AXEL Falcon X5



Features

Axel Falcon X5 series equipment ensures top quality performances

Exclusive audio. It features powerful DPSs, 5-bands architecture

Dual bands AGCs, 3-bands equalizer, stereo enhancer, and 5 limiters

Perfectly the audio to broadcast unique & detail clarity sound

 




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.

 

Different users have different needs. This is the reason why AxelTech feature a whole processors family with various models suitable for specific workflows. FALCON X7 is the full option version while FALCON X6 is the same model but without the controls on the front panel, suitable to be remotely installed anytime we need to manage remotely the appliance via WEB interface.FALCON X5, that includes the controls on the front panel, is the cost/effective version of the family.

 

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.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 INPUTS1xAnalog, 2xAES/EBU, 2xMPX, 1xDante COMPLETE SET OF OUTPUTS1xAnalog, 2xAES/EBU, 2xMPX, 1xDante ADVANCED SNMP(Simple Network Management Protocol)Allows data interchange and simplified configuration of third-party appliancesconnected in the same LAN using shared datasets MIB.

 

ADVANCED RDSOptional Dynamic RDS fully supported, UECP Input implemented, 8 Datasets available.Suitable for network infrastructures. UPGRADEABLE AND RELIABLEInternal 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 PANELThe 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.

 

PROCESSING DELAYA configurable delay (from 0 to 10”) can be applied to the FM process in order to synch with thosedistribution channels having a significant latency like the DAB. DUAL PROCESSING15 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 PROCESSINGEBU 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 PROCESSINGITU BS.412 MPX Power Loudness Recommendations available for MPX processing chains compliant with every country loudness rules. DANTE AUDIO-OVER-IP CONNECTIVITY (Optional)DanteTM option (compliant with AES67) 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 manyadditional information such as song title, song artist, on-air program, speaker's name, etc. The nativeinterface with RSS feed format allows receiving directly news feeds and it is RDS 2.0 ready.REAL TIME AUDIO MONITORProcessing delay is quite non audible and depends on the processing complexity.

 

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: From 0,0dBFs to –30dBFs (0,1dB steps)
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)
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 to 8
Scrolling by word, Auto centering: Truncate long words Yes
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 E-mails: 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
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)