Datasheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 209 Talent Console, Issue 1, Page 3
Audio input signals arrive via the Dante receiver (input) channels
and pass into the Model 209’s microcontroller integrated circuit.
Channel routing, headphone level control, and sidetone creation
are performed within the digital domain. This provides flexibility,
allows precise control, and keeps the level control from having
to directly handle analog audio signals. The two audio channels
destined for the headphone outputs are sent to a high-perfor
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mance digital-to-analog (DAC) integrated circuit and then on
to robust driver circuitry. High signal levels can be provided to
a variety of headsets, headphones, and earpieces.
Configuration Flexibility
The Model 209 can be configured to meet the needs of specific
applications and user preferences. All configuration choices are
performed using the STcontroller personal computer software
application which is available free of charge on the Studio
Technologies website. There are no mechanical switch settings
or button-press sequences required to configure how the unit
functions. Selectable parameters include P48 phantom power
on/off, microphone preamplifier gain, headphone and sidetone
operation, talkback button operation, level display, remote
control inputs, and tally outputs.
Microphone Input and Audio Outputs
The gain of the microphone preamplifier can be selected over a
range of 20 to 65 dB in single dB steps. This allows the Model
209 to match the output sensitivity of a range of standalone
and headset-associated microphones. A low-noise source of
P48 phantom power can be enabled, if required, to support a
variety of condenser microphones.
The talkback pushbutton switch, located on the Model 209’s
front panel, can be configured from among five operating modes.
These choices allow the Model 209’s audio output operation to
be tailored to meet the specific needs of the application. As an
example, for a podcast application the pushbutton would typi
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cally be configured to provide a push to mute (cough) function.
This would ensure that the microphone signal would remain
active unless the talent needs to momentarily disable it.
Headphone Output
The headphone output signal routing can be configured from
among three choices. The dual-channel stereo mode is provided
for applications where two channels of talent cueing need to be
independently sent to the left and right headphone output chan
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nels. The dual-channel mono mode allows the two Dante receiver
(input) audio channels to be summed (mixed together) and sent
to both the left and right headphone output channels. Lastly, a
unique single-channel mono mode is provided for applications
where a single-channel headphone, earpiece, or earbud is being
used. The two Dante audio receiver (input) channels are mixed
together and sent only to the left channel of the headphone
output. No audio signal is present on the headphone output’s
right channel.
The integrated sidetone function can be configured to meet
specific user needs. Sidetone allows audio associated with the
microphone input and microphone preamplifier to be returned
to the headphone output. This is important as different applica
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tions may provide “full mix” or a “mix-minus” talent cue signals.
If a full mix cue signal is provided then sidetone audio will not
be needed and the function can be disabled. In the case, where
a mix-minus signal is present, providing the user with sidetone
can be an important means of confirming the signal that’s com
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ing from the connected microphone. The level of the sidetone
signal can either be fixed or allowed to be adjusted using the
front-panel control.
Remote Control Inputs and Tally
Outputs
The two remote control inputs can be configured to activate a
number of functions. They can be assigned to perform the same
action as the talkback pushbutton switch. This allows control of
the audio signal as it is sent to the two Dante transmitter (out
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put) channels. The remote control inputs can also be configured
to control the tally outputs.
Unique to the Model 209 are the two tally outputs. These 12
volts DC, 100 milliamperes maximum outputs are designed to
“drive” arrays of LED status indicators, such as are often as
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sociated with microphone boom mounting arms. Each output can
function independently, providing separate DC outputs. They
can also be configured to provide a single differential output.
In this way, a tally status change will result in the tally output
current changing direction. This allows support for some very
useful implementations. For example, without the need for extra
circuitry or an additional interface, the Model 209 can directly
control the status LED indicator assembly associated with the
excellent on-air microphone mounting products from Yellowtec®
of Germany. With just two connections the Model 209 can con
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trol both the white and red LED indicators associated with the
m!ka mounting system.
The status of the tally outputs can be configured to respond to
six sources. “Virtual” buttons within the STcontroller application
can control the on/off status of the tally outputs. This can be
useful during unit installation and testing. The status of the main
output can also be used to control the tally outputs. This allows
a direct “on-air” light function to be established. As previously
noted, the two contact closure inputs can be used to control the
tally outputs. Finally, a high-frequency tone present in a Dante
receiver (input) channel can also be configured to control the
state of a tally output. This tone-operated (TOX) control func-