TV & Digital Radio Audio Processor Falcon X7 – Radio products

Description

TV & Digital Radio Audio Processor Falcon X7 – Radio products

The Audio Processors for TV & Digital Radio Applications

The new Falcon is an all-in-one equipment (Audio Processor, Loudness Control, Change Over) for TV, DAB, HD Radio, Sirius XM, Web applications thanks to the 20 KHz Processing architecture.
Falcon is an Audio Processor at the top of its category thanks to many features and functions often not available on much higher priced devices.
Last but not least, Falcon sounds great, allowing you to give personality to your station by choosing, from the many presets, the one that best suits the style of your radio.

Product Overview
All-in-one 5 Bands Audio Processor with Loudness Control and Change Over/Silence Detector.
20 KHz processing allows FALCON to feed TV and digital audio broadcasting such as DAB, HD Radio, Sirius XM and Web Radio.
Fully customizable top class Audio processing tools with 5 bands compression control, adjustable Drive and Threshold, Dual AGC, 3 Bands Bqualization (Low, Mid and High frequency), Stereo Enhancer, Voice Detector and Brightness Control.
The mono sounds phase control allows to give to the human voice a more natural and pleasant sound shape. The final limiter enhances the sound presence.
40 memories allow to recall factory pre-sets or save new one to be restored according to customer needs.
Loudness control: EBU R 128 and ITU-R BS.1770-4 Recommendations for digital and analog audio outputs.
Fully configurable Audio Changeover/Silence Detector able to switch over four out of the Analog, Digital, IP, AoIP, Dante and Build In Player inputs.
Full range of inputs thanks to analog and digital audio (over XLR connectors), two IP streams and Optional Dante. The hardware bypass circuit is included in order to guarantee audio presence and programs continuity.
Full range of outputs thanks to analog and digital audio (over XLR connectors), Optional Dante, one IP stream and USB,
Integration with the existing infrastructure via Ethernet port, two RS-232 serial ports, two USB ports and six GPIO ports with optical coupler and relays.
The LAN port and the built-in Web Server allow to control & configure the processor from any device and tune audio from anywhere also using the IP streams I/O.
A dedicated digital test signal generator can send to all the physical outputs (analogue & digital) signal sample with variable frequency and amplitude, that helps to calibrate the whole audio system.
The FALCON processors logs all of the relevant data, making them available via Web and stored on the microSD card.
microSD card can be used to backup and restore the processor settings.
The FALCON processors are equipped with a universal 90-260 V AC power supply, working at 50 or 60 Hz, ready to be used in every country around the world. Due to the low power consumption (max 15 W) FALCON can be considered a “green” equipment.
The FALCON robust 1 Rack Unit design finds substance from the extensive use of steel and aluminium. FALCON appliances are immune to strong electro-magnetic fields and are suitable to be installed in extreme environments.
Features
The new FALCON audio processors integrate, as usual for AxelTech, many accessory features mandatory in the TV and digital radio workflows.
FALCON series equipment ensures top quality performances and exclusive audio. It features powerful DPSs, 5-bands architecture, dual bands AGCs, 3-bands equalizer, stereo enhancer, speech detector and 5 limiters. The comprehensive and accurate control of each audio parameter allows to shape perfectly the audio to broadcast unique and exceptional branded sound.
COMPLETE SET OF INPUTS
Extended Changeover/Silence Detector with configurable source priorities out of 11 sources:
1xAnalog, 2xAES/EBU, 2xIP, 1xAES192, 1xDante (Optional), 1xInternal Player

COMPLETE SET OF OUTPUTS
1xAnalog, 2xAES/EBU, 2xIP, 1xAES192, 1xDante (Optional)

BUILT-IN AUDIO PLAYER
Suitable like a backup source or for test purpose.
A Test Signal Generator is also available.

ADVANCED SNMP
(Simple Network Management Protocol)
Allows data interchange and simplified configuration of third-party appliances
connected in the same LAN using shared datasets MIB.
UPGRADEABLE AND RELIABLE
Internal microSD card whit OS for Disaster Recovery.
Easily Upgradable via WEB or Windows application.

BUILT-IN AUDIO ENCODER AND STREAMER
Can manage an audio stream like an input, can generate an output audio stream.

SAMPLING RATE FROM 32 kHz TO 192 kHz

WEB BASED CONTROL PANEL
The whole system can be managed through a WEB page generated by the internal web Server.
The main functions can be managed through the physical panel.
Advanced features
20 KHz PROCESSING
20 KHz processing allows to use it as processor for TV and digital audio broadcasting such as DAB Audio, HD Radio Audio, Sirius XM Audio, Web Radio Audio.

LOUDNESS PROCESSING
EBU R 128 and ITU-R BS.1770-4 Loudness Recommendations available for digital and analog radio processing chains compliant with every country loudness rules.

MPX LOUDNESS PROCESSING
ITU BS.412 MPX Power Loudness Recommendations available for MPX processing chains compliant with every country loudness rules.

DANTE AUDIO-OVER-IP CONNECTIVITY (Optional)
Dante option (also supporting AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110-30 transport protocols) provides an Ethernet connection for 1 Stereo Input and 1 Stereo Output, with independent and dedicated Level Control and Sample Rate Conversion.

MPX over AES 192 (AES3)
This is the standard for exchange the digital MPX RDS signals between professional audio devices.
192 kHz standard is supported by several transmitter manufacturers.
ADVANCED CHANGEOVER
The Advanced Audio Changeover/Silence Detector is able to switch between any available input source:
Analog, Digital, IP, DanteTM, Internal Audio Player.

REAL TIME AUDIO MONITOR
Processing delay is quite non audible and depends on the processing complexity.
Audio Processing
Clarity of sound
FALCON processors high-quality hardware design and software algorithms produce a detailed, crystal clear sound on any speaker system, always preserving original audio signature.
Voice processor
A dedicated processing section boosts presence of voice delivering a soft, silky sounding effect. Vocals are always on top of the mix making lyrics comfortably audible. Each instrument and vocalist gains dominium of its own space.
Extreme density
FALCON processors deliver full impact sound at the highest volume density preserving original audio detail, identity and mood. The dedicated ‘Bass Enhancer’ stage delivers a strong and effective ‘drum punch’ for a deep musical emotion.
Here are the (processing) tools to make it sound as you like
Automatic Gain Control – AGC
Drive
Attack
Release
Gate Threshold
Idle Compression
Work Zone Release
Idle SpeedWork Zone Thresholdù
L/R Linkae
Band Copling
Phase Rotator
HP Filter

Enhancer
Stereo Enhancer
Mode, Band, Effect Limiter, Effect Drive, Effect Depth
Pre-Process Equalizer
Low Band, Mid Band, High Band
Speech Detector
Mode
Action

Compressors Controls
Threshold (for each of 5 bands)
Drive (for each of 5 bands)
Multiband Proc. Type
Multiband Coupling

Limiters
Final Limiter Bass Drive
Final Limiter Main Drive
Main/Bass Mix Balance
Limiters Look Ahead Detail
Super Bass
Expander
Process Brilliance
Overdrive
Wide Process Brilliance Attenuation
Audio Processing PresetsThe right sound for your radio in a few clicks, with our factory presets
Falcon processors are factory populated with 60 presets belonging to 10 families, allowing sound engineer to rapidly find the desired sound.

Each preset family has 6 different flavors:
Standard
EFX – Effect Extension
Compressed
Compressed EFX – Effect Extension
Highly Compressed
Highly Compressed EFX – Effect Extension

Presets families:

General Purpose
This is a preset able to offer the maximum to a radio with a schedule made of music, news and talk.
Moderate AGC response, Mid/High density and compression.

Ambient
The best preset for Ambient, Lounge, Chillout and Fusion music.
Very slow AGC, warm & detailed sound and a low compression.

Rock
Base preset for Rock and Classic Rock music. Mid compression and fast AGC.

Hard Rock
Base preset for Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music. Low compression and fast AGC.

Country
Base preset for Country and Folk music. Low compression and fast AGC.

Disco
Let’s dance, with this preset for Disco music. Low compression and fast AGC.

Oldies
Base preset for Oldies music, with Low compression and fast AGC.

Talk
Typical preset for Talk radio and Talk programs, with low compression and fast AGC.

Classic
A very gentle preset suitable for Classical music and Opera, with low compression and fast AGC.

70s-80s
Designed for thematic radios focused on 70s-80s Pop music with, low compression and fast AGC

And then you can extend these presets by adding new families and variants
Signal Routing and Changeover
The new FALCON processor includes a technologically advanced Audio Changeover/Silence Detector able to switch between any available source: Analog, Digital, IP, AoIP…
In case of missing audio from any external sources, the processor can play the playlist stored in the microSD.
An embedded Test Signals Generator allows to output an audio signal suitable for testing the equipment or the whole audio system.

I/O Connections
FALCON Audio Processor new series features a complete set of input and outputs connections. Analog and AES/EBU digital audio connections are standard with hardware bypass:
Analog Input > Analog Output | Digital1 Input > Digital1 Output
Three USB ports (one on the front, one on the rear panel and one installed on the internal circuit board), allow to update the firmware, record system logs and play audio tracks. microSD allows to clone the whole setup from one Falcon to another one.

Front Panel
FALCON D7 features a wide LCD monitor, TFT Technology (480×128) that shows the input and output processing, including the corrections for each band featured from the compressor, the limiters and the multiband AGC.
Obviously it shows also the input and output of all signal levels.
Moreover trough the display it’s possible to check the system status: operating parameters, GPI/O port status, etc..
A TRS (stereo Jack 6,3 mm) connector allows monitoring both original and processed signal, checking in the faster way the differences between the available pre-sets.

Communications & Alarms
FALCON audio processors can exchange information with other equipment through some communication ports:
One LAN/WAN port, two RS-232 serial ports, two USB ports, one GPIO port with optical coupler and relays.
Information will be sent (status, alarms) or received (commands).
A panel with 40 LEDs (the LCD panel in the bigger model) shows status information.
Alarm messages can be sent via GPO, SNMP (Trap), http and email.

Web Server
Users can manage FALCON equipment via LAN, no need to install any client software.
The internal Web Server can be managed with any browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Explorer, Opera…). The GUI on the web page is clear, easy to use and responsive, suitable to be managed from any device: Personal Computers, tablets, smartphones.
SNMP (v 2.0) programming protocol allows to manage the whole command set.

FALCON firmware implements also HTTP, FTP, SNMP, SMTP, UDP, TCP and is PV4 – IPV6 addressing compliant. RDS services need a precise synchronization: the system tries to connect to a primary NTP, backup NTP and to an external GPS receiver (not supplied).
Moreover connecting an external GPS allows to geo-localize the FALCON. The WEB server supplies a page with a map that shows the appliance position.

Standard Ethernet interface can manage up to 4 independent TCP ports, up to 4 separate UDP ports and 1 SNMP port. Obviously, it shows also the input and output of all signal levels.

Signal Routing GUI

Audio Output

Monitor Out
Technical Specifications
Analog Input – AUDIO
Number of Inputs 1 Stereo
Connectors: 2 XLR, female – Electronically balanced – EMI Suppression
A/D Conversion: 24bit Sigma-Delta Conversion (Crystal CS4272)
AD Clipping Point 24.0 dBu
Operative Nominal Level From –12.0dBu to 13.0dBu (0.1dBu Step) Software adjustable
Line Impedance 10 kΩ (Electronically balanced selectable)
Distortion Less than 0.01% TDH NOISE (0.0 dBu 1Khz)
AD Dynamic Range 108 dB RMS (110 dB A weighted)
Input Modes Stereo, Mono (Left), Mono (Right), Mono (Left Right)
CMRR input >60 dB (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
FM Frequency range 5 Hz-15 kHz ( /- 0,5dB when processing is disabled)
DAB Frequency range 5 Hz-20 kHz ( /- 0,5dB when processing is disabled)
Digital Input – AUDIO
Inputs Number 2 (1st for audio, 2nd for audio or Digital MPX)
Connectors XLR, female – Electronically balanced– EMI Suppression
Format AES3/EBU
Input impedance 110 Ω
Sample rate 32 kHz / 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz /96 kHz / 192 kHz with src and jitter attenuation
Operative Nominal level From 0.0 dBFs to -25.0 dBFs (0.1 dBu step) Software adjustable
Dynamic Range 125 dB (Typical), 122 dB (Minimal)
Distortion Less than 0.01% TDH NOISE (0.0 dBu 1Khz)
Input Modes Stereo, Mono (Left), Mono (Right), Mono (Left Right)
Conversion dynamic range 124 dB (32 KHz) | 126 dB (44,1 kHz) | 126 dB (48 kHz) 122 dB (96 kHz)
Conversion resolution 24 bits
FM Frequency range 2 Hz-15 kHz ( /- 0,025dB when processing is disabled)
DAB Frequency range 2 Hz-20 kHz ( /- 0,025dB when processing is disabled)
Analog Output AUDIO
Output Number 1
Connectors 2 XLR, female – Electronically balanced – EMI Suppression
D/A Conversion 24 bit Sigma-Delta Conversion (Crystal CS4272)
Output Level -6.0 dBu to 20.0 dBu (0.1 dBu Step)
Output Level Max. 24,0 dBu
Impedance Source 10 Ω
Load Impedance 600 Ω or greater
THD Noise Less than 0.01% (0.0dBu @ 1 kHz)
Signal to noise Ratio >80 dB unweight – 100% Mod. 20 Hz–15 KHz
L/R CrossTalk < –70 dB, 20 Hz–15 KHz
Pre-emphasis OFF, 50 µsec, 75 µsec
FM Frequency range 5 Hz-15 kHz ( /- 0,5dB when processing is disabled)
DAB Frequency range 5 Hz-20 kHz ( /- 0,5dB when processing is disabled)
Digital Output AUDIO
Outputs Number 2 (1st for audio, 2nd for audio or Digital MPX)
Connectors Balanced on 1 XLR – EMI Suppression
Format AES3/EBU
Output impedance 110 Ω
Sample rates 32 kHz / 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz / 96 kHz / 192 kHz Software selectable
Resolution 24 bit
Operative Nominal level From 0.0 dBFs to -30dBFs (0.1 dBu step)
Dynamic Range 125 dB (Typ), 122 dB (Min)
Distortion Less than 0.01% TDH NOISE (0.0 dBu 1 Khz)
Pre-emphasis OFF, 50 µsec, 75 µsec
FM Frequency range 2 Hz-15 kHz ( /- 0,025 dB when processing is disabled)
DAB Frequency range 2 Hz-20 kHz ( /- 0,025 dB when processing is disabled)
BACKUP PLAYER
Physical support USB Flash Drive, microSD CARD (max 64GB)
Audio file format MP3, WAV
Sample Rate 32 | 44,1 | 48 | 64 | 96 kHz
PHYSICAL
Dimensions 485 x 44 x 240 mm (1 rack unit)
AC Rate Voltage 230Vac / 110Vac /- 10% – 30VA – Connector IEC 3-Wire detachable
AC Frequency 50 Hz / 60 Hz /- 4%
Power factor 0,9
Processing architecture Fully digital, based on DSP 24bit/250Mhz.
5 band Signal processing
Weight 3,5 Kg
Operating temperature -5°C / 50°C up to 95% non condensing
Max Altitude Up to 3000 meters above marine level
Safety Standard CE, ETL, UL
RFI Falcon X/D has been designed to work in strong RF Fields and it is provided with Standard RFI filters. Necessary RFI filters are standard and same are provided.
Grounding One more earth terminal is provided in the Falcon X/D body to connect audio earth connection

Falcon D7 is a modern, cutting-edge audio processors for TV, DAB, HD Radio, Sirius XM, Web Radio applications including Change Over &amp; Loudness Control