Orban brings Optimod-FM 8500 sound to ‘more affordable’ package

Broadcasting specialist Orban has expanded its Optimod range of processors with new additions including the Optimod-FM 5700, described by the manufacturer as offering ‘the popular Optimod-FM 8500 sound in a compact, cool-running 1U package at a more affordable price’. Also new is the Optimod 1552 multi-stream audio processor and codec, and the Optimod-FM 8600 Digital MPX.

Among the key functions of the Optimod-FM 5700 are stereo enhancement, equalisation, AGC, multiband compression, low-IM peak limiting, stereo encoding, and composite limiting. Two versions of the processor are available – the FM-only 5700FM, the 5700HD, which includes simultaneous processing for FM and for digital transmissions like webcasts and HD Radio. The FM version can also be upgraded to the HD version via a purchasable kit (without disconnecting any wiring or removing the unit from the rack). Both iterations of the processor can deliver up to 16s of delay in the FM processing chain.

Other features include two 40-character LCD and LED bar graphs that show all metering functions (two-band or five-band), and Ethernet connectivity as standard working alongside a PC remote control application capable of handling multiple units on a TCP/IP network. Programmable contact-closure (GPI) control plus ACSII terminal control is also available via the unit’s RS-232 serial and Ethernet ports, plus SNMP support.

Inside the box, the FM and digital media processing paths split after the 5700’s stereo enhancer and AGC. There are two equalisers, multiband compressors, and peak limiters, allowing the analogue FM and digital media processing to be optimised separately. More than 20 factory presets are onboard including many drawn from the 8500, plus the option to customise presets of your own or import previous presets from other Optimod family members.

Finally, the box boasts a ‘ratings encoder loop-through’ connection, allowing a ratings encoder with an AES3 digital input and output to be inserted between the output of the left/right audio processing and the input of the stereo encoder. The 5700 can also be upgraded to full 8600S functionality via a purchased kit.

Meanwhile the Optimod 1552 multi-stream audio processor and codec is described as providing ‘an integrated audio processing and network streaming solution in a 2U rack chassis’. The product is the first Orban processor for non-preemphasised audio channels incorporating the manufacturer’s MX peak limiter technology, reportedly delivering increased clarity and transient punch thanks to a built-in psychoacoustic model.

It also marks the first time that an Optimod processor runs natively on Intel hardware, namely a quad-core Xeon processor which allows the unit to provide stereo audio processing for up to 16 streams with MX limiting defeated and eight streams with MX limiting activated. Each stream uses one instance of Optimod code and one instance of Opticodec-PC software. I/O is via a Ravenna Audio-over-IP Ethernet connection while built-in BS.1770-3 and CBS loudness meters and controllers are also onboard.

Other features include error correcting RAM, dual, hot-swappable power supplies, a RAID5 solid-state drive array and remote control over a LAN via dedicated Windows software.

Last but not least is the Optimod-FM 8600 Digital MPX, which provides a digital composite output using a 192kHz AES3 connection appearing on a male XLR-type connector on the breakout cable supplied with the processor.

A new word clock/sync reference input appears on a female BNC jack at the end of the breakout cable that connects to the digital composite connector. It accepts a one 5V p-p squarewave word clock signal at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96kHz, or a 10MHz sinewave or squarewave signal, 0.5 to 5V peak. The version two hardware also provides two new SCA inputs on BNC jacks. These are digitised at a 384kHz sample rate using 16-bit converters and can only be mixed into the digital composite output. All of these features can be retrofitted into pre-version two 8600s at the Orban factory.

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