Qualis Audio Sentine User manual

Sentinel
surround sound audio monitor
User Manual
Version 2.0
May, 2011

User Manual Version 2.0
May, 2011
Qualis Audio, Inc.
Lake Oswego, Oregon

Copyright © 2011 Qualis Audio, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Dual Stream is a trademark of Qualis
Audio, Inc.
SEN-IUM 110531
Qualis Audio, Inc.
PO Box 731
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
[phone] voice
[phone] fax
www.qualisaudio.com
[email protected]

iii
Contents
Chapter 1 Overview 1
Chapter 2 Installation 5
Getting organized 6
Mounting and operating environment 7
Power connection and grounding 7
Network connection 8
User interface configuration and use 8
AES digital audio connection 9
SDI digital audio connection 11
Analog audio connection 12
Auxiliary signals connection 14
Date & time configuration 15
Log repository configuration 15
Chapter 3 Front Panel 17
Front panel displays and controls 18
Front Panel menus 19
Chapter 4 Readings page 23
Meters panel 25
Loudness meter panel 34
Readings Timeline panel 40
Signal Histogram panel 47
Errors panel 48
Digital Interface panel 51
Dolby Metadata panel 54
DC Inputs & Temperature panel 58
Chapter 5 Settings page 59
Input & Sources settings panel 61

iv User Manual
Levels & Metering settings panel 62
Loudness Settings panel 64
Channel Analysis settings panel 67
Downmix Compatibility settings panel 68
DC Inputs & Temperature settings panel 70
Alarms settings panel 71
Alarm Actions settings panel 72
Date & Time settings panel 73
Chapter 6 Log Repository 75
Log repository setup in the user interface 77
Purging and archiving repository data 78
Scheduled downloading of log data 78
Chapter 7 Connections and cabling 83
AES digital audio connections 84
Analog audio connections 85
Auxiliary connections 86
Breakout adapter 87
Chapter 8 Firmware updates 89
Appendix A Specifications 93
Appendix B Warranty 95
Appendix C Safety information 97

1
1Overview

2 User Manual
The Qualis Audio Sentinel was designed to address the compound
needs of increased audio monitoring requirements, decreased person-
nel availability and shrinking budgets. It uses advanced signal process-
ing algorithms to directly answer broadcast user’s fundamental ques-
tions, rather than merely displaying information requiring further anal-
ysis by experienced personnel. The Sentinel allows significant reduc-
tions in operating costs while improving the quality of delivered audio.
Features
The Qualis Audio Sentinel monitors a surround program, up to 8 chan-
nels. Measurements include:
■Individual surround channel signal levels with user selectable ballis-
tics
■Stereo and mono downmix signal levels with user selectable ballistics
■True peak levels of the surround and downmix channels
■Loudness to ITU-R BS.1770 (LKFS)
■Surround balance
■Downmix Compatibility, directly answering “will my program change
when reproduced in stereo or mono?"
■LFE bandwidth & phase compatibility
■Spectrum with one octave resolution
■Over-level conditions
■Dead channel detection
■Hum detection on fundamental plus 2 harmonics
For digital inputs the Sentinel extracts metadata and compares it:

Overview 3
■to interface signal parameters
■to audio signal characteristics
■across surround channels
■to metadata carried within coded audio
The Sentinel also provides other measurement functions including:
■Six DC inputs for monitoring external parameters (line voltage, secu-
rity sensors, transmitter power, etc.)
■Internal clock / calendar for time & date reference
■LTC for correlating results with program
■Internal temperature for monitoring equipment rack conditions
The measured results may generate user-defined alarms (local, remote
and email) and are accessible through local networks or over the Inter-
net using standard browsers. The displays include intuitive bargraph
and text presentations. The previous 25 hours of measurement data are
available for review or download to long term storage.

4

5
2Installation
Getting organized 6
Mounting and operating environment 7
Power connection and grounding 7
Network connection 8
User interface configuration and use 8
AES digital audio connection 9
SDI digital audio connection 11
Analog audio connection 12
Auxiliary signals connection 14
Date & time configuration 15
Log repository configuration 15

6 User Manual
Getting organized
The Qualis Audio Sentinel
monitors a surround audio
signal through analog or
digital inputs. A networked
instrument, it provides
its user interface through
your browser and delivers
alarms via email.
1. Power. Input from univer-
sal input voltage external
power supply.
2. Auxiliary Signals. Linear
Time Code input, 6 DC
inputs, 2 loudness con-
trol input pairs, 8 contact
closure outputs.
3. Network. RJ45 connec-
tor for 10BASE-T Ether-
net. LEDs indicate con-
nectivity and network
activity.
4. Audio Module 2.
Optional second audio
input/output module.
5. Audio Module 1. Primary
audio input/output mod-
ule: AES digital, SDI digi-
tal, or analog.
To install the Qualis Audio Sentinel, you mount it where it will be used,
connect it to power, network, audio source and auxiliary signals, and
configure it for operation.
For a basic installation, you can typically make the connections using
standard cabling, and you can configure the Sentinel through its user
interface on your browser. You'll need to view the Sentinel’s front panel
to determine its network address; you can also use the front panel to
view configuration settings, and modify network, time and security set-
tings.
If this is the first time you have installed a Sentinel, we suggest you per-
form a basic installation to confirm that your unit is working correctly
and to gain familiarity with its operation. Once you're comfortable with
the basics, finish your permanent installation.
Pay particular attention to these configuration steps, should they apply
to you. The instructions that follow provide more detail.
■Static IP address. By default, the Sentinel gets its network address
automatically using DHCP services. You may prefer a static address
(you use the address to access the Sentinel, and a static address
won't change on you). You will need to contact your network adminis-
trator to determine appropriate settings for your network.

Installation 7
■Auxiliary signals. Linear Time Code input, loudness controls, alarm
outputs and DC inputs are grouped together on a single connection.
To gain access to any of these, you will need to fabricate a custom
connector.
■Log repository. The Sentinel downloads its measurement data to a log
repository. If you are using this data as an archival record, you may
need to consider procedures for managing the data.
Mounting and operating environment
The Sentinel is designed for rack mounting and comes with integral
rack ears. The instrument dissipates relatively little heat, 7 Watts for
analog input units and under 10 Watts for digital input units. No special
cooling is required for operation within the specified temperature range.
However, the instrument should always be used indoors in a non-con-
densing environment.
Power connection and grounding
The Sentinel is supplied with a universal input voltage external power
supply. It is designed to plug into any standard outlet strip and occupy
only one space. This avoids the “fit” problems typically encountered
when attempting to use multiple external supplies in one system. Out-
side North America, use an appropriate adaptor to fit the mains power
outlet.
This instrument is not grounded through its power supply. Grounding of
the metal enclosure will occur through the equipment rack, audio con-
nections (shield or individual pins) or through the auxiliary signals con-
nector.
Do not depend upon or attempt to use the enclosure as a safety
ground.
A strain relief is provided for the power supply cord to prevent acciden-
tal removal of power. After plugging the low voltage power cord into
the Sentinel power input connector, loop the cord through the supplied
strain relief.

8 User Manual
Network connection
The Sentinel provides a 10BASE-T Ethernet network interface through
an RJ45 connector on the rear panel.
By default, the Sentinel determines its TCP/IP network settings using
the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP). This requires a DHCP
server on your network to supply the settings.
Alternatively, you can configure static network settings through the net-
work setup section of the Front Panel menus (p.19). Static settings
are stored in non-volatile RAM, so they are preserved if power is inter-
rupted.
The configured IP address (dynamic or static) is shown on the front
panel LCD display.
User interface configuration and use
The Sentinel provides its user interface through your browser. It is
accessible from wherever you have network access to the Sentinel.
Connect your browser to the user interface by using the Sentinel’s IP
address. You'll use the interface to verify the installation, and to perform
several configuration steps.
Browser compatibility and system requirements
The user interface is compatible with these browsers:
Chrome v6.0 or later
Firefox v3.5 or later
Internet Explorer 8 or 9, IE7 Compatibility View off
Safari v5.0 or later
Your browser must have cookies enabled for the user interface to oper-
ate correctly.
The log data features require the Java Runtime Environment, v1.5.x or
later, to be installed and enabled in your web browser settings.
If the user interface is unresponsive or the displays are fragmented or
corrupted, check your browser version and compatibility settings. Indi-

Installation 9
cators on the status bar (p.34) can also help you diagnose user
interface problems.
The Sentinel user interface performs substantial processing in the
browser. Browser performance is continually improving, and you will
find the interface is most responsive with the latest browser versions.
Similar considerations apply to your choice of workstation or laptop –
faster, current-generation systems will perform better.
Modifying settings
The user interface is divided into two main pages. The Chapter4,
Readings page (p.23), initially visible, displays measurement pan-
els. The Settings page (p.59) displays settings panels, where you
can view and modify settings. On the left of each page is a navigation
panel that lets you select which information panels are visible, and lets
you switch pages.
Briefly, to modify settings, you:
1. Switch to the Settings page (click Show Settings in the navigation
bar),
2. Unlock the settings (click Modify Settings in the navigation bar,
respond to the security prompt with a blank username and your
Sentinel’s password – audio is the default),
3. Select panels and change settings as required,
4. Save changes (click Save Settings in the navigation bar),
5. Return to the Readings page (click Show Readings in the navigation
bar).
AES digital audio connection
The AES audio module provides two HD15 connectors for audio con-
nections. The AES In jack accepts input from coded audio streams. The
AES In/Out jack accepts discrete PCM input channels.

10 User Manual
AES In connection
Coded audio input chan-
nels, compatible with VGA
monitor cable pinout.
1. Input 1 (red).
2. Input 2 (green).
3. Input 3 (blue).
4. Input 4 (h-synch).
The AES In jack accepts up to 4 balanced or unbalanced coded audio
streams in AES-3 format, any one of which may be routed to the internal
Dolby decoder.
Unbalanced inputs use standard VGA monitor cables.
Balanced operation is selected by shorting a pin on the connector to
ground. Qualis Audio provides an optional HD15 to XLR cable for this
configuration.
Specifications for fabricating custom cabling are provided in AES digi-
tal audio connections (p.84).
AES In/Out connection
Discrete PCM input chan-
nels, compatible with VGA
monitor cable pinout.
1. Input 1 (red).
2. Input 2 (green).
3. Input 3 (blue).
4. Input 4 (h-synch).
5. Coded audio output (v-
synch).
The AES In/Out jack accepts up to 4 balanced or unbalanced AES
streams. Each carries 2 channels for a total of 8 input channels. These
accept PCM format inputs which may be directly monitored.
When the Sentinel is configured to process coded audio input, the AES
In/Out connector outputs the selected coded audio signal. This signal
is always unbalanced.

Installation 11
The AES audio input/output connection has identical characteristics to
the AES input connection, except for the addition of the coded audio
output. Specifications for fabricating custom cabling are provided in
AES digital audio connections (p.84).
Input-to-channel assignment
You assign digital input connections to internal Sentinel channels
through the user interface. Select the channel assignments on the Input
& Sources settings panel (p.61) with the Use Input From field.
When monitoring PCM inputs in AES-3 format, any channel from the
AES In/Out connector can be assigned to any of the internal channels.
When monitoring coded audio streams, any channel from the decoder
may be routed to any internal channel. The description of the Dolby
Metadata panel (p.54) lists channel orders for common channel
configurations.
SDI digital audio connection
The SDI audio module provides three jacks. There are two BNC con-
nectors for SDI signals. SDI In accepts an SD or HD input, and SDI
Thru outputs a reclocked version of this input. AES In/Out, an HD15
connector, accepts discrete PCM input channels.
SDI In and Thru connections
SDI SD or HD input stream.
The SDI Input accepts both SD and HD signals up to 2.97 GB.
The receiver automatically locks to the applied input and creates a
reclocked version which drives the output. Two groups are extracted
from the stream and the resulting 8 channels are available for monitor-
ing as PCM signals.

12 User Manual
The SDI input and reclocked output both use high performance BNC
connectors. Particularly when monitoring HD-SDI signals it is essential
to use high quality 75Ω BNC cables.
AES In/Out connection
The AES in/out connector on the SDI audio module functions identically
to the AES in/out connector on the AES audio module.
Input-to-channel assignment
You assign digital input connections to internal Sentinel channels
through the user interface. Select the channel assignments on the Input
& Sources settings panel (p.61) with the Use Input From field.
When monitoring PCM inputs in SDI format, two groups of the available
4 may be monitored. These 8 channels can be assigned to any of the
internal channels.
When monitoring coded audio streams, any channel from the decoder
may be routed to any internal channel. The description of the Dolby
Metadata panel (p.54) lists channel orders for common channel
configurations.
Analog audio connection
Analog input signals,
compatible with TASCAM
pinout.
The analog input accepts up to 8 channels of balanced or unbalanced
analog audio. The input impedance is 1MΩ, allowing minimal loading
in bridged applications and making the input CMRR immune to typ-

Installation 13
ical source impedance imbalance. A common mode filter is used to
improve RF immunity.
The high input impedance of the Sentinel makes unconnected inputs
sensitive to noise and AC fields. These can cause low-level bargraph
activity. Unused inputs should be shorted or resistively terminated with
a low value.
Connecting balanced inputs
Commercial breakout cables may be used to connect the Sentinel input
to XLR or ¼" phone jacks. Cables should follow the standard pin 2 high,
pin 3 low and pin 1 shield connection on the female XLR connectors.
These are available from a variety of vendors in a range of lengths:
Apogee-AD-8-IFC 1 m
Horizon DA88-*F 5, 15 ft
HOSA DTF-80* 3, 5 m
Mogami-DB25-XLRF- 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 ft
Monster SLDA88-FX-* 1.5, 3, 5 m
Planet Waves XLR-F 5, 10, 25 ft
Pro Co DA88XF* 5, 10, 15 ft
Quantum Audio QDA88-*F 6, 15, 20, 25 ft
Switchcraft DB25M*XLRF 2, 3, 5 ft
Specifications for fabricating custom cabling are provided in Analog
audio connections (p.85).
Connecting unbalanced inputs
Commercial breakout cables are also available to connect the Sen-
tinel input to RCA connectors or other unbalanced sources. However,
take care to ensure the cable connects the low side of the input to the
source connector shield at the source itself. Otherwise the differential
input will be unable to attenuate hum induced by ground potential dif-
ferences between the source and the Sentinel.
Specifications for fabricating custom cabling are provided in Analog
audio connections (p.85).

14 User Manual
Analog levels configuration
The maximum input level is software selectable between +28 and
+22dBu by using the Max Analog In field of the Levels & Metering set-
tings panel (p.62). The lower maximum level setting provides a cor-
respondingly lower noise floor and maintains dynamic range in installa-
tions with lower operating levels. The range of settings available for Clip
Level, Overload Level and Alignment Level are all affected by the Max
Analog In setting.
Input-to-channel assignment
You assign analog input connections to internal Sentinel channels
through the user interface. Select the channel assignments on the Input
& Sources settings panel (p.61) with the Use Input From field. Any
input connection can be assigned to any of the internal channels.
Auxiliary signals connection
The auxiliary signals connection combines the Linear Time Code (LTC)
input, loudness meter controls, alarm outputs, and DC inputs.
There are two pairs of loudness meter controls: one for the Surround
loudness meter, and a second for the Ancillary loudness meter. One
input of each pair switches between active measurement and the
paused state, or between measuring program and measuring commer-
cial. The other input completes the current measurement and begins a
new measurement.
The four alarm outputs are asserted when the corresponding alarms
occur.
The six DC inputs may be used to measure DC voltages, and by appro-
priate setting of the input comparison thresholds they may be used to
monitor low speed logic signals.
Specifications for fabricating custom cabling are provided in Auxiliary
connections (p.86).