Aqua Broadcast Cobalt C-700 Digital FM Transmitter 700 watt stereo w DDS Exciter and audio processor

Description

The COBALT C-700 is a robust 700W FM Broadcast Transmitter, boasting FCC part 73 LPFM and IC certifications. Its exceptional audio quality and clear sound from the Direct to Channel Digital technology with minimal manipulation, maintains audio integrity.

Operating on a fully customized LINUX OS system, this transmitter features a low-distortion modulator available across all COBALT FM Transmitter models. Input and output options include Analog, AES/EBU, Digital MPX (AES192), Ethernet, USB, GPIO, GPS Sync with built-in SFN capabilities.

Tailored for applications like smaller transmitter sites, community, and college radio, or as an exciter requiring high-quality audio, the COBALT C700 ensures market-leading sound. It comes equipped with a built-in 4-band Audio Processor, featuring Bass enhancement, Pilot protection, Wide AGC, and a range of expertly designed modern presets for an impressive start.

The modern design with its Ultra-clear RGB display and Intuitive Joystick controls with Haptic feedback and silicon buttons allow for swift setup, ensuring you get on the air in no time.

The advanced communication package includes an intuitive web interface and remote control via Ethernet (https). Full SNMP v1, v2c, and v3 management, with the ability to send emails, alerts, and remotely monitor audio, provide confidence with global control from any device with a web browser.

An advanced automations package enables settings changes based on conditions, SNMP, GPI, or through the scheduler function – all built into the system.

Optional extras include;

• 5 Band Audio Processor, fully adjustable for your output, gives you the edge with a complete all-in-one solution.
• Dante® for crystal-clear digital audio connection from any Dante® compatible product or environment.
• µMPX for STL, transporting a full FM composite MPX signal at a low bit rate of 320 kbit/s. Easily distribute audio to all your COBALT transmitters with the µMPX interface.
• Dual Redundant PSU – Each PSU has its own AC input for true redundancy.
• 48V DC Power input (power to exciter only, no RF power is available)
• Externally Mounted Fans
• Access to all components and software-controlled variable fan speed ensures low maintenance costs.

With the highest AC efficiency, a compact design, and reduced weight, the COBALT C-700 ensures low transportation costs and stands as the model with the lowest total cost of ownership in its class.

 

STANDARD FEATURES

• Direct to Digital Synthesized modulation
• Linux OS
• RGB Screen
• 4 Band Audio Processor
• Dynamic, UECP Compliant RDS Encoder
• ITU-R BS412.9 Limiter
• Digital MPX (AES192)
• Ethernet Control with HTTPS
• SNMP v1, v2c, v3
• Advanced Automations and configurations
• Scheduler
• Audio Failover and Silence Detection
• GPS Sync for SFN

 

Available OPTIONS (must be ordered together with the transmitter – it will be factory fitted!

• Dante / AES67 audio
• µMPX
• 5 Band Audio Processor
• Second redundant PSU
• 48V DC Power input (power to exciter only, no RF power is available)
• Tuner

Specifications:

GENERAL

Output Power (W)                      700W

Range (W)        200-700W

RF Output connector                7/16 DIN (Female)

Input ACV @ 50/60Hz              110-240

Power Connector                       IEC 13A filtered

Temperature controlled fan    1

Power supplies                            1

Dimensions WxDxH (inch)      19 x 18 x 2RU (3.5″)

Dimensions WxDxH (cm)         48.2 x 45.7 x 8.8

Weight               7.2kg / 15.87lb

MODULATOR

Transmitter type                         Solid-state FM Stereo transmitter

Modulator       Direct-to-channel (DDS)

RF Output Frequency Range  VHF Band II, 87-108MHz

RF Frequency Steps                   100kHz

Frequency Stability                    ±1 ppm or ±150Hz in 0-50⁰C range with internal 10MHz clock  reference

FM Modulation Range Capability                      75kHz default, 100% modulation user adjustable up to 105kHz  140%), maximum 300kHz

RF

Power Stability                            ≤ ± 0.25dB

Asynchronous/AM noise         ≤ -60dB

Synchronous AM s/n ratio      ≤ -60dB

RF Harmonic and Spurious Suppression         Meets ETSI requirements

VSWR operation                         Fully protected against gradual or sudden VSWR conditions. Proportional power reduction from VSWR 1.5:1

STEREO ENCODER

Performance    400Hz/1kHz test tones at modulation level ≤75kHz

Modes               Stereo, Mono L+R, Mono L, Mono R

Frequency response                  20Hz-15kHz ±0.02dB

Pre-emphasis  0, 50 or 75μs

Pilot tone          19kHz, adjustable level 0-12%

Subcarriers suppression          ≤ -70dB

Stereo separation                       ≥75dB AES/EBU input, ≥70dB Analogue input

Stereo SNR       ≥80dB with 75us de-emphasis, ≥75dB without de-emphasis, both inputs

Stereo THD+N <0.03%

Crosstalk           ≥70dB, between L+R and L-R due to channel matching, both inputs

MONO PERFORMANCE

Frequency response                  20Hz – 15kHz  ±0.02dB

Pre-emphasis 0, 50 or 75 µs

Mono SNR        ≥75dB AES/EBU input, ≥70dB Analogue input

Mono THD+N  ≤0.002% analogue input, ≤0.001% AES input, with 75us  de-emphasis

ANALOGUE MPX INPUT PERFORMANCE

Frequency response                  10Hz-53kHz ±0.03dB, 53kHz-70kHz ±0.3dB

FM SNR             10Hz-53kHz ±0.03dB, 53kHz-70kHz ±0.3dB

THD+N               ≤0.003% with 75us de-emphasis

DIGITAL MPX INPUT PERFORMANCE

Frequency response                  -90kHz ±0.005dB

FM SNR             ≥100dB, with 75us de-emphasis

THD+N               ≤0.001% with 75us de-emphasis

AUDIO INPUTS

Analogue          2 x XLR female, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-24dBu

Digital                 24dBu AES/EBU via RJ45 per StudioHUB+, level adjustable  -20-0dBFS, sampling rates 32-192 kHz

AUDIO OUTPUT

Headphones Out                        1/4″ (6.3mm) female stereo socket, software adjustable volume, minimum load impedance 16Ω

WIDEBAND INPUTS

Analogue MPX                             BNC,  10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu

Digital MPX      AES/EBU via RJ45 per StudioHUB+, level -20-0dBFS, sampling rate 192kHz left channel

Analogue  RDS BNC,  10kΩ impedance, level adjustable from 0.1-10Vpp

WIDEBAND INPUTS

Analogue MPX                             BNC,  10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu

Digital MPX      BNC,  10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu

RDS GENERATOR

Type                   Fully Dynamic RDS/RDS2/RBDS Generator

Protocols          ASCII commands, UECP protocol and X-Command Multi-port architecture

Ports

UART over USB-B & Ethernet

 

COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL

10MHz input   BNC, 50Ω terminated

1PPS input       BNC, 50Ω terminated

RF sample output                       SMA, 50Ω, -30dBc

UART over USB                            USB-B, system control

USB                     2 x USB-A, storage & FW upgrade

Ethernet            1 x RJ45

RS232                DB25 shared connector, system control

GPIO                   DB25 shared connector, 8 x output & 8 x input, all optically isolated.

Interlock/RF Mute                      DB25 shared connector, programmable logic/polarity

Analogue voltage output         DB25 shared connector, 4-channel 0-5V range

ENVIRONMENTAL

Altitude             15,000 ft / 4,420m AMSL

Temperature range                    0 to +45ºC working. -10 to +50ºC storage

Humidity           95% @ 35ºC, non-condensing