DIGIPLEXER 246

Audio Processing RDS Encoding

Mobile MeteringMonitoring

Test & Measurement

OVERVIEWThe Digiplexer 246 is the fi rst of a new generation of products which incorporate digital audio processors, a stereo encoder plus additional innovative features such as an RDS encoder, embedded audio backup, FM transmitter, I/O remote control and TCP/IP connectivity.Audemat’s engineers have partnered with the Sound4 audio gurus in order to create a high quality audio processor that is based on a powerful DSP hardware platform with performance levels never reached before. The Digiplexer 246 operates at a sampling frequency of 192 kHz for the main audio processing and 1.5MHz for the fi nal limiter!The result: higher quality and clarity, more precision for your sonic signature while maintaining a loud and competitive sound.

2 bands version VS 4 bands version The 2 bands version is the ideal choice: - As a main audio processor for soft and medium formats (Classical, Voice, Jazz…) - As a secondary processor to fi nalize the audio at each transmitter site (i.e. after pre-processing at the studio)The 4 bands version is the ideal choice: - As a main audio processor for all formats - For radio station needing loudness: The sound that compete with the best processors on the market (Omnia6, Orban8500...)

APPLICATIONSRadio stations or Network broadcasters to:

Create a clean and powerful sonic signature and FM signal.Always stay on air with audio backup function.Insert local audio drops automatically or on command.

Car manufacturers and laboratories can validate performance of FM receivers (RDS data, FM sensitivity…).

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FEATURESAudio Processor 2 or 4 bands.Audio Backup. RDS Encoder.Stereo Encoder.I/O Remote control.FM Transmitter 1, 20 or 100W (optional).FM receiver for rebroadcasting/monitoring (optional).

Compact fl ash memorySetup from front panel color touchscreen.XLR ports on rear panelAnalog and digital audio Inputs/Outputs.Redundant power supply.Hot swappable fans.

BENEFITSPerfect synchronization of subcarriers.Easy control of overall modulation.Easy to install and maintain.Takes up less space at the transmitter site. Draws less power.Integrated user interface requires less training time and reduces errors.All in one unit to reduce waste and electric consumption.

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Radio All in One

RADIO ALL IN ONE:

FM TRANSMITTER 1, 20 or 100W

AUDIO PROCESSOR 2 OR 4 BANDS

AUDIO BACKUP

RDS ENCODER

STEREO ENCODER

I/O REMOTE CONTROLDIGIPLEXER 246

REBROADCASTING / MONITORING

DIGIPLEXER 246

AUDIO PROCESSINGThe Digiplexer 246 is a revolutionary digital audio processor that can be used to process audio for FM and digital broadcasting such as HD/DAB and Internet streaming. Using the latest multi-band DSP technology, the DSP board provides up to 2.8 gigaflops of processing power and enables broadcasters to create their own sonic signature and to attract and keep a loyal audience.

2 band version

4 band Version

Processing power 1.6 Giga Flops

2.8 Giga Flops

Sampling frequency for processing 192 kHz

Sampling frequency for final clipper 1.5 MHz

Predictive algorithms X

Gated AGC Wide band

Parametric equalization 4 bands

Tone FX (LF and HF enhancers) X

Controlled Stereo enhancement X

Revolutionary multi-band processing 2 bands 4 bands

Multi-band Limiter 2 bands 4 bands

Dual path for FM and digital applications X

User and factory presets X

Field firmware upgrade from 2 to 4 bands X

Sound process delay < 6ms

Automatic Gain ControlUsing predictive techniques, the Automatic Gain Control is based on complex algorithms that correct large level variations without any pumping effect. It maintains a constant audio level on the air. The wideband approach keeps the balance between frequencies. Silence gating prevents unnecessary volume changes and improves processing quality.

Tone FXThe Digiplexer 246 features a standard 2-band audio processor. Yet, it allows the creation of specific sonic signatures thanks to its 4-band parametric equalizer. For each band it is possible to configure the frequency, the gain and the filter quality. This level of precision is quite useful for bass enhancement. You can also increase high and low frequencies dynamically thanks to the Bass FX and Treble FX.

Stereo FXEnhance the stereo effect of your signal with perfect control. Stereo enhancement used to be a source of reception troubles such as multi-path. The Digiplexer 246 includes a specific limiter to insure reception stability.

Multi-band ProcessorThe Digiplexer 246 uses a unique algorithm that controls the gain for each band. You can easily control how the Digiplexer 246 will process your sound. A ‘Fidelity’ parameter enables you to control how close to the original sound you would like to remain. (Purist/Processed). The Digiplexer 246 also has the Sound Impact System, which is a revolutionary algorithm that preserves dynamic and peak attack perception.

Multi-band limiters The Digiplexer 246 contains an advanced 2 or 4-band limiter

(depending on version). Its look ahead function guarantees perfect peak control without the drawbacks of limiters. A mix function enables control of the balance between the bands.You can buy a 2 bands and upgrade it by software in the future. Final limitersPreviously the best clippers on the market were running at a sampling rate of 768kHz. The Digiplexer 246 includes a revolutionary ‘virtual’ composite/MPX clipper that samples at 1.5 MHz. This level of quality and control has never been reached before. Precisely control high frequency energy with the HF limiter. An HD limiter can be used at the same time to process digital high quality radio (HD /DAB / DRM). This limiter uses predictive techniques with very low delay (<6ms on 4-band version).

Preset managementThe Digiplexer 246 has many factory presets designed for every format. The unit maintains a complete preset history, so you will never lose an old configuration. For those who have been using the Digiplexer FMX410/480, the factory preset “like FMX” will provide similar coloration with better performance. User friendly and intuitive interface Audio configuration made easy:

Instantly compares current settings with an existing preset.Keeps a record of all modifications thanks to the complete undo/redo functionUses easy and full modes for audio configurationCreates your own view by selecting the meters you want to see.

PC based version of audio processing software

AUDIO BACKUPThe Digiplexer 246 includes an 80Gb hard drive for audio backup. This function provides additional security in case of loss of audio at the inputs. The audio backup is presented as an integrated 3rd audio input with the advantage of configurable crossfades during input auto-switching. An alarm can be automatically sent by the unit to inform the engineer of audio source failure. Using the java interface, upload audio files from your PC to be used for the Audio Backup, or set the IP port address of your ‘SHOUTcast’ server so an IP MP3 stream input can serve as audio backup.You can also use the hard drive to store audio files to be played at specific time or triggered using the contact closures and Scripteasy software, to insert local content into a translator broadcast, etc.

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DIGIPLEXER 246

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2 versions are available, a basic version with only 1 audio file stored on the hard disk or an advanced version including a full playlist management.

RDS ENCODINGThe Digiplexer 246 includes a RDS encoder that is fully compliant with the RDS and RBDS standards as well as the UECP communication protocol. The built-in RDS encoder offers the same features as our high-end Audemat existing range including FMB10 (basic) and FMB80 (full) RDS encoder.

RDS parameters Basic RDS Full RDS

PI: Program Identification codes PS: Program Service name (Scrolling PS) TP – TA: Traffic Program and Traffic Announcement flags MS: Music Speech flagDI : Decoder IdentificationPTY – PTYN : Program Type & Type NameAF: Alternative Frequencies list Method A (up to 25 Frequencies)Method BRT: Radio TextConnection to automation softwareIP connectivity

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up to 25XXX

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up to 900XXX

SLC, PIN, LINK, EON, TDC, TMC, ODA, EWS, Paging, IH

X

DSN / PSN 2 DSN / 1 PSN 10 DSN/10 PSN

STEREO ENCODING Using high speed DSPs, the Digiplexer 246 is a highly over sampled stereo encoder that offers amazing stereo performance and perfect synchronization. The MPX limiter enables control of the composite power conforming to ITU-R412.

DSP technology and perfect synchronization of all subcarriers.Audio, Pilot and RDS signals are produced in the same unit.

Stereo Encoder, highly over-sampled for stereo performance never reached before.HQ Sound means higher audio quality for listeners:

192kHz for processing1.5MHz for final limitersExtend FM audio bandwidth to17kHz without affecting the 19kHz or L-R signals.

I/O REMOTE CONTROLThe Audemat Digiplexer 246 has 5 slots that can be equipped with digital inputs, analog inputs and relay output boards. In standard form, it includes Scripteasy V2, powerful software that enables the creation of scripts and automatic routines. This solution can be used to control other equipment such as a satellite receiver, to trigger the Traffic Announcement (RDS) or to control and play audio files stored on the local hard drive of the Digiplexer 246.Scripteasy enables the integration of serial protocols using its RS232 API tool. Therefore, the Digiplexer 246 could control and monitor an FM amplifier using a serial cable. Scripteasy also allows for the integration of the SNMP MIB of an external piece of equipment, and execution of the GET and SET commands via IP.

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1, 20 or 100W TRANSMITTERThe Digiplexer 246 Transmitter option has low distortion < 0.05 % and the best FM S/N ratio > 80 dB. It also has a very good channel separation, up to 50 dB over the entire band and a PLL controlled by microprocessor. It is adjustable from 2 to 20W or 10 to 100W (depending on version).

1W* 20W 100W

Power Range 0,9W +/- 1dB 2 to 20W @ TOS=1,35

10 to 100W @ TOS=1,35

Power adjustable NA direct from 0,1 to 24W

direct from 0,1 to 120W

Spurius and harmonic suppression

>40dBc > 75 dBc within the 87,5 to 137 MHz band>70 dBc

RF Output Connector N type

RF Output Impedance 50 Ω

RF Output Level <1W <30W >150W

RF Monitor Connector NA BNC

RF Monitor Impedance NA 50 Ω

RF Monitor level NA 10 dBm @ 100W in main output

Low distorsion < 0.05 % and high FM S/N ratio > 74 dB.

High channel separation Up to 50 dB over the entire band

PLL Controlled by microprocessor*Lab use only

The 20 or 100W exciter can be used with external power amplifier to reach output power up to 3KW.

REBROADCASTING / MONITORING OPTIONAn embedded FM receiver can be added to provide an ideal solution for FM rebroadcasting .A high level of performance and sustained reliability will satisfy the requirements of the most demanding broadcasters, satellite and cable operators...Typical rebroadcasting applications for this equipment are coverage of shaded areas, rebroadcasting in tunnels and rebroadcasting from ‘on-air’ programs to cable network or satellite operators.The FM receiver can be used also to monitor received signals in control rooms (as a monitoring option).

MasterView

DIGIPLEXER 246

Front Panel

Rear Panel

Global architecture

Standard versions

TF00252 Digiplexer 246 with basic RDS - 2 bands version

TF00252-A0 Digiplexer 246 with basic RDS - 4 bands version

Sofware options

CD00027-B0 2 bands to 4 bands software upgrade for Digiplexer 246

TF00254-A0 Advanced audio backup (Basic Audio Backup option nee-ded)

CD00028 FULL RDS for Digiplexer

SV0001 Scripteasy Viewer

Hardware Options

TF00254 Basic audio backup FRN*

ST00326 Board for 16 digital inputs

TF00251 Board for 8 analog inputs

ST00342 Board for 8 relay outputs

SP00689 Redundant power supply and capacitor for power failure alarm FRN*

SP00692 1W FM transmitter FRN*

SP00693 20W FM transmitter FRN*

SP00694 100W FM transmitter FRN*

SP00722 FM Receiver FRN* - For signal monitoring or retransmitting

SP00691 Slide rails for rackmount chassis

ORDER INFORMATION

Sound4 is a French company with more than 25 years of experience in processing of broadcast signals (FM - HD - DAB - DRM – WEB Radio - AM – TV). Audemat is the exclusive integrator for the Sound4 “stand alone” line. For more infor-mation, visit www.sound4.biz.

*FRN: Factory Return Needed

contact@audemat.com - www.audemat.com

Head office: 20, avenue Neil Armstrong -33700 -Mérignac-FranceTel: +33 (0)557 928 928 - Fax: +33 (0)557 928 929US office: 19595 NE 10th Av, Suite A - Miami, Florida 33179Tel: +1(305) 249 3110 - Fax: +1(305) 249 3113China sales office: Room No.21, Unit 2, No.13 Ti-Yu-Guan StreetChongwen District Beijing 100061 - P.R.CHINATel: +86 1067703330

Ref: Digiplexer 246 - Datasheet 04/2008 Technical specifications are subject to change without prior notice