Studio Technologies 210 2012 - Manual (Page 25)

Model 210 User Guide Issue 5, September 2012
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 25
Level/Balance Mode
When set to the level/balance mode, the
two controls operate together to adjust
the desired headphone output level. The
control on the left adjusts the overall level
of both the left and right channels. The
balance control, located on the right,
adjusts the relative left/right level bal-
ance. In this mode the controls operate
in a manner reminiscent of a consumer
audio amplifier or receiver. If set to the
normal mode, rotating the balance control
in the counterclockwise direction reduces
the level of the right channel providing
the user with more perceived level in the
left channel. If set to the reverse mode,
rotating the balance control in the coun-
terclockwise direction reduces the level
of the left channel providing the user with
more perceived level in the right channel.
When in the level/balance mode and the
minimum output level is set to –40 dB,
turning the level control to its fully coun-
terclockwise position will place both head-
phone output channels to 40 dB below
maximum. This ensures that talent will
never be fully “isolated” from potentially
important cue signals. In addition, rotat-
ing the balance control to either its fully
clockwise or fully counterclockwise posi-
tion will cause the applicable channel to
be 40 dB below its maximum. If set to the
full mute mode, turning the level control
to its fully counterclockwise position will
cause both the left and right channels to
fully mute. In addition, rotating the balance
control to either its fully clockwise or fully
counterclockwise position will cause the
applicable channel to fully mute.
Each control has a mechanical step
(detent) that is located at the halfway
(50%) position of its rotation range. The
balance control will typically be set to its
center, detent position, making the level
of the left and right channels equal. In an
ideal installation, the level control can also
be set to its detent position and provide a
comfortable headphone output level.
This will allow the user, in response to their
preference or a changing environment, to
adjust the level and balance controls as
desired. The detent positions will always
remain as a useful reference point. To
achieve this condition the audio level on
the connected IFB circuit, or auxiliary
input, must be adjusted as required.
Spending a few extra minutes “trimming”
the connected audio levels, rather than
just providing whatever happens to come
up, should prove worthwhile. The result
will be talent that is more relaxed, and
an overall production that works more
smoothly.
Technical Notes
Grounding and Shielding
As previously discussed in this user guide,
the pin 1 connections on both the main
and talkback outputs’ 3-pin male XLR con-
nectors are “floating,” i.e., not connected
to anything within the Model 210’s enclo-
sure. Some audio experts might take
offense to this, complaining that this
should have been left to the user or in-
staller to be connected or disconnect as
desired. However, repeated field testing
found that floating pin 1 on the outputs
was the key to maintaining quiet audio.
From Fenway Park, to the Orange Bowl,
and then northwest to Husker Stadium,
lifting pin 1 did the trick.
A simple solution is available if an applica-
tion does require that a ground be avail-
able on the main and talkback outputs’