The RFI filtered audio processor with improved peak limiter technology. Optimod-FM 8600 was a hit as soon as it was introduced. Compared to Orban's previous flagship, the 8600's dramatically improved MX peak limiter technology decreased distortion while increasing transient punch and high frequency power handling capacity. A significant number of broadcasters have asked us to make the 8600's sound available in a compact package at a lower price. Orban's response is the 8600S, which offers 8600-class sound in a single rack unit. An efficient, switching power supply ensures that the 8600S runs cool even in a crowded rack. The 8600S includes simultaneous processing for FM and for digital transmissions like netcasts, DAB+ and HD radio. The 8600S provides stereo enhancement, equalization, AGC, multiband compression, low-IM peak limiting, stereo encoding, and composite limiting - everything that even the most competitive major market station needs to stand out on the dial. More than 20 excellent sounding, format specific factory presets get you started. You'll find all of your favorite 8500 presets, plus the 8600 MX presets designed by Bob Orban and Greg Ogonowski to exploit the exciting possibilities inherent in the 8600's peak limiter technology. Although the factory presets are fully competent out of the box. You can customize them with easy one-knob LESS-MORE control. Full Control gives you the versatility to customize your audio further. Orban's quick setup, which is a guided sequence of screens through the 8600S's setup, is the easiest way to have your station on air quickly.
The 8600S includes a full-featured RBS/RBDS generator at no additional charge. The generator supports dynamic PS. It can be controlled via 8600S presets and an ASCII terminal server that can be connected to automation to support displaying title and artist.
For digital radio broadcasters who prefer using a separate processor for the digital channel, the 8600S's built-in delay (up to 16 seconds) in the analog processing path vastly improves installation versatility in HD radio facilities, freeing you from the need to use the delay line built into the digital radio exciter. This allows you to use the 8600S built-in stereo encoder and composite limiter to drive the analog FM transmitter, ensuring no-compromise analog-channel loudness.