Studio Technologies M212-00151 - Manual (Page 10)

Model 212 User Guide Issue 2, June 2006
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 11
Microphone Input
The Model 212 is compatible with bal-
anced dynamic and condenser micro-
phones. Depending on the application,
the microphone may be part of a headset,
or be an independent handheld or stand-
mounted model. The Model 212’s 48 volt
nominal power source will support essen-
tially all phantom-powered microphones.
The quality of the Model 212’s microphone
preamplifier and associated circuitry is
such that special applications may benefit
from using “high-end” microphones. If
selected appropriately, models from
manufacturers such as AKG, Beyer, DPA,
Neumann, Sennheiser, and Shure will per-
form very well in Model 212 applications.
Microphone interconnection is made by
way of a 3-pin female XLR-type connec-
tor which is located on the Model 212’s
back panel. The mating connector (male)
should be wired so that pin 2 is signal
high (+ or hot), pin 3 is signal low (– or
cold), and pin 1 is shield. It’s possible that
an unbalanced microphone will also work
correctly. In this case, the mating connec-
tor (male) should be wired so that pin 2
is signal high (+ or hot), and signal
common/shield is connected to both
pins 1 and 3.
The Model 212 is not compatible with
unbalanced “electret”-type microphones
that require a source of low-voltage DC
for operation. These microphones, some-
times found in low-cost headsets, are not
generally suitable for on-air or other
demanding applications.
As of the writing date of this user guide,
the Sennheiser HMD25 headset is very
popular for on-air sports broadcasting
use. A fine product, it works very well
with the Model 212. Note that adding the
suffix “-XQ” to the headset’s part number
(HMD25-XQ) specifies a 3-pin male XLR-
type connector for the dynamic micro-
phone and a ¼-inch 3-conductor plug for
the stereo headphones. This configura-
tion is very useful, allowing the headset
to work directly “out of the box” with the
Model 212.
If the writer may digress for a moment to
recount a story… an audio dealer once
shared a secret with me concerning head-
sets. He loved selling the “lower-end” (less
expensive) models of name-brand head-
sets, which he did by the veritable “boat-
load.” Why? Because these usually broke
soon after going into service! He knew
that on a regular basis he’d receive orders
for more of them. Had these users, from
the beginning, purchased only premium-
quality headsets, their total cost of owner-
ship would have been much less. Enough
said…
Headphone Output
The Model 212’s headphone output is
compatible with stereo or mono head-
phones, headsets, or earpieces. Connect-
ing devices with a nominal impedance
of 100 ohms or greater is preferred. This
shouldn’t prove to be an issue as essen-
tially all contemporary devices already
meet this condition.
Devices are connected to the headphone
output by way of a ¼-inch 3-conductor
phone jack located on the Model 212’s
back panel. As is standard for stereo
headphones, the left channel is connected
to the “tip” lead of the ¼-inch headphone
jack. The right channel is connected to the
“ring” lead of the jack. Common for both
channels is connected to the “sleeve”
lead.