PIRA PIRA32 RDS BROADCAST ENCODER

The PIRA32 RDS encoder is a result of more than 10 years experience collecting and meets requirements of most regional, local, RSL, LPFM and other medium- and small-coverage radio stations. Itʼs also highly suitable for service and development purposes. Fully digital concept and uniquely effective design ensures high reliability, excellent signal characteristics and gives the user many advanced features while maintaining low acquisition costs. The PIRA32 was worldwide first compact dynamic RDS encoder. It is also implemented in products of several 3rd party manufacturers, resulting in more than 7000 units overall.

PIRA32 system features

• Fully dynamic stand-alone RDS encoder
• Direct digital RDS signal synthesis
• RS-232 control interface based on set of simple ASCII commands or UECP protocol; OS independent, no driver required
• Control software includes powerful MagicRDS_Setup.exe (Version 3.7d, 900 kB)
• Firmware updates are free
  Rdsup.zip (275 kB) - version 1.6 rev. 2, released on 31.10.2013
• Text features include dynamic PS, parsing, scrolling, fixed messages and scheduling
• Two switchable program sets (with optional DSN and PSN setting)
• Bypass relay, high reliability
• External TA and Program switch
• Switchable MPX loopthrough
• Internal real-time clock incl. backup battery, showing real-time also as PS
• No special 19 kHz input needed - pilot tone internally recovered from MPX signal
• Digital 57 kHz phase locked loop - rock stable RDS subcarrier in all cases, the PLL will never lock to a pilot frequency outside the functional range
• Easy and fast set-up

RDS services directly supported by the unit

Total text capacity:

• 25 kB - Equivalent to more than 3200 PS strings. Send text messages without any space limitations!
• 100 text messages for off-line operation - up to 255 characters each sent as RT, dynamic/scrolling PS or both. Manual or automatic switching.
• Four modes for dynamic/scrolling PS transmission at selectable speed, incl. word alignment and one-by-one character scrolling.

 Technical specifications

How to connect the PIRA32 to a computer?

The RDS encoder can be connected to a computer via USB adapter cable or standard serial cable terminated by CANON D-SUB plugs.
Use this description if you wish to make the cable yourself.

As a next step, download the Magic RDS 3 control software (MagicRDS_Setup.exe (Version 3.7d, 900 kB) ) and you can start to use the RDS encoder at once.

The RDS encoder can be also controlled from non-Windows operating systems (Linux, MS-DOS, ...) using any RS-232 ASCII terminal. The command set is easy to learn and gives full control over the RDS stream. It's a strong tool also for developers. You can find detailed description of this advanced use in the manual.

Bidirectional interface provides all info about the RDS encoder services status even if it's installed in neighbour room, abutting building or on a transmitter site in mountains. Ethernet connection is supported by the control software as well.

For more information and set-up details download the manual.

The Multicom Pro-XL MDX4600 gives you 4 channels of first-class dynamic
control in a single rack space. With a multitude of new features like the
advanced program-adaptive expander gate, extensive metering plus a variety
of configuration options, the Multicom Pro-XL puts a lot of dynamic processing
power in your rack.

Features
Switchable IKA (Interactive Knee Adaptation) program-adaptive compression
circuitry combines the advantages of hard-knee and soft-knee characteristics
IRC (Interactive Ratio Control) expander/gate circuitry for virtually inaudible noise
suppression
Switchable dynamic enhancer for brilliant, lively audio even with heavy compression
IGC (Interactive Gain Control) peak limiting circuitry combines clipper and program
limiter for reliable and inaudible protection against signal peaks
Switchable low contour filter prevents "pumping" due to low-frequency dominated
compression
Stereo couple function selectable for channels 1/2 and 3/4
Ultra low-noise 4580 operational amplifiers and state-of-the-art THAT¬ VCA's
Separate 8-segment LED meters for input/output levels and gain reduction
Selectable operating level (+4 dBu/-10 dBV)
High-quality detented ALPS¬ potentiometers and illuminated switches
Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with ? in. TRS and gold-plated XLR
connectors
Manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system

• Professional 31-band stereo graphic equalizer for live and studio applications
• Revolutionary FBQ Feedback Detection system instantly reveals critical frequencies and can also be used as audio analyzer
• Ultra-low noise 4580 operational amplifiers for highest signal integrity
• Dedicated mono subwoofer output with adjustable crossover frequency
• Additional sweepable high and low-cut filters for each channel remove unwanted frequencies, e.g. floor rumble, hiss etc.
• Highly accurate 12-segment LED input/output metering and input gain controls for easy level setting

• Relay-controlled hard-bypass with an auto-bypass function during power failure (fail-safe relay)
• Servo-balanced inputs and outputs with 1/4" TRS and gold-plated XLR connectors
• “Planet Earth" switching power supply for maximum flexibility (100 - 240 V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response plus low power consumption for energy saving
• 3-Year Warranty Program*
• Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

Psychoacoustic Bass Enhancement Unit with Renaissance Compressor, MaxxBass, and L2

Bass Boost for Live Sound, Broadcast, Mastering & Post Production
They say that in electronics there's no new technology - the only changes
will be in size and applications. Things will simply keep getting smaller
while doing more. This is certainly true in music (just think about what an
iPod can do), but as we design smaller playback systems with small speakers,
there are also some tradeoffs, particularly in music. Clever cabinet designs and
high-excursion drivers can get you only so far. Any audio engineer trying to extract
bass from real-world components must eventually face the laws of physics:
All things being equal, small boxes and speaker cones can't move enough air
to produce a room-shaking low end. When working with systems tiny enough to
toss in a shoulder bag, the challenge is even more formidable. Interestingly enough,
Waves MaxxBCL has a new solution to this problem using a very old concept.

Waves MaxxBCL at a Glance:
MaxxBass? Bass Enhancement adds deep bass sound without adding bass frequencies
Waves Renaissance Compressor
L2 Ultramaximizer Peak Limiter
24-bit/96kHz resolution with 48-bit, double-precision processing
Supports optical, coaxial S/PDIF, AES/EBU, balanced and unbalanced line-level analog signals

MaxxBass Bass Enhancement
Waves' patented algorithm adds stunning bass sound without adding bass frequencies,
delivering a bigger bottom end. MaxxBass? allows your audience to hear bass frequencies
lower than physically present by applying psychoacoustic principles: Even though we
can hear a bass guitar from a small speaker, we don't actually hear the fundamental
frequency because the speaker can't produce a pitch that low. Instead, we hear the
harmonics that the speaker can produce, and this causes the brain to create the "missing
fundamental." MaxxBass? takes this well-known psychoacoustic phenomenon to the
maximum, giving you the ability to extend the perceived frequency response of a system
about two octaves below its physical limitation.
To accomplish this, the signal is split: high frequencies are passed to the output (to be
added back to the bass). The bass signal is analyzed and a specific series of upper
harmonics are created. Because the dynamics of the original bass are duplicated in these
harmonics, the result is the most natural sounding bass enhancement available. The
MaxxBass? harmonics and the original bass can be mixed in any proportion at the output.
To provide more control, a high-pass filter can be switched in, allowing the harmonics only to
be passed along as an "image" of the original bass frequencies, which is useful when working
with a system with known low-frequency limitations to avoid over-excursion of the speaker drivers.

Renaissance Compressor
Designed to provide the classic warm sound of analog compressors, the legendary
Renaissance Compressor controls dynamics with studio-style warmth that flatters
full mixes, vocals, or instruments. Controls include selection of vintage-style Opto
or modern Electro compression, and threshold, ratio, and attack controls. Waves
ARC? (Automatic Release Control) algorithm dynamically optimizes the compressor's
release value for a wide-ranging input. ARC? reacts much the way a human ear
expects, and can produce increased RMS level with greater clarity.
In general, the release is faster for peak transients and slower for the overall RMS
level. The ARC? system varies the release time to fit the ear's expectations while
increasing RMS, and without creating distracting artifacts. In this way, the
Renaissance Compressor can serve as a leveler plus a fast compressor simultaneously.

L2 Ultramaximizer Peak Limiter
Heard on countless hit records and soundtracks, the L2 Ultramaximizer puts sound
up-front with breathtaking transparency. The L2 is capable of a very fast, overshoot-free
response. Once the limiter threshold has been set, you can define the actual peak level
that the processed signal will reach. Once set, limiting and level re-scaling becomes a
one-shot process. The L2 can significantly increase the average signal level without
introducing any audible side effects. Yet there is plenty of range to recreate "vintage"
effects such as level pumping or severely limited dynamic range if you like.

Pristine Sound Quality
The MaxxBCL offers 96kHz, 24-bit resolution with a 48-bit, double precision internal
processing path and a dynamic range of ~125dB. The totally passive analog input
path to the ADC uses Jensen transformers, while the output path also features Jensen
analog output transformers. The unit is galvanic-isolated, which prevents ground loops
and allows it to operate in electrically unstable environments. Waves MaxxBCL combines
the highest quality converters available with unequalled processing algorithms to offer you
astonishing new power in bass enhancement, dynamics processing, and format conversion
(analog-to-digital, digital-to-analog, and digital re-quantization).

Versatile Connections
The MaxxBCL supports optical, coaxial S/PDIF, AES/EBU, balanced and unbalanced
line-level analog signals. MaxxBCL features a unique set of input and output trim settings:
analog input headroom can be set from 9dB above 0dBu to 24dB in six precise steps
(using the rear-panel selectors). Analog output level is similarly set with a separate
rear-panel trim pot offering you the ability to connect between devices with a wide range
of input and output levels.

Waves MaxxBCL Features:
User Interface:
Clear backlit displays, meters, and buttons are visible in all lighting conditions
THD + Noise: ? 0.0006 % @ 1kHz @ -1dBFS
Precision metering with resettable peak hold options (2 sec, infinite)
Accurate, wide-range metering covering 90dB for input and output
and 12dB for compressor and limiter attenuation
Quick access independent bypass on each processing block
Tactile feedback knobs
Four easy store/recall user presets
Input / Output:
Analog, AES/EBU, S/PDIF
Independent rear-panel input and output headroom calibration in six steps
(+9, 12, 15, 18, 20, and 24 dBu)
Passive analog inputs to the A-to-D converters using Jensen analog input transformers
Jensen analog output transformers
High-performance IDR dithering to 16- or 24-bit output
Precise input level setting using 1% resistor networks
Processing:
48-bit end-to-end internal processing path
Switchable compressor/MaxxBass? order
MaxxBass:
Adjustable processor frequency from 25 to 120Hz
Adjustable harmonic mix percentage from 0 to 100%
High-pass Filter "harmonics only" option
Compressor:
Opto/Electro mode selection
Threshold (0-60dB), Ratio (1:1-12:1), and Attack (0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 ms) controls
Proprietary ARC? Automatic Release Control
Automatic gain makeup
Limiter:
Overshoot-free look-ahead processing
Adjustable Threshold (0-18dB)
Adjustable Output Ceiling (0-18dBFS)

Features
Unique High Density design puts SIX gates in
minimum rack space
Intuitive, 'user friendly' layout
Balanced Inputs and Outputs
Fast, low noise opto-coupler circuitry
Sidechain/Key Input points on each channel
Hardwire Bypass switch on each gate
Flawless performance in any audio environment

The sheer amount of effects and signal processors required for today's
standards of audio production puts a great strain on the available space
in equipment racks, both in the studio and on the road.
So, in order to give engineers more control in less space, we've created
the ARX Sixgate; Six full function noise gates neatly housed in a compact,
all steel 1 RU package, without sacrificing features or quality.
Why Six gates?
Research shows that the majority of noise gates get used on drum kits,
which means using typically 5 to 6 gate channels. Compare this to the
two or maybe 4 channels that most other units have, and you'll see the
reason for the Sixgate's success.And, by using a minimalist approach to
drum gates, the ARX Sixgate has enough gates left over for backing vocals
and other instruments.
Industry Standard controls
Front panel controls for each gate consist of the 'Industry Standard' controls
for Release, Depth and Threshold, plus Red and Green LED displays to indicate
Gate Open or Closed status, and an IN/OUT hardwire bypass switch.
In addition to this, each gate has a blank panel to write on for easy confirmation
of gate assigns. No more pieces of masking tape stuck everywhere!
Ultra Low Noise
Internally, each gate has proprietary ARX ultra low noise high-speed opto-coupler
circuitry with program dependent Attack time, which tracks the incoming signal to
automatically determine optimum gate response.
Balanced Inputs and Outputs
The rear panel features true differential Balanced Inputs and Outputs for each gate,
on insulated TRS jack connectors.Each gate channel also has Individual Key Inputs/
Sidechain access insert points which can be used either for gate control by an external
signal, or for frequency sensitive gating (when used in conjuction with an external
equalizer such as the ARX EQ260).
Universal AC Power
AC power range on the Sixgate is a universal 100 to 120V or 220 to 240V, and is
connected to the unit via a standard 3 pin IEC connector, with built-in fuse and voltage
switch.
The Sixgate's unique combination of High Density design, intuitive 'user friendly' controls,
and clean uncluttered layout make it a truly useful audio tool for all applications.

T E C H N I C A L  S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Input Impedance
Balanced 20 Kohms, Unbalanced 10 Kohms
Input Headroom + 22 dB
CMRR >60 dB, 20 Hz-20 KHz
Output Impedance
Balanced 300 ohms, Unbalanced 150 ohms
Output Level (Max) + 20 dB
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20KHz ±0.2dB
Signal to Noise Ratio
Gate Closed: -95 dB Unweighted, -105 dB 'A' weighted
Gate Open, Depth Minimum: -93.5 dB Unweighted -98dB
'A' weighted
Distortion 0 .01% THD @ 0dB,1KHz
Dynamic Range 125 dB
Attack Time Program dependent using high-speed
opto-couplers
Release Time User variable
Input and Output Connector type Balanced Jack
Sidechain Insert Connector TipRingSleeve Jack
Sidechain Insert Impedance 10 Kohm
Power Requirements 100/120 V AC, 220/240 V AC
Weight 5 lbs/2.2 Kg
Dimensions
19“Wide x 13/4“High x 6“Deep; 482 x 44 x 155mm

Front Panel Controls
Individual Release, Depth and Threshold controls
Hardwire bypass IN/OUT switch
Open/Closed gate status LED
Marker panel for labelling gate assigns
Rear Panel
Balanced Inputs and Outputs, on Balanced jack
connectors
Sidechain Insert/Key Input TipRingSleeve jack on
each channel
AC input connector, with voltage switch and fuse 

Features
Enhance switch to restore spectral balance of compressed signal
Switchable Mode - Dual Channel or Stereo linked
Above or Below Threshold LEDs
Balanced XLR and Jack Inputs and Outputs
Intuitive, user friendly layout
Flawless performance

Innovation
The ARX COMPO? is a unique compressor/limiter designed for use in any
professional audio dynamics control application, packaged in a compact 1
RU chassis.The COMPO operates as two independent compressor/limiters,
with 'industry standard' variable Threshold, Ratio and Output gain controls.
A Stereo Link switch on the front panel lets both channels track as a stereo
pair in a Master/Slave configuration.
Enhance Switch
The COMPO features an 'Enhance' switch, which provides frequency restoration
to preserve the spectral balance of the audio signal, compensating for the sagging
Low and High frequency response of compressed program material.
The best way to think of it is as a 'smart' loudness control.
Wide Scale metering
There is comprehensive LED indication of all operating functions and status. Above
or Below Threshold LEDs on each channel give you instant visual confirmation of
compressor activity, as well as easy to read LED Gain Reduction meters.
Balanced Inputs and Outputs
On the rear panel, each channel has true differential Balanced inputs and outputs,
on both XLR and TRS jack connectors. Other features include an Active/Bypass
switch for each channel, and passive RFI filters on the inputs.
Universal AC Power
AC power range is a universal 100 to 120V or 220 to 240V AC, and is connected to
the unit via a removable power lead and standard 3 pin IEC connector, with built-in
fuse and voltage change switch.
ARX Quality
With its smooth compression, intuitive user friendly layout, high density precision
circuitry, and extensive user-variable operating parameters, the ARX COMPO is the
ideal installation 'set and forget' compressor, and is also equally at home in Studio,
Broadcast and Sound Reinforcement environments.

Every day, ARX Audio interface products solve audio problems for thousands of people
around the world.

T E C H N I C A L S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Input Impedance Balanced 20 Kohms, Unbalanced 10 Kohms
Input Headroom + 22 dB
CMRR >60 dB, 20 Hz-20 KHz
Output Impedance Balanced 300 ohms, Unbalanced 150 ohms
Output Level (Max) + 22 dB
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20KHz ±0.4dB
Signal to Noise ratio -85 dB Unweighted, -99 dB 'A' weighted
Distortion .02% THD @ 0dB,1KHz
Dynamic Range 107 dB
Enhance Section
Low Enhance 50 Hz, High Enhance 10 KHz
Power Requirements 100/120 V AC, 220/240 V AC
Weight 5 lbs/2.2 Kg
Dimensions 19“W x 1?“H x 6“D, 482 x 44 x 155mm
Input/OutputConnector type XLR, Balanced Jack

Front Panel Controls
Channel A Active/Bypassed IN/OUT switch
Threshold, Ratio and Output Gain controls
Numbered marker panel for labelling compressor assigns
5 segment LED Gain Reduction display
Above/Below Threshold status LEDs
Enhance switch and status LED
Stereo link switch and status LED
Channel B controls identical to Channel A
Rear Panel Connectors
Balanced XLR Input and Output connectors.
Balanced TRS jack Input and Output connectors.
AC input connector, with voltage switch and fuse.