DaySequerra ILM8 Manuale utente

iLM8

8 Channel Intelligent Loudness Meter

User Manual

iLM8 User Manual

Welcome

Thanks for purchasing the DaySequerra iLM8. Differences in audio levels between TV programs, or

between programs and commercials, are a constant annoyance to viewers. iLM8 permits broadcasters

to verify compliance of their desired loudness level across all audio programming and minimize viewer

complaints.

We design and build all of our DaySequerra products to be completely reliable and easy to use, so you

can concentrate on producing great sounding broadcasts, not struggling with complicated equipment or

difficult to use product manuals.

While the iLM8 has been designed to be straightforward to use, we do suggest that you spend a few

minutes familiarizing yourself with the features and operational functions that are contained in this

manual.

DaySequerra has been building broadcast quality products since 1989. The technology

developed for the iLM8, and all of our products, has evolved through a process of user

feedback, extensive listening, field-testing and careful refinement.

In the event that you encounter any technical or operational difficulties with this or any DaySequerra

product, please feel free to contact us at 856-719-9900. Our office hours are from 9 to 5 ET, Monday

through Friday; or you can email your questions to: [email protected].

Also, please remember to visit our website www.daysequerra.com for warranty registration and the

latest DaySequerra product information.

We have worked hard to ensure that your DaySequerra iLM8 will reliably serve you for years to come.

With a modular design and upgradeable firmware, your new unit is easy to install and use right out of

the box.

We sincerely hope our products help you achieve a new level of excellence in your work!

David V. Day

and the DaySequerra Team

iLM8 User Manual

Table of Contents

All logos and trademark used herein are the property of their respective owners.

Specifications subject to change.

iLM8 User Manual Revision B for firmware 4.01.00.

iLM8 Key Features

•

Standalone operation – no external encoder is required

•

Industry-standard ITU-R BS.1770/1 and Leq(A), Leq(B), Leq(C), Leq(M) weighted

measures along with the DTS-Neural Loudness Measure (NLM) algorithm;

simultaneous measurement for 5.1 surround and auxiliary stereo inputs

•

Robust DSP platform – no PC operating system to hang; no lengthy boot-ups

•

Easy-to-read numerical Measured and Target readouts on vacuum fluorescent display;

bar graph LED audio level meters and exclusive Mix Monitor indicators

•

Front panel headphone monitor

•

Ethernet interface for long-term logging and field software updates

•

Optional HD/SDI and Balanced Digital AES I/O

Important Safety Information 4

Service Information 4

Technical Specifications 5

Introduction 6

Measuring Loudness 7

Using iLM8 to Control Loudness 10

Installation 12

Front Panel 13

Rear Panel 14

Meter Display 16

Home Screen 17

Programming Menu 18

Menu Tree 18

Menu Functions and Descriptions 19

Faults 26

Firmware Update 27

iLM8 Remote Dashboard 28

Remote Dashboard Configuration 29

Using Remote Dashboard 31

Log Files 32

Maintaining an Accurate Clock 33

Remote Dashboard Troubleshooting 33

Warranty 35

iLM8 User Manual

Important Safety Information

•Indoor use only. Not for use in wet or damp environments

•Maximum Relative Humidity: <80%

•Class I Equipment (grounded type)

•Electrical rating: 100-260V~50-60Hz 25W max

•Internal circuit breaker for continuous short circuit protection

•AC Mains supply voltage fluctuations are not to exceed +10% of the nominal voltage

•Operations temperature range -40°C to 70°C

•Maximum altitude: 3000m (9843ft)

•Equipment suitable for continuous operation

•Weight: 3.6kg (8lbs) equipment only; 5.4kg (12.0lbs) shipping

Important Note: Please connect your iLM8 to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to provide

other protection against power surges and low-voltage conditions.

If iLM8 is subjected to a strong RFI field, such as those emitted from portable two way radios,

the display may “blank out”. To restore the display without rebooting the unit, turn the rotary

encoder to activate the main menu, and then press HOME. If the keylock is enabled, you will

have to deactivate it by pressing the ENTER key followed by BACK.

Service Information

The DaySequerra iLM8 contains no user serviceable components inside the unit. Please contact

DaySequerra for repair and upgrade information. In the event that your unit needs to be returned to the

factory, contact us for a return authorization number. Please visit www.daysequerra.com and

updates.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of un-

insulated “dangerous voltages” within the product’s enclosure that may be of a sufficient level

to cause harm.

The exclamation point within a triangle is intended

to alert the user to the presence of important

operating and maintenance instructions within the

product literature.

Exposed portions of the power supply assembly are

electrically live. To reduce risk of electric shock, the

power cord must be disconnected when the power

supply assembly is removed. For continued

protection against electric shock, a correctly wired

and grounded (earthed) three-pin power outlet must

be used. Do not use a ground-lifting adapter and

never cut the ground pin on the three-prong plug.

The ground terminal of the power plug is connected

directly to the chassis of the unit.

iLM8 User Manual

Technical Specifications

Power Consu

mption:

25W Maximum

Dimensions:

Rack Mount; 1 RU (1.75” x 19” x 10.75”)

Sample Rate:

32kHz-96kHz, 24-bit

Loudness Algorithms:

ITU-R BS.1770/1 (LKFS), DTS Neural Loudness

Measure (NLM), Leq(A), Leq(B), Leq(C), Leq(M)

Headphone Monitor:

3.5mm TRS connector, >150mW max into 32Ωload

GPIO:

DB-9 Female, 0-5V TTL opto-isolated

Regulatory:

North America: Designed to comply with FCC Class

A part 15 requirements

Europe: Designed to comply with LV Directive

73/23/EEC and EMC Directive 89/336/EEC; CE Mark

(EN 55022 Class A, EN55024); Designed for RoHS

and WEEE compliance

FCC Part 1 Regulatory Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class A digital device pursuant

to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against

harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment

generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance

with the user manual, may cause interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in

a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the user will be required to correct the

interference at their own expense. The user is cautioned that changes and modifications made to the

equipment without approval of the manufacturer could void the user's authority to operate this

equipment. The user should use only shielded and/or grounded cables to combat sources of

interference.

Environmental Preservation Efforts

This equipment has been designed and built by DaySequerra corporation to give many

years of trouble free service and is backed by our three year warranty and commitment

of providing the best customer support. When the time comes to retire your product from

service, it should be disposed of in accordance with local codes or ordinances. Do not

discard with household or commercial waste.

DaySequerra products are manufactured with the environment in mind. The directive on

the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic

equipment (2002/95/EC) restricts the use of six specific hazardous materials in the

manufacture of various types of electronic and electrical equipment. Following this

directive prevents these toxic substances from entering our environment after disposal.

iLM8 User Manual

Introduction

Broadcasters need a solution to effectively measure, and ultimately control the abrupt changes in

loudness that sends viewers diving for their remote controls during commercial breaks and action

scenes. DaySequerra’s iLM8 Intelligent Loudness Meter measures perceived loudness of up to eight

channels of program audio using the industry-standard ITU-R BS.1770/1 loudness measure, along with

the DTS-Neural Loudness Measure (NLM) algorithm and the weighted intensity measures Leq(A),

Leq(B), Leq(C) and Leq(M).

Loudness is a perceptual property of an audio signal when it is reproduced acoustically. It is a complex

non-linear function of amplitude, frequency and bandwidth. Current audio level meters measure the

level of audio signals expressed as the amplitude of the signal - either the RMS (root mean square)

voltage of an electrical signal or the sound pressure of an acoustical signal. Neither of these

measurements, although widely accepted, provides accurate indications of how viewers will perceive

the loudness of the audio programming.

The DTS NLM algorithm uses a perceptual model of human hearing to more accurately detect spectral

and density differences, inter-channel relationships and temporal overlaps in any audio content,

resulting in a more accurate perceived loudness measurement over time. This proprietary algorithm

was developed by after extensive research into human hearing and perceived loudness.

The iLM8 measures the perceived loudness of eight channels of program audio and displays the results

in an easy-to-read numerical format with a moving average over time, eliminating the variations with

engineers interpreting traditional VU or PPM indicators (neither of which can measure perceived

loudness).

To improve system reliability and up-time, iLM8 uses a robust DSP-based processing platform rather

than a PC-based approach to completely avoid broadcast disruptions caused by operating system

lockups. The iLM8’s built-in high-performance headphone amplifier allows monitoring of any two user-

selected output pairs even in noisy background environments. An Ethernet interface provides long-term

logging and field software updates capability. The exclusive DaySequerra Mix Monitor provides instant

positive feedback if the audio is within target range. An optional factory-installed HD/SDI module will

allow for measurement of 8 channels of program audio from group 1 or group 2 with user specified

mappings within the group.

Whether pre-screening content at an ingest point or keeping tabs on the output of a broadcast air-

chain, iLM8 is your key to reduce viewer complaints and improve overall audience satisfaction.

iLM8 User Manual

Measuring Loudness

Human perception of the sensation of an audio signal is properly called “loudness”. As early as 1933,

research by Fletcher and Munson showed that human hearing sensitivity is largely based upon the

frequency of the sound, as well as the sound pressure level (SPL). As humans do not hear sound using

standard measures of intensity, measuring loudness based upon SPL or the root mean square (RMS)

voltage of the electrical signal will not agree with human perception. The Fletcher/Munson Equal

Loudness Curves show the limits human sensitivity of certain frequencies, especially low frequencies

(bass) at lower sound levels (Fletcher & Munson, 1933).

Fletcher/Munson Equal Loudness Curves

In order to create a loudness measure that more accurately represents the human perception of

loudness, frequency weighting (or equalization curves) are placed ahead of power measurements. This

introduces the measures Leq(A), Leq(B), Leq(C) and Leq(M) – with ‘Leq’ attempting to relate the

‘L’oudness of an ‘eq’uivalent amount of energy in a standard signal, typically a 1 kHz sine wave. The

most current weighting standard, ITU-R BS.1770 produces results known as LKFS that are referenced

to a dB FS scale. While certain Leq(x) measures match more closely to human loudness perception

than traditional SPL or RMS measurements, there are still many broadcast content types that cannot be

measured correctly with a Leq(x) or LKFS weighting method.

For example, a narrowband signal may be perceived to sound softer than an equally intense wideband

sound, depending on the relationship between rendering level, absolute threshold and signal content.

Additionally, content with large amounts of low-frequency energy is often inaccurately measured by

BS.1770 due to heavy low-frequency roll off (see weighting curves). This measurement will often vary

from a subjective measure, especially in the short term; however this variance is acceptable in a long

term measurement, as the values are smoothed over many seconds, minutes or hours. Small

deviations between the instantaneous perception of loudness is often acceptable when using a meter

solution to measure the loudness, as the meters usually offer an audio visualization method that human

operators can use. Combined with their ears, the operator can make any decisions about any corrective

action required.

iLM8 User Manual

Weighting Curves

To achieve a more accurate loudness measurement, the method should include critical bands in the

measurement. Critical bands describe auditory filters within the human cochlea. (J. Allen, 2010). To

illustrate this, a subject is presented with a single tone of a certain energy level, and more tones are

added with equal energy in the critical bands – the total signal energy is kept constant regardless of the

number of tones. If changing from one to two tones, the energy of each of the two tones is exactly half

of that of the single tone. While the amount of audio energy never changes, the perceived loudness

increases as the energy spectrum spreads out across more tones (Johnston, 2006).

J. Allen Cochlea Filters (2010)

iLM8 User Manual

Bronwyn Jones and Emil Torick created a revised CBS loudness meter in the early 1980s that

consisted of eight filters, each covering three critical bands. This approach did prove to deliver better

subjective modeling than traditional SPL or RMS measurements (Jones & Torick, 1982).

In 2004, Nielsen and Skovenborg published an AES paper that expanded upon the ideas of critical

band loudness measures. This paper introduced a method called HEIMDAL, which separated spectra

into nine bands via an octave filter band. While the HEIMDAL multi-band model did not achieve the

complexity of cochlear modeling as shown by J. Allen, the method had the lowest error compared to

any preceding loudness models (Nielsen & Skovenborg, 2004).

Absolute Error (dB) of various loudness measures

Despite the clear benefits of critical band analysis in loudness measurement, there are very few

methods currently available to measure loudness this way in real-time for broadcast applications -- the

extra processing required to accomplish it have prevented widespread adoption. DTS Neural Loudness

Measure is the first real-time perceptual loudness measurement product available that embraces this

advanced approach to loudness measurement.

Critical band comparison between loudness measures

iLM8 User Manual

Each Leq(x) revision results in a different level of correlation between the objective measure and

the human listener’s assessment of loudness.

The lowest mean error score was achieved by the Neural Loudness Measure

Works Cited:

1. Fletcher, H. & Munson, W. A. (1933). Loudness, its Definition, Measurement, and Calculation.

2. Allen, J (2010 May 20). Nonlinear Cochlear Signal Processing.

3. Johnston, J. (2006). Loudness Tutorial.

4. Jones, B. L. & Torick, E. L. (1982). A New Loudness Indicator for Use in Broadcasting.

5. Nielsen, S. H. & Skovenborg, E. (2004). Evaluation of Different Loudness Models with Music and Speech Material.

Using iLM8 to Control Loudness

The most valuable tools in determining loudness in your program material include:

•iLM8 Intelligent Loudness Meter – Operators should position iLM8 at various places within the

signal flow to objectively verify that audio loudness levels are within tolerance. Limited operator

training is required to learn the basics of perceptual loudness measurement and management.

•A Listening Ear – No amount of metering can replace the value of active listening. Broadcasters

should use trained technicians who work in listening environments that accurately represent the

consumer’s expected environment as a final line of defense against inappropriate loudness.

When measuring live content in real-time, operators can use short-term smoothed loudness

measurements to confirm that the mix or overall program audio is adhering to broadcaster-established

guidelines or a governing body’s mandated target. However, when content is stored for playback at a

later time, an opportunity is created for non-real-time loudness measurement.

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