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NLC 5.1: Surround Sound Loudness Control

Neural Loudness Control multi-channel, surround sound processing.

Neural Loudness Control: Control the loudness, don't squash it.

Neural Loudness Control (NLC) is an advanced loudness leveling technology that accurately measures and regulates the perceived loudness differences in audio. Annoying side-effects of traditional audio processing are eliminated and loudness is controlled without squashing the quality of the audio. The result is audio with a natural, open quality and a consistent audio experience for all viewers.

NLC actually mimics human perception of audio and provides tight control of loudness. Neural's Loudness Measurement detects spectral and density differences, inter-channel relationships and temporal overlaps within the audio signal. After detection, NLC applies the appropriate gain or attenuation to the audio to achieve a user-defined loudness level.

If NLC is used ahead of an AC3 (Dolby Digital) transmission, the target loudness level will also match the DialNorm metadata information, thus providing viewers with a consistent audio experience.

Key Benefits of Neural Loudness Control

  • Guarantees a consistent viewer experience despite variations in consumers' equipment
  • Adheres to the ITU BS.1770 loudness recommendation, and--more importantly--agrees with your viewer's perception of loudness
  • Uses the same loudness control for stereo and 5.1 surround content
  • Manages loudness without a "squashed" or compressed sound
  • Corrects loudness while preserving the original equal loudness curve
  • Using look-ahead technology, makes large gain corrections imperceptible
Block Diagram

Specifications

Size 1 RU
Sample Rate 32kHz-48kHz (AES/EBU, Worldclock-Slave)
Number of Available Channels - 3 AES-3 Input (Multi-channel 5.1)
- 3 AES-3 Outputs (Multi-channel 5.1)
Latency 64ms @ 48kHz sampling rate
Digital Inputs & Outputs (Choose One I/O Configuration) - AES/EBU, 75ohm, Unbalanced BNC, with DARS in

- AES/EBU, 110ohm, Balanced XLR, in and out via D-SUB breakout cable with Worldclock in, out and through
Communication - TCP/IP control via Neural Client Software
- TCP/IP CCS Protocol (Coming)
Power Supply - Voltage: 100-240V
- 4-2A at 50-60Hz
- Connector EMI Suppressed Male
Note: Specifications and designs are subject to change without notice

Ordering Information

Part # Description
LOUDCTRL-5_1 Loudness Control for 5.1 Program Audio, unbalanced 75 ohms AES (BNC) interface
LOUDCTRL-5_1-B Loudness Control for 5.1 Program Audio, balanced 110 ohms AES (XLR) interface
TECHNICAL LIBRARY
CUSTOMER QUOTES
"Each year we like to augment our program, or add a new wrinkle to the broadcast. For our 2007 version, we added 5.1 surround sound from San Francisco and Denver with the encouragement and assistance of Neural Audio. I was able to listen to both events, and the sound was just fantastic."
- Becca Pulliam is the senior producer of Toast of the Nation