Overview
Aqua Broadcast, Cobalt C-10, 10 Watt FM Transmitter
The COBALT C-10 is a robust 10W FM Broadcast Transmitter, boasting FCC part 73 LPFM and IC certifi cations. Its exceptional audio quality and clear sound from the Direct to Channel Digital technology with minimal manipulation, maintains audio integrity. Operating on a fully customized LINUX OS system, this transmitter features a low-distortion modulator available across all COBALT FM Transmitter models. Input and output options include Analog, AES/EBU, Digital MPX (AES192), Ethernet, USB, GPIO, GPS Sync with built-in SFN capabilities. Tailored for applications like Community Radio Gap-filling and scenarios, or as an exciter requiring high-quality audio, the COBALT C-10 ensures market-leading sound. It comes equipped with a built-in 4-band Audio Processor, featuring Bass enhancement, Pilot protection, Wide AGC, and a range of expertly designed modern presets for an impressive start.
The modern design with its Ultra-clear RGB display and Intuitive Joystick controls with Haptic feedback and silicon buttons allow for swift setup, ensuring you get on the air in no time. The advanced communication package includes an intuitive web interface and remote control via Ethernet (https). Full SNMP v1, v2c, and v3 management, with the ability to send emails, alerts, and remotely monitor audio, provide confi dence with global control from any device
with a web browser.
Features
- Direct to Digital Synthesized modulation
- FCC Part 73 Certified for LPFM, IC Certification for Canada
- Linux OS
- RGB Screen
- 4 Band Audio Processor
- Audio confidence monitoring by web browser
- Dynamic, UECP Compliant RDS Encoder
- ITU-R BS412.9 Limiter
- GPS Sync for SFN
- Digital MPX (AES192)
- Ethernet Control with HTTPS
- SNMP v1, v2c, v3
- Advanced Automations and confi gurations
- Scheduler
- Audio Failover and Silence Detection
- Backup Audio player via USB
- Shoutcast / Icecast Stream input
Specifications / Documents
General
- Output Power (W): 10W
- Range (W): 1-15W
- RF Output connector: N-Type (Female)
- Input ACV @ 50/60Hz: 100-240
- Power Connector: IEC 13A filtered
- Power consumption: ~50W @ max power
- AC-RF efficiency type: ~30%
- Temperature controlled fan: 1
- Power supplies: 1
- Dimensions WxDxH: (inch) 19x15x1RU (1.75")
- Weight: 3.7kg / 8.14lb
MODULATOR
- Transmitter type: Solid-state FM Stereo transmitter
- Modulator: Direct-to-channel (DDS)
- RF Output Frequency Range: VHF Band II, 87-108MHz
- RF Frequency Steps: 100kHz
- Frequency Stability: ±1 ppm or ±150Hz in 0-50⁰C range with internal 10MHz clock reference
- FM Modulation Range Capability: 75kHz default, 100% modulation user adjustable up to 105kHz 140%), maximum 300kHz
RF
- Power Stability: ≤ ± 0.25dB
- Asynchronous/AM noise: ≤ -60dB
- Synchronous AM s/n ratio: ≤ -60dB
- RF Harmonic and Spurious Suppression: Meets ETSI requirements
- VSWR operation: Fully protected against gradual or sudden VSWR conditions. Proportional power reduction from VSWR 1.5:1
STEREO ENCODER
- Performance: 400Hz/1kHz test tones at modulation level ≤75kHz
- Modes: Stereo, Mono L+R, Mono L, Mono R
- Frequency response: 20Hz-15kHz ±0.02dB
- Pre-emphasis: 0, 50 or 75μs
- Pilot tone: 19kHz, adjustable level 0-12%
- Subcarriers suppression: ≤ -70dB
- Stereo separation: ≥75dB AES/EBU input, ≥70dB Analogue input
- Stereo SNR: ≥80dB with 75us de-emphasis, ≥75dB without de-emphasis, both inputs
- Stereo THD+N: <0.03%
- Crosstalk: ≥70dB, between L+R and L-R due to channel matching, both inputs
MONO PERFORMANCE
- Frequency response: 20Hz - 15kHz ±0.02dB
- Pre-emphasis: 0, 50 or 75 µs
- Mono SNR: ≥75dB AES/EBU input, ≥70dB Analogue input
- Mono THD+N: ≤0.002% analogue input, ≤0.001% AES input, with 75us de-emphasis
ANALOG MPX INPUT PERFORMANCE
- Frequency response: 10Hz-53kHz ±0.03dB, 53kHz-70kHz ±0.3dB
- FM SNR: 10Hz-53kHz ±0.03dB, 53kHz-70kHz ±0.3dB
- THD+N: ≤0.003% with 75us de-emphasis
DIGITAL MPX INPUT PERFORMANCE
- Frequency response: -90kHz ±0.005dB
- FM SNR:≥100dB, with 75us de-emphasis
- THD+N: ≤0.001% with 75us de-emphasis
AUDIO INPUTS
- Analog: 2 x XLR female, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-24dBu
- Digital: 24dBu AES/EBU via RJ45 per StudioHUB+, level adjustable -20-0dBFS, sampling rates 32-192 kHz
AUDIO OUTPUT
- Headphones Out: 1/4" (6.3mm) female stereo socket, software adjustable volume, minimum load impedance 16Ω
WIDEBAND INPUTS
- Analog MPX: BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu
- Digital MPX: AES/EBU via RJ45 per StudioHUB+, level -20-0dBFS, sampling rate 192kHz left channel
- Analog RDS: BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable from 0.1-10Vpp
WIDEBAND OUTPUTS
- Analog MPX: BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu
- Digital MPX: BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu
RDS GENERATOR
- Type: Fully Dynamic RDS/RDS2/RBDS Generator
- Protocols: ASCII commands, UECP protocol and X-Command Multi-port architecture
- Ports: UART over USB-B & Ethernet
COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL
- 10MHz input: BNC, 50Ω terminated
- 1PPS input: BNC, 50Ω terminated
- RF sample output: SMA, 50Ω, -30dBc
- UART over USB: USB-B, system control
- USB: 2 x USB-A, storage & FW upgrade
- Ethernet: 1 x RJ45
- RS232: DB25 shared connector, system control
- GPIO: DB25 shared connector, 8 x output & 8 x input, all optically isolated.
- Interlock/RF: Mute DB25 shared connector, programmable logic/polarity
- Analog voltage output: DB25 shared connector, 4-channel 0-5V range