1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Linear Acoustic Manuals
  4. Music Equipment
  5. AERO.qc
  6. User manual

Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Manual

Audio quality controller with optional hd/sd-sdi and dolby decoding
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
AERO.qc
Audio Quality Controller
with
Optional
HD/SD-SDI and Dolby Decoding
User Guide

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading

Related Manuals for Linear Acoustic AERO.qc

Summary of Contents for Linear Acoustic AERO.qc

  • Page 1 AERO.qc Audio Quality Controller with Optional HD/SD-SDI and Dolby Decoding User Guide...
  • Page 3 AERO.qc Audio Quality Controller with Optional HD/SD-SDI and Dolby Decoding User Guide Release Date: July, 2010 Software Version: 1.00.00 and later Linear Acoustic Inc. Phone: 717-735-3611 FAX: 717-735-3612 Web: www.LinearAcoustic.com...

  • Page 4: Warranty Information

    Linear Acoustic or its agents have been advised, orally or in writing, of the possibility of such damages. This product contains Audyne dynamic range and loudness control processing and is manufactured under license.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Table of Contents List of Figures ............................vii Chapter 1: Introduction ........................5 Principles of Operation..................6 Reference Levels and Line Up Features..............7 Powering Up and Shutting Down................7 Reset and Upgrades ....................7 Warranty and Feedback ..................7 Chapter 2: Connections and Quick Setup ...............9...
  • Page 6 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Chapter 5: Monitor Setup ......................35 Monitor Calibration (Analog Outputs) .............35 5.1.1 Main Channel SPL Adjustment............35 5.1.2 Subwoofer SPL Adjustment ...............36 5.1.3 Speaker Equalization................37 5.1.4 Speaker Delay..................37 5.1.5 Listen!.....................37 Chapter 6: Troubleshooting .......................39 Problems and Possible Causes................39 6.1.1...

  • Page 7: List Of Figures

    Audio Block Diagram .........................6 Rear Panel ............................10 AERO.qc Used for ingest of discrete audio channels ..............14 AERO.qc Used for ingest of SDI embedded audio channels ............15 AERO.qc used for decode of Dolby E during ingest ..............16 AERO.qc used for live production ....................17 Locked Main Screen (left);...
  • Page 8 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide viii...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1: Introduction

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Chapter 1: Introduction The Linear Acoustic AERO.qc Audio Quality Controller is an all-in-one unit that com- bines ITU-R BS.1770 loudness measurement with tools to allow manual or automatic cor- rection plus extensive monitoring functions that allow the most complete downmix emulation available.

  • Page 10: Principles Of Operation

    Specific processing presets and adjustments are discussed in Chapter 7. Figure 1-1 shows the internal audio path of the AERO.qc. It should be noted that this di- agram is a general representation of signal flow. Please consult the appropriate section of this manual for specific functionality.

  • Page 11: Reference Levels And Line Up Features

    Introduction Reference Levels and Line Up Features The AERO.qc is designed to support a standard reference level of -20dBFS via its digital inputs. Other levels can be supported as the slow-moving Input AGC will easily compen- sate for any level differences. The AERO.qc contains a host of built in signal generation capabilities that are useful for both level calibration of downstream equipment, and for channel identification.
  • Page 12 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Introduction...

  • Page 13: Chapter 2: Connections And Quick Setup

    One or two IEC power cords (style matches country of order); • this manual, and a small piece of SWAG • Warranty information: Please fill out and return the warranty card to Linear Acoustic to ensure your software and documentation are kept up to date. Installation AERO.qc installation requires: •...

  • Page 14: Rear Panel

    The rear panel of the AERO.qc contains its electrical I/O. 2.3.1 Connection Ports All of the AERO.qc’s connections are on the rear panel and are described in detail below. See Chapter 5: Specifications for specific pinouts. Figure 2-1 Rear Panel •...
  • Page 15 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Connections and Quick Setup • Cal Mic Input (OPTION): Analog line-level input for a calibration microphone used by the built-in real time spectrum analyzer (RTA). Also provides +/-15V DC output to power an external mic to line preamplifier. Please see Chapter 8 for pinout or con- tact the factory for details.

  • Page 16: Quick Setup Notes

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Connections and Quick Setup Quick Setup Notes The Linear Acoustic AERO.qc is configured at the factory and is ready to go on the air after making the proper input and output connections and determining if upmixing is de- sired.

  • Page 17: Chapter 3: Applications

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Chapter 3: Applications The Linear Acoustic AERO.qc Audio Quality Controller was designed to provide all of the tools necessary to produce, ingest, and correct high quality stereo and multichannel audio content: • Multichannel input attenuator provides manual adjustment of input +/-18dB •...

  • Page 18: Aero.qc Used For Ingest Of Discrete Audio Channels

    Powered monitor speakers can be driven directly from the analog outputs of the AERO.qc, or an operator can simply use a pair of headphones.

  • Page 19: Aero.qc Used For Ingest Of Sdi Embedded Audio Channels

    Similar to Figure 3-1, SDI audio can be played back from tape, monitored for proper qual- ity and loudness level, and manual or automatic adjustment of the content can be per- formed as it is captured by the server or another tape machine. The AERO.qc also simultaneously outputs the audio via AES for other applications.
  • Page 20 Powered Speakers Server – Discrete Audio Figure 3-3 AERO.qc used for decode of Dolby E audio and loudness measurement during ingest The AERO.qc can optionally contain a Dolby E/Dolby Digital decoder enabling it to re- place several pieces of equipment normally used during ingest. Audio can be decoded, checked for proper loudness, adjusted if necessary, upmixed if desired, then output at dis- crete or embedded.

  • Page 21: Aero.qc Used For Live Production

    Shown in Figure 3-4 is a greatly simplified live application. The AERO.qc is used to mea- sure the loudness of the live mix and feeds audio to a backhaul encoder (Linear Acoustic e-squared shown, but could be Dolby E).
  • Page 22 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Applications...

  • Page 23: Chapter 4: Detailed Operation

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Chapter 4: Detailed Operation This chapter discusses in detail the structure of the Linear Acoustic AERO.qc, how to use the front panel LCD interface to access the menus, accessing and saving factory and user processing presets, GPI and Metadata setup, and information about test tone generation features of the unit.
  • Page 24 The proprietary, industry standard and road- proven UPMAX algorithm is incorporated in the AERO.qc. This allows for realistic 5.1 channel audio to be created from normal stereo inputs, and performs even better when presented with matrix surround encoded two channel audio (i.e. LtRt). Two channel mono can also be accommodated in an audibly pleasing manner.
  • Page 25 AutoMAX is a method for automatically controlling the upmixing function of the AERO.qc in situations where there is no GPI or metadata control signal available. This is accomplished by detecting if the RMS signal level in the Center or Surround channels crosses an adjustable threshold.
  • Page 26 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Detailed Operation If signals in any or all of the discrete Center or Surround input channels cross the thresh- old, the Auto upmixing process is inaudibly crossfaded to bypass, and all audio channels are then passed completely discrete with no upmixing at all.

  • Page 27: System Info Menu

    System Info Menu The System Info menu provides real-time statistics regarding the current state of the AERO.qc. It is a quick way to judge overall system function and status. Below is the system info screen and following are descriptions of the indicators.

  • Page 28: System Options

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Detailed Operation Figure 4-3 System Info menu • Firmware Version • Host – Unit name (normally AQC260XXX where XXX are from the unit S/N) • IP Addr – 127.0.0.1 (dynamically allocated, so this will change IF connected), MAC address is directly below the IP address.
  • Page 29 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Detailed Operation • Audio Inputs – Select the source for each of the ten processing core inputs: • In 1/2 = AES In 1/2 (SDI 1/2 - 15/16) • In 3/4 = AES In 3/4 (SDI 1/2 - 15/16) •...
  • Page 30 USB device connected to the front panel USB connector. When this de- vice is installed in an AERO.qc unit and the system is power cycled, a startup message will prompt the user to allow restoring all settings of presets from USB.

  • Page 31: Test Tones

    4.1.4 Test Tones Test Tones – Multiple setup tones are available to calibrate the AERO.qc and other downstream equipment. The Level control is self-explanatory, and is set at the standard – 20 dBFS reference level and adjusts the overall level of the test signals. On/Off turns the selected test signal on or off while Cycle determines which channels will reproduce the selected test signal.

  • Page 32: Record Audio To Usb

    4.1.7 Time and Date Settings Allows configuration of the AERO.qc internal clock for correct time zone, date, and time. It also allows enabling a Network Time Piece (NTP) service which can automatically con- nect to a time server and keep time and date synchronized. Depending on the network to which the AERO.qc is connected, configuration of the facilities Ethernet router may be...

  • Page 33: Fullscreen Menu Navigation

    Detailed Operation Fullscreen Menu Navigation The Fullscreen metering menu is likely where the AERO.qc will be set during typical use. Since the majority of the screen is devoted to providing a clear indication of a number of parameters simultaneously, there is not much room left for menus. Then again, most things will be set once per session (or once period), and anything requiring adjustment such as Start/Stop, Apply, and Reset can be controlled by GPI.
  • Page 34 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Detailed Operation • Integration Time (LKFS) A-D - Adjust the integration time for each of the meters. Default is 3 seconds, 10 seconds, 30 seconds, and 10 seconds for meters A-D. • ITU Gating Level - Sets the threshold below which the meter automatically pauses.

  • Page 35: Monitoring Settings (Optional)

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Detailed Operation play which is nice to look at but harder to use when calibrating low frequencies. A typical value in the 20-50 region is useful for analyzing the frequency response of an input signal, higher numbers for room calibration.
  • Page 36 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Detailed Operation...
  • Page 37 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Detailed Operation...
  • Page 38 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Detailed Operation This Page Blank (or nearly so)

  • Page 39: Chapter 5: Monitor Setup

    In this case, it will be necessary to use an external attenuator to match the reference levels of the AERO.qc and the pow- ered speaker or amplifier. Contact the factory for more information.

  • Page 40: Subwoofer Spl Adjustment

    If the power amplifier or powered speaker is adjusted as low as possible and the desired target SPL cannot be reached, use the Center channel output trim on the AERO.qc to ad- just to the desired SPL. This adjustment can be found under the Speaker Output -> Cali- bration ->...

  • Page 41: Speaker Equalization

    Connect a microphone to a preamplifier and then to the Cal. Mic Input connector of the AERO.qc. Enable the RTA under Speaker Output -> Calibration ->RTA and set it for 1/3 octave, with averaging around 30. Make sure the RTA input is set for MIC.
  • Page 42 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Monitor Setup...

  • Page 43: Chapter 6: Troubleshooting

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Chapter 6: Troubleshooting The Linear Acoustic AERO.qc is a very stable and reliable unit, and most problems can be traced back to mis-wiring causing incorrect signals to be applied to the unit, or more than likely mis-configuration.

  • Page 44: Output Audio Clicks And Pops

    6.1.5 Audio Issues Disappear In Bypass This can be caused by a number of things, including the fact that a processor like AERO.qc can apply a great deal of gain to incoming signals. Things that would not normally be au- dible quickly get pulled out of the background.

  • Page 45: Audio Fixed By Re-Boot

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Troubleshooting 6.1.6 Audio Fixed by Re-boot This can be a very misleading situation. Experience has shown that re-booting can some- times fix things by interrupting the AES signals thereby causing equipment downstream to re-lock to the incoming signals. This will sometimes mask the true problem, and a better method would be to select a minimal processing preset (such as Protection Limit) and ob- serve the results.
  • Page 46 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Troubleshooting...

  • Page 47: Chapter 7: Presets & Processing Adjustment

    It is the factory default for all core preset choices. Use of this preset is highly recommended as it will produce audio that will have an average dialog loud- ness of -27 as measured by a Linear Acoustic LQ-1000 or LAMBDA. •...

  • Page 48: Processing Structure

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Presets & Processing Adjustment • TV 5B LOUD- TeleVision 5-Band LOUD. Similar to TV 5B HVY, but louder and more punchy. • TV 5B GEN Metadata- TeleVision 5-Band GENeral for use with Metadata. This pre- set is tuned to apply minimal processing to the input audio when the dialnorm meta- data parameter is being utilized.

  • Page 49: Adjusting Processing

    Figure 7-2 Adjust Processing Menu But first... A Word on Our Crossovers The multiband crossovers in the AERO.qc consist of second order Linkwitz Reilly style filters that hard coded to specific frequencies. As the processing required for television ap- plications is not as aggressive as other mediums, little advantage can be gained from chang- ing these values, and the remainder of the processing relies on these characteristics remaining constant.
  • Page 50 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Presets & Processing Adjustment For reference, the crossover frequencies are: • Band 1 (Low Bass): 20 Hz - 60 Hz • Band 2 (Mid Bass): 30 Hz - 200 Hz • Band 3 (Low Mid): 170 Hz - 1.15 kHz •...
  • Page 51 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Presets & Processing Adjustment Input AGC The input AGC is a very slow acting front-end gain control with a 36dB gain range whose only purpose is to make sure that the following processing stages are fed with the correct average audio levels.
  • Page 52 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Presets & Processing Adjustment -Sets the speed at which the release time is increased faster at very low gain val- ues. This feature approximates a logarithmic release to help recovery from dra- matic gain reduction more quickly.
  • Page 53 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Presets & Processing Adjustment -Gating sets the point at which the multiband AGC release time is made ex- tremely slow to prevent unnecessarily increasing background noise and allow the AGC to return to unity gain.
  • Page 54 The proprietary, industry standard and road- proven UPMAX algorithm is incorporated in the AERO.qc. This allows for realistic 5.1 channel audio to be created from normal stereo inputs, and performs even better when presented with matrix surround encoded two channel audio (i.e. LtRt). Two channel mono can also be accommodated in an audibly pleasing manner.
  • Page 55 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Presets & Processing Adjustment • Center Width: controls how much of center channel output of the upmixer is spread back into the Left and Right channel Main Outputs of the unit; The Default is 33% to prevent two channel mono material from being reproduced as stark center channel only audio, and to prevent center channel build-up with music content.
  • Page 56 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Presets & Processing Adjustment - NOTES -...

  • Page 57: Chapter 8: Specifications

    Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Chapter 8: Specifications Table 8-1 Electrical Specifications Sampling Rate 48 kHz (±0.1%) Main Out UPMAX Algorithm: 45 msec (fixed, all settings) Output Delay Main Out UPMAX-II: 60 msec (fixed, all settings) Upmixing Algorithms Linear Acoustic UPMAX and UPMAX-II...
  • Page 58 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Specifications Table 8-2 Mechanical Specifications Dimensions 3.5 × 19 × 24 in (8.9 × 48.3 × 43.2 cm) Net Weight 25 lb (11.3 kg) approx. Shipping Weight 28 lb (12.6 kg) approx. Power Requirements 90-240 VAC, auto-sensing, 50–60 Hz...
  • Page 59 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Specifications Metadata Input Port 9-pin female D-connector with full-duplex RS-485 protocol running at 115 kbps. Pinout is compatible with SMPTE 207M. Pin-for-pin compatible with Dolby metadata sources (i.e. straight-through cable should be used. Table 8-4 Metadata I/O Port Pinout...
  • Page 60 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Specifications Table 8-5 GPI/O Parallel Control Port Pinout Function Function + 5 V (150 mA) + 5 V (150 mA) GPI A (Hold Low=On) Ground GPI B (Hold Low=On) Ground GPI C (Hold Low=On) Ground...
  • Page 61 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Specifications Table 8-6 Analog Output Connector Pinout Function Function Ch 8 Ro/Rt + Out Ch 8 Ro/Rt - Out Ch 8 Ro/Rt Gnd Ch 7 Lo/Lt + Out Ch 7 Lo/Lt - Out Ch 7 Lo/Lt Gnd...
  • Page 62 Linear Acoustic AERO.qc User Guide Specifications Table 8-8 Remote Volume Port Connection Mute (GPI A) Return to Ref (GPI B) GPO A (High when Muted) GPO B (High when at Ref) Ground Encoder Phase A Input Encoder Phase B Input...

Table of Contents