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Processor Problem

R

Radiopronouncer

We are having problems with our Optimod FM 2200. We use the analog inputs and the AES output. Today, the left channel input quit functioning. Audio was going to it and swapping the left and right input wires simply swaps what is going through the right channel. As a temporary measure, I've switched it to mono and have programmed our console to be L+R mono. The sound quality is acceptable for a few days.

Since this processor is from the late 90s and we want redundancy where possible, we are considering getting another processor. What would be some good choices for a backup processor? Would it be better to put the old Optimod in a backup position with a new main processor? A new top-of-the-line Optimod or similar probably isn't going to be our choice. Used Optimod? Used processor of another brand? New budget processor? What are your opinions?
 
On the new front, consider: Omnia 1, Broadcast Warehouse DSPX, Orban 5300. The DSPX Mini is the biggest bang for the $$. Many others have also commented on the Breakaway PC based processor which is quite inexpensive at about $200 (plus PC and high quality sound card).
 
Dspx fm mini fm se is a steal for around 1400.00 Nice sounding box,sounds much better than the dsp-x because of Goran's effort.. the Vorsis FM4 ,amazing..or use Breakaway and roll your own.Inovonics has a new David 4,havent' heard much about it.Any of these will sound better than your outdated 2200...
 
I wish I could offer more information but 'we' stopped searching after the OmniaOne was installed.
 
Any repair is looking at around $700 from Orban. Call and check. Nice box, still is for some stations. Can't compete with competitive processing of the Omnia One. 2500-700 is 1800 you need for a NEW unit.
 
Go with the Omnia One if you can. It will run rings around the 2200, especially if you enable the 5th limiter band. Sell the 2200 on eBay to an unsuspecting soul. I have one at a site that's going to get the heave-ho when the new site is built. I can't wait. But the DSP-X mini, the Vorsis or even the Inovonics will be better than the 2200. I'd rather have a nice recapped 8100 with the zero card in it than the 2200.
 
Kmagrill said:
On the new front, consider: ...Orban 5300...
Click to expand...

The 5300 has been discontinued and replaced with the 5500. While the 5500 used to be sonically identical to the 5300, the 5500 just got a software upgrade (v1.1) that added a compressor sidechain to band 5, so you have more versatility when adjusting high frequency texture. There were other improvements as well but the B5 sidechain is the one of most interest to North American users.

Bob Orban
 
For a good inexpensive processor for anything but super competitive loudness needs, the Inovonics Davids are excellent choices. The Omnia One is superb for any processing need, especially so with a Ariane AGC paired with it.
 
Hi Bob,

Does that mean that in the previous firmware, band 5 was a "limit only" band? Just making sure I understood when you said a compressor sidechain was added.
 
rorban said:
Kmagrill said:
On the new front, consider: ...Orban 5300...
Click to expand...

The 5300 has been discontinued and replaced with the 5500. While the 5500 used to be sonically identical to the 5300, the 5500 just got a software upgrade (v1.1) that added a compressor sidechain to band 5, so you have more versatility when adjusting high frequency texture. There were other improvements as well but the B5 sidechain is the one of most interest to North American users.

Bob Orban
Click to expand...

I might add that this update made quite a difference. I was able to make the high end FAR more pleasing after the update and it wasn't bad to start with. The 5500 is an amazing little box to me. I have my 5500 on a CHR and it is very close to my 8300 on my Hip-Hop station... I would not hesitate to use a 5500 on another station.
 
rorban said:
Kmagrill said:
On the new front, consider: ...Orban 5300...
Click to expand...

The 5300 has been discontinued and replaced with the 5500. While the 5500 used to be sonically identical to the 5300, the 5500 just got a software upgrade (v1.1) that added a compressor sidechain to band 5, so you have more versatility when adjusting high frequency texture. There were other improvements as well but the B5 sidechain is the one of most interest to North American users.

Bob Orban
Click to expand...

Mr Orban,
Will you also include the band 5 sidechain to the Optimod 8500 ?
Thank you.
 
another direction to look at and research is the Broadcast Technology UM2000..
It's essentially the Hnat Hindes UltraMod processor...
It's analog, clean and has a wonderful low end.
There's a sheen to the signal....pristine covers it...
You can buy one for around a thousand...
I've run a lot of different processors over the years in all size of markets...and it's my current favorite...
remember, garbage in is garbage out...so what you feed it is very important...
Ask around...get a hold of Broadcast Technology
 
The new processor is in. Last night, I just had time to put it in, put it on a factory preset and adjust the levels. Sounds good, even with no tweaking. Since I have a full-time job and this is just a part-time job, it may take some time to experiment with factory presets and tweaking. But, I think it does sound better than the old processor.
 
WNTIRadio said:
Hi Bob,

Does that mean that in the previous firmware, band 5 was a "limit only" band? Just making sure I understood when you said a compressor sidechain was added.
Click to expand...

Before v 1.1, B5 gain reduction was determined by three elements: (1) the B5 downward expander, (2) the HF Limiter signal, (3) coupling from the B4 compressor sidechain. Multiband clipping was also independent.

v1.1 adds a full compressor sidechain to B5 so that now its GR is determined by four elements instead of three.

To answer another post -- yes, we plan to implement this improvement in the 8500 too. It is already available in the "8500-style" presets in the 8600.

In other news, the 8500>8600 upgrade kits are now shipping and can be ordered through Orban dealers.
 
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