first observations: new optimod software

[fm-engineer]

Hi group,

Today I installed new software on several 8300 and 5300 Optimods. The 8300 is V2.1.0, 5300 is 1.1.0. Both are available on their website. To my ears there is a significant improvement with the new AGC. The new AGC does a much better job of handling hypercompressed material. The new software also seems to offer a more punchy sound with slightly more deep bass. One complaint I had with the new flavor of Optimods beginning with 8400 was the lack of bass punch. It also seems that some of the exaggerated mid-range energy has been reduced. Overall I would have to say this is significant improvement to the Optimod line. I would be interested to hear other observations on the new AGC design. Hopefully I still have some decent "hearing" left!

 

[mr_elbows]

exactly what purpose does AGC serve on 'hypercompressed material'

does it change it to superextraevenmorecrunched hyper-compressed ?

 

[fm-engineer]

exactly what purpose does AGC serve on 'hypercompressed material'

does it change it to superextraevenmorecrunched hyper-compressed ?

No, I don't think so. You still have garbage in and garbage out. I'm just telling you it sounds like an improvement with some of this smashed stuff. Here is a snippet of new AGC function:

If the AGC needs to respond to a large change in its input level by making a gain change that is larger than the window, then the AGC’s attack and release controls determine the AGC’s response time. However, if the change in input level is smaller than the window size, the WINDOW RELEASE control determines the attack and release times. This is usually much slower than the normal AGC time constants. This prevents the AGC from building up density in material whose level is already well controlled.

The previous explanation was somewhat simplified. In fact, the new window has “soft edges.” Instead of switching abruptly between time constants, the attack and release times morph smoothly between the setting of the Window Release control and the setting of the AGC master release and attack controls.

ftp://ftp.orban.com/8300/Documentation/8300_2.1.0_Readme.htm

 

[mr_elbows]

"This prevents the AGC from building up density in material whose level is already well controlled."

my hat is off to the writer of the above, a lesser soul would have said

'this keeps the AGC from crunching the program material from 'merely abominable trash' to 'neutron-star-density garbage'

 

[richard.vanderveen]

"This prevents the AGC from building up density in material whose level is already well controlled."

my hat is off to the writer of the above, a lesser soul would have said

'this keeps the AGC from crunching the program material from 'merely abominable trash' to 'neutron-star-density garbage'

ROFL!

 

[Tube Shortwave]

Last time I was at KBMB, they installed an Orban 8400 or 8500 processor. Sounds like it has more punch than any other station in the market to my ears. I would have to say that if you think an 8400 lacks punch, you need someone else to set it up for you.

 

[OKCRadioGuy]

I have a station running classic hits that I set up a 9300 for. It has TONS of punch to it. Personally I think it's one of the best sounding boxes I've ever fiddled with. I did, however, modify the hell out of their wonderful presets. Nothing in presetland was really all that great.

;D