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Thimeo Audio Technology has released Stereo Tool 11, updating its audio-processing software for FM, AM, HD Radio and streaming services. The July 29 release introduces a new version of the company’s RuleBreaker final clipper alongside processing refinements and MicroMPX version 5. Thimeo has made the update available for Stereo Tool software and its STXtreme and Angry Audio’s StereoToolBox hardware platforms.
RuleBreaker controls audio peaks at the end of the processing chain, allowing stations to increase perceived loudness while limiting distortion and overshoot. Thimeo says the new version delivers approximately 0.4 dB more loudness at comparable quality, with revised transient handling producing cleaner, more consistent and punchier output. Changes to the way the processor prioritizes different parts of the frequency range are also designed to produce clearer high frequencies.
Hans van Zutphen, CEO of Thimeo Audio Technology and designer of RuleBreaker, noted that the company had previously believed the processor had reached its physical limits. “But over the last few months we figured out a few new tricks that resulted in even louder, cleaner audio than before,” he said. “We also have greatly improved protection against pumping sounds — so more loudness without listener fatigue, meaning longer TSL, which PDs and station owners will appreciate.” van Zutphen added. Thimeo has also added its “Pling Plong” xylophone distortion filter to reduce crackling artifacts and included a checkbox that applies the company’s recommended settings.
We also have greatly improved protection against pumping sounds — so more loudness without listener fatigue, meaning longer TSL, which PDs and station owners will appreciate
Hans van Zutphen, CEO of Thimeo Audio Technology
Stereo Tool 11 also introduces MicroMPX version 5, Thimeo’s system for transporting a complete composite FM multiplex signal over IP at a lower bandwidth than uncompressed MPX distribution requires. The redesigned codec offers more efficient encoding, with Thimeo claiming that a 295 kbps version 5 stream provides quality comparable to a 320 kbps version 4 stream. This allows broadcasters to operate MicroMPX connections at bitrates of around 300 kbps.
Dynamic keyframes and partial keyframe support improve recovery from packet loss while limiting additional data overhead. Version 5 also adds optional RTP packet headers for use with existing RTP tools, tighter RIST integration and left-right audio-level data within the stream header, allowing monitoring systems to read levels without decoding the audio. Thimeo says the new codec can reduce CPU use by up to 15% in some configurations.
The MicroMPX software decoder gains scheduled top-of-hour station identification using locally stored files for each decoder. It also adds Emergency Alert System override support through GPI or an audio trigger, plus a GPO output that can indicate signal loss to external equipment. Stereo Tool 11 and MicroMPX version 5 are available to existing users of the supported software and hardware platforms at no additional cost.
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