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The Model 216 Announcer’s Console is designed to serve as the
audio control center for announcers, commentators, and produc
tion personnel. This tabletop unit supports applications utilizing
the Dante™ Audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology.
The Model 216 is suitable for numerous applications including
on-air television sports broadcasting, stadium announce, and
corporate AV. The unit integrates all on-air, talkback, and cue
audio signal routing in one compact system. Four pushbutton
switches allow the user to control the main and talkback audio
output channels. Ease of use, configuration flexibility, and sonic
excellence are some of the unit’s highlights.
Key Features:
•
Dante™ Audio-over-Ethernet technology
• Extensive feature configuration
• Excellent audio quality
• One main and three talkback audio output channels
• Four headphone audio input channels
• PoE and 12 volt DC powering
• Headphone output with sidetone function
• Rugged, compact enclosure
Overview
The Model 216 is compatible with the latest broadcast and audio
system environments that use the Dante technology. An Ethernet
connection with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power is all that’s
required to make the unit part of a sophisticated, networked
audio system. Connect a microphone and pair of headphones (or
a broadcast headset) and the installation is complete. Whether
it’s the on-air audio, the talkback audio, or the headphone cue
feed, superior audio quality is always maintained. A range of
configuration choices allow the desired operating parameters to
be easily selected. And while flexible, the user is presented with
an easy-to-use set of controls and indicators.
User Controls and Status Indicators
Four pushbutton switches, five LED indicators, and three 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 channel intended for on-air, announcement,
or other primary uses. Two LEDs display the on/off status of
the main output. Three additional pushbutton switches control
the status of the talkback output channels. These are the audio
signals used to communicate with producers, directors, spot
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ters, or other behind-the-scenes production personnel. A status
LED is associated with each of the talkback pushbuttons. The
pushbutton switches use gold-plated contacts for reliable long-
term operation and include backlighting using white LEDs. Three
rotary controls allow the user to adjust the content and level of
the headphone output.
Microphone Input
The Model 216 provides a high-performance microphone pre-
amplifier which offers low-noise, low-distortion, and high head
room amplification over a 19 to 64 dB range. The gain is adjust
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able in 3-dB steps using pushbutton switches accessible on the
bottom of the unit. A 2-digit display indicates the amplification in
dB. The microphone input is compatible with balanced dynamic or
condenser microphones. Phantom power is provided and meets
the worldwide P48 standard. It can be enabled or disabled as
required. A dual-color LED indicator serves as an aid for optimiz
-
ing the setting of the preamplifier’s gain. Microphone signals are
connected to the Model 216 by way of a standard 3-pin female
XLR connector.
Output Channels and their Operation
By way of the Dante interface, the Model 216 provides a main
output channel and three talkback output channels. The main
output channel is designed to serve as the on-air, stadium an
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nouncement, or other primary audio feed. The talkback output
channels are intended to provide production trucks, control
rooms, or support personnel with talent-originated cue signals.
A large part of the Model 216’s unique power is the ability to
configure the operation of the main and talkback functions. To
meet the needs of the many specific broadcast and produc
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tion applications, a variety of pushbutton operating modes are
available. The main pushbutton can be selected to operate from
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among four modes. In the “push-to-mute” mode the pushbut-
ton performs a momentary mute of the audio signal associated
with the main output channel. In this way a “cough” pushbutton
function is created, something typically required for television
sports broadcasting. In the “push-to-talk” mode the pushbutton
provides a momentary active function for the main output. This
mode would be appropriate for an application such as stadium
announcement. An alternate action “latching” configuration
allows the pushbutton to enable or disable the audio signal
associated with the main output channel as desired. This is useful
in radio broadcasting, announce-booth, or voice-over applica
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tions. 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 three pushbutton switches associated with the talkback func
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tions 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 pre
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vious paragraph. The hybrid mode is especially useful when the
Model 216 is used in a production-support application.
Overall Model 216 operation can be configured from among
one on-air and two production modes. The Model 216’s on-air
mode is appropriate for on-air television, radio, and streaming
broadcast applications. When on-air is selected the audio signal
associated with the main output channel will always mute when
one or more of the talkback functions is active. This prevents
audio that’s intended for production or support personnel from
being sent out the on-air audio path.
For non-on-air applications, the Model 216 can be configured to
operate in either of two “production” modes. These allow the
main output to be used as a third talkback output channel, rather
than always muting when a talkback function is active. Using
these production modes the unit can be even more powerful
when used in a live event application, such as serving as a small
“IFB” console for a sports-event spotter, musical director, or
production assistant. In addition to changing how the main output
functions, one of the production modes also supports using the
headphone output for connection with amplified speakers. The
headphone output level will automatically be reduced (attenuate
or “dim”) whenever the main or talkback output channels are ac
-
tive. This can enhance intelligibility and help prevent acoustical
feedback from occurring between the speakers and the active
microphone.
and what sidetone action will take place. Four headphone control
configuration modes are offered. These modes impact how the
three rotary controls adjust the four Dante input channels and
the sidetone audio signals. The first two modes support standard
on-air applications and use only Dante input channels 1 and 2.
In the broadcast world these two signals are often referred to
as talent cue or IFB audio. They typically originate in production
trailers or control rooms and provide one channel of program-
with-interrupt audio and a second channel with program-only
audio. The third and fourth configuration modes allow all four of
the Dante-provided audio sources to be utilized. These can be
useful for more complex or specialized situations.
The three headphone level controls (“rotary pots”) are provided
for setting the “mix” of the selected sources as well as adjusting
the overall headphone output level. How these controls function
depends on the selected headphone control mode. As previously
mentioned, the first mode is intended to support traditional on-air
sports applications. In this mode the left and center controls act
in a dual-channel (“level/level”) fashion, allowing independent
control of the left- and right-channel volume.
For use with dual-channel or stereo cue signals, the second mode
provides a stereo (“level/balance”) mode. In this mode the left
control adjusts the level of both input channels 1 and 2, while the
center control allows adjustment of the left/right level balance.
In both modes the right control is used to adjust the level of the
sidetone signal.
In the third headphone control mode the left control adjusts the
level of both input channels 1 and 2, the center control adjusts
the level of both input channels 3 and 4, while the right control
adjusts the sidetone level.
The fourth headphone mode uses the left control to adjust the
level of input channel 1, the center control to adjust the level
of input channel 2, and the right control to adjust the level of
both input channels 3 and 4. In this mode the sidetone function
is not active.
Headphone Output
The Model 216 provides a number of configuration choices that
relate to the headphone output. These choices impact which
audio sources are utilized, how the rotary level controls function,
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 216 Announcer’s Console, Issue 2, Page 2
The sidetone function allows audio from the Model 216’s micro
phone preamplifier to be routed to the headphone output. This
can be useful, providing the user with an aural confirmation of
the signal connected to the mic input. It is especially important
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when a “mix-minus” talent cue signal is provided for the user. For
application flexibility the sidetone function can be configured from
among four choices, specifying when it will be active in relation
to the status of the main and talkback functions.
To help minimize the chance of broadcast cues being missed, the
action of the level controls can be configured so that there’s al-
ways a minimum headphone output level. Alternately, the controls
can be configured to fully mute when they are at their minimum
(fully-counterclockwise) position. When the level control on the
right side is used for sidetone it will always allow the sidetone
signal to be fully muted.
The headphone output was designed to meet the needs of con
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temporary headphones and headsets. Specifically, the output
circuits act as voltage drivers 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 can safely drive stereo or mono loads. This
ensures that all types of headphones, headsets, and earpieces
can be directly connected.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent to and from the Model 216 using the Dante
Audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. For flexibility
in meeting a variety of sonic requirements bit depths of up to 24
and sample rates of 44.1 and 48 kHz are supported.
Audio transmitter (output) and receiver (input) channels on as
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sociated Dante-enabled devices can be assigned to the Model
216 using the Dante Controller software application. This makes
selecting the way in which the Model 216 fits into an application
a simple matter. For example, the main audio output channel
can be assigned to the input of an audio console. The talkback
audio output channels could be assigned to inputs on a matrix
intercom system. No special routing or “multing” using cables or
patch points is required to send the output channels to multiple
destinations. And a single mouse-click is all that’s required to
reroute the audio signals.
On the input side, the Model 216 allows up to four headphone cue
sources to be received from an audio console, matrix intercom
system, or a variety of other Dante-enabled devices; the sources
don’t need to originate from the same device. “Program” audio
could be supplied by an audio console while “IFB” (interrupted
foldback or talent cue) audio could be supplied by a matrix
intercom system.
Ethernet Data, PoE, and DC Power
Source
The Model 216 connects to a data network using a standard 100
Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface. The physical interconnec
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tion 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 216’s operating power can be provided
by way of the Ethernet interface using the Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) standard. This allows fast and efficient interconnection with
the associated data network. To support PoE power management,
the Model 216’s PoE interface reports to the power sourcing
equipment (PSE) that it’s a class 2 (low power) device. The unit
can also be powered using an external source of 12 volts DC. For
redundancy, both power sources can be connected simultane
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ously. If both sources are connected PoE will power the unit. Four
LEDs display the status of the network connection, PoE power
source, and Dante interface.
Configuration and Flexibility
Model 216 configurations are made using twelve DIP switches
and two pushbutton switches. The 12-position switch array
configures parameters such as the pushbutton operating modes,
sidetone function, headphone control assignment, and the system
mode. The pushbuttons are used to set the gain of the microphone
preamplifier and control the on/off status of the microphone
phantom power function. The switches and pushbuttons are ac
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cessible via the bottom of the Model 216’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 and pushbuttons
a security panel, included with each unit, is attached to the bot
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tom of the enclosure.
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 216’s back
panel. Multiple 3-position “headers” located on the Model 216’s
circuit board provide technician access to many of the input and
output connections. Using a variety of optional factory-supplied
modules and interface cable kits allows a Model 216 to be opti
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mized to meet the 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
installing the appropriate 6- or 7-pin XLR connector kit and mak
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ing a few simple connections. Other applications may benefit from
having “mult” or “loop-through” connections, something easily
incorporated into a Model 216. And access to the relay contacts
can be made adding a 4-pin XLR connector kit.
Two general-purpose relay contacts are provided on the Model
216’s circuit board. Accessible using 3-pin “header” connec
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tors they allow specialized configurations to be created. Under
software control, the form-A (normally open) solid-state relay
contacts follow the state of the main and talkback 1 pushbuttons.
Taking advantage of the two locations provided for additional XLR
connectors, a technician may easily implement a variety of func
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tions such as a tally indication or audio muting during talkback.
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 216 Announcer’s Console, Issue 2, Page 3
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Future Capabilities & Firmware
Updating
The Model 216 was designed so that its capabilities can be en-
hanced in the future. The primary additions will be in the area of
Dante remote control functionality. Once an industry-standard
has been established it’s expected that remote control of micro
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phone preamplifier gain and microphone phantom power on/off
will be available. Output channel status will also be able to be
reported as well as responding to status (tally) indications that
are received. These features will allow integration with devices
such as audio consoles, signals processor units, and matrix
intercom systems.
A USB connector, located on the Model 216’s back panel, allows
the operating firmware (embedded software) to be updated us
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ing a standard USB flash drive. The Model 216 uses Audinate’s
Ultimo™ integrated circuit for implementing Dante. The integrat
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ed circuit’s firmware can be updated via the Ethernet connection,
helping ensure that its capabilities remain up to date.
Model 216 Specifications
Power Sources:
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE): class 2 (low power) per IEEE 802.3af
External: 10 to 18 volts DC, 270 mA max @ 12 volts DC
Network Audio Technology:
Type: Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Bit Depth: up to 24
Sample Rates: 44.1 and 48 kHz
Number of Transmitter (Output) Channels: 4 (main, talkback 1,
talkback 2, talkback 3)
Number of Receiver (Input) Channels: 4
Dante Audio Flows: 4; 2 transmitter, 2 receiver
Analog to Digital Equivalence: a +4 dBu input with 0 dB gain
selected results in a Dante digital output level of –20 dBFS
Network Interface:
Type: twisted-pair Ethernet, preferably with Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) support
Data Rate: 100 Mb/s (10 Mb/s Ethernet not supported)
General Audio Parameters:
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0/–1 dB, mic input to
Dante output
Distortion (THD+N): 0.004%, measured at 1 kHz, –36 dBu mic
input, 40 dB gain (Dante output approx. –20 dBFS)
Dynamic Range (22 Hz to 22 kHz): 106 dB, mic input to Dante
output
Microphone Input/Preamplifier:
Type: electronically balanced
Input Impedance: 3.7 k ohms
CMRR: >76 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 40 dB gain
Gain Range: 19 to 64 dB, adjustable in 3-dB steps
Compatibility: dynamic or phantom-powered mics
Phantom Power: 45 volts DC, nominal, meets IEC 61938 P48
standard
Headphone Output:
Type: stereo, configured to drive headphones through 100 ohm
series resistors
Compatibility: intended for connection to headphones or headsets
with impedance of 100 ohms or greater
Level: adjustable using rotary level control
Maximum Voltage: 7.5 Vpp, 150 ohm load
Relays Contacts: 2
Functions: one each follows main and talkback 1 pushbutton
status
Contacts: form A (normally open, not shorted)
Rating: 100 mA, 60 volts AC/DC, maximum
Contact Resistance: 16 ohms, maximum
Access: requires user-implemented connector scheme
Connectors:
Microphone Input: 3-pin female XLR
Headphone Output: ¼-inch 3-conductor jack
Ethernet: Neutrik etherCON RJ45
External DC: 4-pin male XLR
USB: type A receptacle
Spare Connector Locations: 2
Allows Studio Technologies’ cable assemblies or option modules
to be installed. Also compatible with Neutrik NC*D-L-1 connec
tors (*=3F, 3M, 5M, 6F, 6FS, etc.).
Dimensions (Overall):
5.6 inches wide (14.2 cm)
3.3 inches high (8.4 cm)
8.5 inches deep (21.6 cm)
Weight: 2.7 pounds (1.2 kg)
Specifications subject to change without notice.
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Studio Technologies, Inc.
Skokie, Illinois USA
© by Studio Technolog
ies, Inc., September 2015
studio-tech.com
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 216 Announcer’s Console, Issue 2, Page 4
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