TC Electronic DB6 User Manual
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TC Electronic DB6 User Manual

TC Electronic DB6 User Manual

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Product
DB6
Product firmware version
Frame software 1.80.00
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English Manual
Document version / date
2014-10-07
English Manual

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Summary of Contents for TC Electronic DB6

  • Page 1 English Manual Product Product firmware version Frame software 1.80.00 Document English Manual Document version / date 2014-10-07...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Important safety instructions DB6 – Basic concepts and operation Setting up audio and syncing Warning Operating DB6 I/O Setup – DB6 Single SDI and DB6 Caution: Hardware versions Multi SDI Service Expanding your DB6 I/O Setup – DB6 AES EMC/EMI...
  • Page 3 Loudness Wizard – Style page Level versus loudness optional licenses Loudness Wizard – Weight page LM6 log files Appendix 2: DB6 GPI/O page Loudness Wizard – ALC page Auto Logging Loudness Wizard – Limit page GPIO Technical specifications GPI installation...

  • Page 4: Important Safety Instructions

    Important safety instructions Important safety instructions DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 5: Warning

    Do not install in a confined space. heat. ate normally, or has been dropped. ► Do not open the unit – risk of electric shock 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the po- inside. larized or grounding-type plug. A polarized DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 6: Caution

    Replace only with the same or equivalent type. ► Ventilation should not be impeded by cover- ing the ventilation openings with items, such as newspapers, tablecloths, curtains, etc. ► Only used at altitude not exceeding 2000 m. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 7: Emc/Emi

    ► Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help. The user may find the following booklet, pre- pared by the Federal Communications Com- DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 8: About This Manual

    About this manual About this manual DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 9: Getting Support

    This manual is only available as a PDF download from the TC Electronic website. Please do not operate DB6 before you have made all connections to external equipment as described in “Setting up DB6” on page 33. In the subsequent sections of the manual, we...

  • Page 10: Before You Get Started

    Before you get started Before you get started DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 11: Register Your Product

    This news. To register your product, please go to: is why TC Electronic has created a dedicated loudness website, where all of these aspects are tcelectronic.com/support/ outlined, explained and discussed.

  • Page 12: Unpacking And Setup

    Unpacking and setup Unpacking and setup DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 13: Package Contents

    37. items: ► 1 DB6 unit ► 2 power cables ► 1 USB stick containing… – the TC Icon software, – the DB6 software, – this manual in PDF format. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 14: Software: Tc Icon And Db6 Firmware

    Software: TC Icon and DB6 firmware Software: TC Icon and DB6 firmware DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 15 TC Icon software is free and can be in- stalled on multiple computers. Downloading and installing TC Icon software is described in this section of the DB6 manu- TC DB6 firmware: DB6 firmware is the software installed on ev- ery DB6.

  • Page 16: Finding And Installing Tc Icon Software - Microsoft Windows

    Microsoft Windows at the time of production is provided on the USB stick that came with your DB6, but you may want to download the latest version from the TC Electronic website. You can download the latest version of the TC Icon software for Microsoft Windows from: tcelectronic.com/support/software/...
  • Page 17 Software: TC Icon and DB6 firmware ► Right-click the .ZIP file and choose “Extract easily find the application – e.g., the Windows All…“ from the context menu. desktop. ► Double-click the .CAB file. An “Icon” application file will be shown.
  • Page 18 Software: TC Icon and DB6 firmware Updating TC Icon software To update the TC Icon software on your comput- er when a newer version is released, ► quit the TC Icon software if it currently run- ning on your PC, ►...

  • Page 19: Finding And Installing Tc Icon Software - Os

    The most current version of TC Icon software for OS X at the time of production is provided on the USB stick that came with your DB6, but you may want to download the latest version from the TC Electronic website.
  • Page 20 Software: TC Icon and DB6 firmware Updating TC Icon software To update the TC Icon software on your comput- er when a newer version is released, ► quit the TC Icon software if it currently run- ning on your Mac, ►...

  • Page 21: Db6: An Introduction

    DB6: An introduction DB6: An introduction DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 22: Keeping Audio Transparent

    DB6: An introduction Keeping audio transparent DB6 and AC3 transmission Thank you for choosing DB6 – the next step in professional loudness control. We want One of the finest things about new international DB6 includes numerous functions to optimize to thank you for choosing this product, and we...

  • Page 23: Signal Path Transparency Check

    Once a transmission signal path has been con- TC’s involvement with high quality digital audio DB6 is a signal processor that is able to handle figured and adjusted, check that it is indeed dates back to the mid-eighties of the last cen-...

  • Page 24: Db6 - Basic Concepts And Operation

    DB6 – Basic concepts and operation DB6 – Basic concepts and operation DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 25: Operating Db6

    (see “LM2 (optional)” casters or as an intelligent loudness manage- on page 148). ment tool in an OB van. DB6 single cannot be expanded to handle more audio streams. As you can easily see, DB6 is a „headless sys- tem“...

  • Page 26: Expanding Your Db6

    DB6 offers considerable flexibility in routing, an- well as the same powerful software algorithms. alyzing and processing audio signals. To benefit With regards to inputs and outputs, DB6 SDI from this flexibility, you need to understand the Instructions on upgrading a base DB6 Multi is based on the Serial digital interface (SDI) –...

  • Page 27: Db6 Aes

    ► It sends as good an audio signal as possible through at all times. ► If the source is lost, DB6 keeps on running at the “last good sync source rate”. ► DB6 keeps outgoing clock inconsistencies (e.g. when the sync reference is lost or the sync source changes) to a minimum.

  • Page 28: Db6

    DB6status indicators and ports status indicators and ports DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 29: Front Panel Indicators

    PSU 1 and PSU 2 LEDs This section of the manual describes the de- vice’s status indicators and connectors. DB6 has the following front panel status indica- tors: The PSU 1 and PSU 2 LEDs indicate the status Please note that the number of front panel sta- of the two built-in power supplies.
  • Page 30 Sync LED(s) – SDI versions Sync LED(s) – AES versions Alert LED DB6 Single has one Sync LED, while DB6 Multi DB6 Single has one Alert LED, while DB6 Multi The Sync LED of DB6 AES (balanced/unbal- has three Sync LEDs – one for each of the up to anced) indicates if synchronization to the sig- has three Alert LEDs –...

  • Page 31: Front Panel Reset Button

    The Reset button on the front panel can be used DB6 Single has one Signal LED, while DB6 Multi to reset the IP address of a DB6 unit or to reset has three Signal LEDs – one for each of the up to...

  • Page 32: Back Panel Connectors

    Resetting Ethernet communication PSU (2 x) It may be necessary to reset Ethernet communi- DB6 has two C13 type power inlet sockets. The cation between DB6 and a computer during op- dual power inlets provide extended operational eration. To do so, proceed as follows: security and stability.
  • Page 33 (“RJ45”). A “crossover” type cable is not required. Connecting multiple 3G cards If you are using a DB6. with two or more 3G The Ethernet ports are used exclusively for con- Transmission cards installed, daisy-chain the necting a controller (namely a computer running SDI cards as follows: TC Icon software).
  • Page 34 Transmission 3G connector. connector. cards installed. DB6 Single and DB6 Multi have no AES In ports. DB6 Single and DB6 Multi have no AES Out DB6 AES has no SDI Out ports. ports. Connect the downstream SDI device to an SDI Out socket on DB6.
  • Page 35 For more information on GPI, see “DB6 remote Should you need even more channels, you can control” on page 58 and “Appendix 2: DB6 DB6 Single and DB6 Multi have no AES In ports. purchase a separate license for activating chan- GPI/O page” on page 161.

  • Page 36: Setting Up Db6

    Setting up DB6 Setting up DB6 DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 37: Networking Basics And Troubleshooting

    …where [nn] is identical to the last two digits in the DB6’s serial number (you will find the serial number of DB6 on a label on the rear side of the device). This way, multiple DB6’s can be setup directly out of the box without having to change their IP numbers.
  • Page 38 Setting up DB6 Changing your computer’s subnet If your computer is using the same IP address mask and TCP/IP address as a DB6 on the same network, you have two options: If and where you can change the subnet mask ►...
  • Page 39 TCP/IP address of a DB6 To change the subnet mask and TCP/IP address of a DB6, you need to access it using a computer running the TC Icon software. This means that in case of an IP address conflict that keeps you from accessing DB6 in the first place, you need to change your computer’s IP first as described...

  • Page 40: Quick Setup

    Power up your computer and DB6. This guide applies for a simple setup as illus- ► You may need to reset the IP address of a DB6. trated below. If you have not already done so, download This procedure is described in the section “Front and install the latest version of the TC Icon panel reset button”...

  • Page 41: Updating Db6 Software

    ► If you cannot access DB6, please refer to “Networking basics and troubleshooting” on The latest version of both the DB6 software and page 34. the TC Icon software editor available at the time of production are supplied with your DB6.

  • Page 42: Basic Operation

    Basic operation Basic operation DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 43: Introduction

    The TC Icon software interface has been opti- ► Use the tab buttons on the upper edge of the tion to operating DB6 using the TC Icon soft- mized for use in real-time situations in broadcast ware. and post production environments (which usual-...

  • Page 44: Faders

    The TC Icon software has large on-screen fad- ers. They have several features that will help you When a parameter is assigned to a fader, you The TC Icon software has two operation modes: operate your DB6 efficiently. can choose between Normal Fine adjust- Base Device operation.
  • Page 45 ► Use the arrow buttons on the Fader Group selector (on the left edge of the TC Icon soft- DB6 algorithms encompass many parameters ware window) to select the desired Fader Even when using one of the predefined Fader on several pages. For efficient operation, the Group.

  • Page 46: On-Screen Keyboard

    Basic operation On-screen keyboard DB6 allows you to store and rename presets, as- sign labels to inputs and outputs and perform other functions where text input is required. When you access one of these functions, an on- screen keyboard will be displayed.

  • Page 47: Accessing Db6

    Accessing DB6 Accessing DB6 DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 48: Operating Multiple Computers And / Or Tc Hd Devices In One Network

    Power up your computer and your DB6. In a more complex setup with multiple TC Icon ► Click the icon representing the DB6 to ac- hardware remote controls and/or several net- ► On your computer, launch the TC Icon soft- cess it.

  • Page 49: Scanning / Rescanning A Network For Devices

    In the following sections of this manual, we as- ► when devices are powered up or down, or sume that you are operating a basic system with only one DB6 connected. ► if there are connection errors, these may not be detected immediately.

  • Page 50: Obtaining Db6 Status Information

    Obtaining DB6 status information Obtaining DB6 status information DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 51: Clock Section

    Obtaining DB6 status information Clock section Status section Please note that the LEDs on the front of a DB6 will display basic status information as long as Source indicator Power indicator the device is powered – see “Front panel indica- tors”...
  • Page 52 “Signal LED” on page 28. Frame Identification parameter If you are operating a complex system with mul- tiple DB6 units, you may need to identify one specific unit quickly. To do so, select the respec- tive Frame using TC Icon software and then use...
  • Page 53 Obtaining DB6 status information Temperature indicator Shows the current internal temperature of DB6 in degrees Celsius. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 54: Setting Up Audio And Syncing

    Setting up audio and syncing Setting up audio and syncing DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 55: I/O Setup - Db6 Single Sdi And Db6

    SDI stream for metering and processing. The on- screen LED for each available group will light up in green. If the DB6 is not locking to an incoming SDI stream, all indicators are turned off. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 56 When you set the Rate Detect Mode parameter tion of this page. Follow In Group setting to SD, DB6 will only accept the SD format and The processed audio signals will be assigned to not consider locking to HD or 3G signals. This...
  • Page 57 DB6 will not be able to de-embed and process audio. Stream 1 setting The DB6 will de-embed and embed two of the up to four available audio groups in stream 1. This is the default setting which is also used when Ad- vanced SDI mode has not been activated.

  • Page 58: I/O Setup - Db6 Aes

    “No Lock” (red LED / Error): “No Lock” is typi- lows: cally displayed when there is no signal pres- ent on the Input that DB6 is set to lock to, or if ► Green: A green “LED” indicates that a signal...
  • Page 59 Advanced settings activated DB6 will continue running on the “last good from Internal to External Sync. rate”. If possible, DB6 will run on a 96 bit pre- cision version of the last good sample rate Advanced settings switch that the DB6 received. This will only gener-...

  • Page 60: Setting Up Audio Dithering

    / I/O / Dither. Setting “Off” (no dithering applied), With both settings, DB6 will revert to the refer- 24 bit, 20 bit, 18 bit , 16 bit ence input signal (as set with the Sync source Use the Dither out parameters to configure dith- parameter) once it becomes available again.

  • Page 61: Db6 Remote Control

    DB6 remote control DB6 remote control DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 62: Remote - Master

    DB6 remote control Remote – Master Scene Recall section DB6 provides extensive remote control features. GPI and SDI metadata allow you to tailor remote The Remote Master page provides an overview control to your station’s demands. of the current remote control setup. It also al-...
  • Page 63 Processing section Resetting section “N/A” display “N/A” (“not available”) indicates that the current- Audio processing in your DB6 can be controlled ly selected function is not available/applicable GPI can be used to reset audio processing his- via GPI or SDI metadata.

  • Page 64: Remote - Gpi

    Select one of three Presets using GPI1 and GPI2. 3 Presets setting This mode uses simple binary inputs on GPI1 Select one of three Presets using GPI1. and GPI2 – i.e. 00, 01, 10 and 11. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 65 Status field The time required for performing a change de- The status field is intended for diagnostics dur- pends on the scope of that change – e.g., wether ing the setup of GPI control. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 66 DB6 remote control GPI 2 – Processing Control section it only involves parameters changes or the rout- II license, see “Loudness Wizard II for DB6” on ing and algorithm change as well. page 160. GPI (or SDI metadata) can be used to remote- For information on voltage windows and GPI control your DB6’s audio processing feature.
  • Page 67 40 ms before the pro- Format conversion is bypassed when the GPI in- gines should be remote-controlled. cessing change is initiated. The processing oc- put is min (0V) curs nearly instantly. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 68 GPI can also be used to reset the history of the page 161. processing history. DB6. When GPI is controlling the DB6, blue LEDs on the affected Reset buttons on the respective Meter pages indicate that they are being remote- controlled.

  • Page 69: Gp Input Calibration

    (3V3). Limits section ► When the input is pulled low to minimum volt- age (0V), DB6 will catch the pulse and reset. The Limits section of the GPI Calibration page shows the lower (“GPI Lo Threshold”) and upper ►...

  • Page 70: Setting Up Gpo

    Use the GPO 1 and GPO 2 parameters to spec- in the SDI stream. It is intended for forcing DB6 ify which status information should be transmit- to upconvert stereo input to 5.1 surround output ted to the GPO pins.
  • Page 71 SMPTE2020 package is present in the incom- Settings: E1, E2, E1+E2 the signal according to the Processing Control ing SDI stream, DB6 will bypass the Format pro- Use this parameter to specify the Engines that parameter. cessing (Upcon or Downmix) specified by the should be remote-controlled.
  • Page 72 SDI stream, and Please check if the Extraction Line and SDID there is no intended association between VANC is set up as expected in both DB6 and the up- packets with an SDID value of 0x01 and a spe- stream products.
  • Page 73 SDI metadata on the SDI output ther UpCon or Downmix) specified by the Engine preset. The DB6 does not change any metadata on its output – so incoming SDI metadata are by- “Ex Loudn. Off” display passed to the SDI output.

  • Page 74: Recalling, Storing And Deleting Settings

    Recalling, storing and deleting settings Recalling, storing and deleting settings DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 75: Scenes, Routings, Engines

    Scenes, Routings, Engines Engines Routings To use DB6 effectively, you should make all re- quired settings as described in this manual and Instead of recalling or storing a full Scene as de- All the settings that define how signals are rout- then store them, so they can later be recalled.

  • Page 76: The Library Concept

    Recalling, storing and deleting settings The Library concept The Library gives you access to all settings of all parameters of the currently selected DB6. The highest organizational level of the Library is a Bank. A Bank will hold either… ►...

  • Page 77: Library - Recall Page

    Preset Recall button. ► Select the “Recall” page. ► Select the subpage for the setting type you want to access: – Scene – to recall a Scene preset Fig. 33.: Info tag in the Preset Recall button DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 78: Library - Store Page

    Click Enter to confirm. Scene. ► An on-screen keyboard will be shown. Please note that the preset itself is stored – Route – to store the current Routing. when you click the Enter button! To store the DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 79 Please note that even when renaming presets or adding information as described above, the faders for the previously accessed page are still available and operational. This means you can continue operating the faders even when the keyboard is shown on screen. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 80: Library - Delete Page

    To access the Library Delete page: ► Select the “Library” tab. ► Select the “Delete” page. ► Select the subpage for the setting type you want to delete: – Scene – Route – E(ngine) 1 or E(ngine) 2 DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 81: Library - Bank Page

    Select “From File” in the first column. The second column will switch to “To Bank” ac- ► Select the “Library” tab. cordingly. ► ► Select the “Bank” page. Specify the folder from where the file should be read in the “File Folder” field. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 82: Updating Db6 Firmware

    Updating DB6 firmware Updating DB6 firmware DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 83 TC Icon software in- stalled. In TC  Icon, you can select a previously down- loaded DB6 firmware file (with a “.tca” suffix) and apply it to the currently selected DB6. For downloading, installing and updating TC Icon software, please refer to ►...
  • Page 84 Finding and installing DB6 Depending on your browser type and con- firmware – Microsoft Windows figuration, a dialog may be shown asking you You can download the latest version of the DB6 what you want to do with this file. firmware from: tcelectronic.com/support/software/ ►...
  • Page 85 Updating DB6 firmware ► Connect your PC to the DB6 that you want to update using an Ethernet cable. ► Launch the TC Icon software on your PC. ► Click Enter. You will be returned to the previ- ► In the TC Icon software, select the DB6 that ous screen.
  • Page 86 Please note that a folder may contain mul- tiple .tca files, which will be shown on the Frame / System / Setup / Update page when that folder is selected. Be sure to select the correct file – usually, the most current one. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 87: Finding And Installing Db6 Firmware - Os

    DB6 firmware – OS X figuration, a dialog may be shown asking you have left the file at its default position (the You can download the latest version of the DB6 what you want to do with this file. Choose “Downloads” folder).
  • Page 88 Updating DB6 firmware Locating and transferring the The name of the .tca file you downloaded DB6 firmware file – example 1 should now be displayed right under the “Common Software Update Folder” field. This is a simple default scenario where we as- sume that…...
  • Page 89 Updating DB6 firmware Locating the DB6 firmware file – example 2 If you have moved the .tca file to a folder called “DB6_updates” on an external hard disk called “DAW2”,the correct path to enter in “Common Software Update Folder” would be: // Volumes / DAW2 / DB6_updates / For the remaining steps, see Example 1.

  • Page 90: Icon Setup

    Icon Setup Icon Setup DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 91: Accessing The Icon Setup Pages

    Icon software to Base mode by To update the TC Icon software, please refer to clicking the Icon symbol in the the “Updating DB6 software” on page 38 sec- upper left corner of the window tion of this manual. – see “TC Icon modes: Base and Device operation”...

  • Page 92: Devices Page

    ► Select a device from the list on the left side of the screen. ► Click one of the eight slots on the right side of the screen to assign the selected device to this slot. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 93: Security Page

    This will be indicated by set Clip” button. This feature ensures that clock errors or clippings do not go unnoticed. a semi-transparent overlay and a “Device UI is locked” message on all device-related screens. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 94: Joystick

    Joystick page UI page Color page The MIDI Joystick setup page of the TC Icon software is not required for operating DB6 and not described in this manual. Fig. 37.: TC Icon software – UI page TC Icon Window parameter Use the TC Icon Window parameter to specify if and where faders should be shown.
  • Page 95 To change the color, select a user interface component in the Color Element list (e.g. Background) and set the three R(ed) G(reen) B(lue) faders to the desired values. ► To apply the new color scheme, click the “Ap- ply User Scheme” button. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 96: Loudness Wizard

    Loudness Wizard Loudness Wizard DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 97: An Introduction To The Loudness Wizard

    (simply referred to as “UpCon” or “UpCon al- The Loudness Wizard signal processing algo- gorithm” for the remainder of this manual) is an rithm is the “heart and soul” of DB6. It includes automatic, real-time 5.1 upconversion audio pro- features from other well-known TC algorithms cessor.

  • Page 98: Loudness Wizard - Main Page

    Parameter range is from -18 dB to +18 dB. Main Only setting If DB6 is used for ingest, better results may be When 5.1 and Stereo signals are fed to the same obtained by using the In Gain parameter to get physical inputs (i.e.
  • Page 99 If you set the Format Convert parameter to Off. Delay setting (e.g. for Lip-Sync or for Profanity Downmix and the input format is stereo, the sig- prevention). nal is passed to Loudness Wizard’s ALC module without format conversion. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 100 25 frames per second, set the Delay Unit parameter to Frames Frames 30 setting To display the Audio Delay and Max Look-ahead parameters in frames based on 30 frames per second, set the Delay Unit parameter to Frames DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 101: Loudness Wizard - Format - Setup Page

    25 ms to 3 seconds. Loudness Unit parameter Use the Loudness Unit parameter to set the unit in which loudness values are being displayed. LKFS setting To display loudness as LKFS, set the Loudness Unit parameter to LKFS. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 102 If the processed input signal is already in stereo, this parameter has no effect. The default is -6 dB, which corresponds to stan- dard downmix in AC3 decoders. Because the algorithm has a high internal headroom, there is DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 103: Loudness Wizard - Format - Upcon Page

    LFE channel when upconversion is active. Expect some consumers to have LFE repro- duced up to 10  dB louder than the main chan- nels. A conservative LFE setting is recommend- ed. Also note that LFE level is disregarded in BS.1770. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 104: Loudness Wizard - Style Page

    Format – UpCon page. LFE Proc. Hi Cut parameter Use the LFE Proc. Hi Cut parameter to set the cut-off frequency for the LFE extraction low- pass filter. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 105 Format – UpCon page. Decorrelate parameter Use the Decorrelate parameter to specify the de- correlation algorithm for the surround channels. Focus parameter Use the Focus parameter to set the surround image. The obtainable surround imaging ranges DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 106: Loudness Wizard - Weight Page

    Typical downmix gains would be 0 dB for L and whether dynamic LFE gain correction should fol- R, -3 dB for Center, and between -3 and -6 dB low loudness adjustments of the Main channels for Surrounds. (Main link setting) or not (Bypass setting). DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 107 (“Downmix” setting), depending on legislation or on the number of expected listeners using either loudspeaker configuration. If a majority of a sta- tion’s listeners use mono or stereo speakers, the Downmix setting leads to greater listener satis- faction. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 108: Loudness Wizard - Alc Page

    Slow Window and Pre Process parameter set- novel automatic discrimination function, allowing tings into account, so this parameter indicates for slightly different Target Levels to aim at if the an average number. input format is stereo or if it is 5.1. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 109 Max Reduction parameter on (in seconds) before the processor resets to 0 dB this page. Available settings are „Off“, „Soft“, gain change once the level falls below Freeze „Universal“ and „Extra“. When set to anything Level. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 110: Loudness Wizard - Limit Page

    Limit Threshold, even in digital transmission. Re- Lateral Trim serve the top of the digital scale for occasional Fig. 45.: DB6 Loudness Wizard – Limit page peaks in wide range material (feature films, clas- Range: -18 to +18 dB (Default: 0 dB) sical music), so don’t go above -6 dBFS in HDTV...
  • Page 111 If a threshold is exceeded in any channel, all channels are limited. Profile parameter Use the Profile parameter to optimize the adap- tive true-peak limiter based on content, or based on the output platform. The available settings are: DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 112: Loudness Wizard 2

    Loudness Wizard 2 Loudness Wizard 2 DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 113: An Introduction To Anorm

    Metadata in the SDI stream, GPI switching or via Ethernet. Regardless, the long-term aim is obvious: Move towards file-based pre-normalization where possible, in combination with live broadcast based on loudness meters. With these principles DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 114 – the radar view available in the LM6 Loudness Radar Meter, where each revo- For more information, see “DB6 remote control” lution represents a changeable duration. Fig. 1 on page 58. was taken at a setting of 4 minutes per revolu- tion, Fig.
  • Page 115 (news, commercials, movies, game ly first. Only if normalization by itself isn’t enough about the audio (metadata) to DB6. This is pos- shows, etc.). This results in programs that have to hit the Target Loudness and the Target Loud- sible using an extended GPI scheme, via Ether- been squeezed through the same “sausage-...

  • Page 116: Requirements For Activating And Using Lwiz2

    Loudness Wizard 2 Requirements for activating and using LWiz2 To activate and use LWiz2, you need to update the firmware of your DB6 to version 1.50.50 or higher. For more information on updating DB6 firmware, see “Updating DB6 firmware” on page 79.

  • Page 117: Activating Your Lwiz2 License

    Presets When you have obtained your LWiz2 license code, you need to enter it on the License page When you have updated both your DB6 firmware to activate your LWiz2 license. and TC Icon software and activated your LWiz2 license, you will find new aNorm presets in the ►...

  • Page 118: Lwiz2 - Reset Feature

    Normalize or Not to Normalize?” on page 110). GPI, SDI or Ethernet can be used to signal pro- gram transitions. If you are using aNorm during live production, click the Reset button to mark program transitions. Fig. 51.: LWiz2 Reset button DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 119: Lwiz2 - Main Page

    Parameter range is from -18 dB to +18 dB. Main Only setting If DB6 is used for ingest, better results may be When 5.1 and Stereo signals are fed to the same obtained by using the In Gain parameter to get physical inputs (i.e.
  • Page 120 Format Convert parameter to Downmix. If you set the Format Convert parameter to Downmix and the input format is stereo, the sig- nal is passed to Loudness Wizard’s ALC module without format conversion. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 121: Lwiz2 Setup Page

    25 ms to 3 seconds. Loudness Unit parameter Use the Loudness Unit parameter to set the unit in which loudness values are being displayed. LKFS setting To display loudness as LKFS, set the Loudness Unit parameter to LKFS. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 122 If the processed input signal is already in stereo, this parameter has no effect. The default is -6 dB, which corresponds to stan- dard downmix in AC3 decoders. Because the algorithm has a high internal headroom, there is DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 123: Lwiz2 Format - Upcon Page

    LFE channel when upconversion is active. Expect some consumers to have LFE repro- duced up to 10  dB louder than the main chan- nels. A conservative LFE setting is recommend- ed. Also note that LFE level is disregarded in BS.1770. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 124: Lwiz2 Format - Weight Page

    Typical downmix gains would be 0 dB for L and whether dynamic LFE gain correction should fol- R, -3 dB for Center, and between -3 and -6 dB low loudness adjustments of the Main channels for Surrounds. (Main link setting) or not (Bypass setting). DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 125 (“Downmix” setting), depending on legislation or on the number of expected listeners using either loudspeaker configuration. If a majority of a sta- tion’s listeners use mono or stereo speakers, the Downmix setting leads to greater listener satis- faction. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 126: Lwiz2 Style Page

    Format – UpCon page. LFE Process Hi Cut parameter Use the LFE Process Hi Cut parameter to set the cut-off frequency for the LFE extraction low- pass filter. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 127 Format – UpCon page. Decorrelate parameter Use the Decorrelate parameter to specify the de- correlation algorithm for the surround channels. Focus parameter Use the Focus parameter to set the surround image. The obtainable surround imaging ranges DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 128: Lwiz2 Anorm - Setup Page

    If dynamic processing is required to reduce LRA, use the Processing Rate parameter to influence the processing rate. aNorm uses adaptive rates, but Processing Rate allows to apply an offset by default, which is labelled “Medium”. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 129: Lwiz2 Anorm - Trim Page

    Stereo Offset parameter While the BS.1770 measurement works for ste- reo as well as for 5.1 signals, a slightly different Target Level may be better in certain distribu- DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 130 Loudness Wizard 2 Butterfly Meter section Resolution parameter Use the Resolution parameter to set the scale of the Butterfly Meter. Scale parameter Use the Scale parameter to choose between absolute (LUFS/LKFS) or relative (LU) loudness level scales. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 131: Lwiz2 Anorm - Advanced Page

    History Length A/B parameter to B. parameter to a shorter time frame so that adjust- ments will happen quickly enough – at the price of possibly turning engaging audio into sausage. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 132: Lwiz2 Butterfly Page

    It displays your content before Before we explore the Butter Meter as such, let and after loudness normalization, giving you an us outline its relationship to TC Electronic’s pop- easy to read overview of how and why the in- ular Loudness Radar Meter.
  • Page 133 Shows pre and post processing loudness in a compact view that takes up little space view Scales Absolute (LUFS/LKFS) or Relative (LU) Loudness Level scales Loudness Standards Supports all major broadcast standards, including ITU BS.177O-3, ATSC A/85, EBU R128, ARIB TR-B32, OP-59 DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 134 The bar graph meters display short-term This indicator shows the time since your last loudness before and after processing – just measurement reset. For more information, see right for checking e.g. dialog level. “LWiz2 – Reset feature” on page 115. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 135 You can change the display resolution to your preference on the aNorm Setup page. The fol- lowing example has been set to 6 LUFS/LKFS steps. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 136: Lwiz2 Limit Page

    Raising the headroom can be accomplished by moving down the Target Level and/or raising the Limit Threshold. The headroom in BS.1770- based standards is typically 22 dB – significantly more than broadcast ever had before. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 137 If a threshold is exceeded in any channel, all channels are limited. Profile parameter Use the Profile parameter to optimize the adap- tive true-peak limiter based on content, or based on the output platform. The available settings are: DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 138 DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 139: Lm6 - Introduction

    ► LM6 represents a quantum leap away from sim- Real-time loudness meter compliant with well as the output stage of DB6. ply measuring audio level to measuring per- ceived loudness. – EBU R128, It shows the user the essence of the “loudness...
  • Page 140 (yellow). Audio engineers instinctively target a certain Dy- See Fig 2: namic Range Tolerance profile when mixing. But because level normalization in broadcast and music production is based on peak level mea- DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 141: Lm6 - Basic Use

    When production engineers realize the bound- aries they should generally stay within, less dy- namics processing is automatically needed dur- ing distribution, and the requirement for main- taining time-consuming metadata at a broadcast station is minimized. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 142 LED ring, and at the radar circle marking the transition from green to yel- low. The yellow numbers in the lower part of the dis- play are the two descriptors Loudness Range Program Loudness. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 143: Lm6 - Radar Page

    LUFS reading is in line with how peak level is typ- ically measured in a digital system, and compat- ible with Dolby AC3 and E metadata, while the LU approach calls for a certain Target Loudness to have been predetermined, like e.g. a VU meter. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 144 To measure dialog with LM6 the same way Dolby LM100 is sometimes used, solo the Center chan- nel during a spot check to momentarily disable the channel weighting specified in BS.1770, if you’re working on a 5.1 stem. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 145 As described in EBU R128, it is recommended to make full use of the headroom with true-peaks going to -1  dBFS in production, and to only restrict peak level further during distribution/transmission. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 146: Lm6 - Main Page

    As with Program Loudness and Loudness Max, formed, and if too much or too little compres- the meter should be reset before measuring sion has been applied. If a journalist or video LRA. editor isn’t capable of arriving at a suitable LRA, DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 147 Be sure to set this parameter correctly prognosis) as quickly as possible after a reset. for compliance in your region. The Program Loudness target is more or less the same for broadcasters around the world, espe- DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 148 Relative gate at -20 LU, safety gate (e.g. -3.4 LU). at -70 LUFS. LU Reference parameter The LU Reference parameter defines the loud- ness required to obtain a “12 o’clock” reading on the outer ring of the Radar display, which is the DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 149: Lm6 - Setup Page

    L, R, C, LS and RS channels. If one or more of the channels drop out over a pro- Radar Resolution parameter longed time, the LED is lit. Range: 3 to 12 dB/div DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 150 Stereo and 5.1 input signals if you set Peak Indicator to -1  dBFS, the PEAK indicator on the Radar page will be lit when the signal is -1 dBFS or above. Fig. 69.: Preset View switched on DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 151 Range: -30 to 0 LUFS / “Off” Use the M Threshold parameter to specify the value that should trigger a High Loudness alarm. This alarm will be sent through the GPO and shown on the LM6 Alert LED. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 152: Lm6 - Stat(Istic)S Page

    ► PLR (Peak to Loudness Ratio) tection is the general rule in digital mixers and TC Electronic has undertaken extensive loud- DAWs. The side effect of using such a simplistic ness model investigation and evaluation. About PLR (Peak to Loudness Ratio)
  • Page 153 All 5.1 channels fed with a -20  dBFS, 1 kHz gine of LM6 follows the standard precisely. sine tone: Reading of -15,4 LUFS. Possible updates to the ITU standard may be re- leased as LM6 updates, provided that process- ing requirements doesn’t exhaust the system. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 154 LM6 may use either the measurement unit of LU Control of loudness is probably the only audio is- (Loudness Units) or LUFS (Loudness Units Full In TC Electronic LM2, LM5 and LM6, short-term, sue that has made it to the political agenda. Po- Scale).

  • Page 155: Lm6 Log Files

    Use the Common Log File Folder field to specify a folder on your computer where retrieved log files should be stored. The folder you set here is a common folder for all the products controlled from this particular TC Icon software. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 156 – see “Auto Logging” on page Log page: 154. Select a log file from the log file list and click this button to show its header information (see “Log file header” on page 154. DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 157: Auto Logging

    Log file retrieval can be activated for a wide # TC Electronic LM6 Loudness Meter spreadsheet applications such as Microsoft Ex- range of TC Electronic devices from TC Icon # DB6 serial number 13508233 - Firmware 1.25.00 cel or Apple Numbers for further analysis. software. # Meter M1...
  • Page 158 Log Select page DB6 meter log file retrieval “Auto log is not available from this device” On a DB6, the Meter Engines M1 and M2 are al- If a product controlled by the Icon application To activate Auto Logging, ways available. Enable Auto Logging from them does not feature a Loudness Meter.
  • Page 159 Auto log button time of day when the next log file should be re- Click this button to enable Auto Logging for all trieved. The clock is set in 24 hours format. devices/Engines that have the respective Meter DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 160 This field shows a countdown to the next log file retrieval in hours, minutes and seconds. Retrieving Log From display The name of the device and the Engine from which a log file is currently being retrieved, e.g. “7: Loudness Pilot No.87 – M2” DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 161: Appendix 1: Links And Additional Information

    Appendix 1: Links and additional information Appendix 1: Links and additional information DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 162: Support Resources

    ► TC Electronic – product software: ► Google Plus: ► TC HD products on YouTube: tcelectronic.com/support/software/ plus.google.com/+tcelectronic/ youtube.com/user/tcelectronicHDaudio/ ► TC Electronic – all product manuals: ► Twitter: tcelectronic.com/support/manuals/ twitter.com/tcelectronic ► TC Electronic user forum: ► YouTube: forum.tcelectronic.com/ youtube.com/user/tcelectronic DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 163: Product-Related Information

    Appendix 1: Links and additional information Product-related information Extending your product’s SDI Metadata capabilities with optional licenses The capabilities of your DB6 can be extended by Allows signal processing control based on SDI ► DB6 support page: purchasing optional licenses listed below.

  • Page 164: Appendix 2: Db6 Gpi/O Page

    Appendix 2: DB6 GPI/O page Appendix 2: DB6 GPI/O page DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 165: Gpio Technical Specifications

    (this is the Selection between up to 8 presets is achieved by nector on the DB6 back panel is configured as default setting) or closed. Each relay can handle feeding the processor a DC voltage to the GPIO follows: 200 mA / 24 V AC/DC max.
  • Page 166 Appendix 2: DB6 GPI/O page cal voltages when the supply is 3.30  V. (If the supply voltage is e.g. 3.315  V, the table should be corrected by multiplying these val- ues by 3.315/3.3). 1 of 2 1.000 2.67 3.30 3.30 open Fig.

  • Page 167: Technical Specifications

    Technical specifications Technical specifications DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

  • Page 168: Db6 Frame

    DB6 Frame General Frame configuration DB6 Single holds 1 Transmission 3G card DB6 Multi holds 1 to 3 Transmission 3G cards DB6 AES (balanced/unbalanced) holds 1 Transmission 3G card Front indicators Status for: PSU 1, PSU 2, Sync, Alert, Signal Finish Natural color anodized aluminum face plate.

  • Page 169: Transmission 3G Card

    0.15 ms Adjustable online delay 0-10 sec per audio channel Delay Resolution 32 bit Frequency Response DIO DC to 23.9 kHz +/- 0.01 dB Audio sample rate 48 kHz, fully synchronous Audio processing resolution 32 bit, bit-transparent DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 170 Technical specifications Inputs and outputs – DB6 Single and DB6 Multi SDI Connectors 1 BNC In, 1 BNC Out. 75 Ohm Bypass relay Input to output while powered off and during boot-up Function Audio de-embed/embed, video thru SDI formats support – SD 525i59.94, 625i50...
  • Page 171 Technical specifications Inputs and outputs – DB6 AES unbalanced Connectors BNC, 75 Ohm Bypass Relay Input to output while powered off and during boot-up Formats supported AES/EBU (24 bit), AES3-id in/out Status bits In: Accepts all, Out: Pro-status bits Complies with standards...
  • Page 172 Technical specifications Inputs and outputs – DB6 AES balanced Connectors DSUB incl. cable for XLR, 110 Ohm Bypass Relay Input to output while powered off and during boot-up Formats supported AES/EBU (24 bit), AES3 Status bits In: Accepts all, Out: Pro-status bits...
  • Page 173 4 multi-state, multi-function. 0 V to 3.3 V DC sensing GPO output (D-SUB) 2 relays, floating, 200 mA / 24 V AC/DC max Output voltage (D-SUB) 3.3 V DC, 100 mA current limited Ethernet and remote control 2 ports, 10/100 Mbits/s, Base-T, SNMP-enabled DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)
  • Page 174 Technical specifications DB6 English Manual (2014-10-07)

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