Key Features of OPTIMOD-FM 5500i

Audio Processor Operation

Full-Time LED Meters
An LCD and full-time LED meters make setup, adjustment and programming of OPTIMOD-FM
easy - you can always see the metering while you are adjusting the processor. Navigation is by
dedicated buttons, soft buttons (whose functions are context-sensitive), and a large rotary knob.
The LEDs show all metering functions of the processing structure (Two-Band or Five-Band) in use.

Peak Control
The 5500i achieves extremely tight peak control at all its outputs - analog left/right, AES3 left/right,
and composite baseband. By integrating the stereo encoder with the audio processing, the 5500i
eliminates the overshoot problems that waste valuable modulation in traditional external encoders.
The stereo encoder has two outputs with independent level controls, each capable of driving 75Ω
in parallel with 47,000pF, (100ft/30m of coaxial cable).

Anti-Aliased Clippers
Anti-aliased clippers running at 256 kHz sample rate prevent any trace of “digital clipper” sound.
Analog & AES Digital
The 5500i includes analog and AES3 digital inputs and outputs. Both digital input and digital output
are equipped with sample-rate converters and can operate at 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48, 88.2, and 96
kHz sample rates. The pre-emphasis status and output levels are separately adjustable for the
analog and digital outputs.

DSP-Based Stereo Encoder

The 5500i has an internal, DSP-based stereo encoder with a dual-mode composite limiter. The
composite limiter uses a unique, “you can only do this in DSP” process that beats composite clippers
by preserving stereo imaging while fully protecting the stereo pilot tone, RDS/RBDS, and subcarriers.

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 RDS/RBDS Generator
A built-in RDS/RBDS generator (5500i only) supports the most important RDS features
(including dynamic PS) and can be associated with processing presets so that mixed-format
stations can automatically update the “program type” field to complement the programming by
recalling a audio processing preset for a given program type.
Wordclock/10 MHz Sync Reference Input
The 5500i has a Wordclock/10 MHz Sync Reference Input (called REF IN), which can be used to
lock the stereo pilot tone to a high precision external reference like a GPS-based frequency standard.
This facilitates using the 5500i in single-frequency network applications.

Multiplex Power Limiter

The 5500i has a defeatable multiplex power limiter that controls the multiplex power to
ITU-R BS412 standards.

Diversity Delay
The 5500i can delay its output by as much as 16 seconds. This delay can be used as the diversity
delay in HD Radio™ installations, which allows the 5500i’s stereo encoder (including composite
limiter) to be used in an HD Radio installation.

Four Processing Structures

The 5500i features four processing structures: Stand-Alone Stereo Encoder, Optimum Five-Band
(or “Multiband”; 15 ms delay) for a consistent, “processed” sound, free from undesirable side effects,
Ultra-Low-Latency Five-Band (5 ms delay) for environments where talent monitors live off-air and
they object to the delay of Optimum Five-Band, and Two-Band for a transparent sound that
preserves the frequency balance of the original program material.

Silence Alarm
Silence alarm and digital audio fault tally outputs are available in both audio processing and
stand-alone stereo encoder modes.

PC Remote Software
5500i PC Remote software is a graphical application that runs under Windows 7/8.1/10. It
communicates with a given 5500i via TCP/IP over modem, direct serial, and Ethernet connections.

Real-Time Clock
OPTIMOD-FM contains a versatile real-time clock, which allows automation of various events
(including recalling presets) at pre-programmed times. The clock can be set automatically from an
Internet timeserver.

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 Simple Network Management Protocol
The SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) features allow you to monitor your Optimod’s
status and to send Alarm notifications via your Optimod’s Ethernet connection to your network.

Stand-Alone Stereo Encoder Operation

Smooth Cross-Fade
Operation can be changed between normal two-band or five-band audio processor modes and
stand-alone stereo encoder modes via a smooth cross-fade.

Lowpass Filtering
15, 16, or 17 kHz linear-phase lowpass filtering can be applied to the input signal. To minimize
input/output delay, this filter can be bypassed, which is appropriate if the input signal is correctly
band-limited by the audio processor driving the 5500i.

Left/Right Domain Overshoot Limiter

A left/right domain overshoot limiter is available. This combines look-ahead and band-limited clipping
techniques to control STL-induced overshoots while minimizing artifacts.

Dual-Mode Composite Limiter

A dual-mode composite limiter is available. It can operate in either “Half-Cosine Interpolation” mode
or conventional hard clipper mode.

ITU412 Multiplex Power Controller

A high-accuracy ITU412 multiplex power controller is available, with user control over the multiplex
power threshold. This allows you to compensate for overshoots in the signal path upstream from the
5500i, preventing excessive reduction of the multiplex power.

Flat or Pre-Emphasized
The input signal can be flat or pre-emphasized to 50 µs or 75 µs.

J.17 De-Emphasis
The 5500i can apply J.17 de-emphasis to the input signal.

Remote Control
Versatile remote control is available via RS232 serial, GPI, and Ethernet.

All Normal Inputs & Outputs Available

All normal 5500i inputs and outputs are available, including analog and digital inputs, two composite
outputs with independent level controls, and two subcarrier inputs (one of which can be repurposed
to emit a 19 kHz pilot reference output for RDS/RBDS generators). The 5500i (but not the 5500) has
a built-in RDS/RBDS generator.

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Product Overview
OPTIMOD-FM 5500i puts competitive five- and two-band OPTIMOD processing into a single rack unit
package and brings it to you at the most affordable price ever. Quality sound is what 5500i is all about -
sound that attracts audiences by providing a polished, professional presentation regardless of format and
source material. Exceptional versatility allows you to adjust the processor’s audio texture to brand your
audio, knowing that the resulting signature sound will remain consistent, cut-to-cut and source-to-source.
Branding builds businesses and no other processors have the consistency to brand your sound like
OPTIMODs.

The 5500i can also be used as a superb stand-alone stereo encoder with latency as low as 2 ms and full
overshoot limiting in both the left/right and composite baseband domains. When used in this mode, the
5500i must be driven (usually via an STL) by a full-featured FM audio processor (like Orban’s 8700i) that
incorporates pre-emphasis-aware HF limiting and peak control. In both modes, the 5500i’s stereo encoder
helps deliver a transmitted signal that’s always immaculately clean and perfectly peak limited, with full
spectral protection of subcarriers and RDS/RBDS regardless of the amount of composite limiting.

The 5500i is the ideal choice for network broadcasters who process with Orban’s flagship OPTIMOD-FM
8700i at the network origination point and who need a processor at every transmitter to eliminate STL
overshoots (using the 5500i’s stand-alone stereo encoder mode) and/or to process local insertions while
also eliminating network STL overshoots (using the 5500i’s audio processor / stereo encoder mode).
Moreover, the 5500i’s two modes make it easy for large government and network broadcasters to manage
its inventory of spares because any 5500i can be used as a stereo encoder with or without audio
processing. Available in both modes, the built-in, defeatable ITU BS412 multiplex power controller allows
the 5500i’s output to meet even the most stringent European government regulations.

The 5500i includes a full-featured RBS/RBDS generator at no additional charge. The generator
supports dynamic PS. It can be controlled via the 5500i presets and an ASCII terminal server that can be
connected to automation to support displaying title and artist. The 5500i has a 10 MHz frequency reference
input allows the stereo pilot tone frequency to be locked to GPS or another high-accuracy frequency
standard. This improves the performance of single-frequency networks in areas where coverage of the
transmitters overlaps.

With the 5500i, your signature sound is just a preset away. An easy, one-knob Less/More adjustment
allows you to customize any factory preset, trading cleanliness against processing artifacts according to
the requirements of your market and competitive environment. Full Control gives you the versatility to
customize your audio further. And, if you’re a hard-core processing expert, you can explore Advanced
Control to tweak presets at the same level as Orban’s factory programmers. This versatility makes the
5500i a superb choice for any format. Its five-band processing is ideal for any pop music format (even the
most competitive and aggressive CHR), while phase-linear two-band processing yields ultra-transparent
sound for classical, classic jazz, and fine arts formats. Regardless of your choice, 5500i’s optimized
technology ensures unusually high average modulation and coverage for a given level of subjective quality.

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Unlike many lesser processors, the 5500i handles speech particularly well - it’s always clean, even
when you process for loudness. If you’re concerned about latency because you need to feed live talent
headphones off air, be assured that the 5500i’s ultra-low-latency (5 ms delay) processing will keep the
most finicky talent happy. Or use optimum latency (15 ms delay) processing for the most competitive
sound with delay that’s still low enough to satisfy most any talent. The 5500i's built-in stereo encoder,
AES/EBU digital inputs and outputs, and analog I/O permit hassle free interfacing to any broadcast plant,
whether the 5500i is located at the studio or the transmitter. Tight band limiting to 15 kHz means you can
use any uncompressed digital STL to pass 5500i- processed audio from studio to transmitter without
compromising on-air loudness - there's no need to use STL's having 44.1 or 48 kHz sample-rate.

If you want to locate the 5500i away from the studio, you'll be pleased by its three separate remote
control ports - GPI contact closures, RS232 serial and built-in Ethernet for TCP/IP networks. The serial
and Ethernet ports are supported by the supplied 5500i PC Remote Control application. This Windows®
application allows you to do even more with the 5500i than you can do through its front panel, making
remote control a pleasure. 5500i PC Remote software allows you to access all 5500i features and allows
you to archive and restore presets, automation lists, and system setups (containing I/O levels, digital
word lengths, GPI functional assignments, etc.)

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5500i - STYLE PRESETS: SIMPLIFIED BLOCK DIAGRAM
 OPTIMOD-FM 5500i STAND-ALONE STEREO ENCODER SIMPLIFIED BLOCK DIAGRAM
LEFT/RIGHT COMPOSITE
METERING METERING
TUNABLE 15, 16, 17 kHz LOOK-AHEAD LIMITER
BYPASSABLE
STEREO
LOWPASS DELAY VCA VCA ANTI-ALIASED ENCODER HALF-COSINE
INTERPOLATION
OVERSHOOT COMPOSITE LIMITER
FILTER COMPENSATOR
LEFT/RIGHT
PEAK PROTECTION
IN/OUT
VCA
∫
TIMING
MULTIPLEX
POWER
CONTROLLER
Key Technical Specifications
Frequency Response (Bypass Mode):
Follows standard 50µs or 75µs pre-emphasis curve ±0.10 dB, 20 Hz–15 kHz. Analog left/right output and
digital output can be user-configured for flat or pre-emphasized output.
Total System Distortion (de-emphasized, 100% modulation):
<0.01% THD, 20 Hz–1 kHz, rising to <0.05% at 15 kHz. <0.02% SMPTE IM Distortion.
Total System L/R Channel Separation (including stereo coder):
>50 dB, 20 Hz – 15 kHz; 60 dB typical.
Processing Sample Rate:
The 5500i is a “multirate” system, using internal rates from 32 kHz to 512 kHz as appropriate for the
processing being performed. Audio clippers operate at 256 kHz (and are anti-aliased), while the composite
limiter operates at 512 kHz. In stand-alone stereo encoder mode, minimum sample rate is 64 kHz.
Processing Resolution:
Internal processing has 24 bit (fixed point) or higher resolution.
Minimum Processing Delay:
3.7 ms to 15 ms, processing structure dependent.

Input/Output/Sync
Analog I/O Configuration:
Stereo on XLR connectors. Nominal Input level: –4.0 to +13.0 dBu (VU). Output level = –6 dBu to
+24 dBu peak. 24 bit 128x oversampled delta sigma converter with linear-phase anti-aliasing filter.
AES3 I/O Configuration:
One stereo input on XLR, 24 bit resolution. The stereo output can be independently set to emit the analog
FM processed signal or the low-delay monitor signal. User-selectable 24, 20, 18, 16 or 14-bit resolution.
AES3 I/O Sampling Rate:
32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, or 96 kHz. Input automatically selected; output user-selectable.
Wordclock Sync Input on BNC Connector:
Accepts 1x wordclock or 10 MHz reference signals, automatically selected. The DSP master clock can
be phase-locked to these signals, which in turn phase-locks the 19 kHz pilot tone frequency, facilitating
single-frequency network operation. The digital output sample frequency can also be locked to these
signals.
Pilot Stability:
19 kHz, ±1.0 Hz (10 degrees to 40 degrees C).
Composite Baseband Outputs:
2 x analog on female BNC connectors providing –12 dBu (0.55 Vp-p) to +16.0 dBu (13.82Vp-p) levels.
0Ω voltage source or 75Ω, jumper-selectable. Will drive 37Ω or greater loads with maximum load
capacitance of 0.047uF. Termination not required or recommended.

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D/A Conversion:
24-bit
Crosstalk-Linear:
<= –80 dB, main channel to sub-channel or sub-channel to main channel (referenced to 100% modulation).
Crosstalk-Non-Linear:
<= –80 dB, main channel to sub-channel or sub-channel to main channel (referenced to 100% modulation).
38 kHz Suppression:
>= 70 dB (referenced to 100% modulation).
76 kHz & Sideband Suppression:
>= 80 dB (referenced to 100% modulation).
Pilot Protection:
60 dB relative to 9% pilot injection, ±250 Hz (up to 2 dB composite processing drive).
Subcarrier Protection (60-100 kHz):
>= 70 dB (referenced to 100% modulation; with up to 2 dB composite limiting drive; measured with
800 line FFT analyzer using “maximum peak hold” display).
57 kHz (RDS/RBDS) Protection:
50 dB relative to 4% subcarrier injection, ±2.0 kHz (up to 2 dB composite processing drive).
SCA Inputs:
2 x non-digitized analog on BNC connectors are summed into the analog composite outputs but do not
appear at the digital composite outputs. Sensitivity variable from <100 mV p-p to > 10 V p-p to produce
10% injection. Load impedance is 600Ω. The SCA2 input can be configured to supply a 19 kHz pilot
reference.

Remote Interface
Supported Computer and Operating System:
IBM-compatible PC running Microsoft Windows® 7/8.1/10.
Configuration:
TCP/IP protocol via direct cable connect, modem, or Ethernet interface.
Serial Connector:
RS–232 on DB–9 male connector, Uses PPP to provide for direct or modem connection to the 5500i PC
Remote application.
Ethernet Connector:
Female RJ45 connector for 10-1000 Mbps TCP/IP networks using CAT5 cabling. Native rate is
100 Mbps. Provides for connection to the 5500i PC Remote application through either a network, or,
using a crossover Ethernet cable, directly to a computer.
Tally Outputs:
2 x NPN open-collector

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GPI Interface:
Eight (8) inputs, opto-isolated and floating on DB-25 male connector. 6 - 15V AC or DC, momentary
or continuous, provides normal operation. 9VDC provided to facilitate use with contact closure.
User-programmable.

Power
Voltage:
85–264 VAC, auto-selected, 50–60 Hz, 30 VA.
Safety Standards:
ETL listed to UL standards, CE marked.

Physical & Environmental

Operating Temperature:
32˚ to 122˚ F / 0˚ to 50˚ C for all operating voltage ranges
Humidity:
0–95% RH, non-condensing
Dimensions (WxHxD):
19” x 1.75” x 14.25” / 48.3 cm x 4.5 cm x 36.2 cm. One rack unit high.
RFI/EMI:
Tested according to Cenelec procedures. FCC Part 15 Class A device.
Shipping Weight & Dimensions:
18 lbs / 8.2 kg - 23” x 23” x 6”

Warranty
Five Years, Parts and Service
Subject to the limitations set forth in Orban's Standard Warranty Agreement. Because engineering
improvements are ongoing, specifications are subject to change without notice.

Orban is a registered trademark of Orban Labs, Inc. all other trademarks remain the property of their
respective owners. This product contains copyrighted and unpublished works, and is ©2017 Orban Labs, Inc.

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