Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User manual

AERO.qc
Audio Quality Controller with
Optional HD/SD-SDI and Dolby Decoding
User Guide

AERO.qc
Audio Quality Controller with
Optional HD/SD-SDI and Dolby Decoding
User Guide
Release Date: July, 2010
Software Version: 1.00.00 and later
Linear Acoustic Inc.
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Web: www.LinearAcoustic.com

Warranty Information
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES: Products manufactured by Linear Acoustic are warranted
against defects in material and workmanship for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase.
THERE ARE NO OTHER IMPLIED OR EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND NO WAR-
RANTY FOR MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
During the warranty period Linear Acoustic Inc. will repair, or at our discretion replace, components
which prove to be defective, provided the unit is returned, shipped pre-paid to us directly with a return
authorization (RA) number clearly marked on the packaging. Please note, this RA number must be
present or package will be refused and returned to sender.
All requests for repairs MUST include the unit serial number to ensure quick and accurate service.
DEFECTS CAUSED BY UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS, MISUSE OR ACCI-
DENTS, UNAUTHORIZED CUSTOMER REPAIRS, OR ANY FURTHER DAMAGE
CAUSED BY INADEQUATE PACKAGING FOR SERVICE RETURN ARE NOT COV-
ERED BY THIS WARRANTY.
PLEASE SAVE THE SHIPPING CARTON AND ALL PACKING MATERIALS. FAILURE
TO RETURN UNIT IN ORIGINAL SHIPPING CARTON AND PACKING MATERIALS
WILL RESULT IN A CHARGE FOR NEW SHIPPING MATERIALS.
LIMITATION OF PERIOD OF ACTION ON CONTRACT: No action, regardless of form,
arising out of the transactions under this agreement may be brought by buyer, its successors, agents
and/or assigns, more than three years from date of purchase.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: It is understood and agreed that Linear Acoustic’s liability whether
in contract, in tort, under any warranty, in negligence or otherwise shall not exceed the cost of repair
or replacement of the defective components and under no circumstances shall Linear Acoustic be liable
for incidental, special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, or loss of use, revenue or profit even
if Linear Acoustic or its agents have been advised, orally or in writing, of the possibility of such damages.
This product contains Audyne dynamic range and loudness control processing and is manufactured
under license.
This product optionally contains Dolby Digital (AC-3/Dolby E decoding and is manufactured under
license from Dolby Laboratories, Inc. The decoder contains confidential unpublished works and is
protected by US and foreign patents and is copyright 2007 Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
Linear Acoustic, the “LA” symbol, AERO.qc, AEROMAX, AutoNorm, MetaMAX, AutoMAX-II,
AutoVoiceover, AutoVOX, CrowdControl, upMAX, and UPMAX-II are trademarks of Linear Acous-
tic Inc., all other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide
v
Table of Contents
List of Figures ..........................................................................................................................................vii
Chapter 1: Introduction...................................................................................................................5
1.1 Principles of Operation..........................................................................................6
1.2 Reference Levels and Line Up Features..............................................................7
1.3 Powering Up and Shutting Down........................................................................7
1.4 Reset and Upgrades................................................................................................7
1.5 Warranty and Feedback .........................................................................................7
Chapter 2: Connections and Quick Setup.......................................................................9
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection ....................................................................................9
2.2 Installation ...............................................................................................................9
2.3 Rear Panel ..............................................................................................................10
2.3.1 Connection Ports .................................................................................10
2.4 Quick Setup Notes ...............................................................................................12
2.5 Password Programming.......................................................................................12
Chapter 3: Applications................................................................................................................13
Chapter 4: Detailed Operation.................................................................................................19
4.1 Menu Navigation ..................................................................................................19
4.1.1 Mode Switches......................................................................................19
4.1.2 System Info Menu................................................................................23
4.1.3 System Options.....................................................................................24
4.1.4 Test Tones.............................................................................................27
4.1.5 GPI Setup..............................................................................................27
4.1.6 Record Audio to USB..........................................................................28
4.1.7 Time and Date Settings .......................................................................28
4.2 Fullscreen Menu Navigation ...............................................................................29
4.3 Monitoring Settings (Optional) ..........................................................................31

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide
vi
Chapter 5: Monitor Setup ...........................................................................................................35
5.1 Monitor Calibration (Analog Outputs) .............................................................35
5.1.1 Main Channel SPL Adjustment..........................................................35
5.1.2 Subwoofer SPL Adjustment...............................................................36
5.1.3 Speaker Equalization............................................................................37
5.1.4 Speaker Delay........................................................................................37
5.1.5 Listen!.....................................................................................................37
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................39
6.1 Problems and Possible Causes............................................................................39
6.1.1 Unit won’t power on............................................................................39
6.1.2 The “LA” symbol is flashing red .......................................................39
6.1.3 Output Audio Clicks and Pops ..........................................................40
6.1.4 Audio Sounds Strange .........................................................................40
6.1.5 Audio Issues Disappear In Bypass ....................................................40
6.1.6 Audio Fixed by Re-boot......................................................................41
6.1.7 Audio Has Artifacts .............................................................................41
Chapter 7: Presets & Processing Adjustment ............................................................43
7.1 Description of Factory Presets & Adjustments...............................................43
7.1.1 Processing Structure.............................................................................44
7.1.2 Adjusting Processing............................................................................45
Chapter 8: Specifications............................................................................................................53

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide
vii
List of Figures
1-1 Audio Block Diagram .........................................................................................................................6
2-1 Rear Panel ...........................................................................................................................................10
3-1 AERO.qc Used for ingest of discrete audio channels .................................................................14
3-2 AERO.qc Used for ingest of SDI embedded audio channels ....................................................15
3-3 AERO.qc used for decode of Dolby E during ingest ..................................................................16
3-4 AERO.qc used for live production .................................................................................................17
4-1 Locked Main Screen (left); Unlocked Main Screen (right) ..........................................................19
4-2 Recall Preset menu (left) and Save Preset menu (right) ...............................................................23
4-3 System Info menu ..............................................................................................................................24
4-4 System Options menu (left) and Preferences menu (right). ........................................................27
4-5 Top of Fullscreen Mode screen .......................................................................................................29
4-6 Monitor Source Select .......................................................................................................................31
7-1 General signal flow of the AERO.qc processing core .................................................................45
7-2 Adjust Processing Menu ...................................................................................................................45

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide
viii

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide
5
Chapter 1: Introduction
The Linear Acoustic AERO.qc Audio Quality Controller is an all-in-one unit that com-
bines ITU-R BS.1770 loudness measurement with tools to allow manual or automatic cor-
rection plus extensive monitoring functions that allow the most complete downmix
emulation available.
AERO.qc includes metadata functionality where professional audio metadata (i.e. Dolby
Metadata) can be applied to the unit to minimize processing and control functions such as
upmixing.
The unit facilitates the quick creation or ingest of content to a known standard target.
Loudness and surroundfield are both kept consistent and results are displayed graphically
so that no interpretation is required better ensuring that all operators will have the same
high quality result.
The AERO.qc provides the following features:
• Dual ITU-R BS.1770 loudness meters (fast and slow) with numeric and logical color
graphic indication of results: green=good
• True peak indication
• Adjustable display of facility loudness target
• Selectable and adjustable upmixing of Main Input 1/2 (Left/Right front) via industry
standard UPMAX and UPMAX-II stereo to 5.1 channel upconversion algorithms
• LtRt or LoRo downmix available full-time
• Optional monitor section including speaker calibration and downmix emulation
• Optional redundant power supplies
• Optional ITU compliant automatic loudness processing for up to six channels of au-
dio; includes input AGC, multiband AGC and limiting, distortion-free look-ahead
peak limiting, and selectable multiband source noise reduction
• Optional built-in dual Dolby Digital (AC-3)/Dolby E decoding
• Optional HD/SD-SDI I/O for embedded audio and VANC metadata

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Introduction
6
1.1 Principles of Operation
The AERO.qc processing structures support up to six channels of main audio input. Dis-
crete 5.1 channel audio can be applied, or two channel audio can be upmixed to 5.1 chan-
nels if desired. Input audio is first passed through a user adjustable +/-18dB attenuator to
allow a manual adjustment of an incoming program. Apply audio, watch the meters and
adjust the attenuator until the results are as desired. If the optional processing core is in-
stalled, picking a preset will automate this process further and allow single pass operation.
Specific processing presets and adjustments are discussed in Chapter 7.
Figure 1-1 shows the internal audio path of the AERO.qc. It should be noted that this di-
agram is a general representation of signal flow. Please consult the appropriate section of
this manual for specific functionality.
Figure 1-1 Audio Block Diagram
1/2
3/4
5/6
1/2
3/4
5/6
7/8
7/8
(LtRt)
L/R
C/LFE
Ls/Rs
AEROMAX 5.1
Loudness Control Core
ETHERNET
Control
ETHERNET
Metadata
RS-485
Metadata
Relay Bypass
8
L
R
RFI Headphone
Output
(7/8)
HD/SD-SDI
De-embed
(optional)
HD-SDI
Input
VANC MD
AES/SDI/SIMM
SDI
Out
HD/SD-SDI
Embed
(optional)
Dolby E/AC-3
Decode SIMM
(opt)
8
AES/SDI/SIMM
AES/SDI/SIMM
Decoder Input
from any AES
or SDI Source
Digital to
Analog
Converter
1/2
3/4
5/6
7/8
Input Gain
-18 to +18
dB
9/10
11/12
13/14
15/16
LtRt, LtRt2, LoRo
LtRt, LtRt2, LoRo
6
6
Main 5.1
Main LtRt
Main LtRt2
Main LoRo
Ext 5.1 5.1
Ext 5.1 LtRt
Ext 5.1 LtRt2
Ext 5.1 LoRo
Ext 1
Ext 2
Ext 3
Ext 4
9/10
11/12
13/14
15/16
(Optional)
UPMAX
+
UPMAX-II
+
AUTOMAX-II
Input
Output
Input vs. Output
Input Output
Monitor Out
(Digital, No
Volume Control)
Volume, Mute, Reference
External Inputs
Volume, Mute, Reference
Internal Control
Monitor Source
Select
External
Monitor
Inputs
Main
Inputs Main
Outputs
Downmix
Relay Bypass
Linear Acoustic AERO.qc Block Diagram
(S/WVersion 1.00.00)
Monitor Out
(Analog, -20dBFS
= +4dBu)
LtRt2
LoRo
7/8
7/8 Output
Select
LoRo
LoRo90
Full/
Mono/
Upmix
6
2
8
RTA
Calibration
Input
(Analog via RJ45)
“MICIn”
6
-Monitor Section (Optional)-
Headphone
Mode
Monitor
Mode

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Introduction
7
1.2 Reference Levels and Line Up Features
The AERO.qc is designed to support a standard reference level of -20dBFS via its digital
inputs. Other levels can be supported as the slow-moving Input AGC will easily compen-
sate for any level differences. The AERO.qc contains a host of built in signal generation
capabilities that are useful for both level calibration of downstream equipment, and for
channel identification. Please see Chapter 4 for detailed information.
1.3 Powering Up and Shutting Down
With the unit plugged in to a valid AC power source, press the Left, Up, and Right posi-
tions on the RIGHT navigation ring (i.e. a thumb on the 11 0’clock and 2 o’clock posi-
tions). The Linear Acoustic logo blue LEDs will illuminate first and the unit will then
power on normally.
Shutting down is exactly the same: press the Left, Up, and Right positions on the RIGHT
navigation ring (i.e. a thumb on the 11 0’clock and 2 o’clock positions). The screen will
show the shutdown sequence, and will then go blank. A few seconds later, the Linear
Acoustic logo backlight will go off and the bypass relays will close and the unit is now pow-
ered off.
If there is a need to bypass the unit, the best way is via Master Bypass in the System Settings
menu.
1.4 Reset and Upgrades
To reset the unit, simply follow the power off procedure above, then power back on.
For software updates, the factory will provide a USB updater with instructions on how to
update software.
WARNING:Donot connect any devices to theUSB connector onthe rearpanel with-
out specific instructions from the factory!
1.5 Warranty and Feedback
Please take a moment to fill out and return the warranty card included with the unit and
drop it in the mail. This will enable us to contact you if there are any software or documen-
tation issues. Also, we are very interested in your feedback. This unit was designed based
on input gathered from many broadcast engineers and it will evolve further thanks to on-
going suggestions and comments from users. We look forward to hearing from you.

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Introduction
8

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide
9
Chapter 2: Connections and Quick Setup
This chapter covers all required connections for the AERO.qc.
2.1 Unpacking and Inspection
Before unpacking the unit, inspect the outer carton for shipping damage. If the carton
shows damage, inspect the unit in those areas. Please save the carefully designed shipping
carton and packing materials. In the unlikely event that the unit needs to be returned to the
factory, alternate cartons or packing materials may not be adequate and can cause damage
not covered by warranty.
The following essential items are provided with the unit:
• Bag containing:
• One or two IEC power cords (style matches country of order);
• this manual, and a small piece of SWAG
• Warranty information: Please fill out and return the warranty card to Linear Acoustic
to ensure your software and documentation are kept up to date.
2.2 Installation
AERO.qc installation requires:
• two standard rack space units with ADEQUATE VENTILATION (the unit vents
from the front side slots;
• standard 75-Ohm BNC cables for digital signal connections;
To connect to digital equipment with 110-Ohm XLR connectors, use impedance-
matching transformers (available from Canare, Neutrik and other manufacturers).
• Proper selection of reference. The unit will default to internal 48kHz, but for proper
timing should be set to AES Ref In, AES 1, or SDI.

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Connections and Quick Setup
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2.3 Rear Panel
The rear panel of the AERO.qc contains its electrical I/O.
2.3.1 Connection Ports
All of the AERO.qc’s connections are on the rear panel and are described in detail below.
See Chapter 5: Specifications for specific pinouts.
Figure 2-1 Rear Panel
•Main In: Connect the 48kHz PCM signals to these inputs. The input channels are ar-
ranged as follows: 1/2 = Left front/Right front, 3/4 = Center/LFE, 5/6 = Left sur-
round/Right surround. 7/8 is currently not used.
•Aux A In: Currently not used.
•AES REF: Connect a 48kHz AES plant reference signal to this connector (not video
or wordclock). The signal may be an AES Black or AES signal containing audio. All
Main Audio Inputs must be synchronous and locked to the AES reference signal ap-
plied to the AERO.qc.
NOTE: Appropriate reference must be selected for proper operation.
• Ext. Monitor IN (OPTION): Four inputs allowing monitoring of 5.1 + 2 external
sources or four external stereo sources.
•Main Audio Output: Main 48kHz processed digital audio outputs with same channel
configuration as the inputs on 1-6. The output of the extra stereo +2 program is avail-
able on 7/8 or a compatible LtRt downmix of the main program can be selected.
•AuxAOut:Currently not used.
•AuxBOut:Currently not used.
• Monitor OUT (OPTION): Digital monitor outputs, pre volume and mute.

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Connections and Quick Setup
11
• Cal Mic Input (OPTION): Analog line-level input for a calibration microphone used
by the built-in real time spectrum analyzer (RTA). Also provides +/-15V DC output
to power an external mic to line preamplifier. Please see Chapter 8 for pinout or con-
tact the factory for details.
• Monitor Control (OPTION): Inputs for an external rotary encoder for volume plus
Mute and Return to Reference switches and LED indicators. See Chapter 8 for pinout.
• Analog Monitor Out (OPTION): +4dBu output controlled by front panel or exter-
nal volume control and mute.
NOTE: Analog outputs are normalized to produce +4dBu with a -20dBFS input
signal; users must provide proper gain matching for best results.
•Metadata I/O: RS-485 connection accepts the metadata output of any Dolby equip-
ment (DP572, DP570, etc...) or any Dolby-compatible metadata source. Used to con-
trol upmixing and other functions.
•SDI Input: Any of the 16 possible audio channel from an applied HD/SD-SDI signal
can be de-embedded and used in place of or along with AES inputs. This can be se-
lected in the System Options->I/O Options menu on a pair-by-pair basis.
•SDI Output: Up to 16 audio channels, including any of the Main outputs. Audio chan-
nels present in the applied SDI signal can also be passed through in a bit-accurate man-
ner, allowing for example pre-encoded Dolby E or AC-3 bitstreams to pass untouched.
AES outputs remain active in parallel with embedded audio.
•GPI/O: Currently not used.
•ETHERNET: Automatically senses 100 or 1000BASE-T Ethernet connectivity.
This connector is not currently supported an as such it is recommended that it not be
connected to any network.
•Future: Extra RJ-45 connector for future I/O use.
•USB: Used for software updates via factory instruction. Please Do Not connect any
USB devices to this connector without factory guidance as this may affect the perfor-
mance of the unit.
NOTE: Please do not connect anything to the USB connector without specific in-
structions from the factory. Permanent damage can occur!

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Connections and Quick Setup
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2.4 Quick Setup Notes
The Linear Acoustic AERO.qc is configured at the factory and is ready to go on the air
after making the proper input and output connections and determining if upmixing is de-
sired.
• Select appropriate reference from the System Options->I/O Options menu (AES Ref,
AES 1, SDI, or Internal 48kHz) and make sure the selected reference is applied to the
unit. If reference is missing, the “double L” signal in the upper right corner of the
screen will flash red. For proper operation it should not be flashing.
• Apply audio sources to Main AES inputs and/or SDI Input.
• On a pair-by-pair basis, select the inputs to the processor in the System Options->I/O
Options menu.
• You should see input audio on the top left set of front panel meters, and output audio
on the top right set of front panel meters.
• You should now have audio outputs on the Main AES outputs, as well as the Monitor
Outputs.
• Input audio can be monitored by entering Full Screen mode (press the Right side of
the Menu navigation ring).
• If the loudness is incorrect, it can be adjusted by toggling down to the “Input Attenu-
ator” screen:
• Press Down on the Menu navigation ring while still in the full screen mode until
“Input Attenuator: xdB” is shown at the top of the screen
• Rotate the Menu knob to adjust the level until the meter displays a good result
The best way to learn the unit is to explore the different settings with audio applied and
monitored. There are many factory presets to support many different tastes. Some presets
may not sound much different at first, but will perform very depending on program con-
tent.
2.5 Password Programming
After setup, users may wish to password-protect the AERO.qc. This will prevent unau-
thorized or accidental changes to the settings, however please do not forget the password!

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide
13
Chapter 3: Applications
The Linear Acoustic AERO.qc Audio Quality Controller was designed to provide all of the
tools necessary to produce, ingest, and correct high quality stereo and multichannel audio
content:
• Multichannel input attenuator provides manual adjustment of input +/-18dB
• Dual ITU-R BS.1770 meter that can measure audio at the input and output of the unit
allowing fast identification of problems
• Stereo to 5.1 channel upmixing using the acclaimed industry standard UPMAX and the
new UPMAX-II algorithm
• Fully-featured monitoring section that provides speaker equalization and delay calibra-
tion and a real-time spectrum analyzer
• Optional Multiband, multistage automatic loudness and dynamic range control
• Optional Dolby Digital/Dolby E decoding (auto-sensing)
• Optional HD/SD-SDI I/O and dual power supplies
The applications for this device are many. Below a few simple scenarios are shown in block
diagram form to highlight some uses.

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Applications
14
Figure 3-1 AERO.qc Used for ingest of discrete audio channels
As shown above, discrete audio can be played back from tape, monitored for proper qual-
ity and loudness level, and manual or automatic adjustment of the content can be per-
formed as it is captured by the server or another tape machine.
Powered monitor speakers can be driven directly from the analog outputs of the
AERO.qc, or an operator can simply use a pair of headphones.
AERO.qc In Baseband Ingest Application
1/2 3/4 5/6
L/R C/LFE Ls/Rs
Main In
Headphones
VTR – Discrete Audio
Server – Discrete Audio
1/2 3/4 5/6
L/R C/LFE Ls/Rs
Main Out
C
LR
S
W
L
sR
s
SW
Monitor Out (6)
Powered Speakers

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Applications
15
AERO.qc In Baseband Ingest Application (SDI)
HD/SD-SDI
Out
Headphones
VTR – Discrete Audio
Server – Discrete Audio
C
LR
S
W
L
sR
s
SW
Monitor Out (6)
Powered Speakers
HD/SD-SDI
In
HD/SD-SDI
Out
HD/SD-SDI
In
Figure 3-2 AERO.qc Used for ingest of SDI embedded audio channels
Similar to Figure 3-1, SDI audio can be played back from tape, monitored for proper qual-
ity and loudness level, and manual or automatic adjustment of the content can be per-
formed as it is captured by the server or another tape machine. The AERO.qc also
simultaneously outputs the audio via AES for other applications.
Powered monitor speakers can be driven directly from the analog outputs of the
AERO.qc, or an operator can simply use a pair of headphones.

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Applications
16
AERO.qc In Dolby E to Baseband Ingest Application
3/4
Dolby E Main In
Headphones
VTR – Dolby E on Ch. 3/4
Server – Discrete Audio
1/2 3/4 5/6
L/R C/LFE Ls/Rs
Main Out
C
LR
S
W
L
sR
s
SW
Monitor Out (6)
Powered Speakers
1/2
Figure 3-3 AERO.qc used for decode of Dolby E audio and loudness measurement during ingest
The AERO.qc can optionally contain a Dolby E/Dolby Digital decoder enabling it to re-
place several pieces of equipment normally used during ingest. Audio can be decoded,
checked for proper loudness, adjusted if necessary, upmixed if desired, then output at dis-
crete or embedded.
The auto-sensing capabilities of the unit allow it to easily handle either Dolby E or Dolby
Digital with no re-patching or equipment changes.