Studio Technologies 205 Datasheet

Model 205 Announcer’s Console

Featuring Dante® Technology

Key Features

• Dante audio-over-Ethernet technology

• Digital audio and direct-microphone outputs

• One main and two talkback output channels

• 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 205 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
205 “cute” or “cool” would be accurate; its nicely proportioned
but diminutive size makes it ideal for use in space-constrained
locations. The Model 205 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 205’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 205 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
position can be created. And by using the Model 205’s micro
phone 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/or
talkback button functions.

Model 205 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 205 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 micro
phone confidence signal. Three Dante audio output channels,
one designated as main and two as talkback, are routed via
an associated local-area network (LAN) to inputs on Dante­compatible devices. Three pushbutton switches, main and two
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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By providing the main audio signal in two forms, Dante digital
audio and analog microphone level, the Model 205 makes
integration into a wide range of on-air environments easy to
accomplish. And with the two talkback audio channels avail

­able as Dante output channels, routing to inputs on a variety of
devices, such as matrix intercom systems, audio consoles, and
monitor loudspeaker systems, is simple and flexible.

Some applications may benefit from not utilizing the Model 205’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. Al

­ternately, all on-air audio sources may need to connect to inputs
on an audio console or console-related I/O unit. Supporting
these scenarios is not a problem as the Model 205 supplies a
microphone output connection that’s specifically intended for
this purpose. Simply connect the unit’s microphone output con

­nection 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 205’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 205 is
simple. An etherCON® RJ45 jack is used to interconnect
with a standard twisted-pair Ethernet port associated with a
PoE-enabled network switch. This connection provides both
power and bidirectional 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 condenser microphones. The integrated P48
phantom power source provides support for a wide range of
condenser microphones. A 3-pin XLR microphone output con
nector 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 205’s remote control inputs to allow activation of
button functions. The STcontroller software application is used
to configure the wide range of Model 205 operating parameters.
This allows the unit’s performance to be optimized to meet the
needs of specific applications.

The user is presented with three 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

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 205 Announcer’s Console, Issue 3, Page 2

Ethernet Data and PoE

The Model 205 connects to a local area network (LAN) by
way of a standard 100 Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface.
The physical 100BASE-TX interconnection is made by way of
a Neutrik® etherCON RJ45 connector. While compatible with
standard RJ45 plugs, etherCON allows a ruggedized and locking
interconnection for harsh or high-reliability environments.

The Model 205’s operating power is provided by way of the
Ethernet interface using the 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
standard. This allows fast and efficient interconnection with the
associated data network. To support PoE power management,
the Model 205’s PoE interface enumerates (reports) to the
power sourcing equipment (PSE) that it’s a class 2 (low power)
device. If a PoE-enabled Ethernet port can’t be provided by
the associated Ethernet switch a low-cost PoE midspan power
injector can be utilized.

Dante Audio-over-Ethernet

Audio data is sent to and received from the Model 205 using
the Dante audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology.
As a Dante-compliant device, the Model 205’s three Dante
transmitter (audio output) channels and four Dante receiver
(audio input) channels can be assigned (routed or “subscribed”)
to other devices using the Dante Controller software applica
tion. The Dante transmitter and receiver channels are limited to
supporting four Dante flows, two in each direction. The digital
audio’s bit depth is up to 24 with a sampling rate of 44.1 or
48 kHz. Two bi-color LEDs provide an indication of the Dante
connection status. An additional LED displays the status of the
associated Ethernet connection.

The Model 205 is compatible with the AES67 interoperability
standard. In this mode the three transmitter (output) channels
will function in multicast; unicast is not supported. In addition,
the unit is compatible with the Dante Domain Manager™ (DDM)
software application.

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Audio Quality

The Model 205’s audio performance is completely “pro.” A
low-noise, wide dynamic-range microphone preamplifier and as
sociated voltage-controlled-amplifier (VCA) dynamics controller
(compressor) ensures that mic input audio quality is preserved
while minimizing the chance of signal overload. The output of the
microphone preamp and compressor is routed to an analog-to­digital conversion (ADC) section that supports sampling rates
of 44.1 and 48 kHz with a bit depth of up to 24. The audio signal,
now in the digital domain, routes through a 32-bit microprocessor
and on to the Dante interface section where it is packetized and
prepared for transport over Ethernet.

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Audio input signals arrive via the four Dante receiver channels
and pass into the Model 205’s microprocessor. The supported
sampling rates are 44.1 and 48 kHz with a bit depth of up to 24.
Channel routing, headphone level control, and sidetone creation
are performed within the digital domain. This provides flexibility,
allows precise control, and keeps the three level potentiometers
from having to directly handle analog audio signals. The audio
channels destined for the phones outputs are sent to a high­performance digital-to-analog converter and then on to robust
driver circuitry. High signal levels can be provided to a variety
of headsets, headphones, and earpieces.

Configuration Flexibility

The Model 205 can be configured to meet the needs of specific
applications and user preferences. All configuration choices are
performed using the STcontroller personal computer software
application which is compatible with version 7 and later of the
Windows operating systems. There are no mechanical switch
settings or button-press sequences required to configure how
the unit functions. Selectable parameters include microphone
preamplifier gain, P48 phantom power on/off, button opera
tion, remote control inputs, headphone output mode, sidetone
operation, and overall unit operation. The gain of the microphone
preamplifier can be selected from among four choices. This al
lows the Model 205 to match the output sensitivity of a range
of handheld and headset-associated microphones. A low-noise
source of P48 phantom power can be enabled if required to
support condenser (capacitor) microphones.

The main and talkback pushbutton switches can be individually
configured. The main button can be selected to operate from
among four modes while the talkback buttons can be selected
from among three. These choices allow the Model 205’s opera
tion to be tailored to meet the specific needs of many applica
tions. As an example, for on-air sports applications the main
button would typically be configured to provide a push to mute
(cough) function. The microphone signal on the Dante main
output channel and the microphone output connector would
remain active unless the talent needs to momentarily disable
it. The talkback buttons would most likely be set to their push
to talk modes as their use would be intermittent.

The Model 205 provides two remote control inputs. Configura
tion choices allow these to be assigned to work in parallel with
the main, talkback 1, or talkback 2 pushbutton switches. In this
way activation of a remote control input will emulate a user
pressing its associated pushbutton switch.

The audio sources and the way in which they are assigned to
the headphone output channels can be configured from among

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Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 205 Announcer’s Console, Issue 3, Page 3

five choices. These unique choices allow almost any required
headphone monitoring situation to be implemented. Whether for
use in on-air sports, an awards show broadcast, or as a produc
tion support tool, the Model 205 should be able to achieve the
desired configuration.

Following the mode number is an abbreviated description of
what signal or signals are assigned to the three potentiometers
(pots) and on to the two headphone output channels. The
potentiometers are labeled, from left to right, A, B, and C.
The format would equate to Mode

x

equals the mode number.

• Mode 1 – Ch1L/Ch2R/SidetoneLR: Provided for broadcast
applications where two monaural channels of talent cueing audio
(“IFB”) need to be independently sent to the left and right head
phone output channels. It would be common for program audio
with director interrupt to enter the Model 205 by way of Dante
input (receiver) channel 1 and be sent to the left headphone
output. Program-only audio, entering the unit by way of Dante
input channel 2, would be sent to the right headphone output.
Pots A and B are used to adjust the level of those signals. Pot C
is used for the side-tone function where microphone audio is sent
to both the left and right channels of the headphone output.

• Mode 2 – Ch1LCh2R/BalanceLR/SidetoneLR: Intended
for applications where a stereo signal enters the Model 205
by way of Dante inputs 1 and 2 and is routed in stereo to the
left and right channels of the headphone output. In this mode
pot A controls the overall level of this stereo signal and pot
B controls its left/right level balance. Pot C is used by the
sidetone function.

• Mode 3 – Ch1LCh2R/Ch3LCh4R/SidetoneLR: Allows
two stereo signals to be routed as stereo pairs to the two
headphone output channels. In this mode pot A adjusts the
level of the stereo pair entering the unit by way of Dante
inputs 1 and 2 while pot B adjusts the level of the stereo
pair entering on Dante inputs 3 and 4. Pot C is used by the
sidetone function.

• Mode 4 – Ch1L/Ch2R/Ch3LCh4R: Allows two monaural
input signals to be independently routed to the left and right
headphone output channels. These audio signals would enter
the Model 205 by way of Dante input channels 1 and 2. Pots
A and B are used to control the levels of the signals as they
are sent to the left and right headphone output channels. A
stereo input signal, entering the unit by way of Dante inputs
3 and 4, are routed to the left and right headphone outputs.
This stereo pair has its level controlled by pot C.

x

– pot A/pot B/pot C where

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• Mode 5 – Ch1LR/Ch2LR/Ch3LCh4R: Allows two monau
ral input audio channels to be sent to both the left and right
headphone output channels. Dante inputs 1 and 2 are used
to bring these audio signals into the Model 205. Pots A and
B are used to control the level of the signals as they are sent
to the headphone output channels. Pot C is used to control
the level of a stereo input signal as it is routed to the left and
right channels of the headphone output. This stereo pair enters
the unit by way of Dante inputs 3 and 4.

The integrated sidetone function can be configured to operate
from among four choices. This allows audio associated with the
microphone input and microphone preamplifier to be returned to
the headphone output. This is important as different applications
may provide a “full mix” or a “mix-minus” talent cue signal. If
a full mix cue signal is provided then sidetone audio will not be
needed and the function can be disabled. In the case where a
mix-minus signal is present, providing the user with sidetone at
the appropriate time(s) can be an important means of confirming
the signal that’s coming from the connected microphone.

The headphone gain range configuration helps to provide an
optimized audio level to Model 205 users. The appropriate set
ting will depend on the specific audio sources provided to the
unit as well as user preference.

Three system modes select the overall way in which the Model
205 functions. The on-air mode is optimized for applications
where users will be on-air talent that must maintain strict separa
tion between on-air and production audio channels. Other appli
cations will benefit from the two available production modes.

Future Capabilities and Firmware
Updating

The Model 205 was designed so that its capabilities and per­formance can be enhanced in the future. A USB connector,
located on the unit’s main circuit board (underneath the unit’s
cover), allows the application firmware (embedded software) to
be updated using a USB flash drive.

The Model 205 uses the Audinate Ultimo™ integrated circuit
to implement the Dante interface. The firmware in this inte­grated circuit can be updated via the Ethernet connection,
helping to ensure that its capabilities remain up to date.ction,

helping to ensure that its capabilities remain up to date.

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Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 205 Announcer’s Console, Issue 3, Page 4

Model 205 Specifications

Power Source:

Power-over-Ethernet (PoE): class 2 (low power, ≤6.49 watts)

Network Audio Technology:

Type: Dante audio-over-Ethernet
AES67-2013 Support: yes
Dante Domain Manager (DDM) Support: yes
Bit Depth: up to 24
Sample Rate: 44.1 and 48 kHz
Number of Transmitter (Output) Channels: 3 (main, talkback 1,
talkback 2)
Number of Receiver (Input) Channels: 4 (Headphone Ch1,
Headphone Ch2, Headphone Ch3, Headphone Ch4)
Dante Audio Flows: 4; 2 transmitter, 2 receiver

Network Interface:

Type: 100BASE-TX, twisted-pair Ethernet, Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) supported
Data Rate: 100 Mb/s (10 Mb/s and 1000 Mb/s “GigE” Ethernet
not supported)

Microphone Input:

Compatibility: dynamic or phantom-powered microphones
Type: balanced, capacitive coupled
Impedance: 3.1 k ohms, nominal
Gain: 35, 43, 52, 59 dB, selectable
Frequency Response: 25 Hz to 20 kHz, –3 dB
Distortion (THD+N): <0.018%, measured at 35 dB of gain
Dynamic Range: 98 dB, A-weighted
Phantom Power: P48 per IEC 61938 standard, on/off selectable
with status LED

Compressor:

Application: applies to Dante main and talkback transmitter
(output) channels
Threshold: 1 dB above nominal level (–19 dBFS)
Slope: 2:1
Status LED: compressor active

Microphone Output:

Type: passive via two 200 ohm resistors from microphone input
(will pass phantom power in either direction)
Muting: solid-state relay contacts, 60 dB attenuation @ 1 kHz

Headphone Output:

Type: 2-channel (stereo)
Compatibility: intended for connection to stereo (dual-channel)
or monaural (single-channel) headphones, headsets, or earpiec­es with nominal impedance of 50 ohms or greater
Maximum Output Voltage: 3.0 Vrms, 1 kHz, 150 ohm load
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0/–1 dB
Distortion (THD+N): <0.008%
Dynamic Range: >102 dB

Remote Control Inputs: 2

Functions: configurable to mimic the action of the main, talkback
1, or talkback 2 button functions
Type: active low, 1 mA maximum, inputs pull up to 3.3 volts DC

Connectors:

Microphone Input: 3-pin female XLR
Microphone Output: 3-pin male XLR
Headphone Output: 3-conductor ¼-inch jack
Remote Control Inputs: 3-conductor 3.5 mm jack
Ethernet: Neutrik etherCON RJ45
USB: type A receptacle (located inside Model 205’s enclosure
and used only for updating firmware)

Configuration: requires Studio Technologies STcontroller
personal computer application, version 1.05.00 and later
(STcontroller compatible with Windows® version 7 and later)

Dimensions (Overall):

4.3 inches wide (10.9 cm)

2.1 inches high (5.4 cm)

5.1 inches deep (13.0 cm)

Deployment: intended for tabletop applications

Weight:

1.2 pounds (0.55 kg)

Specifications subject to change without notice.

Studio Technologies, Inc.

Skokie, Illinois USA
© by Studio Technolog

studio-tech.com

ies, Inc., April 2018

Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 205 Announcer’s Console, Issue 3, Page 5