Datasheet

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 controls
function depend on the selected headphone output mode. The first
mode can be used to support traditional on-air sports applications.
In this mode it would be typical to feed (connect) program-with-
interrupt audio to the channel 1 audio input and program-only audio
to the channel 4 audio input. Rotary control C1, located on the
left side, is used to adjust the level of the program-with-interrupt
audio signal that’s routed to the left headphone output channel.
Rotary control C2, located in the center, is used to adjust the
level of the program-only audio signal that’s routed to the right
headphone output channel. For use with dual-channel or stereo
cue signals, another headphone output mode provides a stereo
(“level/balance”) mode. In this mode rotary control C1 adjusts
the level of both input channels 1 and 2, while rotary control C2
allows adjustment of the left/right level balance. In both of these
modes rotary control C3, located on the right, is used to adjust
the level of the sidetone audio signal that is sent to both the left
and right headphone output channels.
In the third headphone output mode rotary control C1 adjusts the
level of the channel 1 input audio source before it is routed to both
the left and right headphone output channels. Rotary control C2
adjusts the level of the channel 2 audio source before it is routed
to both the left and right headphone output channels. Rotary
control C3 adjusts the level of both the channel 3 and channel 4
audio inputs which are then routed to, respectively, the left and
right headphone output channels.
The fourth headphone output mode is similar to the third with
the exception that input 1 is routed only to the left headphone
output channel while input 2 is routed only to the right headphone
output channel. Inputs 3 and 4 will function in the same way in
both modes 3 and 4.
The sidetone function allows audio from the Model 216’s micro
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phone preamplifier to be routed to the headphone output. This
can be useful, providing the user with an aural confirmation of
the signal connected to the mic input. It is especially important
when a “mix-minus” talent cue signal is provided for the user. For
application flexibility the sidetone function can be configured from
among four choices, specifying when it will be active in relation to
the status of the main and talkback functions.
To help minimize the chance of broadcast cues being missed, the
action of the level controls can be configured so that there’s al
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ways a minimum headphone output level. Alternately, the controls
can be configured to fully mute when they are at their minimum
(fully-counterclockwise) position. When the level control on the
right side is used for sidetone it will always allow the sidetone
signal to be fully muted.
The headphone output was designed to meet the needs of con
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temporary headphones and headsets. Specifically, the output
circuits act as voltage drivers rather than power drivers. In this
configuration they can provide high output levels with very low
distortion and noise, along with minimal current consumption.
The output circuits can safely drive stereo or mono loads. This
ensures that all types of headphones, headsets, and earpieces
can be directly connected.
A configuration feature allows the headphone output gain range to
be selected. The low setting is appropriate for most applications
where users need to listen at moderate levels. The high setting
can be useful when monitoring at higher levels is warranted by
an application.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent to and from the Model 216 using the Dante
Audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. For flexibility
in meeting a variety of sonic requirements bit depths of up to 24
and sample rates of 44.1 and 48 kHz are supported.
Audio transmitter (output) and receiver (input) channels on
associated Dante-enabled devices can be assigned to the Model
216 using the Dante Controller software application. This makes
selecting the way in which the Model 216 fits into an application
a simple matter. For example, the main audio output channel can
be assigned to the input of an audio console. The talkback audio
output channels could be assigned to inputs of a matrix intercom
system. No special routing or “multing” using cables or patch
points is required to send the output channels to multiple desti
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nations. And a single mouse-click is all that’s required to reroute
the audio signals.
On the input side, the Model 216 allows up to four headphone
cue sources to be received from an audio console, matrix intercom
system, or a variety of other Dante-enabled devices; the sources
don’t need to originate from the same device. “Program” audio
could be supplied by an audio console while “IFB” (interrupted
foldback or talent cue) audio could be supplied by a matrix inter
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com system.
Ethernet Data, PoE, and DC Power
Source
The Model 216 connects to a data network using a standard 100
Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface. The physical interconnec
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tion is made by way of a Neutrik
®
etherCON RJ45 connector.
While compatible with standard RJ45 plugs, etherCON allows a
ruggedized and locking interconnection for harsh or high-reliability
environments. The Model 216’s operating power can be provided
by way of the Ethernet interface using the Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) standard. This allows fast and efficient interconnection with
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 216 Announcer’s Console, Issue 5, Page 3