BLACK BOXES INDEX PAGE 2 3,4 5,6 7,8 9,10 11,12 TITLE Headphones Boxes Sample rate converter Auto level takers Interboxes Digital Tone generator Digital headphones The BCD Audio Black-box range provides the user with an easy to use series of useful Audio interface products. All of the units use a common DC power system, of 12 24V, provided on a 2.5mm barrel socket. The units may be powered from third-party units, or BCD can supply suitable power-units: BCD-UK-PSU for the United Kingdom, BCD-US-PSU for Canada and the USA, and BCD-EU-PSU for Europe, with Switzerland REFERENCE NUMBER HPN-1,HPN-2 SRC-1 ALT-1, ALT-1R, ALT-1S ITB-1, ITB-2 DTG-1 DHP-1,DHP-2 BCD can also supply 2U mounting panels for the units: BCD971007 for four units, and BCD971008 for two units. Blanking panels to cover unused slots are also available. This has the reference no. BCD971009. Canford Audio also supply some mounting kits for the units... 16-722 Extruded box mounting kit 27-091 Belt/ pocket clip 1
HEADPHONES UNITS HPN-1,HPN-2 The BCD Audio headphones units are designed to complement the ALT-1, but can also be used in their own right. HPN-1 The HPN-1 offers headphone monitoring in mono HPN-2 The HPN-2 offers headphone monitoring in stereo. HPN-1 AUDIO INPUTS Headphones Level BCD Audio,Alexandra Road, Windsor SL4 1HU ENGLAND 44 (0) 1753 620454 Mono / Stereo Headphones level control Stereo headphones jack socket Broadcast quality output and level Balanced audio inputs on XLR Version available for powering from an ALT Version available with external DC power 2
SAMPLE RATE CONVERTER SRC-1 The SRC-1A and SRC-1W are 20-bit 48kHz Sample Rate Converters. The SRC-1A is supplied with an AES3 reference input, and the SRC-1W is supplied with a Wordclock input; otherwise the units are identical. The units will accept an input from either AES3, SPDIF or TOSLINK at one rate, and output the processed signal to the AES3 and SPDIF sockets at the reference rate. Front panel switches allow the output signal to be in either Consumer or Professional mode. Further switches allow for Dither, Varispeed and -6dB level shift. Front panel of SRC-1 POWER INPUT REF Input selection DIP-switch setting Switches 1 and 2 down = AES input VARISPEED -6dB SRC-1 PRO ON LOCK LOCK Switch 1 up and 2 down = SPDIF input DITHER CON EXT CLK 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 Consumer and professional mode control OPTICAL INPUT SPDIF INPUT AES CS SRC IN INFO MODE C L K SPDIF OUTPUT Switches 1 and 2 down = follow input mode Rear panel of SRC-1W Switch 1 up and 2 down = Consumer AES OUT DC IN 8-30V + VE AES IN REF IN Sample rate mode control switches Switch 5 up will attenuate the audio signal by 6dB Switch 5 down passes the audio signal unchanged Switch 6 up allows Varispeed operation BCD Audio,Alexandra Road, Windsor SL4 1HU ENGLAND 44 (0) 1753 620454 Rear panel of SRC-1A AES OUT DC IN 8-30V + VE AES IN Sample rate select switch Switch 8 up selects local clock of 48kHz REF IN Front panel indicators INPUT BCD Audio,Alexandra Road, Windsor SL4 1HU ENGLAND 44 (0) 1753 620454 Piglet powered! LOCK REF LED on Slow flash Fast flash = Signal OK = Validity error = Confidence error LED on LED off = Reference OK = No reference LOCK More data overleaf 3
SAMPLE RATE CONVERTER SRC-1 Performance and Specification 20-bit Sample Rate Converter Input sample range 25kHz 55kHz Output sample range 25kHz 55kHz (Wordclock) Output sample range 25kHz 110kHz (AES reference) Automatic signal de-emphasis Internal noise better than -110dB with 20-bit signal Signal distortion better than 0.03% in Varispeed mode Signal distortion better than 0.003% in normal mode External clock or internal 48kHz Power requirements and Connector External DC 8V 30V @ 1W maximum. Power supplied with 2.5mm barrel connector. Inner = +ve, Outer = -ve The -ve power input is connected to chassis. Recommended accessories BCD-UK-PSU UK plug-top power supply BCD-EU-PSU European version of above BCD971007 2U rack mount panel for four units BCD971008 2U rack mount panel for two units Specification Inputs AES input on XLR3F Transformer balanced, earth-free input Termination impedance 110R Minimum signal level 200mV p-p SPDIF input on phono socket. Unbalanced input to IEC958 Input impedance 75R Minimum signal level 200mV p-p OPTICAL input on TOSLINK with dust cap. Inputs may be in Consumer or Professional mode, with 16 to 24-bit resolution. Specification Outputs AES output(s) on XLR3M. Transformer balanced, earth-free output. Output impedance 110R Output level 4V p-p nominal SPDIF output on phono socket. Unbalanced output to IEC958 Output impedance 75R Output level 1V p-p nominal Both outputs may be in Consumer or Professional format. -6dB and Dither options on DIP switch Overall dimensions and finish Heavy duty aluminium extrusion, plastic bezels. Height 52mm, width 94mm, depth 108mm. Weight 250g. LOCAL CLOCK AES Reference AES-Clock 48K Word-Clock 110R input Lock Ref Lock SPDIF out AES3 in 1 AES input SRC AES output AES3 out SPDIF in 75R 2 Controller Optical in BLOCK DIAGRAM INPUT SELECT 3 4 5 6 7 Consumer -6dB Professional Vari-speed Dither DC INPUT 8-30V 4
AUTO LEVEL TAKERS ALT-1, ALT-1R, ALT-1S The BCD Audio Auto Level Takers are high quality microphone amplifiers with automatic gain control designed for use in unattended studios and other situations where no sound engineer is present to adjust the level. The three versions operate in the same way and are tuned for ALT-1 ALT-1R ALT-1S The ALT-1 is the original, standard unit The ALT-1R enables simple remote control of the TAKE switch. The ALT-1S includes a switchable mono/stereo headphone amplifier or balance to unbalance converter circuit. Front panel of ALT-1 60 Gain 30 0 COMP LIM AGC TAKE on Phantom ALT-1 SoundMan After this adaptation phase the gain setting remains fixed until the TAKE button is pressed again; the level parameters are stored in non-volatile EEROM. Occasional peaks in level are controlled by a compressor/limiter in the output circuit that compresses signals above +4dBu, at a ratio of 2:1 and limits +8dBu. The limiter attack time represents a carefully engineered compromise between minimum over-shoot and high audio quality. The design has excellent signal handling characteristics and, under gross overload conditions, it is capable of applying very high levels of limiting without compromising the noise and distortion performance achieved at normal operating level. Rear panel of ALT-1 DC in Input The ALT-1 is set up by pressing a single illuminated momentary push-button switch that flashes until signal is applied to the input. The illumination then becomes steady for a period of six seconds, while the device samples the incoming level and automatically adjusts the gain to provide a nominal output level of 0dBu. Output The unit accepts balanced or unbalanced signals at levels ranging from -80dBu to +20dBu, to produce a balanced output at a level of 0dBu using a precision level meter driving a high quality digitally-controlled VCA. An external DC power supply providing 2W at between 10V and 30V is required; switchable 48V phantom power is derived internally. An additional feature that assists with short-term level variations is the application of progressive gain reduction by up to 8dB when limiting is detected. The gain is restored over a period of 20 seconds when limiting ceases. Three LED indicators on the front panel show the gain range that the unit is working in during the adaptation phase, and revert to showing the status of the compressor, limiter and gain reduction systems after adaptation. The phantom power switch is an electronically latched illuminated push-button, which may be latched on or off as required. If the switch is held down at the time of applying power, the switch will be toggled between locked and operational. In the locked mode, the phantom power will remain on or off, depending on the original setting. More data overleaf 5
AUTO LEVEL TAKERS ALT-1, ALT-1R, ALT-1S Specification Broadcast quality adaptive mic-amplifier Input level: -80dBu to +20dBu Microphone input impedance: 1K Line input impedance: 10K Both input modes transformer balanced Noise less than -83dBu peak at 0dB gain Distortion better than 0.02% at +10dBu Output impedance 50R, electronically balanced. Power requirements 10V 30V DC, 2W Typical applications Outside Broadcast systems Unattended studios Camera head-end microphone amplifier Talkback systems Recommended accessories BCD-UK-PSU UK plug-top power supply BCD-EU-PSU European version of above BCD971007 2U rack mount panel for four units BCD971008 2U rack mount panel for two units Matching headphone amplifier BCD940321 Matching mono headphones amplifier for ALT-1, XLR input. This unit is housed in a similar box and is powered from external ±12V. The power may be supplied by a modified ALT, which is available to special order. Power requirements and connector External DC 8V 30V @ 1W maximum. Power supplied with 2.5mm barrel connector. Inner = +ve, Outer = -ve The -ve power input is connected to chassis. ANALOGUE SECTION SOFTWARE/DIGITAL SECTION +48V CONTROL AMP VCA OUTPUT +48V SWITCH MIC/LINE CONTROL INPUT TX & RELAY LIMITER GAIN CONTROL LEVEL SAMPLER LOG CONVERT DAC THRESHOLDS TIMER COMPRESSOR PEAK RECTIFY ADC POWER SUPPLY POWER OSC +/-12V +48V LIMITER LED AGC TAKE SWITCH +5V 6 BLOCK DIAGRAM
INTERBOXES ITB-1, ITB-2 The Interbox 1 and Interbox 2 are digital audio format converters that are ideal for mounting behind a CD player, Minidisc or DAT machine in a digital audio installation. Inputs Front panel of Interbox 1 and 2 INTERBOX-1 POWER ROUTEING 1 2 3 4 DC IN 8V-30V Outputs OPTICAL INPUT SPDIF INPUT AES INPUT AES INT IN SP OPT DIF ICAL Both units have identical input facilities. Inputs can be selected by the DIP switch from the AES3 XLR input, the SPDIF phono socket or the optical TOSLINK. Any of the inputs may be routed to any of the three outputs. The routeing is selected from the eight-way DIP switch. Interbox-1 has three buffered transformer balanced AES outputs, that can be routed from any of the inputs. If all outputs are selected from the same input, the unit will provide a useful 3-input DA of the signal. Interbox-2 has three different outputs; these are AES3 XLR, SPDIF phono socket, and the optical TOSLINK. Each output can be routed from any of the inputs. Rear panel of Interbox-1 Power Supply BCD AUDIO,Windsor,Berkshire,SL4 1HU, England The units are powered from 8-30V DC from an external power supply via a 2.5mm barrel socket. The power can be supplied from a plug-top unit or from a power bus. Set-up 3 AES OUTPUTS 1 Rear panel of Interbox-2 The routeing for each output is selected from a pair of DIP switches and is normally set on installation. The DIP switch has provision for routeing four outputs; outputs 1 to 3 relate to the rear-panel sockets and output 4 is reserved for future product enhancements. The silk screening below the DIP switch indicates the four input selections possible for each output. The silk screening above the DIP switch indicates which DIP switches relate to which output connector. BCD AUDIO,Windsor,Berkshire,SL4 1HU, England AES input routed to an output SPDIF input routed to an output SPDIF OUTPUT OPTICAL OUTPUT Optical input routed to an output AES OUTPUT Output turned off More data overleaf 7
INTERBOXES ITB-1, ITB-2 Notes Interbox-1 and Interbox-2 have been designed as economical solutions for the problems of interfacing optical and SPDIF signals in and out of AES format. As such, the units interface and route but do not decode or process the signal in any other way. They do not alter the sample rate, Consumer/Professional status information, nor do they correct any block errors in the data stream. For most Professional applications this will be satisfactory; however certain DAT machines will not record a Consumer mode signal on the AES input socket. For full signal processing and mode conversion please refer to the BCD Audio SRC-1. Power requirements and Connector External DC 8V 30V @ 1W maximum. Power supplied with 2.5mm barrel connector. Inner = +ve, Outer = -ve The -ve power input is connected to chassis. Recommended accessories BCD-UK-PSU UK plug-top power supply BCD-EU-PSU European version of above BCD971007 2U rack mount panel for four units BCD971008 2U rack mount panel for two units Specification Inputs AES input on XLR3F. Transformer balanced, earth-free input. Termination impedance 110R Minimum signal level 200mV p-p SPDIF input on phono socket. Unbalanced input to IEC958 Input impedance 75R Minimum signal level 200mV p-p OPTICAL input on TOSLINK with dust cap. Specification Outputs AES output(s) on XLR3M. Transformer balanced, earth-free output. Output impedance 110R. Output level 4V p-p nominal SPDIF output on phono socket. Unbalanced output to IEC958 Output impedance 75R Output level 1V p-p nominal Overall dimensions and finish Heavy duty aluminium extrusion, plastic bezels Height 52mm, width 94mm, depth 108mm Weight 250g AES INPUT SPDIF INPUT 4 X 4 ROUTEING MATRIX DIP SWITCH AES OUTPUT 1 AES OUTPUT OPTICAL AES OUTPUT 2 SPDIF OUTPUT AES OUTPUT 3 OFF OPTICAL INTERBOX-1 BLOCK DIAGRAM 8 DC POWER INPUT 8-30V DC INTERBOX-2
DIGITAL TONE GENERATOR DTG-1 The DTG-1 is a portable, hand-held device which produces a variety of standard tones in AES-EBU format. The unit is ideal for testing AES-EBU systems within an installation, laboratory or service department. Left hand switch Front panel of DTG-1 The left-hand switch selects MUTE, LEFT only, L+R RIGHT only, GLITS and SPECIAL. The LEFT, L+R and RIGHT settings allow signals at standard frequencies and levels to be selected from the right- hand switch. These settings allow the left and right channels to be identified, and noise and crosstalk tests to be undertaken. Right hand switch The right-hand switch selects three frequencies at three different levels for the LEFT, L+R and RIGHT settings. These are shown on the inner scale. The 0dBFS tones provide precise peak levels, the 18dBFS is a standard line-up level, and the -48dBFS enables lowlevel distortion measurements to be made. GLITS setting Rear panel of DTG-1 In the GLITS setting, six alternative stereo identification sequences can be selected. Setting 1 selects the EBU sequence of 1KHz at 18dB continuous on RIGHT, and interrupted every three seconds for 0.25 seconds on LEFT. Setting 2 selects the BBC sequence of LEFT interrupting once and RIGHT interrupting twice for 0.25 seconds every four seconds. Specials setting In the SPECIAL setting, the right hand switch selects a number of different signals: PHASE signal outputs a clipped 400Hz waveform that can be used for signal polarity tests. NOISE produces white noise at -3dBFS, which is useful for checking Equalisers. +EMPH outputs -18dBFS at 10kHz, with the emphasis flag asserted. V FLAG output 0dBFS at 10kHz with the validity flag set. Output Power supply The unit is powered from an internal 9V battery, or from an external DC power supply of 8 30V via a 2.5mm barrel connector. The output is transformer balanced via an XLRM, at the internally produced 48kHz rate. If external Wordclock is connected via the BNC socket, the unit will synchronise to the external rate and the frequencies will scale accordingly. If a 44.1kHz Wordclock is connected the frequencies will be approximately 9% lower. A slider switch on the rear panel selects battery on/off. More data overleaf 9
DIGITAL TONE GENERATOR DTG-1 Battery power consumption Battery life with the output connected is approximately 15 hours; battery usage is therefore not recommended for normal use of this product. The power consumption of the unit during battery operation depends on usage: Power consumption no load, or no Wordclock input 11mA Power consumption with 110R load 20mA Power consumption with 110R load and Wordclock 30mA Status LED Normally the status LED shows power-on. Under low battery conditions the LED is flashed slowly and the AES output is disabled. Under hardware fault conditions the LED is fast-flashed. Under gross hardware fault conditions the LED glows dimly. Signal purity 1kHz and 10kHz frequencies generated to 24-bit. Distortion better than 0.005% for these tones. 400Hz is generated to 16-bit resolution. There is no left/right crosstalk in the unit. Power requirements and Connector External DC 8-30V @ 0.5W maximum. Power supplied with 2.5mm barrel connector. Inner = +ve, Outer = -ve The -ve power input is connected to chassis. Battery operation from PP3 battery Specification Outputs AES output on XLR3M Transformer balanced, earth-free output Output impedance 110R. Output level 5V p-p nominal (external power) Output level 3V p-p nominal (battery power) Specification Wordclock input TTL Wordclock input on BNC connector Frequency range 30kHz to 52kHz. Output frequencies scale with Wordclock input. Channel status information Channel status information is transmitted in professional mode, and relates to the front panel switch settings: Normal mode Professional flag, Audio, no emphasis Emphasis mode Emphasis flags asserted. Validity mode Validity bit is asserted. Signal bits set to twin channel, 24-bit signal, not reference. Frequency bits set to 48kHz on internal clock. Frequency bits set to unknown on external clock. Alphanumeric source and destination information Signal muted MUTE TONE is transmitted. Phase check signal PHSE TONE is transmitted. GLITS check signal GLIT TONE is transmitted. For other settings the frequency is transmitted in the destination field and levels are transmitted in the source field. The source field indicates 0dB<n>, -18dB<n> or -48dB<n>, where <n> is L,R, or M depending on whether the left, right or mono signal is being transmitted. The destination field indicates 1kHz, 10kH or 400H depending on the frequency being transmitted. Recommended accessories BCD-UK-PSU UK plug-top power supply BCD-EU-PSU European version of above BCD-US-PSU USA and Canadian version. Overall dimensions and finish Heavy duty aluminium extrusion, plastic bezels Height 52mm, width 94mm, depth 108mm Weight 250g BCD971007 BCD971008 2U rack mount panel for four units 2U rack mount panel for two units 10
DIGITAL HEADPHONES DHP-1,DHP-2 The BCD Audio Digital headphones are the ideal units for low-cost monitoring of digital audio, and are the perfect complement to the DTG-1. DHP-2 The DHP-2 utilises an innovative LCD that displays all the Digital Audio information there is to know. DHP-1 The DHP-1 offers basic headphone monitoring and is ideal for installations. DHP-1 DHP-2 L -35dB POWER INPUT ON R LOCK Headphones Level Stereo Headphones level control Stereo headphones jack socket Broadcast quality output and level Automatic selection between AES and SPDIF input sockets. Power input LED Lock LED shows signal lock status, confidence and validity -0dB Headphones Level Stereo Headphones level control Stereo headphones jack socket Broadcast quality output and level Automatic selection between AES and SPDIF input sockets. Alpha-numeric LCD display with pushbutton, to select between the display modes. Data output socket for connection to an external PC. AES IN DC IN 8-30V + VE SPDIF IN DATA OUT BCD Audio,Alexandra Road, Windsor SL4 1HU ENGLAND 44 (0) 1753 620454 11
DIGITAL HEADPHONES DHP1,DHP-2 Specifications for both DHP-1 and DHP-2 Specification Inputs AES input on XLR3F. Transformer balanced, earth-free input. Termination impedance 110R Minimum signal level 200mV p-p SPDIF input on phono socket. Unbalanced input to IEC958 Input impedance 75R Minimum signal level 200mV p-p Specification Outputs Stereo audio output on 1/4 inch jack socket Maximum output level +18dBU Output impedance 50R Maximum signal gain 20dB Power requirements and Connector External DC 8V 30V @ 0.5W maximum. Power supplied with 2.5mm barrel connector. Inner = +ve, Outer = -ve The -ve power input is connected to chassis. Recommended accessories BCD-UK-PSU UK plug-top power supply BCD-EU-PSU European version of above BCD971007 2U rack mount panel for four units BCD971008 2U rack mount panel for two units Overall dimensions and finish Heavy duty aluminium extrusion, plastic bezels Height 52mm, width 94mm, depth 108mm Weight 250g Operation of the DHP-2 The DHP-2 uses a sample and store technique to acquire signal data from the signal, and then process the information. After the signal has been sampled, the local processor calculates the wanted information, and displays it on the LCD. LCD Display modes The LCD display features a push-button. A short press cycles through the display options. A long press returns to the main signal mode. L L -35dB R R -0dB 10K 5K L 0.03% R 0.06% Main Signal Mode The main signal mode is shown in green on the LCD. The upper row of text shows the signal level for left, and the lower row the signal for right. The resolution is from 0dBFS to 99dBFS. Press the button once, to enter the frequency /distortion mode. The display cycles between the two modes automatically. Lvl 4V Fr 48K Frequency Mode The frequency mode displays the signal frequency of both inputs, if the signals are pure tones. If both channels have the same signal, the lower display changes to show the phase between the two signals. Distortion Mode The distortion mode displays the THD of both inputs, if the signals are pure tones. Push the button again, to show the digital signal level and sample Digital level mode The upper display shows the measured voltage level of the digital audio signal. The lower display shows the measured sample rate from 11KHz to 110KHz. Push the button again, to show the Channel Status information. LOCK INFO Channel Status mode The upper display shows the lock status of the link, and whether there are Confidence or Validity errors present. The lower display shows the channel status information, and sequences through the available information. External PC display Available as a future option, the high-speed data output socket will connect to any PC running Windows. The program will display all of the recovered information, and will additionally display the absolute bit information, and the signal FFT. 12