Overview
Optimod-AM 9300 Audio Processor (DISCONTINUED)
Orban's powerful and user friendly AM processor.
Orban's all-digital 9300 Optimod-AM audio processor can help you achieve the highest possible audio quality in monophonic AM shortwave, medium wave and long wave broadcasts. Optimod-AM delivers louder, cleaner, brighter, FM-like audio with an open, fatigue-free quality that attracts listeners and holds them. Because all processing is performed by high-speed mathematical calculations within Motorola DSP56367 digital signal processing chips, the processing has cleanliness, quality and stability over time and temperature that is unmatched by analog processors.Optimod 9300 is descended from the industry-standard 9100 and 9200 Optimod-AM audio processors. Thousands of these processors are on the air all over the world. For more then 30 years, Orban has proven that the “Optimod sound” attracts and keeps an audience even in the most competitive commercial environment. Optimod-AM was designed to deliver a high quality FM-like sound to the listener's ear by pre-processing for the limitations of the average car or table radio (while avoiding audible side effects and compromises in loudness or coverage). Because such processing can make audible many defects ordinarily lost in the usual sea of AM mud, it is very important that the source audio be as clean as possible. The 9300 is very user-friendly. Its Quick Setup wizard walks you through the setup process. The One-knob LESS-MORE control lets you customize the 9300's factory presets easily. If you're an audio processing expert, you'll love the Advanced Control parameters (accessible from 9300 PC Remote software) that allow you to customize the 9300's sound to your exact requirements.
Making the Most of the AM Channel
Optimod-AM rides gain over an adjustable range of up to 25dB, compressing dynamic range and compensating for operator gain-riding errors and for gain in- consistencies in automated systems. Optimod-AM increases the density and loudness of the program material by multiband limiting and multiband distortion canceling clipping, improving the consistency of the station's sound and increasing loudness and definition without producing audible side effects. Optimod-AM precisely controls peak levels to prevent over-modulation. Optimod-AM compensates for the high- and low- frequency rolloffs of typical AM receivers with a fully adjustable program equalizer providing up to 20dB of high-frequency boost (at 5 kHz) without producing the side effects encountered in conventional processors. This equalizer can thus produce extreme pre-emphasis that is appropriate for very narrow-band radios. Optimod-AM ‘s fully parametric low- and mid-frequency equalizers allow you to tailor your air sound to your precise requirements and desires. Optimod-AM also fully supports the NRSC standard pre-emphasis curve.Optimod-AM comes with a wide variety of factory presets to accommodate almost any user requirement. A single LESS-MORE control easily modifies any factory preset. The user (via FULL CONTROL) can further customize the presets, and these can be stored and recalled on command. Advanced Control (accessible from the PC Remote application) facilitates detailed sound design using the same controls that were available to the factory programmers. OPTIMOD-AM controls the transmitter bandwidth as necessary to meet government regulations, regardless of program material or equalization. Optimod-AM's high-frequency bandwidth can be switched instantly in 500Hz increments between 4.5 kHz and 9.5 kHz. The lower cutoff frequencies meet the output power spectral density requirements of ITU-R 328-5 without further low- pass filtering at the transmitter, while the 9.5 kHz filter meets the requirements of the NRSC-1 standard (North America). The 5.0 kHz filter makes the analog AM bandwidth compatible with HD-AM transmission. The low-pass filters have parametric cutoff shapes, allowing you to trade off filter ringing against frequency response flatness. Optimod-AM compensates for inaccuracies in the pulse response (tilt, overshoot, ringing) of transmitters and antenna systems with a powerful four- parameter transmitter equalizer. A built-in square-wave generator makes adjustment easy. Four sets of equalizer parameters can be stored and recalled, al- lowing you to program day and night variations for two transmitters. Two mono analog outputs and one AES3 output accommodate as many as three transmitters.Optimod-AM is usually installed at the transmitter, replacing all processing normally employed at the transmitter site, including compressor, protection peak limiters, clippers, and high- and low-pass filters normally included within the transmitter.
Optimal Control of Peak Modulation Levels
The audio processing circuitry in Optimod-AM produces a waveform that is precisely peak-controlled to prevent over-modulation, and is low-pass filtered to protect adjacent channels and to conform to government regulations. Low-pass filters (including anti-aliasing filters in digital links), high-pass filters, transformers, distribution amplifiers, and long transmission lines can all cause the above criteria to be violated, and must be tested and qualified. It is clear that the above criteria for optimal control of peak modulation levels are met most easily when the audio processor directly feeds the transmitter. While Optimod-AM’s transmitter equalizer can mitigate the effects of group delay and frequency response errors in the signal path, an accurate path will still achieve the best results.
Controllable and Adjustable
An LCD and full-time LED meters make setup, adjustment and programming of OPTIMOD-AM easy — you can always see the metering while you’re adjusting the processor. Navigation is by dedicated buttons, soft buttons (whose functions are context-sensitive), and a large rotary knob. The LEDs show all metering functions of the processing structure (Two-Band or Five-Band) in use. Optimod-AM contains a versatile real-time clock, which allows automation of various events (including recalling presets) at pre-programmed times.A Bypass Test Mode can be invoked locally, by remote control (from either the 9300’s GPI port or the 9300 PC Remote application), or by automation to permit broadcast system test and alignment or “proof of performance” tests. Optimod-AM contains a built-in line-up tone generator that offers sine, square, and triangle waves, facilitating quick and accurate level setting in any system.Optimod-AM's software can be upgraded by running Orban-supplied downloadable upgrade software on a PC. The 9300 can be remote-controlled by 5-12V pulses applied to eight pro- grammable, optically isolated “general-purpose interface” (GPI) ports. 9300 PC Remote software runs under Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10. It communicates with a given 9300 via TCP/IP over modem, direct serial, and Ethernet connections. You can configure PC Remote to switch between many 9300s via a convenient organizer that supports giving any 9300 an alias and grouping multiple 9300s into folders.
Specifications
Performance
Frequency Response (Bypass Mode):
±0.2 dB, 50 Hz–9.5 kHz, or as determined by user-settable high-pass and low-pass filters.
Noise:
Output noise floor will depend upon how much gain the processor is set for (Limit Drive, AGC Drive, Two-Band Drive, and/or Multiband Drive), gating level, equalization, noise reduction, etc. The dynamic range of the A/D Converter, which has a specified overload-to–noise ratio of 110 dB, primarily governs it. The dynamic range of the digital signal processing is 144 dB.
Total System Distortion (De-Emphasized, 100% Modulation):
<0.01% THD, 20 Hz–1 kHz, rising to <0.05% at 9.5 kHz. <0.02% SMPTE IM Distortion.
Polarity:
The processing employs phase rotation to maximize loudness. Therefore, the polarity is frequency-dependent.
Processing Sample Rate:
The 9300 is a “multirate” system, using internal rates from 32 kHz to 128 kHz as appropriate for the processing being performed. Audio clippers operate at 128 kHz.
Processing Resolution:
Internal processing has 24 bit (fixed point) or higher resolution; uses Motorola DSP56362 DSP chips.
Low-Pass Filter:
4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, or 9.5 (NRSC) kHz as set by user. Unit can be set up to comply easily with ITU-R and NRSC spectrum masks. Lowpass filter shape is parametric and can be set to be –0.1, –3, or –6 dB down at the cutoff frequency.
High-Pass Filter:
Constrained by user settable fifth-order “quasi-elliptical” highpass filter to 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 Hz. All filters have equal-ripple (Chebychev-like) passbands and a 25 Hz notch for transmitter protection.
Channel Configuration:
Processing is monophonic.
Installation
Analog Audio Input
Configuration:
Stereo (Configurable to drive the processing selection with mono from left, mono from right, or mono from sum).
Impedance:
10kΩ load impedance, electronically balanced. Through-hole pads are available on I/O module for user installed 600Ohm termination.
Nominal Input Level:
Software adjustable from -20.0 to +20.0 dBu (VU) / -13.0 to +27 dBu (PPM)
Maximum Input Level:
+27 dBu.
Connectors:
Two XLR-type, female, EMI-suppressed. Pin 1 chassis ground, Pins 2 (+) and 3 electronically balanced, floating and symmetrical.
A/D Conversion:
24 bit 128x oversampled delta sigma converter with linear-phase anti-aliasing filter. Converter outputs 64 kHz sample rate, which the 9300 then decimates to 32 kHz in DSP using an ultra-high-quality image-free synchronous sample rate converter.
Filtering:
RFI filtered, with high-pass filter at 0.15 Hz (-3 dB).
Analog Audio Output
Configuration:
Two monophonic outputs, capable to driving two transmitters. The two outputs have independent level controls.
Source Impedance:
351Ω (includes the third-order output EMI suppression network), electronically balanced and floating. The user can specify the output load in software to calibrate the output level accurately into a bridging or 600Ω load.
Load Impedance:
600Ω or greater, balanced or unbalanced. Termination not required or recommended.
Output Level (100% peak modulation):
Adjustable from -6 dBu to +20 dBu peak, into 600Ω or greater load, software-adjustable.
Signal-to-Noise:
≥ 90 dB unweighted (Bypass mode, de-emphasized, 20 Hz - 9.5 kHz bandwidth, referenced to 100% modulation).
Distortion:
≤ 0.01% THD (Bypass mode, de-emphasized) 20 Hz - 9.5 kHz bandwidth.
Connectors:
Two XLR-type, male, EMI-suppressed. Pin 1 chassis ground, Pins 2 (+) and 3 electronically balanced, floating and symmetrical.
D/A Conversion:
24 bit 128x oversampled.
Filtering:
RFI filtered.
Digital Audio Input
Input Reference Level:
Software adjustable from -30.0 dBFS to -10 dBFS (VU) / -23.0 dBFS to -3.0 dBFS (PPM)
Configuration:
Stereo per AES3 standard, 24 bit resolution, software processing selection of mono from left, mono from mono from sum.
Sampling Rate:
32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz, automatically selected.
Connector:
XLR-type, female, EMI-suppressed. Pin 1 chassis ground, pins 2 and 3 transformer balanced and floating, 110Ω impedance.
Input Reference Level:
Variable within the range of -30 dBFS to -10 dBFS.
J.17 De-emphasis:
Software-selectable.
Filtering:
RFI filtered.
Digital Audio Output
Configuration:
Dual-channel per AES3 standard. Each channel carries an identical monophonic signal.
Sample Rate:
Internal free running at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz, selected in software. Can also be synced to the AES3 input at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz, as configured in software.
Word Length:
Software selected for 24, 20, 18, 16 or 14-bit resolution. First-order highpass noise-shaped dither can be added. Dither level automatically adjusted appropriately for the word length.
Connector:
XLR-type, male, EMI-suppressed. Pin 1 chassis ground, pins 2 and 3 transformer balanced and floating, 110 Ω impedance.
Output Level (100% peak modulation):
-20.0 to 0.0 dBFS software controlled.
Filtering:
RFI filtered.
Remote Computer Interface
Supported Computer and Operating System:
IBM-compatible PC running Microsoft Windows® 2000 (SP3 or higher) or XP, ME vista 7, and 8, 8.1 and 10
Configuration:
TCP/IP protocol via direct cable connect, modem, or Ethernet interface. Suitable null modem cable for direct connect is supplied. Modem and other external equipment is not supplied.
Serial Connector:
RS–232 on DB–9 male connector, EMI-suppressed. Uses PPP to provide for direct or modem connection to the 5500i PC Remote application.
Ethernet Connector:
Female RJ45 connector for 10-1000 Mbps networks using CAT5 cabling. Native rate is 100 Mbps. Provides for connection to the 9300 PC Remote application through either a network, or, using a crossover Ethernet cable, directly to a computer.
Ethernet Networking Standard: TCP/IP.
SNMP: User configurable OPTIMOD SNMP Agent to monitor the Optimod’s status and to send Alarm notifications via the Optimod Ethernet connector to the network.
SNMP Version: SNMPv2 with Read-write (RW) access to a couple of MIB objects.
SNMP Features: 31 object types for System Configuration, I/O, Modulation Levels and Traps like Get/Query - Set/Control - Traps/Alert
SNMP Mib file: Delivered with Remote Control Application Software.
Remote Control (GPI) Interface
Configuration:
Eight (8) inputs, opto-isolated and floating.
Voltage:
6 - 15 V AC or DC, momentary or continuous. 12 VDC provided to facilitate use with contact closure.
Connector:
DB-25 male, EMI-suppressed.
Control:
User-programmable for any four of user presets, factory presets, bypass, test tone, mono L mode, mono R mode, mono sum mode, analog input, digital input, clock reset, status bit pass/block, and Transmission presets.
Filtering:
RFI filtered.
Tally Outputs
Circuit Configuration: Two NPN open-collector outputs.
Voltage: +15 volts maximum. Do not apply negative voltage. When driving a relay or other inductive load, connect a diode in reverse polarity across the relay coil to protect the driver transistors from reverse voltage caused by inductive kickback.
Current: 30 mA maximum
Indications: Tally outputs can be programmed to indicate a number of different operational and fault conditions, including Input: Analog, Input: Digital, Analog Input Silent, AES Input Silent, and AES Input Error.
Filtering: RFI filtered.
Power
Voltage:
Universal switching power supply, 85 - 264 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz, 15 VA.
Connector:
IEC, EMI-suppressed. Detachable 3-wire power cord supplied.
Grounding:
Circuit ground is hard-wired to chassis ground.
Safety Standards:
ETL listed to UL standards, CE marked.
Environmental
Operating Temperature:
32 ° to 122 °F / 0 ° to 50 °C for all operating voltage ranges.
Humidity:
0 - 95% RH, non-condensing.
Dimensions (W x H x D):
19" x 1.75" x 14.25" / 48.3 cm x 4.5 cm x 36.2 cm. One rack unit high. RFI / EMI Tested according to Cenelec procedures. FCC Part 15 Class A device.
Shipping Weight & Dimensions:
18 lbs / 8.2 kg - 23" x 23" x 6"
