TIGER E3/E5
MPX Stereo Generator & RDS Encoder
The Tiger E3/E5 is a highly versatile device that serves multiple functions within the broadcasting and audio monitoring domain. Primarily, it is equipped to function as a high-performance MPX stereo generator capable of ensuring optimal stereo signal quality for radio broadcasting. In addition to this, it also serves as a reliable FM site control system, providing seamless management and control over FM broadcasting sites.
Furthermore, the Tiger E3/E5 incorporates cutting-edge technology to operate as a monitoring IP-audio codec, allowing for efficient and high-quality audio monitoring over IP networks. This feature is essential for maintaining consistent and high-fidelity audio transmission in various broadcasting scenarios.
In addition to its core functions, the Tiger E3/E5 integrates other advanced features that enhance its capabilities further. These include an audio changeover, an audio limiter, a stereo generator, an RDS encoder for embedding digital information into FM radio signals, an MPX changeover for smooth signal transition, and an integrated FM monitoring system with a built-in tuner for comprehensive monitoring and control.
Overall, the Tiger E3/E5 stands as a comprehensive and versatile solution, offering a wide array of functionalities to support efficient and high-quality broadcasting and audio monitoring operations.
Now Tiger E5 also embeds the brand new TigerSync Streamer feature, a cutting-edge technology that offers a way to distribute audio to FM transmitters through a simple Internet connection using IceCast, a reliable and flexible protocol.
Tiger E3/E5 can now be equipped with Thimeo MicroMPX codec for studio-to-transmitter link (STL) as an option.
Connect Any Kind of Sources
Tiger E3/E5 manages any audio sources such as Analog & Digital audio, IP audio, Backup-Player, and MPX, thanks to the 4-channel audio changeover and 2-channel MPX Changeover. A delay can be assigned to any source and allows the time alignment of two or more sources. It is possible to use the internal audio player as a backup if all the external sources fail. The internal limiter continuously monitors the source audio levels, allowing the level to manage and avoid any overshoot generated by the satellite or IP-Audio MPEG decompression. MPX inputs are decoded (L&R) and available to be used as sources for the Audio Changeover or MPX Changeover. Digital MPX AES192 is available optionally (1 Out). MPX Changeover features a UECP filter that allows the regeneration or filtering of any RDS service (PS, RT, RT+IH, TMC, TA/TP), thus giving the user the chance to maintain, replace, or filter any RDS parameter starting from the incoming RDS signal. With the optional Tuner, it becomes a Changeover / FM Monitoring System with an integrated Tuner. Tiger E5 can manage and decode MPX and RDS signals, receive IP Audio streaming signals, and receive and analyze Analog and Digital audio signals. Thanks to the 4 channels Audio changeover and MPX Changeover it can handle every kind of received signal in a transmitting site.
Easy Access
Tiger E3/E5 is fully configurable via the WEB interface. Its web server is compatible with all the available web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Opera, Safari, etc…). Tiger E3/E5 supports laptops, tablets, and smartphones simplifying the browsing and setting of the device with its responsive-kind graphic interface that adapts the viewing mode according to the resolution and position (portrait/landscape) of the current viewing device. The provided WiFi USB dongle creates a specific WiFi hotspot that enables access to the device without the need for cable or wireless net. Tiger E3/E5 features 3 IPV4 and 3 IPV6 addresses to ensure concurrent connection for all the broadcasting and monitoring systems.
Easy Maintenance
Any first-time user can take advantage of Tiger E3/E5 simplified settings management. Easy Configuration Function quickly and easily enables the user to set the working mode, while Quick RDS Setup brings the most simple way to set the main RDS parameters. Import/Export and Preset Manager are available for more advanced management of Tiger E3/E5. These functions apply to the whole device configuration or only to some selectable modules (System, RDS, MPX, Audio, Multimedia, and Tuner). Tiger E3/E5 uses a uSD card to create an automatic copy of all the device data whenever the user changes anything. If the device needs to be replaced or duplicated, the uSD card can be used to clone it.
Monitoring
Tiger E3/E5 features an endearing GUI (Graphical User Interface) that makes use of clear elements, rich in information. With a simple selection of the available banners, it is possible to keep under control any function. The selected banners are always visible in any menu. Tiger E3/E5 displays in both graphical and numerical format all the input and output levels as well as the internally generated signals. The visualization can be numerical, bar graph, or time-related.
In the RDS section, a specific area is available for on-air RDS group analysis (static and dynamic) to evaluate service balancing. In the MPX section, spectrum analyzers display the MPX+RDS input and output signals. TIGER E3/E5 provides two independent listening paths for every internal audio source. Local: use the headphone socket on the front panel and the display to select the source. Remote: using the internal IP audio encoder that enables the remote audio receiving with different listening quality choices. The MPX decoder lets the user listen to the decoded L&R audio for any of the MPX sources, input, output, or internal.
NEW: TigerSync Streamer
The TigerSync Streamer solution by AxelTech offers a way to distribute audio to FM transmitters via web technologies using IceCast, a reliable and flexible protocol.
IceCast can handle thousands of connections and allows up to 15,000 users to listen without interruptions when the audio is uploaded to a cloud server. This protocol is unsuitable for traditional broadcasting as it is not synchronous and can result in a 1 to 5-second difference for users listening to the same radio broadcast. For instance, when the FM Tuner is equipped with automatic frequency control (RDS-AF) while driving, the seamless transition between the transmitters is imperative for ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience for the user.
AxelTech’s R&D efforts have been focused on ensuring that this technology is compatible with broadcasting needs. With the TigerSync Streamer option, a Tiger E5 Encoder serves as the network’s hub, handling the encoding process and transmitting the signal to an IceCast server. This can be the Tiger‘s internal IceCast server, with a limited number of reception points (up to 15) due to the Tiger‘s resource constraints, or an IceCast server set up on a Linux cloud server.
With TigerSync Streamer we have implemented a sophisticated method for synchronizing audio using inaudible timestamp codes. These codes are transmitted through the Opus codec at rates ranging between 32Kbits/sec to 510 Kbits/sec (or MP3 192kbits-320kbits/sec) and then distributed via an IceCast Server. On the receiving end, the Tiger devices capture the IceCast stream and timestamp data, ensuring precise synchronization for audio playback. As a result of this synchronization approach, there is a consistent delay lasting anywhere from 1.0 to 10 seconds, with the optimal latency falling within the range of 2 to 3 seconds. This fixed audio latency remains uniform across all decoding Tiger units in comparison to the encoding units, resulting in a reception delay. However, TigerSync Streamer guarantees that all decoders maintain synchronization with an impressive accuracy of a few milliseconds.
In the initial stages of the project, the target synchronization between decoded audio over the network was set at 30 ms. However, the achieved result surpassed expectations, with the delay being below 5 ms. While the system was not designed as an isofrequency, it effectively ensures the alignment of all transmitters and facilitates imperceptible transmitter changes.
TigerSync Streamer, designed to provide a backup feed to transmitters, has exceeded expectations by proving itself in the field as a technology capable of powering the distribution network through a solid, precise, and low-cost infrastructure.
NEW: Micro MPX
Tiger E3/E5 can now be equipped with Thimeo MicroMPX codec for studio-to-transmitter link (STL) as an option.
MicroMPX transports full FM composite MPX signal, including pilot and RDS, at 320kbit/s with perfect peak control over private and public networks.
The new option includes a dedicated internal hardware module with a separate LAN connector and internal audio input/output in digital format for perfect audio quality.
The MicroMPX lovers can now take advantage of all the additional options allowed by AxelTech Tiger E3/E5, like four channel changeover, backup SD card audio player, RDS post-processing, MPX, and RDS decoding for monitoring, and many more, which can satisfy any need at the transmitting site.
General
- Main Supply 90–260Vac 50/60Hz. 15W;
- Green device – only 15W;
- Full Color Graphic display 480×128 (only Tiger E5);
- Status LED panel with 40 LEDs;
- Rack 1u 19” – Inox steel;
- Redundant PSU (available as an option);
- Redundant PSU 12-36VDC (available as an option);
- High immunity to strong RF fields, designed to be installed in high-power TX sites;
- Fully Digital – No trimmer.
Inputs & Stereo Generator Section
- Analog input on XLR;
- Digital AESEBU input on XLR;
- Double streaming IP input (MP3, OPUS, PCM, VORBIS…);
- Double MPX output with independent source and level;
- Optional Digital MPX AES192 (1 Out);
- Bypass HW on MPX Outputs (Aux-1 to Out 1&2);
- 2 AUX input (MPX/RDS/SCA) wide band – digitally controlled;
- MPX Changeover between external or internal MPX sources;
- 2 Wide Band mixer to mix internal (Stereo generator and RDS) or external (MPX, RDS, or SCA) signals;
- Configurable delay on MPX signals;
- AGC on each single source;
- Limiter, Clipper MPX;
- ITU BS412 control;
- ITU Loudness measurement;
- Outband noise and Pilot Noise Measurement;
- RDS, Pilot, Main Audio, and Sub Audio Measurement;
- Integrated Hi-Quality MPX Decoder.
Process
- 4 channels Audio Changeover Changeover Audio with source priority / restore logic;
- Backup audio player on SD card;
- Configurable delay on Audio sources;
- Configurable UECP Filter on incoming RDS Signal (AUX-1) for rebroadcasting use;
- Capability to digitally erase RDS signal on incoming MPX+RDS Signal;
- Upgrade FW directly on the field managed by the web GUI interface;
- Audio limiter integrated (Band controlled, Psychoacoustic, Look-ahead, ITU BS412);
- Fast DSP Starting time <5 sec (OS < 30 sec).
Encoder RDS Section
- RDS encoder fully compliant with UECP EBU SPB490 v7.05, CENELEC (Europe) and NRSC (America);
- Fully support all the RDS services, Static, and Dynamic services;
- UEPC Ports (2 Serials, 4 TCPIP, 4 UDP);
- n.8 Data Set;
- n.10 EON + Main PS for each Data Set;
- Integrated RDS decoder;
- Tuner FM with RDS decoder (as an option);
- Dataset switch managed by UECP/SNMP/REST/HTTP/ASCII PARSER/TXT FILE/GPI;
- Easy to interface with any Radio Automation (UECP/SNMP/REST/HTTP/ASCII PARSER/TXT FILE);
- Capability to connect with any Radio Automation to get data for RDS (PS/RT/RT+/TA/MS);
- Easy RDS page fast setup.
GUI & Monitoring
- Fully programmable by Web GUI interface, all the browsers are supported;
- Simple and intuitive GUI, supported by all devices (PC, notebook, tablet, smartphone, etc. ..);
- Easy and configurable graphical interface;
- Multi-user web GUI;
- Map with device geolocation (RX sat or fixed coordinates are required);
- Web GUI with info bubbles;
- Monitoring FM Tuner (as an option);
- MPX spectrum signal Analyzer on outputs, Aux inputs, and internal signals;
- Dynamical graphics to see the value in the time;
- RDS Groups data analyzer;
- GUI with LED meter bars;
- IP audio streaming encoding for remote audio monitoring, with independent source selection and level;
- Headphones output with independent source selections and level.
Monitoring Tuner (optional)
- RF Level measurement;
- Carrier Offset;
- MPX, RDS, and Pilot deviations;
- BLER (Block Error Ratio);
- RDS Decoder (PI, PS, RT, PTY, RT+, TP, TA, M/S, CT, AF, TMC, EON).
Communications & Management
- Ethernet/USB/RS232/GPIO connections;
- 2nd Ethernet (as an option);
- Easy WiFi Access – Hot spot WiFi USB to connect directly a wireless device to the Tiger;
- SNMP V2c;
- Set up to 3 NTP Servers (V1, V2, V3, V4);
- Possibility to send email to 4 receivers and set 3 different SMPT Server;
- IPV4 and IPV6 support (3 addresses IPV4 and 3 addresses IPV6);
- N°2 RS232 for UECP commands;
- 6 GPI and 4 Relay Out (all GPIO are fully programmable by the GUI);
- HTTP, FTP, SNMP, SMTP, UDP, TCP support;
- Alarms via: TRAP (SNMP), email(SMTP), GPO, HTTP;
- External GPS support (Time, Date, and Geolocation);
- uSD Card for clone function for maintenance, and easy replacement of a faulty unit;
- Import and export configuration functions;
- PRESET, with load/save/import /export functions;
- Logs 24/7 with export function;
- 6 levels of right access management;
- Easy configuration page setup with info connection diagrams;
- REST API to manage the device;
- ASCII PARSER interface for easy command line settings;
- SAMBA SHARE function to connect and get data from an external PC;
- Multi-user contemporary access.
NEW: TigerSync Streamer
The TigerSync Streamer solution by AxelTech offers a way to distribute audio to FM transmitters via web technologies using IceCast, a reliable and flexible protocol.
IceCast can handle thousands of connections and allows up to 15,000 users to listen without interruptions when the audio is uploaded to a cloud server. This protocol is unsuitable for traditional broadcasting as it is not synchronous and can result in a 1 to 5-second difference for users listening to the same radio broadcast. For instance, when the FM Tuner is equipped with automatic frequency control (RDS-AF) while driving, the seamless transition between the transmitters is imperative for ensuring an uninterrupted listening experience for the user.
AxelTech’s R&D efforts have been focused on ensuring that this technology is compatible with broadcasting needs. With the TigerSync Streamer option, a Tiger E5 Encoder serves as the network’s hub, handling the encoding process and transmitting the signal to an IceCast server. This can be the Tiger‘s internal IceCast server, with a limited number of reception points (up to 15) due to the Tiger‘s resource constraints, or an IceCast server set up on a Linux cloud server.
With TigerSync Streamer we have implemented a sophisticated method for synchronizing audio using inaudible timestamp codes. These codes are transmitted through the Opus codec at rates ranging between 32Kbits/sec to 510 Kbits/sec (or MP3 192kbits-320kbits/sec) and then distributed via an IceCast Server. On the receiving end, the Tiger devices capture the IceCast stream and timestamp data, ensuring precise synchronization for audio playback. As a result of this synchronization approach, there is a consistent delay lasting anywhere from 1.0 to 10 seconds, with the optimal latency falling within the range of 2 to 3 seconds. This fixed audio latency remains uniform across all decoding Tiger units in comparison to the encoding units, resulting in a reception delay. However, TigerSync Streamer guarantees that all decoders maintain synchronization with an impressive accuracy of a few milliseconds.
In the initial stages of the project, the target synchronization between decoded audio over the network was set at 30 ms. However, the achieved result surpassed expectations, with the delay being below 5 ms. While the system was not designed as an isofrequency, it effectively ensures the alignment of all transmitters and facilitates imperceptible transmitter changes.
TigerSync Streamer, designed to provide a backup feed to transmitters, has exceeded expectations by proving itself in the field as a technology capable of powering the distribution network through a solid, precise, and low-cost infrastructure.
New: Tiger-Digital MPX Output
Option (hardware) for Digital AES EBU MPX 192KHz output.
Output available on XLR.
New: Micro MPX Encoder/Decoder Option
Option to generate/receive a uMPX stream (hardware and software).
The Tiger E3/E5 handles this stream as an auxiliary input to which it can add/remove/mix other MPX/RDS signals.
The option includes the adding of an Ethernet port to receive/transmit uMPX streaming.
Tiger-Tuner
Option to receive an FM signal (hardware).
The Tuner measures the following parameters (RF, Multipath, Carrier Offset, MPX, Pilot, RDS, BLER) and decodes the following RDS services (PI, PS, PTY, RT, TA, TP, MS, Presence of: CT, AF, RT, RT+, TMC, EON). The alarms configuration can be controled by a dedicated page.
The tuner can also be used as a rebroadcast source or as feedback for station OFF-AIR monitoring.
Second Ethernet Port
Option (hardware) for adding the second ethernet port.
Redundant PSU 90-260 Vac
Redundant Power Supply.
Redundant DC PSU 12-36VDC
Redundant Power Supply.
| Analog Left & Right Input | |
|---|---|
| Connector | Balanced on 2 XLR – EMI Suppressed |
| Input Impedance | 10Kohm |
| Nominal Input Level (Sensitivity) | Software Adjustable from -12dBu to + 13,0 dBu (0,1dB step) |
| Nominal Input Level | -21,0dBu ÷ +24,0dBu |
| Max Input Level (clipping point) | Selectable +15,0dBu or +24,0dBu |
| A/D conversion | CS4272, 24 bit / 48 Khz |
| Input CMRR | >60dB (20Hz-20kHz) |
| Digital Input | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connector | Balanced on 1 XLR – EMI Suppressed | ||||
| Input Impedance | 110Ω | ||||
| Standard | AES3 | ||||
| Audio Sample Rate | 32/44.1/48/96/192KHz | ||||
| Adjustable Nominal Input Level (Sensitivity) | From -25,0dBFS to -0,2dBFS (0,1dB step) | ||||
| Nominal Input Level | -36dBFS ÷ 0,0dBFS | ||||
| Dynamic Range (Converter Values) | 124dB (32KHz) – 126dB (44,1KHz) 126dB(48KHz) – 122dB (96KHz) | ||||
| Resolution | 24 bit |
| MPX Input – MPX - AUX1/AUX2 | |
|---|---|
| Connector | Unbalanced on 2 BNC – EMI Suppressed |
| Input Impedance | 50K |
| Adjustable Nominal Input Level (Sensitivity) | Software Adjustable -9dBm to +15,0dBm |
| Range of Level | -21,0dBu ÷ +24,0dBu |
| Max Input Level (clipping point) | Selectable +5,0dBu or +18,0dBu |
| A/D Conversion | Texas PCM4202 |
| MPX Output - MPX - MPX1/MPX2 | |
|---|---|
| Connector | Unbalanced on 2 BNC – EMI Suppressed |
| Output Impedance | 10 Ω |
| Load Impedance | 600 Ω or greater |
| Maximum Load Capacitance | 5nF |
| D/A Conversion | Texas PCM 1796 |
| Composite Output Level | -0,0dBm to +15,0 dBm (0,1 dBm step) |
| S/N | ≥ 85dB |
| THD | ≤ 0.01% |
| Separation | ≥ 70dB |
[table “104” not found /]
[table “106” not found /]
| Backup Player | |
|---|---|
| Support | On Micro SD CARD (max 64GB) |
| Supported formats | MP3, WAV |
| Supported Sample Rates | 32,44.1,48,64,96 KHz |
| MPX & RDS Signal | |
|---|---|
| Pilot Frequency | 19 KHz +/- 1Hz |
| Pilot Injection | Adj from -25,0dB a -15,5dB (0,1 dB step); 6 to 18% of total deviation |
| Pilot Stability | ±10 ppm (-10 to +55°C) |
| Pilot Distortion | 0,05% (typical) |
| Pilot Distortion + Noise | 0,068% (on 100KHz band) |
| Composite out THD | 0,01% (typical on the whole band) |
| Stereo Separation | >70 dB (typical on the whole band) |
| Linear Crosstalk Main to Sub / Sub to Main | >70 dB (minimum) |
| Digital filtering / band | 30 Hz to 15 kHz (-0,1dB), 17 kHz (-70 dB), 19 kHz (-100 dB) |
| 57 kHz (RDS/RBDS) Protection | Better than 51 dB |
| Pre-emphasis | Off, 50uS, 75uS (+/-0,1dB) |
| Freq Response | ±0,3 dB (30Hz-15kHz) |
| Operation | Mono / Stereo |
| MPX/RDS Output | Adj from -10,0 dB to 15,0 dB (0,1 dB step) |
| Signal/Noise Ratio | ≥ 85 dB (on 100 kHz band) |
| Carrier Suppression | > 85 dB |
| Digital Output MPX - Option | |
|---|---|
| Connectors: | Balanced on 1 XLR – EMI Suppression |
| Input impedance: | 110 Ω |
| Format: | AES192 |
| Sample rate: | 192 KHz |
| Output level adjustment: | From 0,0 dBFs to –30,0 dBFs (0,1 dB steps) |
[table “51” not found /]
| System | |
|---|---|
| GPIO Inputs/Outputs | 6 GPI / 4 GPO |
| Communication Port | 2xRS232, 3xUSB, 1xLAN |
| Synchronization | Ext(Pilot Mpx)/Int/ Auto |
| Synchronization Monitoring | Yes |
| RDS Level adjustment | Digitally controlled |
| Phase adjustment | Yes, 0 ÷ 359.9° |
| Separate outputs for RDS+MPX and for RDS only | Yes |
| Command to activate the RDS SCA | Yes |
| Side Chain Mode, Loop through mode, Bypass feature | Yes |
| RDS Subcarrier | 100% Digitally Generated Shape |
| CENELEC – EN50067 compliant – | Yes |
| Accurate Clock Time (CT) Sync with Internet Connection | Yes |
| Remote TA actuation for Traffic Announcements | Yes |
| GPS module for automatic synchronization of the built-in Real Time Clock (RTC) | Optional (USB External) |
| RDS decoder for rebroadcasting RDS Data | Yes |
| Firmware can be upgraded on the field | Yes |
| Front-panel Colour TFT Display | No (Tiger E3) Yes (Tiger E5) |
| Data may be entered on-site with Front-panel knob | No (Tiger E3) Yes (Tiger E5) |
| Front Panel Leds | 40 |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C ÷ 50°C |
| RDS Features | |
|---|---|
| Group supported | All |
| Group Sequence | Configurable |
| PS | 8 DSN x MAIN+10 PSN |
| PI | 8 DSN x MAIN+10 PSN |
| PIN & PTY | RDS/RBDS |
| AF Method A | up to 1024 (64 lists) |
| AF Method B | up to 1024 (64 lists) |
| RT | Yes, 32 messages |
| RT rate adjustment | Group Sequence |
| RT+ for songs and content tagging | Yes |
| TP | Yes |
| TA Control | Command, Software, GPI |
| PTYN | Yes |
| EON | 10 PSN |
| CT | Yes |
| TMC, EWS, IH, TDC | Yes |
| Free Format Groups (FFG) | Yes |
| Open Data Application (ODA) | Yes |
| PS Scrolling | Yes |
| Scrolling by characters, by word, auto centre, truncate long words | Yes (Characters – from 1 up to 8) |
| Communication | |
|---|---|
| Connection with Automation Software | Yes |
| Network Connectivity | 4 TCP ports / 4 UDP / 1 SNMP |
| Configuration Software | Web Server, FTP |
| Password Protection | Yes |
| ASCII Protocol | Configuration Messages |
| REST Command | Yes |
| Alert notifications on user-defined events via SNMP traps or E-mails | Yes |
| Embedded SNMP agent permitting active management tasks | Yes |
| Supported Network Protocols | HTTP, SMTP, UDP, TCP, NTP, FTP |
| UECP Protocol | EBU SPB490 Ver.7.05 |
| PI Calculator | Yes |
| RDS 2.0 Ready | Yes |
| PSU | |
|---|---|
| Power Supply | 90-260 Vac / 47-63 Hz 15W |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (W; H; D) | 485 x 44 x 240 mm |
| Weight | < 3Kg |
