Studio Technologies Model 215A Announcer's Console

Three pushbutton switches, four LED indicators, and three rotary controls provide the user with a clear, easy-to-use interface. One pushbutton switch controls the status of the Dante main transmitter (output) channel. 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 channel. Two additional pushbutton switches control the status of the Dante talkback transmitter (output) channels.

These are the audio signals used to communicate with producers, directors, spotters, or other behind-the-scenes production personnel. A status LED is associated with each of the talkback pushbutton switches. The three pushbutton switches utilize 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 channels.

A microphone signal is connected to the Model 215A by way of a standard 3-pin female XLR connector. The unit incorporates a high-performance microphone preamplifier which offers low-noise, low-distortion, and high-headroom amplification over a 19 to 64 dB range. The gain is adjustable in 3-dB steps.

The microphone input is compatible with balanced dynamic or condenser microphones. Phantom power is provided and meets the worldwide P48 standard. A dual-color LED indicator serves as an optimization aid when setting the gain of the microphone preamplifier.

By way of the Dante interface, the Model 215A provides a main transmitter (output) channel and two talkback transmitter (output) channels. The main output channel is designed to serve as the on-air, stadium announcement, or other primary audio feed. The talkback output channels are intended to provide production trucks, control rooms, or support personnel with a talent-originated cue signal.

In addition to the Dante main and talkback transmitter (output) channels, a fourth Dante transmitter (output) channel, called aux, is also provided. A configuration choice allows the aux channel to be selected for Hot Mic, Tally Tone, or Main output with 18 kHz Tone operation.

The Model 215A provides a number of configuration choices that relate to the unit’s 2-channel (stereo) headphone output. These choices include the audio sources that are utilized and how the three rotary level control’s function, if and when sidetone action will take place, the minimum headphone output level, and the overall headphone output gain range.

Five headphone output audio source and routing modes are offered. These modes impact how the three rotary controls adjust the four Dante receiver (input) channels and the sidetone audio signals. The three headphone level controls are provided for setting the mix of the selected audio input sources as well as adjusting the overall headphone output level.

The sidetone function allows audio from the output of the Model 215A’s microphone preamplifier to be sent to the left and right headphone output channels. This can be useful, providing the user with an aural confirmation of the signal connected to the microphone input.

This ability can be especially important 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. It can also be disabled if desired.

The Model 215A connects to a data network using a standard 100 Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface. The physical interconnection is made by way of a Neutrik etherCON RJ45 connector. While compatible with standard RJ45 plugs, etherCON allows a ruggedized and locking interconnection to meet the needs of harsh or high-reliability environments.

The Model 215A’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. The unit can also be powered using an external source of 12 VDC. For redundancy, both power sources can be connected simultaneously. If both sources are connected, PoE will power the unit.

The Model 215A can be configured to meet the needs of specific applications and user preferences. All configuration tasks are performed using the STcontroller personal computer software application, available free of charge on the Studio Technologies’ website. With the Model 215A there are no mechanical switch settings or button-press sequences required to configure how the unit functions.

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 215A’s back panel. Multiple 3-position headers, located on the Model 215A’s circuit board, provide technician access to microphone, headphone, pushbutton switch, and relay connections. Using a variety of optional factory-supplied connector and interface cable kits allows a Model 215A to be optimized to meet the needs of specific applications.

Two general-purpose relay contacts are provided on the Model 215A’s circuit board. Accessible using 3-pin header connectors, they allow specialized configurations to be created. Under software control, the form-A (normally open) solid-state relay contacts can be configured to follow the state of the main and talkback functions. Taking advantage of the two locations provided for additional XLR connectors, a technician may easily implement a variety of functions such as a tally indication or audio muting during talkback.

The Model 215A was designed so that in the future its capabilities and performance can be easily enhanced. A USB-A receptacle, located on the unit’s back panel, allows the operating firmware (embedded software) to be updated using a standard USB flash drive.

The Model 215A uses Audinate’s Ultimo integrated circuit for implementing Dante. The firmware within this integrated circuit can be updated via the Ethernet connection, helping to ensure that its capabilities remain up to date.