Who wants it?

• Broadcasters who have to solve problems in interfacing various digital audio signals and formats on a daily basis
  
• Recording Studios who need to analyze digital audio at the bit level and find subtle problems like jitter in cables and interfaces
• Technicians who need an affordable, portable digital audio analyze
• Manufacturers of digital audio equipment who need a tool to test their equipment and to troubleshoot installations

Why do they want it?
The Digital Audio Toolbox provides the most powerful digital audio test functions at an affordable price.

Inputs and Outputs
Like the ATB 1 and Plus, the input and output connectors of the Digital ATB are recessed into the unit for protection (in the front and rear panels). In addition to the listed inputs and outputs, you will find a contrast knob (for the display) and battery pack door in the recessed panels.

Inputs: The Digital Audio Toolbox has 2 sets of AES/EBU and SP/DIF inputs. This allows Toolboxers to test lock between 2 AES lines, for example. Input 1, which includes a Toslink/ADAT lightpipe connector, is routed to the DSP for signal analysis. It also has word clock in and video sync in.

Outputs: The output side includes one complete digital output, including AES/EBU, Sp/DIF, and Toslink/ADAT lightpipe. There is also a word clock out connector. A high-quality headphone output is provided, along with a single mono analog output connector. And, we have a DB-9 connector that works as an RS232 connector for software updates and computer interfacing, as well as an ADAT sync source. The video sync input connector and speaker are also on this panel.

Toolset:

Transparency Test Generates standard bit test waveforms, including walking 1s, walking 0s, monotonicity,
j-test and fixed values (digital DC). Verifies that the incoming signal has no errors. Input
signal need not be locked to output signal, so that recorders may be tested. Variable bit depth.

Bitstream Analyzer Shows signal voltage level, actual bit depth and sample rate, as well as channel
status information (Pro / Consumer, reported bit depth, sample rate, pull-up, emphasis.)
Flags errors and inconsistencies. Shows bit activity to identify stuck bits. Also has a level meter.

Lock Tests Determines whether 2 digital signals are locked or drifting.
Tests one AES or SP/DIF signal with another digital input, word clock, superclock, ADAT clock, ADAT sync, or the internal crystals.

Bitscope Shows one or both channels on an oscilloscope-like screen.
Also shows phase of input channels in X-Y mode. Auto-trigger.
Expands to one bit/pixel and one sample/pixel. Includes level meter.

Latency Test Shows the delay of a digital signal in samples for both channels.
Works correctly through signal modification, including EQ, compression, and sample rate converters.

Digital Watchdog Traps signal errors and stores them on a graph.
Time range 1 minute to 24 hours, 120 data points.
Cursor reads out specific errors, including CRC, Lock, BiPhase, Eye Pattern, Validity, and Parity errors.

Jitter Meter Shows the RMS interface jitter for a digital signal or clock on an analog-style meter.
All jitter sources are supported, including AES, SP/DIF, word clocks and bit clocks.

Clock and Sample Counter Measures actual digital audio sample rate, word clock, and superclock frequencies.
Identify clock mismatches and non-standard or drifting sample rates.

Distortion Meter Computes THD+N. Digital and analog-style meter. 63Hz, 125Hz, 250Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, and 4kHz frequencies.

Digital Signal Generator Outputs sine waves, square waves, white noise, pink noise, and Dolby 5.1 generic test
signals. Set output levels to 0.01dB. Sine wave generator has 1Hz resolution.

Digital Cable Tester

Level Meter Stereo level meter reads in dB peak, dB RMS, % peak or %RMS.
Also DIN-standard VU bar meters with PPM and variable reference.
Holds absolute maximum peak levels for headroom analysis.

Dialog Level

Sample Rate Converter

Sony 9-pin Tester

Pass Mode Allows modification of channel status bits to clear copy lag, change emphasis, bit depth, or sample rate. Also can route any ADAT pair to the digital AES and SP/DIF outputs. Sample Rate Convertor converts between common sample rates. Locks wild digital signals to word clock input or internal crystals.

Setup & Calibration
Like the ATB 1 and Plus systems, the Digital ATB isfirmware based and easily upgradeable. The DATB is programmed specifically to manage digital sound, with these features that are unique. The user interface is split into to 4 main menus as outlined below:

Large LCD Display
The Digital ATB has a 64x128 pixel super-twist LED-backlit graphic LCD, it is visible in all lighting conditions from darkness (with the backlight on) to full sunlight. The unit has a contrast control knob to fine-tune the display for any reading angle or light condition. Always on while running on AC power, the backlight can be turned on and off as needed when the unit is under battery power.

Computer interface cables: PC and Mac serial interface cables are included with the Digital. Use these for transferring the Toolbox memories to your computer for printing or storage, and for software upgrades.

Stylish Housing
The Digital Audio Toolbox is housed in the same style as the ATB-Plus, with an all-metal black aluminum and steel chassis. Built to last, the chassis consists of anodized aluminum, cast aluminum, and steel. It also incorporates a built-in handle for easier toting, and a comfortable ergonomic design. The input and output panels, encoder knob, and display are all recessed for protection.
Dimensions: 12" x 6" x 2" (300mm x 150mm x 50mm)
Weight: 4lbs (1.8kg) including battery
Shipping weight: (in cardboard carton with power supply) 11 Lb. (1.3Kg).

Internal rechargeable battery system
The DATB runs on the same power as the Plus; an SLA rechargeable battery system is built in to the Digital. The battery will run the unit for up to 3 hours (depending on backlight use) each charge, and will recharge itself whenever plugged in to AC power. Toolboxers can charge the battery in the unit while they use it, or order spare batteries that can be charged separately. Each battery has its own integral charging system, allowing Toolboxers to charge spare batteries directly from any AC connection. One thumbscrew holds the battery door closed and allows easy battery replacement anywhere, anytime.

Carrying case
The Digital Audio toolbox comes in a foam-lined plastic carrying case to keep it looking good as new. The briefcase style carrier has places to store the included microphone, cables, and power adapter; there is also a slot for a spare battery.