ATC Labs Perceptual Soundmax Q24-1111HD FM/HD Audio Processor

ATC Labs Perceptual Soundmax Model Q24-1111HD FM/HD Audio Processor

FM and HD Radio in one rack unit. The 24-band processor for FM or AM plus one digital service — HD Radio HD1 or DRM — with diversity delay, composite MPX with a built-in RDS encoder, Nielsen™ watermarking, AES67 and a StreamMax™ simulcast stream, in 1U.

Built on powerful, state-of-the-art signal-processing technologies, it delivers advanced 24-band processing using an extremely detailed and accurate time-frequency representation of the audio signal.  Leveraging cutting-edge innovations—such as filter banks, psychoacoustic modelling, harmonic analysis, advanced AI algorithms-based sound-quality enhancements, and ATC Labs’ deep technical expertise—we have developed a suite of novel & intelligent signal-conditioning tools that maximize the performance of the 24-band dynamics engine and elevate it with new enhancement technologies. The result is a unique, pleasing, and highly optimized broadcast sound that emphasizes presence and perceived loudness while improving long-term listener comfort. In simple terms, this enables broadcasters to create breathtakingly detailed, consistent, and balanced audio that is loud and punchy without introducing listener fatigue.

• Aideal Audio™ Processing: Patented 24-band AI-enhanced signal conditioning & processing platform for unmatched clarity. Multiple ML deep networks work in tandem to analyze changing characteristics of audio and gently adjust the processing while remaining true to the selected processing profile.
• Streaming Excellence: Integrated HE/LC-AAC (V1/V2) encoding, optimized with latest ATC Labs Psychoacoustics, and HLS encapsulation for seamless internet distribution.
• Advanced Control: Intuitive on-device interface paired with robust PC-based SoundMaxManager™ remote control software for network-wide tuning. It features an intuitive screen interface for direct on-device control and is complemented by advanced PC-based remote-control software that provides comprehensive monitoring, adjustment, and tuning capabilities over a network.
• Operational Reliability: Engineered with premium components for 24/7 continuous operation and minimal maintenance.
• Preloaded Versatility: Includes a wide range of genre-specific presets with support for unlimited custom user profiles.
• Diversity Delay: Up to 12 Seconds
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In Depth

The Signature SoundMax sound — with AI at its side: Aideal Audio™ is the Signature SoundMax sound, powered by AI. A patented high-resolution 24-band dynamics engine sits at the core, and deep ML networks aid it — so the sound stays loud, punchy and consistently balanced, with minimal listener fatigue.

Advanced Tuning Engine

StreamMax™ streaming simulcast: Signature SoundMax Sound, carried into the stream — processed on a path of its own for the codec it feeds, and encoded by ATC Labs' enhanced AAC.

• Program Paths
  • Paths: 2 — MAIN/HD1, StreamMax™ streaming simulcast, each with its own profile
  • Diversity delay: Up to 12 s on MAIN with respect to HD1, accurate to ±2 samples, trim ±10 samples, software configurable
  • HD1 / DRM A output: AES/EBU, XLR male, −20 to 0 dBFS, 32 / 44.1 / 48 kHz, its own trim 0 to −90 dBFS
• Analog Audio
  • Input: +27 dBu max, >10 kΩ, balanced, 24-bit A/D, nominal −10 to +13 dBu
  • Output: −6 to +24 dBu, balanced, 24-bit D/A, flat or pre-emphasised (50 µs or 75 µs)
  • Frequency response: ±0.3 dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Signal to noise: ≥ 90 dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz, unweighted
  • Distortion: THD+N ≤ 0.01 %, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
  • Crosstalk: ≤ −90 dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Digital Audio
  • AES/EBU input: 32 / 44.1 / 48 kHz auto-sense, 16 or 24 bit, −25 to 0 dBFS, XLR female, 110 Ω
  • AES/EBU output: 32 / 44.1 / 48 kHz, −20 to 0 dBFS, ±0.3 dB 5 Hz – 20 kHz, 50 µs or 75 µs pre-emphasis
  • Audio over IP: AES67 in and out on the AOIP port — L16 or L24, 44.1 or 48 kHz, stereo or mono, output packet time 0.125 to 4 ms, PTPv2
  • Failsafe: Automatic switching from the primary input to a secondary one — analog, digital or audio over IP
• FM composite
  • Outputs: 2 × BNC, ITU-R BS 412 compliant — each composite or MPX, one of them a 19 kHz pilot reference if needed. Individual level, −12 to +12 dBu (+12 dBu max); 0 or 75 Ω source, up to 8 V p-p into 75 Ω
  • RDS Encoder: Built in — PI, PS (static or dynamic), RadioText (static, or "now playing" appended or overwritten from automation) and AF; metadata in over TCP or UDP, as client or server
  • Nielsen™ Watermarking: In the box — CBET encoding with the station SID and check digits, time-code insertion, radio mode, prior-watermark overwrite and EAS handling
  • Signal to Noise: ≥ 90 dB, 20 Hz – 15 kHz
  • Distortion: THD ≤ 0.02 %, 20 Hz – 15 kHz
  • Stereo Separation: ≥ 60 dB, 20 Hz – 15 kHz
  • 38 kHz suppression: ≥ 90 dB
  • Pilot: 19 kHz ±1 Hz, level adjustable 6 – 12 %, protection 65 dB relative to 9 % injection, ±500 Hz
  • RDS Protection: > 60 dB relative to 4 % injection, ±2 kHz
  • Pre-emphasis 50 µs: or 75 µs, software selectable
• Streaming
  • Streams 1: — the StreamMax™ simulcast, on a processing path of its own
  • Encoders: AAC-LC, HE-AAC v1, HE-AAC v2, MP3
  • Bitrates: 24–384 kbps AAC, 32–320 kbps MP3
  • Encapsulation: ADTS or MPEG-2 TS for AAC; MP3 or MPEG-2 TS for MP3
  • HLS: Up to 2 bitrates for adaptive HLS, chunks 3–10 s
  • Delivery: CDN primary/secondary push over HTTP or HTTPS, including Amazon S3 and S3-compatible storage (AWS SigV4); Icecast — your own server or ATC Labs' servers in Asia and North America; built-in HTTP server; UDP unicast/multicast
  • Players: Android and iOS native players, VLC, and every browser with HLS, AAC or MP3 support — Edge, Chrome, Safari, Firefox
• Control
  • SoundMaxManager™: Over the CTRL/STREAM port from any networked PC, which finds every processor automatically; SNMP compliant
  • Front Panel: Display and five-way keypad, status LEDs, headphone jack with level knob, USB 2.0 for firmware upgrades
  • GPIO (optional): 8 inputs and 2 outputs, opto-isolated and floating, on DB-25 — user-programmable for factory preset, user preset, bypass, test tone, analog input, digital input, and stereo or mono
• Physical
  • Chassis: 1U, 19-inch rack, 482.6 × 44.5 × 385 mm
    Installation: Allow 1U of free space above and below, and 10 cm of clearance at the rear, for airflow
  • Weight: 5.5 kg
  • Power: 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz, IEC detachable earthed cord
  • Environment: 0 – 50 °C, up to 95 % non-condensing, 3000 m ASL
  • Compliance: ETL listed to UL standards, CE marked
  • In the box: The processor, power cord, rack-mounting kit, Ethernet cable, SoundMaxManager™ software, operation manual, warranty certificate and a test report