User Guide
Model 373A User Guide Issue 1, April 2019
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 11
MODEL 373A
INTERCOM BELTPACK
Using STcontroller
Immediately after starting STcontroller the
application will locate and display the de-
vices that it can control. All Model 373A units
that are present on the network will be rec-
ognized and display on the device list. Use
the Identify command to allow easy recogni-
tion of a specific Model 373A unit. Double
clicking on a device name will cause the
associated configuration menu to appear.
Review the current configuration and make
changes as required.
Microphone Input – Electret Power
Choices are Enabled or Disabled.
If the headset has an electret microphone
that requires a source of low-voltage DC
power for operation enable the Electret Pow-
er check box. In virtually all cases a gaming
or computer headset that uses a 3.5 mm
TRRS plug will require microphone power.
If the associated headset has a dynamic
(non-powered) microphone do not enable
the Electret Power check box. Most broad-
cast headsets that terminate on 4-pin female
XLR connectors will not require microphone
power. The on/off status is displayed by way
of a red LED, labeled MIC POWER, that is
located adjacent to the Headset A connector.
Note that the Model 373A cannot supply P12
or P48 phantom power that may be required
for balanced condenser (capacitor) micro-
phones. This should not pose an issue as
this type of microphone is essentially never
associated with a headset that would be
used for intercom applications.
Microphone Input – Gain
Choices are 24 dB, 30 dB, 36 dB, 42 dB,
and 48 dB.
Dynamic microphones have an output level
that is typically lower than that provided by
electret microphones. As such, the 36, 42,
or 48 dB gain settings will probably be
appropriate for them. Electret microphones
often have internal circuitry which provides
a relatively high output level. The 24 and
30 dB gain settings will typically be appropri-
ate for use with this type of microphone.
When a dynamic microphone is connected
to the Model 373A the 42 dB gain setting
should be appropriate for many applications.
The 36 dB choice may be correct should the
connected microphone have a high sensitiv-
ity (high output level for a given acoustical
input) or an enthusiastic user routinely talks
loudly into the microphone. Setting the gain
for 48 dB may be helpful in some applica-
tions, such as with headsets that have a low
microphone output level. The 48 dB gain
setting may also be useful when the Model
373A is going to be deployed at events
where users are not able to speak at normal
levels, e.g., sporting events such as golf
tournaments where “whispering” may be
necessary.
Electret microphones typically have a higher
output level due to their internal preamplifier
circuitry. As such, less preamplifier gain may
be required. Selecting the 24 or 30 dB gain
setting will probably be appropriate in these
cases.
The compressor active LED, labeled COMP
and visible adjacent to the HEADSET A con-
nector, can act as a guide when setting the
microphone preamplifier gain. During normal
talk operation the compressor active LED
should light intermittently. If, for example,
with a dynamic microphone the LED rarely
lights and the preamp gain is set to 42 dB it
might be a good idea to change it to 48 dB.
If the LED is lit fully during normal talking
in a situation where the headset has an
electret microphone and the gain is set
for 30 dB, changing it to 24 dB might be
warranted.