DaySequerra iLM8 User Manual

iLM8 - Live

8 Channel Intelligent Loudness Monitor

Model 2542

User Manual

2

iLM8 – Live User Manual

Welcome

Thanks for purchasing the DaySequerra iLM8 - Live. Differences in audio levels between TV programs,
or between programs and commercials, are a constant annoyance to viewers. iLM8 - Live permits
broadcasters to verify compliance of their desired loudness level across all audio programming and
minimize viewer complaints.

We design and build all of our DaySequerra products to be completely reliable and easy to use, so you
can concentrate on producing great sounding broadcasts, not struggling with complicated equipment or
difficult to use product manuals.

While the iLM8 - Live has been designed to be straightforward to use, we do suggest that you spend a
few minutes familiarizing yourself with the features and operational functions that are contained in this
manual.

DaySequerra has been building broadcast quality products since 1989. The technology
developed for the iLM8 - Live, and all of our products, has evolved through a process of user
feedback, extensive listening, field-testing and careful refinement.

In the event that you encounter any technical or operational difficulties with this or any DaySequerra
product, please feel free to contact us at 856-719-9900. Our office hours are from 9 to 5 ET, Monday
through Friday. Or you can email your questions to: [e-mail].

If the model number on your iLM8 is 2531 a hardware upgrade is required to run the most recent
version of the Remote Dashboard. Please contact DaySequerra at [phone] to arrange for an
upgrade.

Also, please remember to visit our website www.daysequerra.com for warranty registration and the
latest DaySequerra product information.

We have worked hard to ensure that your DaySequerra iLM8 - Live will reliably serve you for years to
come. With a modular design and upgradeable firmware, your new unit is easy to install and use right
out of the box.

We sincerely hope our products help you achieve a new level of excellence in your work!

David V. Day

and the DaySequerra Team

iLM8 – Live User Manual

3

Table of Contents

Important Safety Information

4

Menu Function & Descriptions

17

Service Information

4

Home Screens

18

Technical Specifications

5

Faults

33

Introduction

6

Firmware Update

34

Measuring Loudness

7

iLM8 - Live Remote Dashboard

36

Using iLM8 - Live to Control Loudness

10

Remote Dashboard Configuration

38

Installation

12

Using Remote Dashboard

40

Menu Tree

13

Log Files

41

Front Panel

14

Log File Import Example

41

Rear Panel

15

Maintaining an Accurate Clock

44

Meter Display

17

Remote Dashboard Troubleshooting

44

Programming Menu

17

Warranty Information

45

All rights reserved DaySequerra Corp. Copyright 2009.

All logo s and trademark used herein are the prope rty of their respective o wners.
Specifications s ubject to change .

iLM8 - Live Revision A2.

iLM8 - Live Key Features

• Standalone operation – no external encoder is required

• Industry-standard ITU-R BS.1770-1 and BS.1770-2 with Eclipse algorithms;

simultaneous measurement for 5.0 surround and auxiliary stereo inputs

• Robust DSP platform – no PC operating system to hang; no lengthy boot-ups

•

Easy-to-read numerical Measured and Target readouts on vacuum fluorescent display;

bar graph LED audio level meters

• Front panel headphone monitor

• Ethernet interface for long-term logging and field software updates

• Optional HD/SDI (SMPTE 292M/229M) with measurement and mapping of all 16 SDI

audio channels

4

iLM8 – Live User Manual

Important Safety Information

• Indoor use only. Not for use in wet or damp environments.

• Maximum Relative Humidity: <80%

• Class I Equipment (grounded type)

• Electrical rating: 100-120/220-240V~50-60Hz 25W max

• AC Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed +10% of the nominal voltage

• Operations temperature range -40°C to 70°C

• Maximum altitude: 3000m (9843ft)

• Equipment suitable for continuous operation

• Weight: 3.6kg (8lbs) equipment only; 6.1kg (13.5lbs) shipping

Important Note: Please connect your iLM8 - Live to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to
provide other protection against power surges and low-voltage conditions.

Service Information

The DaySequerra iLM8 - Live contains no user serviceable components inside the unit. Please contact
DaySequerra for repair and upgrade information. In the event that your unit needs to be returned to the
factory, contact us for a return authorization number. Please visit www.daysequerra.com and

register your new iLM8 - Live so we can keep you informed of the latest hardware and software
updates.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of un­insulated “dangerous voltages” within the product’s enclosure that may be of a sufficient level
to cause harm.

The exclamation point within a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important

operating and maintenance instructions within the
product literature.

Exposed portions of the power supply assembly are
electrically live. To reduce risk of electric shock, the
power cord must be disconnected when the power
supply assembly is removed. For continued
protection against electric shock, a correctly wired
and grounded (earthed) three-pin power outlet must
be used. Do not use a ground-lifting adapter and
never cut the ground pin on the three-prong plug.
The ground terminal of the power plug is connected
directly to the chassis of the unit.

iLM8 – Live User Manual

5

Technical Specifications

Latency of the Eclipse Algorithm:

<4ms at 48k sampling rate

Power Consumption:

25W Maximum

Dimensions:

Rack Mount; 1 RU (1.75” x 19” x 10.75”)

Sample Rate:

32kHz – 96kHz, 24-bit

Loudness Algorithms:

ITU-R BS.1770/3 Eclipse Loudness Measure

Headphone Monitor:

3.5mm TRS connector, >150mW max into 32Ω load

Dynamic Range:

140dB, DR any input to any output

GPIO:
Environmental:

DB-9 Female, 0-5V TTL
Operating Temperature: +41 to +105° F (+5 to +40° C)
Storage Temperature: -13 to +140° F (-25 to +60° C)!
Relative Humidity: Maximum 85%, non-condensing!

Regulatory:

North America: Designed to Comply with FCC Class A
part 15 requirements.
Europe: Designed to comply with LV Directive
73/23/EEC and EMC Directive 89/336/EEC; CE Mark
(EN 55022 Class A, EN55024); Designed for RoHS
and WEEE compliance.

FCC Part 15 Regulatory Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A digital device pursuant
to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction's manual, may cause interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the user will be required to
correct the interference at their own expense. The user is cautioned that changes and modifications
made to the equipment without approval of the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate
this equipment. The user should use only shielded and/or grounded cables to combat sources of
interference.

6

iLM8 – Live User Manual

Environmental Preservation Efforts

This equipment has been designed and built by DaySequerra corporation to give many
years of trouble free service and is backed by our three year warranty and commitment
of providing the best customer support. When the time comes to retire your product from
service, it should be disposed of in accordance with local codes or ordinances. Do not
discard with household or commercial waste.

DaySequerra products are only to be installed in an inside location where
it is protected from inclement weather. Operate DaySequerra products in
temperature range of +5 to +40°C (105°F), with relative humidity ranging
from 5 to 85% non-condensing. Adequate cooling must be provided if
units are to be operated in high temperature locations (greater than
+40°C). Exposure to liquid and condensation must be avoided.

DaySequerra products are manufactured with the environment in mind. The directive on the restriction
of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (2002/95/EC) restricts
the use of six specific hazardous materials in the manufacture of various types of electronic and
electrical equipment. Following this directive prevents these toxic substances from entering our
environment after disposal.

Introduction

DaySequerra’s iLM8 – Live Intelligent Loudness Monitor measures perceived loudness of up to eight
channels of program audio using the industry-standard ITU-R BS.1770-1, BS.1770-2, and BS1770-3
with Eclipse Loudness Measure algorithms. This proprietary algorithm was developed by after
extensive research into human hearing and perceived loudness.

Loudness is a perceptual property of an audio signal when it is reproduced acoustically. It is a complex
non-linear function of amplitude, frequency and bandwidth. Current audio level meters measure the
level of audio signals expressed as the amplitude of the signal - either the RMS (root mean square)
voltage of an electrical signal or the sound pressure of an acoustical signal. Neither of these
measurements, although widely accepted, provides accurate indications of how viewers will perceive
the loudness of the audio programming.

The Eclipse Loudness Measure algorithm uses a perceptual model of human hearing to more
accurately detect spectral and density differences, inter-channel relationships and temporal overlaps in
any audio content, resulting in a more accurate perceived loudness measurement over time.

The iLM8 - Live measures the perceived loudness of eight channels of program audio and displays the
results in an easy-to-read numerical format with a moving average over time, eliminating the variations
with engineers interpreting traditional VU or PPM indicators (neither of which can measure perceived
loudness).

To improve system reliability and up-time, iLM8 - Live uses a robust DSP-based processing platform
rather than the PC-based approach to completely avoid broadcast disruptions caused by operating
system lockups. The iLM8 - Live’s built-in high-performance headphone amplifier allows monitoring of
any two user-selected outputs even in noisy background environments. A set of user-definable alarms
can alert an operator of input loss, signal clipping and high or low signal levels referenced to the
desired loudness level. An Ethernet interface provides long-term logging and field software updates
capability. Whether pre-screening content at an ingest point or keeping tabs on the output of a
broadcast air-chain, iLM8 is your key to reduce viewer complaints and improve audience satisfaction.

iLM8 – Live User Manual

7

Measuring Loudness

Human perception of the sensation of an audio signal is properly called “loudness”. As early as 1933,
research by Fletcher and Munson showed that human hearing sensitivity is largely based upon the
frequency of the sound, as well as the sound pressure level (SPL). As humans do not hear sound using
standard measures of intensity, measuring loudness based upon SPL or the root mean square (RMS)
voltage of the electrical signal will not agree with human perception. The Fletcher/Munson Equal
Loudness Curves show the limits human sensitivity of certain frequencies, especially low frequencies
(bass) at lower sound levels (Fletcher & Munson, 1933).

In order to create a loudness measure that more accurately represents the human perception of
loudness, frequency weighting (or equalization curves) are placed ahead of power measurements. This
introduces the measures Leq(A), Leq(B), Leq(C) and Leq(M) – with ‘Leq’ attempting to relate the
‘L’oudness of an ‘eq’uivalent amount of energy in a standard signal, typically a 1 kHz sine wave. The
most current weighting standard, ITU-R BS.1770 produces results known as LKFS that are referenced
to a dB FS scale. While certain Leq(x) measures match more closely to human loudness perception
than traditional SPL or RMS measurements, there are still many broadcast content types that cannot be
measured correctly with a Leq(x) or LKFS weighting method.

For example, a narrowband signal may be perceived to sound softer than an equally intense wideband
sound, depending on the relationship between rendering level, absolute threshold and signal content.
Additionally, content with large amounts of low-frequency energy is often inaccurately measured by
BS.1770 due to heavy low-frequency roll off (see weighting curves). This measurement will often vary
from a subjective measure, especially in the short term; however this variance is acceptable in a long
term measurement, as the values are smoothed over many seconds, minutes or hours. Small
deviations between the instantaneous perception of loudness is often acceptable when using a meter
solution to measure the loudness, as the meters usually offer an audio visualization method that human
operators can use. Combined with their ears, the operator can make any decisions about any corrective
action required.

Fletcher/Munson Equal Loudness Curves

8

iLM8 – Live User Manual

To achieve a more accurate loudness measurement, the method should include critical bands in the
measurement. Critical bands describe auditory filters within the human cochlea. (J. Allen, 2010). To
illustrate this, a subject is presented with a single tone of a certain energy level, and more tones are
added with equal energy in the critical bands – the total signal energy is kept constant regardless of the
number of tones. If changing from one to two tones, the energy of each of the two tones is exactly half
of that of the single tone. While the amount of audio energy never changes, the perceived loudness
increases as the energy spectrum spreads out across more tones (Johnston, 2006).

Weighting Curves

J. Allen Cochlea Filters (2010)

iLM8 – Live User Manual

9

Bronwyn Jones and Emil Torick created a revised CBS loudness meter in the early 1980s that
consisted of eight filters, each covering three critical bands. This approach did prove to deliver better
subjective modeling than traditional SPL or RMS measurements (Jones & Torick, 1982).

In 2004, Nielsen and Skovenborg published an AES paper that expanded upon the ideas of critical
band loudness measures. This paper introduced a method called HEIMDAL, which separated spectra
into nine bands via an octave filter band. While the HEIMDAL multi-band model did not achieve the
complexity of cochlear modeling as shown by J. Allen, the method had the lowest error compared to
any preceding loudness models (Nielsen & Skovenborg, 2004).

Despite the clear benefits of critical band analysis in loudness measurement, there are very few
methods currently available to measure loudness this way in real-time for broadcast applications -- the
extra processing required to accomplish it have prevented widespread adoption.

Absolute Error (dB) of various loudness measures

Critical band comparison between loudness measures

10

iLM8 – Live User Manual

Work Cited:

1. Fletcher, H. & Munson, W. A. (1933). Loudness, its Definition, Measurement, and Calculation.

2. Allen, J (2010 May 20). Nonlinear Cochlear Signal Processing.

3. Johnston, J. (2006). Loudness Tutorial.

4. Jones, B. L. & Torick, E. L. (1982). A New Loudness Indicator for Use in Broadcasting.

5. Nielsen, S. H. & Skovenborg, E. (2004). Evaluation of Different Loudness Models with Music and Speech
Material.

Using iLM8 - Live to Control Loudness

!

The most valuable tools in determining loudness in your program material include:

• iLM8 - Live Intelligent Loudness Meter – Operators should position iLM8 - Live at various places
within the signal flow to objectively verify that audio loudness levels are within tolerance.
Limited operator training is required to learn the basics of perceptual loudness measurement
and management.

• A Listening Ear – No amount of metering can replace the value of active listening. Broadcasters
should use trained technicians who work in listening environments that accurately represent the
consumer’s expected environment as a final line of defense against inappropriate loudness.

When measuring live content in real-time, operators can use short-term smoothed loudness
measurements to confirm that the mix or overall program audio is adhering to broadcaster-established
guidelines or a governing body’s mandated target. However, when content is stored for playback at a
later time, an opportunity is created for non-real-time loudness measurement.

Each Leq(x) revision results in a different level of correlation between the objective measure and
the human listener’s assessment of loudness. The lowest mean error score was achieved by the

Neural Loudness Measure

iLM8 – Live User Manual

11

A long term loudness measurement of an entire clip is referred to as an infinite average. To achieve the
desired loudness level, this value can be used to update the Dial Norm metadata, thus affecting the
audio’s perceived loudness when processed at the point of consumption by way of the set top box or,
more recently, digital television receiver.
Granted that not all viewers will have equipment capable of processing metadata or Dial Norm
information, it is possible to control the perceived loudness by the application a fixed-offset to the audio
content after the infinite average of an entire piece of content has been measured. While this may
sound like the ideal loudness solution, it alone will never completely address loudness complaints.

For example, imagine that a movie starts with a dramatic scene
where the first ten minutes consist of speech and sound effects
measured at -31 LKFS. The second half of the scene includes a
car chase measuring at -17 LKFS. The Dial Norm correctly
describes the entire scene as -24 LKFS, however the viewer
perceives the audio level as very low for the first half of the clip
followed by audio that is significantly louder during the second
half. While this extreme dynamic range may be acceptable in a
movie theatre, it is typically not within the typical viewer’s home
environment. The infinite average and fixed-offset approach has
no way of addressing such intra-content issues.

Another challenge that fixed-offset correction cannot solve is how loudness is perceived in the context
of playback. In this scenario, a TV program ends quietly followed by a high-energy commercial. Even if
both pieces of content are properly prepared and played back at correct infinite average levels, an
abruptly louder start to the commercial will create a jarring effect when played back immediately after
the quiet ending.

Last century’s loudness solution was a fix-all audio processor that was situated at the end of the
broadcast chain, controlling loudness by ‘squashing’ the audio and removing essential audio dynamics.
With visual feedback presented from the iLM8 - Live, a new solution has emerged that enables
engineers to
measure perceived loudness correctly and take appropriate corrective action on the fly, imitating
methods used by audio mix engineers who actively ride their faders. When coupled with a proficient
listening ear, the solution is easily integrated with existing broadcasting workflows, delivering the
flexibility engineers need to adjust loudness levels in real-time, without removing any signal dynamics.

12

iLM8 – Live User Manual

Installation

Immediately upon receiving your iLM8 - Live, please make a careful inspection for any shipping
damage. If damage is found or suspected, please notify the carrier at once and then contact your
dealer. iLM8 - Live is shipped in one carton, which contains: the iLM8 - Live unit, an AC power cable,
and this Users Manual.

We strongly encourage you to save the shipping carton and shipping materials supplied with your iLM8

- Live. They are specially designed to properly protect your iLM8 - Live, and in the event that you need
to return it for service, only these OEM shipping materials can ensure its safe return to our factory.

We provide a limited 3-year warranty on all of our products; however, if you don’t register your unit, it is
impossible for us to contact you to notify you when important software upgrades become available.

Please take a few minutes to complete the warranty registration form on our website,

www.daysequerra.com.

Rack Mount Installation

The iLM8 - Live chassis has four rack mounting holes and has been designed to fit in a standard 1RU
space. Plastic ‘finishing’ washers are recommended to protect the painted surface around the mounting
holes. Locate the air vents on each side of the unit, and be sure to keep them clear so the unit may
have adequate ventilation.

Power Connection

The AC power cable supplied with iLM8 - Live must be connected from the IEC320 power entry module
to an AC mains outlet with a functional earth ground connection. For protection against electric shock
and electro-magnetic interference, do not plug the power cable into a ground lifting adapter or remove
the cable’s grounding pin. If in doubt, please consult a qualified electrician.

Please connect iLM8 - Live to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect against power
surges and low-voltage conditions. iLM8 - Live may be combined with other devices on the output of

the UPS as long as the total load is within the UPS’ capacity. Consult your UPS manual for details.

iLM8 - Live will automatically power up when AC power is applied. If AC line power is lost or
momentarily interrupted, iLM8 - Live will revert to its previous state.

iLM8 – Live User Manual

13

Menu Tree

Figurre 4. Visual Map of iLM8 - Live Menu System.

14

iLM8 – Live User Manual

Front Panel Controls and Indicators

Bargraph Meters

INPUT LEVELS - Eight 10-segment multi-colored LED meters display the audio level for each channel
of the inbound audio stream.

Status Indicators / Mix Monitor

OVER TARGET - Red LED indicator illuminates when the short term
combined average for the active input displayed on the home screen is over
the user-specified target.

ON TARGET - Green LED indicator illuminates when the short term
combined average for the active input displayed on the home screen is within
the user-specified target.

UNDER TARGET - Blue LED indicator illuminates when the short term
combined average for the active input displayed on the home screen is under
the user-specified target.

LOGGING - Green LED indicator illuminates when iLM8 - Live has an established session with a PC
running DaySequerra iLM8 - Live Remote Dashboard software

Input Target – Sets the Input Target to either 5.0 Surround or 2.0 Stereo for monitoring

Loudness Target – Sets the Loudness Target that is being monitored to either Max ML (Momentary
Loudness) 100 Msec or Max SL (Short Loudness) 1 – 60 seconds.

Display and Controls

VACUUM FLUORESCENT DISPLAY - A Multi-function display will indicate current status of the unit
and programming menus.

ROTARY ENCODER - A stepping optical rotary encoder is used to select values or navigate the menu
system.

ENTER KEY - Used to enter a menu or confirm a selection. To enter the main system menu, simply
press ENTER while iLM8 - Live is on the HOME screen.

HOME KEY - A press of this button will return iLM8 - Live to the home screen or enter home screen
selection mode.

BACK KEY – This key will return to a previous menu, or if you are entering a value, exit the field and
return the value to the last programmed state.

HEADPHONE JACK – Accepts any headphone or monitor that has a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack
connection. Volume control is software based, adjusted within the home screen selection mode.