Datasheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 391 Dante Alerting Unit, Issue 3, Page 2
select the real-time action of the visual indicator, audio sounder, and
line output. For example, a Model 391 placed in a theater’s “green
room” could provide a visual “quiet on the set” indication.
This might be useful to provide an on-air or program audio feed to
inputs on various pieces of audio equipment. The line output can
also be configured to be active only when a call signal is present.
This could serve as a paging output or allow an audio call function
to be implemented.
In addition to responding to intercom beltpack call requests, the
Model 391 can also be used in many other applications. These
include allowing one of the contact closure inputs on a Studio
Technologies’ Model 44D Interface to trigger the alerting functions
on a Model 391. Being Dante networked audio devices, the units
will function together as long as they are located on same network,
whether the devices are in the same room or on the opposite sides
of a university campus. The Model 391’s analog line output offers
a unique resource. It can be configured as an always-active output
that follows one of the audio inputs associated with the Model 391.
Additionally, signals generated by other products, such as the Stu
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dio Technologies’ Models 214 and 215 Announcer’s Consoles, will
allow the Model 391 to serve as a broadcast “on-air” indicator.
Features
For visual alerting the Model 391 incorporates a trapezoidal-prism-
shaped polycarbonate lens with multiple red/green/blue (RGB)
LEDs. The unit is typically placed on an audio console, lighting
board, or on top of an equipment rack. The visual indicator provides
a highly visible 360-degree viewing field. Configuration choices
allow selection of the exact color, intensity, and lighting cadence.
Another selection determines what action will cause the LEDs
to activate. It can respond to a call signal or can remain enabled
as a status indication. This allows the Model 391 to be used in a
variety of alerting applications, ranging from a request to join an
intercom conversation to providing a “rehearsal in progress” or
“closed set” indication.
A configuration choice allows call signals to be simultaneously
detected on audio input channels 1 and 2. Unique colors will be
displayed in response to a call signal on channel 1 versus a call
signal on channel 2.
The Model 391 includes an audio sounder whose output will “cut
through” ambient audio to gain the attention of nearby personnel.
The character of the sounder was selected to be effective at gain
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ing attention rather than being pleasant. The overall level range of
the sounder can be configured while the precise value can be set
by the user by way of a rotary potentiometer. The action of the
sounder can be configured from among multiple choices, including
continuous, beep, and pulse. A delay can also be selected so that
the visual indicator can activate first while the sounder will enable
only after the selected period of time has elapsed. This could help
prevent users from being annoyed by the sounder if they are able
to quickly respond to the visual alert.
A unique Model 391 feature is the line output. Interfaced using a
standard 3-pin XLR audio connector, the balanced analog line-level
output signal is compatible with inputs on devices such as audio
consoles and amplified speakers. A configuration choice allows
the on/off status of the line output to be selected. One choice
designates that the line output be active only when a call signal is
received. This allows voice signals to be provided to users simulta
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neously with visual and sounder activation. The line output can also
be configured to be continuously active, acting as a general-purpose
analog output signal from either of the two Dante input channels.
The Model 391 provides two operating modes, each with a fully-
independent operating configuration. A pushbutton switch and two
associated LED indicators on the Model 391’s front panel allows
observation and selection of the desired operating mode. By al
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lowing two independent configurations the Model 391 can offer
two unique sets of application-specific alerting conditions. As an
example, Mode 1 might be considered a “rehearsal” mode where
both a bright visual indicator and a loud sounder output are desired
whenever a call signal is received. Mode 2 could be configured as
a “performance” mode and enabled whenever an event is actively
taking place. The configuration for this mode might have the audio
sounder disabled and the intensity, color, and action of the visual
indicator selected to be unobtrusive.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio and related data is sent to the Model 391 using the Dante
audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. As a Dante-
compliant device, the Model 391’s two input (Dante receiver) audio
channels can be assigned (routed) from source devices using the
Dante Controller software application. The Model 391 is compat
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ible with Dante digital audio sources that have a sampling rate of
48 kHz and a bit depth of up to 24. Two bi-color LEDs provide an
indication of the Dante connection status.