Page 1 Operating Manual OPTIMOD-FM 5500 Digital Audio Processor Version 1.2 Software...
Page 2 European Parliament, this product must not be discarded into the municipal waste stream in any of the Member States. This product may be sent back to your Orban dealer at end of life where it will be reused or recycled at no cost to you.
Page 3: Important Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. Retain Instructions: The safety and operation instructions should be retained for future reference. Heed Warnings: All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. Follow Instructions: All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Page 4 Safety Instructions (German) Gerät nur an der am Leistungsschild vermerkten Spannung und Stromart betreiben. Sicherungen nur durch solche, gleicher Stromstärke und gleichen Abschaltverhaltens ersetzen. Sicherungen nie überbrücken. Jedwede Beschädigung des Netzkabels vermeiden. Netzkabel nicht knicken oder quetschen. Beim Abziehen des Netzkabels den Stecker und nicht das Kabel enfassen.
Page 5 (2) Check the other sections of the Manual (consult the Table of Contents and Index) to see if there might be some sug- gestions regarding your problem. (3) After reading the section on Factory Assistance, you may call Orban Customer Service for advice during normal Ari- zona business hours. The number is (1) (480) 403-8300.
Page 6 This manual was published in July 2016. © Copyright Orban. This manual may be freely printed out and distributed if this copyright notice is not removed. However, no derivative works may be made from the contents of this manual without written permission from Orban.
Page 7 Operating Manual OPTIMOD-FM 5500 Digital Audio Processor Version 1.2 Software...
Page 8: Table Of Contents
Transmission from Studio to Transmitter.............1-16 Digital Links ........................1-16 Composite Baseband Microwave STLs................1-17 Dual Microwave STLs...................... 1-18 Analog Landline (PTT/Post Office Line)................. 1-19 Using the Orban 8100AST (or 8100A/ST) External AGC with the 5500 .....1-20 STL and Exciter Overshoot ..................1-20 ..............1-20 SING OSSY...
Page 9 Circuit Ground .......................2-11 ) ............2-11 TUDIO EVEL ONTROLLER NSTALLATION OPTIONAL If you are using Orban 8200ST external AGC ............2-11 Figure 2-4: 8200ST Jumper Settings (*Factory Configuration) ........2-13 ) ................2-14 UICK ETUP UDIO ROCESSOR Setup for Stand-Alone Stereo Encoder Mode .............2-22 I/O S ..................2-28...
Page 10 5500 PC R ............2-55 NSTALLING EMOTE ONTROL OFTWARE Installing the Necessary Windows Services............2-56 Check Hardware Requirements................2-56 Running the Orban Installer Program ..............2-57 Setting Up Ethernet, LAN, and VPN Connections ..........2-58 Conclusion......................2-58 .............2-59 PPENDIX ETTING ERIAL OMMUNICATIONS Preparing for Communication through Null Modem Cable ......2-59 Connecting Using Windows 2000 Direct Serial Connection:......2-59...
Page 11 Table 3-4: AGC Controls....................3-29 Advanced AGC Controls..................3-32 ......................3-34 LIPPER ONTROLS Table 3-5: Clipper Controls ..................... 3-35 ...................3-38 TRUCTURE The Protection Presets...................3-39 Setting Up the Two-Band Structure for Classical Music........3-39 Customizing the Settings ..................3-40 The Two-Band Structure’s Full and Advanced Setup Controls ......3-40 Table 3-6: Two-Band Controls ..................
Page 12 ..................4-6 IELD UDIT OF ERFORMANCE Table 4-1: Typical Power Supply Voltages and AC Ripple ..........4-7 Figure 4-1: Typical Frequency Response, 30Hz to 15 kHz..........4-9 Section Troubleshooting ............................5-1 ................5-1 ROBLEMS AND OTENTIAL OLUTIONS RFI, Hum, Clicks, or Buzzes....................5-1 Unexpectedly Quiet On-Air Levels ..................
Page 13 Input Circuits......................6-8 Output Circuits.......................6-10 DSP Circuit......................6-12 Power Supply ......................6-13 ......................6-13 BBREVIATIONS ........................6-15 ARTS Obtaining Spare Parts ...................6-15 Control Board ......................6-16 Combined Input/Output and DSP (I/O+DSP) Board..........6-18 Composite/SCA Daughterboard ................6-22 Display Board (Front) ....................6-23 Display Board (Back)....................6-23 ..............6-24 CHEMATICS AND ARTS OCATOR RAWINGS...
Page 14 Function Description Drawing Page 6-27 Chassis Circuit Board Locator and Basic In- Top view terconnections (not to scale) 6-28 Control board Control microprocessor. Services Parts Locator front panel, serial port, Ethernet, Drawing and DSP+I/O board. Contains: 6-29 General Purpose bus, address de- Schematic 1 of 5 coder, I/O+DSP interface 6-30...
Page 15: Index
Index Maximum Delta Gain Reduction control 3- · meter 3- · 3 ratio control 3- · 32 19 K Ref control 2- · 9 window release control 3- · 32 window size control 3- · 32 AGC 3- · 7 allpass crossover 3- ·...
Page 16 B4>B5 coupling 3- · 8 chassis B5 down expand 3- · 52 getting inside 4 · 2 ground 2- · 10 backing up presets 3- · 65 circuit board locator drawing 6- · 27 balance adjust 2- · 30 circuit description balanced control 6- ·...
Page 17 compressor gate 3- · 31 display assembly computer removing 4 · 2 display board connecting to 2- · 4 troubleshooting connections 5- · 7 parts list 6- · 23 distortion Windows 2000 5- · 9 Windows XP 5- · 11 caused by poor source material 3- ·...
Page 18 specifications 6- · 4 GPI interface factory presets testing 4- · 13 selecting 2- · 20 ground factory presets 1- · 7 chassis 2- · 11 factory service 5- · 14 ground loop final clip drive 3- · 36 eliminating in composite 1- · 15 Final clipper grounding Defeating 2- ·...
Page 19 analog, specifications 6- · 2 setup 2- · 16 digital, specifications 6- · 2 transmission 1- · 22 limiter meters 3- · 2 SCA, specifications 6- · 4 attack 3- · 54 subcarrier 2- · 7 limiting input level defined 3- · 4 line-up 1- ·...
Page 20 Mod Reduction control 2- · 50 modem oldies 3- · 21 setting up 2- · 51 specification for 2- · 56 Orban 222 stereo enhancer 3- · 28 Modem output Preparing for connection 2- · 79 analog output level trim adjustment 4- · 8 Recommended baud rate 2- ·...
Page 21 2- · 41 Preset Recalling via terminal program 2- · 46 Orban installer program 2- · 57 presets PC board locator diagram 6- · 27 backup 3- · 65 PC control BASS-PUNCH 3- · 62 security 1- · 26 classical 3- ·...
Page 22 control 3- · 7 inputs 1- · 10 limit 3- · 28 interference from stereo 5- · 4 rear panel 2- · 4 modulation reduction 2- · 21 SCA inputs 2- · 5 RECALL button 3- · 1 screen display 3- · 1 Recalling preset screens via terminal program 2- ·...
Page 23 station ID Terminal Port 2- · 42 test modes 3- · 59 setting 2- · 20 stereo encoder Threshold testing 4- · 12 Multiband Speech 3- · 45 Stereo encoder threshold control 3- · 50 SSB/VSB Operation 3- · 9 time stereo encoder 3- ·...
Page 24 Warranty 1- · 27 Windows XP warranty 6- · 5 direct connect 5- · 11 Modem configuration 2- · 85 whistle on-air modem connect 5- · 12 troubleshooting 5- · 4 word length window at output, specification 6- · 3 release control 3- ·...
Page 25: Section 1 Introduction
Because OPTIMOD-FM incorporates several audio processing innovations exclusive to Orban products, you should not assume that it should be oper- ated in the same way as less sophisticated processors. If you do, you may get disappointing results.
Page 26: User-Friendly Interface
If you wish to place level protection prior to your studio/transmitter link (STL), use an Orban studio level control system expressly designed for this purpose. (At the time of this writing, this is the Orban 8200ST OPTIMOD-Studio Compres- sor/Limiter/HF Limiter/Clipper.) The 8200ST can be adjusted so that it substitutes for...
Page 27: Flexible Configuration
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION controls, each capable of driving 7in parallel with 47,000pF, (100ft/30m of coaxial cable).  The 5500 prevents aliasing distortion in subsequent stereo encoders or transmis- sion links by providing bandwidth-limiting and overshoot-compensated 15 kHz low-pass filters ahead of the 5500’s audio outputs and stereo encoder. ...
Page 28: Adaptability Through Multiple Audio Processing Structures
A special Two- Band preset creates a no-compromise “Protect” function that is functionally similar to the “Protect” structures in earlier Orban digital processors. The Opti- mum Five-Band and the Two-Band structures can be switched via a mute-free...
Page 29: Controllable
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION crossfade. Note: Switching to or from the Ultra-Low Latency Five-Band structure causes the audio to mute for about two seconds because the DSP code must be reloaded.  The 5500 can increase the density and loudness of the program material by multiband compression, limiting, and clipping.
Page 30: Stand-Alone Stereo Encoder Operation
OPTIMOD-FM contains a built-in line-up tone generator, facilitating quick and accurate level setting in any system.  OPTIMOD-FM's software can be upgraded by running Orban-supplied downloadable upgrade software on a PC. The upgrade can occur remotely through the 5500’s Ethernet port or serial port (connected to an external mo- dem), or locally (by connecting a Windows®...
Page 31: Presets In Optimod-Fm
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION  A dual-mode composite limiter is available. It can operate in either “Half- Cosine Interpolation” mode or conventional hard clipper mode. The “Half- Cosine” mode provides better separation and preservation of stereo imaging, while the “Hard” mode provides brighter sound because it creates waveforms that are closer to square waves.
Page 32: User Presets
INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 5500 when switching to and from a “UL” (ultra-low-latency) preset because this also re- quires DSP code to be reloaded. User Presets User Presets permit you to change a Factory Preset to suit your requirements and then store those changes.
Page 33: Analog Left/Right Input/Output
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION If OPTIMOD-FM is set to accept a digital input and the feed fails, OPTIMOD-FM will automatically switch back to the analog input. The digital input and output conform to the professional AES3 standard. They both have sample rate converters to allow operation at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz sample frequency.
Page 34: Stereo Analog Baseband Composite Output
1-10 INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 5500 Stereo Analog Baseband Composite Output The stereo encoder has two unbalanced analog baseband outputs on two BNC con- nectors on the rear panel. Each output can be strapped for or 7source imped- ance and can drive up to 16dBu (±13.82V peak) into 7in parallel with up to 0.047F (100ft/30m of RG-59/U cable) before any significant audible performance...
Page 35 1-11 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION  Switch the stereo encoder to stereo, mono from left, mono from right, or mono from sum audio input. This also determines the feed to the entire processing chain so that facilities that do not use the 5500’s stereo encoder can change ste- reo/mono mode and select the source when in mono mode.
Page 36: Computer Interface
1-12 INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 5500 Computer Interface On the rear panel of the 5500 are an RS-232 serial port and an Ethernet port for in- terfacing to IBM-compatible PCs. These computer interfaces support remote control and metering, and allow downloading software upgrades.
Page 37: Location Of Optimod-Fm
1-13 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION Location of OPTIMOD-FM Optimal Control of Peak Modulation Levels The audio processing circuitry in OPTIMOD-FM produces a signal that is pre- emphasized to either the 50s or 75s standard pre-emphasis curve. It is precisely and absolutely high-frequency-controlled and peak-controlled to prevent over- modulation, and is filtered at 15 kHz to protect the 19 kHz pilot and prevent distor- tion caused by aliasing-related non-linear crosstalk.
Page 38: Best Location For Optimod-Fm
1-14 INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 5500 Best Location for OPTIMOD-FM The best location for OPTIMOD-FM is as close as possible to the transmitter, so that its stereo encoder output can be connected to the transmitter through a circuit path that introduces the least possible change in the shape of OPTIMOD-FM’s carefully peak-limited waveform —...
Page 39 You will achieve a louder sound on the air, with better control of peak modulation, than if you use most external stereo encoders. An exception is Orban’s 5518 stereo encoder, which does not add overshoot and contains its own overshoot limiter and composite limiter equivalent to the one in the 5500 when operated in its stand-alone stereo encoder mode.
Page 40: Studio-Transmitter Link
1-16 INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 5500 emphasis network and the input low-pass filters in the encoder so that they cannot introduce spurious peaks. Because of their special design, OPTIMOD-FM’s pre- emphasis network and low-pass filters perform the same functions while retaining tight peak control.
Page 41: Composite Baseband Microwave Stls
75μs preemphasis must then be applied to the codec’s output signal. This usually oc- curs in the FM transmitter’s stereo encoder or in a stand-alone stereo encoder like an Orban 5518. Some links may use straightforward PCM (pulse-code modulation) without lossy data reduction.
Page 42: Dual Microwave Stls
(if any). The 5500 can only be located at the transmitter if the signal-to-noise ratio of the STL is good enough to pass unprocessed audio. The signal-to-noise ratio of the STL can be used optimally if an Orban Optimod-PC 1101, Optimod 1600PCn, Optimod 6300, 8200ST Compressor/Limiter/HF Limiter/Clipper or a 4000 Transmission Limiter protects the link from overload.
Page 43: Analog Landline (Ptt/Post Office Line)
Some consultants presently offer modifications to minimize or eliminate this prob- lem. If your exciter or STL has this problem, you may contact Orban Customer Service for the latest information on such services. Analog Landline (PTT/Post Office Line) Analog landline quality is extremely variable, ranging from excellent to poor.
Page 44: Using The Orban 8100Ast (Or 8100A/St) External Agc With The 5500
If you have an OPTIMOD-FM 8100A1 (or 8100A or 8100A/1) installation that uses an Orban 8100AST (or 8100A/ST) external AGC at the studio to protect an STL (with the main 8100A, 8100A1 or 8100A/1 chassis at the transmitter), you may wish to con- tinue to use the external AGC to protect the STL when you install the 5500 at the transmitter.
Page 45: About Transmission Levels And Metering
1-21 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION the radio. OPTIMOD-FM’s multiband limiter performs an “automatic equalization” function that can radically change the frequency balance of the program. This can cause noise that would otherwise have been masked to become unmasked because the psychoacoustic masking conditions under which the masking thresholds were originally computed have changed.
Page 46: Transmission Levels
5500’s input meter. Composite Output Level The Orban 5500 Audio Processor controls instantaneous, absolute peak levels to a tolerance of approximately 0.1 dB. Composite modulation is indicated in percent- age modulation, absolute instantaneous peak indicating. 100% is calibrated to the...
Page 47: Figure 1-2: Absolute Peak Level, Vu And Ppm Indications
1-23 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION highest composite peak modulation level that the processing will produce, including the pilot tone, under any program, processing, or setup condition (except when the processing is switched to BYPASS, is being operated in stand-alone stereo encoder mode without overshoot limiting, or when the final clipper is defeated in Setup).
Page 48: Built-In Calibrated Line-Up Tones
1-24 INTRODUCTION ORBAN MODEL 5500 Built-in Calibrated Line-up Tones To facilitate matching the output level of the 5500 to the transmission system that it is driving, the 5500 contains an adjustable test tone oscillator that produces sine waves at 5500’s (analog or digital) left, right and composite outputs. The frequency and modulation level of the line-up tones can be adjusted from the front panel (as described in Section 3).
Page 49: Eas Test
1-25 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INTRODUCTION choacoustic “echo fusion” (Haas) threshold of approximately 20 ms and the talent starts to hear slap echo in addition to frequency response colorations. The normal delay through the 5500 is about 15 ms. A 15 ms delay is comfortable for most talent because they do not hear echoes of their own voices in their head- phones.
Page 50: Pc Control And Security Passcode
See Security and Passcode Programming (starting on page 2-39) for more detail. Warranty, User Feedback User Feedback We are very interested in your comments about this product. We will carefully re- view your suggestions for improvements to either the product or the manual. Please email us at custserv@orban.com.
Page 51: Limited Warranty
However, the limitation of any right or remedy shall not be effective where such is prohibited or restricted by law. Simply take or ship your Orban products prepaid to our service department. Be sure to include a copy of your sales slip as proof of purchase date. We will not repair transit damage under the no-charge terms of this warranty.
Page 53: Section 2 Installation
C) Complete the Registration Card and return it to Orban. (please) The Registration Card enables us to inform you of new applications, per- formance improvements, software updates, and service aids that may be...
Page 54: Figure 2-1: Ac Line Cord Wire Standard
INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 TYPE 18/3 SVT COR, TYP (3 x .82 mm WIRE COLOR CONDUCTOR NORMAL LINE BROWN BLACK NEUTRAL BLUE WHITE EARTH GND GREEN-YELLOW GREEN PLUG FOR 115 VAC (USA) TYPE H05VV - F - 0.75 CONDUCTOR WIRE COLOR...
Page 55: Figure 2-2: Wiring The 25-Pin Remote Interface Connector
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION TOPIC PAGE Audio Input and Audio Output Connections..........2-5 AES3 Digital Input and Output ..............2-7 Composite Output and Subcarrier Inputs ..........2-7 Wordclock/10 MHz Sync Reference Input ..........2-9 Grounding ....................2-10 5. Connect remote control interface. (optional) For a full listing of 5500’s extensive remote control provisions, refer to Remote Control Interface Programming on page 2-42.
Page 56: 5500 Rear Panel
INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 6. Connect tally outputs (optional) See the schematic on page 6-32. The 5500 supports two hardware tally outputs, which are NPN open-collector and operate with respect to pin 1 (common). Therefore, the voltage applied to the load (such as a relay or opto-isolator) must be positive. You can use the 12 VDC source on pin 25 to drive the high side of the load, taking into account the fact that the voltage on pin 25 is current limited by a 300 Ω...
Page 57: Input And Output Connections
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION left, mono-right, mono-sum), selecting analog, digital or digital+J.17 input, over- shoot compensation, SCA modulation compensation, and clock synchronization. (See Remote Control Interface Programming on page 2-42.) The 5500 remote control ac- cepts a DB-25 connector. The Ethernet Port accepts a 10Mb/second or 100Mb/second Ethernet connection terminated with an RJ45 connector.
Page 58: Analog Audio Input
INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 any studio-wiring standard: If pin 2 or 3 is considered LOW, the other pin is automatically HIGH. Analog Audio Input  Nominal input level between –14 dBu and +8 dBu will result in normal operation of the 5500.
Page 59: Aes3 Digital Input And Output
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION  Use two-conductor foil-shielded cable (Belden 8451, or equivalent).  At the 5500’s output (and at the output of other equipment in the system), do not connect the cable’s shield to the CHASSIS GROUND terminal (pin 1) on the XLR-type connector.
Page 60: Figure 2-3: Separation Vs. Load Capacitance
INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 The output impedance of composite 1 output and composite 2 output can be set to 0 or 75 via jumpers J7 and J8 respectively (located on the Composite/SCA daugh- terboard). As shipped, the link is on pins 3 and 4, yielding 0  impedance. To reset a given output to 75, place the link on pins 1 and 2 of its associated jumper.
Page 61: Wordclock/10 Mhz Sync Reference Input
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION GROUND. always be set to Even when its composite limiter is being used heavily, the 5500 will al- ways protect the stereo pilot tone by at least 60 dB (250Hz from 19 kHz) and will protect the region from 55 kHz to 100 kHz by at least 75 dB (re 100% modulation).
Page 62: Grounding
2-10 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 To permit daisy-chaining sync signals, the input impedance is greater than 1 K. If the 5500 is the last device driven by the sync coaxial cable, you should terminate it by using a BNC Tee connector and a 75 BNC terminator. This will prevent perform- ance-degrading reflections in the cable.
Page 63: Circuit Ground
If you are using an Orban 8100AST (or 8100A/ST) external AGC, refer to page 1-  If you are using an Orban 6300 as a studio level controller, refer to its Operating Manual. If you are using Orban 8200ST external AGC...
Page 64 2-12 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 Refer to Figure 2-4 on page 2-13. B) Place jumper JA in the C position. LIPPER C) If you have defeated the STL transmitter’s pre-emphasis, place jumpers JE and JF in the P MPHASIZED position.
Page 65: Figure 2-4: 8200St Jumper Settings (*Factory Configuration)
2-13 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION TOP OF MAIN BOARD Clipper Jumpers Output Pre-Emphasis Jumpers FLAT PRE-EMPHASIZED CLIPPER ON CLIPPER OFF LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT Line-up Level Jumpers *PEAK LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT Figure 2-4: 8200ST Jumper Settings (*Factory Configuration)
Page 66: Quick Setup (Audio Processor Mode)
2-14 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 A) Turn off the tone by pressing the T button. B) Set controls as follows: HF LIMITER... Set to match the pre-emphasis of the transmission system L&R Out ................do not change GATE ....................12:00 RELEASE ....................12:00 VOICE ......................OFF...
Page 67 2-15 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 1. Press the front-panel Setup button. 2. Press the Quick Setup soft button when its label appears on the display. Quick Setup presents a guided sequence of screens into which you must insert in- formation about your particular requirements. In general, the screens are self- explanatory.
Page 68  If you are using an Orban 4000 Transmission Limiter, set field to (so that the AGC function in the 5500 continues to work). The Orban 4000 is a transmission system overload protection device; it is normally operated be- low threshold. It is not designed to perform an AGC or gain-riding function, and it cannot substitute for the AGC function in the 5500.
Page 69 2-17 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION are separate settings for the analog and digital inputs. If you provide both ana- log and digital inputs to the 5500, optimum adjustment is achieved when the gain reduction meters show the same amount of processing for both analog and digital inputs.
Page 70 2-18 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 If you are sending the analog output of the 5500 through a digital link that uses lossy compression (like MPEG, APT-X, or Dolby), set the output Lossy codecs cannot handle pre-emphasized signals. 12. Set digital output to be flat or pre-emphasized.
Page 71 2-19 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 15. Set the composite output level. [Skip this step if you will not be using the composite output(s).] A) Observe the modulation produced by the 5500’s C 1 on a OMPOSITE UTPUT modulation monitor or modulation analyzer. Turn the knob to make the modulation monitor read 100% modulation (usually 75 kHz deviation).
Page 72 (e.g., “Z-100”). The name can be up to eight characters long. It is used to identify your 5500 to Orban’s PC Remote application, and appears on the Main Screen when the 5500 is being controlled by the PC Remote application.
Page 73 2-21 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 20. Activate the 5500’s ITU-R BS412-9 multiplex power controller (optional). [Skip this step if ITU-R BS412 is not enforced in your country. At the time of this writing, it is only enforced in certain European countries. If your country does not enforce ITU-R BS412, set the ITU412-9 control to OFF.] [If you are planning to use the 5500 in its stand-alone stereo encoder mode, make sure that the multiplex power controller is turned off until you have fin-...
Page 74: Setup For Stand-Alone Stereo Encoder Mode
2-22 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 B) Hold down the appropriate M EDUCTION button and turn the knob to set the amount of modulation reduction produced by the M 1 and EDUCTION 2 functions. EDUCTION You can program these to be activated via any rear-panel GPI input or by the 5500’s clock-based automation.
Page 75 2-23 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 2. Turn the 5500’s ITU-412 MPX power controller off. When on, it causes gain reduction that makes it impossible to set the AI and DI reference level controls correctly with test tones. See step 20 on page 2-21.
Page 76 2-24 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500  Choose N if the input signal has already been pre-emphasized. In step 6 in Quick Setup (page 2-16), make sure that you have set the 5500’s preemphasis to match the preemphasis of the input signal. Even though the 5500 is not applying preemphasis, its L/R overshoot limiter needs to be aware of the input signal’s preemphasis because the over-...
Page 77 C) Set the control to I This activates a peak limiter similar to the one in Orban’s 8218 and 5518 Stereo Encoders. The limiter controls peaks with a combination of look- ahead limiting and band-limited clipping. There are two limiters, operat- ing independently on the left and right channels.
Page 78 When operating in Half-Cosine mode, the composite limiter produces somewhat less brightness but does not compromise stereo imaging. Be- cause this mode produces lower subjective distortion, Orban’s factory programmers prefer the sound of the Half-Cosine mode. In either mode, the baseband output is overshoot compensated and bandlimited to 53 kHz, unlike conventional composite clippers.
Page 79 2-27 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION If silence is detected at the analog input as well as the digital input (as in the case of a studio operational fault), automatic switching will not oc- cur. When an active signal is restored to the digital input, the 5500 will automatically switch back to that input.
Page 80: Analog And Digital I/O Setup
AGC to N . (It may be set to N already.) If you are using a external AGC like the Orban 6300, you should restore this setting to Y after the setup procedure is complete. 2. Adjust Input selector. A) Navigate to Setup > I/O C >...
Page 81 (typically 0VU if your console uses VU meters). If you are using a studio level controller that performs an AGC function, such as an Orban 8200ST OPTIMOD-Studio, adjust it for normal opera- tion. c) Adjust the AI R (VU or PPM) control to make the 5500’s AGC meter...
Page 82 PPM) and R CH BAL controls for the digital section. 6. Defeat final clipper (optional). If you are using the 5500 to drive a network with protection audio processors (like Orban’s Optimod-FM 2300) at each transmitter, you may wish to defeat the...
Page 83 2-31 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 5500’s final clipper to prevent double clipping, which will unnecessarily increase distortion on-air. To do this: A) Navigate to the Setup > F . If F does not appear, repeatedly INAL INAL press the Next button until it does. In PC Remote, this control is located in I/O >...
Page 84 2-32 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 G) Press the Next button. Be sure that M is set to S and X TEREO TALK is set to O . Reset these parameters if necessary. PERATE H) Using the C and C controls, adjust the level for each compos- ite output to produce 100% modulation of the FM carrier on modulation peaks.
Page 85 2-33 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION FM: This produces a fully peak-controlled output suitable for driving a transmitter. FM+Delay: This produces a fully peak-controlled output suitable for driv- ing a transmitter. Up to 16 seconds of diversity delay can be applied to this output.
Page 86 2-34 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 This will cause the monitor to ignore very low energy overshoots and will result in the highest peak modulation permitted by law. In other countries, use a peak-indicating instrument as specified by the regulatory authority in your country.
Page 87 2-35 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION E) Press Next. Then set the DO S You can choose P (the DSP clock frequency reference as deter- ILOT mined by the P control) or D (the output sample rate is syn- ILOT chronized to the sample rate appearing at the 5500’s AES3 input). ...
Page 88: Automation Using The 5500'S Internal Clock
2-36 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 11. Select a processing preset. See step 18 on page 2-20. Automation Using the 5500’s Internal Clock 1. If you have not already done so, set the system clock. [You can also set the clock automatically via PC Remote or the Internet. See Synchronizing Optimod to a Network Time Server starting on page 2-52.]...
Page 89 2-37 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 3. To add an automation event: A) Push the A button. VENT B) Choose whether you wish to program an event that occurs only once or an event that follows a daily or weekly schedule. C) For events that occur only once: a) Use the Prev and Next buttons to move the cursor over the word “...
Page 90: Security And Passcode Programming
2-38 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500  Independently activate and defeat the diversity delay applied to the analog, digital, and composite outputs.  exit test (restores the operating preset that was on-air before a test mode was invoked)  mod. reduction 1 ...
Page 91: To Create A Passcode
2-39 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION The 5500 has several levels of security to prevent unauthorized people from chang- ing its programming or operating state. Security controls access to the front panel and to anyone connecting to the 5500 through a direct serial connection, dial-up networking (through modems), or its Ethernet port.
Page 92: To Edit A Passcode
2-40 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 If you wish to discard the passcode you just entered, press the E button instead. Then return to step (B). D) The P ERMISSIONS screen appears. Turn the knob to choose the permission level for the passcode you just created.
Page 93: To Unlock The Front Panel
2-41 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION If the front panel is already password protected, you can only access this screen by entering a passcode with A privileges. CCESS B) Hold down the A soft button and turn the knob to set the desired UTOLOCK lockout time (if any).
Page 94: Administering The 5500 Through Its Serial Port Or Ethernet
2-42 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 D) Reprogram passcodes as necessary; see To Create a Passcode on page 2-39. The RESTORE DEFAULTS button (in the Restore Defaults screen) restores all System Setup and Input/Output parameters to their factory default settings. It also erases all passcodes. You should never need to use this button in an existing installation, although it is a convenient way to make the 5500 “factory fresh”...
Page 95: Direct Control Using Putty
2-43 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION Next/Prev If the T ERMINAL soft button is not visible, press the but- tons until it is. a) Use the Next and Prev keys to move the cursor in turn to each digit in the terminal port number. Use the knob to set the digit to the desired value. Repeat until you have selected all the numbers in the IP address assigned by your network administrator b) Press the S...
Page 96: Automated Control Using Putty/Plink
2-44 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 F) Name and save the Session if you wish. G) Click O H) Activate the C on your computer to ensure that you type in upper- case. You can now perform the operations described in steps 1 through 7 start- ing on page 2-46.
Page 97: Automated Control Using Netcat
2-45 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION The file “5500_P2_Rock-Open.cmd” contains: plink -raw -P 23 123.45.67.89 < 5500_P2_ROCK-OPEN.txt The file “5500_P2_Rock-Open.txt” contains RP ROCK-OPEN [PASSWORD] disconnect Automated Control Using Netcat Only one utility is required to use this method: netcat.exe. This is available as a free download.
Page 98: Available Commands
2-46 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 Available Commands 1. To recall a preset: Command Response RP XXXXXXX[PASSCODE] (valid passcode and preset name) ON AIR: XXXXXXX (invalid passcode) [no error message is issued] XXXXXXX = the preset name; In the above table: PASSCODE = any valid passcode.
Page 99 2-47 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 3. To set the analog diversity delay: Command Response TR X.XXXXXXXXX[PASSCODE] (valid passcode and argument) DELAY: X.XXXXXXXXX (invalid passcode) [no error message is issued] X.XXXXXXXXX = the delay time. Acceptable values are In the above table: 0.000015625 to 8.192 for the 8-second board and 0.000015625 to 16.384 for the 16-second board (10 total digits) in increments of 0.000015625...
Page 100 2-48 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500  ? returns the active input setting.  If a non-existent control value and/or an invalid passcode is entered, the 5500 will ignore the command. 5. To fetch real-time operational status information from the Optimod:...
Page 101: Remote Control Interface Programming
2-49 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION Remote Control Interface Programming [Skip this step if you do not wish to program the GPI (contact closure) remote con- trol interface.] 1. Navigate to Setup > Next > N & R > R ETWORK EMOTE EMOTE NTERFACE 2.
Page 102: Networking And Remote Control
2-50 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500  Mod Reduction 1, or Mod Reduction 2: reduces the program modulation by the percentage programmed in S > N > M (see step 21 ETUP ODULATION EDUCTION on page 2-21). When voltage is removed, these functions are deactivated.
Page 103 2-51 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION b) Press the S soft button to confirm your setting. C) Set the Subnet Mask assigned by your network administrator if necessary: a) Press the S soft button. UBNET b) Use the Next and Prev keys to move the cursor in turn to each digit in the subnet mask.
Page 104: Synchronizing Optimod To A Network Time Server
You will need two modems and two available phone lines, one of each for your PC and your 5500. Orban Customer Service supports only the 3Com/U.S. Robot- ics® 56kbps fax modem EXT on the 5500 side of your connection, although other 56kbps modems will often work OK.
Page 105 2-53 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 1. Navigate to SETUP > NEXT > TIME DATE AND ID > NEXT > TIME SYNC. A) Use the P control to choose either T or SNTP. ROTOCOL  Select T if the Optimod is behind a firewall that does not pass UPD packets.
Page 106 2-54 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 4. Specify the time sync parameters from your Optimod’s front panel: [Skip this step if you wish to specify the timeserver and time sync parameters from your Windows XP computer.] A) Press the T button.
Page 107: Installing 5500 Pc Remote Control Software
Installing 5500 PC Remote Control Software This section briefly summarizes the procedure for installing 5500 PC Remote soft- ware on existing 5500s. If required, you will find more detailed instructions in the .pdf file automatically installed on your computer by Orban’s installer program,...
Page 108: Installing The Necessary Windows Services
5500’s serial port. (These services are also used to upgrade your 5500’s firmware when updates are available from Orban.) The exact process will vary, depending on how you wish to set up the communications. That is: ...
Page 109: Running The Orban Installer Program
 You might have obtained the automatic installer application from some other source than Orban’s CD, like Orban’s ftp site or another computer on your net- work. If so, just run the application and follow the on-screen instructions. ...
Page 110: Setting Up Ethernet, Lan, And Vpn Connections
5500 questions, please contact Orban Customer Service: phone: +1 510 351-3500 email: custserv@orban.com For details on your new 5500 software, from new features to operational sugges- tions, refer to our FTP site (ftp.orban.com/5500).
Page 111: Appendix: Setting Up Serial Communications
Windows Vista and 7, although we recommend using Ethernet connections with Vista or 7. Note that the screen shots were prepared us- ing Orban’s Optimod-FM 8300 but apply equally well to the 5500. Preparing for Communication through Null Modem Cable 1.
Page 112 2-60 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 If you cannot access the Internet after making a Direct or Modem connection, you will have to reconfigure certain networking parameters in Windows. Please see You Cannot Access the Internet After Making a Direct or Modem Connection of the 5500 on page 5-8.
Page 113 2-61 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION i) In the drop-down box, select the serial port you will be using to make the connection. j) Click “Next.” k) Select either “For all users” or “Only for myself.” The correct setting depends on how your network and security are configured.
Page 114 2-62 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 o) Click “Yes.” B) Edit your new Direct Connection properties: a) Click “Settings.” b) Click the “General” tab. c) Select the device you set up in step (i) on page 2-61. This will usually “Com-...
Page 115 2-63 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION e) Set “Maximum speed (bps)” “115200.” f) Check “Enable hardware flow con- trol.” g) Make sure that all other boxes are not checked. h) Click “OK.” i) Select the Networking tab. j) Make sure that “PPP: Windows 95/98/NT 4/2000, Internet”...
Page 116: Connecting Using Windows Xp Direct Serial Connection
2-64 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 2. Launch an existing Windows 2000 Direct connection. Once you have set up a “connection” specifying Direct Connect in the 5500 PC Remote application (see To set up a new connection on page 3-63), choosing this connection from 5500 PC Remote automatically opens a Windows Direct Connec- tion to your 5500.
Page 117 2-65 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION c) Give your 5500 a name (e.g., “KABC”) by entering this name in the “5500 Alias” field. d) If you wish to have 5500 PC Remote remember password this Optimod, enter the password in the “Password“ field. e) Select “Serial Connection.”...
Page 118 2-66 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 k) Type in a name for your Connection such “Connection to 5500.” l) Click “Finish.” m)Click “Yes.” B) Edit your Direct Connection properties: a) Click “Settings.”...
Page 119 2-67 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION b) Click the “General” tab. c) Select the device you set up in step (i) on page 2-65. This will usually be “Communications cable between two computers (COM1).” d) Click “Configure.” e) Set the “Maximum Speed (bps)” to 115200.
Page 120 2-68 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 i) Select the Networking tab. j) Make sure that “PPP: Windows 95/98/NT 4/2000, Internet” appears in the “Type of dial-up server I am calling” field. k) Make sure that “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is checked. You may leave “File...
Page 121: Connecting Using Windows 7 Direct Serial Connection
2-69 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 3. To change the properties of an existing connection: Right-click the connection in the “connection List” window and choose “Proper- ties.” The “Connection properties” window opens (see page 2-60). Connecting Using Windows 7 Direct Serial Connection: You must install the Windows 7 direct serial connection as a modem device using the Modem setup procedures as shown in the steps below.
Page 122 2-70 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 B) In the Phone and Modem applet, click on the Mo- dems tab and click “Add.” You need ad- ministrator's rights to do this. If UAC comes up, provide the relevant creden- tials and pro- ceed.
Page 123 2-71 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION D) The Install New Modem window will appear. a) Select Communications cable between two computers. b) Proceed to next step by clicking on the NEXT button. E) Select the Serial com port to which the NULL cable is con- nected.
Page 124 2-72 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 F) At the Modem installation is finished window, click FINISH to complete the in- stallation. G) Once you are back at the Phone and Modem win- dow, you will see your newly installed communi- cation cable attached to the serial com port that you specified earlier.
Page 125 2-73 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION A) Go to the Network and Sharing Center and click on Set up a new connection or network link. B) In the Choose a connection op- tion window, select Set up a dial-up connection.
Page 126 2-74 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 C) If you are asked Which mo- dem do you want to use?, se- lect Communications cable between com- puters/modem. This only query will open appear if you have configured more than modem device. D) When prompted to “Type...
Page 127 2-75 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION Windows will emit a message stating The connection is ready for use. How- ever, you must to configure some of the PPP settings before you can make a connection to your Optimod Although you did not specifically install any-...
Page 128 2-76 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 B) In the Network adapter window, right-click the Direct Serial PPP icon and click on the properties. You need ad- ministrator rights to pro- ceed from here. If UAC comes up, pro- vide the rele-...
Page 129 2-77 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION c) If it is not correct, reset it to 115200 bps. d) Click OK to close the window. e) Click OK to dismiss the Properties window. f) Restart your computer. Restarting should ensure that the bps setting is saved. G) Select the Networking tab.
Page 130 2-78 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 H) In the Advance TCP/IP Set- tings window, click on the Advance button. a) Unselect default gateway remote network. b) Click OK to close this window. This prevents Win- dows 7 from rout- ing all networking...
Page 131: Preparing For Communication Through Modems
You will need two modems and two available phone lines, one of each for your PC and your 5500. Reminder: Orban supports only the 3Com / U.S. Robotics® 56kbps fax modem EXT on the 5500 side (although other 56kbps modems will often work OK).
Page 132 2-80 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 b) On your PC, click “Start / Settings / Control Panel / Phone and Modem Op- tions.” c) Click the “Modems” tab. d) Verify that your modem appears in the list available under “The following Modems are installed.”...
Page 133 2-81 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION g) Select “Dial-up to private network.” h) Click “Next.” i) Enter the phone number of the modem connected to the 5500 that you are set- ting up. j) Click the “Next” button. k) Select either “For all users” or “Only for myself.”...
Page 134 2-82 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 m)Click the “Next” but– ton. n) Type in a name for your Connection such “Connection 5500 – Modem.” o) Click the “Finish” but– ton. p) Click “Yes.” D) Edit your new Direct Connection properties: a) Click “Settings.”...
Page 135 2-83 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION b) Click the “General” tab. c) In the “Connect using” field, select the modem you will be using to make the connection on the PC side. d) Click “Configure.” e) Set “Maximum speed (bps)” “115200.” f) Check “Enable hard-ware flow con- trol.”...
Page 136 2-84 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 k) Select the Networking tab. l) Make sure that “PPP: Windows 95 / 98 / NT 4 / 2000, Internet” ap- pears in the “Type of dial-up server I am calling” field. m)Make sure that “Inter- net Protocol (TCP/IP) is checked.
Page 137: Connecting Using Windows Xp Modem Connection
2-85 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 3. To change the properties of an existing connection: Right-click the connection in the “connection List” window and choose “Proper- ties.” The “Connection properties” window opens (see page 2-80). Connecting using Windows XP Modem Connection 1. Add and configure modem for Windows XP: Skip this step if your modem is already configured and working.
Page 138 2-86 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 If you are using an external modem, connect the modem to a serial port on your PC and make sure the modem is connected to a working phone line. b) On your PC, click “Start / Settings / Control Panel / Phone and Modem Op- tions.”...
Page 139 2-87 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION e) Click “Add.” The Windows New Connection Wizard starts up. f) Select “Serial Connection.” g) Click the “Add” button. h) Select “Dial-up to private network.” i) Click “Next.” j) Enter the phone number of the mo- dem connected to the 5500 you are setting up.
Page 140 2-88 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 n) Click “Yes.” D) Edit your new Direct Con- nection properties: a) Click “Settings.” b) Click the “General” tab. c) Select the modem you will be using to make the connection on the PC side.
Page 141 2-89 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION e) Set “Maximum speed (bps)” “115200.” f) Check “Enable hardware flow con- trol.” g) Check “Enable modem error control.” h) Check “Enable modem compression.” i) Make sure that no other box is checked. j) Click “OK.” k) Select the Networking tab.
Page 142: Updating Your 5500'S Software
2-90 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 You can connect by selecting the desired con- nection from the drop-down list in the C ONNECT menu. You can also connect by double-clicking the connection in the “Connection List” window. If the connection is successful, a dialog bubble will appear on the bottom right hand corner of the screen verifying your connection.
Page 143: Snmp Support
2-91 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL INSTALLATION 4. Update your 5500. A) Attempt to initiate communication to your 5500 via your connection. See To initiate communication on page 3-64. 5500 PC Remote will automatically detect that the 5500 software version on your 5500 is not the same as the version of 5500 PC Remote. PC Re- mote will then offer to update your 5500 automatically.
Page 144: Snmp Network Setup
2-92 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 connection to your network. It is beyond the scope of this manual to provide a gen- eral explanation of how SNMP works. The text below provides sufficient information to use your Optimod in your specific SNMP setup if you are already familiar with the general principles of setting up SNMP.
Page 145: Snmp Mib File
Secondary Manger (Alarm) Port: 162 SNMP Features Get/Query:  Station Name  System Diagnostics Orban (walks through all of the “get” commands and dis- plays their status.)  Primary and Secondary Manager IP  Primary and Secondary Manager Port ...
Page 146 2-94 INSTALLATION ORBAN MODEL 5500  Analog Input Active (The analog input is selected as the input source)  AES Input Silent  AES Error  Digital Input Active (The digital input is selected as the input source)  Current value of diversity delay Set/Control: ...
Page 147: Section 3 Operation
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION Section 3 Operation 5500 Front Panel  Screen Display labels the four soft buttons and provides control-setting infor- mation.  Screen Contrast button adjusts the optimum viewing angle of the screen dis- play.  Four Soft buttons provide access to all 5500 functions and controls. The func- tions of the soft buttons change with each screen, according to the labels at the bottom of each screen.
Page 148 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500  Input meters show the peak input level applied to the 5500’s analog or digital inputs with reference to 0 = digital full-scale. If the input meter’s red segment lights up, you are overdriving the 5500’s analog to digital converter, which is a very common cause of audible distortion.
Page 149: Introduction To Processing
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION The following meters and indicators do not operate when the 5500 is in stand-alone stereo encoder mode:  Gate LED indicates gate activity, lighting when the input audio falls below the threshold set by the multiband gate threshold control (with the Full Modify screen’s 2B G control).
Page 150: Distortion In Processing
In FM processing, there is a direct trade-off between loudness, brightness, and dis- tortion. You can improve one only at the expense of one or both of the others. Thanks to Orban’s psychoacoustically optimized designs, this is less true of Orban processors than of any others. Nevertheless, all intelligent processor designers must acknowledge and work within the laws of physics as they apply to this trade-off.
Page 151: Optimod-Fm - From Bach To Rock
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION format requiring long-term listening to achieve market share, great care should be taken not to alienate women by excessive stridency, harshness, or distortion. OPTIMOD-FM — from Bach to Rock OPTIMOD-FM can be adjusted so that the output sounds: ...
Page 152: About The 5500'S Signal Processing Features
OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 There is very little that a radio station can do with these CDs other than to use con- servative 5500 presets, which will cause loudness loss that may be undesired in com- petitive markets. There is a myth in the record industry that applying “radio-style”...
Page 153 Stereo Enhancement: The 5500 provides a stereo enhancement algorithm based on Orban’s patented analog 222 Stereo Enhancer, which increases the energy in the stereo difference signal (L–R) whenever a transient is detected in the stereo sum sig- nal (L+R).
Page 154 ORBAN MODEL 5500 matched to better than 0.15 dB. This means that their sound is very close to the sound of an Orban analog parametric. They also use very high quality filter algo- rithms to ensure low noise and distortion.
Page 155 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION SSB Stereo Encoder Operation: Starting with version 1.2, the 5500 allows its ste- reo encoder’s stereo subchannel modulator to operate in an experimental compati- ble single sideband/vestigial sideband mode. 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.
Page 156 C control as usual. Composite Limiter/Clipper: Orban has traditionally opposed composite clipping because of its tendency to interfere with the stereo pilot tone and with subcarriers, and because it causes inharmonic aliasing distortion, particularly between the stereo main and subchannels.
Page 157: Stand-Alone Stereo Encoder Mode
3-11 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION Like conventional composite clipping, the “Half-Cosine Interpolation” composite limiter can still cause aliasing distortion between the stereo main and subchannels. However, this is the inevitable cost of increasing the power-handling capability be- yond 100% modulation above 5 kHz—the characteristic that makes some people like composite clipping.
Page 158: Itu-R 412 Compliance
Input/Output Delay The algorithmic improvements in the 5500 over earlier generations of Orban DSP- based processing (8200 and 2200) have one significant cost — the input/output time delay is typically 15 ms. To make intelligent decisions about how to process, the 5500 needs to look ahead at the next part of the program waveform.
Page 159: Customizing The 5500'S Sound
3-13 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION Some talent moving from an analog processing chain will require a learning period to become accustomed to the voice coloration caused by “bone-conduction” comb filtering. This is caused by the delayed headphone sound’s mixing with the live voice sound, which introduces notches in the spectrum that the talent hears when he or she talks.
Page 160: Full Modify
3-14 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 optimized by Orban’s audio processing experts on the basis of years of experience designing audio processing, and upon hundred of hours of listening tests. As you increase the setting of the L control, the air sound will become louder, but (as with any processor) processing artifacts will increase.
Page 161: Gain Reduction Metering
3-15 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION (not from the 5500’s front panel). At this level, you can customize or modify any sub- jective setup control setting to create a sound exactly to your taste. You can then save the settings in a User Preset and recall it whenever you wish. Compressor attack times and thresholds are available, along with settings affecting the automatic clipping distortion control.
Page 162: To Create Or Save A User Preset
3-16 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 To Create or Save a User Preset Once you have edited a preset, you can save it as a user preset. The 5500 can store an indefinite number of user presets, limited only by available memory.
Page 163: About The Processing Structures
Both the Two-Band and Five-Band multiband compressors always operate in the background. So switching between Two-Band and Five-Band occurs with a seamless cross-fade. Unlike older Orban processors like the 8200, no DSP code is reloaded and no audio mute is necessary.
Page 164: Factory Programming Presets
Protection Limiter, Two-Band and Five-Band sections that follow. Each Orban factory preset has full L capability. The table shows the presets, including the source presets from which they were taken and the nominal L setting of each preset.
Page 165: Table 3-1: Factory Programming Presets
Basic Modify and make small changes to the Bass, Mid EQ, and HF EQ controls. Unlike some ear- lier Orban’s processors, the 5500 lets you make changes in EQ (and stereo enhance- ment) without losing the ability to use L settings.
Page 166 3-20 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 ture. Note that if you switch between an “UL” preset and any other preset, the au- dio will mute for about two seconds to allow time for new DSP code to load into the DSP chips and to initialize. “UL” presets are not as competitive as other presets and should only be used if you absolutely need the low delay (for example, when driving talent headphones off-air during remote broadcasts).
Page 167 3-21 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION In terms of loudness, midrange texture, and HF texture, BASS-PUNCH similar to the URBAN-LOUD preset. COUNTRY: The COUNTRY-MEDIUM preset uses the ROCK-SMOOTH source preset. It has a gentle bass lift and a mellow, easy-to-listen-to high end, along with enough presence energy to help vocals to stand out.
Page 168 3-22 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 ROCK-LOUD is very bright and present, with up-front vocals. Release time is me- dium. In order to get the punchiest and loudest sound, beyond L =7.0 we progressively reduce the protection provided by the distortion- controlling mechanism.
Page 169: Equalizer Controls
3-23 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION URBAN-LOUD was derived by modifying ROCK-LOUD. URBAN LOUD is tuned for the maximum amount of bass we could add without creating obvious distortion on some program material. This amount of bass may be excessive with certain consumer radios (par- ticularly “boom-boxes”) that already have substantial bass boost.
Page 170: Table 3-2: Five-Band Equalization Controls
3-24 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 ble to create severe distortion on poor quality speakers by over-equalizing the bass. Be careful! The moderate-slope (12 dB/octave) shelving boost achieves a bass boost that is more audible on smaller radios, but which can sound boomier on high-quality receivers.
Page 171 Low Frequency Parametric Equalizer is a specially designed parametric equalizer whose boost and cut curves closely emulate those of a classic Orban analog para- metric equalizer with conventional bell-shaped curves (within 0.15 dB worst-case).
Page 172 3-26 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 MID WIDTH determines the bandwidth of the equalization, in octaves. The range is 0.8-4.0 octaves. If you are unfamiliar with using a parametric equalizer, 1 octave is a good starting point. The audible effect of the midrange equalizer is closely associated with the amount of gain reduction in the midrange bands.
Page 173 The difference will never exceed the difference that would have otherwise occurred if the lowest frequency band was independently gated. If you are familiar with older Orban processors like the 8200, this is the maximum amount of boost that would DJ B...
Page 174: Stereo Enhancer Controls
5500 conservatively and not attempting to achieve very high on-air loudness. You have somewhat more leeway than you do in older Orban FM processors like the 8200 because the 5500’s new distortion control will work to help prevent audible speech distortion even when the phase rotator is switched out.
Page 175: Agc Controls
3-29 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION AGC Controls The AGC is common to the Two-Band and Five-Band structures. Five of the AGC controls are common to the Full Modify and Advanced Modify screens, with additional AGC controls available in the Advance Modify screen, as noted in the following table.
Page 176 It is usually used to defeat the AGC when you want to create a preset with minimal processing (such as a CLASSICAL preset). The AGC is also ordinarily defeated if you are using a studio level controller (like Orban’s 8200ST). However, in this case it is better to defeat the AGC globally in System Setup.
Page 177 3-31 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION noise or background sounds and cause the AGC or multiband compressor to gate, effectively freezing gain to prevent noise breathing. There are two independent gating circuits in the 5500. The first affects the AGC and the second affects the multiband compressor. Each has its own threshold control. The multiband compressor gate causes the gain reduction in bands 2 and 3 of the multiband compressor to quickly move to the average gain reduction occurring in those bands when the gate first turns on.
Page 178: Advanced Agc Controls
Previous Orban AGCs had compression ratios very close to :1, which produces the most consistent and uniform sound. However, the 5500 compressor can reduce this...
Page 179 3-33 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION ratio to as low as 2:1. This can add a sense of dynamic range and is mostly useful for subtle formats like classical and jazz. AGC Bass Threshold determines the compression threshold of the bass band in the AGC.
Page 180: Clipper Controls
3-34 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 AGC Bass Delta Threshold works the same as AGC M ASTER ELTA HRESHOLD , but applies to the bass band. You will usually set it the same as AGC M ASTER ELTA HRESHOLD AGC Crossover allows you to choose A...
Page 181: Table 3-5: Clipper Controls
(Note that “advanced” controls are accessible only from 5500 PC Remote software.) Bass Clip (“Bass Clip Threshold”) sets the threshold of Orban’s patented embedded bass clipper with reference to the final clipper. The bass clipper is embedded in the multiband crossover so that any distortion created by clipping is rolled off by part of the crossover filters.
Page 182 3-36 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 occurs gradually. The factory default setting is “7.6.” FINAL CLIP (“Final Clip Drive”) adjusts the level of the audio driving the back end clipping system that OPTIMOD-FM uses to control fast peaks. This control primarily determines the loudness/distortion trade-off.
Page 183 When operating in Half-Cosine mode, the composite limiter produces somewhat less brightness but does not compromise stereo imaging. Because this mode pro- duces lower subjective distortion, Orban’s factory programmers prefer the sound of the Half-Cosine mode. In either mode, the baseband output is overshoot compensated and bandlimited to 53 kHz, unlike conventional composite clippers.
Page 184: The Two-Band Structure
Five-Band structure. Like the “Two-Band Purist” structure in Orban’s OPTIMOD-FM 8200, the 5500’s Two-Band Structure is phase-linear through- out to maximize sonic transparency.
Page 185: The Protection Presets
3-39 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION The Protection Presets There are two Protection Factory Presets. Both use the same DSP code as the Two- Band Purist structure, but the AGC is defeated. PROTECTION 0DB sets the limiting threshold so that limiting almost never occurs, while PROTECTION 5DB sets the limiting threshold so that program material at the maximum normal input level (as determined by a PPM or VU meter monitoring the input program line) produces an average limiting of 5 dB.
Page 186: Customizing The Settings
3-40 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 CLASSICAL-2B+AGC uses the AGC set for 2:1 compression ratio. Because of the AGC, it affects more of the total dynamic range of the recording that does the CLASSICAL-2 BAND preset. However, the AGC provides extremely smooth and un- obtrusive compression because of the gentle ratio and window gating.
Page 187 3-41 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION screen. (Note that “advanced” controls are accessible only from 5500 PC Remote software.) 2B DRIVE control adjusts signal level going into the two-band compressor, and therefore controls the density of output audio by determining the amount of gain reduction in the two-band compressor.
Page 188: Table 3-6: Two-Band Controls
3-42 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 With faster 2B R control settings (above 8 dB/second), the sound will change sub- stantially with the amount of gain reduction in the two-band compressor. This means that you should activate the gain-riding AGC to ensure that the two-band compressor is always being driven at the level that produces the amount of gain re- duction desired.
Page 189 3-43 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION gate, effectively freezing gain to prevent noise breathing. There are two independent gating circuits in the 5500 Two-Band structure. The first affects the AGC and the second affects the two-band compressor. Each has its own threshold control. The two-band gain reduction will eventually recover to 0 dB and the AGC gain re- duction will eventually recover to –10 dB even when the compressor gate is gated.
Page 190 3-44 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 Bass Clip (“Bass Clip Threshold”): See page 3-35. 2B Clip is a compression threshold control that equally affects the bass and master bands. It sets the drive level to the high frequency limiting and multiband distortion- controlling processing that precedes the final clipping section.
Page 191: Advanced Two-Band Controls
3-45 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION Advanced Two-Band Controls The following Two-Band controls are only accessible from the 5500 PC Remote soft- ware. 2B Master Compression Threshold sets the level where gain reduction starts to occur in the Master (above 200Hz) band of the Two-Band Compressor. 2B Bass Threshold determines the compression threshold of the bass band in the Two-Band Compressor.
Page 192: Putting The Five-Band Structure On The Air
3-46 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 seven increments between slow and fast. Each setting makes a significant difference in the overall flavor and quality of the sound. When the input is noisy, you can sometimes reduce the noise by activating the sin- gle-ended noise reduction system.
Page 193: The Five-Band Structure's Full And Advanced Setup Controls
3-47 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION sity, and audible distortion. The following provides the information you need to ad- just the Five-Band structure controls to suit your format, taste, and competitive situation. The Five-Band Structure’s Full and Advanced Setup Controls The tables below summarize the Multiband and Band Mix controls in the dynamics section.
Page 194 3-48 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 sity also increases when you increase the drive level into the multiband compressor because these faster release times produce more limiting action. Increasing density can make sounds seem louder, but can also result in an unattractive busier, flatter, or denser sound.
Page 195: Table 3-9: Mb Band Mix Controls
3-49 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION ended noise reduction activated, it is also appropriate for Talk and News formats. This is the sound texture for the station that values a clean, easy- to-listen-to sound with a tasteful amount of punch, presence, and bright- ness added when appropriate.
Page 196 3-50 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 sity. It is possible to experiment with this sound for music-oriented program- ming as well. However, even with these settings, your sound is getting farther away from the balance and texture of the input. We think that this is as far as processing can go without causing unacceptable listener fatigue.
Page 197 3-51 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION ahead processing to anticipate and prevent excessive clipping distortion in the final clipper. Like any other dynamics processing, the distortion-controlling section can produce artifacts of its own when overdriven. These artifacts can include loss of definition, smeared high frequencies, a sound similar to excessive compression, and, when op- erated at extreme settings, audible intermodulation distortion.
Page 198 3-52 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 need it. We expect that its main use will be in talk-oriented programming, including sports. Please note that it is impossible to design such a system to handle all program mate- rial without audible side effects. You will get best results if you set the MB D...
Page 199: Advanced Multiband Controls
3-53 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION B3>B2 CPL and B2>B3 CPL controls determine the extent to which the gains of bands 2 and 3 track each other. When combined with the other coupling controls, these controls can ad- just the multiband processing to be anything from fully independent op- eration to quasi-wideband processing.
Page 200 These controls, which have never previously been available in an Orban processor, are risky and difficult to adjust appropriately. They affect the sound of the processor in many subtle ways.
Page 201: Itu-R Multiplex Power Controller
3-55 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION these controls in the range of 70% to 100%. Below 70%, you will usually hear pumping because the compressor function is trying to create some of the gain re- duction that the faster limiting function would have otherwise achieved. If you hear pumping in a band and you still wish to adjust the limiter attack to a low setting, you can sometimes ameliorate or eliminate the pumping by slowing down the com- pressor attack time in that band.
Page 202: Multiplex Power Threshold
3-56 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 add overshoots to program material processed by the 5500. Such overshoots necessi- tate turning down the 5500’s output level control after it has been calibrated with tone using an FM modulation meter and the 5500’s built-in line-up tone oscillator. If the output level is turned down after a tone calibration, the MPX POWER LEVEL me- ter will read high compared to the actual on-air MPX power.
Page 203: Audio Processing And The Multiplex Power Threshold Control
3-57 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION Many paths have overshoot, and this forces you to reduce the average modulation to avoid overmodulating the transmitter. This would reduce the multiplex power by the same amount, forcing the multiplex power below the ITU requirement. To compensate for this, match the ITU412-9 control to the peak overshoot of the transmission system following the 5500.
Page 204: About The Multiplex Power Controller's Time Constants
3-58 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 static loss (preset-dependent and set by the M ULTIPLEX OWER FFSET control) before the FM peaks limiters when the multiplex power controller is activated. This com- plements the dynamic gain reduction produced by the multiplex power controller.
Page 205: Multiplex Power Control In Stand-Alone Stereo Encoder Mode
3-59 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION Multiplex Power Control in Stand-Alone Stereo Encoder Mode When you use the 5500 in stand-alone stereo encoder mode, we recommend setting up your transmission system to produce approximately 3 dB of average MPX power control. This avoids unnatural loudness variations. To achieve this goal when an Optimod-FM drives the 5500 stereo encoder, reduce the drive into the Optimod’s peak limiters by turning down the M ULTIBAND...
Page 206: Getting The Bass Sound You Want
0 dB at 15 kHz. While this calibration may seem unintuitive, experience has shown that it greatly reduces calls to Orban customer service complaining that the frequency response of the transmission path is not flat when in fact the measurement in question was causing undetected clipping at high frequencies due to preemphasis.
Page 207 3-61 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION Further, the bass clipper is particularly effective in increasing bass punch because it flat-tops bass transients, and this allows the waveform to accommodate fundamen- tals that have a larger peak level (by up to 2 dB) than the peak level of the flat-top. (The fundamental of a square wave has a peak level 2.1 dB higher than the peak level of the square wave.) Bass fundamentals can thus exceed 100% modulation even if the composite stereo waveform does not exceed this level.
Page 208: Using The 5500 Pc Remote Control Software
3-62 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 that the bass compressor will not act to prevent excessive drive to the clipping sys- tem (and consequent distortion), so be very careful when boosting this control. The crossover between band 1 and band 2 is adjustable to 100 Hz or 200 Hz by the B1/B2 X control, which you can only access from the 5500 PC Remote software.
Page 209: To Set Up A New Connection
3-63 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION cut to 5500PC.exe on your desktop and in your Start Menu under Orban\Optimod 5500. 5500 PC Remote can control only one 5500 at a time, but it can readily switch be- tween several 5500s. 5500 PC Remote has a built-in “address book” that allows it to select and connect to: ...
Page 210: To Initiate Communication
“Loading system files, please wait.” When run, the Orban PC Remote software installer makes copies of all 5500 fac- tory preset files on your local hard drive. The PC Remote software reads these files to speed up its initialization.
Page 211: To Recall A Preset
3-65 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION To recall a preset: A) Choose Recall P from the F menu to bring up the O RESET RESET dialog box. B) Click the desired preset within the dialog box to select it. C) Double-click the desired preset or select it and click the Recall P RESET button to put it on-air.
Page 212: To Restore Archived Presets, System Files, And Automation Files
The encryption options prevent archived presets, system files, and auto- mation files from being restored if the user does not have the password used for the encryption. There is no “back door”— Orban cannot help you to decrypt a preset whose password is unknown.
Page 213: To Modify Input /Output And System Setup
3-67 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL OPERATION within the dialog box. C) To restore a single user preset: a) Set the field to a user preset file type (*.orb55user, *.orbu). ILES b) Select the desired preset in the dialog box. c) Click the button.
Page 214: To Group Multiple 5500S
3-68 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 An Automation Dialog box will open. B) Click the N to create a new event VENT Controls to set the event type and time are available on the right hand side of the dialog box.
Page 215: About Aliases Created By Optimod 5500 Pc Remote Software
Optimod 5500 PC Re- mote (usually \Program Files\Orban\Optimod 5500). The folder has the same name as the Alias name. Once you establish the initial connection to the 5500, all presets for that 5500 are automatically copied to the Alias folder;...
Page 216 3-70 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500 when you install the new version (for example, \Program Files\Orban\Optimod 5500v2). Each version of 5500 PC Remote will display all 5500 Aliases, even those pointing to 5500s with incompatible version numbers. If you attempt to connect to an older ver-...
Page 217: To Import Archived 8300, 8400, 8500 And 5500 Presets Into Your 5500
OPERATION To Import Archived 8300, 8400, 8500 and 5500 Presets into Your 5500 The 5500 shares some signal processing technology with Orban’s Optimod-FM 8300, 8400, 8500 and 5500 . However, the 5500 has fewer features. Using 5500 PC Remote software, you can import into the 5500 any User Presets that you archived using the 8400, 8300, 8500 or 5500 PC Remote software.
Page 218 3-72 OPERATION ORBAN MODEL 5500  The 5500’s “ultra-low latency” processing uses 8200 clipping technology, up- dated with anti-aliased clippers operating at 256 kHz sample rate. This mode is not available on the 8400 but is available on the 8300, 8500, and 5500. It is avail- able on the 5500 because one application of the 5500 is to replace the 8200 in installations requiring the very low delay (in the range of the 8200’s delay).
Page 219: Section 4 Maintenance
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL MAINTENANCE Section 4 Maintenance Routine Maintenance The 5500 OPTIMOD-FM Audio Processor uses highly stable analog and digital cir- cuitry throughout. Recommended routine maintenance is minimal. 1. Periodically check audio level and gain reduction meter readings. Become familiar with normal audio level meter readings, and with the normal performance of the G/R metering.
Page 220: Subassembly Removal And Replacement
MAINTENANCE ORBAN MODEL 5500 Subassembly Removal and Replacement See page 6-27 for the Circuit Board Locator and Basic Interconnections diagram. 1. Removing the Top Cover: To access any internal board (including the display assembly), you must remove the top cover.
Page 221 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL MAINTENANCE B) Using a deep hex nut driver (preferred), a small crescent wrench, or a pair of slip-joint pliers (in an emergency), remove the nuts and lockwashers holding the four BNC connectors to the chassis. The Composite/SCA daughterboard can now be removed. 4.
Page 222 EMI that violates FCC and/or CE regulations. If the power supply fails, please contact Orban Customer Service (custserv@orban.com) to obtain an exact replacement.
Page 223 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL MAINTENANCE 9. Replacing the Composite/SCA Daughterboard Referring to step 3, follow the instructions in reverse. 10. Replacing the Front Panel Assembly: A) Set the front panel, face down, on a soft cloth to prevent scratches. B) Lightly reattach the bottom and top circuit boards by mating the four plugs and jacks.
Page 224: Field Audit Of Performance
MAINTENANCE ORBAN MODEL 5500 Field Audit of Performance Required Equipment:  Ultra-low distortion sine-wave oscillator/THD analyzer/audio voltmeter With verified residual distortion below 0.01%. Audio Precision System One, or similar high-performance system. The NAB Broadcast and Audio System Test CD is an excellent source of test signals when used with a high-quality CD player.
Page 225: Table 4-1: Typical Power Supply Voltages And Ac Ripple
The power supply is a module. In case of any power supply failure, the entire supply must be replaced by an exact replacement (available from Orban Service). Attempts to repair the supply on a component level and/or to replace the supply with a non-approved supply may compromise your Optimod’s compliance with...
Page 226 MAINTENANCE ORBAN MODEL 5500 DI REF VU ................–15.0 dBFS R CH BAL ..................0.0 dB c) Navigate to Setup > I/O C > A . Set controls as follows: ALIB ALIB AO 100% ................. +10.0 dBu AO PRE-E ....................Flat AO SOURCE ..................FM d) Navigate to Setup >...
Page 227: Figure 4-1: Typical Frequency Response, 30Hz To 15 Khz
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL MAINTENANCE C) Connect the audio voltmeter to the Left Analog Output. D) Adjust output trim VR301 to make the meter read +10.0 dBu. (0 dBu = 0.775V rms.) Verify a frequency reading of 400 Hz. E) Verify THD+N reading of <0.03% (<0.01% typical) using a 22 kHz low pass fil- ter in the distortion analyzer.
Page 228 4-10 MAINTENANCE ORBAN MODEL 5500 H) Repeat steps (C) through (G) for the right channel. 5. Check distortion performance of Analog I/O. A) Verify 5500 software controls are set to their default settings. (Refer to page 4-7.) B) Be sure you are still in B mode [see step (3.F)] and set the B...
Page 229 4-11 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL MAINTENANCE D) Set the I to D NPUT IGITAL E) Connect the digital source generator to the AES3 Digital Input XLR connector of the 5500. F) Set the frequency of the digital source generator to 400 Hz and its output level to 18 dB below full scale.
Page 230 4-12 MAINTENANCE ORBAN MODEL 5500 Connect the reference generator to one input and the 5500’s digital out- put to the other input. If correct synchronization is occurring, you should see an essentially stationary (although complex-looking) Lissajous pattern as opposed to one that precesses slowly either left or right. This should be true at any combination of input and output sample frequencies and a thorough test will test every permutation.
Page 231 4-13 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL MAINTENANCE E) Navigate to Setup > S TEREO NCODER F) Set the C control to make the stereo monitor read 100% total modu- lation. G) Navigate to Setup > T to access the 5500’s tone oscillator parameters. H) Measure the L–R level on the stereo monitor at several frequencies, in units of dB below 100% modulation.
Page 232 4-14 MAINTENANCE ORBAN MODEL 5500 B) You can test the RS-232 port for functionality by verifying that you can con- nect to a PC through a null modem cable. See Networking and Remote Con- trol starting on page 2-50 (in particular, step 4 on page 2-52).
Page 233: Section 5 Troubleshooting
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TROUBLESHOOTING Section 5 Troubleshooting Problems and Potential Solutions Always verify that the problem is not the source material being fed to the 5500, or in other parts of the system. RFI, Hum, Clicks, or Buzzes A grounding problem is likely. Review the information on grounding on page 2-10. The 5500 has been designed with very substantial RFI suppression on its analog and digital input and output ports, and on the AC line input.
Page 234: Unexpected Delay Between The Program Feed And The On-Air Signal
Many commercial monitors have this problem, but most of these problem units can be modified to indicate peak levels accurately. Orban uses the Belar “Wizard” series of DSP-based monitors internally for testing, because these units do not have this difficulty.
Page 235: Audible Noise On Air
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TROUBLESHOOTING compromising the 5500’s noise level, we could eliminate a control that was frequently misadjusted. If you are using the 5500’s stereo enhancer (which most “pop music”-oriented pre- sets do), then this can exaggerate multipath distortion in high multipath environ- ments.
Page 236: Whistle On Air, Perhaps Only In Stereo Reception
TROUBLESHOOTING ORBAN MODEL 5500 In this case, it is wise to use the Orban 8200ST Studio AGC to perform the AGC func- tion prior to the STL transmitter and to control the STL's peak modulation. This will optimize the signal-to-noise ratio of the entire transmission system. An uncom- pressed digital STL will perform much better than any analog STL.
Page 237: Shrill, Harsh Sound
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TROUBLESHOOTING must have symmetrical group delay around the carrier frequency. An incorrectly tuned transmitter can exhibit an asymmetrical passband that will greatly increase crosstalk into subcarriers. Amplitude modulation of the carrier that is synchronous with the program (“syn- chronous AM”) can cause program-related crosstalk into subcarriers.
Page 238: System Will Not Pass Line-Up Tones At 100% Modulation
First, verify that a problem really exists by using a second frequency-measuring de- vice and/or verifying the problem with a monitoring service. If the problem is real, contact Orban Customer Service for a crystal replacement; there is no frequency trim available.
Page 239: Security Passcode Lost (When Unit Is Locked Out)
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TROUBLESHOOTING By comparison to competitive processors, the 5500 offers a uniquely favorable set of trade-offs between loudness, brightness, distortion, and build-up of program den- sity. If your radio station does not seem to be competitive with others in your mar- ket, the cause is usually source material (including excess use of lossy digital com- pression), overshoot in the transmission link (including the FM exciter) following the 5500, or an inaccurate modulation monitor that is causing you to under-modulate...
Page 240: You Cannot Access The Internet After Making A Direct Or Modem Connection To The 5500
TROUBLESHOOTING ORBAN MODEL 5500 You may have the wrong interface type set on your 5500. Navigate to Setup > & R > PC C ETWORK EMOTE ONNEC and check the interface setting. If you are connecting via Direct Serial Connection or modem, review the Proper- ties you have set on that connection.
Page 241: Os-Specific Troubleshooting Advice
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TROUBLESHOOTING gateway will not point to the 5500 unit when you establish a direct or modem connection. OS-Specific Troubleshooting Advice Troubleshooting Windows 2000 Direct Connect: If you are having trouble establishing a connection, check your New Connection’s properties to make sure they are set up correctly: A) Click “Start >...
Page 242: Troubleshooting Windows 2000 Modem Connect
5-10 TROUBLESHOOTING ORBAN MODEL 5500 S) If you see: “Error 777: The connection failed because the modem (or other connecting device) on the remote computer is out of order”: The “remote computer” is actually the 5500 and it is not out of order;...
Page 243: Troubleshooting Windows Xp Direct Connect
5-11 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TROUBLESHOOTING H) Check the “Enable hardware flow control,” make sure all other hardware fea- tures are unchecked. Then click “OK.” I) Click the “Networking” tab on the “Properties” window. J) Set “Type of dial-up server I am calling” to “PPP: Windows 95/98/NT4/2000, Internet.”...
Page 244: Troubleshooting Windows Xp Modem Connect
5-12 TROUBLESHOOTING ORBAN MODEL 5500 G) In “This connection uses the following items,” uncheck all except for “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).” You can also leave “QoS Packet Scheduler” checked if you like. H) In “This connection uses the following items,” select “Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)”...
Page 245: Troubleshooting Ic Opamps
Know the serial number of your 5500  this is printed on the rear panel of the unit. Please check Orban’s website, www.orban.com, for Frequently Asked Questions and other technical tips about 5500 that we may post from time to time. Manuals (in...
Page 246: Factory Service
Returned units will be returned C.O.D. if the unit is not under warranty. Orban will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty. In all cases, the customer pays transportation charges to the factory (which are usually quite nominal).
Page 247 5-15 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TROUBLESHOOTING Return Authorization Number must be shown on the label, or the package will not be accepted.
Page 249: Section 6 Technical Data
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TECHNICAL DATA Section 6 Technical Data 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. There- fore, the only way to evaluate the sound of an audio processor meaningfully is by subjective listening tests.
Page 250: Installation
TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 Installation Analog Audio Input Configuration: Stereo. Impedance: >10k load impedance, electronically balanced 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.
Page 251 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TECHNICAL DATA Digital Audio Output Configuration: Stereo per AES3 standard. Output configured in software as flat or pre- emphasized to the chosen processing pre-emphasis (50µs or 75µs), with or without J.17 pre-emphasis. 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 digital input at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz, as config- ured in software.
Page 252 TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 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).
Page 253: Circuit Description
RFI/EMI: Tested according to Cenelec procedures. FCC Part 15 Class A device. Shipping Weight: 10 lbs / 4.6 kg Warranty Five Years, Parts and Service: Subject to the limitations set forth in Orban's Standard War- ranty Agreement. Because engineering improvements are ongoing, specifications are subject to change with- out notice.
Page 254: Overview
DSP code download has finished. If you hear a brief audio mute on air and you know that its input was not interrupted, you can assume that the 5500 has rebooted for some reason. Be prepared to convey this fact to Orban cus- tomer service if you call for technical assistance.
Page 255: User Control Interface And Lcd Display Circuits
OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TECHNICAL DATA circuitry, and the real-time clock, which keeps time for the 5500’s automation func- tions. The real-time clock is backed up by a DL2032 battery so that it keeps accurate time even when the 5500 is powered down. The battery is socketed and can be readily accessed by removing the 5500’s top cover;...
Page 256: Input Circuits
TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 RS-232, and the remote control interface status. The microprocessor updates the LED control status indicators accordingly. Component-Level Description: S1-S11 are the front panel pushbutton switches. CR11-CR15 are the front panel LED control status indicators. The control microprocessor communicates with these components through the general-purpose bus.
Page 257 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TECHNICAL DATA The digitally controlled gain circuitry was included on the circuit board for possible use in future products. In the 5500, its gain is preset so that the A/D will clip at +27 dBu with respect to the 5500’s analog inputs. Note that the small RFI “tee”...
Page 258: Output Circuits
6-10 TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 4. Wordclock/10 MHz Sync Reference Input Located on input/output/DSP board The 5500’s internal system clock (which drives the DSPs) can be synchronized to a wordclock or 10 MHz reference applied to J502A. This allows the 19 kHz pilot tone in the 5500’s composite output to be frequency-synchronized to an accurate...
Page 259 6-11 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TECHNICAL DATA right analog output connectors. These analog signals can represent either the transmitter or monitor output of audio processing. Component-Level Description: IC303 and associated components filter the left channel signal emerging from IC306. The purpose of these stages is to reduce the out-of-band noise energy resulting from the delta-sigma D/A’s noise-shaping filter and to translate the differential output of the D/A converter into single-ended form.
Page 260: Dsp Circuit
6-12 TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 Component-Level Description: We will describe the signal path for composite 1 output; the signal path for composite 2 output is exactly analogous. IC401 is a dual-channel high-speed D/A converter chip that receives the digital composite signal at a 170.66 (512/3) kHz sample rate.
Page 261: Power Supply
During system initialization, the SC520 queries the DSP hardware about its opera- tional status and will display an error message on-screen if the DSP fails to initialize normally. Please note any such messages and be ready to report them to Orban Cus- tomer Service.
Page 262: Technical Data
6-14 TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 CMOS complementary metal-oxide semiconductor COFDM Coded Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex — a robust type of digital modulation using many narrow-bandwidth, low data rate, mutually non-interfering carriers to achieve an ag- gregate high data rate with excellent multipath rejection.
Page 263: Parts List
Consult the factory if the listing of a part includes the note “selected” or “realignment required.” Orban normally maintains an inventory of tested, exact replacement parts that can be supplied quickly at nominal cost. Standardized spare parts kits are also available.
Page 264: Control Board
6-16 TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 Brief description of part Model, serial, and “M” (if any) number of unit  see rear-panel label To facilitate future maintenance, parts for this unit have been chosen from the cata- logs of well-known manufacturers whenever possible. Most of these manufacturers have extensive worldwide distribution and may be contacted through their web sites.
Page 265 6-17 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TECHNICAL DATA Control Board PART # DESCRIPTION COMPONENT IDENTIFIER C159, C161, C175, C176, C178, C181, C183, (C201, NO, STUFF) 21322.547.01 CAPACITOR, 4.7uf, TANTALUM, 3528 21325.610.01 CAPACITOR 10UF 10% TANTALUM C13, C15, C16, C18, C35, C42, 3528 C44, C202 22101.001.01 DIODE, 1N4148WT/R CR1, CR2, CR3, CR4, CR5...
Page 266: Combined Input/Output And Dsp (I/O+Dsp) Board
6-18 TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 Control Board PART # DESCRIPTION COMPONENT IDENTIFIER 27375.000.01.1 HEADER, 2MM 2 X 6 27479.002.01.1 CONNECTOR HEADER .156 CENTER 2 29535.000.01.1 INDUCTOR 3.9uH CHIP 1008 L1, L2, L3 29536.000.01.1 INDUCTOR SURFACE MOUNT 10uH 43050.014.01.1 SASY CBL IDC 60PIN 1.4"...
Page 267 6-19 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TECHNICAL DATA I/O+DSP BOARD PART # DESCRIPTION COMPONENT IDENTIFIER 21137.447.01 CAPACITOR .47UF 25V 10% 1206 C215, C216, C319, C320, C428, C429 21325.610.01 CAPACITOR 10UF 10% TANTALUM C221, C222, C223, C224, C225, 3528 C401, C402, C403, C404, C405, C406, C1001, C1002, C1003, C1004, C1005, C1006, C1007, C1008, C1103, C1205, C1206,...
Page 268 6-20 TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 I/O+DSP BOARD PART # DESCRIPTION COMPONENT IDENTIFIER C1219, C1220, C1235, C1236, C1237, C1240, (C502, C504, C506, C508 NO-STUFF) 29015.000.01 TRANSFORMER SURFACE-MOUNT T501, T503, (T502, T504, NO, SCIENTIFIC CONVERSION STUFF) 20130.499.01 RESISTOR R0805 4.99K 1% 1/8W...
Page 269 6-21 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TECHNICAL DATA I/O+DSP BOARD PART # DESCRIPTION COMPONENT IDENTIFIER 21171.105.01 CAPACITOR 1uf X7R 0805 C301, C302, C303, C511, C805, C806, C807, C808, C949, C950, C951, C952, C953, C954, C955, C956, C957, C958, C959, C960, C1009, C1101, C1102, C1209, C1210, C1211, C1212, C1213, C1214, C1234 21147.022.01...
Page 270: Composite/Sca Daughterboard
6-22 TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 I/O+DSP BOARD PART # DESCRIPTION COMPONENT IDENTIFIER R312, R313, R314, R315, R316 20130.562.01 RESISTOR 1/8W 1% 5.62K 0805 R229, R230 20130.348.01 RESISTOR 1/8W 1% 3.48K 0805 R321, R322, R323, R324, R325, R326, R415, R416, R417, R418, R1215 20130.162.01...
Page 271: Display Board (Front)
6-23 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TECHNICAL DATA COMPOSITE/SCA DAUGHTERBOARD PART # DESCRIPTION COMPONENT IDENTIFIER 20128.075.01 RESISTOR 75 Ω 1% 0805 R11, R12 Display Board (Front) DISPLAY BOARD (FRONT) PART # DESCRIPTION COMPONENT IDENTIFIER 15057.010.01 SPACER, .100" HIGH CR1, CR2, CR3, CR4, CR5, CR6, CR7, CR8, CR9, CR16 15061.005.01 LED MNT, 1 POS'N, .240"HIGH...
Page 272: Schematics And Parts Locator Drawings
6-24 TECHNICAL DATA ORBAN MODEL 5500 Schematics and Parts Locator Drawings These drawings reflect the actual construction of your unit as accurately as possible. Any differences between the drawings and your unit are probably due to product improvements or production changes since the publication of this manual.
Page 273 6-25 OPTIMOD-FM DIGITAL TECHNICAL DATA Function Description Drawing Page Display Board Front-Panel LCD, LEDs, Buttons, Parts Locator 6-48 and Rotary Encoder Drawing Contains: Front of board Schematic 1 of 2 6-49 Rear of board 6-50 DSP Block Shows signal processing 6-51 Diagram...
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Orban OPTIMOD-FM 5500 Operating Manual

Section 1 Introduction

Section 2 Installation

Appendix: Setting up Serial Communications

Section 3 Operation

Section 4 Maintenance

Section 5 Troubleshooting

Section 6 Technical Data

Abbreviations

Parts List

Schematics and Parts Locator Drawings

Quick Links

Troubleshooting

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Summary of Contents for Orban OPTIMOD-FM 5500