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
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