Tempe, AZ - Feb 3, 2009 - The Orban Optimod 8585 digital surround audio processor is now shipping. The 8585's design was built on the Orban Optimod 6300 two-channel processor for digital media and incorporates multichannel processing to apply psychoacoustic research to control loudness perception.

The 8585 features two-band and five-band audio processing and includes versatile compression ratio controls and a mastering-quality look-ahead peak limiter. A new third-generation CBS Loudness Controller is also featured in the unit. The 8585 is built on Orban's flagship hardware platform, which features a GUI displayed on a quarter-VGA active matrix color LCD. Setup and adjustment is handled from the 8585's front panel.

The 8585 can process a 7.1 or 5.1 signal and a separate two-channel signal simultaneously. Additionally, the two-channel processor's output can be mixed into the left and right front channels of the surround processing so that the surround processing's Loudness Controller and look-ahead limiters control the loudness and peak level of the mix.