NTi Neutrik DR2 - Digital Audio Generator
This reference grade, handheld instrument offers a comprehensive set of audio test signals, and supports surround-sound test sequences for verification and adjustment of professional Dolby Digital, Dolby E and DTS installations. The internal low-jitter clock generator can be synchronized to AES3, DARS, word clock and video signals. Measurement of channel transparency, channel propagation delay and sample frequency is supported. It has transformer-balanced AES3 and S/PDIF, as well as TOS-Link and ADAT outputs. User waveforms may be loaded via USB into the internal flash memory.
The DR2 offers sine wave, pink noise (crest factor = 4.42), white noise (crest factor = 3.47), polarity test signal and delay test signal waveforms, and playback of Wave Files using Linear PCM. In addition a library of multi-channel data streams is supplied in the following formats: Dolby Digital, Dolby E, Dolby ProLogic II, DTS. Wave file format: 48kHz, 16, 20, 24-bit, mono and stereo. Flash memory: 512MB for storing wave files and configurations. Output: 10 Hz-20kHz, in 1 digit steps, +/-0.01%, -100 to 0dBFS.
A stepped sweep mode is available, selectable 0.5-5 seconds per step. Sweep range is freely selectable, 10Hz-20kHz, incrementing in 1/1, 1/3, 1/6 or 1/12 octave steps.
The continuous sweep or Chirp mode can be in linear or logarithmic increments, over a freely selectable range of 20Hz-20kHz, with a Chirp speed of 1-99 seconds per cycle.
The DR2 accepts AES3, DARS, word clock and video black burst (PAL and NTSC) synchronization signals. The input impedance of the sync input, an XLR, may be switched between 75 ohms, 110 ohms and high impedance. A BNC to XLR adapter is included for use with word clock signals.
Channel status information can be generated in professional and consumer format and the most important parameters may be manipulated manually. Display of incoming channel status data is also supported.
Up to ten complete instrument configurations can be stored in the internal flash memory and reloaded for repetitive tasks. The saved settings may also be transferred to other DR2 instruments.
Dolby Digital, Dolby E and DTS: The DR2 wave file player can play back multi channel bit stream files. A set of 5.1 test sequences for the verification and optimisation of surround sound equipment and installations is stored on the unit’s flash disc.
The DR2 tests whether a transmission channel is transparent for non linear PCM signals and indicates if Dolby E, Dolby Digital and/or DTS bit streams can pass. This test is also suitable for any digital audio recording device.
The propagation delay between any DR2 digital audio output and the XLR sync input, which accepts AES3 signals, may be measured and displayed in seconds or video frames.
The upper face has an LCD display and the controls. A rotary wheel with a central enter button is used to set the value of a setting. Four surrounding push buttons offer escape, wave mode, frequency of the output and level in dBFS or %. (The following signals have a fixed output level: DTS, Dolby, Transpar, I/O delay). Three further buttons are used for power on/off, mute and sensitivity steps for the frequency and level settings.
The ends have a balanced RCA (phono) for S/P DIF and AES3-id 75 ohm outputs, a balanced XLR for AES/EBU 110ohm output and an optical TOS-Link connector configurable for stereo or ADAT format. An XLR provides a sync input for AES3, word clock or video signals. A coaxial inlet for DC power and a mini-B, 5-pin USB connector are mounted on the two sides. A battery cover on the base may be removed to fit the three AA batteries.
Distortion and noise: Better than -138dB of generated sine wave. Power source: Either optional AC adapter or 3 x AA Alkaline dry cells or rechargeable equivalents. Battery life: 10 hours typical. Dimensions: 152 x 81 x 43(l x w x h)mm, including protective shock jacket. Weight: 310g.
Included accessories: Protective shock jacket, test signal backup DVD, operating manual, XLR-BNC adapter (Neutrik NA2MBNC), RCA-BNC adapter, USB cable, hand strap