Front Panel Features - Marshall Electronics AR-DM2X-X Operating Instructions Manual

LKFS Monitoring
■ Introduction
Beginning in December 2012, the CALM Act requires TV stations, cable and satellite TV operators in the U.S. to limit a
commercial's average volume to that of the accompanying program. Marshall's AR-DM2-X audio monitors allow the
monitoring of LKFS values with automatic logging of LKFS values plus three different automatic indicators. The automatic
indicators are designed to assist operators to quickly identify non-compliant signals in a real world working environment.
Visual alarms, tone alarms and auto-email notification support operations even when operators and engineers are
focused on something else.
■ Setting up LKFS Monitoring (1-B and 2-B Configurations)
While monitoring an audio signal on the AR-DM2-X systems, pressing the [Single] and [Pair] buttons simultaneously
enables the real time LKFS monitor on LED Bar Graphs 15-16, along with the blue LED above the DOLBY insignia to
indicate that LKFS monitoring is enabled. Simultaneously pressing the [Single] and [Pair] button once more disables
LKFS monitor and returns LED Bar Graphs 15-16 to normal operation.
■ Logging LKFS Data (all AR-DM2X-X monitors) over USB
Using the provided configuration files, follow the
.ardmrc.xxx : This file is important, as it allows for the setting of the ARDM unit number in cases where multiple
AR-DM2-X systems are deployed. It also allows for configuration of email recipients in case of LKFS values
exceeding a set limit.
.calmConfig_IM: Enable or disable the LKFS value alert (exceeds a set value) and to set a value at which the
alert is turned on. By default, the file configures the alert level at -24 LKFS.
.calmConfig_LogFile: Configure the log capabilities of the ARDM2X system. This file allows you to set the
monitoring window for LKFS values. In addition, you can set the system to send all log data to an FTP server.
.calmConfig_MixPreset: Allows for configuration of up to 20 different presets with specific channel gains and for
loudness calculations.
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Front Panel Features

Stereo Loudspeakers
The stereo loudspeakers are active unless
headphones are connected.
Power Indication LED
The power LED will illuminate green when power is
supplied to the audio monitor.
Headphone Output
The headphone output accepts stereo headphones
with a 1/4" TRS connecter.
Mute Button
The mute button disables the speakers and
headphone output.
Volume Control
The volume control affects both the stereo speakers
and headphone output.
Balance Control
The balance control adjusts the relative level of each
channel in the current stereo mix.
SRC Switch
The source switch is used to select the module
source from which to monitor audio.
LED Bar Graphs
The LED bar graphs display signal presence and
VU/PPM information for 16 channels of audio.
Channel-Assign and DOLBY Indicator LEDs
The channel assign LED below each bar graph
indicates how that channel is being reproduced
through the stereo speakers. The DOLBY LED below
each channel pair indicates the presence of a DOLBY
encoded signal.
Monitor Modes
The single, pair, and mix buttons are used to select
the mode in which to monitor audio channels.
Left and Right Navigation Buttons
The left and right buttons are used to select single
channels, channel pairs, or downmix configurations.
DOLBY Decode Button
The DOLBY decode button is used to decode the
DOLBY signal on the selected channel pair (ARDM-
D552 Module required).
9-16 Button
The 9-16 button is used to monitor and downmix
channels 9-16 from the selected input module. The
LED on the 9-16 button will illuminate when channels
9-16 are selected.
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