(click thumbnail)Optimod 8585Orban/CRL is introducing the Optimod 8585 digital surround audio processor, and says it takes the Optimod 6300 two-channel processor and incorporates multi-channel processing that reflects the latest psychoacoustic research into loudness perception.
The 8585 features two-band and five-band audio processing for surround sound broadcasting, netcasting and mastering. Features such as compression ratio controls and a look-ahead peak limiter make the unit suitable for mastering audio in broadcast productions, as well as productions intended for media such as DVD and BluRay.
A third-generation CBS Loudness Controller helps retain audiences by controlling subjective loudness and annoyance. The controller works in both two-band and five-band modes. It limits subjectively perceived loudness to a broadcaster-set threshold, preventing audience irritation, according to the company.
The controller measures loudness as perceived by the average listener, and then closes a feedback loop to limit loudness to a preset level. It controls loud commercials, the primary irritant in sound-for-picture applications. Third-generation improvements reduce annoyance better than loudness control alone, doing so without audible gain pumping. Orban says attack time is fast enough to prevent audible loudness overshoots, so the control is smooth and unobtrusive.
Optimod 8585 offers surround processing for up to 7.1 channels plus an independent 2.0 channel processor that can operate stand-alone with its own CBS Loudness Controller. Additional highlights include Orban’s PreCode technology, which manipulates the audio to minimize artifacts caused by low bit rate codecs.
