Dorrough 280 Owner's manual

Digital Loudness Meters
Model 280 and 380
Technical Instruction Manual
0
–1
–2
–3
–4
–5
–6
–7
–8
–9
-10
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15
-16
-17
-18
-19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
0
–1
–2
–3
–4
–5
–6
–7
–8
–9
-10
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15
-16
-17
-18
-19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
U.S.A. 380-D
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
MODEL 280-E U.S.A.
-39 -38 -37 -36 -35 -34 -33 -32 -31 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
-39 -38 -37 -36 -35 -34 -33 -32 -31 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
MODEL 280-D U.S.A.
Model 280-D
Model 280-E

Digital Loudness Meters
Model 280 and 380
April, 1999
Copyright © 1994 and 1999 by Dorrough Electronics, 20434
Corisco St., Chatsworth California, 91311.
PH 818.998.2824, FAX [phone].
Dorrough Electronics reserves the right to make changes and
improvements in product specifications without notice.

Introduction 1
Introduction 1
1.1. Loudness Monitoring
Double Standards
For nearly 60 years the world has used two different standards for audio
monitoring. In the United States, the VU meter, introduced in 1937, was the
standard for level monitoring. In Europe, the PPM (Program Peak Meter)
was the standard.
The VU meter is a quasi-average reading device. Basically a voltmeter
calibrated in power with ballistics chosen to represent early radio and film
program material, it was never intended to indicate the peak excursions
found in today’s program material.
The PPM addressed the limitations of the VU meter, but because it displays
and holds only the peak level of the waveform, the integration time of the
quasi-average program level is almost completely ignored.
Most contemporary studios have tried to solve their metering problems by
using both VU and PPM meters on the same source in an attempt to get the
maximum usable level out of a piece of program material. This has led to
cramped and overly complex metering bridges and panels, and does not
overcome the limitations of these systems. Even the switchable bar graph
meters offered as a solution by some console manufacturers suffer from the
same ballistic limitations.
Unification
In 1980, after years of hands-on experience and frustration with both
conventional VU and PPM metering, Dorrough research led to the
introduction of the Dorrough Model 40 Loudness Meter. By providing an
easy to understand display showing the relationship between integration of
RMSand peak level display, the model 40 was an overnightsuccess. Today
the model 40 is regarded as the standard in audio monitoring and is used
throughout recording and broadcast facilities around the world.
0
2
0
4
0
6
0
8
0
1
0
0
-
2
0
-
1
0
-
7
-
5
-
3
-
2
-
1
V
U
+
1
+
2
+
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

2 Introduction
The Dorrough Loudness Meter gives you a much more accurate picture of
the actual energy content of audio program material than conventional
metering. By simultaneously displaying two ballistics, the Dorrough
Loudness Meter shows you the relationship between average and peak.
You need only adjust the program level until either the peak or persistence
reference is reached. This will result in the maximum level, regardless of
program content. Material with or without compression can easily be
matched for the same listening level.
1.2. Digital Audio and the Dorrough Loudness Meter
Into the Digital Domain
The Audio Engineering Society (AES), together with the European
Broadcasting Union (EBU), have established a digital audio interface
standard known as the AES/EBU interface. This standard provides robust
formats for the exchange of digital audio information between professional
audio devices, yet also provides flexibility for specialized applications. The
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has also endorsed a
format based on the AES/EBU standard for consumer digital audio devices.
Briefly, the AES/EBU format standard defines how two channels of audio
information are periodically sampled, uniformly quantized and transmitted
over a twisted wire pair. Leftand Rightaudio channels are multiplexed, and
the channel is self-clocking and self-synchronizing. The format is
independent of sampling frequency and can be used with any sampling
frequency including 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, and 48 kHz, which are those
recommended by AES for PCM applications.
N
O
R
M
A
L
P
E
A
K
R
A
N
G
E
-
2
5
-
2
2
-
2
0
-
1
8
-
1
6
-
1
4
-
1
2
-
1
0
-
8
-
6
-
4
-
2
0
+
2
+
4
+
6
+
8
+
1
0
+
1
2
+
1
4
N
O
R
M
A
L
P
E
R
S
I
S
T
E
N
C
E
R
A
N
G
E
LOUDNESS MONITOR MODEL 40-A
0
2
0
4
0
6
0
8
0
1
0
0
-
2
0
-
1
0
-
7
-
5
-
3
-
2
-
1
V
U
+
1
+
2
+
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Introduction 3
New Challenges
The wider dynamic range provided by this standard also poses new
challenges in monitoring. The trend to obtain a “hotter” signal typically
involves more sophisticated processing and compression. The narrowing
gap between average leveland peak level means more accurate monitoring
is necessary to obtain desired results.
Another important consideration in today’s digital recording and
broadcasting include monitoring the “crash point”, or the point of reaching
the maximum input level the system or equipment can handle.
The Dorrough Digital Level Meters have been designed to meet these needs
with unprecedented accuracy, flexibility and convenience in the Dorrough
tradition.
1.3. The Dorrough 280 and 380
The Dorrough model 280 and 380 Digital Loudness Monitors (DLMs)
provide the same basic functionalityas the classic 40 series analog loudness
meter except that they accept a digital data signaland display two channels.
Horizontal or Vertical Mounting
The model 280 is designed for horizontal mounting while the model 380 is
designed for vertical mounting. Both models are offered with two scale
ranges, a standard 40 dB range (-D suffix), and an expanded 60 dB range
(-E suffix). Figure 1-1 illustrates the model 280 with both scale options,
while Figure 1-2 shows the model 380 with both scales.
Figure 1-1. 280 Front Vie
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
MODEL 280-E U.S.A.
-39 -38 -37 -36 -35 -34 -33 -32 -31 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
-39 -38 -37 -36 -35 -34 -33 -32 -31 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
MODEL 280-D U.S.A.
Model 280-D
Model 280-E

4 Introduction
Two Channel Display
As defined by the AES/EBU Digital Audio specification, two audio
channels (A and B) are encoded into the serial datastream. On the model
280, Channel A (corresponds to Left), is displayed on the top scale, while
Channel B (Right) is displayed on the lower scale. On the model 380,
Channel A is displayed on the left scale, and B on the right.
When multiplemetersare installed in a console, channel designation can be
made on the meter bezel (if used), or the meter bridge front panel.
Figure 1-2. Model 380 Front Vie
40 dB or 60 dB Scale
Both the model 280 and 380 are available with either 40 dB or 60 dB scale
ranges. The “D” suffix (40 dB) uses 40 discrete LED indicators, each
representing one dB. This scale providesan absolutely linearcadence of the
display as a functionoflevel, whichis not obtainable with conventional VU
metering where the metering ballistics vary with signal level.
The 60 dB scale (“E” suffix) is available for applications requiring
observation of a wider range of signal levels. This scale also provides one
dB indications from 0 to -30dB, with the remaining nine LEDs indicating
three dB steps (-33 to -60 dB).
Either scale is available from the factory as an option.
0
–1
–2
–3
–4
–5
–6
–7
–8
–9
-10
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15
-16
-17
-18
-19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
0
–1
–2
–3
–4
–5
–6
–7
–8
–9
-10
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15
-16
-17
-18
-19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
U.S.A. 380-D
0
–1
–2
–3
–4
–5
–6
–7
–8
–9
-10
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15
-16
-17
-18
-19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
33
36
39
42
45
48
51
54
57
0
–1
–2
–3
–4
–5
–6
–7
–8
–9
-10
-11
-12
-13
-14
-15
-16
-17
-18
-19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
33
36
39
42
45
48
51
54
57
U.S.A. 380-E
380-D
(40 dB
scale)
380-E
(60 dB
scale)

Introduction 5
Overrange Indication
Overrange indication occurs whentheinput signal reaches a point one count
over maximum allowed input level. When this happens, the top three LEDs
(0, -1, and -2) all change color to red while tracking the program level.
Overrange indication is set atthe factory to occur at the point one count over
the maximum signal level (the maximum level is the point at which the
signal becomes all binary 1’s). This point can alternately be set to 4 counts
over the maximum signal level by moving a jumper.
Peak Hold Functions
Both the model 280 and 380 provide three peak hold functions: 3-second
peak hold (normal), indefinite peak hold, and no peak hold. These functions
are selected through a three-position toggle switch (supplied), or if only a
single function is desired, jumper selected on the DLM main circuit board.
Normal operation (peak hold for 3-seconds) is provided at the center
position of the toggle switch, or through jumpering as described in Section
4 of this book. In this mode, the highest peak is held for 3-seconds before
being reset.
Indefinite peak hold retains the highest peak that has occurred for an
indefinite period while constantly resampling. This function is particularly
useful for unattended operation where the engineer wishes to record the
highest audio peak occurring during a mastering operation, or at a remote
transmitter site, etc. The peak is cleared by switching the toggle switch to
normal, then back to indefinite peak hold.
Peak hold operation may also be completely defeated. In this mode, peaks
are displayed in real time.
1.4. Specifications
Compatibilit
Conforms to all formats defined within the AES/EBU Digital Audio
specification, including IEC 958, S/PDIF, and EIAJ CP-340 interface
standards.These standards include professional 24-bit and consumer 16-bit
formats. Sampling frequencies include 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, and 48 kHz.
Signal Interface
RS-422 levels over 75-ohm single-ended and 110-ohm balanced inputs.
Transformer isolated (as dictated by the EBU specification) with series DC
blocking capacitor on input and output. A buffered feed-through is also
provided. These signals are not polarized.
Scales
“D:” 40 dB in one-dB steps
“E:” 60 dB in one dB steps from 0 to -30 dB, and 3-dB steps from -33 to
-60 dB.

6 Introduction
Accuracy (both scales)
Worst case error: +1.4% to -0.8% of full scale. Typical: better than 0.35%
of full scale error.
Peak Hold Functions
Normal (3-Second Peak Hold), Indefinite Peak Hold, or no Peak Hold.
Overrange Indication
Top/rightmost 3 LEDs change color to red while tracking the programlevel
peaks when the overrange trigger point is reached. The trigger point is
jumper selectable between 1-count over (factory default), or 4-counts over
the maximum input level.
Electrical Connections
All signal, power, and peak hold functions are made to the unit through an
eight-pin Euroconnector. Electrical connections are made through screw
terminals in the connector.
Power Requirements
7 VDC at approximately 600 mA.
Dimensions
Bezel: 1.45” x 5.00”.
Mounting
Fits standard 1.45” console opening (minimum 5.0”height and 5.5” depth).
Bezel supplied.
Weight
Approximately 1 pound.
Options
– Rack mount adapter for one to three units (model 280 only).
– 40 dB or 60 dB scale overlay.
Accessories Supplied
– 120VAC or 220VAC power adapter
– Peak Hold Toggle Switch (3-position) with cable and plug
– Mounting bezel
– Technical Instruction Manual

Installation 7
Installation 2
2.1. General
Installation of the DLM is straightforward and easy. When multiple DLMs
are installed in a console the use of a common power supply is
recommended. Installation procedures are provided in the following
sections.
Your Dorrough model 280 or 380 Digital Loudness Meter is warranted for
a period of one year from date of purchase. Be sure to complete and return
the Warranty Registration Form to activate the warranty.
2.2. Unpacking
All Dorrough Digital Loudness Meters are carefully packed at the factory,
however, if any damage is evident, retain the packaging and notify the
transit carrier and your local distributor about your claim.
Once you are satisfied with the physical integrity of the unit, proceed with
the installation procedure.
2.3. Mounting
280
The model 280 is designed for horizontalmounting in a console or rack. For
console installation, the unit mounts in a standard 1.45” by 5.0” cutout. If
you intend to install the unit in a rack, a optional rack adapter are available
as shown in Figure 2-1. Contact the factory or your sales representative for
ordering information.
380
The model 380 is designed for vertical mounting in a console having
standard 1.45” by 5.0” cutouts. If plan to install the meter in a custom
console or equipments and do not wish to use the bezel supplied, cutout
dimensions can be taken from the inside opening of the bezel.
Contact the factory for alternate mounting options.
An illustration ofdetailed measurements useful for mounting the model 380
in a console is provided at the rear of this book.

8Installation
Figure 2-1. Model 280 Rack Mount Adapters
2.4. Electrical
There are three types of electrical connections to the DLM: digital signal
input (and optional output), peak hold function selection, and DC power.
Signal Connection
The DLM is designed to operate with either professional balanced input
lines using a shielded twisted pair, or unbalanced lines using coaxial cable.
Wiring foreach is shown in Figure 2-2. Signal connections should be made
to the corresponding terminal of the meter’s Euroconnector.
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
MODEL 280-E U.S.A.
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
MODEL 280-E U.S.A.
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
MODEL 280-E U.S.A.
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
-57 -54 -51 -48 -45 -42 -39 -36 -33 -30 -29 -28 -27 -26 -25 -24 -23 -22 -21 -20 -19 -18 -17 -16 -15 -14 -13 -12 -11 -10 -9 -8 -7 -6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 0
MODEL 280-E U.S.A.