Broadcast Devices AES-408 Product manual

Broadcast Devices, Inc.
AES-408 8 Channel Digital/Analog Audio
Switcher/DA/Digital to Analog Converter
Technical Reference Manual
Broadcast Devices, Inc.
Tel. [phone]
Fax. [phone]
World Wide Web: www.Broadcast-Devices.com
Rev A. 4/16

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Table of Contents
Introduction 3
I. Unpacking 3
II. Installation and Connections 3-4
III. Features and Operation 4
IV. Initial Operating Setup 4-5
AES-408 Optional Programming Functions 5-6
Remote Control Connections 6
Analog Audio Input Connector Wiring 7
Serial RS232 Connector Wiring 7
V. Specifications 8
VI. Warranty 9

3
Introduction and Description
The AES-408 Digital/Analog Audio System comprises of an 8 input audio switcher. CH 1-4 are
AES3 digital and CH 5-8 are analog L/R balanced. The unit has a two output digital audio DA and
digital to analog converter. The unit also has status and diagnostic error indicators for
troubleshooting. The AES-408 is intended for use for any application where it is desired to switch
AES formatted signals and for standard audio formats decode to analog L/R output or for
switching various digital and analog audio inputs. Uses include studio or transmitter audio source
switching or for virtually any digital/analog switching, distribution and/or D/A conversion
application. As shipped from the factory the unit is supplied with XLR balanced connectors for all
AES3 I/O and a DB25 female connector conforming to the Tascam™ D88 standard for analog
L/R input. The front panel contains all of the buttons for controlling the AES-408 including status
indications and headphone confidence monitor. Remote control of the unit is possible via a
general purpose I/O or via RS232/485 connection. The serial connections are suitable for use
with most modern automation systems. Additionally through the use of the BDI INT-100 optional
interface kit the AES-408 can be accessed over the public Internet or corporate VPN. For
unbalanced AES3 use such as the 75 ohm unbalanced AES standard for digital audio
transmission order part number AES-408-75 which is supplied with BNC connector I/O for all
digital inputs and outputs. Unbalanced – 10 dB input level analog consumer devices can be
accommodated by placement of gain setting jumpers on the analog input board on a channel by
channel basis. This way professional analog +4 dBm levels can be handled alongside consumer
level devices.
I. Unpacking
Carefully inspect the unit after unpacking and make certain that no damage has occurred during
shipping. If damage is noted, contact the shipper immediately and file a claim for damages. Each
unit is carefully packed and carries full insurance against damage. Inspect the packing list and
make sure that the contents of the package match those described on the packing list.
II. Installation and Connections
Select a space in suitable E.I.A. standard rack to locate the unit. Determine the local electrical
power supply voltage. As supplied from the factory, your AES-408 is setup for 100 – 240 V.A.C.
50 - 60 Hz. No external adjustment for local power standards is necessary if power available
conforms to the above rating. The AES-408 utilizes a switch mode power supply and
automatically adjusts for local power entry. Make connections to the unit following good
engineering practice. Supply power to the unit utilizing a three conductor grounded outlet. Do no
lift the electrical ground to the unit at the power receptacle as this will result in a safety hazard. In
the event of ground loops, lift the ground at the offending connection only. Make certain that the
unit is afforded proper ventilation in the area of the top cover vent.
A. Digital Interface
The AES-408 inputs are balanced XLR connections conforming to the AES standard. The unit
can also be supplied with BNC connectors for digital I/O. Each XLR connection is terminated at
110 ohms as per the standard. The balanced digital outputs are also XLR connections which
provide 110-ohm transformer coupled source impedance as per the AES standard. If a balanced
unit is ordered and it desired to unbalance any input or output unbalanced termination adapters
can be purchased from Broadcast Devices, Inc. Order P/N 75 – XLRM for inputs and P/N 75-

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XLRF for output connections. All BDI adapters utilize BNC female interface for application to 75
ohm BNC connectorized cabling if the unit has been supplied with XLR connectors.
B. Analog Interface
There is provided on the rear of the unit a left/right balanced analog input. The inputs to the AES-
408 are connected via a DB25 connector complying with the Tascam D88 standard. BDI offers an
optional DB25 to XLR breakout panel. To order contact your dealer and order the AIP-100 analog
interface. Each analog input is balanced and is designed to accept +4 dBm nominal input level. It
is possible to unbalance the analog inputs by placing the jumpers provided for each analog input
in place thereby increasing the gain of each input by 14 dB. See the initial setup section IV for
instructions on how to do this. The AES-408 also has a + 4 dBm balanced XLR output. This
output is suitable for driving 600-ohm balanced lines and is short circuit protected. A headphone
jack and volume control buttons are provided on the front panel of the unit for confidence
monitoring of the incoming feed. XLR balanced outputs conform to + 4 dBm output referenced to
– 20 dBFS digital output when the unit is fed from either an analog or digital input. The AES-408
supports 32, 44.1 or 48 KHz for analog inputs which are configured upon initial installation.
Factory default is 44.1 KHz sampling for analog input. Standard sample rates are indicated on
the front panel under “Sample Rate” and non-standard
sample rates are indicated with the “OTHER” LED indication being illuminated.
III. Features and Operation
The AES-408 Digital Audio System is designed to select one of four AES3 or analog inputs and
route the selected input to up to two balanced digital outputs and the analog output. The unit
features a front panel headphone output and volume control for easy confidence monitoring. The
AES-408 provides indication of loss of clock or any error displayed on the front panel for digital
inputs. Command of the switcher is performed manually at the front panel or remotely. Remote
control and selected channel status of the unit is accessed through the rear panel 25 pin D
connector for simple momentary closure or through the RS232/485 serial interfaces on the rear
panel of the unit. Simple momentary ground closure to the appropriate pin selects channels.
Status of channel selected is also available at this connector. Refer to the connection table 3 for
connection information. The interface is compatible with open collector command.
IV. Initial Operating Set up
Attach input and output connections to the unit using the appropriate connector. Plug the remote
control plug in and tighten the connector screws in place. You may select any or all of the error
flag and/or silence sense switching which will command the switcher to switch to the alternate
path. Refer to AES-404 DIP Switch Programming Guide of Operation on page 5 for switch
options. Refer to the factory default section of the table for supplied switch conditions. If the
default conditions are satisfactory for your intended use no further changes need to be made. In
order to change the DIP SW 1, 2 settings remove the front panel by removing 1 - #4-40 Phillips
head screw in of the top cover located in the front center of the cover and 4 - #6-32 front panel
screws. The front panel can now be removed and the DIP switches located which are on the front
panel PC board. Other error flags and the silence sense error are selected by placing the
designated DIP switches to the on position. Once DIP switch positions are selected the unit is
ready to be powered up for operation.

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Initial Power Application
Upon initial power application the unit will indicate the last channel selected and the channel
selected LED indicator will be lit or flashing which indicates audio level under threshold for at
least 5 seconds. This feature allows the user to determine if audio level is sufficient to drive the
unit or for troubleshooting purposes. This feature can be defeated if desired by setting DIP SW1-6
to the OFF position. In the OFF position the unit will always indicate channel selection with a
steady lighted indication. There should also be an indication of sample frequency. The AES-408
supports any input sample rate between 32 and 192 KHz. Standard sample rates are indicated on
the front panel under “Sample Rate” and non-standard sample rates are indicated with the
“OTHER” LED indication being illuminated. Press the error-reset button to clear any errors that
might be indicated. If any of these errors occur after depressing the error-reset button, then the
feed to the unit is defective and should be investigated. If all is in order, the unit is now ready for
operation.
Description of AES-408 Optional Programming Functions
S1-1 Front Panel Button Defeat – When set to on causes the 1-8 select buttons to be non-
operational. Rear panel GPIO and serial remote control are still available when this switch is
turned on.
S1 -2 NA
S1-4, 5 NA
S1-6 Silence Indication on 1-8 Buttons – Will cause the selected channel button to flash if
audio level falls below threshold for more than 15 seconds. Set to off for steady on condition of
A/B buttons.
S1-8 Serial Remote Control – Turns on serial remote control functionality.
S2-1 NA
S2-2 NA
S2-3
S2-5
S2-6 Audio Bit – If the digital audio stream audio bit is set to 0 which denotes non audio payload
data this setting is set to on the analog output is muted.
S2-7 Non PCM Audio –Setting when non PCM audio streams are detected such as Dolby E and
AC-3 formats. To use the switcher and digital DA for non PCM audio formats set S2-6, S2-7 and
to off position.