OPTIMOD-FM 8600 is Orban's flagship processor and the next step beyond the OPTIMOD-FM 8500. There are two versions of Optimod-FM 8600. Model 8600HD is the full FM and Digital Radio version and the analog FM-only version is 8600FM.

Featuring versatile five-band and two-band processing for both analog FM transmission and digital media, the 8600 provides the industry's most consistent sound, track-to-track and source-to-source. This consistency allows you to create a sonic signature for your station with the assurance that your signature will stay locked in, uniquely branding your sound.

The 8600 provides stereo enhancement, equalization, AGC, multiband compression, low-IM peak limiting, stereo encoding, and composite limiting — everything that even the most competitive major market station needs to stand out on the dial. More than 20 excellent sounding, format specific factory presets get you started. You'll find all of your favorite 8500 presets, plus new "MX" presets designed by Bob Orban and Greg Ogonowski to exploit the exciting possibilities inherent in the 8600's new peak limiter technology. Although the factory presets are fully competent "out of the box, you can customize them with easy one-knob LESS-MORE control in Basic Control, with 50 parameters Intermediate control or with more than 120 in the Advanced controls, whose versatility will satisfy even the most finicky on-air sound designer.

The 8600 offers 8500-style processing too. This allows broadcasters to run favorite 8500 presets if they wish.

Improved Peak Limiter Technology

Dramatically improved peak limiter technology decreases distortion while increasing transient punch and high frequency power handling capacity. Compared to the FM-channel peak limiter in OPTIMOD-FM 8500, the new peak limiter typically provides 2.5 to 3 dB more power at high frequencies, which minimizes audible HF loss caused by pre-emphasis limiting. Drums and percussion cut through the mix. Highs are airy. "Problem material" that used to cause audible distortion is handled cleanly.

While this design offers about the same loudness as 8500 processing, its main goal is to make FM analog broadcasts more competitive with the cleanliness, punch, and open high frequencies of the digital media against which FM analog transmissions now battle. The FM loudness wars represent 20th-century thinking; in the 21st century, the new competition is digital media. Thanks to its fresh, crisp sound, the 8600 helps level the playing field between analog FM and its ever more aggressive digital-only competitors.

Diversity Delay

For Digital Radio broadcasters who prefer using a separate processor for the digital channel, the 8600FM's built-in delay (up to 16 seconds) in the analog processing path vastly improves installation versatility in HD Radio facilities, freeing you from the need to use the delay line built into the Digital Radio exciter. This allows you to use the 8600FM's built-in stereo encoder and composite limiter to drive the analog FM transmitter, ensuring no-compromise analog-channel loudness.

Independent Processing
The 8600 HD ("Digital Radio") output is designed to feed streaming, netcasting, and digital satellite or cable radio channels, which can be Eureka 147, DRM, DAB + or the iBiquity® HD Radio system (formerly known as "IBOC"—"In-Band On-Channel") approved for use in the United States.

The equalizer and five-band compressor/limiter in the HD processing chain have their own sets of user-adjustable audio controls that are independent of the controls in the FM analog transmission chain's equalizer and five-band compressor/limiter. 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.

Independent Processing

Processing for Digital media like netcasts, HD Radio and DAB+ is supplied standard. The FM and digital media processing paths split after the 8600's stereo enhancer and AGC. There are two equalizers, multiband compressors and peak limiters, allowing the 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.

Loudness and True Peak control
The Digital Radio processing chain offers an ITU-R BS.1770-2 Loudness Meter and Safety Limiter for use in countries that enforce a BS.1770 loudness limit on digital radio broadcasts.
The 8600HD implements "true peak" control in the HD processing chain by oversampling the HD peak limiter's sidechain at 256 kHz. This allows the 8600 to prevent clipping in a playback device's analog signal path by predicting and controlling the analog peak level follow the playback device's reconstruction filter to an accuracy of better than 0.5 dB. For typical program material, accuracy is 0.2 dB
Without true peak control, analog clipping can occur even if all peak values of the digital samples are below 0 dBFS. This phenomenon has also been termed "0 dBFS+."

Thanks to true peak control, sample rate conversion, unless it removes high frequency program energy or introduces group delay distortion, cannot cause sample peaks to increase more than 0.5 dB.

Versatility doesn't stop with sound.
The 8600 has an internal, DSP-based stereo encoder (with a patented "half-cosine interpolation" composite limiter operating at 512 kHz sample rate) to generate the pilot tone stereo baseband signal and control its peak level. The composite limiter is a unique, "you can only do this in DSP" process that beats composite clippers by preserving stereo imaging while fully protecting the stereo pilot tone, RDS/RBDS, and subcarriers.
The stereo encoder's stereo subchannel modulator can operate in normal double sideband mode and in an experimental compatible single sideband mode that is offered to enable users to compare and assess the two modes.
For our European customers, a second generation ITU BS 412 multiplex power controller yields the best possible coverage while flawlessly complying with the standard. You can adjust it to maximize loudness within the constraints of the BS 412 standard or to produce less gain change at the expense of slightly lower loudness. New for the 8600 is the ability to apply MPX power gain reduction after the clippers so that the texture of the processing can include more "clipper sound" when desired. Regardless of how you adjust the multiplex power controller, you can be sure that you will always meet the BS 412 requirements flawlessly.
A loop-through connection is provided to enable a ratings encoder (such as Arbitron®) to be inserted between the output of the audio processing and the input to the stereo encoder.

Analog Fallback to Digital control that allows Silence Sense to switch the active input from Analog to Digital if silence is detected in the analog input signal but not on the digital input signal. This function works vice versa as well on both analog and digital AES input. The silence sense parameters apply to both simultaneously and both detectors are available to drive the 8600's tally outputs and sending SNMP Traps/Alerts.

Controllable
User interface improvements round out the package. The easy-to-use joystick, knob and button navigation system and a bright, active-matrix color LCD that makes it easier to program the 8600 from its front panel.

Ethernet connectivity is standard, as is an easy to use PC remote control application that runs on Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7 and 8 and that can control many 8600s on a TCP/IP network. In addition, programmable contact-closure (GPI) control plus ACSII terminal control via the 8600's RS232 serial and Ethernet ports and give you total freedom to interface the 8600 with your facility's remote control infrastructure, whatever it might be.

Administrating and Monitoring
The SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) features allow you to monitor your Optimod's status and to send Alarm notifications via your Optimod's Ethernet connection to your network. API: This interface can be used to allow custom third-party applications (including auto-mation systems) to recall presets, view status and set the controls.

Optimod-FM 8600: Features

User-Friendly Interface

* Large (quarter-VGA) active-matrix color liquid crystal display (LCD)
Makes setup, adjustment and programming of the 8600 easy. Navigation is by a miniature joystick, two dedicated buttons and a large rotary knob. The LCD shows all metering functions of the processing structure in use.
* Locate joystick

Used to navigate through a menu that lets you recall a preset, modify processing (at three levels of expertise), or to access the system's setup controls.

Absolute Control of Peak Modulation

* Universal transmitter protection & audio processing for FM broadcast
The 8600 provides universal transmitter protection and audio processing for FM broadcast. It can be configured to interface ideally with any commonly found transmission system in the world, analog or digital.
* Pre-emphasis limiting
The 8600 provides pre-emphasis limiting for the internationally used pre-emphasis curves of 50 µs and 75 µs. Compared to its predecessor, its new clipping/pre-emphasis-control technology preserves 2.5 to 3 dB more frequency energy while significantly reducing audible clipping distortion at all frequencies. This produces a clean, open sound whose subjective brightness more closely matches the original program.
* Tight peak control at all its outputs
The 8600 achieves extremely tight peak control at all its outputs — analog, AES3 (for both the analog FM and HD channels) and composite baseband.
* Stereo encoder integrated with audio processing
Eliminates the overshoot problems that waste valuable modulation in traditional external encoders.
* Two outputs
The stereo encoder has two outputs with independent level controls, each capable of driving 75 Ω in parallel with 47,000 pF, (100 ft / 30 m of coaxial cable).
* Stereo encoder
By integrating the stereo encoder with the audio processing, the 8600 eliminates the overshoot problems that waste valuable modulation in traditional external encoders.
* Bandwidth limiting & overshoot compensation
The 8600 prevents aliasing distortion in subsequent stereo encoders or transmission links by providing bandwidth limiting and overshoot compensated 15 kHz low-pass filters ahead of the 8600's audio outputs and stereo encoder.
* Internal DSP-based stereo encoder
The 8600 has an internal, DSP-based stereo encoder (with a patented "half-cosine interpolation" composite limiter operating at 512 kHz samplerate) to generate the pilot tone stereo baseband signal and control its peak level. The composite limiter is a unique, "you can only do this in DSP" process that beats composite clippers by preserving stereo imaging while fully protecting the stereo pilot tone, RDS/RBDS and subcarriers.
* Loudness and True Peak Control
The Digital Radio processing chain offers an ITU-R BS.1770-2 Loudness Meter and Safety Limiter for use in countries that enforce a BS.1770 loudness limit on digital radio broadcasts.

The 8600HD implements "true peak" control in the HD processing chain by oversampling the HD peak limiter's sidechain at 256 kHz. This allows the 8600 to prevent clipping in a playback device's analog signal path by predicting and controlling the analog peak level following the playback device's reconstruction filter to an accuracy of better than 0.5 dB. For typical program material, accuracy is 0.2 dB

Without true peak control, analog clipping can occur even if all peak values of the digital samples are below 0 dBFS. This phenomenon has also been termed "0 dBFS+." Thanks to true peak control, sample rate conversion, unless it removes high frequency program energy or introduces group delay distortion, cannot cause sample peaks to increase more than 0.5 dB. For example, sample rate conversion from 48 kHz to 44.1 kHz is highly unlikely to cause sample peak clipping in the 44.1 kHz audio data.

Flexible Configuration
* Single Sideband
Because of broadcaster interest in this topic, we have implemented an experimental compatible single sideband/vestigial sideband mode in the 8600's stereo encoder. SSB/VSB operation suppresses the upper sideband of the stereo subcarrier above 38,150 Hz, which reduces the occupied bandwidth of the FM-modulated RF signal. In SSB/VBS mode, the subchannel modulator acts as a pure SSB generator for L-R material in the frequency range of 150 Hz to 17 kHz and as a vestigial sideband generator below 150 Hz.
* Analog & AES3 digital inputs & outputs
OPTIMOD-FM 8600 is supplied with analog and AES3 digital inputs and outputs. The digital input and the two digital outputs are equipped with samplerate converters and can operate at 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.1 kHz and 96 kHz samplerates. The pre-emphasis status and output levels are separately adjustable for the analog and digital outputs. Each output can emit the analog FM processed signal, the analog FM processed signal with diversity delay applied, the digital radio processed signal or the low-delay monitor signal.
* Analog & AES3 digital inputs & outputs
A loop-through connection is provided to enable a ratings encoder (such as Arbitron®) to be inserted between the output of the audio processing and the input to the stereo encoder.
* Defeatable diversity delay
A defeatable diversity delay can delay the FM analog processing output up to 16.2 seconds. Delay can be trimmed in intervals of one sample of 64 kHz to match the analog and digital paths in the HD Radio system, eliminating the need to use the delay built into the HD Radio exciter and permitting the 8600's internal stereo encoder and composite limiter to drive the analog FM exciter. Both the 8600 and 8600FM offer this feature, making it convenient to use the 8600FM in dual-processor HD installations where the digital channel receives independent processing from a processor like Orban's OPTIMOD-DAB or OPTIMOD-PC. Each output (Analog, Digital 1, Digital 2, Composite) can be independently configured to emit the delayed or undelayed signal.
* AES11 sync input
An AES11 sync input allows you to synchronize the output samplerate of either (or both) AES3 outputs to this input. You can also synchronize the outputs to the AES3 digital input or to 8600's internal clock. The sync source of each AES3 output is independently selectable.
* Transformerless, balanced 10 k Ω instrumentation-amplifier circuits
The analog inputs are transformerless, balanced 10 k Ω instrumentation-amplifier circuits.
The analog outputs are transformerless balanced and floating (with 50 Ω impedance) to ensure highest transparency and accurate pulse response.
* Two independent composite baseband outputs
The 8600 has two independent composite baseband outputs with digitally programmable output levels. Robust line drivers enable them to drive 100 feet of RG59 coaxial cable without audible performance degradation.
* Two subcarrier inputs
The 8600's two subcarrier inputs are mixed with the output of the 8600's stereo encoder before application to the composite output connectors. One input can be re-jumpered to provide a 19 kHz pilot reference output. Both inputs have internal level trims to accommodate subcarrier generators with output levels as low as 220 mV.
* Precise control of the audio bandwidth
The 8600 precisely controls the audio bandwidth of its analog FM processing to 16.5 kHz. This prevents significant overshoots in uncompressed digital links operating at a 44.1 kHz-samplerate or higher and prevents interference to the pilot tone and RDS (or RBDS) subcarrier. The bandwidth of the 8600's digital radio output is adjustable in 1 kHz increments between 15 kHz and 20 kHz.
* Defeatable multiplex power limiter
The 8600 has a defeatable multiplex power limiter that controls the multiplex power to ITU-R BS412 standards. An adjustable threshold allows a station to achieve maximum legal multiplex power even if the downstream transmission system introduces peak overshoots into the 8600-processed signal. Because this limiter closes a feedback loop around the audio processing, it allows the user to adjust the processor's subjective setup controls freely without violating BS412 limits, regardless of program material.

The multiplex power limiter acts on all outputs (not just the composite output). In its most common configuration, it reduces clipper drive when it reduces power, simultaneously reducing clipping distortion. However, to accommodate customers who wish to use heavier clipping to achieve a certain sound, the MPX power controller can be configured to reduce gain after the clippers.
* RFI-suppressed connections
All input, output and power connections are rigorously RFI-suppressed to Orban's traditional exacting standards, ensuring trouble-free installation.

* International safety and emissions standards

The 8600 is designed and certified to meet all applicable international safety and emissions standards.

Adaptability through Multiple Audio Processing Structures
* Processing structure
A processing structure is a program that operates as a complete audio processing system. Only one processing structure can be on-air at a time, although all are active simultaneously to permit mute-free switching between them. The 8600 realizes its processing structures as a series of high-speed mathematical computations made by Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chips.
* Featuring six processing structures
The 8600 features six processing structures. Four of these are the same as OPTIMOD-FM 8500: Five-Band (or "Multiband") for a consistent, "processed" sound with 17 ms delay (typical), free from undesirable side effects, Low-Latency Five-Band (12 ms delay), Ultra-Low-Latency Five-Band (3.7 ms delay) and Two-Band (17 or 22 ms delay) for a transparent sound that preserves the frequency balance of the original program material. A special Two-Band preset creates a no-compromise "Protect" function that is functionally similar to the "Protect" structures in earlier Orban digital processors.
* Phase-linear
The 8600's Two-Band processing structures can be made phase-linear to maximize audible transparency.
* Rides gain
The 8600 rides gain over an adjustable range of up to 25 dB, compressing dynamic range and compensating for both operator gain-riding errors and gain inconsistencies in automated systems.
* Two new "MX" structures
The 8600's two new "MX" structures (five-band and two-band) are similar to their 8500 counterparts except that they use the 8600's new peak limiting technology to decrease distortion while achieving substantial improvements in transient punch and high frequency clarity. This advanced technology requires more input-to-output delay than the older structures, so it is impractical for talent to monitor these structures off-air with headphones. The 8600 offers a special low-delay monitor output for this purpose.
* Increase density and loudness

The 8600 can increase the density and loudness of the program material by multiband compression, limiting and clipping — improving the consistency of the station's sound and increasing loudness and definition remarkably, without producing unpleasant side effects.

Controllable

* Remote control

The 8600 can be remote-controlled by 5 - 12V pulses applied to eight programmable, optically isolated GPI (general-purpose interface) ports.

* Serial port #1
The 8600 is equipped with a serial port to interface to an IBM-compatible computer running Orban's PC Remote software. The connection can be either direct or through an external modem.
* Serial port #2
The 8600 has a second serial port that allows the user to set up security and communications parameters through a simple ASCII terminal program running on any PC.
* Built-in 100 Mbps Ethernet port
The 8600 can be connected through its built-in 100 Mbps Ethernet port to a TCP/IP network.
* SNMP
The SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) features allow you to monitor the 8600's status and to send Alarm notifications via the 8600's Ethernet connection to your network.
* Telnet client
The 8600 includes a Telnet client that allows presets to be recalled via batch files using the free PuTTY and Plink applications. The commands are simple ASCII strings, facilitating interface to automation systems that can emit such strings through an Ethernet or RS232 serial connection.
* PC Remote control software
8600 PC Remote software is a graphical application that runs under Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7 and 8. It communicates with a given 8600 via TCP/IP over modem, direct serial and Ethernet connections. You can configure PC Remote to switch between many 8600s via a convenient organizer that supports giving any 8600 an alias name and grouping multiple 8600s into folders. Clicking an 8600's icon causes PC Remote to connect to that 8600 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 8600 features 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.).
* Bypass Test Mode
8600 PC Remote software is a graphical application that runs under Windows 2000 XP, Vista and 7. It communicates with a given 8600 via TCP/IP over modem, direct serial and Ethernet connections. You can configure PC Remote to switch between many 8600s via a convenient organizer that supports giving any 8600 an alias name and grouping multiple 8600s into folders. Clicking an 8600's icon causes PC Remote to connect to that 8600 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 8600 features 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.).
* Built-in line-up tone generator
The 8600 contains a built-in line-up tone generator, facilitating quick and accurate level setting in any system.
* Versatile real-time clock
The 8600 contains a versatile real-time clock, which allows automation of various events (including recalling presets) at pre-programmed times. To maintain accuracy, this clock can be automatically synchronized via the Internet to a reference time source.

Optimod-FM 8600: 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.

Specifications apply for measurements from analog left/right input to stereo composite output and to FM analog left/right output.

System
Frequency Response(Bypass Mode; Analog Processing Chain)
Follows standard 50 µs or 75 µs pre-emphasis curve ±0.10 dB, 2.0 Hz - 15 kHz. Analog left/right output and Digital output can be user configured for flat or pre-emphasized output.
Samplerate
64 kHz to 512 kHz, depending on processing being performed.
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. It is primarily governed by the dynamic range of the A/D converter, which has a specified over-load-to-noise ratio of 110 dB. 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 Separation
> 55 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.

Delay
Defeatable Analog FM Processing Delay
16.2 seconds (maximum), adjustable in one-sample increments at 64 kHz samplerate to allow the delays of the analog and digital paths in the HD Radio system to be matched at the receiver output. The delay can be applied independently to the analog output, digital outputs, and composite output in any combination. However, all outputs configured for delay will have the same amount of delay applied to them. Once set, this delay will remain the same regardless of which processing preset is active.
Minimum Processing Delay

This is the input-to-output throughput delay when the analog FM processing delay is defeated. It is processing structure dependent. Typically 17 ms for normal latency 5-band, 13 ms for low-latency 5-band, 3 ms for ultra-low-latency 5-band and 17 or 22 ms for 2-band, depending on crossover structure chosen. Approximately 150 ms for 5-band and 2-band "MX" presets, which use the 8600's new peak limiting technology.

Analog Audio Input
Configuration
Stereo
Impedance
>10 k Ω load impedance, electronically balanced. No jumper selection available for 600 Ω. Through-hole pads are available on I/O module for user-installed 600 > termination.
Connectors
Two XLR-type, female, EMI-suppressed. Pin 1 chassis ground, Pins 2 (+) and 3 electronically balanced, floating and symmetrical.
Nominal Input Level
Software adjustable from -4.0 to +13.0 dBu (VU).
Maximum Input Level
+27 dBu.
A/D Conversion
24 bit 128x oversampled delta sigma converter with linear-phase anti-aliasing filter.
Filtering

RFI filtered, with high-pass filter at 0.15 Hz.

Analog Audio Output
Configuration
Stereo. Flat or pre-emphasized (at 50 µs or 75 µs), software-selectable. The output can be set independently to emit the analog FM processed signal, the diversity-delayed analog FM processed signal, the digital radio processed signal, or the low-delay monitor signal.
Source Impedance
50 Ω, electronically balanced and floating.
Load Impedance
600 Ω 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 Ω or greater load, software-adjustable.
Signal-to-Noise
≥ 90 dB unweighted (Bypass mode, de-emphasized, 20 Hz - 15 kHz bandwidth, referenced to 100% modulation).
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.
Filtering

RFI filtered.

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.
Samplerate
32, 44.1, 48, 88.1 and 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
Two outputs, each stereo per the AES3 standard. The outputs can be set independently to emit the analog FM processed signal, the diversity-delayed 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 (50 µs or 75 µs). Each output can apply J.17 pre-emphasis if desired.
Samplerate
Internal free running at 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.1 kHz, or 96 kHz, selected in software. Can also be synced to the AES3 SYNC input or the AES3 digital input at 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.1 kHz and 96 kHz, as configured in software.
Word Length
Software selected for 24, 20, 18, 16 or 14-bit resolution. Optionally, first-order highpass noise-shaped dither can be added; dither level is 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
Frequency Response through Digital Radio Processing Chain
For output samplerates 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 low-pass 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 delay line. Once set, this delay is constant regardless of processing preset in use.
Filtering

RFI filtered.

Digital Sync Input
Configuration
Used for synchronization of either or both AES3 signals to an external reference provided at this input.
Samplerate
32, 44.1, 48, 88.1 and 96 kHz, automatically selected.
Connector
XLR-type, female, EMI-suppressed. Pin 1 chassis ground, Pins 2 and 3 transformer balanced and floating, 110 &937; impedance.
Filtering

RFI filtered.

Composite Baseband Output
Configuration
Two outputs, each with an independent software-controlled output level control, output amplifier and connector. The outputs can be delayed by the diversity delay. If so, both outputs will receive the same delay; delay cannot be applied to only one output.
Source Impedance
0 voltage source or 75 Ω, jumper-selectable. Single-ended, floating over chassis ground.
Load Impedance
37 Ω or greater. Termination not required or recommended.
Maximum Output Level
+12.0 dBu (8.72 Vpp).
Minimum Output Level
-12 dBu (0.55 Vpp) for 0.5 dB adjustment resolution.
Pilot Level
Adjustable from 6.0% to 12.0%, software controlled.
Pilot Stability
19 kHz, ± 0.5 Hz (10 to 40 °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
At 100% modulation = 3.5 Vp-p, > 60 dB, 30 Hz - 15 kHz. At 100% modulation = 1.0 - 8.0 Vp-p, > 55 dB, 30 Hz - 15 kHz.
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, floating over chassis ground, EMI suppressed.
Maximum Load Capacitance
0.047 µF (0 Ω source impedance). Maximum cable length of 100 feet / 30 meters.
Filtering

RFI filtered.

Subcarrier (SCA) Inputs
Configuration
Subcarrier inputs sum into composite baseband outputs before digitally controlled composite attenuator.
Impedance
> 600 Ω
SCA Sensitivity (Both Inputs)
Variable from 220 mV p-p to >10 V p-p to produce 10% injection. Two trim pots, adjustable from the rear panel, set sensitivities
Connectors
Two BNC, unbalanced and floating over chassis ground, EMI suppressed.
19 kHz Pilot Reference

SCA2 input jack can be jumpered to provide a 19 kHz pilot reference output or to serve as a second SCA input.

Remote Computer Interface
Supported Computer & Operating System
IBM-compatible PC running Microsoft Windows® 2000 (SP3 or higher), XP, Vista or 7.
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 Connectors
RS232 port (3) DB-9 male, EMI-suppressed. Serial Connector 1 uses PPP to provide for direct or modem connection to the 8500 PC Remote application. Serial Connector 2 supports communication to a computer or remote control system via simple ASCII commands for administration and recalling presets. Serial Connector 3 is reserved for future developments.
Ethernet Connector
Female RJ45 connector for 10 - 100 Mbps networks using CAT5 cabling. Native rate is 100 Mbps. Provides for connection to the 8600 PC Remote application through either a network, or, using a crossover Ethernet cable, directly to a computer. Also supports ASCII terminal connections via PPP.
Ethernet Networking Standard

TCP/IP.

Remote Control (GPI) Interface
Configuration
Eight (8) inputs, opto-isolated and floating.
Voltage
6 - 15 V AC or DC, momentary or continuous. 9 VDC 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
Configuration
NPN open collector.
Maximum Voltage
30 V DC, reverse-polarity protected.
Maximum Current

30 mA.

Power
Voltage
100 - 132 VAC or 200 - 264 VAC, switch-selected on the rear panel, 50-60 Hz, 50 VA.
Connector
IEC, EMI-suppressed. Detachable 3-wire power cord supplied.
Grounding
Circuit ground is independent of chassis ground can be isolated or connected with a rear panel switch.
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 - 5% RH, non-condensing.
Dimensions (W x H x D)
19" x 5.25" x 15.5" / 48.3 cm x 13.34 cm x 39.4 cm. Depth shown indicates rack penetration; overall front-to-back depth is 17.75" / 45.1 cm. Three rack units high.
RFI / EMI
Tested according to Cenelec procedures.
Shipping Weight

28 lbs. / 12.7 kg

Warranty
Two Years, Parts and Service

Subject to the limitations set forth in Orban's Standard Warranty Agreement.