TC Electronic DB2 User manual

DB2
LOUDNESS CONSISTENCY
PROCESSOR
USER’S MANUAL

a
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1 Read these instructions.
2 Keep these instructions.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instructions.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with dry cloth.
7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruc-
tions.
8 Do not install near heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce
heat.
9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11 Only use attachments/accessories specified
by the manufacturer.
12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/apparatus com-
bination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
or when unused for long periods of time.
14 Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power-supply cord or plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
• Thisequipmentshouldbeinstallednearthe
socket outlet, and disconnection of the device
should be easily accessible.
• TocompletelydisconnectfromACmains,
disconnect the power supply cord from the AC
receptacle.
• Themainsplugofthepowersupplyshall
remain readily operable.
• Donotinstallinaconfinedspace.
• Donotopentheunit–riskofelectricshock
inside!
Caution:
You are cautioned that any change or modi-
fications not expressively approved in this
manual could void your authority to operate this
equipment.
Service
• Therearenouser-serviceablepartsinside.
• Allservicemustbeperformedbyqualified
personnel.
Warning!
• Toreducetheriskoffireorelectricalshock,
do not expose this equipment to dripping or
splashing and ensure that no objects filled
with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the
equipment.
• Thisapparatusmustbeearthed.
• Useathreewiregroundingtypelinecord
like the one supplied with the product.
• Beadvisedthatdifferentoperatingvoltages
require the use of different types of line
cord and attachment plugs.
• Checkthevoltageinyourareaandusethe
correct type. See table below:
Voltage Line plug according to standard
110 to 125 V UL817 and CSA C22.2 no 42.
220 to 230 V CEE 7 page VII, SR section
107-2-D1/IEC 83 page C4.
240V BS1363of1984.
Specification for 13A fused plugs
and switched and unswitched
socket outlets.
The lightning flash with an arrowhead
symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence
of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
The exclamation point within an equilat-
eral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating
and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in the literature accompanying the product.

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions........................... a
Table Of Contents ........................................... 3
Introduction...................................................... 5
Quick Start Guide............................................ 7
Front Panel Overview...................................... 8
Front Panel Overview...................................... 9
Rear Panel .................................................... 10
Signal Flow Diagram ..................................... 11
Typical Setups............................................... 12
Installation - Icon Editor................................. 13
The TC Icon Editor ........................................ 14
Preset Structure – Recall/Store/Delete ......... 16
Basics – Preset Handling .............................. 17
Cloning DB2’s................................................ 18
System – I/O Page ........................................ 19
System – I/O Page ........................................ 20
GPI ................................................................ 21
Front Panel Configuration ............................. 22
System – Net Page & Icon Views ................. 23
I/O Page ........................................................ 24
Main Page ..................................................... 25
Loudness page.............................................. 27
EQ Page........................................................ 29
5-band Page.................................................. 32
Limiter............................................................ 34
Appendix........................................................ 35
Troubleshooting............................................. 36
Technical Specifications................................ 37
DB2 Presets .................................................. 38
Self Test ........................................................ 41
TC Electronic, Sindalsvej 34, DK-8240 Risskov – [email protected] Rev 3 – SW – V 1.25
English Version
Prod. No: 606142012
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Certificate of Conformity
TC Electronic A/S, Sindalsvej 34, 8240
Risskov, Denmark, hereby declares on own
responsibility that following products:
DB2 – Loudness Consistency Processor
–thatiscoveredbythiscertificateand
marked with CE-label conforms with
following standards:
EN 60065 Safety requirements for mains
(IEC 60065) operated electronic and
related apparatus for household
and similar general use
EN 55103-1 Product family standard for
audio,video, audio-visual and
entertainment lighting control
apparatus for professional
use. Part 1: Emission.
EN 55103-2 Product family standard for
audio, video, audio-visual and
entertainment lighting control
apparatus for professional
use. Part 2: Immunity.
With reference to regulations in following
directives:
2006/95/EEC, 89/336/EEC
May 2009
Anders Faurskov
Chief Executive Officer
EMC / EMI.
These limits are designed to provide reason-
able protection against harmful interference
in residential installations. This equipment
generates, uses and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interfer-
ence will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.
• Increasetheseparationbetweenthe
equipment and receiver.
• Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletona
circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consultthedealeroranexperienced
radio/TV technician for help.
For the customers in Canada:
ThisClassBdigitalapparatuscomplieswith
Canadian ICES-003.
CetappareilnumériquedelaclasseBest
conformeàlanormeNMB-003duCanada.
b

5
INTRODUCTION
Introducing DB2
Consistency in loudness levels plus sync of audio to picture: These are the two most important
issues you need to get right in today’s broadcast. They are also two of the reasons why TC Elec-
tronic’sDBrangeofhighdefinitionaudioprocessorshassetthestandardamongstbroadcasters
the world over.
DB2putsallofthetoolsnecessaryfortrouble-freebroadcastingintoonerack-mountableunit,
andaddstoascalablefamilyofprocessorscoveringeveryapplication–fromregionalstationsto
network centers, from podcast to HDTV, from AC3 to linear, and from mono to 5.1.
DB2isthenewsmallerbrotherofDB4andDB8.Itistheperfectchoicefordualmonoorstereo
operation in MPEG, AAC, AC3 or linear audio transmission and linking. Performance is similar to its
biggersiblings,andisalsopresetcompatibleacrosstherange.LiketherestoftheDBfamily,DB2
offers high-quality loudness correction without metadata dependence and is compatible with the
latestITUandEBUaudiostandards.
DB2iscompliantwithITU-RBS.1770-2,EBUR128,ATSCA/85,TR-B32andOP59andenables
one-pass trickle-down from any of those standards to optimum mobile broadcast.
DTV Step by Step
WiththelaunchofDB2,TCElectronicalsointroducesanewcommitmenttobuyersofanyDB
processor:Withintwoyearsoftheoriginalpurchase,usersmayupgradeDB2toDB4orDB8,and
DB4toDB8,atonlythepricedifferenceplusamodesthandlingcost.
For let’s face it: Nobody knows if your audience will prefer stereo, multiple stereo, multichannel, or
somethingelse–sowewanttoensurethatyoucanstayasflexibleandasautomatedaspossible
at a minimum entry cost, yet retain a valuable option to upgrade.
The Transparent Loop
TC Electronic is the world’s premier supplier of automatic loudness correction equipment. It
has developed a high quality loudness range trickle-down concept that works independently of
metadata,butisneverthelessfullycompliantwithmetadatain,forinstance,theAC3codec.DB
processorsnotonlyautomateloudnesscontrolinaproperway–theyalsohelptaketheextra
workload and unpredictable behavior out of the codec.
Appliediningestand/ortransmission,DBprocessorsarepartofatransparentloop,basedonopen
EBUandITUstandards,spanningfromproductionovertransmissiontodeliveryatthehome.Pro-
duction can use metering of any brand compliant with these standards, including TC Electronic’s
LM5D radar meter, and obtain predictable results across broadcast platforms. News, soap, com-
mercial, film, music, promo: All genres are covered.

6 7
Quick Guide
Requirements
OneDB2LoudnessConsistencyProcessorand
a computer with an Intel Pentium (or better)
processor and Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, ME
or XP installed.
Installation of TC Icon Editor Software
Enter the CD, open it, run Setup.exe and follow
the instructions shown on-screen.
Connecting DB2
• ConnecttheRS232InportoftheDB2toa
COM port on your PC. If there are several
COM ports, note to which port you have
connectedtheDB2.
 (ThesuppliedRS232-to-USBconnectorcan
beusedtoconnecttheDB2toacomputer’s
USBport.However,notethatwhereRS232
can carry signal over cable lengths of up to
200meters,USBcablelengthsshouldnot
exceed 10 meters.)
• ProgrammingtheDB2doesnotnecessarily
require audio to be connected. However, if
audio connections are needed, make audio
connections according to the setup illustra-
tions in this manual.
Getting started with the TC Icon Editor
• PoweruptheDB2andstarttheTCIcon
software on your computer.
• GototheSetup/Devices/Portpageto
select which COM (1 to 4) port you have
connectedtheDB2(perdefault,theEditor
will look at COM ports 1 to 4 automatically).
• GototheSetup/Devices/Selectpage.
ClickDETECTandassignthedetectedDB2
to one of the eight device locations in the
right side of the display. To do so, simply
click any of the eight buttons.
• ClicktheICONbuttonintheupperleftcorner
togothepagesfromwherealllocalDB2
parameters are controlled.
Library Page: handles presets
System Page: handles Clock, Level trims,
Lock functions and the variable yellow LED
Threshold.
Engine: All algorithm parameters.
Cloning DB2’s using a PCMCIA card
OnceasingleDB2hasbeensetupforthe
desiredapplications,otherDB2’sinthehouse
can be easily cloned using a standard PCMCIA
card. In other words; it is NOT necessary to
hookupeverysingleDB2toacomputertoset
these up.
• InsertanunprotectedPCMCIAcardintothe
sourceDB2’scardslot.
• GototheTCIconSystem/Cardpage.
• Decidewhetheryouwishtoexcludethe
System Preset that hold overall Clock
settings, Analog Trim levels, Dither, Status
BitsettingsandGPIsettings.Toexcludethe
System Preset, activate the “Exclude System
Preset” button.
Then click CREATE CLONE CARD.
ALL DATA previously stored on the card
will be destroyed when formatting the
card! If the card is write-protected, no
data can be written on the card. The
protect/unprotect switch is located at the
edge of the card.
• RemovethecardandgotothetargetDB2
unit.
• PoweroffthetargetDB2unit.
• Insertthecardandpowerupusingthefront
panel POWER key while holding the OK key
pressed. Press UTILITY until the display
shows “C” (CLONE).
• NowpresstheOKkey.Allsettings(withor
without “System Preset”, depending on your
previous selection) are now copied to the
targetDB2.
QUICK START GUIDE
About this manual
The latest manual revision can always be downloaded from www.tcelectronic.com
If you have questions that are not answered by this manual, you may want to use our TC Support
Interactive site. This site is also accessed via www.tcelectronic.com
INTRODUCTION
The Tools
DB-2offersbroadcastersawidevarietyofconnectionoptionstoensuresimpleyetcomprehensive
integrationintoallofthemostpopularbroadcastingsystems.DB-2canalsobecontrolledremotely
with TC’s award-winning Icon software, allowing direct parameter control and preset switching from
any location.
Basedonanimmenselypowerful,lowlatencytopology,DB2offersahostof48bitresolutiontools
to be invoked simultaneously:
* LoudnesscorrectionasperITU-RBS.1770-2
* 5-band Level Optimization
* Online Delay Adjustment
* Adaptive Limiting
* Emphasis Compensation
* Filtering and EQ
* Stereo Width Adjustment
The Connections
AudioI/Oinclude24bitAES3-idonBNCconnectorsandbalancedanalogonXLRconnectorswith
analog domain gain scaling. Digital as well as analog inputs and outputs feature hardware bypass.
RemotecontrolmaybeestablishedviaRS232,USBand/orGPI,andSNMPsignalingisavailable
via the Icon application.

8 9
FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW
POWER On/Off
Switches power On/Off.
To completely disconnect from
mains, the Rear panel POWER
switch must be used.
PCMCIA Slot
For software updates and
preset backups.
ERROR LED
Indicates various error states,
e.g. signal overflow, digital
input or sync lost.
48/44.1/32 kHz LEDs
Indicates output sample rate.
Note that input sample rate
maybedifferentwhenDB2’s
sample rate converter is
engaged. A blinking sample
rate LED indicates a sync
error, e.g. that a digital input is
unavailable.
ANALOG IN/DIGITAL IN
Indicates currently selected
input type. In case digital input
is lost, the Analog In LED
blinks to show that the unit has
switched to analog input for
redundancy purposes.
DUAL MONO LED
IndicatesthattheDB2is
operating in Dual mono mode.
EDITED LED
Indicates that the currently
recalled preset has been
edited but not stored.
GAIN Meter
Indicates the current Loudness
correction gain as per ITU-R
BS.1770orITU-RBS.1770-2.
OPTIMIZE Meters
Indicates gain reduction in the
5-band processor.
When Utility is activated,
this section is used for alpha
numerical display.
LIMIT Meter
Indicates gain reduction of the
output true-peak limiter.
INPUT/OUTPUT Meters
• TheInputmetersindicate
the level of the Input signal
after the In Gain control
(set via the TC Icon control
interface).
• TheOutputmetersindicate
the current Output level.
• Threshold value for meter
color change:
For both Input/Output
meters:Below-20dB
the meter LEDs are green.
 From-20dBto0dBLED
color can be green or
yellow.
The value for this color
change is set via the TC
Icon Editor on the System
Front page.
UTILITY & OK Keys
The UTILITY and OK keys are used for
software version check and access to Reset
andSoftwareLoadmenus–seeappendixfor
details.
These keys do not disturb operation, and
may be used while the unit is on-air.

10 11
REAR PANEL SIGNAL FLOW DIAGRAM
Balanced
Analog
Inputs
XLR
AES3-id
Input/
Output
Balanced
Analog
Outputs
XLR
S/PDIF
Input/
Output
Power Input
100 to 240V
Power Switch
XLR to XLR XLR to Jack
Stereo
RS 232
9 pin Sub D
BNC
Sync In
GPI IN
RS232: For connecting to a PC RS232 port, use a standard 9 pin Sub D cable. (Supplied)
ForconnectingtoaPCUSBport,usethesuppliedRS232toUSBconnector
(NotemaxrecommendedUSBcablelength10m,whiletheRS232partofthecable
may be much longer)
GPI In: Use standard stereo ¼” jack. (not supplied)
SYNC: Usestandardshielded75OhmCoaxcablewithBNCconnectors(notsupplied).

INSTALLATION - ICON EDITOR
Requirements for running the TC Icon
Software Editor
• APCwithaPentiumorcompatibleprocessor
with one of the following operating systems:
Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT,
Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows XP
and Windows Vista.
The CD-ROM
The CD-ROM delivered with the TC Icon
Software Editor contains:
• Afoldercalled“TCIconSoftwareEditor–
Update version“. Use the contents of this
folder if the MS Installer* has already been
installed on your computer.
• Afoldercalled“TCIconSoftwareEditor+
MS Installer” (use the contents of this folder
if MS Installer has not been installed on your
computer–seebelow)
• TheDB2ManualinPDFformat.
Installing
the TC Icon Software Editor
Your computer probably holds the required MS
Installer program and you only need to run the
file called: TC Icon x.xx.msi
This file is located on the CD in the folder
called:
“TCIconSoftwareEditor–UpdateVersion”
• Exitallprogramscurrentlyrunningonyour
computer and open the CD contents in
Windows Explorer.
• Openthefoldercalled“TCIconSoftware
Editor–UpdateVersion”.
• Copythefilecalled“TCIconx.xx.msi”toa
location on your computer’s hard drive.
• Double-clicktheiconandfollowtheinstruc-
tions.
A “TC Icon” shortcut will appear both on the
desktop and in the Start menu.
Problems?
If during the process described above you
have discovered that the required MS Installer
program is NOT already installed on your
computer, you should run the installation file
including the MS installer: TC Icon x.xx.zip
This file is located in the folder called:
TCIconSoftwareEditor+MicrosoftInstaller.
This file includes both the Microsoft Installer
Service and the TC Icon Software Editor.
• Exitallprogramscurrentlyrunningonyour
computer and open the CD contents in
Windows Explorer.
• Openthefolder“TCIconSoftwareEditor+
MS Installer” and double-click on “TC Icon
x.xx.zip”.
• Selectalocationtounzipthefilesto.
“Windows/Temp” is automatically suggested.
• ClickFINISH.
• Restartyourcomputerwhenpromptedto.
• Afterrestart,theinstallationoftheTCIcon
Software Editor will proceed.
• Followtheinstructions.
A “TC Icon” shortcut will appear both on the
desktop and in the Start menu.
* The MS installer is a small installation program by Microsoft
which is required to run a regular .msi-update. The program is
installed on most computers running Windows 98 SE and up.
DB2needsIconsoftware4.01orhigher
for correct operation
12 13
TYPICAL SETUPS
Connecting and Setting up the DB2
In use – no TC Icon Editor/PC connection
necessary.
• ConnectyouraudiosourcematerialtoDB2
Inputs. Options are balanced Analog, digital
AES3-id or S/PDIF.
• ConnectOutputstorelevantmedia.
Standard Setup
• ConnectafreeRS232serialCOMporton
the computer to the RS232 connection on the
rearofDB2.UsethesuppliedRS232toUSB
connectorwhenconnectingtoUSB.
 (Notemax.verifiedUSBcablelengthis10m)
• StarttheTCIconPCEditorandselectappro-
priate COM port.
(Read TC Icon installation procedure section)
Make audio connections if these are necessary
for programming.
ALL DATA previously stored on the card
will be destroyed when formatting the
card! If the card is write-protected, no
data can be written on the card. The
protect/unprotect switch is located at the
edge of the card.
• RemovethecardandgotothetargetDB2
unit.
• PoweroffthetargetDB2unit.
• Insertthecardandpowerupusingthefront
panel POWER key while holding the OK key
pressed. Press UTILITY until the display
shows “C” (CLONE).
• NowpresstheOKkey.Allsettings(withor
without “System Preset”, depending on your
previous selection) are now copied to the
targetDB2.
Cloning DB2’s using a PCMCIA card
OnceasingleDB2hasbeensetupforthe
desiredapplications,otherDB2’sinthehouse
can be easily cloned using a standard PCMCIA
card. In other words; it is NOT necessary to
hookupeverysingleDB2toacomputertoset
these up.
• InsertanunprotectedPCMCIAcardintothe
sourceDB2’scardslot.
• GototheTCIconSystem/Cardpage.
• Decidewhetheryouwishtoexcludethe
System Preset that hold overall Clock
settings, Analog Trim levels, Dither, Status
BitsettingsandGPIsettings.Toexcludethe
System Preset, activate the “Exclude System
Preset” button.
Then click CREATE CLONE CARD.

14 15
THE TC ICON EDITOR
Basic Operation
The Icon Link button in the upper left corner
allows you to navigate between two main
pages/modes.
Fig 1 – Setup/Select Page
Via the “overall” Select & Setup pages
you can access overall settings and make
choices such as:
• Selectingwhichoftheconnectedunitsyou
want to operate.
• Enablingdevicesfornetworking.
• MakingTCIconsettings(suchasdisplayand
fader appearance).
On the Select page shown above (Fig. 1), all
connected units will appear. Click on one of the
units shown on that page.
Auto Page
ThispageisnotrequiredforoperatingaDB2.
Fig 2 – Operating pages
Click the Icon Link button in the upper left
corner to select these pages.
These pages are relevant to one specific unit.
Library pages handle operations such as
recalling, storing and deleting presets.
System pages handle overall clock settings, I/O
settings and network settings.
Engine pages allow you to control all algorithm-
specific processing parameters.
Renaming Presets
All user presets can easily be renamed.
Click on the CURRENT ENGINE NAME button
on the Store page. A keyboard display will open.
Please note that entering the name and
pressing ENTER does not permanently
store the new name. To actually store
a preset, you have to click the STORE
button on the Store page.
Fader Assign
The Fader Assign button allows you to assign
any algorithm parameter to any of the six
Faders. This means that you are not limited to
operating the parameters visible on the current
page. You can have e.g. the In Gain parameter
from the Main page assigned to Fader 1, the
Loudness Level Trim from the Loudness page
assigned to Fader 2 etc.
To assign a parameter:
• ClicktheFaderAssignbutton.
• SelecttheFaderyouwishtolinkaparameter
to by clicking the field just above the fader.
• Clicktheparameteryouwishtolinktothe
selected fader.
Introduction
The TC Icon Software Editor is a generic editor
that currently controls the following products
byTCElectronic:System6000,DB-8/DB-4/
P2/Reverb4000andDB2.Inthissectiononly
subjectsrelevantforusagewiththeDB2willbe
discussed.
DB2isconnectedtoyourcomputerviaaserial
COM port (RS232) or via the supplied RS232-
to-USBconverter.
Please note that RS232 can be used
over long distances (up to 200 meters),
whereas the cable length should not
exceed 10 meters when the RS232 to
USBconverterisused.
Navigating the Software Editor or TC Icon
display is easy once you have grasped the
basic concepts explained in the following
section.
Basics:
• Clickthetoptabstomakeprimaryselections.
• Clickthesidetabsorelementstomake
secondary selections.
• OntheSetup/UIpageselecteither“Faders
at bottom” or “Fader at Right Side”.
• Clickonparametervaluefieldstoinstantly
assign parameters to Fader 6.
• AdjustvaluesusingFaders1to6.(Alsosee
the explanation of LINK on next page.)
Unpacked and ready
• ConnecttheDB2accordingtotheillustra-
tions on page 12.
• Installthesoftwareaccordingtotheexplana-
tions on the previous page of this manual.
• PowerupDB2andstarttheTCIcon
software on your computer.
• GototheSetup/Devices/Portspagetoselect
the COM port (1 to 4) to which you have
connectedtheDB2.
• Selectthecorrectport.(Notethatwhenyou
open the Setup Port page for the first time,
allCOMports–1to4–areselected).
Another active application may access
the selected COM Port, resulting in a
conflict. If this is the case, you should
closethatapplicationorconnecttheDB2to
another COM port. Also see this manual’s
“Troubleshooting” section.
• GototheTCIconSetup/Devicespage.
• ClicktheDETECTbutton.TheTCIconEditor
will scan the System and find the connected
DB2’s.
• WhentheconnectedDB2isdetected,
assign the unit to one of the eight shortcut
buttons on the right side of the display by
clicking one of the eight buttons (see above).
Any button will do. When several units are
connected, this page serves as a convenient
organizer for the entire system.
• GototheSelectpage(toptab),andyouwill
see a screen similar to the one below. The
number of connected units and their locations
may vary depending on your specific setup.
• ClickthelargeDB2button.
• TCIconnowretrievesdatafromtheDB2.
• WhenreadyyouwillseetheMainoperating
display.
THE TC ICON EDITOR

17
BASICS – PRESET HANDLING
To delete a preset:
• SelecttheDeletepagebyclickingthe
DELETE side tab.
• Selectthepresetyouwishtodelete.
• ClickDELETE.
When Presets are stored or deleted, param-
eters on the In/Out page and Engine Layers are
always affected.
System parameters, on the other hand, are
unaffected by any other commands than a
specific System Store or System Delete.
16
PRESET STRUCTURE – RECALL/STORE/DELETE
Library Pages
On these pages, all preset operations are
handled.
To recall a preset:
• Simplyselectthedesiredpresetbyclicking
on the preset name in the list.
• ThenclicktheRECALLbutton.
System Presets:
There are three System User memory locations
and one Factory Default. None of them is
affected by regular Recall operations.
System User memory 1 is always recalled
when powering up the unit.
System presets include:
Analog Trim, Meters, Dither, Remote and
Bypasssettings.
System parameters are described later in this
manual.
Engine Presets
Engine presets hold all parameters and settings
from the Engine page.
User Presets
The User banks U1 to U8 can hold up to eight
presets each.
Factory Presets
DB2comesloadedfromthefactorywitha
collection of general purpose factory presets,
organized in banks F1 to F8.
Store – Delete
To store a preset:
• SelecttheStorepagebyclickingtheSTORE
side tab.
• Selectapresetlocation.
• ClickSTORE.
Recall buttonPreset List
Bank Handling
Via the Library Bank page, you can:
• BackupandretrievetheSystemUserbank.
• Backupandretrieveanyuserbank(U1to
U8) to any user bank location (U1 to U8) or
to your hard disk.
From Bank
OnthispageyouselectwhichbankontheDB2
you wish to copy from.
From File
If you have already stored banks on your
computer, this is where the files will appear.
To Bank
SelectwhichDB2bankyouwishtocopythe
selected bank to.
To File
Select “To File” if you wish to backup the
selected bank to your hard disk.
The TC Icon saves the bank files in a
specific location. This location varies
slightly between different operating
systems.
As an example, Windows 2000 saves backup
files in Application Data\TC Electronic\TC Icon\
DB2Presets\xxxxx
Do not move the files from this location, or the
TC Icon will not be able to display the presets
on the “From File” page.

18 19
CLONING DB2’S
Cloning DB2s
Cloning DB2’s using a PCMCIA card
OnceasingleDB2hasbeensetupforthe
desiredapplications,otherDB2’sinthehouse
can be easily cloned using a standard PCMCIA
card. In other words; it is NOT necessary to
hookupeverysingleDB2toacomputertoset
these up.
• InsertanunprotectedPCMCIAcardintothe
sourceDB2’scardslot.
• GototheTCIconSystem/Cardpage.
• Decidewhetheryouwishtoexcludethe
System Preset that hold overall Clock
settings, Analog Trim levels, Dither, Status
BitsettingsandGPIsettings.Toexcludethe
System Preset, activate the “Exclude System
Preset” button.
Then click CREATE CLONE CARD.
ALL DATA previously stored on the card
will be destroyed when formatting the
card! If the card is write-protected, no
data can be written on the card. The
protect/unprotect switch is located at the
edge of the card.
• RemovethecardandgotothetargetDB2
unit.
• PoweroffthetargetDB2unit.
• Insertthecardandpowerupusingthefront
panel POWER key while holding the OK key
pressed. Press UTILITY until the display
shows “C” (CLONE).
• NowpresstheOKkey.Allsettings(withor
without “System Preset”, depending on your
previous selection) are now copied to the
targetDB2.
SYSTEM – I/O PAGE
Parameters on the System page can be
stored and recalled via System presets and
are unaffected by normal Recall operations.
Clock Preferences
Analog
Range: Internal 44.1 kHz
Internal 48 kHz
Ext. W. Clk. (External Word Clock)
Ext. DI
Sets the processing clock frequency to be used
when analog inputs are used.
Digital
Range: Internal 44.1 kHz
Internal 48 kHz
Ext W Clk (External Word Clock)
Ext. DI
Sets processing clock frequency to be used
when processing signal from the AES or S/
PDIF input.
Digital w. SRC
Range: Internal 44.1 kHz
Internal 48 kHz
Ext Word Clock
Sets the processing clock frequency to be used
when Digital SRC is selected on the Engine I/O
page.
Analog Trim
Input Trim L & Input Trim R
Range:+1.00to-1.00dBin0.05dBincrements
Level trim for analog inputs.
Output Trim L & Output Trim R
Range:+1.00to-1.00dBin0.05dBincrements
Level trim for analog outputs.
Digital Output
Dither
Range: 8, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, off
DB2processesaudiosignalsinternallyat48bit
resolution. Dither must be set to match down-
stream devices.
Status Bits
SelectwhethertheDB2shouldsendoutAES/
EBUorS/PDIFstatusbitinformation.
GPI
The GPI input reads the analog DC level fed
to this port, and may be assigned to a variety
of functions: It may set the output level, add
or change the on-line delay, enter and exit
bypass,andmakeDB2switchbetweenupto8
presets.
GPI Assign
Disabled
The device connected to the GPI port is disre-
garded.
Fader
Select this setting to enable GPI control of
DB2’soutputgain.TheDClevelonthetipof
the connector is read and used to adjust the
output gain (“Output Fader” on the Engine/
Limitpage).InsideDB2,a10kOhmresistor
isconnectedbetween+5Vandthetipofthe
GPI jack. Therefore, a passive external fader or
potentiometer can be used to control the output
gain. Use the Calibration function to optimize
the control range for a given pot.
Bypass
SelectthissettingtoenablebypassingDB2
using an external switch. Note that you may
accidentallyputDB2tobypassmodewhen
selectingbetweentheGPIsettings.TheBypass
function is defined on the System/Front page.
Bypass and Redundancy
DB2includeshardwarebypassonitsanalogas
well as AES3-id inputs and outputs.
When selected, the unit furthermore constantly
monitors its digital inputs for signal integrity.
If the digital input is lost, automatic input
redundancy switching is invoked. In this case,
DB2switchestointernal48kHzsamplerate
operation and analog inputs.
Redundancy alarm is indicated by the 48 kHz
and Analog In LEDs blinking and the ERROR
LED lit. Once the digital input is reestablished,
DB2revertstonormaloperationandclearsthe
alarm.

21
SYSTEM – I/O PAGE
20
Delay
Select this setting to enable online adjustment
of delay (e.g. for lip-sync) using an external
switchorimpulserelay.DB2measuresthe
time interval between two switch closures, and
inserts this as its current delay.
(The “Delay” parameter on the Engine/Main
page has a range from 0 to 1000 ms). Thanks
to a silent update mechanism, the delay may
be adjusted while audio is passed through the
processor without introducing pitch change or
click noise.
Preset
Range: 2 presets, 4 presets or 8 presets
Selection between up to 8 presets is achieved
by feeding the processor a DC voltage to its
¼” jack input. The Input voltage is compared
against voltage windows that correspond to
certain presets.
Betweenthevalidvoltagewindows,invalid
windows have been inserted to protect against
erratic operation. The processor constantly
monitors the GPI input, and only if several con-
secutive measurements point to the same, valid
voltage window, a recall is performed.
The voltage windows chosen enable easy
“binary relay encoding” as shown on the next
page in fig. 1. If long cable runs are required,
HF decoupling using a ceramic capacitor
across the tip and sleeve terminals inside the
jack plug may be indicated.
The ring terminal of the ¼” jack is not
used.
If
GPI Preset mode is selected and no device is
connectedtotheGPIinput,theDB2willalways
recall preset 1 at power up.
GPI
GPI Technical Specifications
Insidetheprocessor,a10kOhmresistorconnectsthetipterminaltoa+5Vpowersupply.When
nothingisconnectedtotheGPIinput,theinputvoltagethereforeis+5V.Resistorscanbeusedto
pull down the voltage as suggested in Fig 1.
In Table 1, voltages outside the limits mentioned are to be considered invalid. No action is taken
if invalid measurements are made. GPI recall action resumes when a stable, valid measurement
again is detected.
Mode
1 of 2
1 of 4
1 of 8
Preset No
1
2
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Target / Vs
1.000
0.000
1.000
0.687
0.545
0.438
1.000
0.824
0.687
0.600
0.545
0.489
0.437
0.400
Min typ / V
2.67
0.00
4.16
3.38
2.67
0.00
4.50
4.06
3.38
2.94
2.67
2.38
2.13
0.00
Target typ / V
5.00
0.00
5.00
3.44
2.73
2.19
5.00
4.12
3.44
3.00
2.73
2.44
2.19
2.00
Max typ / V
5.00
0.51
5.00
3.50
2.79
2.25
5.00
4.18
3.50
3.06
2.79
2.50
2.25
2.06
Rather than absolute voltage measurements, the windows are defined as a fraction of the
supply voltage, Vs. This voltage can be measured with a high impedance DMM on the Tip
terminal when no pull down resistors are applied. The table shows values as a fraction of Vs,
and, as a guideline, typical voltages when Vs = 5.000 V. (If the supply voltage is e.g. 5.015 V,
the table should be corrected by multiplying these values by 5.015/5).
GPI Implementation
Three modes...
1 of 2: Select between 2 presets
1 of 4: Select between 4 presets
1 of 8: Select between 8 presets
RL1
RL2
RL3
GPI Input
Select 1 of 8
Nov 1, 2002
vers #1.30
RL1
RL2
GPI Input
Select 1 of 4
RL1 GPI Input
Select 1 of 2
RL3 RL2 RL1
offoff off preset 1
offoff on preset 2
offonoff preset 3
offonon preset 4
on offoff preset 5
on offon preset 6
on on off preset 7
on on on preset 8
RL2 RL1
offoff preset 1
offon preset 2
on off preset 3
on on preset 4
RL1
off preset 1
on preset 2
tip
ring
sleeve
tip
ring
sleeve
tip
ring
sleeve
R1, 12k
R2, 22k
R3, 47k
R1, 12k
R2, 22k
nc
nc
nc
GPI Implementation
Three modes...
1 of 2: Select between 2 presets
1 of 4: Select between 4 presets
1 of 8: Select between 8 presets
RL1
RL2
RL3
GPI Input
Select 1 of 8
Nov 1, 2002
vers #1.30
RL1
RL2
GPI Input
Select 1 of 4
RL1 GPI Input
Select 1 of 2
RL3 RL2 RL1
offoff off preset 1
offoff on preset 2
offonoff preset 3
offonon preset 4
on offoff preset 5
on offon preset 6
on on off preset 7
on on on preset 8
RL2 RL1
offoff preset 1
offon preset 2
on off preset 3
on on preset 4
RL1
off preset 1
on preset 2
tip
ring
sleeve
tip
ring
sleeve
tip
ring
sleeve
R1, 12k
R2, 22k
R3, 47k
R1, 12k
R2, 22k
nc
nc
nc
GPI Implementation
Three modes...
1 of 2: Select between 2 presets
1 of 4: Select between 4 presets
1 of 8: Select between 8 presets
RL1
RL2
RL3
GPI Input
Select 1 of 8
Nov 1, 2002
vers #1.30
RL1
RL2
GPI Input
Select 1 of 4
RL1 GPI Input
Select 1 of 2
RL3 RL2 RL1
offoff off preset 1
offoff on preset 2
offonoff preset 3
offonon preset 4
on offoff preset 5
on offon preset 6
on on off preset 7
on on on preset 8
RL2 RL1
offoff preset 1
offon preset 2
on off preset 3
on on preset 4
RL1
off preset 1
on preset 2
tip
ring
sleeve
tip
ring
sleeve
tip
ring
sleeve
R1, 12k
R2, 22k
R3, 47k
R1, 12k
R2, 22k
nc
nc
nc
Calibrate
UsethisfunctiontocalibrateDB2toa
connected GPI controller (e.g. master control
relays or a potentiometer such as the TC Master
Fader).
To calibrate the GPI controller:
• ConnecttheGPIControllertotheGPIInput
jackandclickCALIBRATE.
• SettheGPIcontrollertoitsminimumposition
and click “Set Lo Threshold”.
• SettheGPIcontrollertoitsmaximumposition
and click “Set Hi Threshold”.
• PressOKtocompletethecalibration
procedure.
GPI Current voltage:
Indicates the current voltage on the GPI Input.
With no GPI controller connected, the voltage is
1000 mV. Therefore it is worth noticing that the
maximum indicated value on e.g. Master Fader
is a lower voltage value than the minimum
value.

2322
FRONT PANEL CONFIGURATION
Bypass Configuration
PresstheroundBYPASSbuttontoactivate.
Normal: No Delay in bypass and
Dithering is active.
Relay: Bit-transparentdigitaland
analogBypassRelay.
No Codec Delay: No delay in bypass.
Bypassbittransparency.
Codec Delay: DelayactiveinBypass.
Bypassbittransparency.
Yellow LED Threshold
Analog In, Analog Out & Out Threshold
Range:0to20dB
Use this parameter to set the response
threshold for the two yellow digits on the In/Out
meters.
SYSTEM – NET PAGE & ICON VIEWS
The upper part of this page holds information
on the current software versions and the serial
number of the accessed unit.
Network Identification
This is a simple naming function that enables
you to name each connected unit.
UI – Icon Views
On the Icon Setup page, two sub-pages are
available for controlling the TC Icon soft-
ware’s appearance.
Fader Appearance
Three options are available. Changes will take
place next time you open the TC Icon.
Faders at bottom
Fader at right side
No Faders
Color Page
Use this page to select a color scheme you like
or to create your own.

24 25
I/O PAGE
Input & Clock
Input Select
Range: Analog, Digital
Use this parameter to select the appropriate
input type.
Digital Input Select
Range: AES3-id, S/PDIF
Use this parameter to select the digital input
format.
Clock Select
Range: Internal 44.1, Internal 48k, Word Clock,
Ext DI
Use this parameter to select the output sample
rate.
Digital SRC
Range: On/Off
For optimum performance, establish a syn-
chronous signal-path. Sample rate conversion
reduces the dynamic range a bit and adds
latency.
Analog Levels
Analog Scale
Range:-3to+27dBu@Fullscale
Use this parameter to set the sensitivity of the
analog input.
Analog In Offset
Range:-3to+25dBu@Fullscale
Use this parameter to set the analog input
level.
Analog Out Offset
Range:-3to+24dBu@Fullscale
Use this parameter to match the analog output
gain to the following (“downstream”) device.
Digital Level
Digital Out Offset
Range:-12dBto0dB
The Digital Out Offset parameter controls the
digital output level in accordance to the set
Analog Scale Output level.
MAIN PAGE
Input
In Gain
Range:0dBtoOff
There are separate level controls for the left
andrightInput(AandB).
Phase Inv L/R
Range: Normal/Inverted
Click to invert the phase of channels L, R, or
both.
Delay
Range: 0 to 1000 ms
Use this parameter for delay alignment of the
input channels. Depending on the selected
configuration type, either one common Delay
setting or individual delay settings are available.
Delay Unit
Range: ms, 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps
Use this parameter to select which unit should
be used to display the Delay parameter. Please
note that changing this parameter does not
affect the actual delay time.
Filter
Lo Cut
Range: Off to 200 Hz
This is a second order LoCut filter on both
inputs.
Hi Cut
Range: Off to 3 kHz
This is an 8th order HiCut filter on both inputs.
Setup
Look-ahead Dly
Range: 0 to 15 ms
If the 5-band compression sections is set to use
very short Attack times (up to approximately 10
to 15 ms), overshoots may occur. The Look-
aheadfunctionallowstheDB2toevaluate
the material just before processing. This way,
artifacts can be prevented.
BeawarethattheLook-aheaddelayfunction
actually delays the output signal.

26 27
MAIN PAGE
Reference Level
Reference Level defines the standard operating
level, and scales the Threshold and Target
Level parameters of the Loudness control and
Multiband section accordingly. The Threshold of
the Limiter is not influenced by this setting, but
isalwaysrelativeto0dBFS.
Analog vs. Digital level
If you use analog interfacing, remember to
always define the relationship between absolute
analog and digital level before adjusting param-
eters in the Engines.
TypicalanalogI/Olevelscalingwouldbe+24
dBuintheAmericasandsomepartsofAsia,
and+18dBuinEurope,Japanandsomeparts
of Asia.
Note 1:Becarefulwhenswitchingbetween
configurations. Going from Dual Mono to Stereo
will result in parameter settings of the left (or
“A”)channelbeingcopiedtotheright(or“B”)
channel. Going from Dual Mono to Stereo and
back to Dual Mono will therefore overwrite the
originalsettingsfortherightchannel(or“B”
channel)!
Configuration
Note 2: In all configuration modes, linking of
theBrickwallLimiterissetseparatelyonthe
Limiter page. Some broadcasters like the sound
of operating left and right limiting without stereo
coupling because they feel that it maximizes
loudness and widens the stereo image.
On dual mono sources, of course you should
always choose un-linked Limiter operation.
Processing Overview
LOUDNESS PAGEMAIN PAGE
Target Level
Range:+10dBto-10dB
This is the level the Loudness controller will
aim at. Target Level is relative to Reference
Level on the Main Page. Add Target Level
to Reference Level to calculate the target
loudness level. When Loudness Measure is set
toBS.1770-2,thecalculationwillhavetheunit
“LUFS”, also known as “LKFS”.
Example:WhenusingtheBS.1770-2measure,
withReferenceLevelat-20dBFSandTarget
Levelat-1dB,theloudnesssectionofDB2
targets a loudness of -21 LUFS (the same as
-21 LKFS).
Max Reduction
Range:-20dBto0dB
This is the maximum attenuation the Loudness
Controlisallowedtoperform.Ifsetto0.0dB,
the Loudness Control cannot attenuate the
signal at all. The level diagram on the next
page is shown with Max Reduction set at 0.0
dB.
Max Gain
Range:0to+20dB
This is the maximum gain the Loudness Control
isallowedtoperform.Ifsetto0.0dB,the
Loudness Control cannot add gain to the signal
at all.
Configuration
– Stereo: In this mode, the Loudness, EQ
and Multiband sections operate in tandem:
Whatever gain change is applied to one
channel, is applied to the other. Also, many
parameters have mutual left and right
controls.
– Dual Mono: In this mode, the Loudness, EQ
and Multiband sections treat the two Input
signals completely independently.
– Stereo Wide: In this mode, the apparent
width and image of stereo signal can be
altered simultaneously with controlling
loudness and peak level. The left and right
signal is internally de-composed into an M
(= Mono) and S (Stereo) component, and
reverted to left and right signals before peak
limiting on the Output.
– Sum Mono: Left and right channels are
summed after Delay, Filters and AGC.
– Left Mono: Only the left channel is being
processed.
– Right Mono: Only the right channel is being
processed.

28 29
LOUDNESS PAGE
Freeze Level
Range:-10dBto-40dB
Use this parameter to set the minimum level
required before the Loudness Control will start
adding more gain. It would typically be set
to avoid boosting signals considered noise.
The Freeze Level parameter is relative to the
Reference Level setting on the Main page.
Freeze Hold
Range: 0 to 5 seconds
When the input signal drops below the Freeze
Level, the Gain Correction of the Loudness
Section is frozen for the period you set with the
Hold parameter. When the Hold period expires,
theGainCorrectionfallsbackto0dBgain.
Level Trim
Range:-18dBto+18dB
BecauseDB2internallyoperateswith48bit
precision on all audio signals, it is possible
to correct loudness manually without the risk
of overloads. The Level Trim can be used for
permanent offsets or live loudness adjustments.
EQ PAGE
Introduction
DB2featuresadigitalthree-bandparametric
EQ with high-pass and low-pass filters switch-
able between Notch, Parametric, Shelving and
Cut types. The needle-sharp notch filter has a
range down to 0.01 octave, and the shelving
filters has a variable slope, ranging from gentle
3dB/oct.over6and9to12dB/oct.Cutfilters
canbeswitchedbetween12dB/oct.maximum
flatamplitude(Butterworth)orflatgroupdelay
(Bessel)types.Theparametricequalizer
features a natural and well-defined bandwidth
behavior at all gain and width settings.
Basic Operation
• ClicktheLo, Mid and Hi buttons to activate/
deactivate the EQ bands.
• SelectFreq,Gain,TypeorLo/Hitoaccess
all four parameters on individual bands.
• ClickBYPASS EQ to bypass all three bands.
Type Selector
• ClickTYPE and use faders 1 to 3 to select
filter types.
For Lo and Hi filters, you can select between
these filter types:
Parametric, Notch, Shelve and Cut.
For the Mid filter, select between these filter
types:
Parametric and Notch.
EQ Page

30 31
EQ PAGE
Parametric Filter – Broad Type
Shelving Filter
Notch Filter – Narrow Type
Cut Filter – Bessel Type
Cut Filter – Butterworth Type
Freq
Click FREQ and use Faders 1 to 3 to adjust the
frequency for each of the three bands.
Range–Loband: 20Hzto20kHz
Range–Midband: 20Hzto20kHz
Range–Hiband: 20Hzto40kHz
Gain
Click GAIN and use Faders 1 to 3 to adjust
gain for each of the three EQ bands.
Range for Parametric, Shelve and Cut types:
LoGain: -12dBto+12dB
MidGain: -12dBto+12dB
HiGain: -12dBto+12dB
Range for the Notch filter:
LoGain: -100dBto0dB
MidGain: -100dBto0dB
HiGain: -100dBto0dB
EQ PAGE
Type
Click TYPE and use Faders 1 to 3 to set the
BWvalueforeachofthethreeEQbands.
Range for the Notch filter:
LoBW: 0.02oct.to1oct.
MidBW: 0.02oct.to1oct.
HiBW: 0.02oct.to1oct.
Range for the Parametric filter:
LoBW: 0.1oct.to4oct.
MidBW: 0.1oct.to4oct.
HiBW: 0.1oct.to4oct.
Range for the Shelving filter:
LoBW: 3dB/oct.to12dB/oct.
HiBW: 3dB/oct.to12dB/oct.
Range for the Cut filter:
LoBW: BesselorButterworth
HiBW: BesselorButterworth
Bandwidth/Q–Key-Values:
BW Q
 0.5 – 2.87
 0.7 – 2.04
 1.0 – 1.41

32 33
5-BAND PAGE
Introduction
Multi-band processing can be used for evening
out spectral differences between programs,
optimizing levels and/or assisting the loudness
correction when changes in loudness occur
suddenly. Make your settings on the 5-band
pages according to the task at hand.
The5-bandprocessorinDB2maybeused
simultaneously with all other processing
modules. The section may be switched to four,
three or two bands or to “DXP” mode, which
lifts low-level signals instead of performing
regular multi-band compression.
Pressing Threshold, Range, Ratio, Attack and
Release buttons will immediately assign Lo,
Mid, Hi and All values for these parameters to
Faders 1 to 6.
The “All” parameter offers a relative adjustment
of all bands. Its value reflects that of the Mid
band.
Threshold
Range:-25dBto+20dB
Use this parameter to set the threshold for each
frequency band in the compressor. Values are
relative to the Reference Level parameter on
the Main page.
Gain
Range:0.0to18dBin0.1dBsteps.
Use this parameter to apply make-up gain to
each frequency band. The gain is reflected on
the 5-band meter on the Icon remote, thereby
giving an idea of the frequency response of
DB2whenlevelsarebelowthethresholdof
compression.
Ratio
Range: Off to Infinity
Use this parameter to set the ratio for each
frequency band in the compressor.
Attack
Range: 0.3 to 250 ms
Use this parameter to set the attack time for
each band of the compressor.
Release
Range: 20 ms to 7 sec.
Use this parameter to set the time it takes for
each compressor band to recover to unity gain.
Bypass Comp.
Click to this button to bypass the 5-band com-
pressor.
Xovers
Click this button to access the four cross-over
points between the five bands. The parameters
are automatically assigned to faders 1 to 4.
Parameter Range:
Xover 1: Off to 1.6 kHz
Xover 2: Off to 4 kHz
Xover 3: 100 Hz to Off
Xover 4: 250 Hz to Off
Defeat Thresh
Range:-3to-30dB
This is a unique control which defeats gain
from the multiband compressor below a certain
threshold. No matter what spectral shaping is
appliedfromthemultibandsystem:Belowthe
Defeat Threshold, the frequency response is
flat and gain is unity.
Defeat Threshold is relative to Compressor
Threshold, which is relative to Reference Level.
Defeat Ratio
Range: Off to Infinity
Controls how close to the Defeat Threshold the
make-up gain of the compressor is counter-
acted. At high ratios, the signal only has to be
slightly below the Defeat Threshold before the
compressor gain is fully defeated.
5-BAND PAGE
DXP Mode – Introduction
The 5-band section works either in normal com-
pression mode or in DXP (“Detail Expansion”)
mode. Instead of attenuating signals above a
certain threshold, DXP mode lifts up signals
that are below the Threshold; thereby bringing
out details rather than squashing the loud parts.
DXP mode therefore is capable of adding intel-
ligibility and air to speech, lifting harmonics,
or emphasizing ambience without increasing
overall peak level.
As shown in the illustration, gain is positive
below threshold, unity at Threshold, and the
effect decreases above Threshold. In DXP
mode, Ratio becomes Steer. Steer can be
regarded as an adaptive Ratio that gradually
approaches 1:1 above the threshold.
Multiband DXP
DXP mode can be used with any number of
bands (up to five). Multiband DXP is particularly
effective in bringing out air and clarity.
The processor can act as an automatic EQ that
removes a boost when it’s not needed: at very
low levels (where noise is dominant) and at
loud levels (where sibilance would become a
problem). Apart from being effective on speech,
DXP mode can also be used in mastering to
bringuplowlevels–e.g.whenpreparingfilm
or concerts for domestic or noisy environment
listening.
Try setting the Steer and/or Threshold param-
eters differently in the bands to hear the effect.
High Steer values add more detail gain than
low values, but remember that Threshold has to
be negative to add detail gain at all.
DXP Threshold relates to the Reference Level
set on the Main page.
To disable DXP detail gain at very low
levels, use the Defeat Threshold and
Defeat Ratio controls. Defeat threshold
relates to the DXP threshold, and allows
for a certain level-window, inside which detail
gain is applied. Defeat Ratio determines the
slope at which DXP detail gain is defeated.

3534
LIMITER
Link Limiter
Range: On/Off
When Link is active, the same amount of peak
limiting is always applied to both channels.
Some broadcasters like the sound of operating
left and right limiting without stereo coupling
because they feel that it maximizes loudness
and widens the stereo image. Of course
you should always choose unlinked Limiter
operation on dual mono sources.
The Configuration control on the Main
page does not affect the Link Limiter
setting. This link is running individually
from the selected configuration.
SoftClip A/L and B/RSoftClip A/L and B/R
Parameterrange:-3dBtoOff
When active, SoftClip applies a saturation
effect to signals that come close to maximum
Output level. The threshold is relative to the
ThresholdoftheBrickwallLimiter.
This controlled distortion of transients works
well for adding loudness, but is not a desirable
effect with some data compression codecs.
WhiletheBrickwallLimiterisextremelylowdis-
tortion, SoftClip is not. Use your own judgment
to decide whether it improves your production
or not.
Threshold A/L & Threshold B/R
Parameterrange:-12to0.0dBFS
Use these parameters to set the Threshold of
theBrickwallLimiter.
TheThresholdisrelativeto0dBFS,nottothe
Reference Level set on the Main page.
TheBrickwallLimiteruses48bitprocessing,
with distortion figures surpassing the quality
demands of DVD-Audio mastering. Oversam-
pling is used to prevent inter-sample peaks
from reaching the Output, and time-constants
adapt to the Input signal.
Emphasis
Emphasis compensation may be added to the
limiter.DB2usesaslidinglow-passfilterto
complement the limiter. While emphasis is used
in analog broadcast, low bit rate codecs may
also benefit sonically from this function.
Switch between emphasis Off (HD and normal
DTV broadcast), 50 microsec, 75 microsec
andJ17(NICAM)emphasis.Note:Whenpro-
nounced Emphasis Limiting is required, it is
normally advisable to link the limiters to avoid a
wildly changing stereo perspective.
HF Offset
For Emphasis Limiting with no headroom
againsttheresponsecurve,choosea0.0dB
setting. For analog transmission, a more con-
servativesettingissuggested,e.g.-1.0dBor
lower.
This parameter is only used when Emphasis
Limiting is set to another value than “Off”.
APPENDIX
Reset Menu & Software Load
To enter the following functions, hold the
UTILITY key while powering up the unit.
Once you see the menu, you can navigate it
as follows:
• PresstheUTILITY key to scroll through the
menu.
• PresstheOK key to confirm/enter.
“L” – Load
Indicates Load mode and is used when loading
application software.
Press OK to load the information present on
the currently inserted PCMCIA card. When no
card or a card with invalid software is inserted,
adash“–”willflashforthreesecondsinthe
display.
“R” – Reset
With Reset mode selected, press OK once to
activate Reset mode. The “R” in the display will
then begin to flash.
To abort/cancel the operation, press the
UTILITY key. To confirm the reset operation,
press OK a second time.
Duringtheresetprocedure,a“+”isdisplayed.
“A” – Boot Software Version
Press OK to see the version number of the
currently loaded boot software.
For service-purposes only.
“V” – Operating Software Number
Press OK to see the version number of the
currentlyloadedDB2applicationsoftware.
“N” – Serial Number
Press OK to see the serial number for this unit
(In most instances, this should be easier than
having to go to the back of the unit once it has
been placed inside a rack).
“S” – Start
SelectthisfunctiontoreboottheDB2for
normal use.
When you a have performed a Reset
procedure and the unit reboots, all presets are
reconfigured. The reconfiguration process takes
approximately 15 seconds. Please be patient.

36 37
TROUBLESHOOTING
Port Conflict
Another active application may conflict with
the serial ports you have selected on the
Setup – Devices – Ports page.
If this is the case, the following screen will
appear.
There are two options to resolve this
problem:
1 ConnecttheDB2toanotherphysicalCOM
port and select this COM port on the COM
port page.
2 Close the conflicting application.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Digital Inputs and Outputs
Connectors
Formats
Output Dither
Word Clock Input
Sample Rates
Processing Delay
Additional Delay
Frequency Response DIO
Processing Resolution
Sample Rate Conversion
Type
Dynamic Range
THD+N
Input Rate Range
Analog Inputs
Connectors
Impedance
Max. Input Level
MinInputLevel(for0dBFS)
A to D Conversion
A to D Delay
Dynamic Range
THD
Frequency Response
Crosstalk
Analog Outputs
Connectors
By-pass
Impedance
Max. Output Level
Full Scale Output Range
D to A Conversion
D to A Delay
Dynamic Range
THD
Frequency Response
Crosstalk
EMC
Complies With
Safety
Certified To
Environment
Operating Temperature
Storage Temperature
Humidity
PCMCIA Interface
Connector
Standards
Card Format
Control Interface
RS232
GPI, Pedal, Fader
General
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Weight
Finish
BackupBatteryLife
Mains Voltage
Power Consumption
Warranty Parts and labor
BNC(AES3-id,75ohm),RCAPhono(S/PDIF)
AES3-id(24bit),S/PDIF(24bit),EIAJCP-340,IEC958
HPF TPDF dither 8 to 24 bit
BNC,75ohm,0.6to10Vpp
32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz
0.5ms@48kHz
0 to 1000 ms, 24 bit at all sample rates
DCto23.9kHz±0.01dB@48kHz
48 bit fixed point
Asynchronous
120dB
-106dB44.1to48kHz@1kHz,-2dBFS
31 kHz to 49 kHz
XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
20 kOhm (balanced)
+28dBu(balanced)
4dBu(balanced)
24 bit (1 bit, 128 times oversampling)
0.8ms@48kHz
>103dB(unweighted),>106dB(A)
-95dB(0.0018%)@1kHz,-6dBFS(FS@+18dBu)
10Hzto20kHz:+0/-0.2dB
<-80dB,10Hzto20kHz,typical–100dB@1kHz
XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
Through relay
40 Ohm (balanced)
+26dBu(balanced)
-4dButo+26dBu(balanced)
24 bit (1 bit, 128 times oversampling)
0.57ms@48kHz
>100dB(unweighted),>104dB(A)
-86dB(0.005%)@1kHz,-6dBFS(FS@+18dBu)
10Hzto20kHz:+0/-0.5dB
<-60dB,10Hzto20kHz,typical–90dB@1kHz
EN55103-1andEN55103-2,FCCpart15ClassB,
CISPR22ClassB
IEC 60065, EN 60065, UL60065 and CSA E60065, CSA
FILE# 186633
32° F to 122° F (0° C to 50° C)
-22° F to 167° F (-30° C to 70° C)
Max.90%non-condensing
PC Card, 68 pin type 1 cards
PCMCIA2.0,JEIDA4.0
Supportsupto2MBSRAM
9PinSUB-D(RS232toUSBcableincludedinbox)
¼ inch phone jack
19” x 1.75” x 8.2” (483 x 44 x 208 mm)
5.2 lb. (2.35 kg)
Anodized aluminum face. Plated and painted steel chassis
development
> 10 years
100to240VAC,50to60Hz–(auto-select)
< 20 W
1 year
Due to continuous development these specifications are subject to change without notice.