Studio Technologies Model 240 Producers Console
Headset for Microphone and Phones
A 5-pin XLR connector is provided for connection of a broadcast-style headset. The selected headset should contain a dynamic microphone and a single or dual earpiece. While not directly intended for on-air applications, the microphone preamplifier is excellent, providing low-noise, low-distortion, and high headroom performance. For optimal sound quality the gain of the mic preamp can be configured from among five choices. A sophisticated audio compressor circuit follows the microphone preamplifier to minimize the chance of signal overload. The headphone output features low-noise circuitry with plenty of all-important headroom. Many parametres associated with the headphone output can be configured to meet user requirements.
Main Outputs
Four main outputs are provided which can be independently configured to meet the specific needs of broadcast and production applications. They can be, at their most basic, considered talkback channels that, under pushbutton control, contain the signal from the connected headset's microphone. When an additional audio source is selected for use by a main output a composite program/interrupt talent cueing signal is created. Each main output provides a line-level signal that's transformer and capacitor coupled for superior compatibility and reliability. Resistors in series with the output signals allow passive mixing of multiple main output channels. And not to be ignored is the audio quality: clean, quiet, and "click free."
Intercom Interface
The intercom interface is compatible with single- and dual-channel party-line (PL) intercom circuits commonly found in broadcast, production, and industrial applications. Direct connections with PL circuits associated with RTS™ TW and Clear-Com® intercom systems is assured. The Model 240 can be configured to serve in a listen-only mode where PL intercom receive audio is routed to the headphone output. Main outputs 3 and 4 can also be independently selected to send talk audio to the intercom circuit. The latter makes the Model 240 function as a full 2-channel intercom user station. The intercom circuit can also provide the power required by the Model 240.
Line-Level Audio Inputs
Two line-level audio inputs allow the connection of a variety of cue signals. The inputs are capacitor and transformer coupled, ensuring consistent and reliable interfacing with almost any audio source found in the field. Two trim potentiometres allow adjustment of the input signal level. The two line inputs can be configured for use with the four main outputs as well as with the headphone output. The four main outputs can be independently configured to use this "program" audio to create talent cue signals. While line input 1 is always assigned to main outputs 1 and 3, the choice of line input 1 or line input 2 is independently assignable to main outputs 2 and 4. Each main output can then be configured for how it uses its associated program audio source. They can be set to have no program audio, continuous program audio that combines with talk audio, program audio that's fully muted when talk is active, or program audio that's "dimmed" (attenuated by 15 dB) when talk is active. In this way four independent "dry" (non-powered) talent cue (IFB) channels can be easily created.
Headphone Output
A 2-channel (stereo) headphone output is provided for monitoring program or intercom audio signals. Physically the headphone output connections are part of the 5-pin XLR headset connector located on the Model 240's back panel. Each headphone output channel can be independently configured to monitor the two line-level inputs or the two intercom interface channels. Two rotary controls allow the user to independently adjust the level of the left and right headphones output channels. A configuration setting allows the headphone output to be placed in monaural mode, mixing the signals selected for the left and right channels. This can be useful when single earpiece ("single-muff") headsets or in-ear transducers are used. A sidetone function is also available, allowing audio from the microphone input to be routed to the left and/or right headphone channels. A separate rotary control is provided for the user to adjust the side-tone level.
Provision has also been made to allow two additional line-level audio sources to be connected and routed to the headphone output channels. Using optional line input cards mounted in the back panel openings of the Model 240, functions such as announcer/commentator pre-fader listen can be implemented.