Introduction

Hx1 Hybrid

Overview

The Telos Hx1 is a single digital hybrid in a 1RU 19-inch rack-mount enclosure. It embodies a state-of-the-art approach to interfacing an analog POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) line for broadcast on-air use.

The fast, precise digital automatic-nulling hybrid allows smooth, natural, conversation without speakerphone-like up-cutting effects, or the audio distortion and feedback problems often experienced with lesser hybrid interface devices. By digitally subtracting the send audio from the received caller audio, these hybrids deliver pure caller audio with as little leakage from the announcer’s (send) audio as possible. Consistently good trans-hybrid loss, audio levels, and sound quality is assured, even with varying telephone line conditions.

The Hx1 also includes a sophisticated automatic gain control in both the send and receive paths, a carefully implemented override ducking system, a pitch shifter for feedback reduction, and a digital dynamic EQ that keeps audio spectrally consistent from call to call.

Features

Standard features - which have historically been "add ons" or options - are listed below:

  • A high-pass filter reduces hum and low-frequency noise.

  • High-frequency noise above the telephone frequency range is also attenuated.

  • A smart digital Automatic Gain Control (AGC) smooths output levels; the gain changes occur naturally, delivering consistent levels without processing artifacts, and a settable noise gate/expander on the receive path reduces phone line noise during caller pauses.

  • An adjustable override function allows ducking of the caller while the announcer is speaking.

  • Feedback is reduced by a special “pitch shifting” arrangement while echo is reduced with a basic Acoustic Echo Canceler.

  • Fixed or adaptive EQ helps to correct deficiencies in a caller's telephone set or the network, resulting in a clearer, warmer, more intelligible sound from the caller.

  • Front-panel metering is provided for input and output levels.

  • EQ gain changes are displayed in real time.

  • Auto-Answer capabilities with a selectable ring count allow for unattended operation.

  • Worldwide disconnect signal detection allows the use of the hybrid in different countries and with various PBXs.

  • The Hx1 is equipped with a complete diagnostic system for system set-up and check-out.

  • Optional AES3 support is available.

  • Built-in universal power supply and rack mount design aids in a professional installation.

  • The Hx1 has built-in full remote control capability, including outputs for “line ringing” and “hybrid in use” indicators.

  • Telos “Status Symbols” provide clear visual cues to operators.

Hx2 Hybrid

Overview

The Telos Hx2 unit consists of two identical digital hybrids in a single 1RU 19inch rack-mount enclosure. The Hx2 can operate as two fully independent hybrids or be configured with an internal mix-minus to couple the two hybrids, sharing a single mix-minus from the audio console and allowing callers on both hybrids to hear each other and your talent.

The Hx2 may be controlled remotely via connections available on the unit’s remote connector (DB-9). Control functions include remote on and off control and available status outputs include “line ringing” and “hybrid in use” open-collector indications. The unit can be equipped with an optional AES3 module, which plugs into the motherboard and converts the XLR connections from analog to AES3.

Additional features are identical to those listed above for the Hx1.