ORBAN AM 9300 all-digital 9300 Optimod-AM audio processor

Overview

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-knobLESS-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 2000, XP, 7 and 8. 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.


Features

Making the Most of the AM Channel

* Gain-riding: The 9300 rides gain over an adjustable range of up to 25 dB, compressing dynamic range and compensating for operator gain-riding errors and for gain inconsistencies in automated systems.
* Multiband Limiting & Multiband Distortion-canceling Clipping: The 9300 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.
* Peak Control: The 9300 precisely controls peak levels to prevent overmodulation.

* Program Equalizer: The 9300 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. The 9300's fully parametric low and mid-frequency equalizers allow you to tailor your air sound to your precise requirements and desires. The 9300 also fully supports the NRSC standard preemphasis curve.

Controllable and Adjustable

* Factory Preset Controls: The 9300 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 MODIFY) 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.
* LCD and Full-time LED Meters: An LCD and full-time LED meters make setup, adjustment and programming of the 9300 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 input levels, output levels, and gain reduction in the AGC and five-band compressor/limiter.
* Real-time Clock: The 9300 contains a versatile real-time clock, which allows automation of various events (including recalling presets) at pre-programmed times.
* Proof of Performance Tests: 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.
* Software: The 9300's software can be upgraded by running Orban-supplied downloadable upgrade software on a PC. The upgrade can occur remotely through the 9300's Ethernet port or serial port (connected to an external modem), or locally (by connecting a Windows® computer to the 9300's serial port through a null modem cable).
* Built-in Line-up Tone Generator: The 9300 contains a built-in line-up tone generator that offers sine, square, and triangle waves, facilitating quick and accurate level setting in any system.
* Remote Control: The 9300 can be remote-controlled by 5-12 V pulses applied to eight programmable, optically isolated "general-purpose interface" (GPI) ports.

* 9300 PC Remote Software: 9300 PC Remote software runs under Windows 2000 and XP. 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. Clicking a 9300's icon causes PC Remote to connect to that 9300 through an Ethernet network or initiates a Windows Dial-Up or Direct Cable Connection if appropriate. The PC Remote software allows the user to access all 9300 features (including advanced controls not available from the 9300's front panel) and allows the user to archive and restore presets, automation lists, and system setups (containing I/O levels, digital word lengths, GPI functional assignments, etc.).

Versatile Installation

* Bandwidth Control: 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 500 Hz 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.
* Four-parameter Transmitter Equalizer: 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, allowing you to program day and night variations for two transmitters.
* Analog and AES3 Digital Inputs and Outputs: The 9300 includes analog and AES3 digital inputs and outputs. The analog inputs are transformerless, balanced 10 kΩ instrumentation-amplifier circuits, and the analog outputs are transformerless balanced, and floating to ensure highest transparency and accurate pulse response. Two mono analog outputs and one AES3 output accommodate as many as three transmitters. Both the digital output and the digital input are equipped with sample rate converters and can operate at 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz sample rates. The pre-emphasis status and output levels are separately adjustable for the analog and digital outputs.
* Installation: The 9300 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. It can also be installed at the studio if an uncompressed digital STL is available. If you need a studio AGC to perform gain control before an STL, we recommend the Optimod 6300.
* Monitor Rolloff Filter: The 9300 comes with a Monitor Rolloff Filter for use in studio monitoring. This filter emulates the frequency response of an average receiver.
* RFI Suppression: All input, output, and power connections are rigorously RFI-suppressed to Orban's traditional exacting standards, ensuring trouble-free installation.
* Safety Standards: The 9300 is designed and certified to meet all applicable international safety and emissions standards.


Specifications

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, specifications apply for measurements from the analog left/right input to the analog #1 and analog #2 output..


* 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, 50 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 (fi xed point) or higher resolution; uses Motorola DSP56367 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. This allows you to trade off brightness against audible filter ringing.
* 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 with mono from left, mono from right, or mono from sum).
* Impedance: >10 kΩ load impedance, electronically balanced. (No jumper selection available for 600 Ω. Through-hole pads are available on I/O module for user-installed 600 Ω termination.)
* 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 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: 351 Ω (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 600 Ω load.
* Load Impedance: 600 Ω or greater, balanced or unbalanced. Termination not required or recommended.
* Output Level: (100% peak modulation) Adjustable from -6 dBu to +20 dBu peak, into 600 Ω 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
* 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, 110 Ω 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
* Configuration: TCP/IP protocol via direct cable connect, modem, or Ethernet interface. Modem is not supplied.
* Serial Port: 115 kbps RS-232 port DB-9 male, EMI-suppressed.

* Ethernet Port: 10 or 100 Mbit/sec on RJ45 female connector.

Remote Control (GPI) Interface
* Configuration: Four (4) 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.

* 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: 19 lbs / 8.7 kg

Warranty
Two Years, Parts and Service Subject to the limitations set forth in Orban's Standard Warranty Agreement.

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