User Guide Issue 5, November 2017 This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers M216-00151 and later with application firmware 2.1 and later Copyright © 2017 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved www.studio-tech.
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Table of Contents Revision History ............................................................ 4 Introduction ................................................................... 5 System Features ........................................................... 5 Installation ..................................................................... 11 Configuration ................................................................ 13 Dante® Configuration ................................................... 21 Operation .
Revision History Issue 5, November 2017: 1. Documents two new system modes: production with tone and production with dim and tone. (Added to support tone-operated (TOX) IFB functionality in Model 5422 Dante Intercom Audio Engine.) Issue 4, July 2017: 1. Documents that the unit now supports the STcontroller software application. 2. Documents the new configurable headphone output level feature. Issue 3, March 2017: 1. Documents revised headphone operating mode choices.
Introduction What This User Guide Covers This User Guide is designed to assist you when installing, configuring, and using Model 216 Announcer’s Consoles. Additional background technical information is also provided. System Overview The Model 216 Announcer’s Console is designed to serve as the audio control center for announcers, commentators, and production personnel. This tabletop unit supports applications utilizing the Dante® Audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology.
intended for on-air, announcement, or other primary uses. Two LEDs display the on/off status of the main output. Three additional pushbutton switches control the status 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 three pushbutton switches associated with the talkback functions 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.
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-withinterrupt 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 headphone output was designed to meet the needs of contemporary 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.
Configuration and Flexibility Model 216 configuration settings can be made using twelve DIP switches and two pushbutton switches. The STcontroller software application can be used to view and change the gain of the microphone preamplifier and the on/off status of P48 phantom power. The 12-position switch array configures parameters such as the pushbutton operating modes, headphone operating mode, sidetone function, and the overall system mode.
Installation In this section signal interconnections will be made using the connectors located on the back panel of the Model 216. A microphone signal will be interfaced by way of a 3-pin XLR connector. A ¼-inch 3-conductor phone jack is provided for the headphone output. An Ethernet data connection will be made using either a standard RJ45 patch cable or an etherCON protected RJ45 plug. A 4-pin XLR connector allows the connection of an external source of 12 volts DC.
Headphone Output The Model 216’s headphone output is compatible with stereo or mono headphones, headsets, or earpieces. Connecting devices with a nominal impedance of 100 ohms or greater is preferred. This shouldn’t prove to be an issue since essentially all of the contemporary devices meet this recommendation. Devices are connected to the headphone output by way of a ¼-inch 3-conductor phone jack located on the Model 216’s back panel.
connected. For redundancy, both PoE and the external source can be connected at the same time. If both PoE and an external 12 volt DC source are connected, power will be drawn only from the PoE supply. If the PoE source becomes inoperative the 12 volt DC source will provide the Model 216’s power with no interruption in operation. The clear lens on top of each pushbutton cap can be removed with a fingernail or small screwdriver.
To prevent unauthorized personnel from changing the configuration settings, a security panel is attached to the bottom of the Model 216’s enclosure. For convenience, the security panel provides a summary of the configurable parameters and related information. Refer to Appendix A for a representative view. The security panel is held in place by means of four rubber bumpers (“feet”) that have built-in screws. Using your fingers, remove the four bumpers so that the panel can be removed.
Selecting the correct amount of gain for an application might take a little experimentation. The goal is to bring the mic’s signal up to the Dante reference level which is typically considered to be –20 dBFS. (This is 20 dB below digital maximum.) Operating at this signal level will help ensure the delivery of “clean” audio to the destination device or devices. There’s no “perfect” gain setting that this guide can recommend.
The application is available for download on the Studio Technologies website (www.studio-tech.com). Its initial release is compatible with the Windows® operating system. Changes made using the application will be displayed in real-time on the Model 216’s 2-digit display. Changes made to the mic pre gain and P48 on/off status using the Model 216’s pushbutton switches will be displayed in STcontroller.
• Push to Talk: In this mode the audio signal on the main output channel is normally muted. The main audio signal will become active whenever the pushbutton is pressed and held. • Latching: In this mode the audio signal on the main output channel will change between its active and muted states whenever the pushbutton is pressed. Upon power up the audio signal on the main output will be in its muted state. • Hybrid: This mode is a combination of push to talk and latching action.
Sidetone Switches 5 and 6 configure the way the sidetone function operates. Figure 6. Sidetone switch settings Four modes are available: Figure 7. Headphone operating mode switch settings • Off: In this mode the sidetone function not active. There are four choices available: • Main Button: In this mode the sidetone function will be active whenever the audio signal is present on the main output channel.
audio inputs 1 and 2 are controlled by rotary level control C1, located on the left side of the front panel. The balance (relative level) of both these signals is controlled by rotary level control C2, located in the center of the front panel. Sidetone audio is assigned to both the left and right headphone output channels and its level is controlled by rotary level control C3, located on the right side of the front panel. Audio inputs 3 and 4 are not used.
When the rotary level control on the right side of the front panel has been assigned to control the sidetone level the setting of the headphone minimum level mode will not impact it. In this case when the control is in its fully counterclockwise position it will always cause the sidetone level to be fully muted. System Mode Switches 10, 11, and 12 are used to configure the system mode of the Model 216.
• When the system mode is set for production with tone it functions the same as when in the production mode except that an 18 kHz sine wave tone is added to the talk audio signal. This mode is specifically included to allow the Model 216 to function as an IFB master station when used in conjunction with the Studio Technologies Model 5422 Dante Intercom Audio Engine’s tone operated (TOX) IFB function.
Using Dante Controller these names can be revised as appropriate for the specific application. The Model 216 will support audio sample rates of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz with the ability to select pull-up/pull-down values. These parameters can be selected using the Dante Controller application but in most applications 48 kHz will be appropriate. The Model 216 can serve as the clock master for a Dante network but in most cases that would not be optimal.
unit’s Dante interface. This will be covered in detail in the next section of this guide. After the power-up sequence has completed the Model 216 will begin normal operation. Depending on the selected configuration, one status LED associated with the main pushbutton switch may be lit. The user is now presented with four pushbutton switches, five LEDs, and three rotary controls. These are simple to operate and understand, as will be described in later paragraphs.
operates depends on the selected configuration. Five LED indicators are located adjacent to the pushbuttons and reflect the status of the audio signals associated with the main and talkback output channels. The pushbuttons’ clear lenses are backlit using white LEDs. The intensity (brightness) of the LEDs is configured from a choice of two values, low or high.
Talkback activity will always cause the audio signal associated with the main output channel to be placed in its muted state. If the audio signal was in the “latched-on” state when talkback activity began, once talkback activity ends that state will resume; the audio signal associated with the main output channel will again be in its on (“latched”) state.
Each level control has a mechanical step (detent) that is located at the halfway (50%) position of its rotation range. This is intended to serve as an aid to Model 216 users. In an ideal installation, setting the controls to their detent position will result in a comfortable headphone output level. The user, in response to a changing operating environment, can then move the level controls to get more or less level as desired. The detent position will always remain as a useful reference point.
referred to as auto-IP (PIPPA). Link-local will assign an IP address in the IPv4 range of 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.254. In this way multiple Dante-enabled devices can be connected together and automatically function, whether or not a DHCP server is active on the LAN. Even two Dante-enabled devices that are directly interconnected using an RJ45 patch cord will correctly acquire IP addresses and be able to communicate and transport audio.
Additional Connectors Locations Two spare connector locations are provided on the Model 216’s back panel. They are labeled A and B. From the factory they contain blank plates that can be readily removed and replaced with a variety of “XLR style” connectors. The spare connector locations are specifically included so that a Model 216 can be customized to meet the many specific needs that arise in broadcast and related audio applications.
Molex part number 08-50-0114 specifies crimp terminals that are appropriate for 22 to 30 gauge wires. These terminals are available worldwide from sources such as Digi-Key (www.digikey.com). To make the process of connecting to the Model 216’s headers a simple task an interface cable kit, part number 31087, is available from Studio Technologies. Each kit includes five cable assemblies and a length of heat-shrinkable tubing.
Pushbutton Backlighting From the factory, white LEDs are installed in the pushbutton housings. These LEDs provide illumination (“backlighting”) of the pushbutton switches. This may prove useful for applications where adequate room lighting is not available. It’s important to note that the pushbutton lighting does not provide a tally function; it is intended to illuminate the pushbutton’s clear lens and associated labeling.
2. Ensure that nothing is present in the USB port. Then again apply power to the unit and “read” the currently loaded firmware version using the 2-digit LED display. Note this for later reference. 3. Remove power from the Model 216. 4. Insert the prepared USB flash drive into the Model 216’s USB port, located on the back panel of the unit. 5. Apply power to the Model 216.
Specifications Power Sources: Power-over-Ethernet (PoE): class 2 (low power) per IEEE 802.3af External: 10 to 18 volts DC, 270 mA max @ 12 volts DC Network Audio Technology: Type: Dante Audio-over-Ethernet Bit Depth: up to 24 Sample Rates: 44.
Appendix A Attached to the bottom of the unit is a security panel with text that provides a summary of the configurable parameters and related information. Model 216 Announcer’s Console Configuration Settings For full documentation go to www.studio-tech.
Appendix B The following list provides details on the 3-pin header connectors located on the Model 216’s printed circuit board. Shown are both reference numbers and associated functions.
