Studio Technologies 2A 2015 User Manual
Page 7

Model 2A User Guide
Issue 2, March 2015
Studio Technologies, Inc.
Page 7
50/60 hertz is connected via a detachable 
mains cord and provides power for the 
Model 2A.
IFB Channels
The Model 2A contains two independent 
IFB channels. Each channel has individual 
controls and indicators, including program 
source select switches, program level 
control, 5-segment LED level meter, and 
LED status indicators. The features of one 
of two identical channels will be highlighted 
in this paragraph. Six switches allow the 
four program audio inputs and audio com-
ing from the two telephone interfaces to 
be selected as program audio sources. A 
rotary level control allows adjustment of 
the program audio level relative to that of 
the non-adjustable interrupt audio level. A 
5-segment LED meter displays the level of 
the composite IFB audio signal. (The com-
posite audio signal is the combination of 
the selected program audio source(s) and 
the interrupt audio source(s).) The level 
meter facilitates the rapid setting of the 
program level control, as well as providing 
a general indication of the IFB channel’s 
signal level.
Each channel’s composite IFB audio signal 
(a mix of program and interrupt audio) 
is sent to four places: a line-level output, 
the talent amplifier output, telephone in-
terface 2, and the monitor output section. 
Each line output provides an electronically 
balanced, line-level signal that interfaces 
with external equipment via a 3-pin XLR 
connector. The talent amplifier output 
provides IFB channel 1 and 2 audio, along 
with 24 volts DC power on one 3-pin XLR 
connector. Any combination of up to six 
Model 32A or Model 33A units can be con-
nected to the talent amplifier output. For 
application flexibility, the talent amplifier 
output provides 200 ohm line impedances 
on both of its output channels. This allows 
direct connection of not just listen-only 
devices, such as the Models 32A and 33A, 
but party-line (PL) user beltpacks as well. 
In this way popular PL beltpacks, from sup-
pliers such RTS® and Clear-Com®, can 
be connected and used to create a small 
PL intercom system that includes IFB 
listen. A selector switch associated with 
telephone interface 2 can be used by an 
operator to send either IFB channel 1 or 2 
out the connected phone line. The monitor 
output section allows loudspeaker moni-
toring of audio from either IFB channel 1 
or 2. (An optional external loudspeaker is 
required.)
Program Inputs
The Model 2A contains four line-level 
program inputs. Each can be individu-
ally assigned to the two IFB channels, 
with the ability to assign multiple program 
inputs to an IFB channel. Program signals 
enter the unit via four 3-pin XLR connec-
tors located on the unit’s back panel. The 
program inputs are electronically balanced 
and feature low noise, low distortion, and 
high common mode signal rejection. Each 
program input has a trim potentiometer as-
sociated with it. The trim pots, accessible 
from the back panel, allow source signals 
with a nominal level of –10 to +8 dBu to be 
correctly utilized.
Program audio is muted whenever inter-
rupt activity is taking place. Solid-state 
circuitry is used to provide noise-free audio 
switching with essentially no “clicks” or 
“pops” added. If desired, a program “dim” 
rather than a full mute can be implemented 
by adding two resistors to the Model 2A’s 
circuit board.
