AIXpressor is a 1RU product intended to be permanently installed in a standard 19” equipment rack and secured with four standard rack screws. It is fan cooled but whenever possible, it is recommended to leave 1RU of empty space above and below the unit.

Power

Plug the IEC power cords into the AIXpressor and connect each to different mains power sources. Remember that while redundant supplies do protect against the unit losing power in the event of a PSU failure, the loss of mains supply voltage is a bigger concern. Accordingly, each supply should be fed from a different circuit equipped with adequate surge protection and fitted with an uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Each power supply has its own On/Off switch.

General

• Multi-channel audio processor

• Rear panel AES3, analog, MADI, tieLight I/O

• 3k x 3k cross-point audio router

• Front panel headphone jack

• Expandable by hardware option boards

• Versatile audio processing via licensed algorithms

Audio Sample Rate

• 48kHz

• +/- 150ppm sync input capture, +/- 25ppm master-sync stability

AES/EBU Inputs

• Relevant specifications comply with AES3-X-2009, IEC 60985, and AES11-2009

• 4 inputs (8 input or 4 input /4 output channels switchable) on D-Sub 25 connector

• 24-bit transparent forwarding of PCM and compressed audio without SRC (sample rate converter)

• 24-bit PCM with SRC activated

• Impedance = 75Ohm single-ended

• Input level = 0.3 ... 5Vpp @ 75Ohm single-ended

• Sample Rate Converter (SRC) = THD+N -120dB @ 0dBFS, 1kHz, latency <0.3ms

AES/EBU Outputs

• Relevant specifications comply with AES3-X-2009, IEC 60985, and AES11-2009

• 4 outputs (8 output channels) on Sub-D 25 connector

• 24-bit transparent forwarding of PCM and compressed audio

• Impedance = 75Ohm single-sided

• Output Voltage = 1Vpp (typical) @ 75Ohm single-ended

• Power fail relay bypass between AES/EBU inputs and outputs (can be deactivated by internal jumper)

SFP Cages

• SFP spec, typically 125MBps

SFP MADI Module

• SFP spec, typically 125MBps

SFP tieLight Module

• SFP spec, typically 2.5GBps

Sync Input

• Multi-standard synchronization interface for AES/EBU, Wordclock, or video sync (including black burst and tri-level); complies with AES11-2009 and relevant audio or video standards.

• Connector type = BNC

• AES/EBU Input = 0.3 ... 5Vpp @ 75Ohm single-ended

• Wordclock input = 1 ... 5Vpp @ 75Ohm single-ended

• Video-sync input = 1Vpp (nominal) @ 75Ohm single-ended

• Supported rates = 23.975, 24, 24.975, 25, 29.97, 30, 49.95, 50, 59.94, and 60 fps (SD and HD)

Network Interfaces

• 4x RJ45 connectors, 1Gbit/s Ethernet auto sense, full duplex, audo MDI/X

USB Interfaces

• Front and rear USB A 3.0 connectors

• Internal USB A 2.0 (for license keys)

• Rear USB 2.0 connectors

Expansion Slots

• 4 general-purpose expansion slots for Jünger option boards

Power Supplies

• Dual power supplies with automatic failover

• 85 ... 264VAC, 50 ... 60Hz, 58W (max)

Environmental

• Operating temperature = 0 ... 50°C, fan cooled

• Non-operating temperature = -20 ... 70°C

• Humidity < 90% non-condensing

Physical

• 19" x 1RU, 27cm depth

• Net weight ca. 5kg

• Shipping weight ca. 7.5kg

Standards

• Video complies with SMPTE 424/425M (3G, Level A and B), SMPTE 292M (HD), or SMPTE 259M (SD) with automatic format detection

• Audio embedding and de-embedding comply with SMPTE 299M (3G, HD) or SMPTE 272M-AC (SD)

• Metadata embedding and de-embedding complies with SMPTE 2020-2

Video Data Rates

• 2970/2967Mbps (3G), 1485/1483.5Mbps (HD), 270Mbps (SD)

Video Formats

• 1080p - 23.975, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60

• 1080i - 50, 59.94, 60

• 720p - 23.975, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60

• 625i - 59.94

• 525i - 59.94

Video Delay

• User selectable 0 ... 15 frames; can be disabled

Audio

• Bit depth = 24 bit, transparent forwarding of PCM and compressed audio

• Sample rate = 48kHz (SDI compliant)

• Channels = 16 inputs and 16 outputs (4 groups of 4 channels each)

• Delay = Embedder audio delay selectable 0 ... 320ms per channel

Metadata (RDD6) not activated

• 1 channel input, 1 channel output, SDID selectable

BNC Input

• Impedance = 75Ohm

• Return loss = >15dB 5 ... 1485MHz; >10dB 1485 ... 2970MHz

• Maximum cable length = 250m (SD), 230m (HD), 140m (3G) using Belden 1694A cable

• Jitter tolerance = >0.7UI (alignment)

BNC Output

• Impedance = 75Ohm

• Output voltage = 0.8Vpp (typical)

• Return loss = >15dB 5 ... 1485MHz; >10dB 1485 - 2970MHz

• Output jitter = <0.2UI (alignment), <0.5UI (timing)

Latency

• Video latency input to output = 120 ... 200 pixel, depending on video standard

• Audio latency input to output, embedder and de-embedder combined = <0.6ms (HD, 3G), <2ms (SD)

General Features

• Power fail relay bypass (may be enabled/disabled via GUI)

• Lip-sync compensation for processed and non-processed audio signals

• Dedicated routing for non-processed channels; all channels (maximum 16) can be routed to/from the device or looped through

• Test pattern generator (no genlock)

• Master-sync capable

• ITU-R BT.1685 / ARIB STD-B39 metadata support

Technical specifications for AIXpressor and all available option boards plus D-Sub pin assignments are provided the following sections.

Front Panel

Front panel features include:

• USB 3.0 Type A connector (A)

• 6.3mm (1/4") stereo headphone jack (B)

• 1440x240 TFT touch display (C)

Rear Panel

Rear panel features include:

• Dual 110V - 240V auto-ranging redundant load-balancing power supplies with individual power switches (A)

• Four RJ45 1GB Ethernet connections for control and AoIP; LAN 3/4 internally connected to a switch (B)

• USB 3.0 Type A connector (C)

• Status LED; green indicates normal operation (D)

• INIT/RESET button; pressing briefly will shut down the CPU; pressing and holding until the Status LED flashes five times will return the unit to factory default settings (E)

• USB 2.0 Type B connector for connecting to consoles, audio interfaces, etc. (F)

• MADI I/O; SFP cages to hold modules for optical connections as MADI or tieLight interfaces (G)

• 75Ohm BNC external sync connector, supporting Word Clock, AES, Black Burst, and Tri Level (H)

• AES I/O via 25 pin D-Sub female connector; provides 4x AES3 In and Out; may be configured for 2x In and 6x Out (I)

• Analog Output via 25 pin D-Sub female connector; provides 8x balanced analog outputs (K)

• Analog Input via 25 pin D-Sub female connector; provides 8x balanced analog inputs, or may be configured for 4x In and 4x Out for a total of 12x analog outputs (L)

• IF 1 - IF 4 slots to accommodate optional SD/HD/3G-SDI, 4x AES3 I/O, 4x analog I/O, 8x analog out, MADI I/O (optical or BNC) or Dante/AES67 interface boards (J)

Introduction

AIXpressor is a flexible hardware platform that provides a virtualized environment for many of the well-known Jünger audio algorithms and is capable of simultaneously running multiple processing instances.

In addition to various audio processing options, AIXpressor offers traditional physical I/O and integrates AoIP (Audio over IP) including Livewire, Dante (optional), SMPTE ST 2110-30 and -31, and acts as a versatile "edge server" to ease the migration from traditional analog, AES, and SDI I/O to an IP-based infrastructure.

Hardware

The engine of the AIXpressor is an x86 Intel Atom multi-core CPU-based System on Module (SoM) using the SMARC form factor. 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 completes the system and handles internal hardware I/O routing.

• 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

• 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

  • Dante/AES67

  • 4-channel AES3 I/O

  • 4-channel analog I/O

  • 8-channel analog out

• On-board I/O: Native I/O includes:

  • 4-channel AES3 I/O

  • 8-channel analog I/O

  • 2 SFP Cages: 2x MADI or tieLight I/O

• External Sync: BNC input for Wordclock, AES, Black Burst, or Tri-Level

Software

• Jünger Level Magic loudness management per ITU BS.1770-1, -2, -3, and -4, EBU R128, ATSC A/85, ARIB TR-B32, Free TV OP-59, Portaria 354, Voice Leveler

• Spectral Signature™ dynamic filter

• True Peak sample-accurate peak limiter

• 5-band parametric EQ with high-pass and low-pass filters

• Phase rotator

• De-esser

• Expander/Gate

• Voice Over for stereo and 5.1-channel input

• Commentator Automix (3x2 commentators over stereo or 5.1 IT, loudness-controlled program mix, n-1 feeds, clean feeds)

• Upmixing to 5.1 with automatic failover

• FM Conditioner

• Dolby E encoding and decoding

I/O

AIXpressor natively supports four AES3, eight analog, and two MADI fiber I/Os. Up to four additional interface modules - the same as those made popular in the Jünger D*APx series of products - 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 servers running flexAI software.

Comprehensive routing setups permit a nearly unlimited combination of signal flow from hardware and/or AoIP inputs, to/from optional Dolby decoders and encoders, and multiple audio processors to hardware and/or AoIP outputs.

Control

The use of presets helps facilitate routing paths and audio processing parameters. Presets may be recalled on demand by the operator via the web-based GUI or simple external control systems, but may also be integrated into complex automated scenarios and executed by an event manager. Ember+ and NMOS protocols IS-04, -05 are supported, as is SNMP (a REST API is on the road map).

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.

woks audio and its sales partner Telos Alliance stand ready to help you discover how AIXpressor and other Jünger Audio processors can meet your needs and integrate into your particular facility.

General Network Considerations

By default, AIXpressor has DHCP enabled and will automatically retrieve an IP address if connected to a network with an active DHCP server.

After connecting the LAN 1 CTRL RJ45 port, a DHCP-assigned IP configuration, if available, will be displayed on the front panel. If no DHCP server is available, a static IPv4 IP address can be configured using the front panel, or the unit may be reached via zeroconf (mDNS/Bonjour) technology.

The remote GUI is web-based using TCP/IP over Ethernet. While any web browser may be used, the interface is optimized for use with Google Chrome V90.x or higher. Browsers on mobile devices running iOS or Android may also be used.

An SNMP v2 agent is available for use with an external SNMP monitoring system.

For 3rd party remote control, we highly recommend the use of the widely-available LAWO Ember+ protocol, which is in wide use in the broadcast industry and enjoys a robust user community. Please visit https://github.com/Lawo/ember-plus to learn more.

LAN CTRL 1 Setup

Setting the IP Address and Subnet Mask via a Web Browser

Enter the unit's IP address (as assigned via DCHP or manually entered via the front panel) into a web browser in the following format: http://<IP-address>.

Alternatively, if your computer supports zeroconf, take the device name (as displayed on the front panel), add the serial number separated by a hyphen, and add the suffix ".local" in the following format: <AIXpressor-00080.local>.

Once connected, the main Menu page will appear.

Using the menu to the left side of the screen, navigate to System > Network > Interfaces > LAN 1 CTRL > IP (A).

In Figure 2 below, DHCP is enabled and the assigned IP address is displayed. To assign a static IP address, click on the Add IP Address button (B), choose the address type (C), enter the address (D), choose an appropriate Subnet mask (E), then press the OK button (F) to save.

Setting a Static IP Address and Subnet Mask via the Front Panel

A static IP address can be set via the touch-enabled front panel to make an initial connection with the AIXpressor. Referencing Figure 4 below:

• Touch the Menu button (A) to enter the main menu.

• Touch the Network button (B) to show the LAN 1 settings.

• Touch the Edit Static IP Address button (C).

• Scroll up and down on slot machine-style wheels to set an IP Address (D) and Subnet mask (E).

• Touch the Apply button (F) to save and apply the changes.

Setting Up a Gateway

Navigate to System > Interfaces > LAN 1 CTRL > Gateway (A).

In Figure 3 below, DHCP is enabled and the assigned Gateway is displayed. A static Gateway may be added by clicking on the Add Gateway button (B), entering an address in the IP Address field (C), then clicking the OK button (D) to save.

Configuring PTP

The LAN CTRL 1 interface can be used as a PTP (Precision Time Protocol) clock sync source and supports PTPv2 per IEEE 1588-2008.

Navigate to System > Interfaces > LAN 1 CTRL > PTP (A) and use the PTP Mode dropbown (B) to disable PTP or enable PTP in slave mode.

Once PTP is enabled, navigate to the Sync menu (A). Use the Choice 1 dropdown menu (B) to choose the primary sync source. While not required, specifying a second failover source using the Choice 2 dropdown menu (C) is recommended.

Standards

• Audio-over-IP (AoIP) by Dante™ Digital Audio Networking Standard; parallel operation in AES67 mode

Audio

• 24-bit, transparent forwarding of PCM and compressed audio

• Sample rate = 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz

Inputs and Outputs

• 2x RJ45 1Gbit/s Ethernet

• Primary and secondary ports configurable as redundant or switched

• Inputs = 64 channels @ 48kHz to AIXpressor

• Outputs = 64 channels @ 48kHz from AIXpressor

General Features

• AES67 compliant

• SMPTE 2110-30 compliant

• PTP v2 / v1 sync

• Non-audio detection for input channels

• Glitch-free Dante / SMPTE 2022-7 audio redundancy

Standards

• Video complies with SMPTE 424/425M (3G, Level A and B), SMPTE 292M (HD), or SMPTE 259M (SD)

• Automatic format detection

• Audio embedding and de-embedding complies with SMPTE 299M (3G, HD) or SMPTE 272M -AC (SD)

• Metadata embedding and de-embedding complies with SMPTE 2020-2

Video Data Rate

• 2970/296Mbps (3G), 1485/1483.5Mbps (HD), 270Mbps (SD)

Video Formats

• 1080p - 23.975, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60

• 1080i - 50, 59.94, 60

• 720p - 23.975, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, 60

• 625i - 50

• 525i - 59.94

Video Delay

• User selectable 0 ... 15 frames, can be disabled

Audio

• 24-bit, transparent forwarding of PCM and compressed audio

• Sample rate = 48kHz (SDI compliant)

• Channels = 16 inputs and 16 outputs (4 groups of 4 channels each)

• Delay = Embedder audio delay selectable 0 ... 320ms per channel

Metadata (RDD6)

• 1 channel input, 1 channel output, SDID selectable

BNC Input

• Impedance = 75Ohm

• Return loss = >15dB 5 ... 1485MHz; >10dB 1485 ... 2970MHz

• Maximum cable length = 250m (SD), 230m (HD), 140m (3G) using Belden 1694A cable

• Jitter tolerance = >0.7UI (alignment)

BNC Output

• Impedance = 75Ohm

• Output voltage = 0.8Vpp (typical)

• Return loss = >15dB 5 ... 1485MHz; >10dB 1485 - 2970MHz

• Output jitter = <0.2UI (alignment), <0.5UI (timing)

Latency

• Video latency input to output = 120 ... 200 pixel, depending on video standard

• Audio latency input to output, embedder and de-embedder combined = <0.6ms (HD, 3G), <2ms (SD)

General Features

• Power fail relay bypass (may be enabled/disabled via GUI)

• Lip-sync compensation for processed and non-processed audio signals via video delay

• Dedicated routing for non-processed channels; all channels (maximum 16) can be routed to/from the device or looped through

• Test pattern generator (no genlock)

• Master-sync capable

• ITU-R BT.1685 / ARIB STD-B39 metadata support

Audio

• 24-bit D/A converter

• 8 output channels (for speakers)

• Sample rate = 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz

Analog Outputs

• 8 channels

• Connector type = D-Sub25 female

• Maximum output level (0dBFS equivalent) = 0 ... 24dBu, adjustable in 0.5dB steps

• Impedance = 50Ohm (typical), differential

• THD+N = -91dB @ 0dBFS = 15dBu, 1kHz

• Dynamic range = >103dB (RMS)

• Crosstalk attenuation = >103dB @ 0dBFS = 15dBu, 1kHz

• Frequency response = 20Hz ... 20kHz (< +/-0.3dB) @ 48kHz; 20Hz ... 43kHz (< +/-0.3dB) @ 96 kHz

General Features

• Power faillure glitch prevention

• Balanced analog outputs

• Electrical isolation between outputs and device

Audio

• 24-bit sigma-delta A/D converter, 24 bit D/A converter

• 4 input channels, 4 output channels

• Sample rate = 44.1, 48kHz

Analog Inputs

• 4 channels

• Connector type = D-Sub25 female connector

• Input Level (maximum) 0dBFS equivalent = 0 ... 24dBu, adjustable in 0.5dB steps

• Impedance = 20kOhm (typical), differential

• THD+N = -93dB @ 0dBFS = 15dBu, 1kHz

• Dynamic range = >110dB (RMS)

• Crosstalk attenuation = >93dB @ 0dBFS = 15DBu, 1kHz

• CMRR = >71dB @ 0dBFS = 15dBu, 1kHz

• Frequency response = 20Hz ... 22kHz (< +/-0.1dB) @ 48kHz; 20Hz ... 43kHz (<+/-0.1dB) @ 96kHz

Analog Outputs

• 4 channels

• Connector type = D-Sub25 female connector

• Output level (maximum) 0dBFS equivalent = 0 ... 24dBu, adjustable in 0.5dB steps

• Impedance = 50Ohm (typical) differential

• THD+N = -91dB @ 0dBFS = 15dBu, 1kHz

• Dynamic range = > 103dB @ 0dBFS = 15dBu, 1 kHz

• Frequency response = 20Hz ... 22kHz (< +/-0.1dB) @ 48kHz; 20Hz ... 43kHz (<+/-0.1dB) @ 96kHz

General Features

• Power fail relay bypass between inputs and outputs

• Balanced analog inputs and outputs

• Electrical isolation between inputs, outputs, and device

Standards

• Relevant specifications comply with AES10-2008 and AES11-2009

Audio

• 24-bit, transparent forwarding of PCM and compressed audio

• Sample rate = 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz (88.2, 96kHz short framing)

BNC Input

• 65/56 channels @ 44.1 and 48kHz; 32/28 @ 88.2 and 96kHz

• Impedance = 75Ohm

• Input level = 0.15 ... 0.8Vpp @ 75Ohm

• Cable length maximum = 150m using Belden 1694A cable

BNC Output

• 64/65 channels @ 44.1 and 48kHz; 32/28 @ 88.2 and 96kHz

• Impedance = 75Ohm

• Output voltage = 0.6Vpp (typical) @75Ohm

General Features

• Input cable equalizer for extended range and robustness

• Reference-grade Wordclock recover, master-sync capable

• Dedicated routing for non-processed channels; all channels (max 64) can be routed to/from the device or looped through

• AES3 channel status management, non-audio detection

Standards

• Relevant specifications comply with AES10-2008 and AES11-2009

Audio

• 24-bit, transparent forwarding of PCM and compressed audio

• Sample rate = 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz (88.2, 96kHz short framing)

Optical Input, LC

• 64/56 channels @ 44.1 and 48kHz; 32/28 @ 88.2 and 96kHz

• Connector type = LC (IEC 61754-20)

• Center wavelength = 1310nm (typical), 1270 ... 1360nm

• Input optical power

  • O DAP MO MM a = -31 ... -8dBm, OM2 multimode (50/125um)

  • O DAP MO SM a = -23 ... -8dBM, singlemode (standard values, others upon request)

• Cable length maximum

  • O DAP MO MM a = 1.5km, OM2 multimode

  • O DAP MO SM a = 2km, singlemode (standard values, others upon request)

BNC Output

• Optical and BNC outputs carry the same signal

• Impedance = 75Ohm

• Output voltage = 0.6Vpp (typical) @ 75Ohm

General Features

• Field-replaceable optical module (SFP)

• Reference-grade Wordclock recovery, master-sync capable

• Dedicated routing for non-processed channels

• All channels (maximum 64) can be routed to/from the device or looped through

• AES3 channel status management, non-audio detection

• Parallel outputs (BNC/LC) for media conversion

The AES3 inputs and outputs provide a relay bypass feature that, when enabled, activates in the event of a power failure or upon a deliberate command from the GUI.

In order to enable the relay bypass feature, the jumpers for each AES3 pair (A) must be in place as shown in Figure 1 below. Removing the jumpers prevents relay bypass from occurring.

AES I/O 4x in and 4x out or 2x in 6x out

ANALOG IN 8x in or 4x in and 4x out

8x Analog Outputs

jjjj

Standards

• Relevant specifications comply with AES3-X-2009, IEC 60985, and AES11-2009

• Electrical isolation between inputs, outputs, and device (if configured for differential mode, 110Ohm)

• Master-sync capable

• Connector type = D-Sub25 female connector

Audio

• 24-bit, transparent forwarding of PCM and compressed audio (without SRC)

• 24 bit PCM with sample rate converter activated

• Sample rate = 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz (32 ... 196kHz @ inputs with SRC)

• Non-audio detection

Inputs

• 4 inputs

• Impedance = 110Ohm or 75Ohm, jumper selectable (110Ohm default)

• Input level = 0.3 ... 5Vpp @ 110Ohm differential

Outputs

• 4 outputs

• Impedance = 110Ohm or 75Ohm, jumper selectable (110Ohm default)

• AES3 channel status management,