast sound. OPTIMOD-AM delivers louder, cleaner, brighter, FM-like audio with an open, fatigue-free quality that attracts listeners and holds them. Because all processing is performed by high-speed mathematical calculations within Motorola DSP56362 digital signal processing chips, the processing has cleanliness, quality, and stability over time and temperature that is unmatched by analog processors. The 9400 supports iBiquity’s HD AM® in-band on-channel digital radio system. The digital radio processing can also be used for simulcast netcasts or DRM digital broad- casts. In this manual, the processing for these applications will be referred to as “HD AM” processing, even though HD AM is only one application. OPTIMOD-AM 9400 is descended from the industry-standard 9100 and 9200 OPTIMOD-AM audio processors. Thousands of these processors are on the air all over the world. They have proven that the “OPTIMOD sound” attracts and keeps an audience even in the most competitive commercial environment. Because OPTIMOD-AM incorporates several audio processing innovations exclusive to Orban products, you should not assume that it can be operated in the same way as less sophisticated processors. If you do, you may get disappointing results. Take a little time now to familiarize yourself with OPTIMOD-AM. A small investment of your time now will yield large dividends in audio quality. OPTIMOD-AM was designed to deliver a high-quality FM-like sound to the listener's ear by pre-processing for the limitations of the average car or table radio (while avoiding audible side effects and compromises in loudness or coverage). Because such processing can make audible many defects ordinarily lost in the usual sea of AM mud, it is very important that the source audio be as clean as possible. Orban's publication Maintaining Audio Quality in the Broadcast Facility (available in .pdf form from ftp.orban.com) contains valuable information and specific suggestions for improving the quality of your audio. The rest of Section 1 explains how OPTIMOD-AM fits into the AM broadcast facility. Section 2 explains how to install it and set it up. Section 3 tells how to operate OPTIMOD-AM. Sections 4 through 6 provide reference information. For best results, feed OPTIMOD-AM unprocessed audio. No other audio processing is necessary or desirable. If you wish to place level protection prior to your studio / Transmitter link (STL), use an Orban studio level control system expressly designed for this purpose. (At the time of this writing, this is the Orban 8200ST OPTIMOD-Studio Compressor/limiter / HF Limiter / Clipper.) The 8200ST can be adjusted so that it substitutes for the broad- band AGC circuitry in OPTIMOD-AM, which is then defeated. Making the Most of the AM Channel The 9400 is suitable for long wave, medium wave, and shortwave (HF) broadcasts. OPTIMOD-AM rides gain over an adjustable range of up to 25dB, compressing dynamic range and compensating for operator gain-riding errors and for gain inconsistencies in automated systems. OPTIMOD-AM increases the density and loudness of the program material by multiband limiting and multiband distortion-canceling clipping, improving the consistency of the station's sound and increasing loudness and definition without producing audible side effects. OPTIMOD-AM precisely controls peak levels to prevent overmodulation. Asymmetry in the analog processing channel is adjustable from 100% to 150% positive peak modulation. OPTIMOD-AM compensates for the high- and low-frequency rolloffs of typical AM receivers with a fully adjustable program Equalizer providing up to 20dB of high-frequency boost (at 5 kHz) without producing the side effects en- countered in conventional processors. This Equalizer can thus produce extreme pre-emphasis that is appropriate for very narrow-band radios. OPTIMOD-AM's fully parametric low- and mid-frequency equalizers allow you to tailor your air sound to your precise requirements and desires. OPTIMOD-AM also fully supports the NRSC standard pre-emphasis curve. OPTIMOD-AM is a stereo processor that fully protects CQUAM® transmissions, conservatively complying with Motorola’s processing requirements that negative peak modulation on the left and right channels be limited to –75% modulation. OPTIMOD-AM supports the iBiquity HD Radio® system. Except for common stereo enhancement and AGC, the HD AM processor is an independent processing chain with its own set of user-adjustable parameters, maintaining 15 kHz audio bandwidth (per iBiquity’s specifications) regardless of the bandwidth setting of the processing intended for the analog channel. To ensure source-to-source consistency, the digital radio processing includes full five-band compression/limiting that is independent of the five-band compression/limiting in the analog processing chain. This output can also be used for netcasts. Orban’s PreCodeTM technology manipulates several aspects of the audio to minimize artifacts caused by low bitrate codecs, ensuring consistent loudness and texture from one source to the next. There are several HD factory presets tuned specifically for low bitrate codecs. These presets have “LBR” in their names. Controllable and Adjustable The 9400 comes with a wide variety of factory presets to accommodate almost any user requirement. The user can readily modify these presets. Modified presets can be stored and recalled on command. Advanced Control (accessible from the PC Remote application) facilitates detailed sound design using the same controls that were available to the factory programmers. An LCD and full-time LED meters make setup, adjustment and programming of OPTIMOD-AM easy — you can always see the metering while you’re adjusting the processor. Navigation is by dedicated buttons, soft buttons (whose functions are context-sensitive), and a large rotary knob. The LEDs show all metering functions. OPTIMOD-AM contains a versatile real-time clock, which allows automation of various events (including recalling presets) at pre-programmed times. A Bypass Test Mode can be invoked locally, by remote control (from either the 9400’s GPI port or the 9400 PC Remote application), or by automation to permit broadcast system test and alignment or “proof of performance” tests. OPTIMOD-AM contains a built-in line-up tone generator, facilitating quick and accurate level setting in any system. OPTIMOD-AM's software can be upgraded by running Orban-supplied downloadable upgrade software on a PC. The upgrade can occur remotely through the 9400’s Ethernet port or serial port (connected to an external modem), or locally (by connecting a Windows® computer to the 9400’s serial port through the supplied null modem cable). The 9400 can be remote-controlled by 5-12V pulses applied to eight programmable, optically isolated “general-purpose interface” (GPI) ports. 9400 PC Remote software runs under Windows 2000 and XP. It communicates with a given 9400 via TCP/IP over modem, direct serial, and Ethernet connections. You can configure PC Remote to switch between many 9400s via a convenient organizer that supports giving any 9400 an alias and grouping multiple 9400s into folders. Clicking a 9400’s icon causes PC Remote to connect to that 9400 through an Ethernet network, or initiates a Windows Dial-Up or Direct Cable Connection if appropriate. The PC Remote software allows the user to access all 9400 features (including advanced controls not available from the 9400’s front panel), and allows the user to archive and restore presets, automation lists, and system setups (containing I/O levels, digital word lengths, GPI functional assignments, etc.).

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Service and User Manual
Manual type:
Service and User Manual
Pages:
295
Size:
5.28 Mbytes (5531639 Bytes)
Language:
english
Revision:
Manual ID:
96129.120.03
Date:
2009 04 01
Quality:
Electronic document, no scan, very well readable.
Upload date:
2017 10 31
MD5:
d600150ddc719554b6c7ffa8ae401a37
Downloads:
520

Information

Version 1.2 Software Index ... 0-9 Section 1 Introduction ... 1-1 ABOUT THIS MANUAL ... 1-1 THE OPTIMOD-AM 9400 DIGITAL AUDIO PROCESSOR ... 1-1 Making the Most of the AM Channel ... 1-2 Controllable and Adjustable ... 1-3 Versatile Installation ... 1-4 PRESETS IN OPTIMOD-AM ... 1-5 Factory Presets ... 1-5 User Presets ... 1-6 I NPUT/OUTPUT CONFIGURATION ... 1-7 Digital AES3 Left/Right Input/Outputs ... 1-7 Analog Left/Right Input/Outputs ... 1-7 Remote Control Interface ... 1-8 Computer Interface ... 1-8 RS-232 Serial Port ... 1-8 RJ45 Ethernet Connector ... 1-8 LOCATION OF OPTIMOD-AM ... 1-8 Optimal Control of Peak Modulation Levels ... 1-8 Best Location for OPTIMOD-AM ... 1-10 If the Transmitter is not accessible: ... 1-10 If the Transmitter is accessible: ... 1-10 STUDIO-TRANSMITTER LINK ... 1-11 Transmission from Studio to Transmitter ... 1-11 Digital Links ... 1-11 Dual Microwave STLs ... 1-12 Analog Landline (PTT / Post Office Line) ... 1-13 AM Transmitters and Antennas ... 1-13 Bypassing the Transmitter's Internal Filters and Clippers ... 1-14 Power Supplies ... 1-15 Pre-1965 Transmitters ... 1-16 Asymmetry ... 1-16 Transmission Presets and Transmitter Equalization ... 1-17 Antenna System ... 1-19 USING LOSSY DATA REDUCTION IN THE STUDIO ... 1-19 ABOUT TRANSMISSION LEVELS AND METERING ... 1-20 Meters ... 1-20 Figure 1-1: Absolute Peak Level, VU and PPM Reading ... 1-21 Studio Line-up Levels and Headroom ... 1-21 Transmission Levels ... 1-21 LINE-UP FACILITIES ... 1-22 Metering of Levels ... 1-22 Built-in Calibrated Line-up Tones ... 1-22 Built-in Calibrated Bypass Test Mode ... 1-22 MONITORING ... 1-23 Modulation Monitors and Their RF Amplifiers ... 1-23 Monitoring on Loudspeakers and Headphones ... 1-2 Headphones ... 1-24 EAS TEST ... 1-24 Figure 1-2: NRSC Modified 75 μs De-emphasis ... 1-25 PC CONTROL AND SECURITY P ASSCODE ... 1-25 WHY THE NORTH AMERICAN NRSC STANDARD? ... 1-26 Figure 1-3: NRSC Lowpass Filter ... 1-26 AM Stereo Introduces a Pre-emphasis Dilemma ... 1-26 NRSC Standard Pre-emphasis and Low-pass Filtering ... 1-27 WARRANTY , USER FEEDBACK ... 1-28 User Feedback ... 1-28 LIMITED WARRANTY ... 1-28 INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY ... 1-28 EXTENDED WARRANTY ... 1-29 Section 2 Installation ... 2-1 INSTALLING THE 9400 ... 2-1 Figure 2-1: AC Line Cord Wire Standard ... 2-2 Figure 2-2: Wiring the 25-pin Remote Interface Connector ... 2-4 Figure 2-3: 9400 Serial Port Pin Identification ... 2-4 Figure 2-4: Jumper Positions, Monitor Roll-Off Filter ... 2-5 Figure 2-5: Frequency Response Curves as Function of ROLLOFF Control, Monitor Rolloff Filter Strapped for 18 dB/Octave ... 2-6 Figure 2-6: Monitor Rolloff Filter Schematic Diagram ... 2-7 9400 REAR PANEL ... 2-7 INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS ... 2-8 Cable ... 2-8 Connectors ... 2-8 Analog Audio Input ... 2-9 Analog Audio Outputs ... 2-9 AES3 Digital Input and Output ... 2-10 Grounding ... 2-11 Power Ground ... 2-11 Circuit Ground ... 2-11 9400 FRONT PANEL ... 2-12 STUDIO LEVEL Controller INSTALLATION (OPTIONAL) ... 2-13 If you are using Orban 8200ST external AGC ... 2-14 Figure 2-7: 8200ST Jumper Settings (*Factory Configuration) ... 2-15 QUICK SETUP ... 2-16 ANALOG AND DIGITAL I/O SETUP ... 2-23 Figure 2-8: Effect of the LPF Shape Control with F = 5.0 kHz ... 2-27 Overview of Transmitter Equalization ... 2-32 Description of the TX EQ Controls ... 2-32 Procedure for LF Equalization ... 2-32 Figure 2-9: Unequalized RF envelope (showing tilt) ... 2-33 Figure 2-10: RF envelope requiring no tilt equalization ... 2-33 Figure 2-11: Unequalized RF envelope (showing ringing) ... 2-35 Figure 2-12: RF envelope showing successful HF equalization ... 2-35 AUTOMATION USING THE 9400’S INTERNAL CLOCK ... 2-39 SECURITY AND PASSCODE PROGRAMMING ... 2-42 To Create a Passcode: ... 2-4 To Edit a Passcode: ... 2-43 To Delete a Passcode: ... 2-44 To Lock the Front Panel Immediately: ... 2-44 To Program local lockout: ... 2-44 To Unlock the Front Panel: ... 2-45 Dial-up Networking and the Passcode ... 2-45 If You Have Forgotten Your Passcode ... 2-45 REMOTE CONTROL INTERFACE PROGRAMMING ... 2-46 NETWORKING AND REMOTE CONTROL ... 2-47 RECALLING PRESETS VIA ETHERNET USING TERMINAL EMULATOR SOFTWARE ... 2-50 To set a different port number: ... 2-50 To recall a preset: ... 2-51 I NSTALLING 9400 PC REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE ... 2-51 Installing the Necessary Windows Services ... 2-52 Check Hardware Requirements ... 2-52 Running the Orban Installer Program ... 2-53 Setting Up Ethernet, LAN, and VPN Connections ... 2-54 Conclusion ... 2-54 SYNCHRONIZING OPTIMOD TO A NETWORK TIME SERVER ... 2-55 Table 2-1: NIST-referenced timeservers ... 2-55 APPENDIX: SETTING UP SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS ... 2-59 Preparing for Communication through Null Modem Cable ... 2-59 Connecting Using Windows 2000 Direct Serial Connection: ... 2-59 Connecting Using Windows XP Direct Serial Connection ... 2-64 Preparing for Communication through Modems ... 2-69 Connecting Using Windows 2000 Modem Connection ... 2-69 Connecting using Windows XP Modem Connection ... 2-75 UPDATING YOUR 9400’S SOFTWARE ... 2-81 Section 3 Operation ... 3-1 9400 FRONT PANEL ... 3-1 SOME AUDIO PROCESSING CONCEPTS ... 3-3 Loudness and density ... 3-4 OPTIMOD-AM PROCESSING ... 3-5 AM Processing: The Art of Compromise ... 3-6 Shortwave/HF Processing ... 3-7 Working Together ... 3-8 Processing for Low Bitrate Codecs and HD Radio ... 3-8 Fundamental Requirements: High-Quality Source Material and Accurate Monitoring ... 3-10 Low-Delay Monitoring for Headphones ... 3-10 Monitor Rolloff Filter for the Analog AM Channel ... 3-11 Reference Radios for Adjusting the Analog AM Processing ... 3-11 Modulation Monitors ... 3-12 More About Audio Processing ... 3-12 Judging Loudness ... 3-13 Reverberation ... 3-13 CUSTOMIZING THE 9400’S SOUND ... 3-14 Basic Modify ... 3-14 Full Modify ... 3-1 Gain Reduction Metering ... 3-17 To Create or Save a User Preset ... 3-17 FACTORY PROGRAMMING PRESETS ... 3-18 To import an HD preset from the 9400’s front panel: ... 3-20 To import an HD preset from PC Remote: ... 3-20 Description of the Analog AM Factory Presets ... 3-21 Table 3-1: Analog AM Factory Programming Presets ... 3-22 Description of the Digital Radio (HD) Factory Presets ... 3-24 Table 3-2: Digital Radio Factory Programming Presets ... 3-24 Equalizer CONTROLS ... 3-28 Table 3-3: Equalization Controls ... 3-29 Figure 3-1: HF Receiver Equalizer Curves ... 3-33 STEREO ENHANCER CONTROLS ... 3-36 Table 3-4: Stereo Enhancer Controls ... 3-36 Table 3-5: AGC Controls ... 3-37 AGC CONTROLS ... 3-37 Advanced AGC Controls ... 3-40 CLIPPER CONTROLS ... 3-42 Table 3-6: Clipper Controls ... 3-42 Table 3-7: Multiband and Distortion Controls ... 3-45 MULTIBAND DYNAMICS PROCESSING ... 3-45 Table 3-8: MB Attack / Release Controls ... 3-46 Table 3-9: MB Band Mix Controls ... 3-48 Advanced Multiband Controls ... 3-52 TEST MODES ... 3-54 Table 3-10: Test Modes ... 3-54 ABOUT THE 9400’ S DIGITAL RADIO PROCESSING ... 3-55 Delay Difference between Digital-Channel and AM Outputs ... 3-56 Table 3-11: Digital Radio I/O Setup Controls ... 3-56 Digital Radio I/O Setup Controls ... 3-56 Monitoring ... 3-56 Analog Outputs ... 3-57 Digital Outputs ... 3-57 Stereo/Mono Mode ... 3-58 Table 3-12: Digital Radio Multiband Controls ... 3-58 Digital Radio Operating Controls ... 3-58 Table 3-13: Digital Radio Band Mix Controls ... 3-60 USING THE 9400 PC REMOTE CONTROL SOFTWARE ... 3-61 To set up a new connection: ... 3-61 To initiate communication: ... 3-62 To modify a control setting: ... 3-63 To recall a preset: ... 3-63 To import an HD preset: ... 3-63 To save a user preset you have created: ... 3-64 To back up User Presets, system files, and automation files onto your computer’s hard drive: ... 3-64 To restore archived presets, system files, and automation files: ... 3-65 To modify INPUT/OUTPUT and SYSTEM SETUP: ... 3-66 To modify AUTOMATION: ... 3-66 To group multiple 9400s: ... 3-66 Navigation Using the Keyboard ... 3-66 To Quit the Program ... 3 About Aliases created by Optimod 9400 PC Remote Software ... 3-67 Multiple Installations of Optimod 9400 PC Remote ... 3-67 To share an archived User Preset between 9400s: ... 3-69 Section 4 Maintenance ... 4-1 ROUTINE MAINTENANCE ... 4-1 SUBASSEMBLY REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT ... 4-2 FIELD AUDIT OF PERFORMANCE ... 4-6 Table 4-1: Decoder Chart for Power Supervisor ... Table 4-2: Layout Diagram of J7, with expected voltages on each pin ... Table 4-3: Typical Power Supply Voltages and AC Ripple ... Section 5 Troubleshooting ... 5-1 4-8 4-9 4-9 PROBLEMS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS ... 5-1 RFI, Hum, Clicks, or Buzzes ... 5-1 Poor Peak Modulation Control ... 5-1 Audible Distortion On-Air ... 5-2 Audible Noise on Air ... 5-3 Shrill, Harsh Sound ... 5-4 Dull Sound ... 5-4 Excessive Occupied Bandwidth ... 5-4 System Will Not Pass Line-Up Tones at 100% Modulation ... 5-5 System Will Not Pass Emergency Alert System (“EAS” USA Standard) Tones at the Legally Required Modulation Level ... 5-5 System Receiving 9400’s Digital Output Will Not Lock ... 5-5 L–R (Stereo Difference Channel) Will Not Null with Monophonic Input ... 5-5 AM Analog and Digital Channels Have Unequal Loudness ... 5-5 Loudness Decreases Momentarily When the Radio Crossfades between Analog and Digital Channels ... 5-6 Excessive Sibilance (“ess” sounds) in the Digital Radio Channel ... 5-6 “Swishing,” “Phasing,” or “Underwater” Artifacts in the Digital Radio Channel ... 5-6 General Dissatisfaction with Subjective Sound Quality ... 5-6 Security Passcode Lost (When Unit is Locked Out) ... 5-7 Connection Issues between the 9400 and a PC, Modem, or Network ... 5-7 Troubleshooting Connections ... 5-8 You Cannot Access the Internet After Making a Direct or Modem Connection to the 9400: ... 5-8 OS-SPECIFIC TROUBLESHOOTING ADVICE ... 5-9 Troubleshooting Windows 2000 Direct Connect: ... 5-9 Troubleshooting Windows 2000 Modem Connect: ... 5-10 Troubleshooting Windows XP Direct Connect: ... 5-11 Troubleshooting Windows XP Modem Connect: ... 5-12 TROUBLESHOOTING IC OPAMPS ... 5-13 TECHNICAL SUPPORT ... 5-14 F ACTORY SERVICE ... 5-14 SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS ... 5-14 Section 6 Technical Data SPECIFICATIONS ... 6-1 Performance ... 6-1 Installation ... 6-2 CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION ... 6-4 Overview ... 6-5 Control Circuits ... 6-5 User Control Interface and LCD Display Circuits ... 6-6 Input Circuits ... 6-7 Output Circuits ... 6-9 DSP Circuit ... 6-10 Power Supply ... 6-11 ABBREVIATIONS ... 6-11 P ARTS LIST ... 6-13 Obtaining Spare Parts ... 6-13 Base Board ... 6-14 CPU Module ... 6-15 RS-232 Board ... 6-17 Power Supply ... 6-17 Input/Output (I/O) Board: Main Board ... 6-18 Input/Output (I/O) Board: Daughter Board ... 6-23 DSP Board ... 6-23 Display Board ... 6-25 SCHEMATICS AND P ARTS LOCATOR DRAWINGS ... 6-26

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