TC ELECTRONIC PROCESSORS - DB4 MKII - Transmission processor
The DB-4 mkII is a dual-engine loudness tool with redundant power, designed for broadcast centres such as regional television studios. Using this hardware along with the TC Icon remote or a connected computer running TC Icon Software, the user can ensure that the loudness of the source is compliant with the latest legislation including ITU BS.1770, EBU R128, ATSC A/85, TR-B32, and OP-59.
The two engines of the DB4 are capable of running a total of two independent processing algorithms and a LM6 Radar meter.
Algorithms that are pre-installed include:
| LM6 |
A visual reference of an audio source including information such as loudness history, momentary loudness, program loudness and loudness range. |
| DMix |
An algorithm that allows the downmix, peak limit, and loudness of a mono, stereo, or 5.1 source. |
| UpCon HD |
Uses intelligent monitoring to 'seemlessly' crossfade any signals to 5.1 if they fall back to stereo. |
| Multiband 5.1 |
Simple four band dynamic control for 5.1 including compression, limiting and expansion. |
| EQ/Delay 8 |
Multi-channel EQ with four band parametric EQ, and user defined delay. |
| ALC6 |
Automatic loudness management with correction. |
| MDX 5.1 |
A dynamic controller with compression and limiting for multichannel signals. |
| ATX/DTX |
48 bit peak limiter, level optimiser and loudness control for stereo, wide stereo, or dual mono signals. |
| Downconvert 5.1 |
An algorithm to downmix multichannel formats such as 5.1, to stereo or mono output. |
The 2U front panel is mainly dedicated to visual indication, with LEDs illuminating green to signal power to each of the two independent power sources - these LEDs light up red if there is a problem with the related power input. A single LED shows the status of the unit - with green being 'ok', flashing orange meaning 'update in progress' and red indicating a network issue. Additionally, the front panel houses a reset button which can be used to reset the I/P address to default and a PCMCIA slot whereby a user can use a card of up to 2MB SRAM to store additional presets and banks.
The rear panel has IEC inlets for mains power and input and output connectors.
Ordering Notes:
The DB-4 mkII is offered in four configurations. All share the same features of MIDI in/out/through connectors, 6.35mm jack input socket for SMPTE sync and a 6.35mm jack socket input to which a pedal can be connected to switch up to eight presets. A ground-lift switch can also be used if there is a problem with mains 'hum'. An RJ45 Ethernet LAN connection can be used to link to a computer or TC Icon remote.
These configurations have in addition the differing I/O options listed:
| 87-0141 |
8-channel single-stream HD SDI with BNC I/O |
| 87-0142 |
16-channel dual-stream HD SDI with BNC I/O |
| 87-0143 |
8-channel AES I/O with balanced D-sub connectors and XLR breakout |
| 87-0144 |
8-channel AES3id I/O with unbalanced BNC connectors |
Inputs and outputs:
| 87-0141 |
2x 75 ohm BNC input, 2x 75 ohm BNC output, 1x Firewire. |
| 87-0142 |
4x 75 ohm BNC input, 4x 75 ohm BNC output, 1x Firewire. |
| 87-0143 |
balanced 110ohm 25-pin D-Sub. |
| 87-0144 |
4x unbalanced 75ohm BNC input, 4x unbalanced 75ohm BNC output |
Power source: 2x 100-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 60W. Dimensions: 89 x 483 x 305 (h x w x d) mm. Weight: 8.6kg
Alternative product
If more processing in a single mainframe is required, the DB-8 MKII has the same functionality and algorithms as the DB-4 mkII however it houses four processing engines so is capable of running four independent and simultaneous algorithms - sometimes preferred in larger broadcast centres. See TC Electronic Processors - DB8 MKII - Transmission processor