Description

The TV 5 Bands Audio Processor with Loudness Control and Change Over/Silence Detector.20 KHz processing allows FALCON to feed TV Fully customizable top class Audio processing tools with 5 bands compression control, adjustable Drive and Threshold, Dual AGC, 3 Bands Equalization (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 Axel Tech, 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.

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 Threshold
  • 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 Presets The 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

 

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
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

 

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

 

COMMUNICATION
Connection with radio automation: Software	Yes
Network connectivity	4 TCP ports / 4 UDP / 1 SNMP
Configuration software	Web Server, FTP
Password protection	Yes
ASCII Protocol	Configuration messages
REST Command	Yes
Alert notifications on user-defined events via SNMP traps or E-mails	Yes
Embedded SNMP agent permitting: active management tasks	Yes
Supported Network Protocols	HTTP, SNTP, UDP, TCP, NTP, FTP
UECP Protocol	EBU SPB490 Ver. 7.05
PI Calculator	Yes
RDS 2.0 Ready	Yes

System Features
Remote interface GPIn	6x GP In optocoupled
Remote interface GPOut	4x Relays – dry contacts
Remote interface connector	DB 25 female connector – EMI suppressed
Remote interface GPIO Voltage and Current	DC 5V Source and Sink 10 mA
Communication Port	2 x RS232, 3 x USB, 1 x LAN
Serial Interfaces	1st RS232 on DB9 female connector – EMI suppressed 2nd RS232 on DB25 female connector – EMI suppressed
Firmware can be upgraded in the field	Yes
Front-panel Colour TFT Display)	Yes
Data may be entered on-site with Front-panel Buttons	Yes
Front Panel LEDs	40