Studio Technologies 68A 2001 - Manual (Page 7)

Model 68A/69A User Guide Issue 1, March 2001
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 7
for Surround
Introduction
What This User Guide Covers
This User Guide is designed to assist you
when installing and using the Model 68A
Central Controller and the Model 69A
Control Console.
StudioComm for Surround
As the production of multi-channel “sur-
round sound” audio material becomes
more prevalent, the need to monitor these
sources becomes imperative for more and
more facilities. Studio Technologies has
addressed the needs of smaller facilities
with the StudioComm Model 68A Central
Controller and Model 69A Control Console.
Together they provide a means to select
input sources, control the level of monitor
loudspeakers, check format compatibility,
provide mute and solo functions, as well
as many other features.
A StudioComm for Surround system starts
with a Model 68A Central Controller. The
single-rack space Model 68A supports two
6-channel surround inputs, two stereo
inputs, a 6-channel surround monitor out-
put, and a stereo monitor output. Using a
single 9-conductor cable, it connects to a
Model 69A Control Console, a compact but
comfortable “command center” that is de-
signed to reside at the operator’s location.
The Models 68A and 69A were developed
in conjunction with experts in the post-
production and music audio fields. The
overall goal turned out to be very straight-
forward: provide the necessary technical
performance and features, while keeping
it simple to operate! Be certain that opera-
tors won’t have to go through a long “learn-
ing curve” before they become efficient.
The end result achieves these goals,
providing the required resources in a
simple-to-operate format.
Model 68A Central Controller
The Model 68A Central Controller is a
single rack-space unit containing analog
audio and digital control circuitry. Audio
input and output connections are made
using three 25-pin D-subminiature (“D-
sub”) connectors. The connectors follow
the industry-standard multi-channel wiring
scheme. A 9-pin D-sub connector is used
to connect the Model 68A to a Model 69A
Control Console. A second 9-pin D-sub
connector provides access to the remote
control inputs.
The Model 68A provides two 6-channel
surround and two stereo inputs. Each
input circuit uses a 15-turn trim potentiom-
eter to allow operation with nominal signal
levels of –12dBV to +6dBu. The 6-channel
surround and 2-channel stereo monitor
outputs use electronically balanced cir-
cuitry. Electromechanical relays provide
power-up and power-down loudspeaker
protection.
An 8-bit micro-controller provides the logic
“horsepower” for the Model 68A. AC mains
power is connected directly to the Model
68A, which is factory selected for 100,
120, 220/240V operation. The internal
power supply utilizes a toroidal mains
transformer for quiet audio operation.
Model 69A Control Console
The Model 69A Control Console is a com-
pact, self-contained unit designed to be
located at the operator’s position. It allows
fingertip control of all monitoring para-
meters. Numerous LEDs provide complete
status information.