Manual

Issue 2, August 2019 Model 371A User Guide
Page 10 Studio Technologies, Inc.
MODEL 371A
INTERCOM BELTPACK
STcontroller allows observation and selec-
tion of functions that include:
• Microphone Input – Electret Power
• Microphone Input – Gain
• Sidetone – Level
• Button Operation
• System – Mic Kill
Changes made using STcontroller will be
immediately reflected in the unit’s opera-
tion; no Model 371A “reboot” is required.
Each time a change is made the three
buttons, talk 1, talk 2, and call, on the
top panel will momentarily flash orange
in a distinctive pattern to indicate that a
command from STcontroller has been
received.
Using STcontroller
Immediately after starting STcontroller the
application will locate and display the de-
vices that it can control. The one or more
Model 371A units that are recognized will
appear in the device list. Use the Identify
command to allow easy recognition of a
specific Model 371A unit. Double clicking
on a device name will cause the associ-
ated configuration menu to appear. Re-
view the current configuration and make
changes as required.
Microphone Input – Electret Power
Choices are Enabled or Disabled.
If the headset has an electret microphone
that requires a source of low-voltage DC
power for operation enable the Electret
Power check box. If the associated head-
set has a dynamic (non-powered) micro-
phone do not enable the Electret Power
check box. Most headsets that terminate
on a 4-pin female XLR connector will not
require microphone power. The on/off
status is displayed by way of a red LED,
labeled MIC POWER, that is located adja-
cent to the headset connector.
Note that the Model 371A cannot supply
P12 or P48 phantom power that may be
required for balanced condenser (capaci-
tor) microphones. This should not pose an
issue as this type of microphone is essen-
tially never associated with a headset that
would be used for intercom applications.
Microphone Input – Gain
Choices are 22 dB, 30 dB, 42 dB, and
48 dB.
Dynamic microphones have an output
level that is typically lower than that pro-
vided by electret microphones. As such,
the 42 or 48 dB gain settings will probably
be appropriate for them. Electret micro-
phones often have internal circuitry which
provides a relatively high output level. The
22 and 30 dB gain settings will typically be
appropriate with this type of microphone.
When a dynamic microphone is con-
nected to the Model 371A the 42 dB gain
setting may be correct for many applica-
tions. Setting the gain for 48 dB may be
helpful in some applications, such as with
headsets that have a low microphone out-
put level. The 48 dB gain setting may also
be useful when the Model 371A is going
to be deployed at events where users are
not able to speak at normal levels, e.g.,
sporting events such as golf tournaments
where “whispering” may be necessary.
Electret microphones typically have a
higher output level due to their internal
preamplifier circuitry. As such, less pream-
plifier gain may be required. Selecting the
22 or 30 dB gain setting will probably be
appropriate in these cases.