Datasheet

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 5304 Intercom Station, Issue 3, Page 2
Set up and configuration of the Model 5304 is simple. An
RJ45 jack is used to interconnect with a standard twist-
ed-pair Ethernet port associated with a local-area network
(LAN). This connection provides both power and bidirec-
tional digital audio. Two LEDs provide an indication of the
Ethernet connection’s status. A broadcast or intercom-style
stereo or monaural headset with a dynamic or electret
(DC-powered) microphone interfaces with the unit using
a 5-pin XLR connector. A 3-conductor 3.5 mm jack allows
connection of two external switches or contact closures to
activate two selected talk channels.
The STcontroller software application is used to select the
unit’s operating parameters. STcontroller is available, free
of charge, from the Studio Technologies’ website. Versions
are available that are compatible with the Windows
®
and
macOS
®
operating systems. STcontroller is a fast and
simple means of configuring, revising, saving, and loading
a unit’s operating parameters.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent to and received from the Model 5304 us-
ing the Dante audio-over-Ethernet media networking tech-
nology. As a Dante-compliant device, the Model 5304’s four
Dante transmitter (output) and four Dante receiver (input)
audio channels can be assigned (routed or “subscribed”)
with other devices using the Dante Controller software
application. The Dante transmitter (output) and receiver
(input) channels are limited to supporting four Dante flows,
two in each direction. The Dante digital audio’s bit depth
is up to 24 with a sample rate of 48 kHz.
The Model 5304 is compliant with the AES67 interopera-
bility standard. In addition, the unit is compatible with the
Dante Domain Manager™ (DDM) software application.
Audio Quality
The Model 5304’s audio quality is completely “pro.” A
low-noise, wide dynamic-range microphone preamplifier
and associated analog dynamics controller (compressor)
circuit ensures that microphone audio quality is preserved
and minimizes the chance of signal overload. If desired, DC
power can be enabled to support electret microphones.
The output of the microphone preamp and compressor is
routed to an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) section
that supports a sample rate of 48 kHz with a bit depth of
up to 24. The audio signal, now in the digital domain, travels
through the unit’s 32-bit microcontroller integrated circuit
and on to the Dante interface section where it is packetized
and prepared for transport over Ethernet.
The microphone audio signal can also be routed to the
headphone output whenever one or more of the “talk”
channels are active. This “sidetone” function supports the
user by allowing them to monitor the audio associated with
their own microphone. The level of the sidetone signal can
be configured from among five choices as well as being
disabled.
Audio signals arrive in the Model 5304 by way of four Dante
receiver (input) channels. These audio signals pass into
the Model 5304’s microcontroller integrated circuit where
channel routing, headphone level control, and sidetone
functionality are performed within the digital domain. Five
rotary encoders allow the level of each input channel, and
the overall level, to be adjusted. The mix of audio signals
destined for the 2-channel headphone output is sent to
a high-performance digital-to-analog converter (DAC)
integrated circuit and then on to robust driver circuitry.
High signal levels can be provided to a variety of headsets,
headphones, and earpieces.
User Controls and Indicators
The Model 5304’s front panel includes five rotary controls
(multi-step “encoders”), five pushbutton switches, and an
8-segment multipurpose display. Four of the encoders are
used to adjust the listen level of the four Dante receiver
(input) audio channels. They are also used to fully mute an
input as well as activating a channel “solo” listen function.
Using RGB (red-green-blue) LEDs, the knob associated
with each encoder can illuminate, displaying three colors to
represent the approximate level of the audio input signal,
lighting purple if the channel is fully muted, or flashing or
lighting orange when an in-band (20 kHz tone) call signal is
detected. An additional rotary encoder is used to control the
overall audio level of the signals being sent to the headset
outputs. It can also be used to fully mute the headphone
output channels.