Omnia Audio Omnia 8x - Manual (Page 30)

16
Deep Bass EQ: For those who demand thunderous
bass, the Omnia 8x has it! Up to 12 dB of “thunder”
can be added to shake your walls! This is not a simple
bass boost, but a rather sophisticated concept that
takes into consideration the time alignment of the low
frequencies as they pass through the entire system. It
allows a loud, clean low end, with absolutely no
sacrifice to the overall loudness of your signal. The
Deep Bass function is a shelf boost at 85 Hz, utilizing
a phase compensated 12dB/octave slope to emulate
the EQ function.
Phat Bass EQ: Phat Bass is a unique enhancement that adds filtered harmonics of the lower registers to the upper
bass frequencies. The algorithm extracts information contained in the initial attack to do its work, and low
frequency texture is therefore emphasized. Older recordings sound fuller (or phatter) with the added illusion of
loudness. Phat Bass EQ also helps radios with small speakers sound like they have more bass than they actually do.
X-Over
Phase Linear, Time Aligned Crossover: Most multiband audio processors make a compromise in the crossover area
in order to provide a flat dynamic frequency response. This is done to avoid audible peaks or dips in the recombined
frequency response as the individual band gains change during processing. In an effort to minimize this problem,
most processors use a fixed phase-offset in the crossovers. While such treatment helps to minimize frequency
response peaks and dips, it also results in a loss of phase linearity, increasing "smearing', and reducing musical
clarity.
In Omnia 8x’s implementation, the crossover network is carefully time-
aligned so that the recombined spectrum remains flat, regardless of the
amount of gain control being applied within any band. This true phase
linear response assures that harmonic overtones are not displaced in
time. The result: the truer, more natural, and more musical Omnia sound
The crossover frequencies are not adjustabl
.
e.
Multiband AGC Sections
Similar in character to the wideband AGC described above, but expanded to three bands, this section has the ability
to significantly add power and loudness to the audio while tailoring and pre-processing it for delivery to the final
limiter section. The system uses different algorithms for each of the bands: The low and mid bands use a feedback
configuration, which produces a larger, warmer sound on lower frequencies. The presence and high bands utilize a
feedforward design that maintains a more open, natural and musical texture on higher frequencies.
As with any multiband processor, improper adjustment can exaggerate noise at high frequencies, particularly with
older recordings that possess a good deal of tape hiss. This can especially occur if the highest AGC band is driven
so that significant gain reduction occurs, and the band's gating control is set to the lower end of the scale. During
audio segments that have little or no HF content, the AGC will try to increase its gain in an effort to restore treble
balance. Even during periods when the gate function is in the default Freeze mode, the problem might still exist
with some programming. In those situations, even an increase of the gate threshold control to higher numbers may
not help the situation.
Since the user parameters are the same for all three bands, only the LF Band will be detailed here.