Sonifex RB-SD1

Silence Detection Unit

The RB-SD1 silence detection unit is a 1U rack-mount device used to monitor an unattended stereo studio feed and in the event of the signal going “quiet” after a given period the unit will switch through an alternative stereo audio signal. This signal could be a recorded message (e.g. “normal service will be resumed”, etc), a feed from a CD player or minidisc machine, or an alternative recorded programme. Controls are provided to start external equipment and to provide remote status indication.

The RB-SD1 has a number of remote operational features. It can be remotely controlled with functions that mirror the following on-board controls : mode selection and return indication, restore method and input source selection and return indication. Remote outputs provide separate relay contact closures for failure of the main and auxiliary inputs.

The unit can be configured by dip-switch to alarm when either the left or right channel of the main input source fails, or if the whole stereo signal fails. Front panel LED indicators show individually left and right programme and alarm conditions for both the main and auxiliary inputs.

The RB-SD1 has been designed to have a passive signal path through the main input, so if power to the unit fails the signal input will still be routed through to the output. This is essential for applications such as installation at transmitter sites where a power failure to the unit should not prevent the audio input signal from being output to the transmitter.