TC ELECTRONIC DBMAX – 5-BAND LEVEL MAXIMAZER

DBMax is a Level Maximizer and Audio Enhancement processor for use
in digital transmission, linking, webcast and radio STL applications.
High resolution and high sample rate processing prevents unwanted distortion
and listening fatigue from being generated, artifacts often associated with
comparable processors.
The 5-band section in DBMax can be combined with Automatic Gain Control,
Dynamic and Static Stereo Enhancement, Dynamic and Static Eq and other
tools for maximizing audio impact and creating a signature sound. Balanced
and unbalanced AES/EBU I/O is standard, and outputs are always active.
Sample rate conversion can be invoked when using digital inputs. Analog I/O
is standard and outputs are always active.
The 24 bit converters are scaled in the analog domain, with scaling under preset
control, to minimize noise and maximize headroom under all operating conditions.
DBMax can be remotely controlled using GPI or RS485 serial inputs.

Main Features  

Maximum Level
Maintain maximum level and simultaneously eliminate overshoots.
Maximum efficiency: 5-band compression
Limiting: Sample accurate, distortion reduced Limiter
Multi Slope: Add gain at mid-levels without squashing the transients
Optimum Quality
The DBMAX employ precise calculations at a full processing rate, in
order to keep aliasing distortion low and audio bandwidth high.

Audio quality has been our primary concern when designing the DBMax ?
hence you can even cascade several units without any sonic penalties.
Bandwidth: Processing at up to 48kHz sample rate for 24kHz audio
Resolution: Processing of all 24bits of an AES/EBU Digital signal
A/D-D/A converters: 24bit resolution with analog pre-scaling
Output Formats
AES/EBU, S/PDIF and Analog outputs are all active simultaneously.
Digital outputs may be dithered to resolutions between 8 and 24bits.
Analog and Digital outputs may have emphasis applied individually.
Gain Transfer
Example of gain transfer and parameters using DBMax.
Presets
The DBMax comes loaded with 60 presets for a variety of different applications.
DBMax Internal Structure
Four selectable Insert algorithms surround the multi-band structure.
The digital output fader may be remotely set via voltage control. 

The Avalon VT-737SP features a combination of TUBE preamplifiers,
opto-compressor,sweep equalizer, output level and VU metering in a
2U space.
PREAMPLIFIER
The VT-737SP has three input selections: 1. The VT-737SP features a
higher-performance microphone input transformer with +48v phantom
selection. 2. Instrument DI high source input with jack located on front
panel. 3. Balanced line input, discrete high-level Class A. The Class A
preamplifier utilizes two cascaded, dual vacuum tube triodes configured
with minimum negative feedback. A high gain switch boosts the overall
gain of the preamplifier. The four high quality tubes are configured as
singled ended anode coupled followers. A passive-variable high pass filter
and hard-wire relay bypass completes the input signal conditioning. The
phase reverse relay is available on all three inputs.
OPTO-COMPRESSOR
The opto-compressor features a minimum signal path design with twin Class
A vacuum tube triodes for gain matching. The optical attenuator acts as a
simple passive level controller. Full dynamic control from soft compression to
hard- knee limiting can be achieved with threshold, ratio-compression, attack
and release controls plus gain reduction selection on the large VU meter. Special
spectral control including de-ess is available with the dual sweep mid EQ to side-
chain switch. The EQ section can be flipped pre or post the opto-compressor
via a front panel switch for alternate effects and tone shaping. Two VT-737SPs
can be linked via a rear panel link cable for stereo tracking. The compressor
bypass is a sealed silver relay for the most direct signal path.
SWEEP-EQUALIZER AND OUTPUT LEVEL
The VT-737SP equalizer utilizes 100% discrete, Class A-high-voltage transistors
for optimum sonic performance. The high and low frequency bands provide the
smooth characteristics of an all passive design, while the dual mid bands include
variable frequency and switched Q-width selection. The enhanced range of the mid
bands is extended into the high and low bands by the use of X10 frequency multipliers.
The bypass switch incorporates a sealed silver relay for the most direct signal path.
When the EQ to sidechain is engaged, the high-low EQ remains in the audio path for
"tone enhancement“. The output level control provides a variable control of the overall
signal path. The output amplifier utilizes another dual triode vacuum tube driving a
100% discrete, Class A, high-current, balanced and DC coupled low noise output
amplifier.

AVALON VT-737SP FEATURES
Vacuum tube triode signal path, transformer balanced microphone input, high-voltage
circuits for maximum headroom to +30dB, low noise -92dB, internal discrete power
supply with toroidal transformer, soft-start tube life extender, stereo link for compressors,
all discrete Class A equalizer with musical passive filter design, sealed silver relays for
signal routing, large control knobs with professional conductive plastic potentiometers,
VU meter for output level monitoring and compressor gain reduction.

VT-737SP SPECIFICATIONS
Circuit topology Four dual triode vacuum tubes (Sovtek 6922), high-voltage discrete
Class A
Gain Range Microphone: Transformer balanced 850/2500 ohm, 0dB to +58dB Instrument:
Unbalanced 1 meg ohm, 0dB to+30dB Line: Balanced Class A 20k ohms, -27dB to 28dB
Maximum input level and connector types Microphone26dB@25Hz, +30dB@1kHz balanced
XLR Instrument+30dB unbalanced front panel jack socket
Line +36dB balanced XLR
Maximum output level +30dB balanced 600 ohms, DC coupled, discrete Class A
Output type and gain XLR connector, output trim gain -45dB to20dB
Noise 20kHz unweighted -92dB
Noise microphone EIN -116dB, 22Hz to 22kHz unweighted
Distortion THD, IMD 0.5%
Frequency response -/2.5dB 10Hz to 120kHz input filter included
Frequency response -3dB 1Hz to 200kHz line in-out
VU meter and gain reduction High quality illuminated OVU =+4dB and gain reduction to -20dB
High cut filter Variable 6dB per octave 30Hz to 140Hz
Compressor type Optical passive attenuator incorporating twin vacuum tubes and stereo link
Threshold - Ratio Threshold variable -30dB to +20dB, ratio-compression variable 1:1 to 20:1
Attack - Release Attack variable 2mS to 200mS, release variable 100mS to 5 seconds
Equalizer type Discrete Class A, variable active and switched passive design
Frequency bands (4) Treble - switched 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 32kHz, +/- 20dB range, shelf
High mid - variable 200Hz to 2k8Hz and 2kHz to 28kHz, +/- 16dB range, hi-lo Q Low mid -
variable 30Hz to 450Hz and 300Hz to 4k5Hz, +/- 16dB range, hi-lo Q Bass - switched 15Hz,
30Hz, 60Hz, 150Hz, +/- 24dB range, shelf
AC power Internal toroidal 100v to 240v, 50-60Hz selectable, 75 watts maximum
Dimensions 19 x 12 x 3.5 in (482 x 305 x 89mm)
Weight 22lbs (10kg)
Dimensions-shipping carton 21 x 18 x 8 in (533 x 457 x 203mm)
Weight-packed 26lbs (11.8kg)

• 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

• Error proof operation to smooth uneven levels, add sustain to guitars, fatten drums or tighten up mixes
• New gate timing algorithms ensure the smoothest release characteristics
• Program-adaptive expander/gates
• Great sounding dynamics control for any type of program material
• Separate precision LED displays for gain reduction, compression threshold and gate threshold allow quick, accurate setup
• Stereo or dual-mono operation
• Balanced inputs and outputs on 1/4" TRS and XLR connectors
• Side Chain insert
• Classic dbx® "Auto" mode

Features
Four Independent Compressor Channels
Channels 1 and 2, 3 and 4 are stereo linkable
7 LED Gain Reduction metering
Balanced XLR Inputs and Outputs
Sidechain Insert points
Intuitive, user friendly layout
Flawless performance
 
The sheer amount of effects and signal processors necessary 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, ARX would like to introduce the ARX Quadcomp.
An all-new upgrade of the classic award-winning ARX Quadcomp?, the very first four
channel 1 RU compressor.You?ll notice that we haven?t strayed very far from our
original design concept. The Quadcomp  is still four variable ratio Compressor/ Limiters
neatly housed in a compact all steel 1 RU package. However, all new low noise/low
distortion circuitry, better metering plus XLR inputs and outputs put the Quadcomp
in a class of its own.
More Control, Less Space
On the front panel, each channel has the 'industry standard' individual controls for Threshold,
Compression Ratio and Output, plus a new 7 LED Gain Reduction display for accurate visual
indication of the amount of gain reduction being applied to the program, and an IN/OUT
hardwire bypass switch.In addition to this, each channel has a blank numbered panel to write
on for easy confirmation of compressor assigns.
Precision Circuitry
Internally, each compressor uses Class A VCAs and true 2 pole averaging RMS/DC converters
for low distortion and accuracy, plus program dependent attack and release time, which
automatically determines optimum compressor response.
Balanced Inputs and Outputs
The rear panel has true differential Balanced XLR Inputs and Outputs for each compressor.
Each compressor has a TRS jack Sidechain access insert point, for frequency sensitive
compression, De-essing, etc. in conjunction with an external equalizer (such as the ARX EQ260).
Compressor pairs 1 and 2, 3 and 4 also have rear panel mounted Stereo Link switches for accurate
stereo tracking. When switched IN, the first channel becomes the master and controls all the functions
of the second except Output gain.
Universal AC Power
AC power range is switchable 100 to 120V, or 220 to 240V, and is connected to the unit via
a standard IEC connector, with built-in fuse and voltage switch.
Whatever the application ? Channel insert, Bus insert, Master Outputs, Monitor outputs,
Crossover outputs, the Quadcomp II?s unique High Density design, precision Low Noise circuitry
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 + 20dB
CMRR >50dB, 20 Hz?20 KHz
Output Impedance
Balanced 300 ohms Unbalanced 150 ohms
Output Level (Max) + 20 dB
Frequency Response 20Hz-20KHz ±0.5dB
Signal to Noise ratio
-93 dB Unweighted, -98 dB ?A? weighted
Distortion .015% THD @ 0dB,1KHz
Dynamic Range 108 dB
Attack and Release Times Program dependent
Metering
7 LED display: ?1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 18, ?24 dB
Sidechain Insert Impedance 10 Kohm
Power Requirements
100/120 V AC or 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 Connector type Balanced XLR
Output Connector type Balanced XLR
Sidechain Insert Connector TRS Jack

Front Panel Controls
Hardwire bypass IN/OUT switch
Threshold, Ratio and Output Gain controls
7 LED Gain Reduction display
Marker panel for labelling compressor assigns
Stereo link status LEDs
Rear Panel Connectors
Input and Output balanced XLR connectors
TipRingSleeve Sidechain insert connectors
Channels 1 and 2, 3 and 4 Stereo link switches
IEC AC mains connector with inbuilt fuse and
voltage change

OPTIMOD-FM 5500 puts coveted five-band and two-band OPTIMOD processing into a single rack unit package and brings it to you at the most affordable price ever.

Quality sound is what 5500 is all about-sound that attracts audiences by providing a polished, professional presentation regardless of format and source material. Exceptional versatility allows you to adjust the processor's audio texture to brand your audio, knowing that the resulting signature sound will remain consistent, cut-to-cut and source-to-source. Branding builds businesses and no other processors have the consistency to brand your sound like OPTIMOD.

With the 5500, your signature sound is just a preset away. An easy, one-knob Less/More adjustment allows you to customize any factory preset, trading cleanliness against processing artifacts according to the requirements of your market and competitive environment. Full Control gives you the versatility to customize your audio further. And, if you're a hard-core processing expert, you can explore Advanced Control to tweak presets at the same level as Orban's factory programmers. This versatility makes the 5500 a superb choice for any format. Its five-band processing is ideal for any pop music format (even the most competitive and aggressive CHR), while phase-linear two-band processing yields ultratransparent sound for classical, classic jazz, and fine arts formats. Regardless of your choice, 5500's optimized technology ensures unusually high average modulation and coverage for a given level of subjective quality. Unlike many lesser processors, the 5500 handles speech particularly well. It's always clean, even when you process for loudness.

If you're concerned about latency because you need to feed live talent headphones off air, be assured that the 5500's ultra-low-latency (5 ms delay) processing will keep the most finicky talent happy. Or use optimum latency (15 ms delay) processing for the most competitive sound with delay that's still low enough to satisfy most any talent.

The 5500 can also be used as a superb stand-alone stereo encoder with latency as low as 2 ms and full overshoot limiting in both the left/right and composite baseband domains.

When used in this mode, the 5500 must be driven (usually via an STL) by a full-featured FM audio processor (like Orban's 8600) that incorporates pre-emphasis aware HF limiting and peak control. In both modes, the 5500's stereo encoder helps deliver a transmitted signal that's always immaculately clean and perfectly peak limited, with full spectral protection of subcarriers and RDS/RBDS regardless of the amount of composite limiting.

It is the ideal choice for network broadcasters who process with Orban's flagship OPTIMOD-FM 8600 at the network origination point and who need a processor at every transmitter to eliminate STL overshoots (using the 5500's stand-alone stereo encoder mode) and/or to process local insertions while also eliminating network STL overshoots (using the 5500's audio processor / stereo encoder mode). Moreover, the 5500's two modes make it easy for large government and network broadcasters to manage its inventory of spares because any 5500 can be used as a stereo encoder with or without audio processing.

Available in both modes, the built-in, defeat-able ITU-BS412 multiplex power controller allows the 5500's output to meet even the most stringent European government regulations.

A 10 MHz frequency reference input allows the stereo pilot tone frequency to be locked to GPS or another high-accuracy frequency standard. This improves the performance of single-frequency networks in areas where coverage of the transmitters overlaps.

The 5500's built-in stereo encoder, AES/EBU digital inputs and outputs, and analog I/O permit hasslefree interfacing to any broadcast plant, whether the 5500 is located at the studio or the transmitter. Tight band limiting to 15 kHz means you can use any uncompressed digital STL to pass 5500- processed audio from studio to transmitter without compromising on-air loudness - there's no need to use STL's having 44.1 or 48 kHz sample-rate.

The stereo encoder's stereo sub-channel modulator can operate in normal double sideband mode and in an experimental compatible single sideband mode (SSB/VSB) that is offered to enable users to compare and assess the two modes.

Analog Fallback to Digital control that allows Silence Sense to switch the active input from Analog to Digital if silence is detected in the analog input signal but not on the digital input signal. This function works vice versa as well on both analog and digital AES input. The silence sense parameters apply to both simultaneously and both detectors are available to drive the 5500's tally outputs and sending SNMP Traps/Alerts.

If you want to locate the 5500 away from the studio, you'll be pleased by its three separate remote control ports - GPI contact closures, RS232 serial and built-in Ethernet for TCP/IP networks. The serial and Ethernet ports are supported by the supplied 5500 PC Remote Control application. This Windows® 2000/XP/Vista/7/8 application allows you to do even more with the 5500 than you can do through its front panel, making remote control a pleasure.

5500 PC Remote software allows you to access all 5500 features and allows you to archive and restore presets, automation lists, and system setups (containing I/O levels, digital word lengths, GPI functional assignments, etc.)

Built-in clock-based automation lets you automatically day-part the processing. You can control many other 5500 operating parameters too.

The 5500's feature set fully exploits the processor's DSP and computer-based control architecture. To ensure absolute accuracy, you can automatically synchronize the clock to an Internet timeserver. It has a cool-running, energy-efficient switching power supply and uses the latest dual-core DSP chip technology from Freescale Semiconductor.