Studio Technologies 210 2012 - Manual (Page 6)

Issue 5, September 2012 Model 210 User Guide
Page 6 Studio Technologies, Inc.
balanced dynamic or condenser micro-
phones. The microphone power source
is 48 volts nominal and meets the world-
wide P48 phantom power standard. The
preamplifier’s gain can also be set for 0 dB,
allowing a line-level audio signal to be con-
nected. This could prove useful in special
applications such as when an external pre-
amp or mic processor is being used.
An LED indicator serves as an aid for opti-
mizing 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 sup-
ports the talkback function.
Main and Talkback Outputs
The Model 210 provides one main and one
talkback output. The main output is de-
signed to serve as the on-air, stadium
announcement, or other primary audio
feed. With a nominal level of –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 talk-
back output is transformer-coupled with a
+4 dBu nominal signal level. It contains re-
sistors in series with its output connections,
allowing the talkback output from multiple
units to be directly summed (combined).
For non-on-air applications, a special Mod-
el 210 feature can be enabled, placing the
unit in a “production” mode. This allows the
main output to be used as a second talk-
back 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 compres-
sor 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 possi-
bly not appropriate for major on-air situa-
tions, having dynamic range control of the
main output can offer increased effective-
ness for many applications. These could
include stadium announcement positions,
sports events using nonprofessional on-air
talent, and situations where cable cross-
talk is of concern.
User Controls and Status
Indicators
Two pushbutton switches, three LED indi-
cators, 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 out-
put 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 produc-
ers, directors, spotters, or other behind-
the-scenes production personnel. A status
LED is associated with the talkback but-
ton. Two rotary controls allow the user to
adjust the level of the headphone output.