Studio Technologies 50 User Manual

Model 50 Central Controller,
Model 51 Control Console,
and Related Components
User Guide
Issue 4, July 2000
This User Guide is applicable for systems consisting of:
Model 50, serial number M50-00133 and later; Model 51, serial number M51-00336 and later;
part number 7946, version 1.01 and higher
© 2000 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved
5520 West Touhy Avenue
Skokie, Illinois 60077 U.S.A.
Telephone (847) 676-9177
Fax (847) 982-0747
www.studio-tech.com
50060-700, Issue 4
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Table of Contents
Foreword...................................................................... 5
Introduction .................................................................. 7
What This User Guide Covers ................................. 7
System Overview ..................................................... 7
System Features ...................................................... 8
Installation .................................................................... 12
Advanced Installation Topics....................................... 17
Configuration ............................................................... 20
Model 51 Configuration ChartMain Functions..... 22
Model 51 Configuration Chart
Alternate Functions ............................................. 23
Alternate Configure Functions ................................. 24
Operation ..................................................................... 26
Model 50 Central Controller .................................... 26
Model 51 Control Console....................................... 26
Talent Amplifiers ...................................................... 29
Troubleshooting ........................................................... 30
Technical Notes ........................................................... 32
Specifications............................................................... 37
Appendix A .................................................................. 40
MIDI Messages ........................................................ 42
Block Diagrams
Model 50 Central Controller
Model 51 Control Console
Model 35/Model 38 Talent Amplifiers
Model 70 Interface/Model 71 Mic Module
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Issue 4, July 2000 Model 50/51 User Guide Page 4 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Foreword
I am pleased to present the StudioComm series of products. As both president and owner of Studio Technologies, I take a very personal approach when designing products. Getting older has increased my appreciation of the more subtle things in lifebe they a part of nature or the nuances contained in a well-designed piece of electronic equipment. Do the technical and operational aspects of a product work together to feel right? A Studio Technologies design is ready to go only when I am completely satisfied. My entire focus for the StudioComm series was to make a system that youd really enjoy using, and one that would perform reliably for years. I hope you share my enthusiasm.
Many fine people worked toward making the StudioComm happen. Mitch Budniak (ace consulting engineer) designed many of the circuits. Jim Cunningham contributed to the analog design. Carrie Loving provided engineering support. Barbara Govednik coordi­nated the marketing communications aspects. Ben Kamen designed the automatic testing routines. Larry Leviton wrote the excellent micro-controller software. Al Lux designed the printed circuit boards. Jim McGuire designed the graphics. Fred Roeck performed the mechanical design. Joe Urbanczyk coordinated the safety testing and agency approvals. J.C. Utter wrote and electronically illustrated the technical manual, with extensive input from me.
Many thanks to Bob Tjarks, professional audio sales manager at Gand Music & Sound, Northfield, Illinois. Bob brought to my attention the need for a product to serve digital audio workstations. His product idea evolved into the StudioComm series. Additional thanks to Timothy Powell of Metro Mobile Recording, Glenview, Illinois, who provided his excellent ears when issues of sonic quality arose. His extensive field and studio experience was extremely helpful in keeping me on the audio straight and narrow.
Please contact me with your questions, comments, and suggestions. I can be reached by voice at (847) 676-9177, fax at (847) 982-0747, or via the e-mail at gkapes@studio-tech.com.
Sincerely,
Gordon K. Kapes President
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Introduction
The Model 50 Central Controller, along with the companion Model 51 Control Console, are members of the StudioComm family of products. The Models 50 and 51 are specifically de­signed to work in conjunction with digital audio workstations to provide a full set of monitoring and communications functions. Features include control room and studio monitoring, an integrated headphone system, dubbing, and communications functions that include talk to studio, talk to phones, and slate. All StudioComm func­tions perform to a level that rivals even the largest recording consoles. Many of the functions are user configurable, allowing unmatched flexibility.
What This User Guide Covers
This User Guide is designed to assist you when installing, configuring, and using the Model 50 Central Controller, Model 51 Control Console, Model 35 Talent Amplifier, Model 38 Talent Ampli­fier, and related components. A limited amount of troubleshooting and back­ground technical information is also pro­vided. Should you require detailed technical information please refer to the StudioComm Service Guide covering the Models 50, 51, 35, and 38. The Service Guide contains detailed service informa­tion, including schematic diagrams. The Service Guide is not shipped with each StudioComm system, but is available from the factory upon request. It is free of charge to purchasers of StudioComm equipment. Give us a call or send an e-mail if you need this highly exciting document!
System Overview
The StudioComm system is designed to provide control over monitor and dub sources, communication from the control room to the studio, and a headphone monitoring (cue) system. A complete StudioComm system consists of a rack­mounted central controller, a desktop control console, and one or more portable talent amplifier units.
The Model 50 Central Controller and the Model 51 Control Console work together to provide performance and features for use in advanced applications. The units interconnect using a standard 5-pin MIDI­style cable. Circuitry in the Model 50 separately routes any of seven stereo inputs to the control room, studio, head­phone, and dub outputs, with commands provided by the Model 51 Control Con­sole. If you have MIDI software that sup­ports the StudioComm system, you can even, in lieu of the Model 51, control the Model 50 with your computer.
The Model 51 Control Consoles built-in microphone lets you talk to the studio or headphone outputs. It also allows you to talk to the dub output, or to the dub and headphone outputs using the slate function.
The Model 35 Talent Amplifier is a por­table amplifier unit capable of driving one or two pairs of high-impedance stereo headphones. A single microphone-type cable links the Model 35 with the Model 50 Central Controller. The Central Controller provides power and left and right audio over just three wires.
The Model 38 Talent Amplifier takes the basics from the Model 35 and adds a
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unique stereo preamplifier section. This allows each Model 38 user to create an individual headphone mix, solving the classic problem of wanting more me in the phones! Like the Model 35, the Model 38 is linked to the Model 50 Central Controller by a single microphone-type cable.
Studio Monitoring
The studio monitoring source is config­ured to follow the selected control room source or headphone source. A push button, along with an associated LED, provides the studio on/off function. A rotary potentiometer is used to set the level.
System Features
Stereo Line Inputs
The Model 50 contains seven stereo line­level inputs which are compatible with both balanced and unbalanced signals. Each input is independently software configurable for a nominal input level of 10dBV or +4dBu. This allows direct connection with virtually any audio source. Each input can also be configured to operate as a mono input. In this manner, a signal connected to the left input is routed to both the left and right outputs. For convenience, input 7 is located on the front panel of the Model 50; inputs 1 through 6 are located on the back panel.
Control Room Monitoring
The control room section provides two stereo line-level outputs for driving two power amplifiers associated with monitor loudspeakers. Seven buttons are used to select the input source to be monitored. The control room level is adjusted using a smooth-feeling rotary potentiometer. The Dim button allows the control room level to be temporarily reduced. The Control Room A/B button allows the control room A or B outputs to be activated. The Mono button allows the sum (L+R) of the se­lected source to be sent as the control room output.
Dub Output
A stereo line-level output is provided as a dub (copy) output. Any of the seven inputs can be assigned to the dub output. The dub output can also be configured to follow the source selected for the control room output. The slate function allows communications (voice) audio to be sent out the dub output. For convenience, the dub output is available from both the front and back panels of the Model 50.
Communications Functions
The Model 51 Control Console contains an internal microphone that is used in conjunction with the three communica­tions functions. The talk to studio function interrupts the studio source and sends communications audio. The talk to phones function either interrupts the phones source or adds (sums or mixes) communications audio with the phones source. The slate function interrupts the dub source and, if configured, the head­phone source and connects communica­tions audio. The slate function can be configured to send a 50Hz sine wave along with communications audio. The audio level of each communications func­tion is individually adjustable.
MIDI Control
All Model 50 Central Controller functions are controlled using system-exclusive MIDI
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messages. The Model 51 Control Console speaks this language, and in most applications a Model 51 will be utilized. In special applications the Model 50 Central Controller can be connected directly to a MIDI bus, allowing the creation of a fully automated recording or audio routing system. (For more information on MIDI support, refer to Appendix A.)
Configuration
the left and right outputs. The dub output level can be set for a nominal 10dBV or +4dBu output level.
Unique to the system is the ability to configure the dim level to one of six val­ues, ranging from full mute to a modest 10dB reduction. The auto dim off function, when configured, allows any change in the control room level potentiometer to automatically turn off an active dim state.
The Model 51 Control Console can be configured to make the system meet a users exact operating environment. As previously discussed, each of the seven stereo line inputs can be independently set for 10dBV or +4dBu operating levels. They also can be set for either mono or stereo operation. In the mono mode a signal connected to the left input is sent to
Model 50 Front Panel
Power
present LED
Model 51
Control Console
over current LED
Talent Amplifier
over current LED
Input data
present LED
Model 50
input data LED
The talk to phones function can be config­ured to either interrupt the source selected for headphone audio and connect com­munications audio, or to have the commu­nications audio added (summed or mixed) with the headphone audio.
The slate function can be configured to talk to the dub output, or talk to both the
Stereo line input 7;
LED indicates
+4dBu configuration
Dub output;
LED indicates +4dBu
configuration
Model 50 Back Panel
AC mains
connection
Mains voltage
configuration
chart
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To/from Model 51
Control Console
Mic Module
input
Output to talent
amplifiers
Dub
output
Studio output
Control room
A & B outputs
Stereo line
inputs 1-6
Model 51 Front Panel
Source selection
for control room (CR),
studio, headphones, and
dub; three columns of
LEDs show the currently
selected sources
Configure button
switches between
normal operation
and configure mode
Studio on/off button
and level control
Built-in microphone for
communications functions
(talk to studio, talk to
phones, slate)
Change the control room level; listen in mono (L+R); select output A or B; or reduce the level by a preset amount
Talk to the studio or headphones; slate; set communications levels
Model 51 Back Panel
Connection
to the Model 50
Central Controller
Connection for
external talk to studio
and talk to phones
switches
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dub and headphone outputs. Slate can also be set to generate a 50Hz sine wave when activated. This provides an audible marker for analog tapes, and a visual indication on a wave form display screen.
Four functions can be set for push-to-latch operation if desired: talk to studio, talk to phones, slate, and control room mono.
Headphone Monitoring
The StudioComm system contains an integrated, full-featured headphone (cue) system. Up to four Model 35 or Model 38 Talent Amplifiers can be connected to the Model 50s talent amplifier output. A single 3-conductor microphone-type cable carries power and stereo audio.
The studio output is set to follow the control room source or the headphone source. The headphone source is set for independent selection or to follow the control room source. The dub source is set for independent selection or to follow the control room source.
All configuration parameters, along with power down operation conditions, are stored in nonvolatile memory.
Model 35 Front Panel
Using the Model 51 Control Console, any of the seven stereo inputs can be assigned to the talent amplifier output. The talk to phones and slate functions allow communications (voice) audio to be sent to the talent amps. The talent amplifi­er output is short circuit protected. Error conditions are displayed by the Talent Amplifier Over Current LED on the Model 50s front panel.
Power present
LED
Model 35 Back Panel
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Headphone output
level control
Connects to additional
talent amplifiers
Switch between
stereo and mono
(L+R) output
Connects to the Model 50 or another talent
amplifiers loop thru connector
Two headphone
outputs
Each Model 35 and Model 38 Talent Amplifier can drive two sets of high-
impedance headphones (>150Ω). The
audio output is loud, and very clean. The units feature a built-in level control, a stereo/mono switch, and a power present LED.
The Model 38 Talent Amplifier takes the basics from the Model 35 and adds a unique stereo preamplifier section. This allows a musicians microphone or line­level signal to be looped through the Model 38, boosted by its preamp, and then combined with the stereo cue mix supplied by the Model 50. This provides
Model 38 Front Panel
each Model 38 with an individual head­phone mix, solving the classic problem of wanting more me in the phones! Like the Model 35, the Model 38 is linked with a Model 50 Central Controller by a single cable.
Installation
In this section you will be installing the Model 50 Central Controller in an equip­ment rack. Audio input and output con­nections will be made using the Model 50s multitude of phone jacks. One or
Two headphone outputs
Power present
LED
Mic/Line button switches
the talent input between
microphone and line level
Talent level
to phones
Switch between
stereo and mono
(L only) for the
talent input
Cue mix
level to
phones
Switch between
stereo and mono
(L+R) for the cue mix
Model 38 Back Panel
Connects to additional
talent amplifiers
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Connects to the
Model 50 or another
talent amplifiers loop
thru connector
Loop thru connectors parallel the
talent inputs for routing to a digital
audio workstation, effects device,
microphone preamp, etc.
Connects to talent
sources such as key-
boards or microphones
more Model 35 or Model 38 Talent Amplifi­ers will be connected. A location will be selected for the Model 51 Control Con­sole, and it will be connected to the Model
50. AC mains power will be connected to the Model 50.
System Components
The main StudioComm shipping carton contains a Model 50 Central Controller, Model 51 Control Console, 5-conductor MIDI-style cable, User Guide, and war­ranty card. Units destined for North America are shipped with an AC mains cord. Your dealer or distributor will provide an AC mains cord for non-North American destinations. Model 35 and Model 38 Talent Amplifiers, along with accessories, will be contained in separate cartons. Please check to ensure you have every­thing you need.
Balanced Connection
(Input & Output)
Ring ()
Tip ( + )
Sleeve
(Shield)
(Switchcraft No. 297, Neutrik NP3C, or equivalent)
Unbalanced Connection
(Input & Output)
Tip ( + )
Sleeve
(Shield)
(Switchcraft No. 280, Neutrik NP2C, or equivalent)
Mounting the Model 50
The Model 50 requires one space in a standard 19-inch (48.3cm) equipment rack. Select a location near where the Model 51 Control Console will be located. A cable is provided to connect the Model 50 to the Model 51. If required, you can supply a longer cable, however 50 feet (15.3m) is the recommended maximum length. It is desirable to locate the Model 50 to allow easy access to both the front and the back panels. The back panel contains most of the input and output connectors, while the front panel is used to access line input 7 and a multiple (mult) of the dub output. In addition, the front panel also contains several LED indica­tors. The Model 50 is secured to the equipment rack using two mounting screws per side.
Audio Inputs and Outputs
The Model 50s line-level audio input and output connections are made using ¼-inch 3-conductor phone jacks. The choice of phone jacks was simply a matter of real estate21 XLR connectors dont quite fit on the back of a one rack-space unit! Dont be concerned about your audio quality, the jacks we use are manufac­tured by Neutrik of Switzerland and fea­ture gold-plated contacts.
Caution: For reliable audio interconnec­tion, the plugs you use must comply with industry standard RS-453. Switchcraft No. 297, Neutrik NP3C, or equivalent will work correctly. Refer to the Technical Notes section for details.
For all input and output phone plugs, tip is positive (+ or hot), ring is negative ( or cold), and sleeve is shield. The
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Model 50 will also accept unbalanced ¼-inch 2-conductor phone plugs for inputs and outputs. With unbalanced phone plugs, tip is positive (+ or hot) and sleeve is shield. If 3-conductor phone plugs are used to connect unbalanced input or output signals, connect positive (+ or hot) to tip and shield to ring and sleeve.
Studio Output
The Model 50 contains a stereo line-level output for connection to an audio power amplifier. This audio amplifier serves the pair of loudspeakers that is located in the studio area. (Of course the studio output can be connected to loudspeakers that contain integral power amplifiers.)
Stereo Line Inputs
The Model 50 provides seven stereo line­level inputs. Inputs 1 through 6 are located on the back panel; input 7 is on the front. Each input is electronically balanced, and can be configured for compatibility with 10dBV or +4dBu signal levels. The Model 51 Control Console gives you push­button control, so you can easily change input sensitivities at any time (refer to the Configuration section under Input Sensitiv­ity). Monaural sources should be con­nected to the left (L) input and configured for mono operation (refer to the Configura­tion section under Stereo/Mono Input).
Control Room Outputs
The Model 50 contains two stereo line­level outputs for connection to two audio power amplifiers. These audio amps serve two pairs of loudspeakers that are located in the control room. (Of course the control room outputs can be connected to loudspeakers that contain integral power amplifiers, such as the products from Genelec.)
The outputs, labeled A and B, are elec­tronically balanced and capable of driving loads of 600 ohms or greater. In most situations best performance will be ob­tained if the audio amplifiers input sensi­tivity is set to near maximum. Refer to the Technical Notes section for details on setting amplifier sensitivity.
The output is electronically balanced and capable of driving loads of 600 ohms or greater. In most situations best perfor­mance will be obtained if the audio amplifiers input sensitivity is set to near maximum. Refer to the Technical Notes section for details on setting amplifier sensitivity.
Dub Output
The Model 50 contains a stereo line-level output which is intended for connection to a variety of analog audio devices. The dub output is electronically balanced and capable of driving 600 ohm loads or greater. With the input impedance of most audio devices at 10k ohms or greater, the dub output can easily drive 10 or more devices simultaneously. The dub output can be configured for a nominal level of 10dBV or +4dBu, so you can connect to all line-level inputs with no hassle (refer to the Configuration section under Dub Output Level ).
The dub output is available on phone jacks located on both the front and back panels of the Model 50. The phone jacks are connected in parallel, being a multiple or mult of each other; one set of dub output circuits drive both outputs. The design intention was that permanent connections would be made to the back panel dub output, while the front panel dub output would remain available for on the spot use.
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Mic Module Input
A ¼-inch 3-conductor phone jack, labeled Mic Module, is located on the back panel. In most cases the Mic Module input will not be used, and no plug should be inserted. For details on using the Mic Module input, refer to the Advanced Installation Topics section later in this guide.
Warning: Do not connect the Model 50s talent amplifier output to anything but Studio Technologies talent amplifi­ers. Some audio equipment may be damaged by the +23Vdc contained on pin 2 of the talent amplifier output connector.
Talent Amplifier Output
Up to four Model 35 or Model 38 Talent Amplifiers can be connected in any combi­nation to the Model 50s talent amplifier output. The output connector is a 3-pin male XLR-type. For best performance, use low-capacitance shielded microphone­type cable to distribute the talent amplifier signal. If you have a choice, select cables with the heaviest wire gauge commonly available. This will reduce voltage drop when using long cable runs. Refer to the Technical Notes section for additional information.
The simplest installation would use a mi­crophone cable to connect the Model 50 to the first talent amplifier; the loop through connector on that talent amp sending the signal on to the next talent amp.
Several mounting options are available for the Model 35 and 38 Talent Amplifiers. For details refer to the Mounting Options sections in the Advanced Installation Topics section of this manual.
In special cases you may need to obtain a stereo, balanced line level output signal from the Model 50 talent amplifier output. The Model 70 Interface is available for this purpose. For details refer to the Advanced Installation Topics section later in this guide.
Locating the Model 51 Control Console
The Model 51 was designed for desktop use, however provision has also been made for microphone-stand mounting. For details refer to Mounting Options in this section.
For convenience, you may want to wire your facility to allow easy access to the talent amplifier signal at all locations where talent amplifiers might be used. The talent amplifiers connect to the Model 50 in parallel, so the connectors on the distribu­tion panels or mult boxes must be wired in parallel.
Connecting the Model 50 to the Model 51
A standard 5-conductor MIDI-style cable is used to connect the Model 50 to the Model 51; a cable is included with your system. Just connect the cable between the female 5-pin DIN-type connectors on the back of the Model 50 and 51, and youre done.
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Note: If you require a longer cable, be certain to buy a MIDI cable that has all 5 pins wired. If they arent all connected, the Model 51 will not operate. This is because the Model 50 powers the Model 51 with the pins that arent used for MIDI data.
The Model 50 uses an IEC standard con­nector to mate with the AC mains cord. The wire colors in the AC mains cord should conform to the internationally recognized CEE color code and must be wired accordingly:
For best performance, the cable that connects the Model 50 with the Model 51 should be limited to 50 feet (15.3m). Should you need to exceed this length, refer to the Technical Notes section of this guide for details on the cable requirements.
For more information on MIDI, and using controllers other than the Model 51, please refer to Appendix A.
Remote Control Inputs
The Model 51 allows the connection of two external switches or contact clo­sures. Refer to the Advanced Installation Topics section of this guide for details.
AC Mains Power
The Model 50 is internally configured to operate from either 100, 120, or 220/240V, 50/60Hz. In most cases, units shipped to North America are factory selected for 120V operation. Units bound for Japan are selected for 100V, while our friends down under and in Europe receive units set for 220/240V. Before connecting the Model 50 to mains power, check that it is configured to match the local mains voltage. Look on the back panel, adjacent to the power entry connector, for the configured voltage(s). Note than an incorrect configu­ration could seriously damage the unit. Should it be necessary to change the units operating voltage it must be performed only at the factory or by an authorized service technician.
Connection Wire Color
Neutral (N) Light Blue Line (L) Brown Protective Earth (E) Green/Yellow
Safety Warning: The Model 50 does not contain an AC mains disconnect switch. As such the mains cord plug serves as the disconnection device. Safety consideration requires that the plug and associated outlet be easily accessible to allow rapid discon­nection of mains power should it prove necessary.
As soon as mains power is applied, the Model 50s power present LED will light. The Model 51 will go through its power-up sequence lighting each LED in a rapid sequence. The power present LEDs on the talent amplifiers will also light.
The two Over Current LEDs located on the front panel of the Model 50 should not be lit. If either or both are flashing, imme­diately refer to the Troubleshooting sec­tion of this guide. If everything appears to be functioning properly you are now ready to configure the system.
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