Wheatstone AM-55 User manual

Digital auDio Processor

AM - 55

600 Industrial Drive, New Bern, North Carolina 28562 (tel 252-638-7000 / fax 252-637-1285 )

Technical

Manual

Technical

Manual

Wheatstone Corporation

September 2015

Digital auDio Processor

AM - 55

600 Industrial Drive

New Bern, North Carolina 28562

tel 252-638-7000 / fax 252-637-1285

Wheatstone Digital Augio Processor Technical Manual

AM-55 /Sep 2015

Ultra-HigH resolUtion Processing

ORSIS

IntroductIon - 1

AM-55 / Sep 2015

The History of Wheatstone Audio Processors

Introduced in 2005, the Vorsis product line evolved from Wheatstone’s return to

its original roots in audio processing. Having designed and integrated analog and

then, later, complex digital audio processing into our radio and television consoles

and control surfaces, Wheatstone was perfectly poised to address the challenges of

combining very high audio quality with competitive on air loudness.

Wheatstone audio processors are built to the same exacting standards as all

Wheatstone products. Research and development, manufacturing, testing, and quality

control for the line of audio processors are all accomplished within Wheatstone’s large

state‑of‑the‑art facility located in New Bern, North Carolina. Keeping everything

under one roof allows Wheatstone to have control over every facet of production

and ensures that our costumers receive products of the highest possible quality and

reliability. Staying true to “Made in the USA,” Wheatstone does not utilize offshore

manufacturing.

A dozen experts with deep experience in Digital Signal Processing, broadcast

audio and other engineering disciplines comprise our design team. Led by audio

processing expert and broadcast engineering veteran Jeff Keith, the team combines

their talents to design and build audio processors that achieve the highest standards

of on‑air sound quality.

In its short history Wheatstone Processing has already invented many new and

unique audio processing algorithms – algorithms that push audio processor performance

to new and higher levels. Wheatstone was the rst to develop an intelligent, “program

density aware” AGC (2007 - Sweet Spot Technology, or SST). We were also the rst

to employ the science of human psychoacoustics in the design of a multiband limiter

(2005, our acclaimed 31‑band limiter). In addition, our well‑regarded Bass Manage‑

ment systems solve the bass intermodulation problems that plague other brands of

audio processors when pushed for competitive loudness.

Each Wheatstone Processing product comes with its ownWindows®software‑based

intuitive Graphical User Interface for control of the processor. Carefully tuned factory

presets ensure that our audio processors can be placed into use quickly and easily in

any size market with a minimum of effort.

ORSIS

Ultra-HigH resolUtion Processing

page Contents – 1

AM-55 / Sep 2015

CONTENTS

AM‑55 Technical Manual

Chapter 1 ‑ General Information

Table of Contents

Introduction....................................................................................1‑2

AM‑55 Feature Overview...............................................................1‑3

Rack Mounting...............................................................................1‑3

AM-55 Installation Tips...............................................................................................1-4

Grounding...............................................................................................................1-4

Surge Protection.....................................................................................................1-4

UPS/Power Conditioning........................................................................................1-4

Analog Audio Input Connections ............................................................................1-4

Analog Audio Output Connections .........................................................................1-5

Digital Audio Connections ......................................................................................1-5

Where to Install the AM-55.........................................................................................1-6

Ratings Encoders ...................................................................................................1-6

Insert Point (Future Feature) ..................................................................................1-6

AC Power Considerations ............................................................1‑6

Rear Panel Connections ...............................................................1‑7

Audio Inputs................................................................................................................1-7

Analog In .................................................................................................................1-7

AES In .....................................................................................................................1-8

AM Audio Outputs ......................................................................................................1-8

TX Out .....................................................................................................................1-8

AES Out...................................................................................................................1-8

Headphone Monitoring ...............................................................................................1-8

Network Connection ...................................................................................................1-8

Ethernet RJ-45 ........................................................................................................1-9

Typical Straight-Through Cable...............................................................................1-9

Typical Crossover Cable .........................................................................................1-9

General Purpose Interface (GPIO)............................................................................1-10

GPIO RJ-45............................................................................................................1-11

Processing Presets....................................................................................................1-11

AM-55 Input/Output Connections Drawing................................................................1-13

Meters.............................................................................................2‑2

Input Level Meters......................................................................................................2-2

AGC Meters................................................................................................................2-2

Limiter Meters.............................................................................................................2-3

Output Meters.............................................................................................................2-3

OLED Display.................................................................................2‑3

Headphone.................................................................................................................2-5

Source Selection .....................................................................................................2-5

Headphone Volume.................................................................................................2-5

Chapter 2 ‑ AM‑55 Front Panel

page Contents – 2

AM-55 / Sep 2015

CONTENTS

Presets .......................................................................................................................2-5

Input............................................................................................................................2-5

Input Source ............................................................................................................2-5

Input Gain Adjustment.............................................................................................2-6

Pre-Emphasis.............................................................................................................2-6

Sound .........................................................................................................................2-6

Texture ....................................................................................................................2-6

EQ ...........................................................................................................................2-7

Save ........................................................................................................................2-7

A Note About The Front Panel Sound Adjustments ................................................2-7

Output.........................................................................................................................2-8

Network ......................................................................................................................2-9

Changing The Network Settings .............................................................................2-9

Leading Zeroes........................................................................................................2-9

Default IP Address...................................................................................................2-9

Vesions.......................................................................................................................2-9

Access.......................................................................................................................2-10

Getting Started...............................................................................3‑4

Connecting With the GUI ..............................................................3‑5

Configuring the GUI ......................................................................3‑5

Connecting Directly Without a LAN ............................................................................3-5

The AM-55 and Internet Security Concerns ...............................................................3-6

About DHCP and the AM-55 ......................................................................................3-6

The AM-55 Network Protocols and Ports Used..........................................................3-6

Using the AM‑55 GUI.....................................................................3‑7

Dynamic Displays Region...........................................................................................3-8

Frequency-Domain Graph.......................................................................................3-8

Managing the Blue Dots - Tutorial...........................................................................3-8

Control Area Region..................................................................................................3-10

Input Menu..............................................................................................................3-11

Input Source .......................................................................................................3-11

Input Signal Presence ........................................................................................3-11

Automatic Input Failover.....................................................................................3-12

Input Level Control .............................................................................................3-12

Input Polarity.......................................................................................................3-12

Phase Rotator.....................................................................................................3-12

HPF - High Pass Filter........................................................................................3-13

Metering..............................................................................................................3-13

Equalizer Menu.......................................................................................................3-14

Manipulating Equalization Curves via Mouse ....................................................3-15

EQ Enable ..........................................................................................................3-15

Multiband AGC-Leveller Menu ...............................................................................3-16

A Word About Outboard Processors and Rreeveettbb.......................................3-16

iAGC Controls.....................................................................................................3-18

Gate Threshold...............................................................................................3-18

iAGC Attack....................................................................................................3-18

iAGC Release.................................................................................................3-18

RTZ Enable ....................................................................................................3-18

Chapter 3 ‑ AM‑55 PC GUI

page Contents – 3

AM-55 / Sep 2015

CONTENTS

RTZ Down ......................................................................................................3-18

RTZ Up...........................................................................................................3-18

Multiband Leveller Controls................................................................................3-18

AGC Drive ......................................................................................................3-18

Gate Delay......................................................................................................3-18

Leveller Gate Mode ........................................................................................3-19

Leveller Gate Threshold .................................................................................3-19

Crossover Frequencies ..................................................................................3-19

Band Coupling and Key Band ........................................................................3-19

Multiband Leveller Dynamic Displays Menu.......................................................3-20

Threshold........................................................................................................3-22

Leveller Attack................................................................................................3-22

Leveller Release.............................................................................................3-22

Density............................................................................................................3-22

Compressor Attack.........................................................................................3-22

Compressor Release......................................................................................3-23

Ratio ...............................................................................................................3-23

AGC Mix .........................................................................................................3-23

MB Limiter Menu ....................................................................................................3-24

Limiters and Clipper Controls .............................................................................3-24

Enable Limiters...............................................................................................3-24

Multiband Limiter Drive...................................................................................3-24

Limiter Knee ...................................................................................................3-25

Bass Clipper Threshold ..................................................................................3-25

Enable ............................................................................................................3-25

Bass Style 2....................................................................................................3-25

Filter Shape ....................................................................................................3-25

Boost ..............................................................................................................3-26

Main Clipper Drive..........................................................................................3-26

Pre-Emphasis.................................................................................................3-26

AM Diversity Delay .........................................................................................3-26

Limiters and Clipper Dynamic Displays Menu ....................................................3-27

Attack..............................................................................................................3-27

Release ..........................................................................................................3-27

Final Clipper And Output Menu ..............................................................................3-28

Test Oscillator.....................................................................................................3-28

Positive Peak Threshold.....................................................................................3-28

Output Bandwidth...............................................................................................3-29

Digital Output......................................................................................................3-29

TX Outputs .........................................................................................................3-29

Polarity Invert......................................................................................................3-29

LF Tilt EQ ..........................................................................................................3-30

Adjusting The LF Tilt EQ ...............................................................................3-30

HF Correction ....................................................................................................3-31

System Menu..........................................................................................................3-33

Input/Output Settings Change With Preset.........................................................3-33

Send Metering Data Over TCP/IP ......................................................................3-33

System Status ....................................................................................................3-34

Security...............................................................................................................3-34

Remote Login .................................................................................................3-34

Front Panel.....................................................................................................3-34

GUI Access.....................................................................................................3-35

GUI Lock.........................................................................................................3-35

page Contents – 4

AM-55 / Sep 2015

CONTENTS

Side Bar Region ........................................................................................................3-36

Preset List...............................................................................................................3-36

Preset Library .........................................................................................................3-36

Locking Presets..................................................................................................3-36

How to View Preset Changes.............................................................................3-37

Save Preset............................................................................................................3-37

Config. Devices ......................................................................................................3-38

Headphone Source.................................................................................................3-38

Headphone Control ................................................................................................3-38

Title Bar Region.........................................................................................................3-39

Status .....................................................................................................................3-39

Device.....................................................................................................................3-39

Current Preset ........................................................................................................3-39

Notes on Online and Offline Working .....................................................................3-40

Accessing Menu Options...........................................................................................3-41

File Menu Items......................................................................................................3-41

Hardware Menu Items ............................................................................................3-41

AM-55 Hardware Update....................................................................................3-41

Preset Menu Items .................................................................................................3-43

General Specifications..................................................................A‑3

Interpreting Common Audio Processing Terms.........................A‑8

Background ................................................................................................................A-8

Audio Terms and Wheatstone Processing .................................................................A-9

Thump/Rumble/Bottom............................................................................................A-9

Punch/Boom/Tubby/Warm .....................................................................................A-10

Mud.........................................................................................................................A-10

Honk .......................................................................................................................A-10

Whack.....................................................................................................................A-10

Fuzzy/Tinny ............................................................................................................A-11

Sibilance.................................................................................................................A-11

Treble/Bright/Open .................................................................................................A-11

Finally .....................................................................................................................A-12

WheatNet‑IP Configuration..........................................................A‑14

Adding AM-55 to The WheatNet-IP System..............................................................A-14

Appendix B

Appendix C

Appendices

Appendix A

page 1 – 1

FM-55 / Aug 2014

GENERAL INFORMATION

General Information

Introduction....................................................................................1-2

AM-55 Feature Overview...............................................................1-3

Rack Mounting...............................................................................1-3

AM-55 Installation Tips...............................................................................................1-4

Grounding...............................................................................................................1-4

Surge Protection.....................................................................................................1-4

UPS/Power Conditioning .......................................................................................1-4

Analog Audio Input Connections............................................................................1-4

Analog Audio Output Connections.........................................................................1-5

Digital Audio Connections......................................................................................1-5

Where to Install the AM-55.........................................................................................1-6

Ratings Encoders ...................................................................................................1-6

Insert Point (Future Feature) ...................................................................................1-6

AC Power Considerations ............................................................1-6

Rear Panel Connections ...............................................................1-7

Audio Inputs ...............................................................................................................1-7

Analog In .................................................................................................................1-7

AES In......................................................................................................................1-8

AM Audio Outputs......................................................................................................1-8

TX Out .....................................................................................................................1-8

AES Out...................................................................................................................1-8

Headphone Monitoring...............................................................................................1-8

Network Connection ..................................................................................................1-8

Ethernet RJ-45 ........................................................................................................1-9

Typical Straight-Through Cable...............................................................................1-9

Typical Crossover Cable..........................................................................................1-9

General Purpose Interface (GPIO).............................................................................1-10

GPIO RJ-45 ............................................................................................................1-11

Processing Presets....................................................................................................1-11

AM-55 Input/Output Connections Drawing...............................................................1-13

Chapter Contents

page 1 – 2

FM-55 / Aug 2014

GENERAL INFORMATION

General Information

Introduction

Welcome to the Wheatstone AM-55 Digital Audio Processor. The AM-55 has been

carefully designed to deliver a clean and easy to listen to sound on the dial along with

very competitive loudness when that is the goal. The AM-55 expands on technologies

previously invented by Wheatstone, incorporates several new ones, and delivers that

“sought after” sound no matter what the market size. Like other Wheatstone processors,

the AM-55 has been carefully designed to not have a xed sound of its own – the end

user can use the AM-55’s vast pallet of tools to create any desired on-air sound.

TheAM-55’s processing algorithms have been carefully evaluated though many hours

of critical listening with a very wide range of program material. The AM-55’s processing

algorithms deliver amazingly clean, clear, and if desired, loud, on-air sound. Music sounds

like it was meant to sound. Voices are rich and full and without unnatural coloration or

distortion. Transitions between widely varying program elements are deftly handled, and

if desired, with no trace of “processing” during spectral balance and density corrections.

Remote control of theAM-55 is via a Windows-based Graphical User Interface (GUI)

software and can be accomplished via 100BaseT wired Ethernet. Up to four simultaneous

remote control sessions are possible. General Purpose Input/Output is provided on an

RJ-45 to interface to station systems.

The AM-55 utilizes an internal base sampling rate of 192 kHz. Higher sample rates

are used where it is benecial to do so, such as within the AM-55 clipper. A 24-bit, 144dB

internal dynamic range signal path allows audio to be processed with extreme precision.

The front panel OLED screen permits convenient control of system and basic processing

setup parameters and sound controls.

Those wishing for remote or PC control over all parameters will appreciate our

full-control GUI.This GUI is available free of charge and comes on a CD thataccompanies

this product or can be downloaded at http://wheatstone-processing.com.

Wheatstone products are designed and manufactured in our Corporate Headquarters

in New Bern, North Carolina, USA. This large, state-of-the-art facility affords complete

control over product quality during every step of the design and manufacturing process.

In order to maintain the high product quality that Wheatstone has been known for, no

offshore manufacturing is utilized.

The following pages will help you get theAM-55 up and running as quickly as possible

without having to know a lot of techie stuff.

If during installation or setup you nd that you need assistance or advice, please feel

free to contact our technical support folks at (252) 638-7000 or email us at: techsupport@

wheatstone.com.

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