SOUND4 FIRST offers a full set of the most important features required from an FM/HD processor in a small, compact PCI Express card. Powerful, yet affordable, it produces clear audio of unrivalled quality. It is 100% autonomous in terms of resources and only requires power from your PC. This PCIe card gives you intelligent and highly efficient 2-band processing, a digital stereo generator and an IMPACT Clipper in one single product.
Among its most important advantages are an HD Limiter, a Low Distortion Bass Clipper and a Low Distortion FM Limiter. SOUND4 FIRST comes equipped with Analog, Digital and AES-67/Livewire inputs and outputs, as well as an MPX FM output and a streaming output fully compatible with all standard servers, including HLS. Additionally, it solves the so-called “blending problem” resulting from the switch of receivers from stereo to mono, bringing you a constant level of clear audio. The product is fully BS-412 compliant and has a reliable backup source which ensures an uninterrupted audio stream.
The SOUND4 FIRST is a three-band processor and the smallest device in the FM product line. It is particularly well-suited to the following uses:
For small radios, as a principal processor. It is fully compliant with radio broadcast standards while at the same time having a strong, clear and balanced sound.
For transmitter finalization, with a SOUND4 FIRST located in the studio. All radio standards are met.
For radios seeking natural but powerful tonalities.
As a web radio processor, thanks to its algorithms, specially optimized for this kind of application. Furthermore, its low cost makes it affordable for any radio station wishing to set itself apart from other stations.
As a small standby processor.
The SOUND4 FIRST can thus be used as an audio broadcaster thanks to the PCIe entry driver, as a processor thanks to the processing functions and as an Audio streamer thanks to the streaming option.
The SOUND4 FIRST is the first small processor that has been specifically developed for new radio markets. The outputs can thus be used simultaneously for FM and HD, DAB, DRM or, of course, WebRadio.
An Integrated Backup Solution
Much more than a mere processor, the SOUND4 FIRST has Audio Backup functionalities. Due to the capacity of its hard disk to store audio files, it is the first processor that guarantees continuity of the on-air program, solving the problem of radio silence.
An Integrated Basic RDS Encoder
In addition to being a high-quality processor and offering a backup audio source, the SOUND4 FIRST also provides the option of a basic or a full RDS encoder, the latter being UECP-compatible.
Fully Compliant with All Standards
With the SOUND4 FIRST, clients can be sure that they have a product which meets the various radio broadcast standards worldwide. It thus fulfills the following criteria:
Excursion in frequency - once the output level is fixed at 75kHz, it will never go beyond this maximum limit.
Multiplex Power - valid mainly in Europe, the ITU-R 412 recommendation is applied perfectly in accordance with the requirements of the radio broadcasting authorities.
Features
100% autonomous in terms of resources - the card only requires power from the PC.
4 inputs - AES from 32 to 192 kHz, analog, IP (Livewire or SOUND4 IP CONNECT) and PCI (audio driver).
Mixing of inputs and automatic safety function.
5 simultaneous and independent outputs - TX1, TX2, AES, Analog IP (Livewire or SOUND4 IP CONNECT) and PCI (audio driver).
Routing of signals for outputs.
Relay switch for automatic by-pass.
Digital AES/EBU synchronization input.
DSP computing power - 4 Giga Flops (Sharc 40 bits with floating point).
GUI and driver compatible 32 & 64 bits - Windows 7, Windows 8 & 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11, 2008 R2, 2012 and Linux (Debian)
Multicard driver (the quantity of PCIe slots will be equal to the number of cards admissible in the same PC).
Start-up time of the SOUND4 FIRST card - 2 seconds max to being on air.
100% upgradeable to IMPACT. While updating the card, the sound is interrupted for only two seconds.
Specifications
Analog Input
Quantity
1 stereo
Level
2 ranges (+12 or + 24 dBu - software selectable)
Impedance
10k
Connector
XLR female balanced and EMI suppressed
Digital Input
Quantity
1 stereo
Standard
AES 3
Sampling Rate
32 to 192 kHz - 24 bits
Connector
XLR female balanced and EMI suppressed
AES/EBU Input Sync
Quantity/Connectors
1 BNC female connector
Sync Type
Word Clock - 32 to 192 kHz
Level
1 to 6 volt
SCA/RDS Input
Quantity/Connectors
1 BNC female connector
Type
Adder
Analog Output
Quantity
1 stereo
Level
2 ranges (+12 or + 24 dBu - software selectable)
Load Impedance
typical 10k - maximum load impedance 300 ohm at 24 dBu