Linear Acoustic L.A.M.B.D.A.-II User manual

L.A.M.B.D.A.-II
Digital Audio and Metadata Monitor
User Guide

L.A.M.B.D.A.-II
Digital Audio and Metadata Monitor
User Guide
Release Date: March, 2010
Software Version: 00.00.96 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 under
purchase of date the from
warranty 5-year Alliance Telos standard the
.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 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.
Linear Acoustic, the “LA” symbol, L.A.M.B.D.A., AutoNorm, MetaMAX, AutoMAX, CrowdControl,
upMAX, AEROMAX TV, AEROMAX DTV, and AEROMAX 5.1, AERO.air, AERO.qc, and
AERO.one are trademarks of Linear Acoustic Inc.., all other trademarks remain the property of their
respective owners.

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide
v
Table of Contents
List of Figures ..........................................................................................................................................vii
Chapter 1: Introduction...................................................................................................................5
1.1 Principles of Operation..........................................................................................6
1.2 Location ...................................................................................................................6
1.3 Upgrades ..................................................................................................................7
1.4 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 ...............................................................................................11
Chapter 3: Application Notes...................................................................................................13
3.1 Inputs and Reference ...........................................................................................13
3.2 Monitoring PCM Sources....................................................................................13
3.3 Monitoring In 16-Channel Mode.......................................................................14
3.4 Monitoring Encoded Sources.............................................................................14
Chapter 4: Detailed Operation.................................................................................................17
4.1 Menu Navigation and System Control ..............................................................17
4.2 Detailed Menu Functions and Setup .................................................................20
4.2.1 Menu Settings........................................................................................20

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide
vi
Chapter 5: Specifications............................................................................................................27
Chapter 6: Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................31
6.1 Unit won’t power on............................................................................................31
6.2 Output Audio Clicks and Pops...........................................................................31
6.3 Meters Present, No Audio Reproduced............................................................32

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide
vii
List of Figures
1-1 Audio Block Diagram .........................................................................................................................6
2-1 LAMBDA Rear Panel .......................................................................................................................10

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide
viii

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide
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Chapter 1: Introduction
The second generation Linear Acoustic Monitor for Broadcast Digital Audio and metadata
(LAMBDA) has been designed to enable fast and easy evaluation of complex multi-chan-
nel audio and metadata signals. The unit has the following features:
• Baseband PCM via AES and HD/SD-SDI audio can be arranged into logical groups.
Baseband AES output of all 16 embedded audio channels when SDI input is selected
or active loop-through outputs when AES input is selected.
• Display of serial or VANC SDI metadata applied alongside the audio meters and op-
tionally applied to the audio signals to simulate its effects prior to transmission.
• Optional Dolby E/Dolby Digital (AC-3) or Linear Acoustic e-squared decoding can
be provided for metering and output of discrete audio channels and metadata.
• Two-way audiophile grade speaker system driven by four digital power amplifiers,
Linkwitz-Reilly crossovers provide exceptionally detailed local monitoring.
• Selected audio is also available from a powerful front panel headphone output, stereo
AES and +4dBu balanced analog outputs.
• Simple control via dual menu clusters, function keys and a highly visible, durable, long-
life vacuum fluorescent display
• Auto-ranging medical grade power supply, with option for dual redundancy
• Lightweight rigid aluminum construction for minimal weight impact
•NEW:Display of all 16 applied audio channels
•NEW: Front panel function keys for quick solo, downmix selection, and preset recall
•NEW: Downmix selectable between LoRo and True LtRt
•NEW: Utility delay provides up to 100 msec of delay to audio from speakers, head-
phones and analog/digital Monitor Outputs
•NEW: adjustable integration time of 3 seconds to 15 seconds for existing ITU-R
BS.1770 loudness metering.
•NEW: GPO indication of programmable alarm conditions such as Loudness over/
under threshold, Center channel under threshold, All channels under threshold, Any
channel over threshold, Reference loss, and Metadata loss.

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide Introduction
6
1.1 Principles of Operation
The LAMBDA is basically a multi-input router coupled with speakers and a display. Of
course it is far more sophisticated than just that, combining measurement and audition of
metadata, ITU loudness, and internal decoding of popular compressed audio formats such
as Dolby E, Dolby Digital (AC-3), and Linear Acoustic e-squared. Sixteen baseband or
compressed audio inputs are available via discrete AES3-ID (BNC) connectors, or by de-
embedding from an applied HD-SDI signal. Audio outputs are active loop through of the
inputs when in AES mode, and discrete decoded audio channels with compressed audio.
In HD-SDI mode, the AES outputs are the de-embedded audio channels.
Figure 1-1 below is a high level block diagram showing general signal flow and currently
available options. Exact operation will of course be more detailed and later chapters of this
guide should be consulted for more information.
Figure 1-1 Audio Block Diagram
1.2 Location
The LAMBDA can be used anywhere audio and/or metadata need to be monitored. It is
ideal for monitoring incoming audio, mid-plant quality control, checking audio at the point
of transmission, and even providing visual and audible feedback right in master control.
Each location could require some, all or none of the optional features, so the unit can be
1-8
Out
9-16
Out
Demux
HD-SDI
In
Re-Clocked
Out Re-Clock Format &
AES Tx
Format &
AES Tx
AES 1/2 AES Rx
X 8
MD
AC-DC
#1
AC-DC
#2
+
100-240
50/60Hz
100-240
50/60Hz
PS
Mon
PS
Mon
Local
Reg
RS485
Metadata
16
Dolby E/
AC-3
Decoder
Down
mix
MD
Apply
MD
Apply
Vacuum Fluorescent
Metering:
-16 x Audio
-Metadata
-ITU Loudness
AES 15/16
16
2
MD ITU
BS.1770
16
5
Volume,
Mute, Ref
2-Way
Crossover,
EQ, Limit
Class D
Power Amp
4-Ch: LF/HF
Left
Speakers
Right
Speakers
Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Broadcast Audio
and Metadata Monitor
Down
mix AES
Out
Format &
AES Tx
2 Ch.
+4dBu &
Headphone
Analog Out
24-bit
DAC
Down
mix
Optional

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide Introduction
7
scaled for specific applications.
1.3 Upgrades
Updates to the functionality of the LAMBDA unit will be installed via Ethernet and a pro-
vided update package. Customers are encouraged to fill out and mail the warranty registra-
tion card to enable timely notifications of updates and feature additions.
WARNING: Do not connect any devices to the Ethernet or USB connectors without
specific instructions from the factory!
1.4 Warranty and Feedback
Please take a moment to fill out the postage-paid 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 or updates. Also, we are very interested in your feedback. This unit was de-
signed based on input gathered from many broadcast engineers and it will evolve further
thanks to ongoing suggestions and comments from users. We look forward to hearing
from you.

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide Introduction
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Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide
9
Chapter 2: Connections and Quick Setup
This chapter covers all required connections for the LAMBDA.
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 power cord (style matches Country of order);
• Spare fuses;
• this manual
• 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
LAMBDA installation requires:
• two standard rack space units with ADEQUATE VENTILATION;
• 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).

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide Connections and Quick Setup
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2.3 Rear Panel
The rear panel of the LAMBDA contains its electrical I/O.
2.3.1 Connection Ports
All of the electrical I/O of the LAMBDA unit, with the exception of the front panel head-
phone connector, is located on the rear panel. See Chapter 5: Specifications for specific pin-
outs.
Figure 2-1 LAMBDA Rear Panel
•AES LoRo Out: PCM output of the audio selected to drive the speakers and head-
phones. Can be a downmix or individual channels, follows front panel control.
•Analog Out Left/Right: A +4dBu nominal analog version of the AES LoRo output.
•AES In 1-16: Apply baseband or compressed (optional) audio signals to these connec-
tors. Internal routing allows for channel selection and grouping.
NOTE: LAMBDA uses AES 1/2 or the SDI input as a reference. All other source
must be synchronized to the selected reference.
•AESOut1-16:Active loop-through of AES inputs, AES outputs of de-embedded au-
dio from applied HD-SDI signal, or discrete decoded audio outputs when an optional
decoding module is installed.
•Metadata: Connect RS-485 serial audio metadata from any Dolby compatible meta-
data source using a pin-to-pin DB-9 cable for display and analysis.
•GPI/O: Four general purpose active low inputs, four general purpose TTL level out-
puts. GPI inputs can be used to select system presets. GPO outputs indicate alarm
conditions such as loudness over or under threshold, loss of audio, missing reference
and failed metadata. Thresholds and on/off times can be adjusted. See Chapter 4 for
more details.

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide Connections and Quick Setup
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2.4 Quick Setup Notes
The LAMBDA audio monitor is very straightforward to use and configure. Spending just
a few minutes with this manual and the unit will allow quick mastering of settings and con-
trols. As shipped, the unit will have several presets to ease initial installation. Modifications
can be made and new presets created that are specific to the facility, but basic audio can be
monitored immediately.
As a general overview, it is helpful to think of the unit in several sections that are config-
ured in “signal-flow” order:
• Source Mode - PCM vi BNC for discrete AES inputs, PCM via SDI for de-embedding
audio from an applied SDI signal. For Dolby E or Dolby Digital (AC-3), select Dolby
via BNC or Dolby via SDI.
NOTE: Choosing PCM-16 PCM or SDI will automatically map input channels. Solo
and downmix selection can then be done via front panel function keys.
Please see Chapter 4 for detailed operational information.
• Select Inputs - Configure how the applied channels should be grouped for monitoring.
For example, if 8 audio channels are applied to the first four BNC connectors, they can
be grouped into two programs: 5.1 and 2. This allows quick front panel selection of
which program to monitor. For compressed formats such as Dolby E or Dolby Digital
(AC-3), these fields are automatically assigned via metadata.
• Program Settings - Select whether to apply incoming metadata to the audio.
The following chapters will describe in detail how to set all of these parameters for custom
monitoring configurations.

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide Connections and Quick Setup
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Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide
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Chapter 3: Application Notes
The Linear Acoustic L.A.M.B.D.A. monitor can be thought of as a multi-format audio and
metadata router followed by optional decoding, with outputs in the form of powered
speakers, headphones, and baseband PCM. Metadata must be carefully checked prior to
the final encoding process and this monitor also provides this necessary functionality.
In its simplest form, LAMBDA can be used to monitor baseband or embedded PCM audio
signals grouped into pairs, and metadata can be selectively applied. For example, if 8 sep-
arate stereo programs are applied to the unit, each pair can be assigned to its own program
(1-8), then easily cycled between using the Menu navigation cluster.
More complex configurations are also easily supported. Program one and program four are
special in that they are able to support mono, stereo, or 5.1 channel programs. All other
programs can support mono or stereo programs.
3.1 Inputs and Reference
Audio can be applied as baseband or compressed via AES or HD-SDI. Metadata is via RS-
485 to accompany AES signals, extracted from the vertical ancillary (VANC) space of an
applied SDI signal, or provided by the optional Dolby E/Dolby Digital (AC-3) decoding
module.
Reference for the LAMBDA is automatically changed when the input source is selected.
For AES sources supplied via the discrete BNC connectors, the clock reference is derived
from Input 1/2. For SDI sources, the reference is of course the SDI input. If no reference
is connected, the unit will revert to an internal 48kHz oscillator.
3.2 Monitoring PCM Sources
The first step is to set the Source Mode to the desired PCM input format. If the input signal
is baseband PCM over AES, the choices are PCM Via BNC or PCM Via BNC+MD for
monitoring audio and RS-485 metadata.
The menu screen below shows how PCM inputs can be assigned to programs. Note the
presence of audio on BNC 1 (assigned to Lf/Rf) and the absence of signal on other chan-
nels as indicated by “XX”:

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide Application Notes
14
In addition to allowing simple grouping of audio channels, setting programs also deter-
mines how audio channels are presented to the downmixer and the ITU loudness meter.
It is thus critical that channels are properly assigned. For example, assigning an input with
stereo audio to the c/s (Center/Subwoofer) channels will result in mono audio being re-
produced and an incorrect loudness indication.
NOTE: For proper audio downmixing and loudness metering, channels must be prop-
erly assigned within a program.
3.3 Monitoring In 16-Channel Mode
Selecting either of the PCM-16 modes (PCM or SDI) will automatically map the physical
input channels 1:1 to the monitoring inputs of the LAMBDA. The Select Input screen is
then fixed and no adjustments can be made. All channel selection and downmix settings
are accomplished via the front panel function keys described in Chapter 4.
3.4 Monitoring Encoded Sources
Again, the first step is to set the Source Mode to the desired input format. If the input sig-
nal is Dolby E or Dolby Digital (AC-3) over AES, select Dolby via BNC, and if the input
signal is supplied via HD-SDI, select Dolby via SDI. Metadata is automatically supplied by
the optional decoder card.
For monitoring encoded signals, the input channel is chosen and the mapping is automat-
ically dictated by metadata and the fixed channel layout of these formats. It can be seen
below that an encoded signal is present on the first input and has been selected.
Input Mode
Speaker
Mute
BNC Inputs
Program
Assignment Monitor Ch
Assignment
Channel
Level

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide Application Notes
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The outputs of the decoded signal (audio and metadata) are automatically mapped to the
proper monitor channels. In the case of a Dolby Digital (AC-3) signal, a single program is
created. In the case of a Dolby E signal, the number of programs created is driven by the
Program Config metadata parameter. For example, a 5.1+2 program config is two pro-
grams, while 4x2 is four programs.
Input Mode
Speaker
Mute
BNC Inputs
Fixed program
and monitor
assignments
Channel
Level

Linear Acoustic LAMBDA-II Audio Monitor User Guide Application Notes
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