English

USERS MANUAL

DBMAX
DIGITAL BROADCAST MAXIMIZER
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

WELCOME About this Manual 5

FRONT PANEL Keys, LEDs and other functions explained 6
REAR PANEL 8
SIGNAL FLOW 9
DBMAX SETUP 10
RECALL Recalling a Preset, Factory/User Presets, Memory Card 12
STORE Store a New Preset, The Letterbox 13
REFERENCE LEVELS 14
MAIN PAGES Input, Inserts, Normalizer, Expander, Compressor, Limiter, Output, Crossover Freq. 16
TOOLS Surround Meter, Phase Meter, Calibration Tone, Flow, Peak-Hold Meter, Digital I/O 31
WIZARD 36
UTILITY 38
RESET PAGE Reset Page, User Data Page 40
TECHNICAL REFERENCE 41
TROUBLESHOOTING Maybe you will find help here 42
MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART 43
SELF-TEST PROGRAM 44
GLOSSARY 45
NOTES Tutorial 46
PRECAUTIONS

WARNING - THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED

Use only a three wire grounding type line cord, like the one
supplied with the DBMAX.

Be advised that different operating voltages require the use of a

different type line cord and attachment plug.
In doubt, contact your TC distributor.

Check the voltage in your area and use the correct type.
See table below:

Voltage Line plug according to standard

110-125V UL817 and CSA C 22.2 no. 42

220-230V CEE 7 page VII,

SR section 107-2-D1/IEC 83 page C4

240V BS 1363 of 1984. Specification for 13A.

fused plugs and switched and
un-switched socket outlets

CAUTION - Do not open the DBMAX.

Risk of electric shock inside. There are no user-serviceable
parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel only.

Mount the DBMAX with a little space above and below in a

well ventilated rack. Do not block the top or bottom.

To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose the

DBMAX to rain or moisture.

Do not rely solely on the front screws when mounting in

touring rack. Support the back of the DBMAX as well.

Please report any shipment damage or equipment malfunction

to your dealer, TC distributor or the TC head office in
Denmark.
 WELCOME
Congratulations on the purchase of your new DBMAX.
We hope that you will have as much pleasure using it
as we had making it.

General control is accomplished by moving the cursor using the

PARAMETER keys.
Jumping between bands using the BAND keys.
Changing block by using the BLOCK keys.
Change page using the MENU keys and decrease/increase values
by turning the ADJUST wheel.

The rest is simple. You select the area that you wish to control by
pressing the function keys on the front of the DBMAX; i.e., if
you want to recall, you press the RECALL key.

About this Manual

Many people in the music business have an aversion to reading
manuals. We understand that, so if you feel like starting without
reading the whole manual, simply Plug & Play. You can always
use the manual for checking out areas that you have questions
about, or if you want to dig deeper into the unit, refer to the Table
of Contents for further information.

However, it is vital for the DBMAXs performance that

you specify a couple of conditions located under the
REF.LEVELS key.

You might want to know a little more about the DBMAX before
you start pressing keys. The Users manual will take you step by
step through all of the DBMAXs functions. If you want to read
about a specific function, please refer to the Table of Contents.
FRONT PANEL

Defined Overload
Electronic power switch User defined overload LED
Easy touch
Keep pressed for more than Output PPM Clip LED
1 second to turn device off. High resolution meters Indicates that output is clipped

PC Card slot INDICATORS Input PPM Expander Gain Limit

Presets may be copied Active Reduction LEDs
to/from a standard Overload Indicators Meters
PCMCIA/PC-CARD Lights up if internal overload
memory card. occurs.

Sample Rate Indicator

48000 Hz
44100 Hz
32000 Hz

MIDI In
MIDI receive indicator.

Card
Indicates presence of a valid
memory card.

Activity
Indicates that a calculation is
being performed.

Edited
Indicates that the preset has
been edited.
 Adjust wheel
Sets parameter values and
preset numbers.

FUNCTIONS SECTION PROGRAM SECTION CONTROL SECTION

Main Page Recall OK

This button allows you to
edit the entire signal flow,
from input to output.
Ref. Levels
All I/O Reference levels are
set here.
Tools
This key gives you access
to a lot of useful tools for
optimizing your material.
Utility
MIDI, Security, Memory
management and much
more is located here.
Recall presets. Confirm operations
and switch individual blocks on/off.
Store
Store and name presets. Help
Get help on selected display
function
Wizard
The Wizard will do some Block < >
of the hard work for you. Select which block to edit on the
main page.
Bypass
Bypass the signal Menu up/down
processing. Vertically oriented menu selector.
Parameter < >
Moves horizontally for selection of
parameter to be modified.

Band < >

Select between the three bands on
the com/lim/exp pages.
On the EQ page, it selects which of the six
bands/level are displayed and ready for
modification.
REAR PANEL

Main Power Balanced Balanced Serial No. Word AES/EBU S/PDIF MIDI EXTERNAL
Power Input XLR XLR Clock Digital Digital In CONTROL
Switch Inputs Outputs Input in/out in/out Thru Pedal/Fader
Out Input

NOTES:

To comply with international regulations, we have also added a rear panel power switch.
You dont need to use the power switch on the rear panel. Use the front panel power switch instead.

Pin 2 is hot on all XLRs (IEC and AES standards).

If you are connecting the DBMAX to unbalanced equipment, you must tie pins 1 and 3 together in the cable
ends away from the DBMAX.

We have reserved the two unused pins on the MIDI connectors for an optional RS485 interface.
Therefore, if you are connecting the DBMAX to other equipment that use these pins, please make sure the
cable is a 3-wire standard MIDI type (not a five wire MIDIPLUS type).

If you want to use the pedal input, make sure it is a momentary make type.
SIGNAL FLOW

Notes regarding the signal flow:

The AES/EBU and the S/PDIF inputs are connected internally. Therefore, do not connect cables to both
AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs at the same time.

As you can see from the block diagram, signals are present on all outputs all of the time. To make the
dithering circuit work properly, you must tell the system whether your main output is analog or digital (the
DBMAX SETUP
The DBMAX is carefully designed to optimize the overall level and enhance the energy in your material.
The use of the three band compressor, limiter and expander makes the dynamics section of the DBMAX very flexible, while
maintaining the fidelity of the original material. The dynamics section, in combination with a normalizer, AGC, EQ, De-esser
etc. gives you a very powerful tool for optimizing the current signal.
Because the DBMAX can be used in different applications, we propose a few different setups.

Radio Production & Transmission applications

DAB production or FM Production suite
There are two applications for the DBMAX in this configuration:

1. The DBMAX can be inserted post master, to optimize the production.

2. The DBMAX can be inserted pre master to emulate the signal processing in transmission.

Transmission
The two applications for the DBMAX in a Transmission situation:

1. Digital Broadcast: DBMAX optimizing, limiting and EQing the signal for Digital Audio Broadcast.

2. FM broadcast: DBMAX optimizing, limiting and EQing the signal in proportion to the current pre-emphasis.
TV Production & Transmission applications
Surround Production Suite
The two applications for the DBMAX in this configuration are:

1. The DBMAX can be inserted post master, to optimize the production.

Note: Adjusting the L/R balance can cause serious changes to the surround encoded signal

2. The DBMAX can be inserted pre master to emulate the signal processing in transmission.

TV continuity / Transmission
The two applications for the DBMAX in a transmission situation are:

1. Digital Sound: DBMAX optimizing, limiting and EQing the signal for NICAM (or other systems) using the
houseclock as ext. sync.

2. FM Sound: DBMAX optimizing, limiting and EQing the signal in proportion to the current pre-emphasis, generating
mono (0 or 90).
 RECALL
ROM bank RAM bank

Select which blocks will be loaded

from the new preset.

Select Preset Category.

Set the Intensity level before

recalling a preset.
Preset number
Preset name

Recall Factory/User Presets

When you wish to recall a preset, simply use the ADJUST wheel
Factory Your own
to scroll through the presets and press OK to recall.
Presets Presets
The OK key will be blinking while you are previewing,
indicating that the shown preset is not recalled yet.
ROM 128 RAM
PRESETS PRESETS
It is possible to set up a couple of conditions for the
preset that you are about to recall. Use the MENU keys
to step through the three filters. Preset banks

Recall The DBMAX contains two different preset banks.

This filter enables you to recall separate sections. Select the
desired section using the ADJUST WHEEL. The RAM bank can hold up to 128 presets.
Category
Select the category of presets that you would like to go through. The RAM preset bank is located after the ROM bank. This means
Now you will be previewing presets in the current category. that you scroll through the ROM presets to enter the RAM bank.
Intensity
Sets the intensity of the preset you are about to recall. This
means that you are able to listen to the same preset in different For fast RAM/ROM access use the BLOCK keys
intensities. to switch between the two banks.

Note: When previewing in the RAM bank you will not see the
In the upper right corner, you can see an indication of which empty RAM space.
bank you are previewing.
 STORE
Store a New RAM Preset
- Press the STORE button
- Select a location for your new preset [dial between preset 1 to 128]
- Move the cursor to the new name line and dial in the new preset name [find letter with ADJUST and confirm with OK ]
- Move the cursor to DONE and press OK to end store operation.

Store with the same name:

If you want to store the preset with the existing name, simply select the RAM location to store it in by using the ADJUST wheel and press
OK (the OK key will be blinking while you search for a suitable RAM space). The DBMAX will now say STORED in a pop-up window
and return to the main page.

Store location
New preset name

Letterbox

CAPS LOCK Place cursor here and press OK

Indicator to execute store operation
Cursor arrows

The Letterbox Using a Memory Card:

IF you want to change the name of the preset you wish to store,
press the MENU down key. You are now able to write a new
name using the letterbox. Simply dial the ADJUST wheel and
press OK to select new letters.
Select CAP, by pressing OK, to change case.
When you have changed the name, select DONE in the Letterbox
and press OK to Store.
You can use the PARAMETER keys to move the
cursor.
Delete a Preset
If you want to delete a preset, simply select Delete using the
BLOCK keys, select the preset to be deleted, and press OK.
If you wish to use a memory card, simply insert the card in the
DBMAX. The DBMAX will now autodetect your card and the
Store and Recall facilities will be attached to the memory card.
The DBMAX will then use the memory card as a normal RAM
bank. When you remove your memory card, the DBMAX will
switch back to the internal RAM.
If the format of the memory card is not correct, the DBMAX will
detect this immediately.
Card types
Type 1 PC Cards with minimum 64 KBytes of SRAM.
REFERENCE LEVELS
The global level settings are the heart of the
DBMAX. If these parameters are not set properly,
the DBMAX may not perform correctly. So please
take the time to go through these levels and be
sure that they are set correctly.
____________________________________________

Load Setup
The DBMAX contains various level standards. It is also
possible to save four of your own presets.
Press OK, select a setup preset and confirm with OK.
The whole Ref. Levels menu will be restored.
Save Setup
To save your own setup, press OK and select the number
you wish to save it as. Confirm with OK. All parameters in
Ref. Levels will be saved.

Levels
Inlevel 0 dBFS
Sets the dBu level you want to equal to 0 dBFS (Full Scale),
i.e. setting this parameter to +18 dBu, means that when you
are sending +18 dBu out of your desk, the DBMAX will be
showing 0 dBFS.
It is very important that you set this parameter correctly as
all other dBu levels are relative to it.
Ref. Level
Sets your reference level, meaning that you can set the
reference point of the Compressor to i.e. +4 dBu. All
thresholds, except the limiter thresholds, are relative to this
parameter.
Adjustable in dBu and dBFS.
Abs. Peak
Sets the hardclip point of the DBMAX. Absolute peak
means that nothing occurs above this level digitally.
Adjustable in dBu and dBFS.
____________________________________________

Analog
Trim input
This parameter trims the level of the analog Input. It can be
used to optimize the 20 bit AD converters performance in
conjunction with the trim Output parameter.
Trim output
Trims the analog output level.
 REFERENCE LEVELS
Trim Digital input
Sets the digital input level. Use this if you need to trim a source to a
new level, i.e. if you want to take a CD down to -9 dBFS.
________________________________________________

Defined Overload
Overload
This parameter allows you to define your own overload LED. The
Overload level can be set anywhere between -30 dBFS and 0 dBFS.
Adjustable in dBu and dBFS.
Integration
The defined Overload can even work in proportion to a integration
time. The integration time can be set to 0 ms, 1 ms, and 10 ms.
________________________________________________

Broadcast Link Compensation

Pre-emphasis

When processing for a final transmission channel that uses pre-

emphasis, this parameter should be activated with the proper
preemphasis characteristics. For DAB processing it should be set
off.

The dynamics section will then precisely take into account how
much the headroom at higher frequencies is reduced.

Note that the pre-emphasis does not alter the overall frequency
response, but as the high frequencies are driven harder, you might
want to decrease the applied compression in the high band slightly
(Lower slope or higher threshold).
____________________________________

Front panel output meters

Ref
You can set the output meter to refer to digital Full Scale (dBFS),
which is the default, or Clip which means that the meter are
referring to Absolute Peak as 0 dB. When set to Clip you will get
full advantage from the output meter.
Peak Hold
Set the desired peakhold time with this parameter. Choose between
Off, 1, 2, 5, or 10 seconds.
ClipLED def.
You are able to define when you want the ClipLEDs to be activated.
Choose the number of consecutive samples to be clipped before the
MAIN PAGE Input

Frame rate

Delay in Frames
Select input Select LowCut Filter Overall delay thru the DBMAX.
Sample Variable CutOff frequency.
Rate
Select the IN section on the Main page by pressing the
BLOCK keys.

Basic operation
Press the PARAMETER keys to move the cursor, and turn the
ADJUST wheel to change values.

Input
Select Analog or Digital input.

Sample Rate (Srate)

Select master clock: 44.1 kHz/48 kHz/DI/Sync (44.1 and 48kHz

are internally generated).

When Digital Input is selected, the external clock frequency will

be displayed by the three LEDs on the left hand side of the
display. If the DBMAX cannot lock, none of the LEDs will be lit.

The digital audio inputs and the BNC wordclock input may be
used as a synchronization source for the analog inputs (AES 11).

Note: When changing the input to digital, the sample rate

parameter is automatically defaulted to DI.

When using Ext. wordclock, from the BNC connector, select

Sync.

LowCut
The lowcut filter is global, and is used to filter out any sub-bass
frequency or DC contents in the current signal.

Note: The Lowcut filter may occasionally cause overshoots in the

input section.

Delay-Frames
The Delay parameter enables you to delay the signal through the
DBMAX. The delay can be set in various frame rates or in
milliseconds.

Maximum delay: 400 ms / 10 frames

Note: The lookahead delay located in the Exp/Comp/Lim is also

displayed here in frames, to give an idea of the full delay through
the DBMAX.
MAIN PAGE Inserts

STEREO ADJUST and MS-DECODE

Move cursor up to increase the stereo width.

Move cursor down to make the signal more mono.
Center position is normal.

Move the cursor right/left to adjust center (balance)

AGC
Automatic
Gain Max Gain
Control Maximum gain the AGC will perform
on your signal.

Low Level:
Low level limit for the AGC.

Release:
AGC Release rate in dB/sec.

EQ EQ on/off Black box indicates selected block

Parametric
Equalizer

Selected band

Band
Output
Level bar
Parameter

Frequency Gain Bandwidth/Slope

 MAIN PAGE Inserts
Inserts
Select Insert by pressing the BLOCK keys

The DBMAX has various insert possibilities. Choose between Stereo Adjust, AGC, 90 Mono, Dyn EQ, EQ or De-essing by pressing
the MENU up/down keys.

Note: You can use only one insert function at a time.

Basic operation
- Use MENU keys to select insert effect.
- Press the PARAMETER keys to select parameter.
- Turn the ADJUST wheel to change values.

Stereo Adjust and MS-Decode

With Stereo Adjust, you can change the stereo information of the signal. Turn the MS parameter clockwise to increase stereo width
and counter clockwise to make the signal more mono-like.
You can change the left/right balance with the LR parameter.
Select for MS decoding.
Use the MS-Decode insert when your input source is MS-encoded.

AGC
The AGC is really a very slow Compressor, used to guarantee that the current signal is kept within a certain dynamic range.
Low level
If the signals is below the Low Level value, the AGC will add no gain. This is done to prevent the AGC from pulling in background
noise.
Max. Gain
This is the maximum gain that the AGC will perform on your signal.
Release
Release rate in dB/sec.

EQ
Basic operation
Press PARAMETER keys to select frequency/gain/bandwidth/slope.
Turn ADJUST wheel to change values.
Press BAND keys to jump between the five bands.

EQ Ranges:
Low Shelving filter
Bell-shaped filter 1
Bell-shaped filter 2
Bell-shaped filter 3
High Shelving filter
Output Gain
Frequency Gain Bandwidth/Slope
19.95 Hz to 5.01 kHz +/- 12 dB 3, 6, 9, 12 dB/Oct
19.95 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 12 dB 0.1 Oct to 4.0 Oct
19.95 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 12 dB 0.1 Oct to 4.0 Oct
19.95 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 12 dB 0.1 Oct to 4.0 Oct
501.2 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 12 dB 3, 6, 9, 12 dB/Oct
- +/- 12 dB -
MAIN PAGE Inserts

DYN EQ

FREQUENCY sets the working

freq. of the dyn-EQ.

CURVE sets the frequency

characteristics of the dynamic
damping filter.

THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE
DE-ESSER

FREQUENCY sets the cutoff freq.

of the de-esser.

CURVE sets the frequency

characteristics of the dynamic
damping filter.

THRESHOLD
RATIO
ATTACK
RELEASE

90 MONO
Dyn EQ
The Dyn EQ is actually the same as the de-esser, but it is able to work with a several different filters.
Select between Low-Shelf, High-Shelf, and four different Bell filters.

De-esser
This algorithm removes unwanted esses from vocal material by dynamically reducing the level of high frequencies.

Threshold
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the threshold of the de-esser.
Attack
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the attack time of the de-esser.
Release
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the release time of the de-esser.
Ratio
Use this parameter to adjust the damping ratio of the de-esser.
Frequency
The frequency sets the cut-off frequency of the de-esser.
Curve
With the curve parameter, you select whether the de-esser should work with a bell-shaped or shelving filter.

90 Mono
This function makes it possible for surround signals to be compatible with mono. The slight phase change enables you to enhance
signals that otherwise would have disappeared in a mono situation.
May be used for monitoring or for actual live processing. The Output of the 90 Mono circuit is mono, L=R.
MAIN PAGE Normalizer

Black box indicates selected block

Effects blocks

No. of consecutive
samples clipped.

Normalizing gain Clipping method

Normalizer
Optimization of the level of your material starts in the Normalizer.
Here you have a graphical presentation of the incoming signal, shown as 1 second pictures.
By increasing the gain, you decrease the headroom, shown as two dotted lines.
You should set the gain so that the signal peaks are just hitting the dotted headroom lines.

The Normalizer is capable of gaining +18 dB.

The Clipper
The Normalizer has a built-in limiter, which can be either soft or hard. When the Normalizer limiter is active, it is indicated on the
Normalizer LIM LED above the Input Meters.

The Clip Counter indicates the maximum number of consecutive samples clipped within the last second.

If the clips only occur occasionally, and only few samples are clipped per test interval, you do not necessarily have to reduce the gain of the
Normalizer.
MAIN PAGE Expander

USER PAGE

PAGES Y-axis is output

- User page level.
- Expert page
- Cross-over frequency page

Arrow direction indicates X-axis is input

whether the parameter value level.
has been increased or
Expander Ratio
threshold low/mid/high Use band select cursors to access
low/mid/high individual bands.

EXPERT PAGE

Attack time Release time Side chain / delay

low/mid/high low/mid/high This parameter inserts the indicated delay in
the main signal path.
CROSS-OVER FREQUENCY PAGE The side chain will therefore be able to look
ahead on the input signal, enabling it to
respond faster to sudden signal changes.

This parameter is common for

expander/compressor/limiter.
Expander
Select EXP by pressing the BLOCK keys
Basic Operation
- Press the PARAMETER keys to select parameter.
- Turn the ADJUST wheel to change values.
- Press the BAND keys to select between the three bands.
- Press the MENU keys to select User/Xpert/Xover.
User Menu
Threshold
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the thresholds of the three
bands.
The thresholds refer to Ref level in the Ref. Level menu.
Ratio
Use these parameters to adjust the ratios of the three expander
bands.
Expander Monitor
The Expander Monitor gives you a graphical representation of
the ratio and threshold settings.
Expert Menu
Press MENU keys to enter expert mode (XPRT)
Cross-over Menu
Press MENU keys to enter the cross-over frequency
page (Xovr)
L-Xovr/H-Xovr
These parameters set the crossover points of the three bands in
the dynamics section.
Note: Crossover points for compressor, limiter and expander are
common.
The Edit Guide
The symbol in the lower left corner of the display is an edit
guide. This indicator will help you get back to the parameter
values of the latest recalled preset.
The direction of the arrow indicates whether the
parameter value has been increased or decreased
since last recall.
Example:
If you have edited various preset parameters but want to restore
the original ratio settings, simply select the ratio parameters one
by one and follow the edit guide.

Attack Expander Bypass

Use the ADJUST wheel to change the attack time of the three Press the gray BLOCK on/off key to bypass the expander section.
bands.
Release
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the release time of the three
bands.
Side Chain / Delay
This parameter adjusts the look-ahead delay. This means that
your audio signal is delayed, i.e., 10 ms.
By slightly delaying the audio signal, you give the processor a
chance to look ahead at the present signal. It will therefore react
more accurately than a standard compressor/limiter/expander.
The actual look-ahead delay time is scaled by the attack time
individually on all three bands.

Note: This delay time parameter is common for the compressor,

limiter and expander.
MAIN PAGE Compressor

USER PAGE

Page select:
1. User page
2. Expert page
3. Cross-over page

Arrow direction indicates

whether the parameter value
has been increased or
decreased since last recall. Threshold Ratio Band levels Output level
low/mid/high low/mid/high low/mid/high

EXPERT PAGE

Attack Release Side chain / Delay Crest

CROSS-OVER FREQUENCY PAGE
Times Times (same as under This parameter determines
low/mid/high low/mid/high expander) whether the compressor
should react to peaks,
RMS (average) or
something in between.
The Compressor
Select COM by pressing the BLOCK keys
Basic operation
- Press the PARAMETER keys to select parameter.
- Turn the ADJUST wheel to change values.
- Press the BAND keys to select between the three bands.
- Press the MENU keys to select User/Xpert/Xover.
About the Compressor
The compressor section of the DBMAX is divided into three
bands. This means that you are able to compress the
low/mid/high frequencies separately.
To optimize the output gain and energy in your material, the
DBMAX uses auto-makeup gain, meaning that the three bands
are gained individually and automatically, depending on how
hard the current band is compressed.
User Menu
Threshold
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the thresholds of the three
bands.
The Thresholds refer to Ref level in the Ref. Level menu.
Ratio
Use these parameters to adjust the ratios of the three compressor
bands.
Band Level
The three band levels are used to adjust the spectral balance of
the compressor. You are able to change the level of the low, mid
and high bands individually, simply by selecting the current band
and turning the ADJUST wheel.
Out Level
With this parameter you can adjust the overall output of the
compressor.
Expert Menu
Press MENU keys to enter the expert page.
Release
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the release time of the three
bands.
Side Chain / Delay
This parameter adjusts the look-ahead delay. This means that
your audio signal is delayed, i.e., 10 ms.
By slightly delaying the audio signal, you enable the processor to
look ahead at the present signal, and it will therefore react more
accurately than a standard compressor/limiter/expander.
The actual look-ahead delay time is scaled automatically by the
attack time, individually on all three bands.
Note: This delay time parameter is common for the compressor,
limiter and expander.
Crest
This parameter determines whether the compressor should react
to peaks, RMS (average), or something in between. For example
if the crest parameter is set at 6 dB, the compressor is reacting to
RMS values and to peaks 6 dB higher than the current RMS
value.
Cross-over Menu
Press MENU keys to enter the cross-over
frequency page (Xovr)
L-Xovr/H-Xovr
With the L-Xovr and H-Xovr you set the cross-over points of the
three bands in the dynamics section.
Note: The cross-over points are common for the compressor,
limiter and expander.
Compressor Bypass
Press the grey BLOCK on/off key to bypass the
compressor section.

Attack
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the attack time of the three
bands.
MAIN PAGE Limiter

USER PAGE

Expert mode on/off

Arrow direction indicates

whether the parameter value
has been increased or
Limiter Bypass individual Clipping method
threshold limiter bands. The clip function smoothly kills
low/mid/high any overshoot that might occur
after heavy compression or
limiting. The higher the
percentage, the softer the clip.

EXPERT PAGE

CROSSOVER FREQUENCY PAGE

Attack Release Side chain / Delay Digital ceiling

Times Times (same as under This parameter
low/mid/high low/mid/high compressor / reduces the absolute
expander) peak signal level of
the output.
The Limiter Digital Ceiling
With the digital ceiling you can adjust the digital maximum
Select LIM by pressing the BLOCK keys output, i.e., if you receive an overload indication on the device
connected to the digital output of the DBMAX, you are able to
Basic operation reduce the output level in 0.01 dB steps.
- Press the PARAMETER keys to select parameter.
- Turn the ADJUST wheel to change values.
- Press the BAND keys to select between the three bands. Crossover Menu
- Press the MENU keys to select User/Xpert/Xover. Press MENU keys to enter the cross-over frequency
page (Xovr)
User Menu
L-Xovr/H-Xovr
Threshold With the L-Xovr and H-Xovr you set the crossover points of the
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the thresholds of the three
three bands in the dynamics section.
bands. The Thresholds refer to Ref Level in the Ref. Level
menu
Note: The crossover points for the compressor, limiter and
On/Off expander are common.
Use these parameters to enable/disable the three limiter bands.
Clip
The clip function smoothly kills any overshoot that might occur
after heavy compression or limiting. The higher the percentage,
the softer the clip.

Expert Menu
Press MENU keys to enter the expert page.

Attack
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the attack time of the three
bands.
Release
Use the ADJUST wheel to change the release time of the three
bands.
Side Chain / Delay
This parameter adjusts the look-ahead delay. This means that
your audio signal is delayed, i.e., 10 ms.
By slightly delaying the audio signal, you enable the processor to
look ahead at the present signal, and it will therefore react more
accurately than a standard compressor/limiter/expander.

The actual look-ahead delay time is scaled automatically by the

attack time, individually on all three bands.

Note: This delay time parameter is common for the compressor,

limiter and expander.
 MAIN PAGE Output

FADE SECTION
CURVE sets the fade-out curve
TIME sets the fade-out time
FADE up/down/stop
LEVEL set fader level manually.

Note:
If an external fader is connected, all of the above
parameters are disabled.
Select no. of bits dithered to:
8 bit
16 bit (default for SPDIF)
18 bit
20 bit (default for analog out)
24 bit (default for AES)

Select the OUT section in the main page by pressing

the BLOCK keys
Dither to:
With the dither parameter you can select the desired dither type
yourself. Select between: 8, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 (off).
The three main dither types are marked with their most likely
output:
Select the fade curve and the fade time.
To start the fade, select the fade up/down parameter and turn the
ADJUST wheel.
You also have the possibility of a manual fade, simply by
selecting the LEV parameter and turning the ADJUST wheel.
The manual fade function can also be controlled by the TC
Master Fader.

- 16 bit, for S/PDIF output (DAT) Note: The pedal function in the Utility menu must be set to Fader
for external control.
- 20 bit, for analog output (DA converters are 20 bit)

- 24 bit, for AES digital output.

The optimal dither always depends on the target, i.e. if you are
connected digital to a DAT you should select 16 bit dither
because the DAT media works with 16 bit resolution.

Auto Fade
The DBMAX is capable of auto-fades up to 60 seconds.
TOOLS Flow

Flow
In the Flow Meter, you have five small peak
meters, representing the level in the different
sections of the DBMAX.
The Flow meter refers to absolute peak in the
Ref.Levels menu.

When a block is overloading, use the parameter

keys to select the current block and press OK for
direct access.

Internal levels (ppm)

TOOLS Peak-Hold Meter

Peak
The Peak-Hold Meter is an output meter with
infinite hold. It is possible to see the level of the
maximum peak with 0.1 dB precision.

Press OK to reset the meter.

Numeric readout of peak values

TOOLS Phase Meter (correlation)

Phase Meter
The phase meter displays the phase relationship
between the two stereo channels.

Plus means that the two channels are in phase.

Minus means that the two channels are out of phase.

Time/division
Sets the curve drawing speed.

Time/division
Curve speed

TOOLS Calibration Tone

Calibration tone
In Calibration you can choose between various test
tones at definable level.

Level
Set the desired level of the test tone.
dBref refers to ref level in the Ref. Level menu
dBu refers to the Inlevel in the Ref. Level menu
dBFS refers to digital fullscale.
The test tone level can never exceed 0 dBFS.

Tone
Select the desired testtone and press OK to start.
Press OK again to stop.
TOOLS Surround meter

Surround meter
Four bars indicating the level of Left, Right,
Left+Right, and Left-Right.

This will give you an impression of how much

level you have present in a surround environment.

Surround meter
TOOLS Digital I/O (DIO)

RECEIVED STATUS BITS

Pre-emphasis indicator: on/off

Source device: DAT, CD, mixer etc.
Number of audio bits received.
Copyright: None, One copy only , Infinite copies

DIGITAL OUT STATUS BITS

Status bits on digital output:

AES/EBU: Professional usage of status bits.
S/PDIF: Consumer usage of status bits.
FROM INPUT: Status bits received on the input
are fed through to the digital output.

Copyright
Here you can set the copyright on
the outgoing digital audio.
 TOOLS Digital I/O (DIO)
IN OUT
This display has various indicators that describe the In this display you set up how the DBMAX should send
received digital signal. out your material.

Pre-emphasis COPY ENABLE

This parameter indicates whether the incoming signal is pre- Set the copyrights of your material:
emphasized or not.
Source device (Category code). - No copies
The device status of the received signal is shown in this indicator. - 1 copy only
Audio data - Infinite number of copies.
The number of received audio bits is indicated here.
Copyright (Copy inhibit). Note: The copy protection is only valid with S/PDIF signals.
Status of the copybits.
STATUS BITS OUT
Note: The above information can only be displayed if it is present
in the digital signal. AES/EBU
When AES/EBU is selected the DBMAX will transmit its own
professional set of status bits, meaning that any incoming ID will
be lost. However, in order to take full advantage of the
DBMAXs 24 bit resolution you should select AES/EBU to make
sure that the receiving device after the DBMAX will accept all
24 bits.
S/PDIF
When S/PDIF is selected, the DBMAX will transmit its own
consumer status bits out, meaning that any incoming ID will be
lost. The DBMAXs S/PDIF output carries up to 20 bits. Only the
S/PDIF signal contains copy protection information.
From Input
When this setting is selected the DBMAX will transmit the same
information as it received. However, you still have the possibility
to change the copy status.
 WIZARD

Press OK to start procedure

Select source type: soft/medium/hard

Select degree of compression:
soft/medium/hard

Auto Normalize
If this option is selected the DBMAX will adjust
the Normalizer level.

Spectral
The DBMAX will adjust the spectral content of the
current signal

Wizard - Making the whole thing very simple

Press the WIZARD key.

- Select whether your source type is soft, medium or hard.

- Select which kind of compression you like: Soft, medium or hard.
- Do you want your material to be Auto Normalized? Yes or no.

Now the Wizard will optimize settings for you (Normalizer, Compressor, and Limiter).

Note: The auto normalize function is continuous and runs until you stop it.
Using this function on an entire track garuantees that signal levels are optimal.

Select the desired spectral response: Flat, Loudness, Bass-lift or Air.

Press the OK key to use the settings chosen by the Wizard.

Press any key to stop the Auto Normalize function.

UTILITY
How to move around
In the UTILITY menu you always move by pressing the
MENU keys and change values by dialing the ADJUST
wheel.

Display
Viewing Angle
Adjust for best contrast on the LCD display.

MIDI In
Channel
Sets the receive channel of the DBMAX.
When set to Omni the DBMAX will respond to all channels.
When set to Off no MIDI will be received.
Prg. Change
Sets whether the DBMAX should respond to MIDI program
changes or not.
Controllers
Sets whether the DBMAX should respond to MIDI controllers or
not.
Prg. Offset
This number is added to the incoming program number.

Example:
If the incoming program number is 10, and the offset is set to -1,
the DBMAX will change to program 9.

Program Bank
If this parameter is set to RAM, all received MIDI program
changes will recall user (RAM) presets.

If set to ROM, received MIDI program changes will recall

factory (ROM) presets.

System Exclusive ID (SysEx ID)

System exclusive ID number of the DBMAX.
MIDI Out
Channel
MIDI transmit channel.
Prg. Change
Sets whether the DBMAX should transmit MIDI program
changes or not.
Controllers
Sets whether the DBMAX should transmit MIDI control changes
or not.
Offset
This number is added to the outgoing program number.
Security
To security-lock the DBMAX, press OK while this parameter is
selected.
When locked, you will have to dial the PIN-code shown below
to access the DBMAX.
PIN-code
Sets your PIN-code for the security lock by dialing the ADJUST
wheel (See page 36).
If you should forget your PIN-code, please enter the Reset page.
This will release the DBMAX from the locked state.
(You do not have to run any of the reset functions).
A keyboard lock facility is also provided. Press and hold the Help
key for about 3 seconds, and all keys will be locked including the
ADJUST wheel. The display will say locked in the top line.
To unlock the keyboard, press Help again for about 3 seconds.
Memory Protect
Protect
This parameter sets the Memory protect On or Off. When the
Protect is activated the Ram presets inside the High and Low
limit are write protected.
Low Lim
Sets the Low limit of the Memory protect. The current number is
included in the Protect.
High Lim
Sets the High limit of the Memory protect. The current number is
included in the Protect.
Memory Backup
Mem > Card
Insert a PC Card in the card slot and press OK. All RAM presets
of the DBMAX will now be backed up to the memory card.
Card > Mem
Insert the PC Card containing your presets and press OK. All
presets on the card will now be in the DBMAX RAM.
Warning:
This action will destroy all existing RAM presets of the DBMAX.
Mem > MIDI
Connect your DBMAXs MIDI output to another DBMAX, a
sequencer or any other MIDI recording device. Press OK and the
DBMAX will perform a MIDI bulk dump of all RAM presets.
MIDI > Mem
Connect the storing device to the DBMAXs MIDI input and
press OK. The DBMAX is now ready to receive a MIDI bulk
dump containing RAM presets.
Warning:
This action will destroy all existing RAM presets of the DBMAX.
Pedal Input
Select between: External Fader/Fade up-down/Bypass.
 RESET PAGE

Store and load your own

default settings

Enter User data page

Reset system parameters
Clear all user presets
Test Programs

Type your name here

and your phone number

Place cursor here

and press OK to
finalize session.

How to enter the Reset page: Set User Name

Hold the BYPASS key pressed while powering up. This function makes it possible to store your name and phone
number in the DBMAX. Press OK to access the user data menu.
Move the marker using the MENU keys and press OK Use the ADJUST wheel and the MENU keys to write your name
to select reset type. and phone number into the DBMAX. Press OK to accept. Your
name and phone number will be displayed during power-up.
Load User Default Reset System Parameters
This will reset all system parameters back to a default setup made This will reset all system parameters back to the factory default.
by you (see Store User Def.). This reset will NOT delete the user This reset will NOT delete the user presets of the DBMAX.
presets of the DBMAX. Reset all Presets
Store User Def. This will clear all RAM presets.
When you have a perfect setup of your DBMAX, you are able to
store this as your own default setup. This function is very useful
for example when you have finished a special production and
want to go back to normal. When you have the perfect setup of
your DBMAX, simply select this parameter and press OK to store
your default settings.
The User Default includes all system parameters.
 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Analog Inputs
Connectors: XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
Impedance: 15 kOhm
Max. Input Level: +22 dBu
Sensitivity: @ 12 dB headroom: -22 dBu to +10 dBu
A to D Conversion: 20 bit (4 bit, 64 times oversampling)
Dynamic Range: > 105 dB
THD: < 0.003% @ 1 kHz, 6dB below scale at 16dBu max full scale level
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz: +0/-0.2 dB
Crosstalk: <-60 dB, 10 Hz to 20 kHz

Analog Outputs
Connectors XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
Impedance: 100 Ohm (active transformer)
Max Output Level: +22 dBu
Full Scale Output Range: -10 to +22 dBu
D to A Conversion: 20 bit (1 bit 128 times oversampling)
Dynamic Range: > 96 dB
THD: < 0.008% @ 1 kHz, 6dB below scale at 16dBu max full scale level
Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 20 kHz: +0/-0.5 dB
Crosstalk: <-60 dB, 10 Hz to 20 kHz

Digital Inputs and Outputs

AES/EBU In/Out: XLR
S/PDIF In/Out: Coaxial, RCA Type
Formats: EIAJ CP-340, IEC 958, S/PDIF (20 bit)
AES/EBU (24 bit)
Word Clock Input: BNC, 75 Ohm, 0.4 to 10 Vpp
Sample Rates: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz

PC-CARD Interface
Connector: PCMCIA Type 1 cards
Standards: PCMCIA 2.0, JEIDA 4.0
Card Format: Supports up to 2 MB SRAM

Control Interface
MIDI: In/Out/Thru: 5 Pin DIN
Pedal/Fader: 1/4 inch phone jack

General
Finish: Anodized aluminum face plate
Painted and plated steel chassis
Display: 7 precision LED meters
56 x 128 dot graphic LCD-display
Dimensions: 19 x 1.75 x 8.2 (483 x 44 x 208 mm)
Weight: 5.2 lbs (2.35 kg)
AC Power: 90 - 240 VAC (Automatically)
3 Pin IEC power connector
Power consumption >20W
Battery Life: >10 years

EMC: Complies with EN55103-1, EN55103-2

and class B limits of FCC rules, part 15
Safety: Certified to IEC 65, EN 60065 and UL 1419

Environment
Operating Temperature: 32OF to 122OF (0OC to 50OC)
Storage Temperature: -22OF 167OF (-30OC to 70OC)
Humidity: Max. 90% non-condensing

All specifications are subject to change without notice.

 TROUBLESHOOTING
You press the POWER switch but there is no light.
- The power switch on the rear panel is switched off.

The input PPM meters dont peak out.

- You are using analog inputs, but the input selector in the I/O menu is set to digital in.
- The analog input level is set too low.

No sound through the DBMAX

- You are using analog inputs, but the input selector in the I/O menu is set to digital in.

You cannot turn the power off.

- Hold the power switch pressed for at least 3 seconds.

You hear a lot of noise on the DBMAX output.

- 8 bit dither is on, go to the out section and select a suitable dither.
 MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART
STUDIO MASTERING PROCESSOR: DBMAX - NOV 12, 1996 Version 1.0

Function Transmitted Recognized Remarks

Basic Channel Default 1 1
Changed 1-16 1-16
Mode Default
Messages X X
Altered
Note Number X X
True Voice X X
Velocity Note ON X X
Note OFF X X
After Touch Keys X X
Chs X X
Pitch Bend X X
Control Change O O

Prog Change O O
True# 0-127 0-127
System Exclusive O O
Common :Song Pos X X
:Song Sel X X
:Tune X X
System real time :Clock O O
:Commands X X
Aux Messages :Local ON/OFF X X
:All Notes OFF X X
:Active Sense X X
:Reset X X
Notes

O:YES Mode1: OMNI ON, POLY Mode 2: OMNI ON, MONO

X:NO Mode 3: OMNI OFF, POLY Mode 4: OMNI OFF, MONO
 SELF TEST
PRESS ONE OF THE 3 BYPASS KEYS, WHILE MIDI I/O test
POWERING UP, TO ACCESS THE SELF-TEST AND Select MIDI I/O test by pressing OK
SELECT RUN TEST PROGRAM Connect MIDI out to MIDI In.
Prg. change 1-128 is send out on MIDI thru. Connect this socket
Use the ADJUST Wheel to scroll through the different self tests. to a MIDI compatible device and confirm the Prg. changes.
Press OK key again to exit test.
Key test
Select Key test by pressing OK. Pedal test
The keys must be pressed in the order they are requested by the Select Pedal test by pressing OK.
DBMAX to pass the test. Connect a momentary pedal to the pedal socket.
Press OK key again to exit test. When pressing the pedal, the result should be OK.
When released, the result should be NOT OK.
Adjust Wheel test Press OK key again to exit test.
Select Adjust Wheel test by pressing OK
Turn the Adjust Wheel to 30 and back to 0 to pass test. PC Card test
Press OK key again to exit test. Select PC Card test by pressing OK
Insert PC Card. Note that all data on the PC Card will be
LED test destroyed.
Select Led test by pressing OK Press OK to test.
Turn Adjust Wheel to test the LEDs. The test is ok when all Result reads:
LEDs are lit. Low battery - Time to change battery in your PC Card.
Press OK key again to exit test. Not Ok - Try the test using another PCMCIA card.
Press OK key again to exit test.
Display test
Select Display test by pressing OK Battery test
Press OK to check that all pixels are lit. Press any key to leave Select Battery test by pressing OK
the pixel test. Confirm that result is OK.
Press OK key again to exit test. Press OK key again to exit test.

Analog I/O test System test

Select Analog I/O test by pressing OK Select System test by pressing OK
Connect an analog output to the analog input, which has to be Confirm that result is OK.
tested and press OK. Result reads:
Use a balanced cable. EEPROM Not OK - The unit will most likely work ok, the
PPM must show -12 dB to pass test. message is for service matters only.
Press OK key again to exit test. DSP Not OK - Contact your local dealer.
Press OK key again to exit test.
Digital I/O test
Select Digital I/O test by pressing OK Power Off - On to start standard software.
Connect a digital output to the digital input, which has to be
tested and press OK.
The AES/EBU output can also be connected to the S/PDIF input
and vice versa.
PPM must show 0 dB to pass test.
Press OK key again to exit test.
 GLOSSARY
AES/EBU
Professional digital in/out standard, using balanced XLR cables.

S/PDIF
Consumer digital in/out standard, normally using coaxial phono-
type cables.

DITHERING
Dithering is a method used to optimize the quality of a digital
audio signal at low levels. A small amount of filtered noise is
added to the signal, giving you a less distorted low level signal.
To make the dithering circuit work optimally, you need to tell the
system which output you are using. When using the analog
outputs, dithering should always be set to 20 bits. If you are
using digital outputs, the equipment you feed determines the
number of bits. A DAT or CDR recorder should always be
dithered to 16 bit.

DE-ESSING
An algorithm that removes unwanted esses from a vocal mate-
rial.

SYSTEM EXCLUSIVE MIDI COMMANDS

Device-dependent MIDI commands, normally used for remote
controlling machines.
 NOTES
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits Certificate Of Conformity
for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installations. TC Electronic A/S, Sindalsvej 34, 8240 Risskov, Denmark,
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency hereby declares on own responsibility that following product:
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio DBMAX - Digital Broadcast Signal Processor.
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. That is covered by this certificate and marked with CE-label
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or conforms with following standards:
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the EN 60065 Safety requirements for mains
interference by one or more of the following measures:
(IEC 65) operated electronic and related
apparatus for household and similar
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
general use
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different
from that to which the receiver is connected.
EN 50081-1 Electromagnetic compatibility - Generic
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician emission standard - Part 1: Residential,
for help. commercial and light industry.

The user may find the following booklet, prepared by the Federal EN 50082-1 Electromagnetic compatibility - Generic
Communications Commission, helpful: immunity standard - Part 1: Residential,
commercial and light industry.
"How to identify and Resolve Radio/TV interference Problems."

This booklet is available from the US. Government Printing Office, With reference to regulations in following directives:
Washington, DC 20402, Stock No. 004-000-0034-4. 73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC

Caution:
Issued in Risskov, October 30th. 1996
You are cautioned that any change or modifications not expressly
approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this Anders Fauerskov
equipment. Chief Executive Officer

For the customers in Canada:

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the

Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numrique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences

du Rglement sur le matriel brouilleur du Canada.