Orban Optimod-PC 1101, Operating Manual

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INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 1101
programming while ensuring that this texture is maintained throughout your pro-
gramming.
OPTIMOD-PC audio processing is appropriate for all digital transmission media and
channels. It tailors your audio signal to help you compete in audio netcasting, HD
Radio® (both primary and multicast digital channels), DAB, DRM, and other dedi-
cated digital radio services, FMExtra™ and other digital subcarriers, mastering, au-
dio production, and many others.
Video-oriented presets use OPTIMOD-PC’s built-in CBS Loudness Controller™ to
make OPTIMOD-PC an unsurpassed choice for mono or stereo sound-for-picture ap-
plications, including HDTV, DVB-x digital television, and audio/video netcasting.
Starting with version 3.1, Optimod-PC also includes a defeatable “BS.1770 Safety
Limiter” that follows the CBS Loudness Controller in the signal path. The BS.1770
Safety Limiter can be set to prevent the indication of a BS.1770-2 gated meter with
10-second or longer integration time from being higher than a preset threshold
value: anywhere from 0 dB to +6 dB, as set by the
BS.1770 T
HRESHOLD
control. Op-
timod-PC now includes a BS.1770-2 loudness meter in addition to the CBS Loudness
Meter. For specific instructions on using OPTIMOD-PC in sound-for-picture applica-
tions, refer to
Setting Output Loudness in Dolby Digital transmissions on page 2-41
and Sound for Picture Presets on page 3-32.
While primarily oriented toward “flat” media, OPTIMOD-PC can also provide pre-
emphasis limiting for the two standard preemphasis curves of 50 µs and 75 µs. This
allows it to protect preemphasized analog satellite uplinks and similar channels
where protection limiting or light processing is required, and makes it ideal for use
as a studio AGC driving transmitter-located Optimods. It also allows OPTIMOD-PC to
process audio for analog television transmission. We provide a number of factory
presets for this purpose.
There are many gain/peak control devices and software available to perform dynam-
ics processing. Many of these tools are designed for recording studio applications as
effects compressors/limiters for individual microphone or instrument tracks. These
devices’ controls need to be tuned carefully for the specific material being proc-
essed—they are not “set and forget” processors. Moreover, most do not process
mixed program material without introducing objectionable audible artifacts, par-
ticularly when called upon to gain-ride input material having widely varying levels.
The details and implementations are all-important.
A broadcast audio processor should ideally be “seen but not heard.” Optimod proc-
essing algorithms simultaneously control audio gain and peaks, artistically, musically,
and naturally, to give the illusion that processing is not taking place. Moreover, Op-
timod algorithms intelligently adapt themselves to the input program material.
Once OPTIMOD-PC is tuned for the sound texture required for the broadcast or net-
cast format (which is made easy by OPTIMOD-PC’s many format-specific presets), it
will provide excellent consistency regardless of the level or texture of the original
program material. OPTIMOD-PC’s automatic gain control and equalization achieve a
consistent sound, while accurate peak control maximizes loudness. Booming bass is