Data Sheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 354 Talk Station, Issue 1, Page 3
Audio Quality
The Model 354 provides excellent audio performance. A low-noise,
wide dynamic-range microphone preamplifier and associated volt
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age-controlled-amplifier (VCA) dynamics controller (compressor)
ensures that gooseneck microphone audio quality is preserved
while minimizing the chance of signal overload. The output of the
microphone preamp and compressor is routed to an analog-to-
digital conversion (ADC) section that supports a sampling rate
of 48 kHz with a bit depth of up to 32.
As previously discussed, the Model 354 can store and replay two
audio files. These uncompressed PCM audio signals utilize the
high-quality 16-bit, monaural, WAV format.
Audio sources can arrive in the Model 354 by way of four Dante
receiver (input) channels. The supported sampling rate is 48 kHz
with a bit depth of up to 32. These signals pass into the Model
354’s 32-bit microcontroller integrated circuit and can be used as
part of background music or talent cue channels. They can also
be used in conjunction with the analog and Dante monitor output
functions. The source selected for the analog monitor output is
sent to a high-performance digital-to-analog (DAC) integrated-
circuit converter and then on to robust balanced (differential)
output circuitry. The analog monitor output is protected from con
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nection with low-voltage DC, ESD (“static”), and other potentially
damaging transients.
The audio content of the Dante transmitter (output) channels will
consist of, depending on the unit’s configuration and operating
state, a combination of gooseneck microphone, WAV audio file,
and audio input sources. The signals remain in the digital domain
and route through the 32-bit logic circuitry and on to the Dante
interface section where it is packetized and prepared for transport
over Ethernet.
Configuration Flexibility
The Model 354 can easily be configured to meet the needs of
many specific applications and user preferences. All configuration
choices are performed using the STcontroller software application.
Versions of STcontroller are available to support the WinOS® and
macOS® operating systems. Selectable configurable parameters
include microphone preamplifier gain, WAV file level trim, LED
indicator intensity and actions, and monitor output source selec
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tion and operation. In addition, each of the four output functions
can be optimized from the six available configuration choices.
These choices allow the unit to be configured to support voice
page, talent cueing (IFB), and other specialized applications.
As previously described, the functions associated with the four
pushbutton switches and output channels can be individually
configured. As an example, for a voice page application three of
the output channels might be configured to utilize a background
music source and play, before the microphone is active, a pre-
page message. The fourth output channel might be used as a
voice-page output with no background music of pre-page audio.
The four pushbutton switches would typically be configured to
provide a momentary (push to activate) function.
Red and green LEDs are associated with the unit’s four pushbutton
switches. When lit singly they will provide a red or green indica
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tion. When both are lit simultaneously, they will provide an orange
indication. A configuration choice allows selection of how the
LEDs will light under various operating conditions. This capability
is provided to assist users who have trouble observing the dif
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ferences between colors, typically issues differentiating between
red and green. The “color blindness” condition is not uncommon
in men and can make effective use of some electronic equipment
difficult. The Model 354’s ability to control the pushbutton colors
can also be useful for supporting international applications where
compliance to specific regulatory requirements is required. This
may dictate which LED color is associated with a function being
“on” and which color is associated with a function being “off.”
The four Dante receiver (input) audio sources and the way in which
they are assigned to the monitor outputs can be configured from
among five choices. These unique choices allow a number of audio
monitoring situations to be implemented. Whether for use in voice
paging, talent cueing (IFB), or other audio applications, the Model
354 should be able to achieve the desired configuration. Several
special functions allow the WAV files and gooseneck microphone
audio to be routed to the monitor outputs. Configurable using
STcontroller, these functions can allow a user to hear confirmation
audio related to the unit’s real-time operation.
Future Capabilities and Firmware
Updating
The Model 354 was designed so that its capabilities and perfor-
mance can be enhanced in the future. The unit implements a USB
host function which allows the application firmware (embedded
software) to be updated using a standard USB flash drive. And,
as previously discussed, the USB receptacle is also used to load
WAV audio files that can be stored on the same USB flash drive.
The Model 354 uses the Audinate UltimoX4™ integrated circuit
to implement its Dante interface. The firmware in this integrated
circuit can be updated via the Ethernet connection, helping to
ensure that the unit’s capabilities remain up to date.