Audecessence ModBlaster AM Broadcast Audio Processor

The Audessence ModBlaster is an affordable digital AM broadcast processor at an unheared of price point. Cramming the same hight performance DSP as the Audessence AM Pro-1 into a small semi professional package, ideal when cost reduction is a necessity not a luxory.

Adjustable input pre-filtering (lowpass and high-pass) pre-conditions audio to prepare for aggressive ‘brick-wall’ low-pass filtering later and avoids wasting modulation percentage on inaudible sub-bass components.Unsurpassed Audessence AGC developed for the professional Audessence levellers keeps programme level as consistent as desired.

Programme compression, limiting, pre-emphasis and clipping for optimum loudness and coverage increase.All this plus enhancement features for brightening and clarifying your programme. Adjustable Low-Pass filtering meets all international and national broadcasting specifications including ITU and NRSC (4kHz to 15kHz nominal).

BENEFITS:
• Loud, clean audio for AM broadcasting
• Automatically optimises incoming audio levels
• Handles speech just as well as music (not all digital audio processors manage this!)
• Improves audibility and clarity of programme
• Intuitive configuration through GUI software

APPLICATIONS:
• Audio processing for all AM broadcast applications : MW, SW/HF, LW
• Low-cost replacement for obsolete analogue processors.
• Transmitter site ‘compliance’ processing

FEATURES:

• Professional digital air-chain processing for AM radio broadcasters in a compact package
• Adjustable input High-pass filter 3Hz to 200Hz
• Phase rotator to reduce programme asymmetry
• Advanced AGC as used in our ‘ALPS’ levellers offers unsurpassed rapid control of levels
• Independent programme compression stage
• Parametric EQ to brighten programme and cut through noise
• Choice of pre-emphasis to meet national requirements including NRSC
• Adjustable, steep low-pass filter for all applications Fco 3.5kHz to 10kHz
• Sophisticated peak control dramatically increases loudness without digital grunge
• Positive peak asymmetry up to 150% (where legal)
• Factory presets deliver exactly the results you need for any application …fast
• No-tamper front panel (set-up by PC only: GUI software, USB and RS-232 ports provided)
• Bright, Always-Visible LED bargraphs for audio confidence checks
• Low audio latency (4 milliseconds), fast boot-up (<1 second).

Specifications

Frequency Response (All filters set for minimum action):
DIGITAL-DIGITAL: 20Hz-9.75kHz +/-0.1dB
ANALOGUE-ANALOGUE: 30Hz-9.75kHz +/-0.5dB

Noise:
DIGITAL-DIGITAL (rms 20Hz-20kHz): <-110dBFS
ANALOGUE-ANALOGUE: (rms 20Hz-20kHz): <-75dB ref: Limit point +8dBu

Distortion:
DIGITAL-DIGITAL (6dB limiting): <-90dB / 0.003% THD
ANALOGUE-ANALOGUE (6dB limiting): <-70dB / 0.03% THD

Inputs:
ANALOGUE: Balanced, 10k (bridging), ¼” Jack [TRS].
Standard operating level -6dBu to +14dBu (+21dBu clip point)
DIGITAL: S-PDIF (RCA/Phono); 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz sample rate. 16, 20, or 24 bits.

Outputs:
ANALOGUE: Balanced, ¼” jack [TRS]. Standard operating level -6dBu to +14dBu
DIGITAL: S-PDIF (RCA/Phono); full input rate / half input rate and 88.2 / 96kHz selectable.

Processing blocks:
High-Pass: 3dB Frequencies 3Hz [DC block], 25Hz, 30Hz, 45Hz, 70Hz, 110Hz, 130Hz, 190Hz, 270Hz.
Phase Rotator: Cancels asymmetry in certain programme material
Gated AGC: Capture range 40dB (+/-20dB); maximum positive gain can be set.
Advanced AGC enables faster, programme-dependent operation.
Compressor: Nominal 2:1 slope
Presence Enhancer: Boosts selected frequencies for intelligibility and / or brightness.
Limiter: look-ahead limiters plus NCDCS anti-aliasing clipper.
Low-Pass Filter: Cut-off frequency 3.5kHz, 4kHz, 4.5kHz, 5kHz, 5.5kHz, 6kHz, 6.5kHz, or 10kHz(NRSC)
HF Limiter: 50us or modified 75us (NRSC) emphasis curve

Control:
Setup is via PC only (GUI software supplied) and USB port (USB is on rear panel).
Select a factory preset, modify it for less or more processing, set levels etc, save to Flash memory.
Simplified operation of GUI does not require expert knowledge.
Every processing parameter, including all thresholds and time constants, can also be accessed and
modified under PC control if desired for ‘expert’ setup.

Power:
5V DC / 6 Watts. External 110V or 230V AC PSU supplied.
Dimensions & weight:
44 x 217 x 228mm deep / 1.75” x 6.5” x 9” deep. Weight: 1kg / 2.2lbs

Warranty:
1 year return-to-base warranty

Approvals:
CE (EMC and LVD), RoHS