Could anybody please describe to me what the inovonics 222 is, and is there anything similar to is without the expensive cost?
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"The 222 was originally developed as a ‘post-processor’ to ensure US broadcasters’ compliance with FCC-mandated occupied-bandwidth regulations. It incorporates a fast, asymmetrical peak limiter, independent pre-emphasis-protection limiting, and a very sharp-cutoff low-pass filter with proprietary overshoot control.
The 222 finds ready application in a wide variety of AM broadcast situations. In addition to the NRSC 10kHz cutoff for medium-wave AM broadcasting in the US, any high-frequency protection characteristic between 4.5kHz and 15kHz can readily be accommodated to meet other domestic and overseas needs. Though the 222 is intended to provide basic final limiting, a ‘floating platform’ release characteristic yields sufficient program dynamics compression that often the unit can be run ‘barefoot’ between the console and transmitter with good results."
These units are expensive! I'm looking for an alternative myself. Maybe some will chime in that uses another product with success..
The NRSC AM broadcast standards are not only for transmission but also for receiver design. So, with the NRSC processing, plus the ability to punch 125 percent positive peaks without over modulating the negative peaks, the only box or software I have found that will do everything is the 222.
There are lots of limiters, compressors, gain riders, gating processors, clippers and equalizers. However, I have searched for nearly two years and have found nothing in software or hardware that will emulate the NRSC AM standard. The bad part is, all the new AM receivers have the new NRSC bandpass and de-emphasis.
So, if you wanna sound like the big guys, you gotta use what they use. It's expensive, but its worth every penny. I have a 222 driving my Rangemaster. The whole system is the best sounding AM station in town. Good luck however on finding a less expensive alternative.
Marshall Johnson, Sr.
Rhema Radio - The Word In Worship
http://www.rhemaradio.org
Quote..
These units are expensive! I'm looking for an alternative myself. Maybe some will chime in that uses another product with success..
Very true.
If you'll watch Ebay occasionally you'll see one there. Since the majority of the public has no idea what the unit is, does, or has a need for it and most broadcasters are "upgrading" to more expensive systems. It's possible to get a used one for decent price.
I bought one on Ebay for just under $100.00. Since the unit is broadcast grade equipment...they're hard to break. Mine came in excellent condition electronically with a few "normal wear scratches" to the box itself. The only thing missing at the time was a manual which has since been made downloadable by the manufacturer.
My set-up originally used a "multi-band" AGC before the 222. Very similar to the way it was at the station I worked for. I found then, as now, that the audio just sounded better when the 222 was the only processing used. So now it's the only processing I'm using.
look for a CRL SMP-900 or SMP-950. they can be had for a decent price and seem to give the 222 a run for it's money. if you are lucky enough to find a complete CRL chain consisting of a SPP-800, SEP-800, and SMP-900 or 950 you will have a bang em up AM NRSC chain. i have this chain with a RMAM1k and it's a killer. i am missing one of the processors though. it's actually a 4 processor system, but i only have 3 of them. these units also take care of the bridging from stereo to mono. see the manuals under LPRC in the library for more info.
Thank You,
Rev. Robert P. Chrysafis
Universal Life Ministries
http://www.ulc.org
Moderator Hunterdonfree
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hunterdonfree
Erickson Broadcast Supply (www.ebsradio.com) has a discounted price for the 222, but you have to call to get the price. They're Part-15 friendly, though, as they are a Rangemaster dealer.
Frank
www.easthillradio.com