Orban OPTIMOD 5950 Operating Manual
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Orban OPTIMOD 5950 Operating Manual

Fm/hd/dab+ digital audio processor
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OPERATING MANUAL
OPTIMOD
5950
FM/HD/DAB+ Digital Audio Processor

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Summary of Contents for Orban OPTIMOD 5950

  • Page 1 OPERATING MANUAL OPTIMOD 5950 FM/HD/DAB+ Digital Audio Processor...
  • Page 2 OPTIMOD 5950 Description: M/HD/DAB+ Digital Audio Processor OPTIMOD 5950, Stereo Encoder, Digital I/O, Digital MPX I/O, Protection Structure, Two-Band Structure, Multi-Band Structure, HD Radio™ / Digital Radio/Netcast Processing, Digital Composite Output, Dante AES67-Compliant Audio-Over-IP, µMPX streaming, Dual-Redundant Power Supply 90 V to 240V (automatically selected), switchable to 50µs or 75µs.
  • Page 3 © Copyright 2024 Orban Labs Inc. Orban® and OPTIMOD® are trademarks of Orban Labs Inc.. Published January 2024. This manual © copyright Orban Labs Inc. This manual may be freely printed out and distributed if this copyright notice is not removed.
  • Page 4 O P T I M O D - 5 9 5 0 D I G I T A L A U D I O P R O C E S S O R...
  • Page 5 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS O P T I M O D - 5 9 5 0 D I G I T A L A U D I O P R O C E S S O R All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. The safety and operation instructions should be retained for future reference.
  • Page 6 O P T I M O D - 5 9 5 0 D I G I T A L A U D I O P R O C E S S O R PLEASE READ BEFORE PROCEEDING! Manual The Operating Manual contains instructions to verify the proper operation of this unit and initialization of certain options. You will find these operations are most conveniently performed on the bench before you install the unit in the rack.
  • Page 7 O P T I M O D - 5 9 5 0 D I G I T A L A U D I O P R O C E S S O R (3) After reading the section on Factory Assistance, you may call Orban Customer Service for advice during normal business hours. The number is +1 856.719.9900.

  • Page 8: Table Of Contents

    O P T I M O D - 5 9 5 0 D I G I T A L A U D I O P R O C E S S O R Table of Contents Section 1: Introduction ........................1-1 Input/output Configuration ............................
  • Page 9 O P T I M O D - 5 9 5 0 D I G I T A L A U D I O P R O C E S S O R µMPX Composite over IP ............................2-20 Wordclock/10 MHz Sync Reference ........................2-21 Audio Grounding ..............................
  • Page 10 O P T I M O D - 5 9 5 0 D I G I T A L A U D I O P R O C E S S O R Problems and Potential Solutions..........................5-1 Section 6: Technical Data ........................6-1 Jumper settings .................................

  • Page 12: Section 1: Introduction

    Section 1: Introduction The OPTIMOD 5950 is a 1 RU (rack unit) broadcast audio processor designed for use with analog FM broadcasts as well as digital broadcasts or streaming. It has a consistent 2 band AGC (Automatic Gain Control) followed by a 5 band processor and state of the art peak control.

  • Page 13: Input/Output Configuration

    Introduction The FM and HD/DAB+ processed signals can be monitored remotely via IP, allowing for processing adjustments where a clean over-the-air signal isn’t available. Optional µMPX (micro MPX) allows transmission of DMPX over IP. High resolution front panel touch screen for ease of navigation. Input/output Configuration THE OPTIMOD-5950 will simultaneously accommodate: Digital AES3 left/right inputs.

  • Page 14: Analog Left/Right Input/Output

    Orban 5950 Technical Manual Introduction Both analog and digital outputs are active continuously. Level control of the AES3 input is via software control through the INPUT/OUTPUT screens. In addition, an AES11 sync input can accommodate house sync. It will lock the 5950’s two AES3 outputs to this sync even if the digital input is asynchronous to house sync.

  • Page 15: Digitized Subcarrier Inputs

    Introduction Subcarrier inputs sum into the composite baseband outputs before the digitally controlled composite attenuators. The sensitivity of the both SCA inputs are variable from 220 mV p-p to >10 V p-p to produce 10% injection. Internal PC-board-mounted trim pots determine the sensitivity. The correct peak level of the stereo program applied to the stereo encoder sometimes depends on the number of subcarriers in use.

  • Page 16: Warranty, User Feedback

    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 18: Section 2: Installation

    1 OPTIMOD 5950 Audio Processor If any of these items are damaged or missing, please contact your dealer or Orban as soon as possible. Save all packing materials! If you should ever have to ship the 5950 (e.g., for servicing), it is best to ship it in the original carton with its packing materials because both the carton and packing material have been carefully designed to protect the unit.

  • Page 19: Surge Protection

    Installation Surge Protection Always place surge protection circuits as close as possible to the 5950. AC power line surges should be handled in a way that keeps instantaneous potential differences between the power line hot, neutral, AC grounding conductor, the station ground and the processor chassis as low as possible. Likewise, measures should also be taken to keep the instantaneous potential difference between the audio cable shields and the processor chassis as low as possible (this applies to all audio equipment, not just the 5950), particularly when the equipment is located within the electrically hostile environment of a station’s transmitter facility.
  • Page 20 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation feed the STL. Then feed the output of the STL receiver directly into the transmitter’s exciter with no intervening processing. If an uncompressed left/right digital link is available to the transmitter, this is also an excellent means of transmission, although it will not pass the effects of the 5950’s composite processor (if you are using it).

  • Page 21: Studio-Transmitter Link

    Installation If a separate stereo encoder must be used, feed the encoder directly from the 5950’s left and right analog outputs. If possible, bypass the pre-emphasis network and the input low-pass filters in the encoder so that they cannot introduce spurious peaks. Because of their special design, THE OPTIMOD-5950’s pre-emphasis network and low-pass filters perform the same functions while retaining tight peak control.
  • Page 22 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation unmask quantization noise. This is also true of any lossy data reduction applied in the studio (such as hard disk digital delivery systems). For MPEG Layer 2 encoding, we recommend 384kB / second or higher.

  • Page 23: Stl And Exciter Overshoot

    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 or OPTIMOD 6300 protect the link from overload. These are the preferred choices because their AGCs are identical to the AGC in the 5950.

  • Page 24: Monitoring On Loudspeakers And Headphones

    Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation Monitoring on Loudspeakers and Headphones In live operations, highly processed audio often causes a problem with the DJ or presenter’s headphones. When an “MX” preset is active, the delay through the 5950 can be as much as 270 milliseconds. This delay will be audible as a distinct echo that almost no one can tolerate in their headphones while speaking.
  • Page 25 “UL” preset. This structure operates simultaneously with other code, so, unlike the similar structure in Orban’s OPTIMOD 8300, it does not require a code re-load and does not cause a gap in programming. The only way to create an ultra-low latency user preset is to start with a “UL” factory preset and then edit that preset.

  • Page 26: Pc Control

    Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation PC Control The OPTIMOD 5950 can be controlled via a web browser pointed at the address assigned to it. All system controls are accessible there. Racking the 5950 The 5950 is designed to fit in a standard 19’ (inch) rack. While the 5950 is robust and can be used in situations that are extreme, it is best that 1 rack space be left free above and below the processor to allow air to circulate.

  • Page 27: Analog Audio Output

    2-10 Installation The electronically balanced input uses an ultra-low noise and distortion differential amplifier for best common mode rejection and is compatible with most professional and semi-professional audio equipment, balanced or unbalanced, having a source impedance of 600 or less. The input is EMI suppressed. Input connections are the same whether the driving source is balanced or unbalanced.

  • Page 28: Dante Aes67

    2-11 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation Digital 2 input also accepts the same standard AES signals as listed above, or can be switched to an AES sync signal. Digital 1 Output carries either the FM Left/Right pre or de-emphasized output or the HD Left/Right output.
  • Page 29 2-12 Installation Note that audio routing between two Dante-enabled units will only be possible if both are set to the same sample rate and sample rate pull-up/- down. Bit depth can be different. The Dante network will automatically discover the OPTIMOD and configure its IP address. Then the OPTIMOD will appear in applications like Dante Controller.
  • Page 30 2-13 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation Figuer 2-1: A REDUNDANT setup with static IP addresses.
  • Page 31 2-14 Installation...
  • Page 32 2-15 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation In the Dante network, route audio to and from the 5950. A Dante device has a number of channels associated with it. These are either transmit (TX) or receive (RX) channels. Your OPTIMOD provides two Dante stereo transmit channels and two stereo receive channels.
  • Page 33 2-16 Installation Channel 3 = DANTE 2 LEFT OUTPUT Channel 4 = DANTE 2 RIGHT OUTPUT You can set the sample rate of the OPTIMOD’s Dante output via the DEVICE CONFIG tab in the Dante Controller software. You must set the sample rate to match the rate of the Dante network device receiving the OPTIMOD’s output.

  • Page 34: Dante Firmware Updates

    Manage the firmware upgrade for these devices. Restore Dante-enabled modules in failsafe mode. The firmware itself is not on Orban’s FTP. Because your OPTIMOD’s software was tested only with certain releases of Dante firmware, we suggest contacting Orban Customer Service before updating.
  • Page 35 2-18 Installation These are unbalanced, with the shell connected directly to chassis/circuit ground. Each output’s level is independently adjustable from –12 dBu to +16.0 dBu. 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 daughterboard).

  • Page 36: Dmpx

    2-19 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation As shipped from the factory, the second SCA connector emits a stereo pilot tone reference for RDS or RBDS subcarrier generators. If you wish to reconfigure it to accept an SCA signal, move the link on jumper J6 (on the Composite/SCA daughter- board) from pins 3 and 4 to pins 1 and 2.

  • Page 37: Audio Grounding

    When the 5950’s stereo encoder is driving an unbalanced exciter input, you may encounter a ground loop. (Some older exciters have unbalanced inputs.) Unlike some older Orban FM processors, the 5950 does not have a ground lift switch. If you cannot reconfigure your grounding scheme to eliminate such a loop, you can balance and float the exciter input with a Jensen JT-123-BMCF transformer.

  • Page 38: Optically Isolated Remote Control Connections

    2-21 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation Optically Isolated Remote Control Connections These are terminated in a type DB-25 male connector located on the rear panel. It is wired according to the diagram below on the following page. To select the desired function, apply a 5-12V AC or DC pulse between the appropriate Remote Interface terminals.
  • Page 39 2-22 Installation There are two 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 optoisolator) 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 310Ω...

  • Page 40: The 5950 Front Panel

    System (SYS): Under normal conditions, this will not be lit. If it is lit, there is some issue with the processor which should be addressed with Orban technical support. Please do not disassemble the unit. Temperature (TEMP): When illuminated, there is an overheating issue with the processor. You should attempt to remedy the temperature issue in the room, or in the rack where the 5950 is located.
  • Page 41 2-24 Installation B) FM + Delay C) Monitor D) HD E) HD + Delay F) Analog In G) Digital In 1 H) Digital in 2 AoIP In 1 AoIP In 2 K) Stream In Use the up and down buttons to scroll thru the options and touch the source you would like to monitor. For convenience (and your ears), the headphone LEVEL button is in the top right of your screen to jump back to the level control to adjust.
  • Page 42 2-25 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation Fan Speed Supply Voltages System status and any failures SETUP There are four options with submenus under setup. DISPLAY BACKLIGHT – Sets the brightness of the display. NETWORK SETTINGS – Allows you to set the IP, Subnet and Gateway addresses for the processor (or choose DHCP), and allows you to set port forwarding under REMOTE SETTINGS.
  • Page 43 2-26 Installation CONNECTING TO THE 5950 via WEB INTERFACE The default address for the 5950 is 192.168.254.254 with a subnet of 255.255.255.0 and the gateway address 0.0.0.0. It is preferred that you use a static IP address as opposed to HDCP. You may assign a static IP address of your own using standard network protocols.
  • Page 44 2-27 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Installation...

  • Page 46: Section 3: Operation

    Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation Section 3: Operation Introduction to Processing Some Audio Processing Concepts Reducing the peak-to-average ratio of the audio increases loudness. If peaks are reduced, the average level can be increased within the permitted modulation limits. The effectiveness with which this can be accomplished without introducing objectionable side effects (such as pumping or intermodulation distortion) is the single best measure of audio processing effectiveness.
  • Page 47 In FM processing, there is a direct trade-off between loudness, brightness, and distortion. 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 others.

  • Page 48: Fundamental Requirements: High-Quality Source Material And Accurate Monitoring

    FM pre-emphasis / de-emphasis process. Although the 5950 loses less high frequency energy than many previous Orban processors (due to improvements in high frequency limiting and clipping technology), it is nevertheless no match for CDs that are mastered so bright that they will curl the vinyl off car dashboards.

  • Page 49: About The 5950'S Signal Processing Features

    Operation About the 5950’s Signal Processing Features Dual-Mono Architecture The 5950 implements full dual-mono architecture in both the AGC and the multiband compressor sections. You can couple each band in both the AGC and multiband compressors to a variable extent—anywhere from perfect stereo coupling to completely uncoupled operation.
  • Page 50 A defeatable 30 Hz 18 dB/octave highpass filter and a defeatable phase rotator complete the input-conditioning block. These have both been features in Orban FM processors for many years. Most users will defeat the 30 Hz filter and leave the phase rotator in-circuit, although the choice is always yours.
  • Page 51 Figure 3-2 shows the effect of the phase correction: all 10 tones are now in- phase. Two-Band Gated AGC: The AGC is a two-band device, using Orban’s patented “master/ bass” band coupling. It has an additional important feature: target-zone gating. If the input program material’s level falls within a user- settable window (typically 3 dB), then the release time slows to a user-determined level.
  • Page 52 The curves are 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 algorithms to ensure low noise and distortion.
  • Page 53 DSP-derived Stereo Encoder: The 5950’s stereo encoder is derived from algorithms first developed for the high- performance Orban 8218 stand-alone encoder. The 5950’s stereo encoder operates at 512 kHz-sample rate to ease the performance requirements of the D/A converter’s reconstruction filter, making it possible to achieve excellent stereo separation that is stable over time and temperature.
  • Page 54 Limiter is controlled by the COMPOSITE LIMIT DRIVE 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 55 3-10 Operation but also compromise stereo separation—filtering causes the single-channel composite waveform to “lift off the baseline.” Nevertheless, we are aware that many engineers are fond of composite clipping. We therefore undertook a research project to find a way to peak-control the composite waveform without significantly compromising separation, pilot protection, or subcarrier protection and without adding the pumping typical of simple gain- control “look-ahead”...
  • Page 56 3-11 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation ITU-R 412 Compliance for Analog FM Broadcasts ITU-R 412 requires the “average multiplex power” to be limited to a standard value. The 5950 contains a defeatable feedback multiplex power limiter that constantly monitors the multiplex power according to ITU-R 412 standards.
  • Page 57 3-12 Operation Certain unusual program material may cause infrequent instances of gain reduction as high as 12 dB with the above settings. This occurs on isolated transients and is no cause for concern unless it is frequent. Except for the fact that its input has been de-emphasized, the HD look-ahead limiter receives the same processing as the FM peak limiting section if the FM->HD CONTROL COUPLING is set to FM->HD.

  • Page 58: Customizing The 5950'S Sound

    3-13 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation impossible for talent. The 5950 offers a low-delay headphone monitoring output to solve this problem, which also occurs in HD Radio installation where the diversity delay is typically 8-10 seconds. If a non-MX preset is active, the delay is usually low enough to allow talent to monitor live through headphone although a learning period may be required.
  • Page 59 Unused structures operate constantly in the background, so switching between structures 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 60: Factory Programming Presets

    Also, if you want to fine-tune the frequency balance of the programming, feel free to enter BASIC MODIFY and make small changes to the Bass, Mid EQ, and HF EQ controls. Unlike Orban’s 8200, you can make changes in EQ (and stereo enhancement) without losing the ability to use LESS-MORE settings.
  • Page 61 3-16 Operation PROTECTION-0DB: PROTECTION-0DB is a two-band preset with a high amount of band coupling. It is intended for use below threshold most of the time (i.e., with 0 dB gain reduction), to provide protection limiting in the highest quality applications such as serious classical music intended for an attentive audience. Its LESS-MORE control determines the normal amount of gain reduction but does not increase distortion or other processing artifacts when turned up.
  • Page 62 3-17 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation GREGG, GREGG MX: GREGG, GREGG OPEN, and GREGG LL all use a 200 Hz band1/band2 crossover frequency to achieve a bass sound similar to the classic five-band Gregg Labs FM processors designed by Greg Ogonowski.
  • Page 63 3-18 Operation LOUD-PUNCHY is the quietest of the “loud” preset family. It is designed for a bright, sizzling top end and very punchy lows. It is a good choice for stations that feel that the LOUD-HOT presets are too aggressive, but that think that the ROCK presets are insufficiently loud for their market position.

  • Page 64: Adjusting And Using The Browser Based Pc Remote

    3-19 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation Adjusting and using the browser based PC Remote The 5950 HTML5 application allows you to adjust every parameter in the 5950 audio processor. Each block of processing is accessible from tabs that are aligned between the meter display and the controls. In the following pages we will step thru the controls tab-by-tab for an understanding of what you can accomplish with each.

  • Page 65: Headphone

    3-20 Operation This step sets the center of the 5950’s gain reduction range to the level to which your studio operators peak their program material on the studio meters. This assures that the 5950’s processing presets will operate in their preferred range. You may adjust this level with a standard reference/line-up level tone from your studio or with program material.

  • Page 66: Digital Output 1 (And 2)

    3-21 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation Monitor (A low latency signal to feed talent headphones for an “off air” experience) HD (The output of the 5950’s HD audio path) HD+Delay (FM audio after any delay is applied) Analog input audio...
  • Page 67 3-22 Operation HD (The output of the 5950’s HD audio path) Synchronization determines if the sample rate appearing at the digital-channel output is synced to the 5950’s internal clock, to an AES3 signal appearing at the 5950’s digital input, or to an AES11 signal appearing at the 5950’s sync input.

  • Page 68: Stereo Encoder

    It should be noted that Orban uses very tight and peak controlled audio stages on its output. Any use of the output of the composite processor to make up loudness is not suggested for regulatory reasons and because of behavior of receivers when excessive modulation is used.
  • Page 69 3-24 Operation AoIP INPUT AoIP 1 and 2 can be set here for proper operating level. This is not a traditional gain trim, you are setting the input gain reference level. Be certain to leave enough headroom when setting this so it is properly driven by equipment before it.
  • Page 70 3-25 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation AoIP 1-4 OUTPUT If you are using one of the AoIP OUTPUTS to feed audio, you can use the output level slider to set the peak level within range of the desired level. Also on the digital output is the option to use FLAT or PRE-EMPHASIZED audio.
  • Page 71 3-26 Operation Monitor (A low latency signal to feed talent headphones for an “off air” experience) HD (The output of the 5950’s HD audio path) HD+Delay (FM audio after any delay is applied) Word Length sets the word length (in bits) emitted from the digital-channel output. The largest valid word length in the 5950 is 24 bits.
  • Page 72 3-27 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation HD DIGITAL RADIO HD HF SHELF EQ (Pre/Post) determines whether the HD HF shelving equalizer will be placed before or after the look-ahead limiter that feeds the HD output. HD POLARITY sets the polarity of the output of the HD processing to Positive or Negative. The switch allows you to match the polarity (sometimes informally called “phase”) of the audio through the analog FM and HD transmission...
  • Page 73 3-28 Operation When the BS.1770 Safety Limiter is ON, this calibration is correct regardless of the setting of the Digital Output 100% Peak Level control. HD BANDWIDTH sets the audio bandwidth of the HD output from 15 to 20 kHz in 1 kHz steps. The user should carefully test the codec in use to ascertain if lowering the bandwidth to 15 kHz improves subjective quality.

  • Page 74: Rds And Rbds

    3-29 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation RDS and RBDS Your OPTIMOD includes a full-featured RDS/RBDS generator that supports dynamic PS. We presume that you are already familiar with the basics of RDS and you wish to implement RDS via your OPTIMOD.
  • Page 75 3-30 Operation Radio Text Speed: (DRTS) Determines how fast the text scrolls on the receiver screen. Program Identification: (PI) 4 Digit HEX number corresponding to the station’s “digital address” (ex: PI=3D44) Program Type: (PTY) Index in PTY list that describes the broadcast format. (ex: 9 is “Top 40” in the United States) Program Type Name: (PTN) 8 characters to further define program format.
  • Page 76 Operation RDS MODULATOR Turns on or off the RDS subcarrier. The Subcarrier level controls the amount of RDS injection. Orban suggests using a modulation monitor that is capable of reading the 57 kHz subcarrier to make this adjustment. USING TELNET TO CONTROL TERMINAL SERVER You can control RDS from Windows directly via the Windows Telnet command line utility or the free utility PuTTY.
  • Page 77 3-32 Operation C) You may now type any of the terminal commands in the chart of RDS Terminal Commands below. If you have checked the OPTIMOD’s T box, when you type a command, the ERMINAL OPTIMOD will return a status line relevant to the command to the Telnet client, which will write it to the screen.
  • Page 78 3-33 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation AF 20=0 AF 21=0 AF 22=0 AF 23=0 AF 24=0 Security In the System I/O RDS control screen, you can set the RDS Terminal control security by specifying an RDS IP address from which to accept commands. Once set, this IP will be the only IP that can connect to the unit to update RDS.
  • Page 79 3-34 Operation COMMAND PARAMETER INFORMATION EXAMPLE 4-digit HEX number 1 Program PI=3D44 corresponding to the Station Call Letters RDS North Identification (for KRDS) America ONLY PTY=9 Program Type 1 or 2 digit number from PTY list describing the station PTY= (for North American (Format) broadcast format...
  • Page 80 3-35 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation COMMAND PARAMETER INFORMATION EXAMPLE Header is sent to the Network client upon connection.. Use System RDS INIT Use RDS parameters from System. INIT parameters saves the current RDS parameters to the currently active RDS control set (either the System Settings or the User...
  • Page 81 3-36 Operation CHAN CHAN CHAN CHAN 87.7 92.8 97.9 103.0 87.8 93.9 98.0 103.1 87.9 93.0 98.1 103.2 88.0 93.1 98.2 103.3 88.1 93.2 98.3 103.4 88.2 93.3 98.4 103.5 88.3 93.4 98.5 103.6 88.4 93.5 98.6 103.7 88.5 93.6 98.7 103.8 88.6...
  • Page 82 3-37 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation None None News News Information Current Affairs Sports Information Talk Sports Rock Education Classic Rock Drama Adult Hit Music Culture Soft Rock Music Science Top 40 Music Varied Country Music Pop Music Oldies Music...
  • Page 83 µMPX signal. This can be useful when one processor is feeding multiple transmitter sites in a network. You will need an audio transport method to transmit this signal and a receiver that will accept the Digital MPX signal. For more information on equipment that is compatible with µMPX, feel free to contact Orban support at support@orban.com...
  • Page 84 3-39 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation Facilities are self-explanatory, except for the following: The T control is calibrated under the assumption that the stereo pilot tone contributes 9% to the total modulation. Hence, a T setting of 91% produces 100% modulation (91% + 9%).

  • Page 85: Utility

    75µs preemphasis, the gain from analog input to analog output will be approximately 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 86 3-41 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation FINAL CLIPPER ACTIVE: You can defeat the FM clipper in the 5950 if so desired. This should only be done for specialized applications. For the processor to be used correctly, this control should remain on.
  • Page 87 3-42 Operation PROCESSING PRE-EMPHASIS: Sets the pre-emphasis that is required for your location. Most of the Americas use 75µs, much of Europe uses 50µs. If you are unsure, consult your local regulatory body. FM POLARITY: Makes positive the output polarity of the 5950’s FM analog channel processing. In HD Radio installations, this command is useful when switching the 5950 between transmitters if the transmitters’...
  • Page 88 PHASE CORRECT: The phase correct option will “repair” asymmetrical voice audio so that it is more symmetrical and easier to process. Orban’s recommended setting is on. MONITOR SOURCE: Changes the low latency monitor from the DJ Processing option to the output of the multiband processing.

  • Page 89: Less-More

    3-44 Operation SILENCE DETECT INPUT FALLBACK – When the main input fails, the 5950 will switch to the selected input on this screen. The options are ANALOG, Digital 1, Digital 2, AoIP 1, AoIP 2, or Stream. SILENCE THRESHOLD – Sets the level at which all input audio below will start the silence delay clock. If audio remains below this level longer than the silence delay time is set, the 5950 will switch to the selected backup audio source.

  • Page 90: Stereo Enhancer

    STEREO ENHANCER: The 5950 provides two different stereo enhancement algorithms. The first is 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 signal (L+R).

  • Page 91: Agc (Automatic Gain Control)

    DEPTH – Controls the amount of L-R delay (available only in the DELAY option) AGC (Automatic Gain Control) The AGC is a two-band device, using Orban’s patented “master / bass” band coupling. It has an additional important feature: target-zone gating. If the input program material’s level falls within a user-settable window (typically 3 dB), then the release time slows to a user-determined level.
  • Page 92 Previous Orban AGCs had compression ratios very close to 20:1, which produces the most consistent and uniform sound. However, the 5950 compressor can reduce this 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.

  • Page 93: Equalizer (Eq)

    You can set the slope of the LF shelving EQ to 6, 12, or 18 dB/octave and adjust the shelving frequency. The bass slope can be 6, 12 or 18dB/octave. The PHASE ROTATOR corrects asymmetrical voice energy to make it easier for the 5950 to process dry voice. Orban recommends this feature should be left on.
  • Page 94 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 have occurred if you had set their DJ Bass Boost controls to On.

  • Page 95: Multiband

    3-50 Operation The 5950 HF Enhancer is a program-controlled HF shelving equalizer. It intelligently and continuously analyzes the ratio between broadband and HF energy in the input program material and can equalize excessively dull material without over-enhancing bright material. It interacts synergistically with the five-band compressor to produce sound that is bright and present without being excessively shrill.
  • Page 96 3-51 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation The multiband compressor/limiter can be operated in five-band or two-band mode. The 5950 controls high frequencies with distortion-canceled clipping and, in all but 5-band MX presets, with a high frequency limiter as well. The clipper operates at 256 kHz-sample rate and is fully anti-aliased.
  • Page 97 3-52 Operation MULTIBAND DRIVE – Sets the level applied to the multiband compressor and thus its average level of gain reduction. MULTIBAND RELEASE – Sets the release rate for the multiband compressors. DOWN EXPANDER – Downward Expander. Sets the threshold that triggers single ended noise reduction. B5 DOWN EXPANDER STEREO COUPLE –...

  • Page 98: Compressors

    3-53 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation COMPRESSORS You can offset the adjustments made in MULTIBAND here. This will help fine tune the OPTIMOD to your tastes. MULTIBAND ATTACK – Sets the rate of speed with which the band you are setting will decrease gain at its input.

  • Page 99: Speech Mode

    3-54 Operation SPEECH MODE You can set many of the processing parameters separately for speech signals, as detected by the 5950’s speech/music detector. This allows you to tune the processing separately for speech and music. control allows you to force the 5950 into Music mode, overriding the Speech/Music detector. PEECH ETECT This control is contained in the processing preset.

  • Page 100: Bandmix

    The ON/OFF control turns on and off the output of each band. Useful in some aspects, turning off a band of processing will unmask distortion from neighboring bands, especially with aggressive presets. Orban’s intelligent clipper design prevents that type of distortion from being audible when all bands are operating, so it is best to...
  • Page 101 3-56 Operation DISTORTION BASS CLIP THRESHOLD - Sets the embedded bass clipper threshold in dB below the final clipper. HARD BASS CLIP SHAPE – Changes the shape of the knee of the gain curve of the bass clipper. MB (Multiband) LIMIT THRESHOLD – Sets the threshold of the clipping distortion controller. MULTIBAND CLIPPING –...
  • Page 102 3-57 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation DISTORTION COMPOSITE LIMIT DRIVE – Sets the amount of peak limiting in the composite limiter. COMPOSITE LIMIT MODE – Half cosine provides better separation and maintains stereo imaging. Hard mode provides a brighter sound as it creates waveforms closer to square waves.

  • Page 103: Hd Limiting

    3-58 Operation HD LIMITING HD EQ GAIN – Determines the depth of high frequency shelving equalization produced by the parametric HF shelving equalizer. HD EQ FREQ (Frequency) – Sets the corner of the parametric high frequency shelving equalizer HD Limiter Drive – Sets the drive level to the HD limiter. HD De-Esser –...
  • Page 104 3-59 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation The look-ahead limiter prevents speech from being audibly clipped and prevents similar audible problems on instruments with rapidly declining overtone structures like grand piano, classical guitar, and harp. 2B (Two Band) DRIVE – Sets the level applied to the 2 Band compressor and, thus, the average amount of gain reduction.
  • Page 105 3-60 Operation 2B (Two Band) CROSSOVER – Selects the type of crossover filter between the bass and master band. 2B (Two Band) BASS COUPLE – Determines how closely the bass band will follow the master band. Less coupling leads to more independent bass compression. 2B (Two Band) GATE THRESHOLD –...
  • Page 106 3-61 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation HF (High Frequency) CLIPPING – Normally set to 0, this control increases brightness at the expense of intelligent distortion management. HF (High Frequency) CLIP THRESHOLD – Sets the threshold of the multiband, distortion cancelled clipper in the HF limiter.
  • Page 107 3-62 Operation In the HTML5 interface, navigate to I/O Settings. At the bottom you will see RATINGS ENCODER. To insert a ratings encoder, you will need to jumper the AES 2 output to your encoder. Next, take the encoder’s output and insert it into SYNC IN on the rear of the 5950.
  • Page 108 3-63 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Operation You can also download the logfiles from this screen. This is yet another tool that is useful to technical support should you have an issue. BACKUP AND RESTORE Backup and restore allows you to inport and export presets from/to another 5950. It also allows you to back up and restore your system settings.
  • Page 109 3-64 Operation Under the SYSTEM tab, you will find an option to update the software on your 5950 (SOFTWARE UPDATE). Choosing SELECT FILE will open a dialogue box where you can navigate to the downloaded update. Once the file is selected, the status bar will show the process of the update being uploaded to the 5950...

  • Page 110: Section 4: Maintenance

    Orban 5950 Technical Manual Maintenance Section 4: Maintenance Routine Maintenance The 5950 Audio Processor uses highly stable analog and digital circuitry throughout. Recommended routine maintenance is minimal. 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. If any meter reading is abnormal, see Section 5 for troubleshooting information.

  • Page 112: Section 5: Troubleshooting

    Orban 5950 Technical Manual Troubleshooting Section 5: Troubleshooting Problems and Potential Solutions Always verify that the problem is not the source material being fed to the 5950, or in other parts of the system. RFI, Hum, Clicks, or Buzzes A grounding problem is likely. Review the information on grounding on page 2-1. The 5950 has been designed with very substantial RFI suppression on its analog and digital input and output ports, and on the AC line input.
  • Page 113 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 114 STL noise. For example, the overload-to-noise ratio of a typical analog microwave STL may only be 70-75 dB. In this case, it is wise to use the Orban 8200ST Studio AGC to perform the AGC function prior to the STL transmitter and to control the STL's peak modulation.
  • Page 115 Troubleshooting Interference from the stereo into a subcarrier is best diagnosed with a spectrum analyzer. First examine the spectrum of the 5950’s composite output to verify that program correlated noise is less than –80 dB below 100% modulation from 57 to 100 kHz. Any inadvertent composite clipping will dramatically degrade this protection. Make sure that the link between the 5950’s composite output and the transmitter has sufficient headroom.
  • Page 116 First, verify that a problem really exists by using a second frequency-measuring device 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 117 Troubleshooting L–R (Stereo Difference Channel) Will Not Null With Monophonic Input This problem is often caused by relative phase shifts between the left and right channels prior to the 5950’s input. This will cause innocuous linear crosstalk between the stereo main and subchannels. Such crosstalk does not cause subjective quality problems unless it is very severe.
  • Page 118 A station may suffer from any combination of these problems, and they can have a remarkable effect on the overall competitiveness of a station’s sound.. Technical Support If you require technical support, contact Orban customer service. http://www.orban.com/contact/ for contact information.
  • Page 119 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.

  • Page 120: Section 6: Technical Data

    Orban 5950 Technical Manual Technical Data Section 6: Technical Data J613: As shipped from the factory, a jumper is kept across pins 1 and 2 of J613, and a second jumper is kept across its pins 3 and 4. The jumpers engage the direct connection from AES/EBU DIGITAL INPUT 1 to AES/EBU DIGITAL OUTPUT 1 made by the relay bypass function when OPTIMOD processing is unavailable.
  • Page 121 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Technical Data...

  • Page 122: Using Lossy Data Reduction In The Studio

    Orban 5950 Technical Manual Technical Data Using Lossy Data Reduction in the Studio Many stations are now using lossy data reduction algorithms like MPEG-1 Layer 2 or Dolby AC2 to increase the storage time of digital playback media. In addition, source material is often supplied through a lossy data reduction algorithm, whether from satellite or over landlines.
  • Page 123 Technical Data Most modern studio audio devices have a clipping level of no less than +21dBu and often +24dBu or more. The studio standardizes on a maximum program indication on the meter that is lower than the clipping level, so peaks that the meter does not indicate will not be clipped.

  • Page 124: Line Up Facilities

    Orban 5950 Technical Manual Technical Data Transmission Levels The transmission engineer is primarily concerned with the peak level of a program to prevent overloading or over- modulation of the transmission system. This peak overload level is defined differently, system to system. In FM modulation (FM / VHF radio and television broadcast, microwave or analog satellite links), it is the maximum- permitted RF carrier frequency deviation.
  • Page 125 Composite Output Level The Orban 5950 Audio Processor controls instantaneous, absolute peak levels to a tolerance of approximately 0.1 dB. Composite modulation is indicated in percentage modulation, absolute instantaneous peak indicating. 100% is calibrated to the 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).
  • Page 126 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Technical Data Recommendation ITU-R BS.1770-3 (08/2012): “Algorithms to measure audio programme loudness and true-peak audio level.” BS.1770-3 first introduced gating to the loudness meter. For further information about the BS.1770-3 meter, please refer to the following standards: ITU-R BS.1770, ATSC A/85 EBU R 128, EBU Tech 3341, EBU.
  • Page 127 Technical Data The stereo encoder is calibrated so that 100% left or right modulation will provide 100% modulation of the stereo composite signal, including pilot tone, but excluding any SCA subcarriers. The pilot tone stereo system has an interleaving property, which means that the stereo composite modulation is approximately equal to the higher of the left or right channels.
  • Page 128 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Technical Data ITU-R MULTIPLEX POWER CONTROLLER The ITU-R recommends that the power in the composite baseband signal (including the pilot tone), integrated over any 60-second interval, not exceed the power in a sinewave that modulates the FM carrier to 19 kHz (25.3% modulation).
  • Page 129 6-10 Technical Data Recalling that the MPX POWER LEVEL meter is calibrated so that it indicates 0 dB when the composite output of the 5950 is a sinewave at –11.92615 dB below 100% modulation, we conclude that our subcarrier at 4% injection will add 0.10694 dB to the multiplex power.
  • Page 130 6-11 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Technical Data If your country enforces the standard, you should set the control to complement the amount of peak overshoot in the transmission system following the 5950. Setting the control at “0” will correctly control the multiplex power when there is no overshoot after the 5950.
  • Page 131 Preset 0: No gating: Works like Orban’s older, non-gated MPX power controller. Preset 1: Only the quieter passages are gated and the gated release is faster than it is in the other presets. Created to maximize loudness within the BS.412 limit while providing more on-air dynamics and preventing...
  • Page 132 6-13 Orban 5950 Technical Manual Technical Data Test Modes Setup: Test Parameter Labels Units Default Range (CCW to CW) Step Mode Operate Operate, Bypass, Tone Bypass Gain Tone Frequency 16, 20, 25, 31.5, 40, 50, 63, 80, 100, 125, 160,...
  • Page 133 6-14 Technical Data...

  • Page 134: Section 7: Specifications (Preliminary)

    Specifications Section 7: 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 135 Specifications Delay Defeatable Analog FM Diversity Delay: 0.27 to 12.0 seconds, adjustable in one-sample increments at 64 kHz sample rate to allow the delays of the analog and digital paths in the HD Radio system to be matched at the receiver output.
  • Page 136 Specifications Load Impedance: 600Ω or greater, balanced or unbalanced. Termination not required or recommended. Output Level (100% peak modulation): Adjustable from –6 dBu to +24 dBu peak, into 600Ω or greater load, software-adjustable. Signal-to-Noise: >= 90 dB unweighted (Bypass mode, de-emphasized, 20 Hz–15 kHz bandwidth, referenced to 100% modulation).
  • Page 137 Specifications The digital composite baseband is internally sampled at 384 kHz and alternate samples are placed on the left and right audio channels. This is equivalent to complex (I/Q) sampling and, with compatible receiving hardware, allows the full frequency baseband frequency range to be accommodated without aliasing. If the frequency range of the SCAs applied to the digital output is limited to less than 96 kHz, this is fully compatible and interoperable with the existing system adopted by the industry, which uses only the left channel at 192 kHz.
  • Page 138 Specifications Audio-Over-IP I/O (AoIP) Standard: With Dante Module: Fully supports Dante networks. SMPTE ST2110-30 RTP AES67 compliant With AES67 Module: AES67 SMPTE ST-2110-30/31, NMOS4, NMOS5 and seamless switching ST2022-7, RAVENNA compliant Number of Input Channels Supported: Two (2) stereo pairs. Number of Output Channels Supported: Four (4) stereo pairs.
  • Page 139 Specifications Crosstalk-Linear: <= –80 dB, main channel to sub-channel or sub-channel to main channel (referenced to 100% modulation). Crosstalk-Non-Linear: <= –80 dB, main channel to sub-channel or sub-channel to main channel (referenced to 100% modulation). 38 kHz Suppression: >= 70 dB (referenced to 100% modulation). 76 kHz &...
  • Page 140 Specifications µMPX Codec (optional) Supported bitrates: 320, 384, 448, 576 kbps. Supports error correction, redundant connections, multicast/broadcast connections Streaming Audio Monitor (optional) Audio Codecs: standard MPEG Layer 3 (MP3) and OPUS. Audio Bitrate: 32, 64, 96, 128,192, 256, 320 kbps Audio Sample Rate: 32, 44.1, 48 kHz Audio Channels: Mono, Stereo Streaming Servers: SHOUTcast2 and Icecast2 streaming protocols.
  • Page 141 Specifications Ethernet Networking Standard: TCP/IP, HTTP port 80 (user configurable), HTTPS port 443 (user configurable). Remote Control (GPI) Interface Configuration: Eight (8) inputs, opto-isolated and floating. Voltage: 6–15V AC or DC, momentary or continuous. +12VDC provided to facilitate use with contact closure. Connector: DB–25 male, EMI-suppressed.
  • Page 142 Shipping Weight: 17.64 lbs / 8 kg Warranty Five Years, Parts and Service: Subject to the limitations set forth in Orban's Standard Warranty Agreement. See page 1-5. Because engineering improvements are ongoing, specifications are subject to change with- out notice.

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