User Guide

Issue Preliminary 1, August 2021 Model 354 User Guide
Page 10 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 354
TALK STATION
integrated level control, the analog monitor output’s
signal is “pre-fader,” that is with no interaction from the
Model 354’s level control. In the Fixed 0 (Pre-Fader)
mode the monitor output has a fixed nominal output
level of 0 dBu. This can be useful as a “professional”
line-level output for connection with audio routers,
intercom systems, audio transport equipment, or a
local monitoring system. In both of the fixed modes,
the level control on the front of the Model 354 will not
impact the level of the monitor output. (The audio sig-
nal is presented to the analog monitor output circuitry
before (“pre”) the level control.)
The analog monitor output is presented on a 3-pin
male XLR connector which is located on the Model
354’s back panel. An interface cable prepared for
connection to the analog monitor output should use
a 3-pin female XLR connector that is wired such that
pin 2 is connected as signal + (high), pin 3 as signal
– (low), and pin 1 as common/shield. To connect to
an unbalanced input use XLR pin 2 as signal + (high)
and pin 1 as low/shield. Pin 3 should be left uncon
-
nected. To clarify, for correct unbalanced operation it
is important not to connect pin 3 to anything; do not
connect pins 1 and 3 together.
Dante Configuration
For audio to pass to and from the Model 354 requires
configuration of several Dante-related parameters.
These configuration settings are stored in non-volatile
memory within the Model 354’s circuitry. Configura-
tion will typically be done with the Dante Controller
software application which is available for download
free of charge at audinate.com. Versions of Dante
Controller are available to support Windows® and
macOS® operating systems.
The Model 354’s Dante interface is compatible with
the Dante Domain Manager (DDM) software applica
-
tion. Refer to the DDM documentation, also available
from Audinate, for details on which Model 354 and
related parameters may need to be configured.
Audio Routing
The Model 354 has four transmitter (output) and four
receiver (input) channels that are associated with the
unit’s Dante interface. The transmitter (output) chan-
nels must be assigned to the desired Dante receiver
(input) channels on one or two devices. This achieves
routing of the Model 354’s audio output channels
to the device (or devices) that will be “listening” to
them. In addition, the unit’s four Dante receiver (input)
channels can be subscribed (routed) with one or two
devices that supply the desired Dante transmitter
(output) channels. These four audio input channels
can provide the monitor, talent cue (IFB program or
non-interrupt), or background music signals needed
for a specific application. These receiver (input)
channels can also be used in a confirmation man
-
ner, controlling the state of an associated transmitter
(output) channel’s high-frequency tone signal. Note
that within Dante Controller a “subscription” is the term
used for routing a transmitter flow (a group of up to
four output channels) to a receiver flow (a group of
input channels).
The Model 354 uses an UltimoX4 integrated circuit
to implement its Dante functionality. The number of
flows associated with this integrated circuit is four; two
transmitter (output) and two receiver (input). With this
small number of flows it’s possible that a flow limitation
condition could occur. A flow can be unicast, multicast,
or a combination of the two. If the Model 354’s Dante
transmitter (output) channels need to be subscribed
(routed) to more than two flows it’s possible that an
intermediary device, such as the Studio Technologies’
Model 5422A Dante Intercom Audio Engine, can be
used to “repeat” the signals with little chance of reach
-
ing a flow limitation.
Note that when the AES67 mode has been enabled
in the Dante Controller application the Model 354’s
Dante transmitter (output) channels will only function
in multicast; unicast is not supported.
Unit and Channel Names
The Model 354 has a default Dante device name of
ST-M354- and a unique suffix. The suffix identifies
the specific Model 354 that is being configured. The
suffix’s actual alpha and/or numeric characters relate
to the MAC address of the unit’s UltimoX4 integrated
circuit. The four Dante transmitter (output) channels
have default names of Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, and Ch4/
Monitor Output. The four Dante receiver (input)
channels have default names of Ch1, Ch2, Ch3, and
Ch4. Using Dante Controller, the default device name
and channel names can be revised as appropriate for
the specific application.