6000 Broadcast Audio Delay
User’s Guide
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Thank you for your purchase of the AirTools™ model 6000 Broadcast Audio Delay, engineered by Symetrix. The
6000 has been designed to give broadcasters unequaled performance combined with ease of use and reliability.
This manual will guide you through the installation and operation of the 6000, and provide valuable tips on how to
interface with other equipment in your studio or control room.
The 6000 gives the host or producer of a talk show the power to prevent the broadcast of unwanted profanities
or comments from guests, hosts or telephone callers. As the program begins, the 6000 gradually and unobtru-
sively delays or "stretches out" the program until up to 40 seconds of 20 kHz bandwidth stereo audio is stored in
memory. When a person says something the host or producer does not think appropriate for the broadcast, he or
she presses the DUMP button and a user preset length of memory is cleared, thereby preventing the unwanted
audio from reaching the airwaves. Meanwhile, the host releases the offending caller from the telephone line and
proceeds with the program. After the DUMP button has been pressed, the 6000 automatically begins to stretch
(time expand) the program audio again until the user preset length of delay is attained.
Several minutes in advance of the end of the talk show, the host or producer presses the EXIT DELAY button and
the 6000 begins to time compress the program audio until there is nothing left in the 6000’s memory (zero sec-
onds delay). At this point the program is back in "real time."
A unique feature of the 6000 is the COUGH button, which allows the host to make impromptu interruptions in
the program for up to 40 seconds while keeping the audience unaware of the break. When the COUGH button
is pushed, the 6000 plays from memory while the button is held in. As soon as the button is released, the 6000
automatically begins to refill the memory. The host can cough, have a quick drink of water, or make a comment to
the producer or engineer without any perceptible program interruption.
The 6000 uses the latest in delta-sigma conversion technology coupled with advanced digital signal processing
(DSP) algorithms. This combination produces a product that meets or exceeds the highest broadcast standards in
terms of low noise, low distortion, and superb signal processing.
The 6000's logical, easy to use control panel holds no hidden surprises. The product is easy to learn and simple
to use. In the sections that follow you'll find information on installation, operation, and specific applications of the
6000. We follow this with a troubleshooting guide, warranty and service information, and detailed specifications.
As with all Symetrix engineered products, the 6000 has been designed and built to the highest standards of the
broadcast industry. Our company is committed to excellence in product design, manufacturing, and service.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with your questions or comments.
Terms
Several notational conventions are used in this manual. Some paragraphs may use Note, Caution, or Warning as
a heading. These headings have the following meaning:
Note
Identifies information that needs extra emphasis. A Note generally supplies extra information to
help you to better use the 6000.
Caution
Identifies information that, if not heeded, may cause damage to the 6000 or other equipment in
your system.
Warning
Identifies information that, if ignored, may be hazardous to your health or that of others.
In addition, certain typefaces and capitalization are used to identify certain words. These are:
CAPITALS
Controls, switches or other markings on the 6000's chassis.
Boldface
Strong emphasis.
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Introduction
