The 8500 Sound You Trust at a Price You Can Afford!
Summary
For years, broadcasters have trusted Optimod-FM 8500 to build audiences and ratings with its big, bold sound. Optimod-FM 5700i now offers the popular 8500 sound in a compact, cool-running 1U package at a more affordable price. The 5700i provides stereo enhancement, equalization, AGC, multiband compression, low-IM peak limiting, stereo encoding, and composite limiting—everything that you need to compete in your market.
The front-panel display includes a 2×40-character LCD and LED bargraphs that show all metering functions of the processing structure (Two-Band or Five-Band) in use. The metering is always visible while you are adjusting the processor. Navigation is by dedicated buttons, soft buttons (whose functions are context-sensitive), and a large rotary knob.
Ethernet connectivity is standard, as is an easy to use PC remote control application that runs on Windows XP and higher and that can control many 5700i units on a TCP/IP network. Additionally, programmable contact-closure (GPI) control plus ACSII terminal control via the 5700i’s RS232 serial and Ethernet ports together give you total freedom to interface the 5700i with your facility’s remote control infrastructure, whatever it might be. SNMP support offers yet another way to control and monitor the 5700i’s operation via your network.
The 5700i is available in two versions: an FM-only version (5700iFM) and a version (5700iHD) that includes simultaneous processing for FM and for digital transmissions like netcasts and HD Radio. Via a purchased upgrade kit, the FM version can be upgraded to the HD version at any time without removing the unit from the rack or disconnecting any wiring. Both versions offer up to 16 seconds of delay in the FM processing chain, which is useful for HD Radio diversity delay or other purposes.
Features
The FM and digital media processing paths split after the 5700i’s stereo enhancer and AGC. There are two equalizers, multiband compressors, and peak limiters, allowing the www.orban.com analog FM and digital media processing to be optimized separately. The bottom line? Processing that optimizes the sound of your FM channel while punching remarkably crisp, clean, CD-like audio through to your digital channel audience.
More than 20 excellent sounding, format-specific factory presets get you started. You’ll find all of your favorite 8500 presets here. Although the factory presets are fully competent “out of the box,” you can customize them with easy one-knob LESS-MORE control or with more than 60 advanced controls whose versatility will satisfy even the most finicky on-air sound designer. If you have created custom presets for Optimod-FM 8500, 8400, 8300, 5500, or 5300, you’ll find that they import perfectly into the 5700i, retaining your carefully designed sound.
If you choose to use the 5700i’s superb DSP-based stereo encoder and composite limiter, be assured that they deliver an FM analog signal that is always immaculately clean and perfectly peak limited, with full spectral protection of subcarriers and RDS/RBDS regardless of the amount of composite limiting.
The 5700i includes a “ratings encoder loop-through” connection. This allows a ratings encoder with an AES3 digital input and output to be inserted between the output of the left/right audio processing and the input of the stereo encoder. This keeps the audio level driving the ratings encoder as high as possible, minimizing the number of “low audio level” alarms that the ratings encoder generates.
For our European customers, a second-generation ITU BS 412 multiplex power controller smoothly and naturally complies with the standard. In addition, the 5700i-HD’s digital radio processing path offers an ITU-R BS.1770-compliant loudness controller and a 4x-oversampled, “true peak” limiter that prevents clipping from occurring at the output of the D/A converter in a consumer receiver or other playback device.
To protect your investment, the 5700i can be upgraded to full 8600S functionality via a purchased upgrade kit. There’s no need to remove the unit from the rack, and you will immediately benefit from Orban’s state-of-the-art MX limiter technology.
Technical Specification
It is impossible to characterize the listening quality of even the simplest limiter or
compressor based on specifications, because such specifications cannot adequately
describe the crucial dynamic processes that occur under program conditions. Therefore,
the only way to evaluate the sound of an audio processor meaningfully is by
subjective listening tests.
Certain specifications are presented here to assure the engineer that they are reasonable,
to help plan the installation, and make certain comparisons with other
processing equipment.
Performance
Except as noted in the text, specifications apply for measurements from analog left/right input
to stereo composite output and to FM analog left/right output.
Frequency Response (Bypass Mode): Follows standard 50μs or 75μs pre-emphasis curve
±0.10 dB, 2.0 Hz–15 kHz. Analog left/right output and digital output can be userconfigured
for flat or pre-emphasized output.
Noise: Output noise floor will depend upon how much gain the processor is set for (Limit
Drive, AGC Drive, Two-Band Drive, and/or Multi-Band 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 15 kHz. <0.02% SMPTE IM Distortion.
Total System L/R Channel Separation: >50 dB, 20 Hz – 15 kHz; 60 dB typical.
Polarity (Two-Band and Bypass Modes): Absolute polarity maintained. Positive-going signal
on input will result in positive-going signal on output when HD Polarity and FM polarity
controls are set to POSITIVE.
Processing Sample Rate: The 5700i is a “multirate” system, using internal rates from 64
kHz to 512 kHz as appropriate for the processing being performed. Audio clippers operate
at 256 kHz (and are anti-aliased), while the composite limiter operates at 512 kHz.
Peak Control at HD Output: The peak limiter is oversampled at 256 kHz, yielding a worstcase
overshoot of 0.5 dB at the analog output and for all output sample rates. (To achieve this performance at 32 kHz output sample rate, it is necessary to set the 5700i’s
HD lowpass filter cutoff frequency to 15 kHz.)
Processing Resolution: Internal processing has 24 bit (fixed point) or higher resolution.
Delay
Defeatable Analog FM Processing delay: 0.27 to 16.384 seconds, adjustable in onesample
increments at 64 kHz sample rate to allow the delays of the analog and digital paths in the HD Radio system to be matched at the receiver output.
Minimum Processing Delay: Processing structure dependent. Typically 17 ms for normal
latency Five-band, 13 ms for low-latency Five-band, 3.7 ms for ultra-low-latency Fiveband,
and 17 or 22 ms for 2-band, depending on crossover structure chosen.
Analog Audio Input
Configuration: Stereo.
Impedance: >10k load impedance, electronically balanced1.
Nominal Input Level: Software adjustable from –9.0 to +13.0 dBu (VU).
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 antialiasing
filter.
Filtering: RFI filtered, with high-pass filter at 0.15 Hz.
Analog Audio Output
Configuration: Stereo. Flat or pre-emphasized (at 50μs or 75μs), software-selectable.
Source Impedance: 50, electronically balanced and floating.
Load Impedance: 600 or greater, balanced or unbalanced. Termination not required or
recommended.
Output Level (100% peak modulation): Adjustable from –6 dBu to +24 dBu peak, into 600
or greater load, software-adjustable.
Signal-to-Noise: >= 90 dB unweighted (Bypass mode, de-emphasized, 20 Hz–15 kHz
bandwidth, referenced to 100% modulation).
L/R Crosstalk: <= –70 dB, 20 Hz–15 kHz.
Distortion: <= 0.01% THD (Bypass mode, de-emphasized) 20 Hz–15 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, with high-pass filter at 0.15 Hz (–3 dB).
Filtering: RFI filtered. 1 No jumper selection available for 600. Surface-mount pads are available on I/O module for user-installed 600 termination.
Digital Audio Input
Configuration: Stereo per AES3 standard, 24 bit resolution, software selection of stereo,
mono from left, mono from right or 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, 110 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 Outputs
Configuration: Two outputs, each stereo per the AES3 standard. The outputs can be independently set to emit the analog FM processed signal, the digital radio processed signal,
or the low-delay monitor signal. The FM processed signal can be configured in software as flat or pre-emphasized to the chosen processing pre-emphasis (50μs or 75μs). The digital radio processing chain receives the output of the multiband limiter and processes it through a look-ahead peak limiter that operates in parallel with the main FM peak limiting system. The DR and FM signals are always simultaneously available. Each output can apply J.17 pre-emphasis if desired.
Sample Rate: Internal free running at 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz, selected
in software. (Use 44.1 kHz or higher for best peak control.) Can also be synced to the AES3 SYNC input or the AES3 digital input at 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, and 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 optionally 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 impedance.
Output Level (100% peak modulation): –20.0 to 0.0 dBFS software controlled.
Filtering: RFI filtered.
Frequency Response (Digital Audio Output (from Digital Radio Processing Chain)):
For output sample rates of 44.1 kHz and above, the frequency response from input to
DR-configured output is ±0.10 dB, 2.0 Hz – 20 kHz; flat or with J.17 pre-emphasis applied.
The user may specify lowpass filtering to constrain the bandwidth to 15, 16, 17, 18,
or 19 kHz.
Relative Time Delay between FM and HD Outputs: Depends on setting of analog processing channel diversity delay. Once set, this delay is constant regardless of processing
preset in use.
Wordclock/10 MHz Sync Reference
Configuration: Accepts 1x wordclock or 10 MHz reference signals, automatically selected.
The DSP master clock can be phase-locked to these signals, which in turn phase-locks
the 19 kHz pilot tone frequency, facilitating singe-frequency network operation. The digital
output sample frequency can also be locked to these signals.
Level: Unit will lock to 1x wordclock and 10 MHz squarewaves and sinewaves having a
peak value of 0.5 V to 5.0 V.
Connector: BNC female, grounded to chassis, non-terminating to allow reference signals to
be looped through via an external BNC “tee” connector (not supplied).
AES3id Input
Configuration: The Wordclock/10 MHz Sync Reference can also be configured as an
AES3id digital audio input to drive the input of the stereo encoder. This facilitates a “ratings
encoder loop-through” connection, where the input of the ratings encoder is driven
from one of the 5700i’s AES3 outputs and the encoder’s output is returned to the AESid
input.
Connector: BNC female, grounded to chassis, terminated with 75. For short cable runs,
there is usually no problem in driving this with an AES3 (110 signal. If the cable is long
enough to cause digital audio reception errors due to impedance mismatch, a
110/75 transformer should be placed in-line.
Composite Baseband Outputs
Configuration: Two outputs, each with an independent software-controlled output level control, output amplifier and connector.
Source Impedance: 0 voltage source or 75, jumper-selectable.
Load Impedance: 37 or greater. Termination not required or recommended.
Maximum Output Level: +16.0 dBu (13.82Vp-p).
Pilot Level: Adjustable from 6.0% to 12.0%, software controlled.
Pilot Stability: 19 kHz, ±1.0 Hz (10 degrees to 40 degrees C).
D/A Conversion: 24-bit
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: >= 85 dB (Bypass mode, de-emphasized, 20 Hz – 15 kHz bandwidth,
referenced to 100% modulation, unweighted).
Distortion: <= 0.02% THD (Bypass mode, de-emphasized, 20 Hz – 15 kHz bandwidth, referenced to 100% modulation, unweighted).
Stereo Separation: >50 dB, 20 Hz – 15 kHz; 60 dB typical.
Crosstalk-Linear: <= –80 dB, main channel to sub-channel or sub-channel to main channel
(referenced to 100% modulation).
Crosstalk-Non-Linear: <= –80 dB, main channel to sub-channel or sub-channel to main
channel (referenced to 100% modulation).
38 kHz Suppression: >= 70 dB (referenced to 100% modulation).
76 kHz & Sideband Suppression: >= 80 dB (referenced to 100% modulation).
Pilot Protection: 60 dB relative to 9% pilot injection, ±250 Hz (up to 2 dB composite processing drive).
Subcarrier Protection (60-100 kHz): >= 70 dB (referenced to 100% modulation; with up to
2 dB composite limiting drive; measured with 800 line FFT analyzer using “maximum
peak hold” display).
57 kHz (RDS/RBDS) Protection: 50 dB relative to 4% subcarrier injection, ±2.0 kHz (up to
2 dB composite processing drive).
Connectors: Two BNC, shell connected to chassis ground, EMI suppressed.
Maximum Load Capacitance: 0.047 microfarad (0 source impedance). Maximum cable
length of 100 feet/30 meters RG–58A/U.
Filtering: RFI filtered.
Subcarrier (SCA) Inputs
Configuration: Two subcarrier inputs sum directly into composite baseband outputs;
COMPx LVL control settings have no effect on the absolute subcarrier levels.
Impedance: 600
SCA Sensitivity: Variable from <100 mV p-p to >10 V p-p to produce 10% injection assuming
100% modulation = 4 V p-p at the 5700i’s composite outputs. Rear-panel accessible
PC-board-mounted trim pots allow user to adjust the sensitivities of the two SCA inputs.
Connectors: Two BNC, shell connected to chassis ground, EMI suppressed.
19 kHz Pilot Reference: SCA2 input can be re-jumpered to provide a 19 kHz pilot reference
output.
Remote Computer Interface
Supported Computer and Operating System: IBM-compatible PC running Microsoft Windows
® 2000 (SP3 or higher) or XP.
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 5700i PC Remote application.
Ethernet Connector: Female RJ45 connector for 10 Mbps and higher networks using
CAT5 cabling. Native rate is 100 Mbps. Provides for connection to the 5700i PC Remote
application through either a network, or, using a crossover Ethernet cable, directly to a
computer.
Ethernet Networking Standard: TCP/IP.
Remote Control (GPI) Interface
Configuration: Eight (8) inputs, opto-isolated and floating.
Voltage: 6–15V AC or DC, momentary or continuous. +12VDC provided to facilitate use
with contact closure.
Connector: DB–25 male, EMI-suppressed.
Control: User-programmable for any eight of user presets, factory presets, bypass, test
tone, stereo or mono modes, analog input, digital input.
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.
Power
Voltage: 85–264 VAC, 50–60 Hz, <30 VA.
Connector: IEC, EMI-suppressed. Detachable 3-wire power cord supplied.
Fuse: 2.5A 20mm Quick Acting HBC, mounted on the power supply circuit board.
Grounding: In order to meet EMI standards, 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 50C 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.
Humidity: 0–95% RH, non-condensing.
RFI/EMI: Tested according to Cenelec procedures. FCC Part 15 Class A device.
Shipping Weight: 10 lbs / 4.6 kg
