Omnia Volt AM-FM-HD-DAB+ Audio Processor

Omnia VOLT offers “best in class” processing performance from the people who brought you the multiple-award-winning Omnia.11, the acclaimed Omnia.9, the power-packed Omnia 7, and the 13,000+ Omnia ONEs currently in service.  With thousands of units on the air, VOLT gives you more sonic performance and processing power in one rack unit than others give you in three.   Now with new Version 2.0, the best just got better!

With VOLT, we rewrote the rules for broadcast DSP, fine-tuning our algorithms and creating the world’s best-sounding, most powerful and versatile 1RU audio processor.  The QuickTweak system helps users get just the sound they want quickly. You can get VOLT on the air and sounding great in minutes, select presets that we’ve designed for today’s stations and programming, and create a unique sonic personality with just a few nudges.

VOLT may be the most value-packed audio processor on the market, thanks to its DSP|Core firmware module system. This system means you can repurpose your VOLT to serve different needs by simply updating firmware.   The capability to turn your FM VOLT into an AM unit or an HD/DAB or SG box comes built into every VOLT, and the fact that each DSP|Core firmware package is FREE is like getting four processors in one package.  Modules include VOLT FM, VOLT AM, VOLT HD PRO, and VOLT SG. Each Core has a feature set that has been fine-tuned for its application, optimizing system DSP to the unique demands of different use cases.

VOLT FM – Killer Omnia FM sound featuring 6 AGC sections (5 multiband + wide-band), 5-band, time-aligned limiters, Dynamics Engine architecture, the latest low distortion clipper design by Frank Foti, and a high-quality composite stereo generator.  Dozens of modern presets give you an awesome sound straight out of the box.  Run studio side to feed your STL, or generate FM composite at the transmitter.

VOLT AM –  Is specially designed for the challenges of AM radio. Versatile pre- and post-limiting equalization plus superior narrow and wide-band presets created for today’s AM stations give you the cleanest and most powerful signal on the band. Asymmetrical Modulation and Tilt, applied after the clipper, help you get better performance even from older transmitters!

VOLT HD PRO – Is purpose-built for HD Radio, DRM, DAB, web streams, and other compressed media, as well as syndicated program and studio productions. Selectable bandwidths and crossover points, plus our exclusive Sensus algorithms, help reduce lossy compression artifacts even at low bitrates. Put it in your syndicated program production chain before the uplink: every episode will be clear, clean, and have consistency listeners can recognize. Super-low latency for processed headphone monitoring applications. Use VOLT HD PRO as a general-purpose processor for, gain control, limiting, and program distribution.

VOLT SG (Stereo Generator) –  For use in cases where you want to split your system between the main processor—usually at the station—and a dedicated MPX stereo generator with advanced composite features at the transmitter. VOLT SG can be paired with a VOLT FM, one of our other Omnia processors, or with any other processor from another manufacturer. VOLT SG uniquely features the same “One Louder” embedded pilot as the Omnia 11.

Main Features:
• New-Generation Frank Foti-designed Clipper. The latest most advanced thinking on clipper design from a processing legend.
• Dynamics Engine designed by Senior Algorithm Developer Cornelius Gould.
• Six Separate AGC Sections. One wideband, plus five separate time-aligned multi-band sections, each with separate controls for every important parameter. Plus a tunable mid-band crossover. Give your station the loudness and consistent sound it deserves!
• Five Separate Time-Aligned Limiters, each with separate Drive, Hold, Threshold, and Attack/ Decay. They give you protection against overmodulation while maintaining a loud signature sound.
• Variable Deep Bass, Phat Bass, and Warmth Enhancers. Get that meaty Omnia sound, fine-tuned the way you want.
• Bass Pre-Clipper. Fully adjustable with Tightness and Girth controls. You’ll have strong, listener pleasing bass without worrying about intermodulation distortion.
• Clipper Silk Adjustment. If your format is prone to treble distortion, you can add just enough Silk to clean up those high frequencies.
• Sensus Processing for Digital Program streams. Omnia’s exclusive Sensus algorithms actually predict how HD, DRM, or multicasting data reduction will affect your sound. They precondition your signal, making compression sound better—even at low bitrates.
• Adjustable BS-412 Threshold and Processing for full compliance with ITU standards.
• Stereo Enhancement for FM Analog, without Adding Multipath. You’ll get a wider, more exciting signal that jumps out of listeners’ radios.
• Variable High-Pass and Switchable Phase Rotator. Those ultra- low frequencies, too low to be perceived as bass by listeners, won’t rob you of on-air power.
• Automatic Mono “Dry Voice” Sensing. Ideal for FM Analog Stereo stations using extreme processing: it keeps an extra hand on the clipper, to stop distortion when the L R channel gets boosted by mono signals.
• Totally Flexible Signal Path. Use analog, AES/EBU digital, or Livewire® AoIP inputs; analog, AES/EBU digital, Livewire, or composite outputs. Adjust channel balance and correct polarity separately on each input. Save and recall input/output setups for different applications. All outputs are always active, regardless of input type.
• Switchable Insert Points for Voltair, Watermark Encoders, or Other Downstream Encoding. Optimize your air chain and eliminate the need for external pre-processing! You can feed encoders with a pre-processed signal from VOLT’s multiband AGC and limiters so your encoder sees a stronger, more reliable signal. Then feed the encoder’s output back into VOLT, for post-encoding clipping that protects you against over modulation.
• Automatic “Failover” signal switching. Designate a backup input to use if your main signal drops out or STL fails. Switch to this source automatically, with adjustable sensitivity, or trigger it as needed.
• QuickT weak System lets you fine-tune your sound like a processing genius. Get exactly the processing you want in minutes, while you’re on the air, right from the front panel or a connected computer or tablet.
• Graphic User Interface is easy to navigate, but gives you the deep level of control you need.
• Built-in HTML-5 Server for full control from any computer, tablet, or smartphone… without special plug-ins.
• Rugged 1RU Construction fits any control room, technical center, or transmitter shack, with easy-to see LED meters.
• Cool Running, Fanless Operation. VOLT can even be used near live mics.
• Flexible Pre-Emphasis Switching makes it easy to fit VOLT into any air chain.
• Dual Variable Composite Outputs (with FM DSP|Core).
• Variable Pilot Level and Phase (with FM DSP|Core).
• Built-In Tone Generator provides for quick setup and calibration.

Frequency Response

• User selection of flat, 50 µs, or 75 µs pre-emphasis curve within ± 0.50 dB, 30 Hz to 15 kHz.

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

• Audio >95 dB analog, >120 dB digital I/O.

System Distortion

•  Less than 0.01% THD, 20 Hz – 7.5 kHz (second harmonic distortion above 7.5 kHz is not audible in the FM system).

Latency 

• 16ms nominal, +-0.5ms depending on IO selection. Low Latency FM version 10ms

Input / Output

• Composite: Output impedance 75Ω, single-ended and floating over chassis ground. BNC connectors with EMI suppression. Maximum cable 100’ / 30M RG-58U.

• Output level: Separately adjustable for each of two outputs, 0V – 10V in 0.05V steps.

• Pilot Level: Adjustable from 4.0% to 12.0% in 0.1% steps and OFF. Pilot Stability: 19 kHz, ± 0.5 Hz. S/N: -85 dB typical, 75 μS de-emphasized across 15 kHz, at 100% modulation Distortion: < 0.02% THD 20 Hz – 15 kHz, 75 μS de-emphasized @ 100%.

• Stereo Separation: > 65 dB, 30 Hz – 15 kHz. Linear Crosstalk: > -80 dB, main to sub or sub to main channel @ 100%. Non-linear Crosstalk: > -80 dB, main to sub or sub to main @ 100%. 38 kHz Suppression: > 70 dB @ 100%. 76 kHz Suppression: > 80 dB @ 100%. Pilot Protection: > -65 dB relative to 9% pilot injection, ± 1 kHz. 57 kHz (RDS/RBDS) Protection: > -50 dB.

Analog

• Left and Right Stereo on EMI-suppressed XLR-3, balanced with “pin 2 hot.”

• Input: Electronic balanced, impedance 10kΩ, nominal +4 dBu, max +22 dBu.

• Output: Impedance 20Ω for >600Ω load, +4 dBu nominal, +22 dBu peak. Converters: 24 bit, 128x oversampled with linear-phase anti-aliasing filter.

• Crystal Semiconductor CS5361, 24-bit 128x over-sampled delta sigma converter with linear-phase anti-aliasing filter.

• Pre-ADC anti-alias filter, with high-pass filter at <10 Hz.

• Delta sigma converter with linear-phase and anti-aliasing filter.

Digital

• Stereo per AES/EBU standard, 24-bit resolution. Input locks to any rate 32 kHz – 108 kHz. Output locks to input, internal 48 kHz, or separate external AES/EBU “digital black” reference 32 kHz – 96 kHz.

Audio over IP

• LiveWire Audio and control over IP, on the same RJ-45 used for Ethernet control.

Remote Control

• GPI: EMI suppressed DB-9 at logic levels, +5 V and ground supplied. Ethernet: 10/100BaseTX.

• Ethernet on EMI-suppressed RJ-45. TCP/IP control via HTML-5 internal web server, password protected. Manual addressing and port selection.

SNMP

• MIB 2 compliant SNMP support for remote monitoring and control

Electrical/Physical

• Power: 100 – 250 VAC, 47-63 Hz. < 40 VA. Typical draw 12W RMS, maximum 15W RMS. Internal supply with overVOLTage and short circuit protection. Meets EN55022, EN55011 Level B Conducted Emissions. EN61000-4-2, -3, -4, -5, -6 level 3 immunity compliant. Full international safety approval. CE marked. EMI suppressed IEC male connector. Detachable 3-wire power cords supplied for US and European use. Temperature: 32° to 122° F / 0° to 50° C for all operating VOLTage ranges.

• Humidity: 0-95% RH, non-condensing.

• Dimensions: 19” wide x 1.75” high x 16” deep (48.26cm x 13.335 cm x 40.64 cm) including connectors. Unit requires one EIA rack space for mounting.

• Shipping Weight: 12 lbs. / 5.5 kg

Regulatory

North America: FCC and CE tested and compliant, power supply is UL approved.

Europe: Complies with the European Union Directive 2002/95/EC on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (RoHS), as amended by Commission Decisions 2005/618/EC, 2005/717/ EC, 2005/747/EC (RoHS Directive), and WEEE.