Studio Technologies 60 User Manual

Model 60 Central Controller and
Model 61 Control Console
Issue 2, March 1998
This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers:
Model 60 00200 to 00300 Model 61 00151 and later
© 1998 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
50076-398, Issue 2
Tab le of Contents
Foreword..................................................................... 5
Introduction ................................................................. 7
What This User Guide Covers ................................ 7
System Overview .................................................... 7
System Features ..................................................... 7
Installation................................................................... 10
Configuration............................................................... 15
Operation .................................................................... 15
Troubleshooting .......................................................... 18
Technical Notes .......................................................... 18
Specifications .............................................................. 21
Block Diagrams
Model 60 Central Controller
Model 61 Control Console
Model 60/61 User Guide Issue 2, March 1998 Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 3
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. Al Lux designed the printed circuit boards. Fred Roeck performed the mechanical design. Joe Urbanczyk coordinated the safety testing and agency approvals.
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.”
Studio Technologies is receptive to your comments and questions. Please contact me via phone (847) 676-9177, fax at (847) 982-0747, or the Internet at www.studio-tech.com—I’d like to hear from you.
Sincerely, Gordon K. Kapes
President
Model 60/61 User Guide Issue 2, March 1998 Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 5
Introduction
The Model 60 Central Controller, along with the companion Model 61 Control Console, are members of the StudioComm family of products. The Models 60 and 61 are specifically designed to work in con­junction with digital audio workstations to provide routing, monitoring, and communi­cations functions. Features include insert switching, control room monitoring, dub (copy) output, and an integrated head­phone cue system. Several of the func­tions can be configured, allowing the performance to be tailored to a specific installation.
What This User Guide Covers
This User Guide is designed to assist you when installing and using the Model 60 Central Controller and the Model 61 Con­trol Console. A limited amount of trouble­shooting information is also provided. Should you require detailed technical information please refer to the Service Guide covering the Models 60 and 61. 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 a fax or E-mail if you need this highly exciting document!
System Overview
The StudioComm system is designed to provide control over monitor and dub sources, implements a passive insert switching system, and includes a head­phone cue system that allows communica-
tions from the control room to the talent. A complete StudioComm system consists of a rack-mounted controller and a desktop control console.
The Model 60 Central Controller and the Model 61 Control Console work together to provide a simple, convenient operator interface, extensive features, and excellent sonic performance. The units interconnect using a standard 5-pin MIDI-style cable. Switches and controls on the Model 60’s front panel allow access to many operating parameters, including activating insert devices, selecting control room and dub input sources, and setting headphone cue system level. The Model 61 Control Con­sole places the most important controls at the operator’s finger tips. These include the control room level potentiometer and monaural button, as well as the cue micro­phone and enable button.
System Features
Insert Switcher
The insert switcher section allows an unbalanced stereo audio signal to be routed to up to three processing devices. This feature is specifically provided to allow an analog output signal from an audio workstation to be processed by equalizers, compressors, or other analog devices, then be returned to the work­station’s analog input. Three switches on the Model 60’s front panel are used to select which one (or more) of the three devices are active in the insert audio chain.
Alternately, the insert switcher can be wired so as to create a four input/one output stereo input source switcher. This can be used for routing analog sources to a work station’s analog input.
Model 60/61 User Guide Issue 2, March 1998 Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 7
Stereo Line Inputs
The Model 60 contains four stereo line­level inputs which are compatible with both balanced and unbalanced signals. Each input is independently configurable for a nominal input level of –10dBV or +4dBu. Analog audio outputs from digital audio workstations, DAT recorders, video editing equipment, CD players, cassette decks, or virtually any analog source can be connected.
Control Room Output
A stereo line-level output is provided for connection to a power amplifier associated with control room monitor loudspeakers.
Model 60 Front Panel
Switches on the Model 60’s front panel allow selection of one or more of the four input signals as the control room source. A smooth-feeling rotary control on the Model 61 Control Console allows the control room level to be adjusted. As a production or mixing aid, the Model 61 contains a button that activates the control room monaural (L+R) function.
For broadcast or other special application, an external switch or contact closure can be connected to the Model 60, allowing the control room output to be fully muted as required. An LED indicator on the Model 60’s front panel lights whenever mute is active. A power up/power fail
Power
present LED
Insert switcher
bypass/active
Control room
mute LED
Control room
source switches
switches
Dub source
switches
Cue program
Dub output
level control
switch
Headphone
source switch
Cue level
control
Headphone output level
control
Model 60 Back Panel
AC mains
connection
Mains voltage
configuration chart
Issue 2, March 1998 Model 60/61 User Guide Page 8 Studio Technologies, Inc.
To/from
Model 61
Control Console
Headphone
output; control
room mute input
Dub
output
Control
room output
Stereo line-level
inputs
Insert switcher input,
output, and insert device
connections
Headphone
output jack
Model 61 Front Panel
Control room level
Cue microphone
Mono
Model 61 Back Panel
Cue (talk to phones)
To/from Model 60 Central Controller
detection function is associated with the mute circuit. This limits the chance of transients being present in the control room output, protecting the control room power amplifier and associated loud speakers.
general-purpose output, useful in many applications. Switches on the front panel of the Model 60 Central Controller allow selection of one or more of the input sig­nals as the dub source(s). For flexibility, a rotary control allows the nominal output level to be adjusted. Turned fully clockwise
Dub Output
A stereo line-level output is provided for dub (copy) use. It can also serve as a
Model 60/61 User Guide Issue 2, March 1998 Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 9
the output is set for +4dBu, with a calibra­tion mark also shown for a nominal –10dBV output.
Headphone Monitoring
The Model 60 contains a stereo head­phone output section that is capable of driving one or two pairs of high-impedance headphones. With acoustically efficient headphones, such as those from Sony, you can easily reach sonic nirvana! On the Model 60’s front panel is a head­phone output level control and a source selection switch. The switch allows either the source(s) selected for the control room or the source(s) selected for the dub output to be sent to the headphones. For flexibility, headphone output jacks are provided on both the front and back pan­els, with separate output circuits driving each jack.
Cue (Talk to Phones)
The Model 61 Control Console contains an internal microphone and enable button that is used to send voices “cues” to the talent by means of the headphone outputs. To improve voice clarity and prevent acoustic feedback the control room output level automatically attenuates (dims) upon activation of the cue microphone. A control on the Model 60’s front panel allows ad­justment of the voice level. Also on the Model 60’s front panel is a switch that selects whether the voice cue will replace (interrupt) or add (sum) with the normal headphone program source.
will be connected to the Model 60. AC mains power will be connected to the Model 60.
System Components
The StudioComm shipping carton contains a Model 60 Central Controller, Model 61 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.
Mounting the Model 60
The Model 60 requires one space in a standard 19-inch (48.3cm) equipment rack. Select a location near where the Model 61 Control Console will be located. A 10-foot (3.1m) cable is provided to connect the Model 60 to the Model 61. You can supply a longer cable, however 50 feet (15.4m) is the recommended maximum length. It is desirable to locate the Model 60 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 contains many switches, controls, and indicator lights. In addition, the front panel also contains one of the headphone output connector. The Model 60 is secured to the equipment rack using two mounting screws per side.
Installation
In this section you will be installing the Model 60 Central Controller in an equip­ment rack. Input and output connections will be made using the Model 60’s multi­tude of jacks. A location will be selected for the Model 61 Control Console, and it
Issue 2, March 1998 Model 60/61 User Guide Page 10 Studio Technologies, Inc.
Audio Inputs and Outputs
The Model 60’s line-level audio input and output connections are made using ¼-inch phone jacks. Don’t be concerned about your audio quality, the jacks we use are manufactured by Neutrik and feature gold­plated contacts.
Loading...
+ 15 hidden pages