Dynamic Range Compression (DRC)

Dynamic Range Compression (DRC) is a feature in the Zenitel IP devices. Dynamic Range Compression is an audio signal process used to help even out the loud and quiet parts. Lower signals will get gain applied, but not more than there is headroom for up to digital full scale.

For intercom devices and IP Speakers the DRC will have a good effect on regular speech signals, and will normally increase the loudspeaker output noticably. For already maximized signals, such as prerecoorded alarm tones, DRC will have little or no effect.

The DRC function is by default disabled. The DRC is a dynamic digital signal gain adjustment function, and some signal clipping may occur if the DRC is configured to use high gain. The DRC function works very well in combination with the Automatic Volume Control (AVC).

Acoustic Echo is when you during a call can hear your own voice in return, with more or less volume, and more or less delay. The echo can range from simply annoying to absolutely unbearable, and may result in callers not understanding each other and important information being missed.

The purpose of the AEC feature is to remove this echo. In Zenitel IP Devices the AEC feature is by default active. Zenitel IP intercoms have been calibrated from factory, and the AEC level is by default set to the most suitable value. Hence there is normally no need to alter the default settings.

Some parameters effecting the acoustic echo cancellation:

• Loudspeaker volume
• Microphone sensitivity
• Distance between speaker and microphone
• Mechanical design (e.g. vibrations, speaker and mic mounting)
• Environment (e.g. reflecting surfaces)

Configuring the AEC feature

Configuration is done from the Audio Settings menu. First enable Advanced Configuration mode. Depending on the mode of operations, select:

• Edge mode: Edge Configuration > Audio Settings > Audio signal processing
• SIP mode: SIP Configuration > Audio Settings > Audio signal processing
• ICX-AlphaCom mode: Advanced ICX-AlphaCom > Audio Settings > Audio signal processing

Acoustic Echo Cancellation configuration menu (firmware 7 and later)

• Enable AEC: Check the box to enable suppression of echo on the microphone signal. Default enabled. If disabled the loudspeaker and microphone will be open without any audio processing.
• AEC mode: Sets the aggressiveness of the echo suppressor. A higher level trades off double-talk performance for increased echo suppression. Available suppression levels:
  • Low
  • Moderate
  • High
  • Half Duplex

With "Half Duplex" the loudspeaker will be muted when speaking into the microphone.

High or Half Duplex can be used in noisy or acoustic challenging environments, or in customized stations without optimal acoustic design, where one is experiencing issues with echo, chopping audio or one-way audio.

For devices operating in Open Duplex the AEC needs to be enabled. If the AEC is disabled and the device is used for two-way loud-speaking communication, it is very likely to get acoustic feedback (aka Larsen effect) All audio settings can be reset to default values by selecting Factory Reset Audio Settings.