Studio Technologies 204 Datasheet
Model 204 Announcer’s Console
Featuring Dante® Technology
Key Features
• Dante audio-over-Ethernet technology
• Digital audio and direct-microphone outputs
• One main and one talkback output channel
• Highly-flexible 2-channel headphone output
• Compact unit supports one on-air location
• Excellent audio quality
• Uses STcontroller for configuration
• Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) powered
Introduction
The Model 204 Announcer’s Console offers a unique combination of analog and digital audio resources for use in broadcast
sports, eSports, live event, entertainment, and streaming broad
cast applications. The unit is housed in a compact, rugged steel
enclosure that’s intended for table-top use. Calling the Model
204 “cute” or “cool” would be accurate; its nicely proportioned
but diminutive size makes it ideal for use in space-constrained
locations. The Model 204 supports Dante® audio-over-Ethernet
digital media technology with AES67 compatibility for integration
into contemporary applications. The unit is extremely simple to
deploy, is “pro” quality throughout, and provides an intuitive user
experience. The Model 204’s audio quality is excellent, with low
distortion, low noise, and ample headroom. Careful circuit design
and rugged components ensure long, reliable operation.
The Model 204 integrates directly into both Dante audio-overEthernet and standard analog audio environments. With just a
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection, a microphone, and a pair
of headphones or an earpiece, a complete broadcast on-air posi
tion can be created. And by using the Model 204’s microphone
output a direct connection to an analog microphone-level input
on an associated camera, remote I/O interface, or audio console
can be supported. Two remote control inputs allow external
switches or contact closures to activate the main and talkback
button functions.
Model 204 operating features are configured using the STcon
troller personal computer software application. An extensive
set of parameters allows the unit’s functions to be tailored to
meet the needs of many applications. STcontroller, compatible
with version 7 and later of the Windows® operating system, is
a fast and simple means of confirming and revising the unit’s
operating parameters.
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Applications
The Model 204 on its own can provide an “all-Dante” solution
for one on-air talent location. A wide range of applications can
be supported, including sports and entertainment TV and radio
events, streaming broadcasts, corporate and government AV
installations, and post-production facilities. The unit’s small size
makes it ideal for live-sports applications, such as basketball,
where physical space for personnel is very limited. Four Dante
receiver (audio input) channels supply the user with their tal
ent cue (IFB) signals. Should the cue signal be “mix-minus”
an integrated sidetone function can provide the user with a
microphone confidence signal. Two Dante audio output chan
nels, one designated as main and the other as talkback, are
routed via an associated local-area network (LAN) to inputs on
Dante-compatible devices. Two pushbutton switches, main and
talkback, provide the user with direct control over audio routing.
The audio switching is performed in the digital domain and is
virtually “click-free.”
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50638-0518, Issue 1
By providing the main audio signal in two forms, Dante digital
audio and analog microphone level, the Model 204 makes
integration into a wide range of on-air environments easy to
accomplish. The talkback audio channel is available as a Dante
output channel which makes routing to an input on a variety of
devices, such as matrix intercom systems, audio consoles, and
monitor loudspeaker systems, simple and flexible.
Some applications may benefit from not utilizing the Model 204’s
Dante main output channel. This typically won’t be an issue of
inadequate audio quality but rather a need to match work-flow
requirements. For example, for lip-sync or transmission purposes it may be optimal to have the on-air audio transported
as an embedded signal along with the associated camera video.
Alternately, all on-air audio sources may need to connect to in
puts on an audio console or console-related I/O unit. Supporting
these scenarios is not a problem as the Model 204 supplies a
microphone output connection that’s specifically intended for
this purpose. Simply connect the unit’s microphone output connection to the desired analog input, such as the mic/line input
on an ENG-style camera—that’s it!
The circuitry associated with the Model 204’s analog microphone
output is very simple, essentially a passive path that routes a
signal connected to the microphone input connector directly to
the microphone output connector. A solid-state circuit, in series
with the mic in-to-mic out path, allows muting of the signal on the
microphone output connector whenever the Dante main output
channel is muted. Having both the Dante main output and the
microphone outputs work in tandem can be a valuable resource,
allowing one to serve as the primary on-air signal source while
the other serves as the backup.
Setup and Operation
Set up, configuration, and operation of the Model 204 is simple.
An etherCON® RJ45 jack is used to interconnect with a stan
dard twisted-pair Ethernet port associated with a PoE-enabled
network switch. This connection provides both power and bidi
rectional digital audio. A broadcast headset or handheld (“stick”)
microphone can be directly connected to the unit’s 3-pin XLR mic
input connector. The input is compatible with dynamic or con
denser microphones. The integrated P48 phantom power source
provides support for a wide range of condenser microphones. A
3-pin XLR microphone output connector provides a “direct mic
out” function for integration with microphone inputs on related
devices. Stereo headphones, the headphone connections from
a stereo or monaural headset, or even a monaural earpiece can
be connected to the phones output jack. External switches or
contact closures can be connected to the Model 204’s remote
control inputs to allow activation of the main and talkback but
ton functions. The STcontroller software application is used to
configure the wide range of Model 204 operating parameters.
This allows the unit’s performance to be optimized to meet the
needs of specific applications.
The user is presented with two pushbutton switches and three
push-in/push-out rotary level potentiometers. This makes it
easy to control the status of the main and talkback outputs as
well as adjusting the signals that are sent to the headphone
channels.
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Model 205 Announcer’s Console size comparison to Model 215 Announcer’s Console
(size comparison is identical for Model 204 vs Model 214 Announcer’s Consoles)
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 204 Announcer’s Console, Issue 1, Page 2
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