The Model 209 Talent Console offers a unique combination of audio, remote control, and tally-output resources for use in podcast and other specialized audio applications. The unit is housed in a compact enclosure that's intended for mounting under a tabletop, within custom furniture, or as part of an on-air set.
Model 209 supports Dante audio-over-Ethernet digital media technology as well as AES67 for integration into contemporary applications. In addition, Audinate's Dante Domain Manager™ software application is supported.
Model 209 is extremely simple to deploy, is "pro" quality throughout, and provides intuitive user experience. Model 209's audio quality is excellent, with low distortion, low noise, and high headroom. Careful circuit design and rugged components ensure long, reliable operation.
Model 209 integrates directly into Dante audio-over-Ethernet environments. With just a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection, a microphone, and a pair of headphones or an earpiece, a complete audio "position" can be created. In addition, remote control inputs and tally outputs allow Model 209 to integrate directly into more complex applications.
A host of Model 209 features are configured using the STcontroller personal computer software application. This allows the unit's operation to be tailored to meet the exact needs of many installations. STcontroller is a fast and simple means of confirming and revising the unit's operating parameters.
A high-performance microphone preamplifier and associated analog-to-digital circuitry routes the input audio signal to the Model 209's digital microcontroller integrated circuit. The audio quality compares very well to that provided by high-end external microphone preamplifiers, consoles, and I/O interfaces. A pushbutton switch provides the user with direct control over the microphone-associated audio signal as it is routed to the Dante main and talkback transmitter (output) audio channels. The audio switching is performed in the digital domain and is virtually "click-free." Two Dante receiver (input) audio channels supply the user with their talent cue signals. (Often referred to as IFB in broadcast applications.) Should the talent cue signal be "mix-minus" an integrated sidetone function can provide the user with a microphone confidence signal.
Remote control of a few Model 209's functions can be easily performed. This is available in the form of two contact-closure inputs, by way of high-frequency tones that are embedded in the Dante receiver (input) audio channels, or using UDP commands supplied via Ethernet. Two tally outputs allow direct control of LED status arrays associated with the microphone mounting method. Using Model 209 will often eliminate the need for an additional interface or LED control method.
Stereo or monaural headphones, headsets, or earpieces can be connected by way of the ¼-inch and 3.5 mm 3-conductor jacks that are located on the Model 209's front panel. The headphone connections on the two jacks are connected in parallel ("multed"), providing the same 2-channel signal to various connected devices. The unit's two remote control inputs, accessible using a 3.5 mm 3-conductor jack, allow one or two contact closures to be connected. These contact closures can be configured to provide a remote version of the front-panel button function or to activate the tally output functions. Accessible on a separate 3.5 mm 3-conductor jack, two tally outputs provide DC signals to operate associated LED status indicators. The tally outputs are 12 volts DC and can provide up to 100 milliamperes of current. These robust outputs can function independently or as a single bi-directional current source to ensure compatibility with a range of microphone on/off status indicators.
The STcontroller software application is used to configure Model 209's many operating parameters. This allows the unit's performance to be optimized to meet the needs of specific applications. Separate STcontroller versions are available, free of charge, to support personal computers running the WinOS and MacOS operating systems.
The user is presented with a simple set of controls and indicators. A lighted push-button switch is used to select the status of the microphone signal as it is sent to the Dante main and talkback transmitter (output) channels. A rotary level control, with internal RGB LED lighting, allows on/off control and level adjustment of the headphone output. An eight-LED multi-purpose display provides a status indication of various Model 209 operating characteristics.
Audio input signals arrive via the Dante receiver (input) channels and pass into the Model 209's microcontroller integrated circuit. Channel routing, headphone level control, and sidetone creation are performed within the digital domain. This provides flexibility, allows precise control, and keeps the level control from having to directly handle analog audio signals. The two audio channels destined for the headphone outputs are sent to a high-performance digital-to-analog (DAC) integrated circuit and then on to robust driver circuitry. High signal levels can be provided with a variety of headsets, headphones, and earpieces.
The talkback pushbutton switch, located on Model 209's front panel, can be configured from among five operating modes. These choices allow Model 209's audio output operation to be tailored to meet the specific needs of the application. As an example, for a podcast application the push button would typically be configured to provide a push to mute (cough) function. This would ensure that the microphone signal would remain active unless the talent needs to momentarily disable it.
The integrated sidetone function can be configured to meet specific user needs. Sidetone allows audio associated with the microphone input and microphone preamplifier to be returned to the headphone output. This is important as different applications may provide "full mix" or a "mix-minus" talent cue signal. If a full mix cue signal is provided, then sidetone audio will not be needed and the function can be disabled. In the case, where a mix-minus signal is present, providing the user with sidetone can be an important means of confirming the signal that's coming from the connected microphone. The level of the sidetone signal can either be fixed or allowed to be adjusted using the front-panel control.
Unique to the Model 209 are the two tally outputs. These 12 volts DC, 100 milliamperes maximum outputs are designed to "drive" arrays of LED status indicators, such as are often associated with microphone boom mounting arms. Each output can function independently, providing separate DC outputs. They can also be configured to provide a single differential output. In this way, a tally status change will result in the tally output current changing direction. This allows support for some very useful implementations. For example, without the need for extra circuitry or an additional interface, the Model 209 can directly control the status LED indicator assembly associated with the excellent on-air microphone mounting products from Yellowtec of Germany. With just two connections, the Model 209 can control both the white and red LED indicators associated with the mike mounting system.
The status of the tally outputs can be configured to respond to six sources. "Virtual" buttons within the STcontroller application can control the on/off status of the tally outputs. This can be useful during unit installation and testing. The status of the main output can also be used to control the tally outputs. This allows a direct "on-air" light function to be established. As previously noted, the two contact closure inputs can be used to control the tally outputs. Finally, a high-frequency tone present in a Dante receiver (input) channel can also be configured to control the state of a tally output. This tone-operated (TOX) control function allows easy integration with a DSP-based audio processing unit. With no additional wiring and simple programming, the processor can generate tones required to control the state of the tally outputs.