SOUND 4 PCIe FIRST FM/HD PCIe STEREO GENERATOR WITH IMPACT CLIPPER

A Highly Versatile Processor

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.

Processing

Input State

The SOUND4 FISRT has four inputs - Digital, Analog, IP (Livewire or SOUND4 IP Connect) and PCI.

On the software interface, the input currently in use is indicated by a triangle on the left side of its name.

 2-Band AGC

With the SOUND4 FISRT, the first processing function is the 2-Band AGC - automatic gain control whose main purpose is to stabilize the loudness level applied to the input of the processor and prevent noticeable level differences between recent and old titles.

 Tone FX

The Tone FX makes coloring of sound before dynamic processing possible. To do so, it groups together two types of processing functions:

• A 4-band parametric equalizer;
• An effect system making it possible to strengthen low frequencies and high frequencies.

The two functions offer results that are entirely different, which is why they are gathered on one single screen.

In Basic mode, use of the four parametric equalizers is simplified to the maximum. Only the gain for each correction is accessible. For FX Bass and FX Treble, dosage of the effect is also made accessible.

In Advanced mode, users have access to all equalizer parameters (gain, frequency and Q factor).

 Stereo FX

SOUND4 FISRT has a true stereo enlarger, 100% mono-compatible. Its role is to sublimate the existing stereo image. It will thus never create stereo in mono sources.

In addition to embellishing the stereo image, it also has a 3-band stereo image limiter acting on the control of the energy transmitted by the stereo sub-porter at 38 kHz. This unique functionality limits issues currently caused by the traditional enlargement processes. The stability of reception in areas disturbed by multiple routes is thus greatly optimized.

 The 3-Band Process

The 3-band Process is the heart of dynamic processing. With SOUND4 FISRT, a single algorithm guarantees the gain in each of the bands in order to complete sound stabilization. “Coloring” is controlled by the Fidelity parameter. Thus, it is possible to have a purist and a colored sound texture.

The 3-band Process is achieved through the revolutionary algorithm S.I.S. (Sound Impact System), which makes it possible to maintain the authenticity of the original sound attacks.

 The 3-Band Limiter

The main purpose of the 3-band Limiter is to prepare the work of the final limiter. It is also provided with a very powerful predictive algorithm, which has been simplified to the maximum, so that it is not encumbered with useless parameters.

The Final Limiter

The Final Limiter comprises two sections - one for FM applications and one for HD applications.

The FM Section consists of a Bass Clipper, guaranteeing powerful bass without distortion, an FM limiter and an MPX limiter.

The HD Section is specifically designed for high quality digital applications (HD/DAB/DRM). This is a look-ahead type of limiter and in this mode the outputs are not limited to 15 kHz. 

Assignment of Outlets

The outlets of SOUND4 FISRT are fully assignable. For example, the analog outlet may replicate the signal which is applied to the analog input, the digital outlet delivers an HD signal, the TX1 outlet delivers the MPX signal and the TX2 outlet drives the 19-kHz pilot signal.

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