Wheatstone Corporation AirAura X1 Technical Manual

Fm & hd digital audio processor
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AirAura X1
FM & HD D
a
P
igital
uDio
rocessor
T
echnical
M
anual
600 Industrial Drive, New Bern, North Carolina 28562 (tel 252-638-7000 / fax 252-637-1285 )

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  • Page 1 AirAura X1 FM & HD D igital uDio rocessor echnical anual 600 Industrial Drive, New Bern, North Carolina 28562 (tel 252-638-7000 / fax 252-637-1285 )
  • Page 2 AirAura X1 FM & HD D igital uDio rocessor echnical anual Wheatstone Corporation December 2016...
  • Page 3 W h e at s t o n e a u d i o P r o c e s s i n g AirAura X1 FM & HD Digital Audio Processor Technical Manual ©2016 Wheatstone Corporation 600 Industrial Drive...
  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    C O N T E N T S AirAura X1 Technical Manual Table of Contents Chapter 1 - General Information Introduction ..................1-2 X1 Feature Overview ..............1-3 Rack Mounting ................1-4 X1 Installation Tips .....................1-5 Grounding ........................1-5 Surge Protection ......................1-5 UPS/Power Conditioning ..................1-5...
  • Page 5 C O N T E N T S Chapter 2 - Front Panel GUI Input Screen ................... 2-3 Input Source .......................2-3 Digital Gain .........................2-4 Analog Gain ........................2-4 L/R Balance ........................2-4 Phase Rotator ......................2-4 High Pass Filter ......................2-4 Automatic Failover ......................2-5 Insert Loop Option .....................2-5 5 Band iACC ...................
  • Page 6 C O N T E N T S FM L/R Output Controls ............... 2-19 Digital Output Mode ....................2-19 Digital Output Level ....................2-19 Digital Emphasis ......................2-20 Analog Out + Emphasis .....................2-20 Analog Output Level ....................2-20 HD Output Screen ................. 2-21 Left/Right Swap ......................2-21 Digital Phase ......................2-21 Digital Level .......................2-22 System ...................
  • Page 7 C O N T E N T S Miscellaneous ......................3-14 Phase Rotator ....................3-14 Input Settings Follow Preset Takes ..............3-15 Equalizer Menu .......................3-15 EQ Enable ......................3-16 iAGC and Compressor ...................3-17 iAGC ........................3-18 Window Size .....................3-18 Attack Speed ....................3-18 Release Speed ....................3-18 Adapt Mode ......................3-18 iAGC Gate Threshold ..................3-19 Return To Zero (RTZ) ..................3-19...
  • Page 8 C O N T E N T S Bass Style (Basic Control) ...................3-32 Master Attack (Expert Control) ................3-32 Master Threshold (Expert Control) ..............3-33 Filter Frequency (Expert Control) .................3-33 Filter Style (Expert Control)..................3-33 Bass Clip Threshold (Expert Control) ..............3-33 Bass Texture (Expert Control) ................3-34 MPX &...
  • Page 9 C O N T E N T S Presets ........................3-51 List ........................3-51 Save ........................3-52 Library ......................3-52 Locking Presets ....................3-52 How To View Preset Differences...............3-53 Hardware ......................3-53 Analysis ......................3-53 Analysis Source .....................3-53 FM & HD Analysis Options Type ..............3-54 FFT ........................3-54 3-D Plot ......................3-55 BS-1770 Loudness ..................3-55 O-Scope ......................3-56...
  • Page 10 C O N T E N T S Crunchy/Edgy ......................A-17 Sibilance .........................A-18 Treble/Bright/Open ....................A-18 Finally ........................A-18 Appendix D WheatNet-IP Configuration ............A-20 Adding the X1 to The WheatNet-IP System ..............A-21 page Contents – 7 AirAura X3 / May 2013...
  • Page 11 Starting With a Preset ....................1-15 Processing Presets ....................1-15 Analog XLR Connections Pinouts Drawing ...............1-17 Digital XLR Connections Pinouts Drawing ..............1-18 BNC Connections Pinouts Drawing ................1-19 Ethernet RJ-45/General Purpose Interface DB-9 Pinouts Drawing ......1-20 page 1 – 1 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 12: Introduction

    With the X1, placement is AFTER the bulk of the multiband section, leaving the watermark intact and with the potential for higher recognition by the meter. page 1 – 2 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 13: X1 Feature Overview

    The HD path’s digital and analog outputs may be swapped left for right as well as phase reversed if needed. page 1 – 3 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 14: Rack Mounting

    These voltages are not only hazardous but also potentially deadly if accidentally contacted. There are no user-serviceable parts inside the unit and it should be returned to Wheatstone Corporation under a Return Authorization should repair ever become necessary. page 1 – 4...
  • Page 15: X1 Installation Tips

    Pin 2) and connect the shield wire to X1’s “Lo” input (XLR Pin 3). If the cable’s shield is used (recommended) connect it at the X1 end only (XLR Pin 1) to prevent AC ground loops. page 1 – 5 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 16: Analog Audio Output Connections

    Foil shielding is recommended for permanent installa‑ tions, and a cable with foil shield plus an overall braid should be used in applications where frequent flexing of cables might occur. page 1 – 6 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 17: Where To Install X1

    ‑ The stereo generator and composite clipper inside X1 will not be available. Many digital exciters offer stereo generator and composite clipper functions, but their clippers have historically been quite crude compared to X1’s exceptional clipper. page 1 – 7 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 18: Analog Left/Right Stl

    STL, which, along with the audio processor, makes for a very convenient setup. With a modern composite STL and properly engineered point‑to‑point path, the audio can be nearly as transparent as a digital STL. page 1 – 8 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 19: Analog Phone Lines

    The use of a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is usually recommended and will protect X1 from short duration power interruptions and glitches which might otherwise signal it to reboot. When X1 reboots there will be a loss of audio for approximately 15 seconds. page 1 – 9 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 20: Rear Panel Connections

    Rear Panel Connections The image below shows the rear panel of the X1 and the location of various connectors associated with an installation: AirAura X1’s rear panel connectors from left to right are: Bottom Row Top Row Analog Left Channel In SCA‑1 Input...
  • Page 21: Audio Inputs

    Balanced analog left/right stereo, de-emphasized according to pre-emphasis in use via the switchable FM/HD analog output. • AES3 digital, either pre or post diversity delay, and/or de-emphasized according to pre-emphasis in use via the switchable FM AES output jack. page 1 – 11 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 22: Hd Path

    Pin 2 BNC 2 SH – TX 2 OUT SH Headphone Monitoring An overload protected stereo headphone amplifier drives the ¼" stereo headphone jack located on the right side of the X1 front panel. The audio source feeding the headphones page 1 – 12 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 23: Network Connections

    White/Green TXD - RXD - Orange Green RXD + TXD + White/Green White/Orange RJ-45 RJ-45 Plug Blue Blue Plug White/Blue White/Blue RXD - TXD - Green Orange White/Brown White/Brown Brown Brown page 1 – 13 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 24: General Purpose Interface (Gpi/Gpo)

    Pin 3 – GPO 2 Return Pin 7 – GPO 2 Source Pin 4 – GPO 3 Return Pin 8 – GPO 3 Source Pin 5 – GPO 4 Return Pin 9 – GPO 4 Source page 1 – 14 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 25: Starting With A Preset

    Factory presets that have been modified are considered by the system to be “user” presets and therefore must be saved as a new name and in a new preset storage slot. page 1 – 15 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 26 The storage space available for presets on the GUI’s host PC (because of a preset’s tiny file size) is virtually unlimited. ‑ User presets may be locked at the user’s discretion to prevent inadvertent changes. Any user can unlock another user‑locked presets. page 1 – 16 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 27 PIN 1 - INSERT LOOP IN SH PIN 2 - FM/HD RT OUT HI PIN 2 - INSERT LOOP IN HI PIN 3 - FM/HD RT OUT LO PIN 3 - INSERT LOOP IN LO page 1 – 17 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 28 PIN 3 - AES FM/ BASEBAND192 OUT LO AES HD Out - XLR-M XLR HD-M PIN 1 - AES HD OUT SH PIN 2 - AES HD OUT HI PIN 3 - AES HD OUT LO page 1 – 18 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 29 PIN 1 - TX 1 OUT HI - CENTRAL PIN PIN 2 - TX 1 OUT SH - SHELL PIN 1 - TX 2 OUT HI - CENTRAL PIN PIN 2 - TX 2 OUT SH - SHELL page 1 – 19 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 30 GPO 3 OUT SOURCE GPI 4 IN GPO 2 OUT RETURN GPI 3 IN GPO 2 OUT SOURCE GPI 2 IN GPO 1 OUT RETURN GPI 1 IN GPO 1 OUT SOURCE GPI COM page 1 – 20 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 31 MB Limiter Drive ......................2-11 Threshold Master ......................2-11 Attack Master ......................2-12 Release Master ......................2-12 HD Final Limiter ................2-13 Limiter Drive ......................2-13 Limiter Threshold .......................2-13 Attack ........................2-14 Release ........................2-14 Delayed Release ......................2-14 page 2 – 1 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 32 Network ........................2-24 Front Panel IP Address (FP) ..................2-25 Hardware IP Address (HW) ..................2-25 Subnet Mask ......................2-25 Diversity Delay ......................2-25 Control Timeout ......................2-26 Security ........................2-26 Versions ........................2-27 Status ........................2-27 Saving Your Work ......................2-28 page 2 – 2 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 33: Input Screen

    NOTE: The source will not change unless you push the knob in to confirm your choice. The control will time out and default to the current source after 15 seconds if no other selection is made. page 2 – 3 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 34: Digital Gain

    Use the front panel knob to set the desired frequency. The range is 20Hz to 300Hz. Once the desired frequency has been reached, push in the knob to confirm the change. page 2 – 4 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 35: Automatic Failover

    5 band. If you are only looping the ratings encoder, the return audio should be at the same amplitude as when it left the processor. If you are adding any other devices into the insert loop, refer to their documentation for proper audio level line up procedures. page 2 – 5 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 36: Band Iacc

    Increases density in the mid and high frequencies. The range is 0 (open) to +6 (aggressive). To change the HF density, tap the control. You will see a green ring indicating the control is active and ready to be changed. Use the front panel page 2 – 6 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 37: Attack Master

    The processing effect will change in real time as you move the knob. Once you have reached the desired level, push in the knob to confirm the new value. page 2 – 7 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 38: 10-Band Fm Limiter

    The processing effect will change in real time as you move the knob. Once you have reached the desired setting, push in the knob to confirm the new value. page 2 – 8 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 39: Attack Master

    The analog outputs of the audio processor have an option to apply a de-emphasis filter to match the pre-emphasis selected here. The same can also be applied to the AES/EBU left/right output. Pre-emphasis is not applied to any HD output options. page 2 – 9 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 40: Where And When To Use Pre-Emphasis And De-Emphasis

    FM to an internet stream will unveil artifacts. If you must feed your stream with audio processed for FM, you should not expect great results. NOTE: For more information on setting de-emphasis for the outputs on the X1, please see page 2-20. page 2 – 10 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 41: 10-Band Hd Limiter

    The processing effect will change in real time as you move the knob. Once you have reached the desired setting, push in the knob to confirm the new value. page 2 – 11 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 42: Attack Master

    The processing effect will change in real time as you move the knob. Once you have reached the desired setting, push in the knob to confirm the new value. page 2 – 12 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 43: Hd Final Limiter

    The processing effect will change in real time as you move the knob. Once you have reached the desired setting, push in the knob to confirm the new value. page 2 – 13 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 44: Attack

    The processing effect will change in real time as you move the knob. Once you have reached the desired setting, push in the knob to confirm the new value. page 2 – 14 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 45: Fm Final Clipper

    %. In almost all cases, we recommend starting with a setting of 80%. If your radio station is prone to receiver blend, reduce the control to 70, 60 or 50% and listen for improvements. page 2 – 15 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 46: Composite Clipper Drive

    Once you have reached the desired setting, push in the knob to confirm the new value. Next, tap the ITU BS.412 Threshold control. Use the front panel knob to increase or decrease the threshold. Push in the knob to confirm the new value. page 2 – 16 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 47: Fm Tx Controls

    Your modulation monitor should indicate an increase or decrease in pilot level. Once you have reached the desired setting, push in the knob to confirm the new value. page 2 – 17 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 48: Tx 1 And 2 Level

    Use the front panel knob to select amount. Your modulation monitor should indicate an increase or decrease of the injection level. Once you have reached the desired setting, push in the knob to confirm the new value. page 2 – 18 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 49: Fm L/R Output Controls

    You will want to have use the front panel knob to select amount. You should see the modulation increase or decrease on your monitor. Once the correct mode has been selected, push the knob in to confirm. page 2 – 19 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 50: Digital Emphasis

    You will want to have use the front panel knob to select amount. You should see the modulation increase or decrease on your monitor. Once the correct mode has been selected, push the knob in to confirm. page 2 – 20 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 51: Hd Output Screen

    To change the polarity, tap the control. You will see a green ring indicating the control is active and ready to be changed. The options are NORMAL and REVERSED. Once the correct option has been selected, push the knob in to confirm. page 2 – 21 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 52: Digital Level

    Use the front panel knob to select amount. You should see the modulation increase or decrease on your monitor. Once the correct mode has been selected, push the knob in to confirm. page 2 – 22 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 53: System

    Balance (common to both Analog and Digital Inputs) • Phase Rotator These options are changed if the “OUTPUT” or “BOTH I/O” option is selected • All DeEmphasis options • All PreDelay options • Digital Output page 2 – 23 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 54: Network

    When the desired value is found, press the knob in to confirm. Repeat these steps for the next three numbers and for changing other parameters. page 2 – 24 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 55: Front Panel Ip Address (Fp)

    Diversity Delay Tapping the DELAY and TIMEOUT blue button on the system page brings up the menu to delay the analog FM signal in order to match the HD transmission delay. page 2 – 25 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 56: Control Timeout

    Tapping on the blue SECURITY button on the SYSTEM page brings up the options to set/change the PROCESSING Password or the OUTPUT Password. page 2 – 26 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 57: Versions

    • There is no audio or AES sync at the Insert Return • The time of day is updated as noted by the green indicator • WheatNet-IP is disconnected (red indicator) page 2 – 27 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 58: Saving Your Work

    The X1 comes with 160 preset slots available. Approximately 20 are used for factory presets (this number will change depending on software versions). page 2 – 28 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 59 Equalizer Menu .......................3-15 EQ Enable ......................3-16 iAGC and Compressor ...................3-17 iAGC ........................3-18 Window Size .....................3-18 Attack Speed ....................3-18 Release Speed ....................3-18 Adapt Mode ......................3-18 iAGC Gate Threshold ..................3-19 Return To Zero (RTZ) ..................3-19 page 3 – 1 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 60 Pre-Emphasis (Basic Control) ................3-32 Where Should Pre-Emphasis Go? ..............3-32 Bass Style (Basic Control) ...................3-32 Master Attack (Expert Control) ................3-32 Master Threshold (Expert Control) ..............3-33 Filter Frequency (Expert Control) .................3-33 Filter Style (Expert Control)..................3-33 page 3 – 2 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 61 Time Features/Dayparting ...................3-47 Preset Scheduler ....................3-47 Creating a Weekly Rotation Schedule ............3-48 Creating a Long Term Rotation Schedule .............3-48 Deleting a Scheduled Event ................3-48 System Time .....................3-49 Options and Status .....................3-49 page 3 – 3 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 62 O-Scope ......................3-56 E vs. F ......................3-56 SDR™ ......................3-57 Stereo ......................3-57 A-Clip ......................3-58 MPX Analysis Options ...................3-58 Devices ......................3-59 X1 Hardware Update ..................3-59 X1 Sub Menus .....................3-62 View ........................3-62 Hardware ......................3-62 Presets ......................3-63 page 3 – 4 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 63: Getting Started

    GUI, under HARDWARE, locate the Devices button and click on it. This will open the Edit Device dialog which is used to tell the GUI what IP address and name the X1 may have. page 3 – 5 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 64: Connecting Directly Without A Lan

    This is also why the front panel GUI and remote hardware GUI must be in the same network address space (usually one IP address from each other). page 3 – 6 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 65: The X1 And Internet Security Concerns

    60000 first and if it is busy it tries 60001 next. This process repeats if necessary until an idle UDP port is found. Note that X1 requires these ports to be open through any firewalls for successful connectivity. page 3 – 7 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 66: Using The X1 Pro Gui

    Average program level should be between -24dBFS and -20dBFS. The X1 has a dynamic range of >120dB, thus there is no need to run the input “hot” in order to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio. page 3 – 8 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 67: Multiband Agc And Enhance Meters

    HD is located below the HD output meters on the right side of the GUI. The multipath limiter is a dynamic stereo controller and the meter shows how much reduction of the stereo sound field is occurring in dB at any given time. page 3 – 9 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 68: Output Metering

    We will cover those options later in this manual as this section pertains only to the controls that govern the input settings. page 3 – 10 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 69: Source Selection And Automatic Failover

    +/-24dB range. To adjust the gain, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the gain. You can also double click on the current value and type in the new value. page 3 – 11 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 70: L/R Balance

    44.1kHz, you will need to feed a 44.1kHz signal to the main AES input of the X1. As of this writing, there is no audio failover for signal loss in the insert loop. page 3 – 12 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 71: Codec Masking

    Aggressive setting, some stereo separation will be sacrificed due to the nature of how the codec mask algorithm works, so Aggressive should best be left for talk formats delivered over satellite. page 3 – 13 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 72: High Pass Filter

    We do this because processing the audio for a symmetrical medium like FM is greatly simplified if the waveforms are symmetrical. Human voice before Phase Rotator algorithm Human voice after Phase Rotator algorithm page 3 – 14 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 73: Input Settings Follow Preset Takes

    1. The first is by directly clicking on and dragging the control sliders in the parametric equalizer control screen. As the controls are manipulated, numerical representations of the control settings appear in the boxes below the band that is being adjusted. page 3 – 15 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 74: Eq Enable

    If an entry is made that is not in the lookup table, the closest lookup table entry will be made active. EQ Enable This is the master Equalizer In/Out button. When this box is checked the equalizer section “IN”. page 3 – 16 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 75: Iagc And Compressor

    This section of the manual will take each tab and describe the adjustors within. The tabs for Bands 1-5 will be in one section as the controls duplicate for each of those tabs. page 3 – 17 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 76: Iagc

    To change the mode, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to switch the mode. Left click again to confirm the change. page 3 – 18 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 77: Iagc Gate Threshold

    You can also double click on the current value and type in the new value. page 3 – 19 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 78: Multiband Coupling Reference

    X1, the iAGC will “detect” the reduced dynamic range and adjust accordingly. Thus, even with outboard AGC’s, the X1 still works best when its iAGC is enabled. page 3 – 20 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 79: Band Tabs (1-5)

    To adjust the value, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the gain. You can also double click on the current value and type in the new value. page 3 – 21 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 80: Master Attack (Basic Control)

    Compressor simultaneously. You will find that the ratio control is set to around 3.00:1 in most bands in most presets. This is the recommended settings for this control and, under page 3 – 22 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 81: Band Coupling (Expert Control)

    As with the other controls in the expert group, the compressor release control has been carefully set based on a number of other factors. If you find page 3 – 23 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 82: Crossover Control (Expert Control)

    On the other hand, if you just want to play with overall equalization, having a second option of the controls in one place is also helpful. Just remember the controls ARE ganged and will track. page 3 – 24 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 83 There is one limiter tailored for FM and one for HD. If you ARE using the insert point, you should follow the instructions on page 3-12 to properly set up this feature. page 3 – 25 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 84: Hd Limiter

    To change the multiband drive, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the value. You can also double click on the value and type in a new value between the number 80 and 100. page 3 – 26 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 85: Limiter Drive (Basic Control)

    To switch on or off the link, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel. Left click again to confirm the change. page 3 – 27 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 86: Bass Style (Basic Control)

    Changing the threshold will offset the control and make it a static threshold. To change the threshold, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the value. page 3 – 28 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 87: Wideband Threshold (Expert Control)

    You can also double click on the shown value and type in a new setting. The range is 0dB to -12dB. Suggested settings are usually -3dB to 0dB. page 3 – 29 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 88: Bass Texture (Expert Control)

    Drives the level into the 10-band limiter. It’s important to remember that the X1 needs only a few dB of limiting to be loud yet amazingly clean! The drive control is calibrated in percentage (%) where higher values equate more processing for the 10-band section. page 3 – 30 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 89: Clipper Drive (Basic Control)

    To change Multiband Knee, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to switch between soft and hard. Left click again to confirm the change. page 3 – 31 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 90: Pre-Emphasis (Basic Control)

    To change the master release speed, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the value. page 3 – 32 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 91: Master Threshold (Expert Control)

    You can also double click on the shown value and type in a new setting. The range is 0dB to -12dB. Suggested settings are usually -3dB to 0dB. page 3 – 33 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 92: Bass Texture (Expert Control)

    To change the control, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the value. You can also double click on the shown value and type in a new setting. The range is 0dB to -12dB. page 3 – 34 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 93: Mpx & Output

    You can also double click on the shown value and type in a new setting. The range is -6dB to +6dB. Suggested settings are usually between 0dB and +2dB. page 3 – 35 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 94: Mpx Process Style (Processing)

    “manage” the amount of L-R energy present in the transmitted signal as a function of program material. This is pre- cisely what the Automatic Multipath Limiter does. page 3 – 36 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 95: Pilot Level (Processing)

    European countries. If you are not re- quired to use the BS.412 Controller do not turn on the BS.412 option. Turning on the BS.412 MPX Power Limiter can result in up to a 5dB loss in loudness. page 3 – 37 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 96: Bs.412 Peak Style (Bs.412 Mpx Power Control)

    Adjusts the threshold of the power detector to modify its calibration. The control range is -18dB to 0dB. To change the control, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the value. page 3 – 38 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 97: Bs.412 Action (Bs.412 Mpx Power Control)

    OFF, or to levels between -80.0dB and +10.0dB and in 0.05dB steps. To change the control, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the value. page 3 – 39 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 98: Output Tab

    X1 to a 19kHz sine wave synchronizing source for RDS generators. To change this setting, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to switch between MPX OUT and PILOT. Left click again to confirm your choice. page 3 – 40 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 99: Source (Analog L/R)

    (BB192). When set to BB192, the digital output XLR jack on the rear of the X1 carries the Wheatstone baseband192 AES over MPX digital composite signal that is compatible with exciters designed to ingest a digital composite signal. page 3 – 41 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 100: Pre-Delay (Fm Digital)

    To change this setting, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to switch between YES (audio is de-emphasized based on the selected pre-emphasis curve) and NO (audio will be pre-emphasized). Left click again to confirm your choice. page 3 – 42 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 101: Level (Hd Digital)

    X1. To change this setting, left click on the knob and use the mouse wheel to switch between YES (L/R is swapped) and NO (L/R is normal). page 3 – 43 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 102: Delay & Test Tab

    Third Party Auto Correction – The X1 has the ability to interface with third party HD monitoring equipment to prevent time drift of the FM analog audio signal. All the page 3 – 44 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 103: Test Oscillator

    To change the Test Oscillator frequency, left click on the Tone Frequency knob and use the mouse wheel to increase or decrease the value. The range is 50Hz to 20kHz, Bessel, 40kHz, 60kHz and 80kHz. page 3 – 45 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 104: System

    If the passwords match, the X1 will indicate the password has changed. Repeat these steps to set or change the password for the output settings of the X1. page 3 – 46 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 105: Lost Passwords

    The X1 contains a comprehensive scheduling utility that allows presets to be automatically changed on desired dates and times. There is also a Long Term Rotation scheduler that allows preset changes to be scheduled for any time in the future. page 3 – 47 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 106: Creating A Weekly Rotation Schedule

    Delete button on the right side of the Event Scheduler window. The highlighted scheduled event will be removed from the list. NOTE: There is no confirmation prior to the actual deletion of the event! page 3 – 48 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 107: System Time

    Temperature – Internal operating temperature of the X1 in Celsius. The green indicator will turn red and a closure on the GPIO panel will occur for notification purposes if the internal temperature is measured above 50 C. page 3 – 49 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 108: Miscellaneous

    FM Pre-Delay (allows you to monitor the FM output before diversity delay) FM Output (allows you to monitor the FM output after all processing and delay) Insert Return (allows you to monitor the insert point return). page 3 – 50 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 109: Control Timeout

    NOTE: It is important to remember to save the current present settings before invoking others, or they will be lost. Note also that you can only Take presets that are already loaded in the X1 from this dialog box. page 3 – 51 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 110: Save

    Library dialog box to reveal the Lock Preset/Unlock Preset options. Note that these are user-level lock options and therefore cannot be used to override the lock status of a factory-locked preset! page 3 – 52 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 111: How To View Preset Differences

    X1’s signal, taken at the output of the stereo generator. The MPX external mode looks at the baseband injected into the SCA 1 input (if that input is selected for analysis) page 3 – 53 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 112: Fm & Hd Analysis Options Type

    With complex program material the FFT gives good visual feedback on the levels of audio residing in different parts of the audio spectrum. page 3 – 54 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 113: 3-D Plot

    HD or FM side. The blue region is for more relaxed audio while the contrast between the grey and red areas indicate the level of loudness achieved with older digital or analog processors (grey) and the newer digital audio processors (red). page 3 – 55 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 114: O-Scope

    Integration Time is 300mS – the same as a standard VU meter – which is also a fair estima- tor for how loud something seems to the human ear. page 3 – 56 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 115: Sdr

    (enhanced at the source of a combination of source separation and added enhancement in the X1). The further to the left, the less stereo separation being transmitted. For mono or voice, the meter should sit at 0. page 3 – 57 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 116: A-Clip

    AirAura audio processor’s composite output. It is color coded as follows: • Green = L+R • Yellow = Pilot • Red = L-R Lower Sideband • Blue = L-R Upper Sideband • Purple = Subcarriers (RDS etc) page 3 – 58 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 117: Devices

    To update the X1, right click on any portion of the upper control area in any screen of the remote GUI to open pop up menu tree. page 3 – 59 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 118 Recheck that the versions match the documentation! Then click Yes. Progress boxes will pop up as the download progress occurs: page 3 – 60 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 119 You may also delay rebooting the X1 until any convenient time. After the VBN and LBN uploads, the updates are securely stored in flash memory and won’t take effect until the next reboot. page 3 – 61 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 120: X1 Sub Menus

    X1 have been purchased. If you do not have operational HD processing or WheatNet-IP audio capabilities, please contact Wheatstone at techsup- port@wheatstone.com to inquire about adding these features. page 3 – 62 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 121: Presets

    Preset section of the SYSTEM menu. Take... – Brings up the Take Preset dialog box. Save... – Brings up the Save as Presets dialog box. Library... – Brings up the Preset Library dialog box. page 3 – 63 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 122: Appendices

    Punch/Boom/Tubby/Warm ..................A-16 Mud ........................A-16 Honk ........................A-16 Whack ........................A-16 Fuzzy/Tinny ......................A-17 Crunchy/Edgy ......................A-17 Sibilance .........................A-18 Treble/Bright/Open ....................A-18 Finally ........................A-18 Appendix D WheatNet-IP Configuration ............A-20 Adding the X1 to The WheatNet-IP System ..............A-21 page A – 1 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 123 A P P E N D I C E S Appendix A Contents General Specifications ..............A-3 page A – 2 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 124: General Specifications

    Immediate (fixed) Failsafe Direction: Digital to Analog/Analog to Digital (no Digital to Digital) Audio Level Balance Type: Common to both Analog and Digital Inputs Analog/Digital L/R Balance Range: +/-12dB Control Resolution: 0.5dB page A – 3 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 125: Parametric Equalizer

    0dB to 8.0dB iAGC Operating Style: Linear or Adaptive Crossover Frequencies Band 1/2: 50.0Hz to 153Hz Band 2/3: 223Hz to 687Hz Band 3/4: 1.2kHz to 2.0kHz Band 4/5: 4.45kHz to 7.55kHz page A – 4 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 126 Composite Processor Modes: Oversampled Clipper or Lookahead Limiter MPX Processing Drive Range: +/-6dB Automatic Multipath Limiter: 10% to 100% in 5% steps, plus Off 19kHz Stereo Pilot Injection: 0-20%, 0.1% steps page A – 5 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 127 0 to 50 degrees C (32 to 122 degrees F) Overtemp alarm reporting via GUI * Bypass Preset, unity gains, and 75µS pre and de-emphasis All specifications subject to improvement or change without notice. page A – 6 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 128 -base X1 GUI software affords simplified access to ® X1’s system and processing parameters via a 10/100BaseT Ethernet interface. A front-panel color LCD screen and touchpad allows complete local control of all system and processing parameters if desired. page A – 7 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 129: Appendix B X1'S Gpio Interface

    A P P E N D I C E S Appendix B Contents X1’s GPIO Interface ...............A-9 GPI - General Purpose Input ..................A-9 GPO - General Purpose Output ................A-11 page A – 8 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 130: Appendix B X1'S Gpio Interface

    The GPI interface provides eight separate General Purpose Inputs which share a com- mon DC return. The interface connector is a female DB-9 connector with the following pin assignments. Note that all pins are isolated from AirAura X1 internal circuitry! GPI Input Number...
  • Page 131 *48 Volts* 9.1 kOhms * For personnel safety reasons a voltage in excess of 48VDC is NOT recommended to be applied to the GPI interface. Example Schematic of General Purpose Inputs page A – 10 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 132: Gpo - General Purpose Output

    Overtemp (>50C) Four General Failure Note that the GPO DB-9 connector pin 1 has no connection. Please see the next page for a suggested way to interface the X1’s GPO circuitry. page A – 11 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 133 In the bottom circuit the relay is activated by GPO #2 to warn of a Digital Audio failure. No connections were made to the terminals for GPO #1, the Analog audio source failure warning. page A – 12 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 134 Interpreting Common Audio Processing Terms ......A-14 Background .......................A-14 Audio Terms and Wheatstone Processing ..............A-15 Thump/Rumble/Bottom ..................A-15 Punch/Boom/Tubby/Warm ..................A-16 Mud ........................A-16 Honk ........................A-16 Whack ........................A-16 Fuzzy/Tinny ......................A-17 Crunchy/Edgy ......................A-17 Sibilance .........................A-18 Treble/Bright/Open ....................A-18 Finally ........................A-18 page A – 13 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 135: Interpreting Common Audio Processing Terms

    The goal here is simple; offer a better understanding of how to adjust an au- dio processor so that the “thump” you want will be the “thump” you get and not “tubby.” page A – 14 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 136: Audio Terms And Wheatstone Processing

    80Hz, and does not add bass harmonics. When the Sub Bass control is Off, enhance- ment of very low frequencies is disabled and bass energy in that region remains just as it was in the incoming program material. page A – 15 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 137: Punch/Boom/Tubby/Warm

    Compressor release times in Band 3. Another trick is to slow down the attack time of the Band 3 AGC which will allow the Band 3 compressor to be more active. This will enhance “whack.” page A – 16 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 138: Fuzzy/Tinny

    Which clipper style is best? Wrong question! Which clipper style is the right one to use? It completely depends on your format, your competition, and your market. As in all things processing, the ears are always the best judge of what’s right and wrong. page A – 17 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 139: Sibilance

    Fortunately AirAura X1 is much more forgiving in this regard and most users have an easier time being loud with AirAura X1 while still being quite clean and open. Operating the AGC...
  • Page 140 A P P E N D I C E S Appendix D Contents WheatNet-IP Configuration ............A-20 Adding X1 to The WheatNet-IP System ..............A-21 page A – 19 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 141: Wheatnet-Ip Configuration

    Click OK to close the dialog. Now it’s time to open up WheatNet-IP Navigator to gain access to the X1’s WheatNet-IP-associated input and output signals. page A – 20 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 142: Adding The X1 To The Wheatnet-Ip System

    “AP” and will be “AP Input,” “AP FM Out,” and “AP HD Out.” Of course these signals may be manually crosspointed (and locked if desired!) page A – 21 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...
  • Page 143 WheatNet-IP system may be found in the WheatNet‑IP BLADE3 Audio Over IP Network manual. Assistance in configuring the X1 for WheatNet-IP may be obtained by giving us a call at 252-638-7000 or by emailing techsupport@wheatstone.com. page A – 22 AirAura X1 / Dec 2016...

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