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distortion. The signal processing by the ULTRA-DYNE PRO is perceived as a clear enhancement of the audio
quality at the same or higher subjective levels of loudness, without requiring corrective action by the broadcast
limiter.
While an outstanding reproduction of the differentiated dynamic range of classical music is possible using
digital recording media, unsuitable playback conditions pose a special problem: Environmental noise, such
as in the interior of a car, can mask quiet passages very easily. The loudness of these passages can be
boosted using the ULTRA-DYNE PRO without audible adverse effects on the dynamic range or signal peaks.
Annoying loudness differences are frequently apparent in TV programs, with announcements, jingles, dialogs
and background music contributing to the impression of a wildly fluctuating level. In cases such as these, the
ULTRA-DYNE PRO can correct the subjective volume level of the entire program, ensuring a homogeneous
audio impression.
The moderate use of the Compressor, Peak Limiter, Tube and Exciter sections of the ULTRA-DYNE PRO
provides clean, high average volumes with a lively quality.
3.12.1 The deployment of the ULTRA-DYNE PRO in the broadcasting field
AM radio has a clearly defined transmission bandwidth and a relatively limited dynamic range. For this
reason it's important to limit the signal dynamics to ensure the maximum utilization of transmission power. The
ULTRA-DYNE PRO also permits the continuous optimization of the individual frequency bands to fully exploit
the naturally limited bandwidth and interference margin.
FM radio is more sensitive to signal processing due to its greater bandwidth and dynamic range. Most
commercial stations intend to broadcast with the highest possible average volume and attempt to achieve this
end with a long chain of signal processors. Needless to say, the quality of the program material suffers in the
process.
If your transmission chain contains a limiter with active pre-emphasis, place the ULTRA-DYNE PRO directly in
front of it. This will result in less activity on the part of the subsequent limiter.
As TV audio is also generally transmitted in FM, the same issues apply as described under FM radio.
Additional demands result from the nature of the program material, which consists primarily of speech.
Listeners are far more sensitive to colorations of human speech than of music. The quality requirements of
audio signal processing in the TV field are also very high for this reason. In this case the ULTRA-DYNE PRO
can also be used effectively to optimize the utilization of the transmission channel.
3.12.2 The deployment of the ULTRA-DYNE PRO in telephone and transmission lines
The ULTRA-DYNE PRO ensures that the signal level in telephone and transmission lines remains well above
the background noise without overloading subsequent equipment. It provides a consistent level of modulation
and keeps amplitude peaks continuously under control. This permits the power available for transmission
from the studio to the transmitter to be utilized fully without risk of overload.
4. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
4.1 Audio dynamics
By employing current modern analog technology it is possible to manufacture audio equipment with a dy-
namic range of up to 130 dB. In contrast to analog techniques, the dynamic range of digital equipment is
approximately 25 dB less. With conventional record and tape recorder technology, as well as broadcasting,
this value is further reduced. Only a fraction of the original dynamic range remains. Generally, dynamic
restrictions are due to noisy storage in transmission media and also the maximum headroom of these sys-
tems.
4.1.1 Noise as a physical phenomenon
All electrical components produce a certain level of inherent noise. Current flowing through a conductor leads
to uncontrolled random electron movements. For statistical reasons, this produces frequencies within the
4. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
