Orban Optimod-PC 1101 User manual

Operating Manual
Optimod-PC
1101
Digital Audio Processor PCI Sound Card
Software Version 1.0

IMPORTANT NOTE: Refer to the unit’s rear panel for your Model #.
Model Number: Description:
1101 OPTIMOD-PC Digital Audio Processor on a PCI Sound Card.
OPTIMOD-PC is a broadcast-quality audio processor offering gain-riding AGC, para-
metric equalization, multiband compressor, and look-ahead peak limiting.
1101/CBLXLR Pre-wired cable option for 1101 I/O Interface, terminated in XLR connectors.
1101/CBLRCA Pre-wired cable option for 1101 I/O Interface, terminated in RCA connectors.
1101/CBL Pre-wired cable option for 1101 I/O Interface, unterminated.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to
the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage
inside the enclosure ⎯voltage that may be
sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important
operating and maintenance instructions in the accompa-
nying literature. Read the manual.
In accordance to the WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) direc-
tive of the European Parliament, this product must not be discarded into the
municipal waste stream in any of the Member States. This product may be
sent back to your Orban dealer at end of life where it will be reused or recycled
at no cost to you.
If this product is discarded into an approved municipal WEEE collection site or
turned over to an approved WEEE recycler at end of life, your Orban dealer
must be notified and supplied with model, serial number and the name and
location of site/facility.
Please contact your Orban dealer for further assistance.
www.orban.com

PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING!
Manual
Please review the Manual, especially the installation section, before installing the unit in your computer.
Trial Period Precautions
If your unit has been provided on a trial basis:
You should observe the following precautions to avoid reconditioning charges in case you later wish to return the unit to
your dealer.
(1) Note the packing technique and save all packing materials. It is not wise to ship in other than the factory carton. (Re-
placements cost $35.00).
(2) Avoid scratching the plating. Set the unit on soft, clean surfaces.
(4) Use care and proper tools in removing and tightening screws to avoid burring the heads.
Packing
When you pack the unit for shipping:
(1) Wrap the unit in its original plastic bag to avoid marring the unit.
(2) Seal the carton with tape.
If you are returning the unit permanently (for credit), be sure to enclose:
The Manual(s)
The Registration/Warranty Card
Your dealer may charge you for any missing items.
If you are returning a unit for repair, do not enclose any of the above items.
Further advice on proper packing and shipping is included in the Manual (see Table of Contents).
Trouble
If you have problems with installation or operation:
(1) Check everything you have done so far against the instructions in the Manual. The information contained therein is
based on our years of experience with OPTIMOD and broadcast stations.
(2) Check the other sections of the Manual (consult the Table of Contents) and search the text to see if there might be
some suggestions regarding your problem.
(3) After reading the section on Factory Assistance, you may call Orban Customer Service for advice during normal Ari-
zona business hours. The number is +1 480.403.8300.

Operating Manual
Optimod-PC
1101
Digital Audio Processor PCI Sound Card
Software Version 1.0

Orban is a registered trademark.
All trademarks are property of their respective companies.
This manual was published November 2008.
© Copyright Orban
7970 South Kyrene, Tempe, AZ 85284 USA
Phone: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; E-Mail: [email protected]; Website: www.orban.com
WARNING
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy. If it is not
installed and used as directed by this manual, it may cause interference to radio
communication. This equipment complies with the limits for a Class A computing
device, as specified by FCC Rules, Part 15, subject J, which are designed to pro-
vide reasonable protection against such interference when this type of equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residen-
tial area is likely to cause interference. If it does, the user will be required to elimi-
nate the interference at the user’s expense.
WARNING
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications. (Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de
bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques
(de las class A) prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique
edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.)
CAUTION
Perform the installation under static control conditions. Simply walking across a rug
can generate a static charge of 20,000 volts. This is the spark or shock you may
have felt when touching a doorknob or some other conductive item. A much
smaller static discharge is likely to destroy one or more of the CMOS semiconduc-
tors employed in OPTIMOD-FM. Static damage will not be covered under warranty.
There are many common sources of static. Most involve some type of friction be-
tween two dissimilar materials. Some examples are combing your hair, sliding
across a seat cover or rolling a cart across the floor. Since the threshold of human
perception for a static discharge is 3000 V, you may not notice damaging dis-
charges.
Basic damage prevention consists of minimizing static generation, discharging any
accumulated static charge on your body or workstation, and preventing that dis-
charge from being sent to or through an electronic component. You should use a
static grounding strap (grounded through a protective resistor) and a static-safe
workbench with a conductive surface. This will prevent any buildup of damaging
static.

Table of Contents
PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING!-------------------------------------------------------- 0-3
Table of Contents --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 0-7
Index--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------0-12
----------------------------------------------------------------SECTION 1 INTRODUCTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-1
ABOUT THIS MANUAL------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-1
AUDIO PROCESSING FOR LEVEL CONTROL-------------------------------------------------------------- 1-1
Audio Processing: Making Broadcasts/Netcasts Sound Professional ------------------------- 1-1
Figure 1-1: Unprocessed Audio-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-2
Figure 1-2: Same Audio Processed Through OPTIMOD-PC-------------------------------------- 1-2
Audio Processing for Netcasts --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-3
Measuring Studio and Transmission Levels---------------------------------------------------------- 1-3
Figure 1-3: Absolute Peak Level, VU and PPM Reading ----------------------------------------- 1-3
Controlling Program Levels in a Playout System before OPTIMOD-PC --------------------- 1-4
THE OPTIMOD-PC DIGITAL AUDIO PROCESSOR----------------------------------------------------- 1-5
General Features----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-6
Adaptability through Multiple Audio Processing Structures------------------------- 1-9
PRESETS IN OPTIMOD-PC-----------------------------------------------------------------------------1-10
Factory Processing Presets ---------------------------------------------------------------------1-10
User Processing Presets -------------------------------------------------------------------------1-11
INPUT/OUTPUT CONFIGURATION-----------------------------------------------------------------------1-12
Figure 1-4: OPTIMOD-PC Signal Flow and I/O----------------------------------------------------- 1-13
Digital AES3 Left/Right Input/Output ------------------------------------------------------1-13
Analog Left/Right Input/Output -------------------------------------------------------------1-14
The Orban I/O Mixer-----------------------------------------------------------------------------1-14
OVERVIEW OF AN OPTIMOD-PC INSTALLATION----------------------------------------------------1-16
Figure 1-5: Typical I/O mixer---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-16
Simple Operation in One Host Computer-------------------------------------------------1-18
Security ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1-18
Networking OPTIMOD-PC Cards -------------------------------------------------------------1-20
LOCATION OF OPTIMOD-PC FOR NETCASTING -----------------------------------------------------1-21
Genlocking OPTIMOD-PC Cards to a Reference Sample Frequency---------------1-22
STUDIO-TRANSMITTER LINK IN DIGITAL BROADCASTING --------------------------------------------1-22
Transmission from Studio to Transmitter -------------------------------------------------1-23
Digital links -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-23
Microwave STLs--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-25
Analog Telephone/Landline (PTT/Post Office Line) --------------------------------------------- 1-26
LOCATION OF OPTIMOD-PC IN DIGITAL RADIO SERVICE ------------------------------------------1-26
At the Transmitter is Best ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-26
Where Access to the Transmitter is not Possible------------------------------------------------- 1-26
OPTIMOD-PC at the Transmitter: Gain Control before the STL ----------------------------- 1-27
USING LOSSY DATA REDUCTION IN THE AUDIO CHAIN BEFORE OPTIMOD-PC------------------1-28
INTERFACING TO THE TRANSMITTER--------------------------------------------------------------------1-28
Sync Input ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-28
Sample Rate and Audio Bandwidth ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1-28
Subframe Delay -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-29
SETTING OUTPUT/MODULATION LEVELS --------------------------------------------------------------1-29
MONITORING ON LOUDSPEAKERS AND HEADPHONES -----------------------------------------------1-30
STREAMING AND NETCASTING APPLICATIONS --------------------------------------------------------1-31

Using OPTIMOD-PC in Streaming Applications--------------------------------------------------- 1-31
Using OPTIMOD-PC to Prepare Audio Files for Download ----------------------------------- 1-31
Loudness------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-32
Choosing your Encoder ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-32
SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-32
WARRANTY,USER FEEDBACK ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-33
User Feedback------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-33
LIMITED WARRANTY---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-33
INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY ---------------------------------------------------------------- 1-34
EXTENDED WARRANTY ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1-34
-----------------------------------------------------------------SECTION 2 INSTALLATION
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2-1
INSTALLING OPTIMOD-PC IN WINDOWS®COMPUTERS ----------------------------2-1
1. Unpack and inspect. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2-1
2. Mount OPTIMOD-PC in a free PCI slot in your computer. ---------------------------- 2-2
3. Install driver and software. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-2
Figure 2-1: OPTIMOD-PC Network Scenarios-------------------------------------------------------- 2-3
Figure 2-2: Wiring Diagram for the OPTIMOD-PC XLR Cable Assembly -------------------- 2-4
Figure 2-3: Wiring Diagram for the OPTIMOD-PC RCA Cable Assembly-------------------- 2-4
4. Plan your installation. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-4
Figure 2-4: The Orban Control Application---------------------------------------------------------- 2-5
5. Connect hardware inputs and outputs. (optional)-------------------------------------- 2-5
6. Set up passwords and card names for cards in your computer. (optional) ------ 2-6
Figure 2-5: Card & Security Administration---------------------------------------------------------- 2-7
8. Edit the local OPTIMOD-PC server’s network accessibility, port numbers, and
Service Security Password. (optional)---------------------------------------------------------------- 2-10
10. Add remote cards to your list of available cards. (optional) ----------------------- 2-10
11. Connect to a remote card. (optional) ----------------------------------------------------- 2-12
12. Change passwords and card names over a network. (optional) ------------------ 2-12
13. Delete a remote computer’s profile. (optional)---------------------------------------- 2-13
15. Simple installations: Connecting to an OPTIMOD-PC card.------------------------- 2-14
16. Connect inputs and outputs. (optional) -------------------------------------------------- 2-14
AUDIO INPUT AND OUTPUT CONNECTIONS ----------------------------------------- 2-15
Cable ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-15
Connectors ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-15
Analog Audio Input ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-15
Analog Audio Monitor Output -------------------------------------------------------------- 2-16
AES3 DIGITAL INPUT AND OUTPUT----------------------------------------------------- 2-16
GROUNDING ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-17
Power Ground ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2-18
SETUP:THE OPTIMOD-PC CONTROL APPLICATION------------------------------------------------ 2-18
1. From the Tools menu, bring up the I/O Mixer. ----------------------------------------- 2-18
2. Select the card you are setting up.--------------------------------------------------------- 2-19
3. Configure global audio processing parameters. --------------------------------------- 2-20
Figure 2-6: Configuration Page in the I/O Mixer------------------------------------------------- 2-21
4. Set digital output properties. (optional) ------------------------------------------------- 2-22

Figure 2-7: Processor Mixer Page in I/O Mixer --------------------------------------------------- 2-24
INPUT SETUP----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-24
About the Interaction between the OPTIMOD-PC Input Mixers and the Microsoft
Windows Mixer -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------2-25
Figure 2-8: MS Mixer Output--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-25
Figure 2-9: MS Mixer Input ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-26
Input Setup Procedure --------------------------------------------------------------------------2-26
1. Adjust the Analog Input Reference Level control. ------------------------------------ 2-26
2. Adjust the Analog Output Reference Level control. --------------------------------- 2-27
3. Select the Stereo/Mono input mode for the analog input. ------------------------ 2-28
4. Adjust the Processor mixer analog input fader. --------------------------------------- 2-28
5. Adjust the Analog L/R Input Balance Control. (optional) --------------------------- 2-30
6. Adjust the remaining input faders. (optional) ----------------------------------------- 2-30
7. Set up the automatic backup feed function. (optional)----------------------------- 2-30
Figure 2-10: Output Levels Page in I/O Mixer ----------------------------------------------------- 2-31
OUTPUT AND ROUTING SWITCHER SETUP -------------------------------------------------------------2-31
THE DIRECT MIXER --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2-32
INTERFACING OPTIMOD-PC WITH WAVE DEVICES------------------------------------------------2-33
Turning Off Windows Sounds ----------------------------------------------------------------2-33
Applying Output from WAVE Applications to OPTIMOD-PC -----------------------2-33
Applying OPTIMOD-PC’s Output to WAVE Devices ------------------------------------2-34
Enabling the Windows 2003 Server Audio Service ---------------------------------------------- 2-35
PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE CAUSES ---------------------------------------------------------------------2-36
When I first turn on my computer, the sound seems wrong.-------------------------------- 2-36
When I Launch the OPTIMOD-PC control application, the meters do not move and I
cannot control my card. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-36
I can’t connect to a given OPTIMOD-PC card from my network. --------------------------- 2-36
I get clicks when I source my WAVE material from a CD. ------------------------------------- 2-37
I get clicks when I source my WAVE material from my computer’s hard drive.-------- 2-37
I get clicks in the 1101’s WAVE output.------------------------------------------------------------- 2-38
I am running Windows 2003 and I cannot get audio to pass through OPTIMOD-PC’s
WAVE inputs and outputs. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-38
Meters on Optimod-PC Control Application freeze temporarily but audio continues to
be processed normally. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-38
RFI, hum, clicks, or buzzes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2-38
Poor peak level control ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-38
Audible distortion ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-38
Audible noise in processed audio -------------------------------------------------------------------- 2-39
Shrill, harsh sound; excessive sibilance-------------------------------------------------------------- 2-40
Gain pumping when high frequency energy is present --------------------------------------- 2-40
System receiving OPTIMOD-PC’s AES digital output will not lock-------------------------- 2-40
System will not pass line-up tones at full output level/100% modulation -------------- 2-40
General dissatisfaction with subjective sound quality ----------------------------------------- 2-40
TECHNICAL SUPPORT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2-41
ADDING A CUSTOM LOGO------------------------------------------------------------------------------2-41
USING WINDOWS FIREWALL WITH OPTIMOD-PC ----------------------------------------------------2-42
NAT (Network Address Translation) Firewalls -------------------------------------------2-44
---------------------------------------------------------------------SECTION 3 OPERATION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-1

Figure 3-1: The OPTIMOD-PC Control Application ------------------------------------------------ 3-1
THE OPTIMOD-PC CONTROL APPLICATION ----------------------------------------------------------3-1
INTRODUCTION TO PROCESSING -------------------------------------------------------------------------3-4
Some Audio Processing Concepts----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-4
Distortion in Processing------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-4
Loudness and Distortion----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-4
Speech/Music Detector------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-5
Processing for Low Bitrate Codecs ------------------------------------------------------------3-5
Optimod-PC in Radio-Oriented Applications: From Bach to Rock-------------------3-6
Sound for Picture Applications: Controlling Dynamic Range-------------------------3-7
Protection Limiting --------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-7
Studio AGC-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------3-8
ABOUT OPTIMOD-PC’S SIGNAL PROCESSING FEATURES --------------------------------------------3-8
Dual-Mono Architecture -------------------------------------------------------------------------3-8
Audio Processing Signal Flow ------------------------------------------------------------------3-9
Figure 3-2: Simplified OPTIMOD-PC Digital Signal Processing Diagram -------------------- 3-9
Two-Band Purist Processing------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-12
Input/output Delay ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3-12
CUSTOMIZING OPTIMOD-PC’S SOUND ------------------------------------------------------------- 3-13
Basic Control--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-13
Gain Reduction Metering---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-15
Fundamental Requirements: High-Quality Source Material and Accurate
Monitoring----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-15
ABOUT THE PROCESSING STRUCTURES ---------------------------------------------------------------- 3-15
FACTORY PROGRAMMING PRESETS-------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-17
Protection and AGC Presets------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-18
Table 3-1: Protection and AGC Presets-------------------------------------------------------------- 3-19
Radio-Style Presets------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-20
Table 3-2: Radio-Style Presets-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-21
Sound for Picture Presets ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-26
Table 3-3: Factory Programming Presets (Video) ------------------------------------------------ 3-26
Table 3-4: Equalization Controls --------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-27
EQUALIZER CONTROLS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-27
STEREO ENHANCER CONTROLS------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-32
Table 3-5: Stereo Enhancer Controls----------------------------------------------------------------- 3-32
Table 3-6: AGC Controls --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-33
AGC CONTROLS----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-33
DISTORTION CONTROL---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-38
Figure 3-3: Bass Clipper Input/Output Transfer Curves as Bass Clip Shape Control is
Varied from 0.0 (Hard) to 10.0 (Soft) ---------------------------------------------------------------- 3-39
Table 3-7: Distortion Control Adjustments -------------------------------------------------------- 3-40
THE TWO-BAND STRUCTURE--------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-40
Customizing the Settings ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-41
The Two-Band Structure’s Full and Advanced Setup Controls --------------------- 3-41
Table 3-8: Two-Band Controls ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-42
THE FIVE-BAND STRUCTURE --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-45
Putting the Five-Band Structure on the Air ---------------------------------------------- 3-45
Table 3-9: Five-band Controls-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-46
Customizing the Settings ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-46
The Five-Band Structure’s Full and Advanced Setup Controls ---------------------- 3-46
Table 3-10: Multiband Attack / Release Controls ------------------------------------------------ 3-47
Table 3-11: MB Band Mix Controls ------------------------------------------------------------------- 3-51