Sonifex CM-CU21 Datasheet

CM-CU21

Commentator Unit 2 Commentators & 1 Guest

2016

Catalogue

Talkback & Commentary - CM-CU21

CM-CU21 Commentator Unit 2 Commentators & 1 Guest

Category: Talkback & Commentary.
Product Function: Commentator unit for

two commentary positions and a guest
position.

Typical Applications: Used in sports

grounds and arenas by commentators to
produce commentary & hear talkback.

Features:

• 2 Commentator positions plus a guest
position, each with individual outputs;
plus 2 mix outputs.

• Talkback outputs selectable by the
two main commentators, with built in
limiter & adjustable gain.

• 4 Return audio circuits that are routed
to headphones along with all the
commentator inputs. Any source can
be individually level controlled and

sent to left, right or both ears.

• A wide input gain range and switchable
phantom power on each commentary
position allows support of a variety of
microphone types including low output
ribbon, headsets and high output
phantom powered microphones.

• Individually switched 48V phantom
power on all microphone inputs.

• User preset adjustable limiter on
main mix outputs with limit activity
indication.

• Built in line-up tone for cabling checks.

• 21 Segment LED PPM meter showing
main output level.

• Transformer balanced inputs and
outputs.

• Fitted formica ‘Sharpie’ designation
strips.

• Robust mechanical design with
protection for potentiometer knobs.

• Universal AC mains, or 12-24 volt
DC power.

The CM-CU21 is a high quality, portable
Comment
and flexibility of features make it suitable
for use in a wide variety of environments.

Sonifex has a solution for those
situations where a separate commentary
unit is required, or where ISDN/pots

ator Unit. Its sturdy construction

communications, or a complex digital
solution aren’t needed. The CM-CU21
stand alone commentator unit is a rugged,
reliable solution which includes all the
features needed to ensure that up to two
play-by-play announcers can provide their
expertise, together with a guest position for

CM-CU21 Commentator Unit Top View.

Talkback & Commentary - CM-CU21

further analysis by a visiting ex-professional,
pundit (color commentator in the USA), or
co-commentator. The guest position can
alternatively be used as a line-level input
for special effects such as the sounds of
the action and spectators, also heard in the
background.

Each of the 3 announcer positions has
an individual output, with two additional
outputs providing a mix of all active
commentary channels. A limit indicator on

the main panel shows when the adjustable
limiter on the mix outputs is active, and a
bright 21 segment LED PPM meter, which
can be disabled, shows the main output
level. Two talkback output channels, with
a built in limiter and adjustable gain,
are available to each of the two main
commentators and they can be linked to
provide simultaneous operation.

A wide input gain range and switchable
phantom power on each commentary

CM-CU21 Commentator Unit Front View.

CM-CU21 Commentator Unit Rear View.

Talkback & Commentary - CM-CU21

position allows support of a v

ariety of
microphone types including low output
ribbon mics, headsets and high output
phantom powered microphones. The
microphone level controls are accessible on
the front panel but can be protected from
adjustment by an optional cover plate if
required. There are 4 transformer balanced
return audio inputs which, along with the
commentator inputs, are routed to the
headphone monitor controls. These could
be used to pass referee remarks to the
sportscasters, as well as comments from
guests in the studio.

The headphone input controls are very
comprehensive allowing either of the two
main announcers total control so that any
monitor input can be adjusted in volume
and sent to either the left, right or both
ears. The switches are slightly recessed so
that they can’t easily be knocked and the
volume knobs are fitted so that the bottom
skirt of the knob is below the level of the
panel, so that they can’t fall off. Fitted
Formica ‘Sharpie’ designation strips are
used under each of the level controls so
that different input and source types can be
dynamically annotated.

A GPIO port gives an independent open­collector driven output indication for any
of the three active On-Air or four talkback
channels. Four remote inputs provide an
external call/alert to each of the talkback
controls which flashes the selected T/B
button amber when used, to indicate active
talkback.

The unit has a built in line-up tone generator
for easy channel identification and cabling
checks. When enabled, the test-tone is
routed to the required output simply
by pressing the corresponding on air or
talkback button.

An On-Air lock switch prevents the On-Air
buttons from being accidentally deactivated
and this can be over-ridden with a single
push button on the rear panel for individual
circumstances where an announcer needs to
go off air. A talkback (T/B) gang switch links
the operation of talkbacks A & B to make
the talkback buttons easier to use by the
announcers.

CM-CU21CP Commentator Unit Front Cover Plate.

A flexible range of options allow the
CM-CU21 to be customised to better
suit the operational and user’s personal
requirements. These include options for
momentary or latching operation of the
talkback buttons, permanently enabling or
disabling any of the commentator inputs,
default headphone signal routing and main
panel indicator illumination levels.

The CM-CU21 Commentator Unit can be
powered from a universal mains input
between 85-264V AC at 47-63Hz, or from
a 12-24V DC input, both on the rear panel.
A transport case, the CM-CU21TP, is also
available to protect the CM-CU21 which
also has space for two headsets and/or
microphones.

Accessories

CM-CU21CP: This is an optional

Commentator Unit Front Cover Plate which
is attached to the front of the CM-CU21
to avoid accidental tampering with the
microphone gain and phantom power
control settings.

CM-CUTC: This is an optional carry case

ansport the CM-CU1 or CM-CU21

to tr
commentator unit along with 2 x headsets
and 2 x ribbon mics.

CM-CUTC Commentator Unit Transport Case.

Talkback & Commentary - CM-CU21

Specification For CM-CU21

Microphone Input

Gain Range: +20dB to +86dB

Maximum Input Level: -6dBu

Equivalent Input Noise: 130dB Ref. 80dB gain with

 ϭϱϬёƚĞƌŵŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ

Equivalent Input Noise: 128dB Ref. 50dB gain with

 ϭϱϬёƚĞƌŵŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ

C.M.R.R. >60dB

Frequency Response: ±0.5dB 20Hz to 22kHz
Ref 50dB gain @ 1kHz

Electronically Balanced Line Input

Gain Range: -83dB to +10dB

Maximum Input Level: +25dBu

C.M.R.R. >70dB

Frequency Response: ±0.2dB 20Hz to 22kHz
Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz

Transformer Balanced Monitor Inputs

Gain Range: -66dB to +11dB measured
@ Headphone output

Maximum Input Level: +21dBu

C.M.R.R. >55dB

Frequency Response: ±0.5dB 20Hz to 22kHz
Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz

Transformer Balanced Main Outputs

Maximum Output Level
(Limiter Off): +24dBu

Frequency Response: ±0.5dB 20Hz to 22kHz
Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz

Noise: -94dB Average weighting
Ref +8dBu

THD & N: <0.02% Ref. 1kHz @ +8dBu

THD & N: <0.065% Ref. 1kHz
@ +18dBu

1% Distortion Point: +18dBu @ 24Hz

Transformer Balanced Talkback Outputs

Maximum Output +8dBu
Level Limited:

Frequency Response: ±0.5dB 20Hz to 22kHz
Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz

Noise: -94dB Average weighting
Ref +8dBu

THD & N: <0.02% Ref. 1kHz @ +8dBu

Gain Adjustment: 0dB to +12dB

Electronically Balanced Comm Outputs

Maximum Output +25dBu
Level:

Frequency Response: ±0.2dB 20Hz to 22kHz
Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz

Noise: -98dB Average weighting
Ref+8dBu

THD & N: <0.002% Ref. 1kHz @ +8dBu

Headphone Outputs

Gain Range: -70dB to +7dB

Maximum Output Level: +19dBu

Frequency Response: ±0.5dB 20Hz to 22kHz
Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz

Noise: -85dB Average weighting
Ref +8dBu

THD & N: <0.005% Ref. 1kHz @ +8dBu

Main Panel Operational Controls & Indicators

On-Air 1-3 Buttons: Illuminated buttons with
latching action

Talkback A & B Buttons: Illuminated buttons with
selectable momentary and/or
latching action

Headphone Monitor Input source level
Controls: adjust ment potentiometers
Headphone channel
selection switches

Line Input Level: Guest position line input
mode level potentiometer

PPM Meter: 21 segment display showing
mix output level, brightness
level Is selectable

Limit LED: Indicates mix output limiter is
active, colour & brightness
level is selectable

Power LED: Indicates operating mode;
normal or setup

Front Panel Operational Controls

Phantom: Switch to enable 48V microphone
phantom power for positions 1 & 2

Phantom/Line: Switch to enable 48V microphone
phantom power or select line
input mode for position 3

Mic Gain: Microphone gain potentiometer
and range select switch selects
+20db to +56dB or +50dB to +86dB

Rear Panel Operational Controls

On Air Lock: Switch to prevent On Air controls
from being deactivated
Momentary push-button to
override on air lock

T/B Gang: Switch to link operation of
talkbacks A & B

T/B Gain: 0dB to +12dB

Limiter: Switch to enable limiter on
mix outputs
Limit level adjustment
potentiometer

Test Tone: Switch to enable 1 kHz
line-up tone

Configuration Options – Accessible via Setup Mode

On Air Control Mode: Disabled, normal or `
permanently on

Talkback Button Action: Momentary, latching or both

Headphone Routing: Position 3 line mode input
routed/not routed to
positions 1 & 2 headphones
Position 1-3 inputs permanently
routed/not routed to headphone
monitors

Display Preferences: Limit LED colour and
brightness
Button LED brightness
PPM meter LED brightness
disable

Permanent Option Save/load options to/from
Backup: permanent backup or return
to factory defaults

Front Panel Connections

Headphone Outputs: 2 x locking headphone jack
socket for positions 1 & 2
1 x headphone jack socket
for position 3

Microphone Inputs: 2 x XLR-3 pin latching female
for positions 1 & 2

Microphone/Line Input: 1 x XLR-3 pin latching
female for position 3

Rear Panel Connections

Prog, A, B & C Inputs: 4 x XLR-3 pin female
(transformer balanced)

Comm1-3 Outputs: 3 x XLR-3 pin male (electronic
balanced)

Talkback A & B Outputs: 2 x XLR-3 pin male (transformer
balanced)

Mix 1 & 2 Outputs: 2 x XLR-3 pin male (transformer
balanced)

GPIO Port: 15-way ‘D’-type socket

Mains Input: Universal filtered IEC,
continuously rated
85-264VAC, 47-63Hz, 10W

Fuse Rating: Anti-surge fuse 1A
20 x 5mm

DC Input: XLR-4 pin male 12V DC,
650mA Typical, 850mA Maximum
24V DC, 325mA Typical,425mA
Maximum

Earth Point: M4 stud.

Equipment Type

CM-CU21 Commentator unit,
2 presenter and 1 guest
positions

Physical Specification

Dimensions (Raw): 27cm (W) x 23cm (D) x 7cm
(H - front) x 9.5cm (H - rear)

10.6” (W) x 9” (D) x 2.8” (H - front)
x 3.74” (H - rear)

Dimensions (Boxed): 38cm (W) x 35cm (D) x 20cm (H)
15” (W) x 13.8” (D) x 7.8” (H)

Weight: Nett: 3.34kg Gross: 4.32kg
Nett: 7.35lbs Gross: 9.5lbs

Accessories

CM-CU21CP: Commentator unit front
cover plate
CM-CUTC: Commentator unit transport case

Dimensions (Raw): 53cm (W) x 21cm (D) x 41.5cm (H)

20.9” (W) x 8.3” (D) x 16.3” (H)

Dimensions (Boxed): 60cm (W) x 26cm(D) x 42cm (H)

23.6” (W) x 10.2” (D) x 16.5” (H)

Weight: Net: 4.0kg Gross: 5.0kg
Net: 8.8lbs Gross: 11.0lbs

www.sonifex.co.uk

UK Ofce:

Sonifex Ltd

61 Station Road, Irthlingborough,
Northants, NN9 5QE, UK
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Australian Ofce:

Sonifex Pty Ltd

12/6 Leighton Place,
Hornsby NSW 2077, Australia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]