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TC Electronics Dbmax Manual PDF
TC Electronics Dbmax Manual PDF
USERS MANUAL
DBMAX
DIGITAL BROADCAST MAXIMIZER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Use only a three wire grounding type line cord, like the one
supplied with the DBMAX.
Check the voltage in your area and use the correct type.
See table below:
The rest is simple. You select the area that you wish to control by
pressing the function keys on the front of the DBMAX; i.e., if
you want to recall, you press the RECALL key.
You might want to know a little more about the DBMAX before
you start pressing keys. The Users manual will take you step by
step through all of the DBMAXs functions. If you want to read
about a specific function, please refer to the Table of Contents.
FRONT PANEL
Defined Overload
Electronic power switch User defined overload LED
Easy touch
Keep pressed for more than Output PPM Clip LED
1 second to turn device off. High resolution meters Indicates that output is clipped
MIDI In
MIDI receive indicator.
Card
Indicates presence of a valid
memory card.
Activity
Indicates that a calculation is
being performed.
Edited
Indicates that the preset has
been edited.
Adjust wheel
Sets parameter values and
preset numbers.
Main Power Balanced Balanced Serial No. Word AES/EBU S/PDIF MIDI EXTERNAL
Power Input XLR XLR Clock Digital Digital In CONTROL
Switch Inputs Outputs Input in/out in/out Thru Pedal/Fader
Out Input
NOTES:
To comply with international regulations, we have also added a rear panel power switch.
You dont need to use the power switch on the rear panel. Use the front panel power switch instead.
If you are connecting the DBMAX to unbalanced equipment, you must tie pins 1 and 3 together in the cable
ends away from the DBMAX.
We have reserved the two unused pins on the MIDI connectors for an optional RS485 interface.
Therefore, if you are connecting the DBMAX to other equipment that use these pins, please make sure the
cable is a 3-wire standard MIDI type (not a five wire MIDIPLUS type).
If you want to use the pedal input, make sure it is a momentary make type.
SIGNAL FLOW
The AES/EBU and the S/PDIF inputs are connected internally. Therefore, do not connect cables to both
AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs at the same time.
As you can see from the block diagram, signals are present on all outputs all of the time. To make the
dithering circuit work properly, you must tell the system whether your main output is analog or digital (the
DBMAX SETUP
The DBMAX is carefully designed to optimize the overall level and enhance the energy in your material.
The use of the three band compressor, limiter and expander makes the dynamics section of the DBMAX very flexible, while
maintaining the fidelity of the original material. The dynamics section, in combination with a normalizer, AGC, EQ, De-esser
etc. gives you a very powerful tool for optimizing the current signal.
Because the DBMAX can be used in different applications, we propose a few different setups.
2. The DBMAX can be inserted pre master to emulate the signal processing in transmission.
Transmission
The two applications for the DBMAX in a Transmission situation:
1. Digital Broadcast: DBMAX optimizing, limiting and EQing the signal for Digital Audio Broadcast.
2. FM broadcast: DBMAX optimizing, limiting and EQing the signal in proportion to the current pre-emphasis.
TV Production & Transmission applications
Surround Production Suite
The two applications for the DBMAX in this configuration are:
2. The DBMAX can be inserted pre master to emulate the signal processing in transmission.
TV continuity / Transmission
The two applications for the DBMAX in a transmission situation are:
1. Digital Sound: DBMAX optimizing, limiting and EQing the signal for NICAM (or other systems) using the
houseclock as ext. sync.
2. FM Sound: DBMAX optimizing, limiting and EQing the signal in proportion to the current pre-emphasis, generating
mono (0 or 90).
RECALL
ROM bank RAM bank
Note: When previewing in the RAM bank you will not see the
In the upper right corner, you can see an indication of which empty RAM space.
bank you are previewing.
STORE
Store a New RAM Preset
- Press the STORE button
- Select a location for your new preset [dial between preset 1 to 128]
- Move the cursor to the new name line and dial in the new preset name [find letter with ADJUST and confirm with OK ]
- Move the cursor to DONE and press OK to end store operation.
Store location
New preset name
Letterbox
Load Setup
The DBMAX contains various level standards. It is also
possible to save four of your own presets.
Press OK, select a setup preset and confirm with OK.
The whole Ref. Levels menu will be restored.
Save Setup
To save your own setup, press OK and select the number
you wish to save it as. Confirm with OK. All parameters in
Ref. Levels will be saved.
Levels
Inlevel 0 dBFS
Sets the dBu level you want to equal to 0 dBFS (Full Scale),
i.e. setting this parameter to +18 dBu, means that when you
are sending +18 dBu out of your desk, the DBMAX will be
showing 0 dBFS.
It is very important that you set this parameter correctly as
all other dBu levels are relative to it.
Ref. Level
Sets your reference level, meaning that you can set the
reference point of the Compressor to i.e. +4 dBu. All
thresholds, except the limiter thresholds, are relative to this
parameter.
Adjustable in dBu and dBFS.
Abs. Peak
Sets the hardclip point of the DBMAX. Absolute peak
means that nothing occurs above this level digitally.
Adjustable in dBu and dBFS.
____________________________________________
Analog
Trim input
This parameter trims the level of the analog Input. It can be
used to optimize the 20 bit AD converters performance in
conjunction with the trim Output parameter.
Trim output
Trims the analog output level.
REFERENCE LEVELS
Trim Digital input
Sets the digital input level. Use this if you need to trim a source to a
new level, i.e. if you want to take a CD down to -9 dBFS.
________________________________________________
Defined Overload
Overload
This parameter allows you to define your own overload LED. The
Overload level can be set anywhere between -30 dBFS and 0 dBFS.
Adjustable in dBu and dBFS.
Integration
The defined Overload can even work in proportion to a integration
time. The integration time can be set to 0 ms, 1 ms, and 10 ms.
________________________________________________
The dynamics section will then precisely take into account how
much the headroom at higher frequencies is reduced.
Note that the pre-emphasis does not alter the overall frequency
response, but as the high frequencies are driven harder, you might
want to decrease the applied compression in the high band slightly
(Lower slope or higher threshold).
____________________________________
Frame rate
Delay in Frames
Select input Select LowCut Filter Overall delay thru the DBMAX.
Sample Variable CutOff frequency.
Rate
Select the IN section on the Main page by pressing the
BLOCK keys.
Basic operation
Press the PARAMETER keys to move the cursor, and turn the
ADJUST wheel to change values.
Input
Select Analog or Digital input.
The digital audio inputs and the BNC wordclock input may be
used as a synchronization source for the analog inputs (AES 11).
LowCut
The lowcut filter is global, and is used to filter out any sub-bass
frequency or DC contents in the current signal.
Delay-Frames
The Delay parameter enables you to delay the signal through the
DBMAX. The delay can be set in various frame rates or in
milliseconds.
AGC
Automatic
Gain Max Gain
Control Maximum gain the AGC will perform
on your signal.
Low Level:
Low level limit for the AGC.
Release:
AGC Release rate in dB/sec.
Selected band
Band
Output
Level bar
Parameter
The DBMAX has various insert possibilities. Choose between Stereo Adjust, AGC, 90 Mono, Dyn EQ, EQ or De-essing by pressing
the MENU up/down keys.
Basic operation
- Use MENU keys to select insert effect.
- Press the PARAMETER keys to select parameter.
- Turn the ADJUST wheel to change values.
AGC
The AGC is really a very slow Compressor, used to guarantee that the current signal is kept within a certain dynamic range.
Low level
If the signals is below the Low Level value, the AGC will add no gain. This is done to prevent the AGC from pulling in background
noise.
Max. Gain
This is the maximum gain that the AGC will perform on your signal.
Release
Release rate in dB/sec.
EQ
Basic operation
Press PARAMETER keys to select frequency/gain/bandwidth/slope.
Turn ADJUST wheel to change values.
Press BAND keys to jump between the five bands.
EQ Ranges:
Frequency Gain Bandwidth/Slope
Low Shelving filter 19.95 Hz to 5.01 kHz +/- 12 dB 3, 6, 9, 12 dB/Oct
Bell-shaped filter 1 19.95 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 12 dB 0.1 Oct to 4.0 Oct
Bell-shaped filter 2 19.95 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 12 dB 0.1 Oct to 4.0 Oct
Bell-shaped filter 3 19.95 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 12 dB 0.1 Oct to 4.0 Oct
High Shelving filter 501.2 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 12 dB 3, 6, 9, 12 dB/Oct
Output Gain - +/- 12 dB -
MAIN PAGE Inserts
DYN EQ
THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE
DE-ESSER
THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE
90 MONO
Dyn EQ
The Dyn EQ is actually the same as the de-esser, but it is able to work with a several different filters.
Select between Low-Shelf, High-Shelf, and four different Bell filters.
De-esser
This algorithm removes unwanted esses from vocal material by dynamically reducing the level of high frequencies.
Threshold
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the threshold of the de-esser.
Attack
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the attack time of the de-esser.
Release
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the release time of the de-esser.
Ratio
Use this parameter to adjust the damping ratio of the de-esser.
Frequency
The frequency sets the cut-off frequency of the de-esser.
Curve
With the curve parameter, you select whether the de-esser should work with a bell-shaped or shelving filter.
90 Mono
This function makes it possible for surround signals to be compatible with mono. The slight phase change enables you to enhance
signals that otherwise would have disappeared in a mono situation.
May be used for monitoring or for actual live processing. The Output of the 90 Mono circuit is mono, L=R.
MAIN PAGE Normalizer
Effects blocks
No. of consecutive
samples clipped.
The Clipper
The Normalizer has a built-in limiter, which can be either soft or hard. When the Normalizer limiter is active, it is indicated on the
Normalizer LIM LED above the Input Meters.
The Clip Counter indicates the maximum number of consecutive samples clipped within the last second.
If the clips only occur occasionally, and only few samples are clipped per test interval, you do not necessarily have to reduce the gain of the
Normalizer.
MAIN PAGE Expander
USER PAGE
EXPERT PAGE
USER PAGE
Page select:
1. User page
2. Expert page
3. Cross-over page
EXPERT PAGE
Attack
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the attack time of the three
bands.
MAIN PAGE Limiter
USER PAGE
EXPERT PAGE
Expert Menu
Press MENU keys to enter the expert page.
Attack
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the attack time of the three
bands.
Release
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the release time of the three
bands.
Side Chain / Delay
This parameter adjusts the look-ahead delay. This means that
your audio signal is delayed, i.e., 10 ms.
By slightly delaying the audio signal, you enable the processor to
look ahead at the present signal, and it will therefore react more
accurately than a standard compressor/limiter/expander.
FADE SECTION
CURVE sets the fade-out curve
TIME sets the fade-out time
FADE up/down/stop
LEVEL set fader level manually.
Note:
If an external fader is connected, all of the above
parameters are disabled.
Select no. of bits dithered to:
8 bit
16 bit (default for SPDIF)
18 bit
20 bit (default for analog out)
24 bit (default for AES)
- 16 bit, for S/PDIF output (DAT) Note: The pedal function in the Utility menu must be set to Fader
for external control.
- 20 bit, for analog output (DA converters are 20 bit)
The optimal dither always depends on the target, i.e. if you are
connected digital to a DAT you should select 16 bit dither
because the DAT media works with 16 bit resolution.
Auto Fade
The DBMAX is capable of auto-fades up to 60 seconds.
TOOLS Flow
Flow
In the Flow Meter, you have five small peak
meters, representing the level in the different
sections of the DBMAX.
The Flow meter refers to absolute peak in the
Ref.Levels menu.
Peak
The Peak-Hold Meter is an output meter with
infinite hold. It is possible to see the level of the
maximum peak with 0.1 dB precision.
Phase Meter
The phase meter displays the phase relationship
between the two stereo channels.
Time/division
Sets the curve drawing speed.
Time/division
Curve speed
Calibration tone
In Calibration you can choose between various test
tones at definable level.
Level
Set the desired level of the test tone.
dBref refers to ref level in the Ref. Level menu
dBu refers to the Inlevel in the Ref. Level menu
dBFS refers to digital fullscale.
The test tone level can never exceed 0 dBFS.
Tone
Select the desired testtone and press OK to start.
Press OK again to stop.
TOOLS Surround meter
Surround meter
Four bars indicating the level of Left, Right,
Left+Right, and Left-Right.
Surround meter
TOOLS Digital I/O (DIO)
Copyright
Here you can set the copyright on
the outgoing digital audio.
TOOLS Digital I/O (DIO)
IN OUT
This display has various indicators that describe the In this display you set up how the DBMAX should send
received digital signal. out your material.
Auto Normalize
If this option is selected the DBMAX will adjust
the Normalizer level.
Spectral
The DBMAX will adjust the spectral content of the
current signal
Now the Wizard will optimize settings for you (Normalizer, Compressor, and Limiter).
Note: The auto normalize function is continuous and runs until you stop it.
Using this function on an entire track garuantees that signal levels are optimal.
Display
Viewing Angle
Adjust for best contrast on the LCD display.
MIDI In
Channel
Sets the receive channel of the DBMAX.
When set to Omni the DBMAX will respond to all channels.
When set to Off no MIDI will be received.
Prg. Change
Sets whether the DBMAX should respond to MIDI program
changes or not.
Controllers
Sets whether the DBMAX should respond to MIDI controllers or
not.
Prg. Offset
This number is added to the incoming program number.
Example:
If the incoming program number is 10, and the offset is set to -1,
the DBMAX will change to program 9.
Program Bank
If this parameter is set to RAM, all received MIDI program
changes will recall user (RAM) presets.
If you should forget your PIN-code, please enter the Reset page. Mem > MIDI
This will release the DBMAX from the locked state. Connect your DBMAXs MIDI output to another DBMAX, a
(You do not have to run any of the reset functions). sequencer or any other MIDI recording device. Press OK and the
DBMAX will perform a MIDI bulk dump of all RAM presets.
A keyboard lock facility is also provided. Press and hold the Help MIDI > Mem
key for about 3 seconds, and all keys will be locked including the Connect the storing device to the DBMAXs MIDI input and
ADJUST wheel. The display will say locked in the top line. press OK. The DBMAX is now ready to receive a MIDI bulk
To unlock the keyboard, press Help again for about 3 seconds. dump containing RAM presets.
Warning:
This action will destroy all existing RAM presets of the DBMAX.
Pedal Input
Select between: External Fader/Fade up-down/Bypass.
RESET PAGE
Analog Outputs
Connectors XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
Impedance: 100 Ohm (active transformer)
Max Output Level: +22 dBu
Full Scale Output Range: -10 to +22 dBu
D to A Conversion: 20 bit (1 bit 128 times oversampling)
Dynamic Range: > 96 dB
THD: < 0.008% @ 1 kHz, 6dB below scale at 16dBu max full scale level
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz: +0/-0.5 dB
Crosstalk: <-60 dB, 10 Hz to 20 kHz
PC-CARD Interface
Connector: PCMCIA Type 1 cards
Standards: PCMCIA 2.0, JEIDA 4.0
Card Format: Supports up to 2 MB SRAM
Control Interface
MIDI: In/Out/Thru: 5 Pin DIN
Pedal/Fader: 1/4 inch phone jack
General
Finish: Anodized aluminum face plate
Painted and plated steel chassis
Display: 7 precision LED meters
56 x 128 dot graphic LCD-display
Dimensions: 19 x 1.75 x 8.2 (483 x 44 x 208 mm)
Weight: 5.2 lbs (2.35 kg)
AC Power: 90 - 240 VAC (Automatically)
3 Pin IEC power connector
Power consumption >20W
Battery Life: >10 years
Environment
Operating Temperature: 32OF to 122OF (0OC to 50OC)
Storage Temperature: -22OF 167OF (-30OC to 70OC)
Humidity: Max. 90% non-condensing
Prog Change O O
True# 0-127 0-127
System Exclusive O O
Common :Song Pos X X
:Song Sel X X
:Tune X X
System real time :Clock O O
:Commands X X
Aux Messages :Local ON/OFF X X
:All Notes OFF X X
:Active Sense X X
:Reset X X
Notes
S/PDIF
Consumer digital in/out standard, normally using coaxial phono-
type cables.
DITHERING
Dithering is a method used to optimize the quality of a digital
audio signal at low levels. A small amount of filtered noise is
added to the signal, giving you a less distorted low level signal.
To make the dithering circuit work optimally, you need to tell the
system which output you are using. When using the analog
outputs, dithering should always be set to 20 bits. If you are
using digital outputs, the equipment you feed determines the
number of bits. A DAT or CDR recorder should always be
dithered to 16 bit.
DE-ESSING
An algorithm that removes unwanted esses from a vocal mate-
rial.
The user may find the following booklet, prepared by the Federal EN 50082-1 Electromagnetic compatibility - Generic
Communications Commission, helpful: immunity standard - Part 1: Residential,
commercial and light industry.
"How to identify and Resolve Radio/TV interference Problems."
This booklet is available from the US. Government Printing Office, With reference to regulations in following directives:
Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-0034-4. 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC
Caution:
Issued in Risskov, October 30th. 1996
You are cautioned that any change or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this Anders Fauerskov
equipment. Chief Executive Officer