Manual

Issue 5, December 2018 Model 215 User Guide
Page 6 Studio Technologies, Inc.
other primary uses. Two LEDs display the
on/off status of the main output. Two addi-
tional pushbutton switches control the sta-
tus of the talkback output channels. These
are the audio signals used to communicate
with producers, directors, spotters, or other
behind-the-scenes production personnel.
A status LED is associated with each of
the talkback pushbuttons. The pushbut-
ton switches use gold-plated contacts for
reliable long-term operation and include
backlighting using white LEDs. Three
rotary controls allow the user to adjust the
content and level of the headphone output.
Microphone Input
The Model 215 provides a high-perfor-
mance microphone preamplifier which
offers low-noise, low-distortion, and high
headroom amplification over a 19 to 64 dB
range. The gain is adjustable in 3-dB steps.
A 2-digit display indicates the amplification
in dB. The microphone input is compat-
ible with balanced dynamic or condenser
microphones. Phantom power is provided
and meets the worldwide P48 standard.
A dual-color LED indicator serves as an
aid for optimizing the setting of the pre-
amplifier’s gain. Microphone signals are
connected to the Model 215 by way of a
standard 3-pin female XLR connector.
Microphone operating parameters can
be set both locally and by way of the
STcontroller remote control software
application. Two pushbutton switches,
accessible on the bottom of the unit, allow
adjustment of the microphone preamplifi-
er’s gain and the on/off status of P48 phan-
tom power. The STcontroller application
allows personal computer users to both
view and change the preamp gain and
P48 on/off status.
Output Channels and their
Operation
By way of the Dante interface, the Model
215 provides a main output channel and two
talkback output channels. The main output
channel is designed to serve as the on-air,
stadium announcement, or other primary
audio feed. The talkback output channels
are intended to provide production trucks,
control rooms, or support personnel with
talent-originated cue signals.
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 when-
ever 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 uti-
lized in an application where the Model 215
is being used in conjunction with an inter-
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.