Omnia Audio 11 User Manual

Omnia.11

Stereo FM Audio Processor

Installation and Operation Manual

Version 1.4 - Revised: May 2013

Omnia ● 1241 Superior Avenue East, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 USA

TEL: +1 216.241.7225 ● FAX: +1 216.241.4103 ● www.omniaaudio.com

President’s Note: Welcome to Omnia.11!

Cleveland, Ohio September, 2010

If you love Rock-and-Roll there's a good chance you'll understand the following scenario. Consider how daunting it must have been for the Beatles to follow-up "Sgt. Pepper," or what the next concept was in Pete Townshend's mind after the

worldwide acclaim of "Tommy." Personally, I always wonder how Bruce Springsteen contemplates his next project after the completion of many of his masterpieces.

Well processing gang, seems I now understand the predicament! Your overwhelming acceptance of Omnia processors parallels the above scenarios for all of those artists. OK, so maybe there won't be a "processing rock opera", but the

popularity of Omnia, as made by you, has put it in rock-star status among broadcastings elite! Humbly....I wish to thank

each and every one of you for your dedication and support.

Now, Omnia embarks upon the next phase - or tour - of this wonderful journey. You know, Mr. Springsteen said it perfectly, "One day, we'll look back on this, and it will all seem funny." He’s right, as I look back on all this, it's been - and remains - an amazing ride!

Now it's time for us to offer you our follow-up as we present Omnia.11. A lot of anticipation awaits Omnia.11, and our goal was to climb the charts again, with a bullet. By now you're heard or read all of the stuff from the marketing gang. So I'll spare those details. But it is important to note that aside from the effort undertaken to create Omnia.11, there's a tremendous team who deserve recognition for this product. As said in other communiqués, Omnia isn't just "Frank" anymore. Now you get to hear and see the results of that statement. Omnia.11 resides on a whole new firmware platform, which incorporates both DSP and an industrial grade quad-core PC. I believe this is a first in the processing realm. In order to do this, the Omnia team worked extremely hard to assemble a platform that is powerful, flexible, and ready for the future. It's my view that our platform design and firmware selection will create possibilities the 'other' guys are still dreaming about. So in addition to a great sounding processor, you also possess a device that is designed for the ever changing technical landscape we find in broadcasting today.

To that extent, Rob Dye, Bill Mohat, Ed Zmuginsky, Corny Gould, and Mark Manolio are to thank for their creativity. Additionally, there are quite a number of end-users who shared their ideas with us, and we're extremely grateful for the

input from everyone.

I've always felt that competitive quality sound is what ultimately sells a processor, not the number of bands or the latest whimsical features we see offered by others. In Malcom Gladwell's book "Outliers," he details numerous stories about how various people reached their level of success. The short form answer is that it takes close to 10,000 hours of work or practice to reach this lofty goal. Pretty insightful stuff! I have no doubt that my algorithmic running mates Rob Dye and Cornelius Gould have long surpassed this milestone. Their efforts, input and insight to the algorithms in Omnia.11 are worth a book unto themselves. Ask Corny about the multitude of hours we spent in our development lab going over algorithm performance and breaking down the barriers to achieve increased performance in what is today Omnia.11.

Hopefully by now you can draw your own conclusion as to which company has not only become the world's leading broadcast processing developer, but also whom all others look to clone. We chuckle when our tech concepts show up in product descriptions of other companies.

In closing, I want to Thank You, once again for your support in us. As you get rolling with Omnia.11, please know we are there 24/7 should you need assistance. As always, we'd love to know your feedback, so please feel free to share. As a friend in the live steam hobby told me about his business, "If you like the product, tell others. If you don't, then tell me."

Rock on!

Frank Foti, President, Omnia Audio

iii

Omnia.11 Quick-Start Setup Guide

We know that you’re probably in a hurry to begin using your new Omnia.11. This 3-page Quick-Start Setup Guide below will get you up and running as quickly as possible. Since it covers only the bare minimum needed to get you going, we strongly suggest reading the entire user manual in order to get the most out of your new Omnia.11. The latest version is always available in .pdf format here:

http://omniaaudio.com/manuals/11/download

Please refer to the illustrations below to become familiar with the location of the various controls and connectors associated with the installation and then follow the steps in the Physical Installation and User Interface Overview sections before proceeding with the installation.

Physical Installation:

The Omnia.11 is a large unit so it would be advisable to have the help of an assistant when installing it in the rack. Pull outward on the outside of each handle until you hear a click and they both securely lock into place. Using the handles, install the Omnia.11 in the equipment rack using all four rack screws. Once secured to the rack, slide the release pin (located on the back of each handle at the top) toward you and fold the rack handles back to their normal position.

1. Connect the audio inputs that are appropriate for your installation. The Omnia.11 accepts balanced professional linelevel analog audio or AES/EBU digital audio on standard XLR connectors. If you have an existing Livewire system, the

single Livewire Ethernet connection is all that is needed for audio I/O (except for the composite MPX outputs). Please note that the the two Ethernet jacks are ports on the same internal switch so they both have the same functionality. Either can be used for remote control and Livewire. NOTE: Be sure Livewire is disabled in the Setup menu (see Step 4 below) if you are not installing the Omnia in a Livewire system.

2. Connect the outputs that are appropriate for your installation. (NOTE: A direct composite MPX connection between the Omnia and the FM exciter at the transmitter site is always best! This will allow taking full advantage of the Omnia’s superior built-in stereo generator and ensure the best possible overshoot performance and sound quality.)

If you will be using AES/EBU to feed your STL, or FM exciter, be sure any pre-emphasis and limiters (if present) are fully defeated in the exciter. The Omnia must be the only device providing the pre-emphasis so its own de-emphasis on the AES/EBU output being used must also be “Off”. Also note that if the STL uses a codec (is not linear), the Omnia must be located at the transmitter site for best performance and sound quality. Please contact Omnia Support if you have any questions.

3. Be sure there is nothing plugged into the rear panel Ethernet jacks at this point and connect AC power to the unit (there is no power switch!). You will see lines of text as the unit boots up, followed by the main GUI touch screen interface as shown at the top of the next page.

Front Panel User Interface Overview:

Headphone Jack Headphone Level Control Jog Wheel

Icon Buttons Tabs

Touch Screen LCD Display Metering Area Menu Area

Sub-Group Buttons

The initial GUI will come up with the Preset list open but locked. For now, touch the “Setup” icon button at the top-left corner of the screen. This brings up the Network, Livewire and System setup screens with the System screen as the

default.

Note here that the Overall Bypass switch should always be set to “OFF” or no processing will take place! Be careful

never to turn this on unless you are running a proof!

Before you begin, be sure your Omnia.11 is running the current software which is shown in the orange System block near the top of the screen. It should read “Version Omnia11: 1.4 (xxxx). You can ignore what’s in the parentheses. If the version shown is 1.1, you can update via download from here:

audio-processor If the version shown is 1.03 or lower, please contact Omnia customer support for assistance. Contact

information is at the end of this document.

4. Touch the appropriate icon buttons to setup your network parameters, activate Livewire (only if needed) and change the unit’s password (default is “omnia” without the quotes). NOTE: The same password is used for both front panel and remote browser access.

5. Touch the “ADJ” icon button near the top-left of the screen to return to the main screen and then touch “Input” to bring up the Input menu and metering. If the “Basic” tab is not selected, touch it to select it. From the “Input Source” drop-

down, select the Analog, AES/EBU or Livewire input as appropriate for your installation. If your audio source is providing an audio feed you should then see meter activity on the bargraph meters.

6. While driving the inputs with typical program material at normal operating level, adjust the appropriate “Master” Input Gain control until the peak-reading input bargraph meters are reading just “into the yellow” (about –15 to –12 dBFS or so). If the left/right audio levels coming into the Omnia.11 are somewhat unbalanced, you can adjust the “Right Trim” control to adjust the level of the right channel alone over a limited range.

7. Touch the “Output” icon button at the top-right of the screen to bring up the Output menu and metering. If the “Basic” tab is not selected, touch it to select it. Touch the “FM Options” button on the left side of the Menu Area and ensure that the Pre-Emphasis, Diversity Delay (if present) and BS-412 settings are correct for your system and your location.

http://omniaaudio.com/omnia-11-fm-broadcast-

8. Now touch the appropriate button above the “FM Options” button to select the group of output controls for the output

you will be using. All outputs are active simultaneously. NOTE: If you are using an AES/EBU digital output to feed an FM exciter, touch the “AES/EBU” button and be sure the “Output Selection” is set to “FM” and the “De-emphasis” is turned “OFF” for the output being used to feed the linear digital STL or exciter. For access to the composite MPX stereo generator output level and stereo pilot controls, touch the “Composite” button. Finally, adjust the appropriate control so that the peak

output/modulation level is correct for the equipment that follows the Omnia.11.

9. Touch the “FM” icon button and then touch the “Preset” tab to display the list of factory processing presets. If the

preset list is locked (grayed-out), touch the “padlock” icon to unlock it. Once unlocked, simply touch the desired preset name in the list and it will be put directly “on the air".

10. We strongly suggest listening to all the factory presets, regardless of their name, to get a feel for their differences and then select one to start with. Once you have your starting preset selected, touch the “Quick Setup” tab and adjust the following controls to set the basic loudness, bass and brightness sound desired.

Start with the “Auto Sense” control. Set it all the way down to 0.0 for now.

Next, adjust the “Clipper Drive” control as low as possible for the loudness needed. This controls the primary loudness vs. distortion tradeoff. Turning it up makes the sound louder (but more distorted) while turning it down makes the sound cleaner but not as loud. The goal is to find the right compromise. Try adjusting it down in 0.5 dB steps until the loudness just falls off a little too much, then bring it back up a notch or two from there. It should always be set as low as possible for the needed level of loudness.

Now turn the “Auto Sense” control back up until you see the Auto Sense meter in the metering pane deflecting downward a maximum of about 0.5 to 1dB or so on peaks and then leave it there.

The overall amount of bass is set using the “Bass Growl” control. The bass enhancement controls (“Deep Bass”, “Warm Bass” found here and also “Phat Bass” located in the Basic tab of the WB/ENH menu) are all dynamic

rather than fixed EQ’s. Their overall “allowed amount” is controlled by the “Bass Growl” control so start by adjusting this to taste. You can go back and set the other bass enhancer controls later. For now the preset defaults for these should be sufficient.

Finally, set the basic brightness of a preset by using the “Presence” and “Treble” controls. Note that these two controls only boost the brightness. A setting of “0.0” is “flat” or the minimum amount of boost for the particular preset that is currently selected.

The Omnia.11 Quick-Start Setup is now complete! Please read the User Manual to learn all about the features that make the Omnia.11 unique, for additional details on proper installation (Chapter 1), remote control (Appendix C) and for full details on the operation and adjustment of every control function (Chapters 4 & 5).

The latest version of the manual is always available for download in .pdf format here:

http://omniaaudio.com/manuals/11/download

If you’d like to contact our Customer Support department, personnel are available in the Cleveland, Ohio, USA office

Monday through Friday between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Eastern Time by phone at +1.216.241.7225 , via email to

support@omniaaudio.com

or via the customer support form on our website here:

http://telosalliance.com/contact/

After-hours support is available 24/7 by phone at +1.216.622.0247.

If you are outside the U.S.A. and non-English speaking, please contact the dealer you purchased your Omnia from first.

Thank you for choosing Omnia!

vii

President’s Note: Welcome to Omnia.11! .................................................................................... i

Omnia.11 Quick-Start Setup Guide ........................................................................................... iii

Physical Installation: ........................................................................................................... iii

Front Panel User Interface Overview: ............................................................................... iv

Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................ vii

S A F E T Y I N S T R U C T I O N S .................................................................................... xi

HAZARD / WARNING LABELS ............................................................................................. xii

Manual Update Notification...................................................................................................... xiii

Chapter-1: Installation ..................................................................................................................1

Pre-Installation Tasks ............................................................................................................1

About This Manual ................................................................................................................1

Omnia.11 Components ..........................................................................................................1

Processor Location .................................................................................................................1

AC Power Environment ........................................................................................................1

Installation & Connections ...................................................................................................2

Rack Mounting & Grounding ............................................................................................. 2

AC Mains Power ................................................................................................................. 2

Rear Panel Connections ........................................................................................................3

Analog Audio Inputs and Outputs ...................................................................................... 3

A Note about Relative Phase: ..........................................................................................3

Stereo Generator Connections ............................................................................................ 4

COMP 1 & COMP 2 (Composite Outputs 1 & 2) (BNC) ...............................................4

19 kHz OUT (Pilot Sync Output) (BNC) ........................................................................4

SCA INPUT (BNC) .........................................................................................................4

SCA IN LVL (SCA Input Level) (trimpot adjustment) ...................................................4

AES/EBU Digital Input, Outputs & AES/EBU External Sync Input ................................. 5

Ethernet / Livewire Connections ........................................................................................ 5

RS-232 Serial Port (DB-9M)* Connections ....................................................................... 6

General Purpose Interface (GPI) (DB-15F)* ...................................................................... 6

Powering Up ...........................................................................................................................7

Chapter-2: Getting To Know Your Omnia.11 ............................................................................9

The Omnia.11 User Interface................................................................................................9

Headphone Level Control ................................................................................................... 9

Icon Buttons, Metering Area and Menu Area ................................................................... 10

User Interface Overview: ...............................................................................................10

User Interface Tutorial – Input Source Selection and Peak Input Level Setting .............. 11

Proper Setting of Input Levels .......................................................................................12

Processing Activity Metering (Gain-Reduction Meters) .................................................. 13

Chapter-3: Setting Up for Your System ....................................................................................15

Setup Mode .............................................................................................................................. 15

Network Parameter Setup ...................................................................................................15

Livewire© Setup ....................................................................................................................17

Livewire Sync Indicator .................................................................................................... 17

viii

Security Setup.......................................................................................................................18

Introduction ....................................................................................................................18

Definition of Static Security Levels ...............................................................................19

Changing Passwords ......................................................................................................19

Preset Protection ..................................................................................................................20

Introduction ....................................................................................................................20

Authorization Groups.....................................................................................................20

Using Preset Protection ..................................................................................................20

System Setup.........................................................................................................................22

Input/Output Configuration and Metering .......................................................................... 22

Input Configuration .............................................................................................................23

Input Failover (Input Menu Basic Tab) .........................................................................24

Patch Point (Input Menu Advanced Tab) ......................................................................25

Input Metering .....................................................................................................................26

Output Configuration ..........................................................................................................26

Analog ............................................................................................................................... 27

AES/EBU .......................................................................................................................... 27

Livewire ............................................................................................................................ 28

Headphone ........................................................................................................................ 28

Composite ......................................................................................................................... 29

FM Options ....................................................................................................................... 30

ITU BS-412 Power Limiter ...........................................................................................30

Diversity Delay ..............................................................................................................31

SCA IN LVL (Control on Rear Panel) ............................................................................. 31

Output Metering ..................................................................................................................32

Summary Tab .................................................................................................................32

Detail Tab.......................................................................................................................32

Chapter-4: Introduction to Omnia.11 Processing.....................................................................35

Where to Begin? ...................................................................................................................... 36

Presets ...................................................................................................................................36

Quick Setup Tab ............................................................................................................... 37

Clipper Drive and Auto Sense .......................................................................................37

Bass Growl .....................................................................................................................38

Brightness ......................................................................................................................38

Saving User Presets........................................................................................................... 38

Help Text .......................................................................................................................... 38

Preset Descriptions............................................................................................................ 39

Chapter-5: Detailed Processing Adjustment .............................................................................43

Recommended “Tried and True” Adjustment Procedure .................................................. 43

FAQ - Some Common How-To’s: ......................................................................................... 44

1) How do I try to increase loudness while maintaining as much quality as possible?44

2) How do I adjust the frequency balance to obtain a certain consistent sound

“signature” (more bass, less bass, more mids etc.)? ......................................................44

3) How do I reduce listening fatigue and create a more open, cleaner sound that can

be listened to comfortably for longer periods of time? ..................................................44

4) How do I make the processor bring up the volume of quiet song intros more? .......44

Block Diagram ......................................................................................................................45

Wide Band ............................................................................................................................45

Wide Band AGC Metering (Summary Tab) ..................................................................46

Wide Band AGC (WB) (Basic Tab) ..............................................................................46

Wide Band AGC (WB) (Advanced Tab) .......................................................................48

ENH (Basic Tab)............................................................................................................49

ENH (Advanced Tab) ....................................................................................................50

AGC .......................................................................................................................................51

AGC Crossover (Basic Tab) ...................................................................................51

AGC Crossover (Advanced Tab) ...........................................................................51

AGC Metering (Summary Tab) .....................................................................................52

AGC (Basic Tab) ...........................................................................................................52

Low-Delay DJ Monitor Output ......................................................................................53

AGC (Advanced Tab) ....................................................................................................55

AGC Mixer (Basic Tab) .......................................................................................56

Limiters .................................................................................................................................56

Limiters Crossover (Basic Tab) .............................................................................56

Limiters Crossover (Advanced Tab) ......................................................................57

Parametric EQ Section ...................................................................................................57

Limiters Metering (Summary Tab) ................................................................................58

Limiters (Basic Tab) .........................................................................................58

Limiters (Advanced Tab) ..................................................................................59

Limiters Mixer (Basic Tab) ...................................................................................60

FM .........................................................................................................................................61

FM Final Limiter (Clipper) (Basic Tab) ........................................................................61

FM Final Limiter (Clipper) (Advanced Tab) .................................................................62

FM Channel Clipper Metering .......................................................................................63

HD..........................................................................................................................................63

HD Final Limiter............................................................................................................63

HD Channel Limiters Mixer (Basic Tab) ..............................................................63

HD Channel Metering ....................................................................................................64

HD Channel Bass Enhancer (Basic Tab) .......................................................................64

HD Channel Limiter (Basic Tab) ...................................................................................64

Sensus (Basic Tab) .....................................................................................................65

What is Sensus? ..........................................................................................................66

Appendix A: Performance Specifications ..................................................................................69

Appendix B: Troubleshooting/Service/Warranty .....................................................................73

Electrical and mechanical safety note! ...............................................................................73

Troubleshooting FAQ ..........................................................................................................73

Obtaining Service .................................................................................................................74

Via the World Wide Web ................................................................................................. 74

Via E-Mail ........................................................................................................................ 74

Via Phone .......................................................................................................................... 74

Warranty ..............................................................................................................................75

Appendix C: Remote Control and Software Update Procedure .............................................77

Remote Control ....................................................................................................................77

Remote .............................................................................................................................. 79

Data Mgmt ........................................................................................................................ 80

Preset File Transfer ........................................................................................................80

Preset Import ..................................................................................................................81

Preset Authorization.......................................................................................................81

I/O Configuration File Transfer .....................................................................................81

Configuration .................................................................................................................... 82

Change Current Password ..............................................................................................82

Software Bank Selection and Update ............................................................................82

Feature Activation ..........................................................................................................85

Factory Diagnostics .......................................................................................................85

S A F E T Y I N S T R U C T I O N S

1. Read All Instructions. All safety and operating

instructions must be read before operating the

provided for ventilation. They ensure reliable operations of the product, keeping it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked

provided through following the manufacturer's

Do not use any attachments not

f power source indicated on the marking

routed so that they are not likely to be walked on

during a lightning storm, or when it is left

Do not overload AC wall outlets,

extension cords, or integral convenience outlets as

14. Object and Liquid Entry. Never push objects of any

cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The product may fall, causing serious damage to a child or adult,

ow manufacturer's

care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and the cart

product to

the AC wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified

If the product does not operate normally (following

When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or

product, ask the service technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in safe

Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol

product.

2. Retain All Instructions. All safety and operating

instructions must be retained for future reference.

3. Heed All Warnings. All warnings on the product

and those listed in the operating instructions must be adhered to.

4. Follow All Instructions. All operating and product

usage instructions must be followed.

5. Heat. This product must be situated away from any

heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other products (including power amplifiers) that produce heat.

6. Ventilation. Slots and openings in the product are

kind into this product through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind into the product.

15. Accessories. Do not place this product on an unstable

and serious damage to the product. Any mounting of the product needs to foll installation recommendations.

16. A Product and Cart Combination should be moved with

combination to overturn.

17. Servicing. Refer all servicing of the

qualified service personnel.

18. Damage Requiring Service. Unplug this product from

nor covered during operation. This product should not be placed into a rack unless proper ventilation is

installation procedures.

7. Water and Moisture. Do not use this product near

water – for example; near a bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool or the like.

8. Attachments.

recommended by the product manufacturer as they may cause hazards.

9. Power Sources. This product must be operated from

the type o label and in the installation instructions. If you are not sure of the type of power supplied to your facility, consult your local power company.

10. Grounding and Polarization. This product is equipped

with a polarized AC plug with integral safety ground pin. Do not defeat the safety ground in any manner.

11. Power Cord Protection. Power supply cords must be

nor pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to the cords at AC wall plugs and convenience receptacles, and at the point where the cord connects to the product.

12. Lightning. For added protection for this product

unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the AC wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and power supply surges.

13. Overloading.

this can result in a fire or electric shock hazard.

service personnel under the following conditions:

• When the AC plug is damaged.

• If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into

the equipment.

• If the product has been exposed to rain or moisture.

•

operating instructions).

• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.

• When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance. This indicates a need for service.

19. Replacement Parts.

that have the same characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

20. Safety Check. Upon completion of any repairs to this

operating condition.

21. Cleaning. cleaners. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning.

xii

HAZARD / WARNING LABELS

The Exclamation Point symbol, within an equilateral triangle, alerts the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in product literature and instruction manuals.

The Lightning Flash with Arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, alerts the user to the presence of non-insulated dangerous voltages within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

WARNING -- This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions in this manual it may cause interference to radio communications. The device has been formally submitted for testing and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device (pursuant to subpart J of Part 15 FCC Rules) and has been designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause interference, and the user and at his expense will be required to take any measures required to correct interference.

CANADA WARNING – This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limits applicables aux brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications de Canada.

CE CONFORMANCE – This device complies with the requirements of the EEC Council Directives: 93/68/EEC (CE Marking); 73/23/EEC (Safety – low voltage directive); 89/336/EEC (electromagnetic compatibility). Conformity is declared to those standards: EN50081-1, EN50082-1.

xiii

Manual Updates

http://omniaaudio.com/manuals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

http://omniaaudio.com/faqs

Tech Tips & Support Bulletins

http://omniaaudio.com/tips

Software Upgrades & Remote Software

http://omniaaudio.com/software

White Papers & Technical Discussions

http://omniaaudio.com/white-papers

LITHIUM BATTERY CAUTION – There is a danger of explosion if the internal battery is replaced incorrectly or shorted. Replace the battery only with same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.

USE OF SHIELDED CABLING – In order to conform to the CE requirements for High Frequency radiation, shielded cables must be used for all audio and data connections.

NOTE: When the unit is operated in an extremely high RF environment, it may be helpful to connect cable shields to the XLR-connector terminal that connects cable shield to chassis ground, not to pin 1. Additionally, a 0.01uF capacitor connected between XLR pin-1 and the chassis terminal may be helpful in some instances.

RoHS COMPLIANCE – The RoHS Directive stands for "the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment". This Directive bans the placing on the European market of new electrical and electronic equipment containing more than agreed levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants. Omnia.11 FM is in compliance with the EU RoHS Directive.

Manual Update Notification

Audio Processing – a unique art form that we take very seriously!

As part of our dedication to the science of audio processing we will continue to improve and update the Omnia product and its documentation based on our ongoing research, real-world field experience, and the valued input from our many thousands of loyal customers.

We strongly encourage our customers to visit our Omnia website for product enhancement announcements, software updates, updated user manuals, and customer support bulletins.

The following URLs have been included for your convenience:

xiv

Chapter-1: Installation

Pre-Installation Tasks

Please take a few minutes to read through this chapter before proceeding with the installation of your new Omnia.11 processor.

About This Manual

The latest version of this manual is always available for download from the Omnia website here:

http://omniaaudio.com/manuals

Omnia.11 Components

By now, you’ve unpacked the shipping carton to gain access to this manual. Now is the time to inspect the Omnia.11 unit and its shipping carton for any signs of shipping damage. Such damage must be reported to your carrier for any claims. The Omnia.11 shipping box includes the following components:

 Omnia.11 processor.

 Omnia.11 Operating Manual.

 Warranty Registration Card. (Please complete the form and return/FAX it to Telos/Omnia)

 Two IEC Power Cords, one of the USA/Canada style, and one of the Euro style.

Processor Location

We strongly suggest using the Omnia.11’s built-in MPX stereo generator (the BNC Composite outputs) for the analog FM channel if at all possible in your system. This will generally result in the best, most tightly controlled modulation performance. Plus you’ll be able to make use of the advantages available only in the Omnia.11 such as the SSB option, superb pilot and SCA protection performance, composite clipping etc. Remember, analog FM is still analog after all! Using an AES/EBU digital path to a digital exciter can be more convenient and can work well, but it simply moves the location of the stereo generator D/A conversion to the digital exciter over a third-party path which is not likely to have the above advantages or optimized performance of the integrated stereo generator in the Omnia. Sometimes, these exciters also have limiters or clippers built-in to their AES inputs that can actually add overshoot and distortion to the signal!

AC Power Environment

The Omnia.11 subsystem is a DSP-based microcomputer, and therefore requires reasonably clean AC power, just as any modern computer system does. And even though the Omnia.11 power supply is equipped with robust AC transient suppression, we recommend that an “online” style (non-switching type) Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with transient surge suppression be employed.

At transmitter sites there can be heavy transients on the power lines as well as significant surges introduced into the power system by frequent lighting strikes. These are unwelcome power line events and can damage even the most robust equipment. Therefore you should give the AC power environment and installation practices thorough consideration before plugging in the Omnia.11 (or any other microcomputer-based equipment).

A White Paper by one of our Support Engineers can be found on the Telos Systems website at the URL listed below. It details proper grounding and contains links to some surge suppression products for both the power mains and the often-neglected telephone, Ethernet and ISDN line connections that can (and do) conduct powerful surges into the equipment.

http://www.telos-systems.com/techtalk/surge.htm

Installation & Connections

Rack Mounting & Grounding

The Omnia.11 is a large unit so it would be advisable to have the help of an assistant when installing it in the rack.

The Omnia.11 requires four RU (7" [17.78 cm]) of rack space. Pull the outer edge the 2 rack handles towards you until they lock securely. Then and only then rack mount the unit using all four rack screws! No other two-screw mounting arrangement will secure the unit properly or prevent distortion of the front panel!

Once secured to the rack, slide the release pin for each rack handle toward you and fold the rack handles back to

their normal position

Adequate ventilation should be provided, and although not required, it is always good engineering practice to allow one blank rack space immediately above and below the Omnia, especially if equipment generating significant heat is located below the unit. You may install 1RU (1.75") vented or solid rack panels to fill these spaces.

The processor should be installed into a properly grounded 19" equipment rack.

It is a good idea, especially at transmitter sites, to run a separate ground strap or braid from the Omnia.11’s chassis to a solid rack or station ground point. Although no separate ground lug is provided, the end of the strap or braid can be clamped under the Omnia’s top cover using the Omnia’s existing top cover screws.

AC Mains Power

Omnia.11 utilizes an un-switched EMI-filtered IEC

power-entry module.

Omnia.11’s automatic voltage–sensing, high-efficiency switching power supply allows it to operate on AC mains voltages from 100 to 240 VAC and from source frequencies of either 50 or 60 Hz.

In the USA or Canada, plug the provided IEC type AC power cord into the unit and then into a grounded AC outlet.

Outside of the USA you must use the appropriate power cord that complies with local electrical regulations.

AC Power Connection

Rear Panel Connections

Analog Audio Inputs and Outputs

Balanced XLR-type connectors are provided in the lower left section of the rear panel for the analog audio. Both analog and digital input sources may be connected simultaneously, however, only the input source that has been selected in the Input menu will be active. Analog/Digital/Livewire input source selection is done through the “Input Source” software parameter setting in the Input menu.

All outputs are active simultaneously.

The stereo analog inputs Individual Left and Right are designed for standard analog outputs are available +4dBu balanced signals. on two male XLR jacks. Pin 2 is Hot. Pin 2 is Hot.

A Note about Relative Phase:

If the relative phase of your installation (including the Omnia.11) differs from that of your existing system, your announcers may feel that they sound “weird” in their headphones. If this occurs, then the relative phase of the processor is 180 degrees from what your air talent is used to. To remedy this, you can either reverse the polarity of both of the analog inputs or simply change the “Invert Polarity” setting to [Both] in the Input menu.

Stereo Generator Connections

Four standard female BNC connectors comprise the Omnia.11’s stereo generator connections.

There are two composite MPX outputs with independent software level controls, one SCA input with level adjust trimpot and one 19 kHz pilot sync output.

COMP 1 & COMP 2 (Composite Outputs 1 & 2) (BNC)

These two low impedance outputs (Composite 1 and Composite 2) are each capable of driving up to 100 feet of RG-58A/U coax cable. The output levels are individually adjustable so the unit can operate as a “composite DA” to drive a variety of equipment. The output levels and other stereo generator settings are set through software parameters in the Composite submenu of the Output menu. An internal jumper sets the output impedance to either 5 ohms (the factory setting) or 75 ohms. The default setting is appropriate for the vast majority of exciter connections. However, in the event that a higher source impedance is required, a jumper can be moved (one for each composite output) on the motherboard to change the source impedance to 75 ohms. For reference, JP10 is for Composite #1, and JP9 is for Composite #2.

Jumpers JP7 & JP8 are also available if you need to limit the maximum peak-to-peak output voltage from the composite outputs to 4v p-p instead of the normal 10v p-p. They default to the Normal (10v p-p) setting.

19 kHz OUT (Pilot Sync Output) (BNC)

This TTL-level 19 kHz square wave output can be used as the reference signal for most RDS or SCA generators that operate at 57 kHz or other multiple of the 19 kHz pilot frequency. This Sync output is phase and frequency locked to the stereo pilot. When this signal is used to synchronize an external SCA or RDS generator, this locking assures that no difference frequencies exist which may cause intermodulation between the pilot and the

SCA signal.

SCA INPUT (BNC)

Any SCA or RDS signal above 53 kHz can be added to the composite outputs of the Omnia.11 by connecting the signal to the SCA INPUT connector. The SCA signal is mixed in the analog domain directly into both composite outputs. A high-pass filter on the SCA input provides SCA to main-channel crosstalk protection. The SCA injection level can be adjusted using the SCA IN LVL control trimpot. See below for details.

SCA IN LVL (SCA Input Level) (trimpot adjustment)

Located just above the SCA Input BNC jack is the SCA IN LVL (SCA Input Level) adjustment control.

Carefully insert a small bladed screwdriver into the hole and adjust the control if needed to set the SCA injection level.

AES/EBU Digital Input, Outputs & AES/EBU External Sync Input

The digital AES/EBU (AES-3) inputs (AES INPUT and AES SYNC IN) use standard balanced 3-pin female XLR

connectors. They accept any sampling rate between 32kHz and 96kHz. No user adjustment of the sample rate is necessary on the AES-3 input as a high-quality digital sample rate converter is built in.

There are two AES-3 outputs on standard balanced 3-pin male XLR connectors. These provide either an internally generated output sample rate of 48 kHz or the sample rate can be locked to an external AES/EBU signal applied to

the AES SYNC IN connector or to the AES/EBU input signal. These options are selectable using the “Sample Rate” setting in the AES/EBU submenu of the Output menu.

Note: The analog and digital outputs are active simultaneously.

Ethernet / Livewire Connections

The top RJ-45 10BaseT / 100BaseT Ethernet / Livewire I/O jack can be used simultaneously for both TCP/IP based remote control of your Omnia.11 and audio input/output to your existing Livewire network.

IMPORTANT: If you do not have a Livewire network, please ensure that Livewire is disabled in the Setup menu / Livewire screen. If a change was needed, be sure to touch “APPLY” and reboot the unit for the change to take effect. This must be done since your regular network likely cannot handle the large bandwidth and packet streams generated by Livewire.

NOTE: The bottom Ethernet jack is not fully implemented in the current software so it has the same functionality as the top jack. We suggest using only the top jack.

Ethernet 10BaseT/100BaseT Remote and Livewire I/O

RS-232 Serial Port (DB-9M)* Connections

NOTE: The RS-232 ports are for internal use / future development only.

The DB9-male RS-232 AUX connector is currently unused.

The DB9 Male RS-232 DIAG connector is for internal use only.

RS-232 Serial Ports

*The RS-232 ports are for internal use / future development only.

General Purpose Interface (GPI) (DB-15F)*

NOTE: GPI functionality is not yet available with the current software. It will be made available to you in a free future software update.

This DB15-female connector serves as a four-input, opto-isolated interface to the Omnia's internal Trigger Script functions*. Four of the pins are “trigger” inputs, one is a bias voltage input, one is a +5V power output, and the

remaining three are “ground.”

*Please note that the GPI and Trigger Script functionality are not yet implemented in the current software but will be available with a free downloadable software update. Please check the Omnia website for new software announcements, download links and manual updates at: http://www.omniaaudio.com/

Powering Up

Now you are ready to power up the Omnia.11 for the first time. Connect AC power to the unit using the appropriate supplied power cable for your location. (There is no power switch!)

When the Omnia.11 is first powered on, you will see text-based boot status messages followed by some graphics test screens and finally the main screen as shown below.

This main screen’s metering will appear “frozen” for a while as the I/O board finishes booting up. This is normal.

Audio will appear at the analog audio and AES/EBU outputs approximately 1 minute from power-on. Livewire I/O initialization will take a bit longer.

Initial Screen After Bootup: The “Preset” Screen

You will see that the screen defaults to the Preset menu, showing the currently running preset highlighted in the alphabetically arranged preset list. You will also notice that the presets appear “grayed-out”. The preset list defaults to locked mode in order to prevent an unintended preset change when bringing the touchscreen out of screensaver mode. To make the preset list active, simply touch the “padlock” icon button in the upper-left corner of the preset list. It will then change to an “open padlock” icon and will unlock the preset list. Now you can simply touch the desired preset to put it on the air. To re-lock the preset list, simply touch the “open padlock” icon button again or you can simply exit the preset list by selecting any other icon button and the list will be re-locked automatically.

The Omnia.11 is now ready for configuration and use.

Please proceed to the next chapter to learn how to use the touch screen graphical user interface and how to configure

the Omnia.11 for your system.

Chapter-2: Getting To Know Your Omnia.11

The Omnia.11 User Interface

Now that your Omnia.11 is rack-mounted, connected to a program audio source, and turned on, you’re ready to learn how to operate it! This chapter covers the front panel touch screen user interface, your window into the Omnia.11 processor.

The large front panel full-color LCD touch screen along with a jog-wheel, make up the primary Omnia.11 User Interface:

Omnia.11 Key Front Panel Features

Headphone Jack Headphone Level Control Jog Wheel

Icon Buttons Tabs

Touch Screen LCD Display Metering Area Menu Area

Sub-Group Buttons

Headphone Level Control

A standard ¼" TRS stereo headphone jack is located at the left side of the front panel and allows the processed audio

signal to be monitored. The Headphone volume level control is physically located to the right of the headphone jack. The headphone amplifier itself is a high-headroom design and is driven by its own high quality D/A converter that is independent of the analog XLR outputs. Therefore level changes in either output will not affect the other.

Icon Buttons, Metering Area and Menu Area

Variable

Controls

Status Bar

Icon

Buttons

Tabs

Controls

Drop-Down

Menu Area

Metering

Area

On/Off

Input Screen

Switch

The top row of the Omnia.11’s screen contains a Status Bar. The status bar shows the unit’s IP address, fault status, currently selected I/O configuration (if any), currently selected processing preset and the currently selected input.

Just below the status bar are 9 Icon Buttons: Setup, ADJ, Input, Wide Band, AGC, Limiters, FM, HD and Output. These are touch screen buttons that are always present and allow you to switch between the various metering/menu screens below them. Some of the icon buttons conveniently contain mini-sized working meters that represent their full-sized metering area countertypes.

You can touch the Input Icon Button to display the Input screen as shown above.

Below the icon buttons are the Metering Area to the left and the Menu Area to the right.

The metering area contains full-sized versions of the meters in the icon buttons and the menu area contains the controls used for adjustment. In the Input screen, the two horizontal bargraph meters show digital sample-accurate peak representations of the left and right channel input levels for both the primary and secondary inputs. The

Primary Input meter corresponds to the input selected with the Input Source control in the menu area and the Secondary Input meter corresponds to the Failover Source.

The Menu Area is arranged in multiple Tabs for convenience. Any tabs that are not available or are reserved for future features are grayed-out.

Let’s go over setting your primary Input Source and adjusting the Input Level for that source now.

We will begin with an overview of the user interface.

User Interface Overview:

At the top of both the Metering Area and the Menu Area are Tabs that organize the meters and controls into smaller groups. Touch the tab for the desired group to bring up the meters and controls for that group.

Additionally, sub-groups of controls in a tab (if any) are indicated by small Subgroup Buttons on the left side of the Menu Area. Touch the desired button to bring up the controls in that sub-group.

There are 4 styles of controls: Variable controls, Off/On switches, Drop-Down lists and Radio Button controls. Examples of Variable and Drop-Down controls can be seen in the Input screen picture above while Off/On switches, Subgroup Buttons and Variable Controls can be seen in the Wide Band AGC menu area picture below. Radio

Buttons can be found in the Livewire setup menu and the Output menu sub-groups.

When “off” or not selected, Radio Buttons are white. When “on” or selected, Radio Buttons are green. In the picture at left, the “FM” output is selected.

The state of Off/On switches (see picture at left of the Wide Band AGC Basic menu area) can be changed either by touching the control over the gray indicator (so as not to change its state) to highlight it and rotating the Jog Wheel (counter-clockwise for off and clockwise for on) or simply by touching the left or right half of the control over the “ON” or “OFF” text. Touching the left half of the control will turn it off and touching the right half of the control will turn it on.

Gray Indicator

On/Off Switches

Help Icon

Subgroup Buttons Variable Controls

To select a Variable Control in the Menu Area for adjustment, touch it to select it (it will be highlighted in an alternate color when selected) then rotate the Jog Wheel to adjust it in real time. No additional confirmation touch is

needed. Note: The Jog Wheel’s push switch is not yet implemented.

Drop-Down controls (shown on the previous page) are controls that have more than 2 selections in a drop-down list.

These are changed by first touching the control to display the list and then touching the desired selection from the list.

The Help Icon when touched will open a dialog box containing help text for the currently selected control.

User Interface Tutorial – Input Source Selection and Peak Input Level Setting

The following exercise is a useful introduction to the user interface. Start from the Input metering/menu screen (as displayed when the unit is first turned on).

If the Input metering/menu screen is not being displayed, touch the ADJ icon button in the upper-left corner of the screen and then the Input icon button to display it.

 Touch the control in the Menu area labeled Input Source to bring up the drop-down list of possible input

sources.

 Analog is the default input source. The other choices are AES/EBU digital, Livewire 1 and Livewire 2.

Touch the desired input source name to select it. (Note that the current selection will be highlighted white-on-gray in the list. Even if you will be using the analog inputs, try selecting another input and then switch back to Analog. If you do not wish to change the current selection, simply touch anywhere outside the control in a blank area of the screen to close the drop-down.

 Now touch the Master input level variable control for the input you just selected above.

 Rotate the jog wheel clockwise to increase the input level. Rotate the jog-wheel counter-clockwise to

decrease the input level. This control adjusts both channels together in precise 0.5 dB steps. The gain in dB is shown inside the control with the previous setting enclosed in brackets [ ].

 Watch the (L)eft and (R)ight channel Primary Input horizontal bargraph meters in the Metering Area

while adjusting per the following section.

Proper Setting of Input Levels

With normal program audio levels applied, a correct input level setting will result in the Peak Indicators on the horizontal L & R bargraph meters regularly reaching between -18 and –12 dBFS or a little higher (just “into the yellow”). This gain setting corresponds to system peak headroom of about 12-18 dB. You may adjust the input level slightly lower for more headroom if you wish. Setting the input level for higher meter indications (less headroom) is strongly discouraged unless there is another level-control device prior to the Omnia.11 that will keep the input levels from reaching the maximum digital level of 0 dBFS. During normal operation, you should never see

the red “0” segments light.

Tabs (Unused Tabs are Grayed-Out)

Dorrough Loudness Meter

Primary Input Level Meters

Secondary Input Level Meters

Peak Indicators

 Once the desired Input level setting is reached there is nothing more that needs to be done. No confirmation

touch is needed.

 If the input source’s audio is not well balanced you can touch to highlight and adjust the Right Trim control

located just below the Master you just adjusted. This will adjust the right channel’s gain only over a range of

+ or – 3dB relative to the gain setting of the left channel.

All of the Omnia.11’s variable controls and Off/On switches are set in a similar fashion by using the touch screen to highlight the control to be adjusted, then rotating the jog-wheel to adjust the control. All drop-down list controls are adjusted with the touch screen only. Note: Altering any processing or gain parameter will instantly be reflected in a change in the Omnia.11’s output characteristics because all adjustments occur in real time. Therefore any adjustments you make will be instantly heard as they occur.

Processing Activity Metering (Gain-Reduction Meters)

Touch the AGC icon button to bring up the multi-band AGC metering/menu screen. These meters will be used to illustrate typical gain-reduction metering activity.

AGC Metering/Menu Screen

AGC Gain-Reduction Meters

The AGC gain-reduction meters in the metering area show the activity of the 5 AGC (automatic gain control) processing bands within the Omnia.11.

The leftmost meter shows the activity in the LO (low) band followed by the ML (mid-low), MH (mid-high), HI (high) and SH (super-high) bands. The Low bands control the bass part of the audio spectrum, the Mid bands the midrange (vocals & instrument fundamentals) and the Hi bands the treble (cymbals & instrument overtones). The 4 currently selected crossover frequencies are also shown near the top of and between the bargraphs.

The amount of gain-reduction occurring in each band is indicated by a solid blue bar that drops downward from the top.

Gating (gain-freezing) of each band is indicated by a bright yellow outline around the blue bar.

The gain-reduction of the AGCs recover to a resting gain setting which coincides with the RTP (Return to Platform)

levels set for each band.

The AGC meters operate relatively slowly since the AGC’s job is to control overall levels and to provide a gentle dynamic EQ to moderate compression effect, preparing the audio for the peak controlling sections that follow.

The Wideband AGC section meter operates similarly while the Limiter section meters operate faster and with less overall gain-reduction.

All of the details regarding the AGC and Limiter sections are covered in Chapter 5.

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