ATC Labs Perceptual SoundMax Q24 User manual

24-band Stereo Audio Processor for FM and Digital
http://www.atc-labs.com/soundmax
Perceptual
SoundMax
TM
Model Q24
Operation Manual
Version 2.1, January 2012

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IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND WARNINGS
__________________________________________________________________________
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK (1) THIS EQUIPMENT
MUST BE EARTHED, (2) USE TEH EQUIPMENT ONLY WITH A RACK AS
RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER, (3) DO NOT REMOVE THE TOP
COVER, FRONT PLATE, OR BACK PLATE (CONTACT QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSONNEL).
__________________________________________________________________________
You must read these safety instructions and warnings before using the Equipment or
powering it ON.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
•The safety and operation instructions should be retained for future reference.
•All warnings on the equipment and in the operating instructions must be adhered to.
•The equipment should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere
with its proper ventilation
•Read Section 2.2.1: Environmental Considerations and Section 2.2.2: Use
Precautions very carefully before proceeding with installation or powering it ON.
•Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the
enclosure through openings.
•The equipment should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in
the operating instructions or as marked on the equipment.
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE
The equipment should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
•The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged;
•Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the equipment;
•The equipment has been exposed to rain;
•The equipment does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance; or
•The equipment has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
SERVICING
The user should not attempt to service the equipment beyond that described in the
operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service
personnel. Service contact information is listed on the enclosed Warranty Card.
This Product Adheres to Expected Industrial Safety Standards for the Equipments of its Class.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRODUCT OVERVIEW.......................................................................................................4
INSTALLATION AND QUICK START GUIDE...............................................................6
2.1 S UPPLIED A CCESSORIES ................................................................................................6
2.2 R ACK M OUNTING THE U NIT ..........................................................................................7
2.3 I/O AND P OWER C ONNECTIONS .....................................................................................8
2.4 R EMOTE C OMPUTER M ONITORING S OFTWARE I NSTALLATION ...................................10
2.5 F RONT P ANEL C ONTROLS ............................................................................................13
2.6 Q UICK S TART G UIDE ...................................................................................................14
DETAILED SYSTEM SETUP INSTRUCTIONS ............................................................17
3.1 M ODEL Q24 M AIN S CREEN C ONTROLS : H OME S CREEN ..............................................17
3.2 I NPUT /O UTPUT C ONFIGURATION .................................................................................19
AUDIO PROCESSING OPERATION ..............................................................................27
4.1 O VERVIEW OF A VAILABLE P ROCESSING T OOLS ..........................................................27
REMOTE CONTROL USING NETWORKED PC .........................................................43
5.1 R EMOTE C ONTROL – N ETWORKED PC I NTERFACE .....................................................43
5.2 G UIDE TO C REATING C USTOM P ROCESSING P ROFILES USING S OUND M AX M ANAGER 44
5.3 T UNING G UIDE ............................................................................................................45
PRESET PROCESSING PROFILES AND CUSTOM PROFILES ...............................50
6.1 F ACTORY P RESET P ROFILES .......................................................................................50
6.2 C USTOM P ROFILE C REATION ......................................................................................51
HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................52

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Section 1
Product Overview
Perceptual SoundMax
TM
is a new digital audio processor for FM & DAB employing
powerful state-of-art signal processing techniques. It performs elaborate 24-band processing
using an extremely detailed and accurate time-frequency representation of the audio signals.
Using the latest advances in signal processing techniques such as filter banks and unique
ATC Labs know how in Psychoacoustic Modeling and Harmonic Analysis we have
developed a set of novel signal conditioning tools which maximize the performance the 24-
band dynamics processing and augment it with novel signal conditioning tools. The result is
a unique and pleasing sound that emphasizes the presence and perceived loudness while at
the same time improving long term listenability. To put simply one can create breathtakingly
detailed, consistent and balanced sound which is loud and punchy without introducing any
element of listener fatigue.
ATC Labs has a strong sound processing technology pedigree. It was founded by
researchers with long career in Bell Labs acoustics research. Technology developed by ATC
Lab including the Perceptual SoundMax
TM
audio processor is being employed among others
by leading US Satellite/Internet Radio Broadcasters’ servicing over 20,000,000 listeners.
Perceptual SoundMax
TM
is a new product coming out from our proven sound processing
technology platform that has been in use for nearly 7 years. It allows conventional FM and
AM broadcasters to achieve unparalleled sound quality and clarity. A lot of the technology
embedded in Perceptual SoundMax
TM
is developed at our R&D center in Noida, India
staffed with skillful research engineers and it is manufactured in our Noida facility.
Perceptual SoundMax
TM
Model Q24 is actually 3 products rolled into one - in
additional to sophisticated 24-band processing it includes a built-in broadcast grade wide-
band background noise removal product as well as a suite of audio conditioning/sweetening
tools into one box eliminating the need for broadcasters to place 3 or more separate
hardware products in their broadcast chain to achieve the similar impact. Model Q24

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includes all standard inputs and outputs expected of a product of this class such as Digital
AES I/O balanced analog I/O, baseband composite FM outputs, SCA & RDS inputs, etc. It
offers an attractive touch-screen interface for user control and is supplemented by
sophisticated software that allow unsurpassed monitoring and tuning options using a
networked PC based remote control. The product comes pre-loaded with multiple processing
presets matched to different genres and allows the user to create and save as many custom
profiles as desired. Based on the highest quality components, the product is meant for
uninterrupted 24x7 operations for years with minimum maintenance requirement.

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Section 2
Installation And Quick Start Guide
2.1 Supplied Accessories
Perceptual SoundMax Model Q24 box as shipped contains the following items:
1. Perceptual SoundMax Audio Processor for Digital and FM (Model Q24)
hardware unit
2. Power cord
3. TFT Stylus Pen
4. AES Cables with XLR connectors ( 2X)
5. Rack-mounting kit including rack-mounting screws, 10-32 x ½ — with
washers, #10
6. Ethernet Cable
7. SoundMax Manager software installation CD-ROM
8. Operation Manual
9. Warranty & Registration Card
10. Custom Profile Creation Worksheets (4X)
If any items are missing or if any damage is observed, please get in touch with your
sales contact immediately.
Save all packing materials! If you should ever have to ship the Model Q24 (e.g., for
servicing), it is best to ship it in the original carton with its packing materials
because both the carton and packing material have been carefully designed to
protect the unit.
Complete the Registration Card and return it to ATC Labs (address on the card). The
Registration Card enables us to inform you of new applications, performance
improvements, software updates, and service aids that may be developed, and it
helps us respond promptly to claims under warranty without our having to request a
copy of your bill of sale or other proof of purchase. Please fill in the Registration
Card and send it to us today. We do not sell our customer’s information to anyone.

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2.2 Rack Mounting the Unit
Use the supplied rack-mounting kit to mount the unit in a standard 19-inch
equipment rack. Model Q24 requires standard rack unit space of 2.5 U (4.37inch).
There should be a good ground connection between the rack and the chassis. It is
recommended that you leave 1U of space both above and below the unit and 10 cm
(4 inch) or more space in the rear.
2.2.1 Environmental Considerations
•Ventilation: The equipment should be situated so that its position or location does
not interfere with its proper ventilation. For Example, the equipment should not be
situated on bed, sofa, rug or any similar surface which may block the ventilation
openings; or, placed in a built in installation such as a bookshelf or cabinets which
obstruct the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
•Moisture & Water: The equipment should not be used near water (e.g near a
washbowl, bathtub, kitchen sink, laundry tub etc, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool etc)
•Heat: The equipment should be situated away from heat sources such as stoves,
heat registers, radiators, or any other equipment (including amplifiers) which
produces heat.
•Power source: The equipment should be connected to a power supply only of the
type defined in the operating instructions or as marked on the equipment.
•Grounding or Polarization: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or
polarizations means of equipment is not defeated.
2.2.2 Use Precautions
•Power-Cord Protection: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are
not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them,
paying particular attention to the cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the equipment.
•Cleaning: The equipment should be cleaned only as recommended by
manufacturer.

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•Non Use periods: The power cord of the equipment should be unplugged from
the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
•Object and Liquid Entry: Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and
liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.
•General: Model Q24 has a sturdy design and can be used in most places, but to
prolong operating life the following environmental considerations are
recommended.
Do not place the unit on unsteady surfaces experiencing frequent vibrations
or resonance.
Ambient temperature should not exceed 50
o
C when equipment is powered
on. Equipment life may be further extended by operating it in cooler places.
2.3 I/O and Power Connections
All the I/O and power connectors for Model Q24 are available at the rear panel (with
the exception of headphone monitoring output which is available on the front panel
as described below). Make the power and I/O and power connections as described
below.
Figure 2.1: Model Q24 Rear Panel
Connecting the Power Supply: Q24 box can operate at 110-250V, 50Hz/60Hz
voltage rating. Verify your line settings before to connect to the unit. Use the
supplied power cable or another cable of equivalent rating (Label 13 in the Rear Panel
Schematic above).
2
1
4
3 6 8 9 10 11
13
5 7 12 14

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Input and Output Connections:
1. Baseband Input SCA – BNC Connector
2. Baseband Input RDS/RBDS– BNC Connector
3. Composite Baseband Output 1 (COMP/MPX) – BNC Connector
4. Composite Baseband Output 2 (COMP/MPX/PILOT)– BNC Connector
5. Balanced Analog Input (Right) - XLR Connector
6. Balanced Analog Input (Left) – XLR Connector
7. Balanced Analog Out (Right) – XLR Connector
8. Balanced Analog Out (Left) – XLR Connector
9. AES/EBU Digital Input – XLR Connector
10. AES/EBU Digital Output – XLR Connector
11. USB Connector
12. Ethernet Connector – RJ 45
13. 3-bin Power Chord Connector (with earthing)
14. Master ON/OFF Switch
Connecting analog audio equipment: The left and right analog inputs are on EMI-
suppressed XLR-type female connectors on the rear panel. Input impedance is
greater than 10kΩ; balanced and floating. Inputs can accommodate up to +24 dBu (0
dBu = 0.775Vrms).
The left and right analog outputs are on EMI-suppressed XLR-type male connectors
on the rear panel. Output impedance is 50Ω; balanced and floating. They can drive
600Ωor higher impedances, balanced or unbalanced. The peak output level is
adjustable from –6 dBu to +24 dBu. Level control of the analog inputs and outputs is
accomplished via front-panel control through System Setup (Section 3.2.2).
Connecting digital audio equipment: The digital input and outputs conform to the
professional AES/EBU standard. They all have sample rate converters to allow
operation at 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz sample frequency. On the input the sample
rate is auto sensed. For best peak control, operate at 44.1 kHz or higher. The
left/right digital input is on one XLR-type female connector on the rear panel; the

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left/right digital outputs are on two XLR-type male connectors on the rear panel.
Level controls are front-panel configurable (Section 3.2.2).
Connecting composite/pilot outputs: The stereo encoder has two unbalanced analog
baseband outputs on two BNC connectors on the rear panel. Each output can be
strapped for 0 or 75Ωsource impedance and can drive up to 8V peak-to-peak into
75Ωin parallel with up to 0.047µF (100ft / 30m of RG-59 / U cable) before any
significant audible performance degradation occurs. Independent level control of each
output is via front-panel in the SETTING > COMPOSITE screen. (Section 3.2.4)
Connecting SCA/RDS/RBDS inputs: The stereo encoder has two unbalanced 600Ω
subcarrier (SCA) inputs with rear panel BNC connectors to accept any subcarrier at or
above 23 kHz. The subcarriers are mixed into each composite output. There levels can
be changed through front-panel (gains applied internally) before mixing with
composite out. (Section 3.2.4)
Turning the Unit into Standby-Power-On Mode: The unit is equipped with a
master power-on/off switch on the real panel (Label 14 in the schematic above),
moving this switch in the on position puts the unit in a standby mode and it can
subsequently be turned on using the front-panel ON/OFF switch (see below). Once
the power and I/O cables are tightly connected, place the unit in standby mode by
moving the mater power ON/OFF switch to the ON position.
2.4 Remote Computer Monitoring Software Installation (This Step may be
Skipped During Initial Setup)
Model Q24 hardware is supplied with SoundMax Manager
TM
software for remote
computer interface. This software is provided with CD-ROM or user can download
from http://www.atc-labs.com/soundmax. SoundMax Manager
TM
which allows for
elaborate Configuration, Control, Monitoring and Tuning of multiple Q24 processors
connected to a network. The presence of one or more Perceptual SoundMax
TM
Model
Q24 on the network is automatically sensed by the SoundMax Manager
TM
running
on any computer connected to that network. By using this software, user has
complete flexibility to configure and monitor the Q24 processors. The supported

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functionality includes the ability to configure parameters specific to a processors,
preset selection, detailed parameter tuning, custom processing profile creation, and
much more. Monitoring capability include global view of the processor health and
VU meters tied to the Input/Output of each processor.
2.4.1 Installing Perceptual Soundmax Manager
•Minimum system requirements
Operating System: SoundMax Manager is currently available for Windows
XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 (32-bit) operating systems.
LAN Connection: The Manager communicates with the Station through a
network connection.
Hardware: The SoundMax Manager can run on any light weight PC. We
recommend at least a single core Pentium with a clock speed of 2.2
GHz (or above).
•Instruction for installation
Setting up the MANAGER
Run the SoundMax Manager setup on a PC and follow the
instructions
After the installation SoundMax Manager user interface screen (UI)
will come as shown below:
Figure 2.2: Compact view of Manager

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SoundMax Manager will auto detect the “Model Q24 rack Mount
processor” as Live Station. By clicking on the station from this list,
you can get a detailed view and options to configure that particular
station. This view provides the ability to configure parameters specific
to a channel such as profile selection, save and remove profiles, tune
profile parameters. A snapshot of this detailed view is shown in the
figure below.
Figure 2.3: Detailed view of Manager
It provides an option to tune the audio quality of any channel based on
the requirement. Clicking on the tune button will change your view to
a tuning screen showing all the tunable modules and an option to save
custom profiles and load saved profiles. For more detailed explanation
on TUNING through manager ref section 4.
If SoundMax Manager is controlling the Processor then front-panel
TFT interface (see below) will be disabled.

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2.5 Front Panel Controls
Figure 2.4: Model Q24 FRONT PANEL
1. Power Switch: Once the rare-panel master switch is in ON position (i.e. equipment
is in power standby mode) use this switch to turn the unit ON or OFF.
2. TFT Touch Screen: The equipment is equipped with a front panel TFT touch
screen for purpose of controlling and monitoring the unit.
3. Rotary Selector: This can be used in lieu of the touch screen control for
controlling the unit. Generally user can also select the particular option displayed
over TFT screen by pressing the rotary selector switch once, and move around
different regions/options of the screen by rotating the rotary encoder in either
direction.
4. Headphone Audio Output – ¼’’ jack: Used for quick monitoring of processed
output of audio processor. User can listen to the processed output through this
audio jack.
5. Headphone Volume Control
1 2 3 4
5
2.5 U
2.68 in
19 in
4.2 in

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2.6 Quick Start Guide
(WARNING: Do not skip to this section without familiarizing yourself with the
material in the above sections)


Make sure Installation procedure is complete as per instruction given in Section 2.1-
2.3


Model Q24 ships with digital input and digital output as the default I/O connections.
So during the quick start the audio coming in through the digital input will be
processed and the processed output will be available on the digital output connection.
If analog I/O is needed instead please refer to Section 3.2 to change I/O configuration
(System will be start with default settings or last user settings, if applicable).


Once the front-panel power switch is pressed, the unit will power ON and LED
around the ON/OFF switch will light up. It may take several seconds for the unit to
power up and during this time various start-up messages will be displayed on the
front-panel TFT screen. After the unit is fully powered up the front-panel displays a
HOME screen which SHOULD BE similar to the figure below. If not then refer to
section 3.2.5.

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Figure 2.5: HOME Screen


Processor settings can be modified only after unlocking the controls by providing
valid authentication key. After clicking on UNLOCK tab follow the instructions
given below:
•Enter a valid password and SAVE it (the unit ships with a default password of
“1234”).
•For changing the password refer section 3.2.5 (SET PASSWORD).


Various Controls on the Home Screen (and other screens) can be exercised either by
pressing the buttons using the stylus pen on using the Rotary Encoder control; when
the Rotary Encoder is rotated highlights moves around the screen in a pre-defined
pattern and a highlighted control can be exercised by pushing in the Rotary Encoder.


Click on SETTING key to configure Analog I/O setting, Digital I/O setting,
composite and SCA/RBDS setting (These are Advanced Settings described in
Section 3.2 and onwards)
•For the first time the unit starts with default I/O settings, i.e. digital input and
output)
•If user has changed these settings and shut down the unit then Unit will start
with last configuration.


Click on CONFIGURE key to get the list of all factory presets and custom profiles.
•There are presets for different genre being displayed with explicit information
of number of processing bands, i.e.
“Preset-10 BASS-TREBLE”, is the 10 band processing preset.
“Preset-24 BASS-TREBLE”, is the 24 band processing preset.

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Figure 2.6: Preset Profile Selection Screen
•With the soft keys of NEXT and PREVIOUS user can traverse
between next page and previous page respectively.
•User can go to the recent last preset with LAST key.
•With TUNE key user can see the different processing module available and
their ON/OFF status.


Click on BYPASS key to switch between processed and unprocessed output.
•If output is in BYPASS mode then display text will be “OnAIR: Path1-
Processing ByPassed”.
•If output is in PROCSSED mode then preset/custom profile being applied will
be displayed as text like “OnAIR: Path1- Preset-10 BASS-TREBLE”.

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Section 3
Detailed System Setup Instructions
3.1 Model Q24 Main Screen Controls: Home Screen
Figure 3.1: Home Screen
Main Screen Display labels the following items:
•Soft keys: UNLOCK, SETTING, BYPASS, CONFIGURE
•Input and Output VU meter
•Output Spectrum in 10 Bandwidth central frequency display.
•On Air preset which displays current profile
User can recall Main Screen from any of the other screens by pressing the HOME
soft key.

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

Click on SETTING key to get access of setting screen corresponding to Analog I/O
setting, Digital I/O setting, composite and SCA/RBDS setting and Info screen
•Use rotary to go back and forth between various control or click on any of the key.
•Click on HOME key to go back to MAIN SCREEN.
•For functional Description of each of the soft key refer Sec 2.1.


Click on BYPASS key to switch between processed and unprocessed output.
•If output is in BYPASS mode then display text will be “OnAIR: Path1-
Processing ByPassed”.
•If output is in PROCSSED mode then preset/custom profile being applied will be
displayed as text like “OnAIR: Path1- Preset-10 BASS-TREBLE”.


Click on CONFIGURE key to get the list of all factory presets and custom profiles.
•There are presets for different genre being displayed with explicit information of
number of processing bands, i.e.
“Preset-10 BASS-TREBLE”, is the 10 band processing preset.
“Preset-24 BASS-TREBLE”, is the 24 band processing preset.

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Figure 3.2: Preset Profile Selection Screen
3.2 Input/Output Configuration
With SETTING screen user can setup input and output levels according to studio
appliances. Model Q24 is a complex audio processor so before proceedings with any
change user must understand the architecture of the processor:
3.2.1 Processor Signal Flow Architecture
The figure below shows the signal processing paths in the system. While
Model Q24 offers one processing path, its sister product Model Q24 Duo offers two
processing paths with independent output and independent control of the processing
parameters. The second processing path is attractive for example to simulcast the
audio over a secondary channel such as Internet or digital broadcast. Path 1 directs
the output to AES/EBU Digital Output1 as well as Balanced XLR Output which can
be used for analog systems; Path 2 (Model Q24 Duo Only) provides output meant for
digital systems at AES/EBU Digital Output 2. Path 1 is also directed to an FM
composite baseband signal generation units, the output of which is available on two
coaxial BNC connectors.
(Second Path in Model Q24
Duo
Only)

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Figure 3.3: Signal Processing Paths in Perceptual SoundMax
TM
Model Q24
3.2.2 Input Configuration
Model Q24 supports Stereo Input either AES/EBU standard or balanced XLR type.
Input selection is software configurable and De-emphasis is also software selectable.
Figure 3.4: Input Configuration
•Word Length: It is relevant in case of Analog Input only. This can be selected as
24 or 16 bit resolution. In case of Digital Input this option will be auto detected
from AES bit stream. So WORD LENGTH option will be disabled for Digital
Input.
•Input Type: To be processed input type either ANALOG or DIGITAL can be
selected from here.
•De-Emphasis: If your input is Pre-emphasized with type J.17, 50µs or 75 µs then
corresponding De-emphasis should be applied before processing.
•Reference Level:
Analog reference level: This step matches the level at which the Q24’s A-D
(Analog-to-Digital) converter clips to the absolute maximum peak level that