The Model 240 Producer’s Console is designed for producers,
directors, or those who need to efficiently communicate with
on-air broadcast personnel and related production crew. The
unit provides the resources of a 4-channel talent cueing (“IFB”)
central controller combined with a 2-channel party-line (PL)
intercom user station. Incorporating numerous configurable
features and extensive upgrade flexibility, the Model 240
can meet the exacting demands of this important and highly
specialized field. Compatible with broadcast and production
audio and intercom system environments, the tabletop unit is
well suited for applications including sports and entertainment
television programming, radio and TV news, and corporate
events. While the Model 240 is sophisticated on the inside,
users are presented with a simple-to-use, great sounding
“tool” to help them do their job better.
Four pushbutton switches control the routing of microphone
audio to the four main outputs and, if selected, the 2channel PL intercom interface. Each button can be configured
for push-to-talk or alternate-action operation. A status LED is
located above each button and provides a clear indication of
talk status. Two line inputs allow a variety of audio sources to
be connected. They can be used as program audio for the four
main outputs or routed to the 2-channel headphone output.
Headset for Microphone and Phones
A 5-pin XLR connector is provided for connection of a broadcast-style headset. The selected headset should contain a
dynamic microphone and a single or dual earpiece. While
not directly intended for on-air applications, the microphone
preamplifier is excellent, providing low-noise, low-distortion,
and high headroom performance. For optimal sound quality
the gain of the mic preamp can be configured from among
five choices. A sophisticated audio compressor circuit follows
the microphone preamplifier to minimize the chance of signal
overload. The headphone output features low-noise circuitry
with plenty of all-important headroom. Many parameters
associated with the headphone output can be configured to
meet user requirements.
Main Outputs
Four main outputs are provided which can be independently
configured to meet the specific needs of broadcast and
production applications. They can be, at their most basic,
considered talkback channels that, under pushbutton control,
contain the signal from the connected headset’s microphone.
When an additional audio source is selected for use by a main
output a composite program/interrupt talent cueing signal is
created. Each main output provides a line-level signal that’s
transformer and capacitor coupled for superior compatibility
and reliability. Resistors in series with the output signals allow
passive mixing of multiple main output channels. And not to be
ignored is the audio quality: clean, quiet, and “click free.”
Intercom Interface
The intercom interface is compatible with single- and dualchannel party-line (PL) intercom circuits commonly found
in broadcast, production, and industrial applications. Direct
connections with PL circuits associated with RTS™ TW and
Clear-Com® intercom systems is assured. The Model 240
can be configured to serve in a listen-only mode where PL
intercom receive audio is routed to the headphone output.
Main outputs 3 and 4 can also be independently selected to
send talk audio to the intercom circuit. The latter makes the
Model 240 function as a full 2-channel intercom user station.
The intercom circuit can also provide the power required by
the Model 240.
Line-Level Audio Inputs
Two line-level audio inputs allow the connection of a variety of
cue signals. The inputs are capacitor and transformer coupled,
ensuring consistent and reliable interfacing with almost any
audio source found in the field. Two trim potentiometers
allow adjustment of the input signal level. The two line inputs
can be configured for use with the four main outputs as well
as with the headphone output. The four main outputs can
be independently configured to use this “program” audio to
create talent cue signals. While line input 1 is always assigned
to main outputs 1 and 3, the choice of line input 1 or line
50352-0813, Issue 1
input 2 is independently assignable to main outputs 2 and 4.
Each main output can then be configured for how it uses its
associated program audio source. They can be set to have
no program audio, continuous program audio that combines
with talk audio, program audio that’s fully muted when talk
is active, or program audio that’s “dimmed” (attenuated
by 15 dB) when talk is active. In this way four independent
“dry” (non-powered) talent cue (IFB) channels can be easily
created.
Headphone Output
A 2-channel (stereo) headphone output is provided for
monitoring program or intercom audio signals. Physically the
headphone output connections are part of the 5-pin XLR head
set connector located on the Model 240’s back panel. Each
headphone output channel can be independently configured to
monitor the two line-level inputs or the two intercom interface
channels. Two rotary controls allow the user to independently
adjust the level of the left and right headphones output chan
nels. A configuration setting allows the headphone output to
be placed in monaural mode, mixing the signals selected for
the left and right channels. This can be useful when single
earpiece (“single-muff”) headsets or in-ear transducers are
used. A sidetone function is also available, allowing audio from
the microphone input to be routed to the left and/or right
headphone channels. A separate rotary control is provided
for the user to adjust the side-tone level.
Provision has also been made to allow two additional line-level
audio sources to be connected and routed to the headphone
output channels. Using optional line input cards mounted in the
back panel openings of the Model 240, functions such as an
nouncer/commentator pre-fader listen can be implemented.
There may be applications where connecting monitor loud
speakers, rather than a headset or headphones, would be
beneficial. This can be easily implemented by installing one
or two optional line output cards. A configuration feature
allows the headphone output level to be reduced (“dimmed”)
whenever a talk function is active. This will minimize the
chance that acoustical interference and possible feedback
will take place between the loudspeakers and the connected
microphone.
or activating a wireless transmitter. The fifth contact offers a
special function, closing (shorting) whenever any of the talk
functions are active. This is specifically provided as a “trigger”
to mute loudspeaker systems that are located in the same
physical area as the Model 240.
Signal Flow
This document can only highlight some of the Model 240’s
capabilities. For a detailed view of the unit’s signal flow it’s
recommended that the block diagram, located at the end of
this guide, be reviewed.
Rugged, Flexible, Reliable
The Model 240 uses a rugged desktop enclosure with a removable security plate on the bottom that provides access to the
many configuration switches and trim pots. (The unit does not
have to be disassembled to be configured!) Laser-engraved
on the plate is a complete set of configuration information
so that field setup can be fast and accurate. Four openings
in back of the Model 240’s enclosure allow installation of a
variety of option modules. These allow a range of additional
features and resources to be easily added for a myriad of
potential applications. Numerous 3-pin header connectors are
provided on the Model 240’s printed circuit board assembly.
These provide access to all audio inputs and outputs, along
with many special input and output signals. These include
four contact inputs associated with the four pushbutton
switches. A competent technician can use them to create a
highly-customized feature set for meeting the exact needs of
specific applications.
The four pushbutton switches associated with the talk func
tions use gold-plated contacts for reliable long-term operation
and include backlighting using white LEDs. A data link allows
two Model 240 units to be interconnected as an integrated
2-location system. The status of the talk channels is commu
nicated via the data link; combining of the main output audio
signals is done passively. The Model 240 can be powered by
an external source of 24 volts DC. Alternately, a connected
party-line intercom circuit can provide the required power.
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Relay Contacts
Five normally open (not shorted) solid-state relay contacts
are provided as “tally” signals for application-specific
use. Four of the contacts are associated with the four
talk functions, closing (shorting) whenever a pushbutton
switch and associated main output function is active. They
can prove useful in applications such as enabling a call light
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 240 Producer’s Console, Issue 1, Page 2
Specifications
General Audio:
Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHz, +0/–1 dB, mic in/
main out
Distortion (THD+N): <0.04%, measured at 1 kHz, mic
in/main out
S/N Ratio: 87 dB, referenced to –42 dBu mic in/0 dBu
main out
Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 113 dB, line in/main out
Microphone Input/Preamplifier:
Type: electronically balanced
Input Impedance: 2 k ohms
CMRR: 83 dB @ 60 Hz, 76 dB @ 20 kHz, 40 dB gain
Gain Range: 35 to 55 dB, adjustable in 5-dB steps
Compatibility: balanced and unbalanced dynamic
microphones
Compressor (Microphone Input):
Threshold: 2 dB above nominal level
Attack/Release Time: 2 mSec/100 mSec
Slope: 5:1
Status LED: compressor active
Line Inputs: 2
Type: balanced, transformer-coupled with series capacitors
Impedance: 10 k ohms
Nominal Level: –10 to +6 dBu, adjustable
Main Outputs: 4
Type: transformer-coupled with series capacitors and
isolation resistors
Impedance: 600 ohms
Nominal Level: 0 dBu
Maximum Level: +20 dBu, line in/main out
Aux Headphone Line Inputs: 2
Implementation: requires
cards (Studio Technologies part number 31084) to be
installed into back panel
Type: balanced, transformer-coupled
Impedance: 10 k ohms, nominal
Nominal Level: +4 dBu
Headphone Output: 1, stereo
Compatibility: intended for connection to mono or stereo
headsets or earpieces with nominal impedance of 100
ohms or greater
Type: voltage driver
Maximum Output Voltage: 12 Vpp, 150 ohm load
one or two optional line input
Intercom Interface:
Type: 2-channel, unbalanced (pin 1 common; pin 2 DC with
channel 1 audio; pin 3 channel 2 audio)
Compatibility: single- and dual-channel party-line (PL)
intercom systems such as from RTS™ and Clear-Com®
Impedance: 10 k ohms
Nominal Receive Level: –10 dBu
Nominal Talk Level: –10 dBu
Sidetone (Null): 0 to –18 dB, adjustable
Relays Contacts:
Functions: one each follows main output status and one any
talk active
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
Multi-Unit Support: Two units can be interconnected via
an RS-485 data bus. Audio summing is performed passively
using external
Power Sources:
Intercom Interface: 24-32 Vdc, 150 mA
External: 20-30 Vdc, 125 mA @ 24 Vdc. Each unit shipped
with a universal input/24 Vdc output power supply.
Connectors:
Line Inputs, Intercom Interface: 3-pin female XLR
Main Outputs: 3-pin male XLR
Headset (mic/phones): 5-pin female XLR
24 Vdc Power In: 2.1 x 5.5 mm coaxial power jack with
locking bushing, compatible with Switchcraft S760K plug
Spare Connector Locations: 4
For use by Studio Technologies’ wide range of option mod
ules. Also allows up to four Neutrik NC*D-L-1 connectors
to be installed (*=3F, 3M, etc.).
Dimensions (Overall):
8.1 inches wide (20.6 cm)
3.3 inches high (8.4 cm)
8.5 inches deep (22.4 cm)
Weight:
Specifications subject to change without notice.
4.5 pounds (2.1 kg)
5
wiring.
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Studio Technologies, Inc.
Skokie, Illinois USA
+1 847-676-9177
© by Studio Technologies, Inc.
, August 2013
www.studio-tech.com
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 240 Producer’s Console, Issue 1, Page 3
Studio Technologies, Inc.
Skokie, Illinois USA
+1 847-676-9177
© by Studio Technologies, Inc.
, August 2013
www.studio-tech.com
Studio Technologies, Inc. Model 240 Producer’s Console, Issue 1, Page 4
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