Cobalt C-50 / 50W FM Transmitter
The COBALT C-50 is a robust 50W FM Broadcast Transmitter, boasting FCC part 73 LPFM and IC certifications. Its exceptional audio quality and clear sound from the Direct to Channel Digital technology with minimal manipulation, maintains audio integrity.
Operating on a fully customized LINUX OS system, this transmitter features a low-distortion modulator available across all COBALT FM Transmitter models. Input and output options include Analog, AES/EBU, Digital MPX (AES192), Ethernet, USB, GPIO, GPS Sync with built-in SFN capabilities.
Tailored for applications like Community Radio Gap-filling and scenarios, or as an exciter requiring high-quality audio, the COBALT C50 ensures market-leading sound. It comes equipped with a built-in 4-band Audio Processor, featuring Bass enhancement, Pilot protection, Wide AGC, and a range of expertly designed modern presets for an impressive start.
The modern design with its Ultra-clear RGB display and Intuitive Joystick controls with Haptic feedback and silicon buttons allow for swift setup, ensuring you get on the air in no time.
The advanced communication package includes an intuitive web interface and remote control via Ethernet (https). Full SNMP v1, v2c, and v3 management, with the ability to send emails, alerts, and remotely monitor audio, provide confidence with global control from any device with a web browser.
An advanced automations package enables settings changes based on conditions, SNMP, GPI, or through the scheduler function – all built into the system.
Audio monitoring is a new function that lets you stream confidence audio monitoring back to any web enabled device. Simply log in to your Cobalt Transmitter, and easily listen to audio form any source or the audio that’s being processed prior to entering the PA going on-air. This is great so you can hear what your market is listening to. Change the source to the Analog, Digital or a test tone and listen to that too. Great for checking in on Audio coming in from an STL or direct out of your mixer. If you have the optional Tuner or MicroMPX in your Cobalt, those too can also be monitored.
Optional extras include;
- Tuner
- 6 Band Audio Processor, fully adjustable for your output, gives you the edge with a complete all-in-one solution.
- Dante® for crystal-clear digital audio connection from any Dante® compatible product or environment.
- µMPX for STL, transporting a full FM composite MPX signal at a low bit rate of 320 kbit/s. Easily distribute audio to all your COBALT transmitters with the µMPX interface.
- 48V DC Power input
Access to all components and software-controlled variable fan speed ensures low maintenance costs.
With the highest AC efficiency, a compact design, and reduced weight, the COBALT C-50 ensures low transportation costs and stands as the model with the lowest total cost of ownership in its class.
- RF Output power50 watts
- Direct to Digital Exciter
- FM & LPFM 1U Compact Design
$ 3790 / € 3490 / £ 2990
- Direct to Digital Synthesized modulation
- FCC Part 73 Certified for LPFM, and IC Certification for Canada
- Linux OS
- RGB Screen
- 4 Band Audio Processor
- Audio monitoring for confidence purposes by web browser
- Dynamic, UECP Compliant RDS Encoder
- ITU-R BS412.9 Limiter
- Digital MPX (AES192)
- Ethernet Control with HTTPS
- SNMP v1, v2c, v3
- Advanced Automations and configurations
- Scheduler
- Audio Failover and Silence Detection
- GPS Sync for SFN
OPTIONS
- Dante / AES67 audio
- µMPX
- 6 Band Audio Processor
- 48V DC Power input
GENERAL
Output Power (W) | 50W |
Range (W) | 5-50W |
RF Output connector | N-Type (Female) |
Input ACV @ 50/60Hz | 100-240 |
Power Connector | IEC 13A filtered |
Power consumption | ~101W @ max power |
AC-RF efficiency typ | ~30% |
Temperature controlled fan | 1 |
Power supplies | 1 |
Dimensions WxDxH (inch) | 19x15x1RU (1.75") |
Dimensions WxDxH (cm) | 48.3 x 38 x 4.45 |
Weight | 3.7kg / 8.14lb |
MODULATOR
Transmitter type | Solid-state FM Stereo transmitter |
Modulator | Direct-to-channel (DDS) |
RF Output Frequency Range | VHF Band II, 87-108MHz |
RF Frequency Steps | 100kHz |
Frequency Stability | ±1 ppm or ±150Hz in 0-50⁰C range with internal 10MHz clock reference |
FM Modulation Range Capability | 75kHz default, 100% modulation user adjustable up to 105kHz 140%), maximum 300kHz |
RF
Power Stability | ≤ ± 0.25dB |
Asynchronous/AM noise | ≤ -60dB |
Synchronous AM s/n ratio | ≤ -60dB |
RF Harmonic and Spurious Suppression | Meets ETSI requirements |
VSWR operation | Fully protected against gradual or sudden VSWR conditions. Proportional power reduction from VSWR 1.5:1 |
STEREO ENCODER
Performance | 400Hz/1kHz test tones at modulation level ≤75kHz |
Modes | Stereo, Mono L+R, Mono L, Mono R |
Frequency response | 20Hz-15kHz ±0.02dB |
Pre-emphasis | 0, 50 or 75μs |
Pilot tone | 19kHz, adjustable level 0-12% |
Subcarriers suppression | ≤ -70dB |
Stereo separation | ≥75dB AES/EBU input, ≥70dB Analogue input |
Stereo SNR | ≥80dB with 75us de-emphasis, ≥75dB without de-emphasis, both inputs |
Stereo THD+N | <0.03% |
Crosstalk | ≥70dB, between L+R and L-R due to channel matching, both inputs |
MONO PERFORMANCE
Frequency response | 20Hz - 15kHz ±0.02dB |
Pre-emphasis | 0, 50 or 75 µs |
Mono SNR | ≥75dB AES/EBU input, ≥70dB Analogue input |
Mono THD+N | ≤0.002% analogue input, ≤0.001% AES input, with 75us de-emphasis |
ANALOGUE MPX INPUT PERFORMANCE
Frequency response | 10Hz-53kHz ±0.03dB, 53kHz-70kHz ±0.3dB |
FM SNR | 10Hz-53kHz ±0.03dB, 53kHz-70kHz ±0.3dB |
THD+N | ≤0.003% with 75us de-emphasis |
DIGITAL MPX INPUT PERFORMANCE
Frequency response | -90kHz ±0.005dB |
FM SNR | ≥100dB, with 75us de-emphasis |
THD+N | ≤0.001% with 75us de-emphasis |
AUDIO INPUTS
Analogue | 2 x XLR female, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-24dBu |
Digital | 24dBu AES/EBU via RJ45 per StudioHUB+, level adjustable -20-0dBFS, sampling rates 32-192 kHz |
AUDIO OUTPUT
Headphones Out | 1/4" (6.3mm) female stereo socket, software adjustable volume, minimum load impedance 16Ω |
WIDEBAND INPUTS
Analogue MPX | BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu |
Digital MPX | AES/EBU via RJ45 per StudioHUB+, level -20-0dBFS, sampling rate 192kHz left channel |
Analogue RDS | BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable from 0.1-10Vpp |
WIDEBAND INPUTS
Analogue MPX | BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu |
Digital MPX | BNC, 10kΩ impedance, level adjustable 0-12dBu |
RDS GENERATOR
Type | Fully Dynamic RDS/RDS2/RBDS Generator |
Protocols | ASCII commands, UECP protocol and X-Command Multi-port architecture |
Ports | UART over USB-B & Ethernet |
COMMUNICATION AND CONTROL
10MHz input | BNC, 50Ω terminated |
1PPS input | BNC, 50Ω terminated |
RF sample output | SMA, 50Ω, -30dBc |
UART over USB | USB-B, system control |
USB | 2 x USB-A, storage & FW upgrade |
Ethernet | 1 x RJ45 |
RS232 | DB25 shared connector, system control |
GPIO | DB25 shared connector, 8 x output & 8 x input, all optically isolated. |
Interlock/RF Mute | DB25 shared connector, programmable logic/polarity |
Analogue voltage output | DB25 shared connector, 4-channel 0-5V range |
ENVIRONMENTAL
Altitude | 15,000 ft / 4,420m AMSL |
Temperature range | 0 to +45ºC working. -10 to +50ºC storage |
Humidity | 95% @ 35ºC, non-condensing |