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Highlights
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Excellent audio quality
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Configuration flexibility
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Simple user interface
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Next-generation performance
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Standard connectors
Overview
The
Model 210 Announcer’s Console is designed to serve as the audio control
center for announcers, commentators, and production talent. The tabletop
unit is suited for numerous applications including on-air television
sports broadcasting. The Model 210 integrates all on-air, talkback, and
cue audio signal routing into one compact system. Ease of use, flexible
in configuration, and sonically excellent are some of the unit’s
highlights.
The Model 210 is compatible with most
broadcast and audio system environments. Standard connectors are used to
interface microphone, headphone, talkback, and IFB signals. Whether it’s
microphone switching, talkback output, or headphone cue feed, superior
audio quality is maintained throughout. A microprocessor provides the
Model 210’s logic power, allowing exacting control of the unit’s
operation. A range of configuration choices allow the desired operating
configuration to be easily selected. While flexible, the user is
presented with an easy-to-use set of controls and indicators.
A truly next-generation product,
extensive research into the needs and desires of field production
personnel was integral to the Model 210’s creation. While primarily
targeted for on-air television applications, specialized features are
included to allow the Model 210 to be used in a variety of other audio
applications. These include on-air radio broadcasting, stadium
announcement, and voice-over/narration booths.
Microphone
Input
A high-performance
microphone preamplifier circuit provides low-noise/low-distortion
amplification over a 20 to 60 dB gain range. The gain is adjustable in
10 dB steps. The input is compatible with balanced dynamic or condenser
microphones. The microphone power source is 48 volts nominal and meets
the worldwide P48 phantom standard. An LED indicator serves as an aid
for optimizing the setting of the preamplifier’s gain. The output of the
microphone preamplifier is used by the main output as well as being
routed to the compressor circuit that supports the talkback function.
Main
and Talkback Outputs
The Model 210 provides one main and one
talkback output. The main output is designed to serve as the on-air,
stadium announcement, or other primary audio feed. Nominally –2 dBu, it
is designed as a fully professional interface with high output
capability, low distortion, and low noise. It features a high-quality
transformer expressly designed for driving long broad- cast cable runs.
The talkback output is intended to provide production trucks, control
rooms, or support personnel with a talent-originated cue signal. The
talkback output is transformer-coupled with a +4 dBu nominal signal
level. It contains resistors in series with its output connections,
allowing the talkback output from multiple units to be directly
“summed.”
For non-on-air applications, a special
Model 210 feature can be enabled, placing the unit in a “production”
mode. This allows the main output to be used as a second talkback
output. In this configuration the unit can be even more powerful when
used in a live event application, such as serving as a master console
for a production director.
Dynamic
Range Control
A studio-quality compressor circuit is
provided to control the dynamic range of the signal coming from the
microphone preamplifier. Far from a simple “clipper,” the circuit
utilizes a sophisticated laser-trimmed voltage-controlled-amplifier (VCA)
integrated circuit for quiet, low-distortion level control. The signal
from the compressor is always used by the talkback output. In addition,
the audio source for the main output can be selected to be either the
output of the microphone preamplifier or the output of the compressor.
While possibly not appropriate for major on-air situations, having
dynamic range control of the main output can offer increased performance
for many applications. These could include stadium announcement
positions, sports events using nonprofessional on-air talent, and
situations where cable crosstalk is of concern.
User
Controls and Status Indicators
Two pushbutton
switches, three LED indicators, and two rotary controls provide the user
with a clear, easy-to-use interface. One pushbutton switch controls the
status of the main output. This is the audio output intended for on-air,
announcement, or other primary uses. Two LEDs display the on/off status
of the main output. A second pushbutton switch controls the status of
the talkback output. This is the audio output used to communicate with
producers, directors, spotters, or other behind-the-scenes production
personnel. A status LED is associated with the talkback button. Two
rotary controls allow the user to adjust the level of the headphone
output.
Flexibility
A large part of the Model 210’s unique
power is the ability to configure the operation of the main output and
talkback functions. To meet the needs of the many specific broadcast and
production applications, a variety of button operating modes is
available. The main output button can be selected to operate from among
four modes. In the “push-to-mute” mode the button performs a momentary
mute of the main output. In this way a “cough” button function is
created, something typically required for television sports
broadcasting. In the “push-to-talk” mode the button provides a momentary
active function for the main output. This mode would be appropriate for
applications such as stadium announcement. An alternate action
“latching” configuration allows the button to enable or disable the main
output as desired. This is useful in radio broadcasting, announce-booth,
or voice-over applications. The fourth mode provides a hybrid function,
supporting both push-to-talk and tap-to-enable/tap-to-disable operation.
This operation is similar to that found in many broadcast intercom
system user stations.
The button associated with the talkback
function can be configured to operate from either of two modes. One of
the modes supports a “push-to-talk” function. This is typically used for
on-air broadcast applications. The other mode provides a hybrid
function, the operation of which is discussed in the previous paragraph.
The hybrid mode is especially useful when the Model 210 is used in a
production-support application.
IFB
Input
A broadcast-standard
“wet” (DC with audio) IFB circuit can be directly connected to the Model
210’s IFB input. Originated by sources such as the
Telex®/RTS® 4000-series IFB
system or IFB interface devices from Studio Technologies, the connected
IFB circuit can provide DC power to operate the Model 210 as well as two
channels of cue audio.
Cue
Sources
The Model 210 allows the two IFB audio
sources to be selected for routing to the headphone output. Originating
in production trailers, control rooms, or remote locations, these
unbalanced sources normally provide DC power and program-with-interrupt
audio on one channel and program-only audio on the other. Each source
can be individually assigned to the left channel, right channel, or both
left and right. This allows a wide variety of stereo and mono headphone
mixes to be created.
Some applications may benefit by being
able to connect standard line-level audio signals to the Model 210. To
meet this need one or two optional line input cards can be installed in
the Model 210’s back panel. Each card provides a female XLR-type
connector and transformer-isolated +4 dBu nominal input circuit. Each
source can be individually assigned to the left channel, right channel,
or both left and right.
Headphone
Output
Two rotary controls are provided for
user adjustment of the headphone output levels. For application
flexibility the actual function of the two “pots” is configurable. For
traditional on-air sports applications they can be selected to the
dual-channel (“level/level”) mode which provides independent control of
the left- and right-channel volume. For use with dual-channel cue
signals, or to support user preference, the stereo (“level/balance”)
mode can be selected. In this mode one control adjusts the overall level
of both the left and right channels, while the other allows adjustment
of the left/right level balance. To help minimize the chance of
broadcast cues being missed, both level control modes can be configured
so that a minimum headphone output level is maintained. Alternately, the
headphone output can be set to fully mute when the controls are at their
minimum position.
The headphone output was designed to
meet the needs of contemporary headphones and headsets. Specifically,
the output circuits act as voltage, rather than power, drivers. In this
configuration they can provide high output levels with very low
distortion and noise, along with minimal current consumption. The output
circuits are configured to safely drive stereo or mono loads. This
ensures that all types of headphones, headsets, and earpieces can be
directly connected.
Audio
Quality and Protection
The Model 210’s
circuitry is carefully tailored to provide
excellent audio performance. Professional-quality components are
featured throughout. For reliability all audio routing is performed
using solid-state devices. In all critical audio paths, “clickless”
electronic switches provide noise-free control. All audio inputs and
outputs make extensive use of protection components. This limits the
chance of damage from ESD and other undesirable, yet real-world,
hazards.
Power
Sources
The
Model 210 can derive its operating power from either the IFB input or an
external nominal 24 volt DC source. For redundancy, both power sources
can be connected simultaneously. An internal switch- mode power supply
ensures that all Model 210 features are available when the unit is
powered by either source.
The Model 210 is compatible with IFB circuits provided by most standard
broadcast systems. However, maximum performance can often be obtained by
using the IFB interface devices available from Studio Technologies.
Single-channel and four-channel units are available, each providing
high-quality audio along with an excellent source of DC power. They’re
directly compatible with most matrix intercom systems, as well as
standard line-level audio signals.
Configuration
Model 210 configurations are made using
a number of DIP-type switches. One 8-position switch array is used to
set the gain of the microphone preamplifier and the on/off status of
phantom power. Another 8-position switch array configures which of the
IFB audio sources is routed to the headphone output. A third 8-position
switch array communicates the desired operating modes to the
microprocessor. All switches are accessible via the bottom of the Model
210’s enclosure; the unit does not have to be disassembled. Changes made
to any of the configuration parameters become active immediately. To
prevent access to the configuration switches a security panel, included
with each unit, is attached to the bottom of the enclosure.
Connectors
The Model 210 uses standard
connectors throughout. The microphone and IFB inputs use 3-pin female
XLR-type connectors. The main and talkback outputs use 3-pin male XLRs.
A ¼-inch 3-conductor jack is used for the headphone output. The external
source of 24 volt DC power is connected by way of a 2.1 x 5.5 mm
“locking” coaxial power jack.
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-type connectors can
easily be mounted into the Model 210’s back panel. Multiple 3-position
“headers” located on the Model 210’s circuit board provide
technician-access to all input and output connections. Using a
factory-available interface cable kit allows a Model 210 to be optimized
to meet the exact needs of specific applications. For example, some
applications may prefer to use a multi-pin XLR-type connector to
interface with a headset. This can easily be accomplished by adding the
appropriate 5-, 6-, or 7-pin XLR-type connector and making a few simple
connections. Other applications may benefit from having “mult” or
“loop-through” connections, something easily incorporated into a Model
210. One or two optional line input cards, as previously discussed, can
also be mounted in the spare XLR positions.
200-Series Announcer's Console Products
The Model 210 is just
one in a series of announcer console products available from Studio
Technologies. For applications that require an alternate set of features
the other products in the 200-series should be reviewed.
Model 210 Specifications
General
Audio:
Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHZ, ±0.1 dB, mic in/main out
Distortion (THD+N): 0.008%, measured at 1 kHz, mic in/main out
S/N Ratio: 80 dB, referenced to –46 dBu mic in/–2 dBu main out
Connectors:
Mic In, IFB In: 3-pin female XLR-type
Main Out, Talkback Out: 3-pin male XLR-type
Headphone Out: ¼-inch 3-conductor phone jack
24 Vdc Power In: coaxial power jack, 2.1 x 5.5 mm, locking bushing,
compatible with Switchcraft S760K plug
Spare
Connector Locations: 2
Allows one or two Neutrik NC*D-L-1 connectors to be installed (*=3F, 3M,
5F, 5M, 6F, 6FS, etc.)
Microphone
Input/Preamplifier:
Type: electronically balanced
Input Impedance: 2 k ohms, nominal
Gain Range: 20 to 60 dB, nominal, adjustable in 10 dB steps
Compatibility: dynamic or phantom-powered mics
Phantom Power: 48 Vdc, nominal, meets IEC 61938
IFB
Input:
Type: 2-channel, unbalanced (pin 1 common; pin 2 DC with channel 1
audio; pin 3 channel 2 audio).
Impedance: 10 k ohms, nominal
Nominal Level: –10 dBu
Optional
Line Inputs: 2
Type: balanced, transformer-coupled
Impedance: 10 k ohms, nominal
Nominal Level: +4 dBu
Compressor:
Threshold: 2 dB above nominal level
Attack/Release Time: 2 mSec/100 mSec, nominal
Slope: 5:1, nominal
Status LED: compressor active
Main
Output:
Type: balanced, transformer-coupled
Nominal Level: –2 dBu
Maximum Level: +20 dBu into 2 k ohms
Impedance: 100 ohms, nominal
Talkback
Output:
Type: transformer-coupled with series capacitors and isolation resistors
Impedance: 600 ohms, nominal
Nominal Level: +4 dBu
Maximum Level: +11 dBu (compressor restricts maximum)
Headphone
Output: 1, stereo
Compatibility: intended for connection to mono or stereo headphones or
headsets with nominal impedance of 100 ohms or greater
Type: voltage driver
Maximum Output Voltage: 8 Vpp, 150 ohm load
Power
Sources:
IFB: 24-32 Vdc, 105 mA
External: 24 Vdc nominal, 70 mA @ 24 Vdc; acceptable range 20-30 Vdc. Units
shipped to North America and Japan include a 120 V input/24 Vdc output
power supply. Units shipped to all other locations include a universal
input/24 Vdc output power supply.
Options: one or two line input cards can be installed to provide support for
connection of line-level balanced or unbalanced audio sources
Dimensions
(Overall):
5.6 inches wide (14.2 cm)
3.3 inches high (8.4 cm)
8.5 inches deep (22.4 cm)
Weight:
3.4 pounds (1.6 kg)
Specifications
subject to change without notice.
Model 200-Series Announcer's Consoles
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Which
Announcer's Console is right for your application? Review the
Model 200-Series
Announcer's Consoles Feature-by-Feature Comparison Chart.
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A
host of optional accessories can be added on to the
Model 200-Series Announcer's Consoles. For more information review the
Model 200-Series
Announcer's Consoles Accessories List.
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