Cobalt C-1000 / 1000W FM Transmitter

The COBALT C-1000 is a robust 1000W 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 smaller transmitter sites, community, and college radio, or as an exciter requiring high-quality audio, the COBALT C1000 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.

Optional extras include;

  • 5 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. 
  • Dual Redundant PSU – Each PSU has its own AC input for true redundancy.
  • 48V DC Power input (power to exciter only, no RF power is available)
  • Externally Mounted Fans

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-1000 ensures low transportation costs and stands as the model with the lowest total cost of ownership in its class.

 

  • RF Output power1000 watts / 1kW
  • Direct to Digital Exciter
  • FM & LPFM 2U Compact Design

$ 6590 / € 5690 / £ 5190

STANDARD FEATURES

    • Direct to Digital Synthesized modulation
    • Linux OS
    • RGB Screen
    • 4 Band Audio Processor
    • 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
    • 5 Band Audio Processor
    • Second redundant PSU
    • 48V DC Power input (power to exciter only, no RF power is available)

GENERAL

Output Power (W)  1000W
Range (W) 200-1000W
RF Output connector 7/16 DIN (Female)
Input ACV @ 50/60Hz 220-240   *NOTE* For the C-1000 to be used on 120VAC, you must have the optional 2nd Power supply installed. Without this the  units will only work on 220VAC.
Power Connector IEC 13A filtered
Temperature controlled fan 1
Power supplies 1
Dimensions WxDxH (inch) 19 x 18 x 2RU (3.5")
Dimensions WxDxH (cm) 48.32x 45.7 x 8.8
Weight 7.2kg / 15.87lb

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