Introduction
AIXpressor is a flexible hardware platform similar to ‘traditional’ stand-alone audio processing and format converter devices. The main difference is it’s capability to run the flexAI software instead of hardware-bound firmware. flexAI constantly grows in feature set and functionality as the software evolves. Software options like processing and codecs can be licensed to the device and new physical interfaces can be added to the chassis.
In addition to powerful software, AIXpressor offers physical media I/O and integrates AoIP (Audio over IP) including Livewire+, AES67 and SMPTE ST 2110. It can be used as the interface between traditionalmedia interfaces like analog, AES, and SDI I/O to an IP-based infrastructure.
Hardware
The engine of the AIXpressor is an x86 Intel multi-core CPU-based System on Module (SoM). The CPU manages all audio-related functions including processing and loudness measurement, provides AoIP connectivity, and hosts the web server that provides remote access through a browser-based GUI. A high-performance FPGA handles all internal hardware I/O conncetions.
Chassis: 1RU (1.75") x 19" high-density multi-channel I/O and audio processing unit
Display: 8" front panel high-resolution TFT touch display
Status Indicators: Multicolor status LED
Power Buttons: Individual power buttons for each power supply
Headphones: 6.3mm (1/4") front panel headphone jack
RJ45 Network Connectors: 1GB Ethernet ports for control and AoIP
USB A Connectors: One front panel and one rear panel USB 3.0 type A connectors
USB B Connectors: One rear panel USB 2.0 type B connector
On-board I/O:
8-channel AES3 I/O (switchable to 4 inputs and 12 outputs)
8-channel analog I/O (switchable to 4 inputs and 12 outputs)
2 SFP Cages: 2x MADI or tieLight I/O, multi-mode or single-mode
External Sync: BNC input supporting Wordclock, AES3/11, Black Burst or Tri-Level
Expansion Slots: Four expansion slots, each capable of handling 64 bi-directional audio channels for the following optional I/O boards:
SD/HD/3G-SDI
MADI (optical or BNC)
Audinate Dante
8-channel AES3 I/O (4x stereo pair)
4-channel analog I/O
8-channel analog out
4-channel microphone inputs
Software
The flexAI software is constantly evolving and implementing new modules, interfaces and options. Thus the following list is just representing a sample of the included and optional features. Most modules are available in all relevant channel configurations ranging from mono, over stereo to surround and up to 7.1.4 immersive sound:
Jünger Audio Level Magic loudness management per all international standards based on ITU-R BS.1770
True Peak Limiter
Spectral Signature dynamic filter
Compressors
Fully parametric EQ with filters
Phase rotator
De-esser
Expander and Gate
Voice Over mixers
Automix (Loudness based commentator mix in stereo or 5.1 surround, loudness-controlled program outputs, mix-minus and clean feed)
Upmix up to 7.1.4 with automatic fail over
FM Conditioner
Object-based Metadata Authoring and Rendering
Codecs
I/O
AIXpressor natively supports AES3 I/Os, analog I/Os and two MADI I/Os. Up to four additional interface modules are optionally installable. AES3 and analog channels may be configured as 8 In / 8 Out or 4 In / 12 Out to support immersive audio formats such as Dolby® Atmos and Fraunhofer MPEG-H 3D Audio, allowing for configurations up to 7.1.4.
MADI ports may alternately be configured to use the proprietary Jünger tieLight interface, providing high channel-count and low latency connections between multiple AIXpressors and/or flexAIservers.
Comprehensive routing setups permit a nearly unlimited combination of signal flows from any source to any destination. Single-channel routing allows for shuffling and a comprehensive preset systems enables manual or automated routing changes.
Control
Presets may be recalled on demand by the operator via the web-based GUI or external control and automation systems. Ember+ and NMOS protocols IS-04, -05 are supported for parameter control and AoIP configuration. SNMP is supported for hardware health surveillance.
Applications and Use Cases
The operational needs of today's broadcasters vary so widely that it would be impossible to provide detailed scenarios of how AIXpressor can be used. Its flexible design makes it suitable as a dedicated, stand-alone audio routing and processing tool, or as an integral part of a facility-wide connected audio infrastructure. It is equally at home at ingest, in studios and master control rooms, as part of on-air play-out systems, or in rebroadcasting and distribution facilities.
We are happy to help you discover how AIXpressor and other Jünger Audio processors can meet your needs and integrate into your facility.