Studio Technologies 210 User Manual
User Guide
Issue 5, September 2012
This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers:
M210-01151 to M210-01250
Copyright © 2012 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved
www.studio-tech.com
50311-0912, Issue 5
This page intentionally not left blank.
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................... 5
System Features ........................................................... 5
Installation and Setup ................................................... 9
Configuration ................................................................ 14
Operation ...................................................................... 22
Technical Notes ............................................................. 25
Specifications ................................................................ 35
Appendix A .................................................................... 36
Block Diagram
Model 210 User Guide Issue 5, September 2012
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 3
This page intentionally not left blank.
Issue 5, September 2012 Model 210 User Guide
Page 4 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Introduction
What This User Guide Covers
This User Guide is designed to assist you
when installing, configuring, and using
Model 210 Announcer’s Consoles with
serial numbers 01151 to 01250. Additional
background technical information is also
provided. A product block diagram is
included at the end of this guide.
System Overview
The Model 210 Announcer’s Console is
designed to serve as the audio control
center for announcers, commentators,
and production talent. The tabletop unit is
suited for numerous applications including
on-air television sports broadcasting. The
Model 210 integrates all on-air, talkback,
and cue audio signal routing into one compact system. Ease of use, configuration
flexibility, and sonic excellence are some
of the unit’s highlights.
Figure 1. Model 210 front panel
The Model 210 is compatible with most
broadcast and audio system environments.
Standard connectors are used to interface
microphone, headphone, talkback, and IFB
signals. Whether it’s microphone switching, talkback output, or headphone cue
feed, superior audio quality is maintained.
A microprocessor provides the Model 210’s
logic power, allowing exacting control of
the unit’s operation. A range of configuration choices allow the desired operating
parameters to be easily selected. While
flexible, the user is presented with an easyto-use set of controls and indicators.
A truly next-generation product, extensive
research into the needs and desires of field
production personnel was integral to the
Model 210’s creation. While primarily targeted for on-air television applications, specialized features are included to allow the
Figure 2. Model 210 back panel
Model 210 to be used in a variety of other
audio applications. These include on-air
radio broadcasting, stadium announcement, and voice-over/narration booths.
System Features
Microphone Input
A high-performance microphone preamplifier circuit provides low-noise/lowdistortion amplification over a 20 to 60 dB
gain range. The gain is adjustable in
10 dB steps. The input is compatible with
Model 210 User Guide Issue 5, September 2012
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 5
balanced dynamic or condenser microphones. The microphone power source
is 48 volts nominal and meets the worldwide P48 phantom power standard. The
preamplifier’s gain can also be set for 0 dB,
allowing a line-level audio signal to be connected. This could prove useful in special
applications such as when an external preamp or mic processor is being used.
An LED indicator serves as an aid for optimizing the setting of the preamplifier’s gain.
The output of the microphone preamplifier
is used by the main output as well as being
routed to the compressor circuit that supports the talkback function.
Main and Talkback Outputs
The Model 210 provides one main and one
talkback output. The main output is designed to serve as the on-air, stadium
announcement, or other primary audio
feed. With a nominal level of –2 dBu, it is
designed as a fully professional interface
with high output capability, low distortion,
and low noise. It features a high-quality
transformer expressly designed for driving
long broad- cast cable runs. The talkback
output is intended to provide production
trucks, control rooms, or support personnel
with a talent-originated cue signal. The talkback output is transformer-coupled with a
+4 dBu nominal signal level. It contains resistors in series with its output connections,
allowing the talkback output from multiple
units to be directly summed (combined).
For non-on-air applications, a special Model 210 feature can be enabled, placing the
unit in a “production” mode. This allows the
main output to be used as a second talkback output. In this configuration the unit
can be even more powerful when used in a
live event application, such as serving as a
master console for a production director.
Dynamic Range Control
A studio-quality compressor circuit is
provided to control the dynamic range
of the signal coming from the microphone
preamplifier. Far from a simple “clipper,”
the circuit utilizes a sophisticated lasertrimmed voltage-controlled-amplifier (VCA)
integrated circuit for quiet, low-distortion
level control. The signal from the compressor is always used by the talkback output.
In addition, the audio source for the main
output can be selected to be either the
output of the microphone preamplifier or
the output of the compressor. While possibly not appropriate for major on-air situations, having dynamic range control of the
main output can offer increased effectiveness for many applications. These could
include stadium announcement positions,
sports events using nonprofessional on-air
talent, and situations where cable crosstalk is of concern.
User Controls and Status
Indicators
Two pushbutton switches, three LED indicators, and two rotary controls provide
the user with a clear, easy-to-use interface.
One pushbutton switch controls the status
of the main output. This is the audio output intended for on-air, announcement, or
other primary uses. Two LEDs display the
on/off status of the main output. A second
pushbutton switch controls the status
of the talkback output. This is the audio
output used to communicate with producers, directors, spotters, or other behindthe-scenes production personnel. A status
LED is associated with the talkback button. Two rotary controls allow the user to
adjust the level of the headphone output.
Issue 5, September 2012 Model 210 User Guide
Page 6 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Flexibility
A large part of the Model 210’s unique
power is the ability to configure the
operation of the main output and
talkback functions. To meet the needs
of the many specific broadcast and production applications, a variety of button
operating modes is available. The main
output button can be selected to operate
from among four modes. In the “push-tomute” mode the button performs a momentary mute of the main output. In this
way a “cough” button function is created,
something typically required for television
sports broadcasting. In the “push-to-talk”
mode the button provides a momentary
active function for the main output. This
mode would be appropriate for applications such as stadium announcement. An
alternate action “latching” configuration
allows the button to enable or disable the
main output as desired. This is useful in
radio broadcasting, announce-booth, or
voice-over applications. The fourth mode
provides a hybrid function, supporting
both push-to-talk and tap-to-enable/
tap-to-disable operation. This operation
is similar to that found in many broadcast
intercom system user stations.
The button associated with the talkback
function can be configured to operate
from either of two modes. One of the
modes supports a “push-to-talk” function.
This is typically used for on-air broadcast
applications. The other mode provides
a hybrid function, the operation of which is
discussed in the previous paragraph. The
hybrid mode is especially useful when the
Model 210 is used in a production-support
application.
IFB Input
A broadcast-standard “wet” (DC with
audio) IFB circuit can be directly connected to the Model 210’s IFB input.
Originated by sources such as the RTS™
4000-series IFB system or IFB interface
devices from Studio Technologies, the
connected IFB circuit can provide the DC
power to operate the Model 210 as well as
two channels of cue audio.
Cue Sources
The Model 210 allows the two audio
sources associated with the IFB input to
be selected for routing to the headphone
output. Originating in production trailers,
control rooms, or remote locations, these
unbalanced sources normally provide DC
power and program-with-interrupt audio
on one channel and program-only audio
on the other. Each source can be individually assigned to the left channel, right
channel, or both left and right. This allows
a wide variety of stereo and mono headphone mixes to be created.
Some applications may benefit by being
able to connect standard line-level audio
signals to the Model 210. To meet this
need one or two optional line input cards
can be installed in the Model 210’s back
panel. Each card provides a 3-pin female
XLR connector and transformer-isolated
+4 dBu nominal input circuit. Each source
can be individually assigned to the left
channel, right channel, or both left and
right.
Headphone Output
Two rotary controls are provided for user
adjustment of the headphone output
levels. For application flexibility the actual
function of the two “pots” is configurable.
For traditional on-air sports applications
Model 210 User Guide Issue 5, September 2012
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 7
they can be selected to the dual-channel
(“level/level”) mode which provides
independent control of the left- and rightchannel volume. For use with dualchannel cue signals, or to support user
preference, the stereo (“level/balance”)
mode can be selected. In this mode one
control adjusts the overall level of both
the left and right channels, while the other
allows adjustment of the left/right level
balance. To help minimize the chance of
broadcast cues being missed, both level
control modes can be configured so that
a minimum headphone output level is
maintained. Alternately, the headphone
output can be set to fully mute when the
controls are at their minimum position.
Provision has been made to support applications where a monaural cue feed is
desired. A configuration switch allows the
summing (combining) of the selected left
and right headphone sources. In addition
to creating a dual-channel mono output it
also allows the level controls to be configured as a simple 2-channel mixer.
The headphone output was designed
to meet the needs of contemporary headphones and headsets. Specifically, the
output circuits act as voltage, rather than
power, drivers. In this configuration they
can provide high output levels with very
low distortion and noise, along with minimal current consumption. The output circuits are configured to safely drive stereo
or mono loads. This ensures that all types
of headphones, headsets, and earpieces
can be directly connected.
Audio Quality and Protection
The Model 210’s circuitry is carefully
tailored to provide excellent audio performance. Professional-quality components
are featured throughout. For reliability
all audio routing is performed using solidstate devices. In all critical audio paths,
“clickless” electronic switches provide
noise-free control. All audio inputs and
outputs make extensive use of protection
components. This limits the chance of
damage from ESD and other undesirable,
yet real-world, hazards.
Power Sources
The Model 210 can derive its operating
power from either the IFB input or an
external nominal 24 volt DC source. For
redundancy, both power sources can be
connected simultaneously. An internal
switch-mode power supply ensures that
all Model 210 features are available when
the unit is powered by either source.
The Model 210 is compatible with IFB
circuits provided by most standard broadcast systems. However, maximum performance can often be obtained by using the
IFB interface devices available from Studio
Technologies. Single-channel and fourchannel units are available, each providing
high-quality audio along with an excellent source of DC power. They’re directly
compatible with most matrix intercom systems, as well as standard line-level audio
signals. Refer to the Studio Technologies
website for details.
Relay Contact
The Model 210’s circuitry includes a
general-purpose relay contact allowing
specialized configurations to be created.
Under software control, the form-A (normally open) solid-state relay contact can
be configured to follow the state of either
the main or talkback output functions.
Taking advantage of the locations provided for additional XLR connectors, a
technician may easily implement a variety
Issue 5, September 2012 Model 210 User Guide
Page 8 Studio Technologies, Inc.
of functions such as mic active indication,
audio muting during talkback, or audio
insertion control.
Configuration
Model 210 configurations are made
using a number of DIP-type switches. One
8-position switch array is used to set the
gain of the microphone preamplifier, the
on/off status of phantom power, and the
headphone stereo/mono mode. Another
8-position switch array configures which
of the IFB and auxiliary audio sources are
routed to the headphone output. A third
8-position switch array communicates the
desired operating modes to the microprocessor. All switches are accessible via the
bottom of the Model 210’s enclosure; the
unit does not have to be disassembled.
Changes made to any of the configuration
parameters become active immediately.
To prevent unwanted access to the configuration switches a security panel, included
with each unit, is attached to the bottom of
the enclosure.
Connectors
The Model 210 uses standard connectors throughout. The microphone and IFB
inputs use 3-pin female XLR connectors.
The main and talkback outputs use 3-pin
male XLRs. A ¼-inch 3-conductor jack
is used for the headphone output. The
external source of 24 volt DC power is
connected by way of a 2.1 x 5.5 mm
“locking” coaxial power jack.
In the world of broadcast and production
audio it’s fair to say that applications vary
widely. To this end, one or two additional
XLR connectors can easily be mounted
into the Model 210’s back panel. Multiple
3-position “headers” located on the Model
210’s circuit board provide technician
access to all input and output connections. Using a factory-available interface
cable kit allows a Model 210 to be optimized to meet the exact needs of specific
applications. For example, some applications may prefer to use a multi-pin XLR
connector to interface with a headset.
This can easily be accomplished by adding the appropriate 5-, 6-, or 7-pin XLR
connector and making a few simple connections. Other applications may benefit
from having “mult” or “loop-through” connections, something easily incorporated
into a Model 210. One or two optional line
input cards, as previously discussed, can
also be mounted in the spare XLR connector positions.
200-Series Announcer
Console Products
The Model 210 is just one in a series of
announcer console products available
from Studio Technologies. For applications
that require an alternate set of features the
other products in the 200-series should be
reviewed. Complete information is available on the Studio Technologies website.
Installation and Setup
In this section interconnections will be
made using the input and output connectors located on the Model 210’s back
panel. Microphone input, IFB input, main
output, and talkback output signals are
interfaced by way of 3-pin XLR connectors. A ¼-inch 3-conductor phone jack is
provided for the headphone output. A 2.1
x 5.5 mm coaxial jack allows connection
of an external 24 volt DC power source.
Model 210 User Guide Issue 5, September 2012
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 9
System Components
Included in the shipping carton are the
following: Model 210 Announcer’s Console, user guide, button label sheet, and
24 volt DC power supply.
Microphone Input
The Model 210 is compatible with balanced dynamic and condenser microphones. Depending on the application,
the microphone may be part of a headset,
or be an independent handheld or standmounted model. The Model 210’s 48 volt
nominal power source will support essentially all phantom-powered microphones.
The quality of the Model 210’s microphone
preamplifier and associated circuitry is
such that special applications may benefit
from using “high-end” microphones. If
selected appropriately, models from manufacturers such as AKG, Beyer, Neumann,
Sennheiser, and Shure will perform very
well in Model 210 applications.
The microphone input is also compatible
with line-level audio sources. This allows
the output of an external microphone preamplifier, microphone processor, or audio
console to be directly connected. When
the configuration DIP switches are set for
0 dB (no gain) the nominal level of the
source audio signal should be approximately –2 dBu.
Microphone interconnection is made
by way of a 3-pin female XLR connector which is located on the Model 210’s
back panel. The mating connector (male)
should be wired so that pin 2 is signal
high (+ or hot), pin 3 is signal low (– or
cold), and pin 1 is shield. It’s possible that
an unbalanced microphone will also work
correctly. In this case, the mating connector (male) should be wired so that pin 2
is signal high (+ or hot), and signal common/shield is connected to both pins 1
and 3.
The Model 210 is not compatible with
unbalanced “electret”-type microphones
that require a source of low-voltage DC
for operation. These microphones, sometimes found in low-cost headsets, are
not generally suitable for on-air or other
demanding applications.
As of the writing date of this user guide,
the Sennheiser HMD 26 headset is very
popular for on-air sports broadcasting
use. A fine product, it works very well with
the Model 210. Note that adding the suffix “-XQ” to the headset’s full part number
(HMD 26-600-XQ) specifies a 3-pin male
XLR connector for the dynamic microphone and a ¼-inch 3-conductor plug for
the stereo headphones. This configuration is very useful, allowing the headset
to work directly “out of the box” with the
Model 210.
If the writer may digress for a moment
to recount a story… an audio dealer
once shared a secret with me concerning
headsets. He loved selling the “lower-end”
(less expensive) models of name-brand
headsets, which he did by the veritable
“boatload.” Why? Because these usually
broke soon after going into service! He
knew that on a regular basis he’d receive
orders for more of them. Had these
users, from the beginning, purchased only
premium-quality headsets, their total cost
of ownership would have been much less.
Enough said…
Headphone Output
The Model 210’s headphone output
is compatible with stereo or mono
headphones, headsets, or earpieces.
Issue 5, September 2012 Model 210 User Guide
Page 10 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Connecting devices with a nominal impedance of 100 ohms or greater is preferred.
This shouldn’t prove to be an issue as essentially all contemporary devices already
meet this condition.
Devices are connected to the headphone
output by way of a ¼-inch 3-conductor
phone jack located on the Model 210’s
back panel. As is standard for stereo
headphones, the left channel is connected
to the “tip” lead of the ¼-inch headphone
jack. The right channel is connected to
the “ring” lead of the jack. Common
for both channels is connected to the
“sleeve” lead.
Devices with ¼-inch 2-conductor “mono”
plugs can also be used with the Model
210’s headphone output. In this arrangement only the tip lead (left channel) will
be active. The 2-conductor plug will physically connect (“short”) the ring lead
(right channel) to the sleeve lead (common). Technically this won’t damage
the circuitry associated with the rightchannel headphone output. (51 ohm
protection resistors are electrically in
series with the headphone output circuits.)
However energy will be wasted if an
audio signal coming out of the right channel goes into a “dead short.” There is a
simple solution to this issue. No audio
source should be assigned to the rightchannel headphone output. Refer to the
Configuration section of this user guide
for details.
Main Output
The main output is intended to be the
“on-air” signal that connects to the input
of an audio console. The output is transformer balanced with a nominal signal level of –2 dBu. The actual level will depend
on the gain setting of the microphone
preamplifier, sensitivity of the microphone,
and how loudly the talent speaks into the
microphone. The transformer used in the
main output is intended for professional
broadcast applications. It has a low source
impedance and can drive lengthy cable
runs with no difficulty. It is capable of driving 600 ohm loads but performs best with
loads of 2 k ohms or greater. (This should
not prove to be an issue as virtually all contemporary audio equipment has a relatively
high input impedance.) As the secondary
winding of the output transformer connects directly to the main output connector,
care should be taken so that DC voltage is
never present on the interconnecting cable.
The main output is interfaced by means
of a 3-pin male XLR connector located on
the Model 210’s back panel. The interconnecting cable’s mating connector (female)
should be wired so that signal high (+ or
hot) is on pin 2 and signal low (– or cold) is
on pin 3. The cable’s shield can be connected to pin 1, but it will have no function.
To limit the chance of grounding interaction
between the Model 210 and connected
equipment, pin 1 on the main output’s
connector is isolated from any point in the
Model 210. The fact that pin 1 “floats” will
minimize the chance of hums, noises, or
buzzes being present on the equipment
connected to the main output.
Talkback Output
The talkback output is intended for connection to control rooms, production trailers,
or other locations where talent- originated
voice cues are required. The talkback output is transformer balanced with a nominal
level of +4 dBu. To enhance talkback
audio quality, the compressor circuit
controls the dynamic range of the signal
coming from the microphone preamplifier.
Model 210 User Guide Issue 5, September 2012
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 11
For protection against accidental connection to cables that have DC power present,
the talkback output is capacitor coupled.
In series with the talkback output leads
are 300 ohm resistors, making the effective output impedance approximately 600
ohms. These resistors create a passive
summing network, allowing talkback outputs on multiple Model 210 units to be
connected together.
The talkback output is connected by way
of a 3-pin male XLR connector which is
located on the Model 210’s back panel.
A mating connector (female) should be
prepared so that signal high (+ or hot) is
expected on pin 2. Signal low (– or cold)
should be expected on pin 3. The cable’s
shield can be connected to pin 1. But, like
the main output, in order to minimize the
chance that ground-interaction problems
will arise, pin 1 of the talkback output
connector is isolated from the Model 210’s
chassis and circuitry. By making
pin 1 “float,” the often-feared “ground
loop” problem shouldn’t arise.
The talkback output is intended to drive
lengthy cable runs that are frequently part
of a remote broadcast application. While
the output circuitry is not intended to be
“on-air” quality, overall audio performance
should be very good. Devices connected
to the talkback output can range from
amplified loudspeakers to analog inputs
on intercom systems, and input channels
associated with audio consoles. Connecting the talkback output to devices that allow easy control of the signal level can be
helpful. For example, connecting to a spare
input channel on an audio console provides the flexibility to add gain or attenuate
as required. A talkback-associated output
connection on the audio console can then
connect to the final destination(s).
As previously mentioned, the talkback
outputs on multiple Model 210 units can
be directly connected together. Using
a simple “Y” or “W” cable, this passive
summing (adding together) of talkback
signals allows one audio cable to serve as
a master talkback path. A side effect from
using this passive summing technique
is that signal attenuation will occur. The
audio quality won’t suffer, but an audio
“pad” is created. If two talkback outputs
are connected together, a signal attenuation of 6 dB can be expected. Connecting
three talkback outputs together will result
in 9.5 dB of attenuation. And four talkback
outputs “multed” together will lead to
12 dB of attenuation. In most cases this
attenuation won’t pose a problem. Typically a device that receives the talkback
signal, such as an amplified loudspeaker,
will have an adjustable input sensitivity.
IFB Input
The Model 210’s IFB input is designed to
directly connect with “wet” (DC-biased)
IFB circuits. These circuits provide DC
power and one or two channels of audio
over a standard 3-conductor microphonestyle cable. Typically, the IFB circuit’s
interface connector is a 3-pin male XLR
wired so that common is on pin 1, DC with
channel 1 audio is on pin 2, and channel
2 audio is on pin 3. Some IFB circuits may
only have one audio channel. In this case,
audio will generally be on pin 3 with pin 2
providing only DC power.
The power supplied by an IFB circuit,
normally in the range of 28 to 32 volts DC,
is usually sufficient to operate the Model
210’s circuitry. The acceptable input range
is 24 to 32 volts, with a required current
of 105 milliamperes. Note that the specified input voltage is given when measured
Issue 5, September 2012 Model 210 User Guide
Page 12 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Loading...