Datasheet

Output Channels and their Operation
By way of the Dante interface, the Model 216 provides a main out-
put channel and three 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.
A large part of the Model 216’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 production ap
-
plications, 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 pushbutton performs a
momentary mute of the audio signal associated with the main out
-
put 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 ac
-
tive 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 associated 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 three pushbutton switches associated with the talkback func
-
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 previous
paragraph. The hybrid mode is especially useful when the Model
216 is used in a production-support application.
Overall Model 216 operation can be configured from among one
on-air and four production modes. The Model 216’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 are 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 216 can be configured to
operate in one of four production modes. These allow the main
output to be used as a fourth 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 (talent
cueing) console for a sports-event spotter, musical director, or
production assistant. In addition to changing how the main output
functions, two of the production modes also support using the
headphone output for connection with amplified speakers. In these
modes the headphone output level will automatically be reduced
(attenuate or dim) whenever the main or talkback output chan
-
nels are active. This can enhance intelligibility and help prevent
acoustical feedback from occurring between the speakers and
the active microphone.
REMI IFB Creation
Two production modes, production with tone and production with
dim and tone, are specifically included to support the tone oper
-
ated IFB function that’s part of the Studio Technologies’ Model
5422 Dante Intercom Audio Engine. These modes add an 18 kHz
sine-wave signal to the talk audio so that activation of the Model
5422’s TOX (tone operated interrupt) IFB function will occur.
The TOX function supports the REMI production model where
production personnel are present at one physical location while a
broadcast event takes place at another. Only audio paths linking
the sites are required for professional-quality IFB signals to be cre
-
ated. The Model 216 can serve as a 4-channel IFB master station
while the Model 5422, located at the event site, will perform the
switching between interrupt audio (coming from the Model 216)
and program audio (originating at the event site).
Headphone Output
The Model 216 provides a number of configuration choices that
relate to the headphone output. These choices include the head
-
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.
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 216 Announcer’s Console, Issue 5, Page 2