Datasheet

In addition to the main and talkback output channels a tally
tone/hot mic output channel is also provided. A configuration
choice allows the output to be selected for either tally tone or hot
mic operation. When selected for tally tone a 20 kHz sine-wave
signal is present on the designated Dante transmitter (output)
channel whenever the main output function is active. This tone
can be useful as a “trigger” signal for other connected devices
that need to provide an indication whenever the Model 215
is actively providing an “on air” audio signal. For example, a
Studio Technologies’ Model 391 Dante Alerting Unit can respond
to the tally tone signal and provide an “on-air” indicator using
its LED display. Alternatively, a Studio Technologies’ Model 44D
Interface unit could provide a contact closure whenever the tally
tone output is active. When selected for hot mic signal operation
an un-switched audio output whose source is the microphone
preamplifier is provided on the Dante transmitter channel. This
“always active” audio signal could be utilized in an application
where the Model 215 is being used in conjunction with an inter
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com system or audio console. Production personnel may need to
monitor the talent audio signal no matter the status of the main
on/off and talkback functions.
A large part of the Model 215’s unique power is the ability to
configure the operation of the main and talkback functions. To
meet the needs of the many specific broadcast and produc
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tion applications, a variety of pushbutton operating modes are
available. The main pushbutton can be selected to operate
from among four modes. In the “push-to-mute” mode the push-
button performs a momentary mute of the audio signal associated
with the main output channel. In this way a “cough” pushbutton
function is created, something typically required for television
sports broadcasting. In the “push-to-talk” mode the pushbutton
provides a momentary active function for the main output. This
mode would be appropriate for an application such as stadium
announcement. An alternate action “latching” configuration
allows the pushbutton to enable or disable the audio signal as
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sociated with the main output channel as desired. This is useful in
radio broadcasting, announce-booth, or voice-over applications.
The fourth mode provides a hybrid function, supporting both
push-to-talk and tap-to-enable/tap-to-disable operation. This
operation is similar to that found in many broadcast intercom
system user stations.
The two pushbutton switches associated with the talkback func
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tions can be configured to operate from either of two modes. One
of the modes supports a “push-to-talk” function. This is typically
used for on-air broadcast applications. The other mode provides
a hybrid function, the operation of which is discussed in the pre
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vious paragraph. The hybrid mode is especially useful when the
Model 215 is used in a production-support application.
Overall Model 215 operation can be configured from among
one on-air and two production modes. The Model 215’s on-air
mode is appropriate for on-air television, radio, and streaming
broadcast applications. When on-air is selected the audio signal
associated with the main output channel will always mute when
either or both talkback functions is active. This prevents audio
that’s intended for production or support personnel from being
sent out the on-air audio path.
For non-on-air applications, the Model 215 can be configured to
operate in either of two “production” modes. These allow the
main output to be used as a third talkback output channel, rather
than always muting when a talkback function is active. Using
these production modes the unit can be even more powerful
when used in a live event application, such as serving as a small
“IFB” console for a sports-event spotter, musical director, or
production assistant. In addition to changing how the main output
functions, one of the production modes also supports using the
headphone output for connection with amplified speakers. The
headphone output level will automatically be reduced (attenuate
or “dim”) whenever the main or talkback output channels are ac
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tive. This can enhance intelligibility and help prevent acoustical
feedback from occurring between the speakers and the active
microphone.
Headphone Output
The Model 215 provides a number of configuration choices that
relate to the headphone output. These choices include the head
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phone output gain range, which audio sources are utilized, how
the rotary level controls function, and what sidetone action will
take place. Four headphone control source assignment modes are
offered. These modes impact how the three rotary controls adjust
the four Dante input channels and the sidetone audio signals.
The first two modes support standard on-air applications and use
Dante audio input channels 1 and 2. In the broadcast world these
two signals are often referred to as talent cue or IFB audio. In
live television applications they typically originate in production
trailers or control rooms and provide one channel of program-
with-interrupt audio and a second channel with program-only
audio. The third and fourth configuration modes allow all four of
the Dante-provided audio sources to be utilized. These can be
useful for more complex or specialized situations.
The three headphone level controls (“rotary pots”) are provided
for setting the “mix” of the selected audio input sources as well
as adjusting the overall headphone output level. How these con
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trols function depend on the selected headphone output mode.
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 215 Announcer’s Console, Issue 5, Page 2