Sonifex RB-DSD1 Digital Silence Detection Unit

RB-DSD1 Digital Silence Detection Unit - (1U)

The RB-DSD1 digital silence detection unit works in a similar way to the Sonifex RB-SD1 analogue silence detection unit, but has AES/EBU, S/PDIF and TOSlink inputs and outputs instead of analogue inputs and output respectively. Designed to switch from one input to another in the event of loss of audio, the unit is ideal at transmitter sites, or after the master output of a studio, to switch in another audio source, or simultaneous broadcast, should a master source fail.

The RB-DSD1 has 2 x digital stereo audio inputs, each one selectable via front panel MAIN and AUX push buttons, from either AES/EBU balanced XLRs, S/PDIF unbalanced phonos or TOSlink unbalanced optical inputs. Sample rate converters on each input mean that sources of different sample rates can be used with the output sample rate being defined independently. Each input is user-defined as either the main source or auxiliary source and both sources are monitored for failure, each having a remote failure alarm. The colour of the MAIN and AUX push-buttons indicate which input is the main (green) and auxiliary (red) input, with a flashing LED indicating loss of synchronisation.

In the event of the main source dropping below a pre-set level for a pre-determined amount of time, the unit will automatically switch through to the auxiliary signal. The silence detect level is adjustable between -39dBfs and -84dBfs in 3dBfs steps via front panel DIP switches. The silence interval can be adjusted between 0 seconds and 252 seconds in 2 second steps via another front panel DIP switch block. A small cover panel can be screwed in place to obscure the DIP switches to prevent tampering of the settings.

There are 2 stereo outputs to allow for distribution of the selected input to multiple outputs. Each output is available as simultaneous AES/EBU balanced XLRs, S/PDIF unbalanced phonos or TOSlink unbalanced optical outputs. The output sample rates are selectable via rear panel DIP switches from one of 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz or 192kHz.

The unit has TTL wordclock BNC and AES/EBU XLR synchronising inputs as standard and optionally, the RB-SYA and RB-SYD synchronisation boards can be fitted to synchronise the unit to analogue or digital video signals. A front panel DIP switch block is used to decide whether the unit is synchronised to Input 1, Input 2, the AES/EBU sync input, the wordclock sync input or an optional video sync board. A front panel SYNC button selects the synchronisation mode of the unit and the button flashes whenever the unit is not synchronised to an incoming sync signal. Selectable sync modes are as follows:

Master Mode: In this mode the digital output sample rate is simply set by, and locked to, the internal on-board clock generator. No sync signal is used or required.

Auto Sync Mode: In this mode the digital output sample rate follows the selected sync input. When the sync signal is not present the output sample rate will be set by, and locked to, the internal on-board clock generator at the selected output frequency.

Auto Lock Mode: In this mode no output will be generated until lock is achieved with a sync signal. The digital output sample rate now follows the sync input. If the sync signal is removed then the output sample rate will be set by, and locked to, the internal on-board clock generator at the closest frequency available to the previous sync input.

Slave Mode: In this mode the digital output sample rate follows the sync input. When the sync signal is not present the digital output is turned off.

The unit can operate in 2 modes - automatic or manual, selectable using a rear panel DIP switch. In both modes it will automatically switch over to the auxiliary source on detecting silence. When the main signal is again detected it will either return to the main signal automatically or manually depending on the mode chosen. In manual mode, the front panel RESTORE button is used to return to the main signal.

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The Company agrees to repair or (at its discretion) replace Goods which are found to be defective (fair wear and tear excepted) and which are returned to the Company within the Warranty Term provided that each of the following are satisfied:

1. (i) notification of any defect is given to the Company immediately upon its becoming apparent to the Purchaser;
2. (ii) the Goods have only been operated under normal operating conditions and have only been subject to normal use (and in particular the Goods must have been correctly connected and must not have been subject to high voltage or to ionising radiation and must not have been used contrary to the Company's technical recommendations);
3. (iii) the Goods are returned to the Company's premises at the Purchaser's expense;
4. (iv) any Goods or parts of Goods replaced shall become the property of the Company;
5. (v) no work whatsoever (other than normal and proper maintenance) has been carried out to the Goods or any part of the Goods without the Company's prior written consent;
6. (vi) the defect has not arisen from a design made, furnished or specified by the Purchaser;
7. (vii) the Goods have been assembled or incorporated into other goods only in accordance with any instructions issued by the Company;
8. (viii) the defect has not arisen from a design modified by the Purchaser;
9. (ix) the defect has not arisen from an item manufactured by a person other than the Company. In respect of any item manufactured by a person other than the Company, the Purchaser shall only be entitled to the benefit of any warranty or guarantee provided by such manufacturer to the Company.