Axel Tech Falcon X7 FM/DAB+/HDRadio/WEB/DRM Digital Audio Processor

The new generation of AxelTech audio processors continues in the tradition of quality, reliability and cost effectiveness, maintaining the name Falcon: renowned and valued in the broadcasting environment all around the world. The new Falcon platform marks a clear break with the previous generation and offers cutting-edge technology that feats the ease of use, exceptional performances and unparalleled sound quality, allowing to generate a modern sound of the highest quality. The X7 FALCON features full connectivity with analog and digital audio I/O (over XLR connectors), 2 independent MPX outputs, USB, GPI and serial ports. The hardware bypass circuit is included in order to guarantee audio presence and programs continuity.

FALCON series has built-in some extra special-features.

The LAN port and the built-in Web Server allow to control the processor and tune audio from anywhere. The built-in digital Stereo Generator ensures an extremely precise MPX Signal. Composite Clipper, part of the Stereo Generator circuit, grant the maximum modulation level, according with the technical rules around the world. This allows each radio station to build their unique sound shape.
The optional embedded RDS Encoder performs a full digital processing, in compliance with RDS 2.0 (UECP SPB490), and provides 2 Data Sets with a wide range of static services, including Radio Text. The logging of output signal is a native feature and give many information about signals parameters. Stored information and time span can be customized and depend on the archiving size of the SD-Card or the USB flash drive.

Audio processing functions are all fully customizable: 5 bands compression control, adjustable drive and threshold, dual bands AGC, 3 bands equalization (Low, Mid and High frequency) 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.
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 design finds substance from the extensive use of steel. FALCON appliances are immune to strong electro-magnetic fields and are suitable to be installed in extreme environments. A dedicated digital test signal generator can send to all the physical outputs (analogue, digital and MPX) signal sample with variable frequency and amplitude, that helps to calibrate the whole audio system.

Highlights

The new FALCON audio processors integrate, as usual for AxelTech, many accessory features mandatory in the radio workflow – such as the RDS coding (optional) and Stereo Generation – but also looking at the innovative technologies – such as DAB and HD Radio. 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 :1xAnalog, 2xAES/EBU, 2xMPX, 1xDante
• COMPLETE SET OF OUTPUTS: 1xAnalog, 2xAES/EBU, 2xMPX, 1xDante
• 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.
• ADVANCED RDS
• Optional Dynamic RDS fully supported, UECP Input implemented, 8 Datasets available.
• Suitable for network infrastructures.
• UPGRADEABLE AND RELIABLE
• Internal SD card whit OS for Disaster Recovery.
• Easily Upgradable via WEB or Windows application.
• 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
PROCESSING DELAY: A configurable delay (from 0 to 10”) can be applied to the FM process in order to synch with those distribution channels having a significant latency like the DAB.
DUAL PROCESSING:
15 KHz processing allows to use it as FM Audio Processor.
20 KHz processing for digital broadcasting, allows to use it as DAB Audio Processor, HD Radio Audio Processor, Sirius XM Audio Processor, Web Radio Audio Processor.
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.

RDS/RBDS ENCODER (Optional)
The RDS encoder is compliant with the major international standards:
UECP EBU SPB490 v7.05 and Cenelec in Europe and NRSC in the United States.
The new “dynamic” features allow to manage many kinds of services:
PS, RT, RT+, PTY, PTYN. Connecting the Falcon with the radio automation software it can manage many
additional information such as song title, song artist, on-air program, speaker’s name, etc. The native
interface with RSS feed format allows receiving directly news feeds and it is RDS 2.0 ready.
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 X7 processor is able to switch between any available source: Analog, Digital, MPX, AoIP…
It’s possible to add up to 10 seconds delay to MPX output to synchronize DAB signal (connected to analogue or digital output) to FM signal connected to MPX output. An embedded Test Signals Generator allows to output an audio signal suitable for testing the equipment or the whole audio system.

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.

MPX Stereo Generator
The stereo generator integrated in the DSP structure, provides an almost ideal MPX signal, optimizing the performances of the equipment to the maximum.
All of the parameters for pilot level, phase and levels are adjustable via the web page.
Stereo Generator circuit can switch the source between the internal MPX and an external signal. Switch can be managed locally or with a command sent by an external radio automation software via Ethernet or GPI.

RDS Radio Data System Encoder 
FALCON RDS embedded circuit is compliant with the latest standards:
UECP EBU SPB490 v7.05, Cenelec (Europe) and NRSC (USA).
The new “dynamic” feature allows to manage many kinds of services:
PS, RT, RT+, PTY, PTYN.
Connecting the RDS with the radio automation software it can show many kinds of information: song title, song artist, on-air program, speaker’s name, etc.
The native interface with RSS feed format (RSS 2.0) allows receiving directly news feed
The internal RDS embedding give more advantages:
> Allows to remove a separate appliance from the transmission chain
> Concentrate the control of all the broadcasting parameters just in one equipment
> Raise the output signal signal/noise ratio and stability
> Remove all the locking problems between the pilot phase and the RDS carrier phase

Technical Specifications
Analog Input – AUDIO
Connectors: Balanced on 2 XLR – EMI Suppression
Nominal Input Level (sensitivity): Adjustable via software: -12dBu : +13dBu
Level range: –21,0 dBu ÷ + 24,0 dBu
Input level max.: +24,0 dBu
A/D Conversion: CS4272 DAC 24bit 192KHz
CMRR input: >60 dB (20 Hz ÷ 20 kHz)
Digital Input – AUDIO
Inputs Number: 2
Connectors Balanced on 1 XLR – EMI Suppression
Input impedance: 110 Ω
Format: AES3/EBU & SPDIF
Sample rate: 32/44.1/48/64/88.2/96/192 KHz
Nominal input level (sensitivity): From -0,1 dBFs to –25dBFs (0,1dB step)
Level range: 0,0 dBFs ÷ -36dBFs
Conversion dynamic range:
124 dB (32 KHz) | 126 dB (44,1 kHz) | 126 dB (48 kHz)
122 dB (96 kHz)
Conversion resolution: 24 bits
MPX INPUT
Connectors: Unbalanced on 2 BNC – EMI Suppression
Input impedance: 50 KΩ
Nominal input level (sensitivity): Adjustable from -6,0 dBFs to +13,0 dBFs
Conversion dynamic range: PCM4220 24bit 216KHz
Level range: -21,0 dBu ÷ +24 dBu
Analog Output – AUDIO
Connectors: Balanced on 2 XLR – EMI Suppression
Output impedance: 47 Ω
Output Level: Adjustable software from -6dBu a +18,0 dBu
Level Range: –20,0dBu ÷ + 24,0dBu
Output Level Max.: + 24,0dBu
CMRR Output: >60dB (20Hz-20kHz)
D/A Conversion CS4272 DAC 24bit 192KHz
Digital Output – AUDIO
Outputs Number 2
Connectors: Balanced on 1 XLR – EMI Suppression
Input impedance: 110Ω
Format: AES3/EBU
Sample rate: 32/44.1/48/64/88.2/96/192 KHz
Output level adjustment: Da 0,0dBFs a –dBFs (passo 0,1dB)
Level range: 0,0 dBFs ÷ -36dBFs
MPX OUTPUT
Connectors: Unbalanced on 2 BNC – EMI Suppression
Output impedance: 10 Ω
Load impedance: 600 Ω o higher
A/D conversion: Texas PCM1796
Nominal input level (sensitivity): From -9,0 dBFs to +15,0 dBFs
PHYSICAL
Power supply: 90-260 V AC / 47-63 Hz
Power consumption: 15 W
Operating temperature: 0°C ÷ 50°C
Falcon X5/X6/X7 – Dimensions WxHxD: 485 x 44 x 240 mm (1 rack unit 19”)
Falcon X5/X6/X7 – Weight: < 3Kg
MPX & RDS SIGNAL
Pilot frequency: 19 KHz +/- 1Hz
Pilot injection –25,0 dB ÷ 15,5 dB (step 0,1) | 6-18% total deviation
Pilot stability: ±10 ppm (-10 ÷ +55 °C)
Pilot distortion 0,05 % (typical)
Distortion + Pilot noise: 0,068% (on the 100Khz band)
External composite THD: 0,005 % (typical on the whole band)
MPX & RDS SIGNAL
Stereo separation: >70 dB (typical on the whole band)
Linear crosstalk: ≤ –80 dB (for a 100% modulation)
main>sub and sub>main crosstalk: > 65 dB (at least)
Filtering / digital band 30 Hz ÷ 15 kHz (-0,1 dB), 17 kHz (-70 dB), 19 kHz (-100 dB)
Protect. 57 kHz subcarrier (RDS/RBDS): Better than 51 dB
Pre-emphasis: Off, 50μS, 75μS (+-0,1dB)
Frequency response: ±0,3 dB (30 Hz ÷ 15 kHz)
Operating mode: Mono /Stereo
MPX/RDS Output: Adjustable from –10,0 dB to 15,0 dB (step 0,1 dB)
Signal/Noise Ratio: > 90 dB (on the 100 kHz band)
Carrier Suppression >85 dB
RDS FEATURES (Optional)
Supported Group: All
Group Sequence: Configurable
PS: 8 DSN x 10 PSN
PI: 8 DSN x 10 PSN
PTY: RDS/RBDS
AF Method A: 25
AF Method B: up to 1024 (64 lists)
RT: Yes, 32 messages
RT rate adjustment: Group Sequence
RT+ for songs and content tagging: Yes
TP: Yes
TA Control: Command, Soft, GPI
PTYN: Yes
EON: 10 PSN
CT: Yes
TMC, EWS, IH, TDC: Yes
Free Format Groups (FFG): Yes
Open Data Application (ODA): Yes
PS Scrolling: Yes
Auto “parses” long messages for: best text display: No
Scrolling by characters: From 1 up

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
UDP, TCP, HTTP, SNTP: Yes
Alert notifications on user-defined: events via SNMP traps or Emails:
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
GENERAL
GPIO Inputs/Outputs: 6 GPI, 4 GPO
Communication Port: 2xRS232, 3xUSB, 1xLAN
Synchronization: Ext (Pilot MPX)/ Int/Auto
Synchronization monitoring: Yes
RDS Level adjustment: Digitally controlled
Phase adjustment: 0 ÷ 359.9°
Separate out RDS+MPX / RDS only: Yes
Command to activate the RDS SCA: Yes
Operating modes: Side chain, Loop through, Bypass
RDS Subcarrier. 100% digitally generated shape
CENELEC – EN50067 compliant: Yes
Clock time (CT): Accurate clock time sync with Internet connection
Remote TA traffic announcements: Yes
Automatic RTC synchronization: Autosync with optional USB external GPS receiver