Studio Technologies 220 2004 - Manual (Page 6)

Model 220 User Guide Issue 2, August 2004
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 7
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 out-
puts. In addition, the audio source for the
main output can be selected to be either
the output of the microphone preampli-
fier or the output of the compressor. While
possibly not appropriate for major on-air
situations, having dynamic range control
of the main output can offer increased
performance for many applications. These
could include stadium announcement
positions, sports events using nonprofes-
sional on-air talent, and situations where
cable crosstalk is of concern.
User Controls and Status
Indicators
Three pushbutton switches, four LED
indicators, and two rotary controls provide
the user with a clear, easy-to-use interface.
One pushbutton switch controls the sta-
tus of the main output. This is the audio
output intended for on-air, announcement,
or other primary uses. Two LEDs display
the on/off status of the main output. Two
additional pushbutton switches control the
status of the two talkback outputs. These
are the audio outputs used to communi-
cate with producers, directors, “spotters,”
or other behind-the-scenes production
personnel. A status LED is associated with
each talkback button. Two rotary controls
allow the user to adjust the level of the
headphone output.
Flexibility
A large part of the Model 220’s unique
power is the ability to configure the
operation of the main output and
talkback functions. To meet the needs
of the many specific broadcast and pro-
duction applications, a variety of button
operating modes is available. The main
output button can be selected to operate
from among four modes. In the “push-to-
mute” mode the button performs a mo-
mentary mute of the main output. In this
way a “cough” button function is created,
something typically required for television
sports broadcasting. In the “push-to-talk”
mode the button provides a momentary
active function for the main output. This
mode would be appropriate for applica-
tions such as stadium announcement. An
alternate action “latching” configuration
allows the button to enable or disable the
main output as desired. This is useful in
radio broadcasting, announce-booth, or
voice-over applications. The fourth mode
provides a hybrid function, supporting
both push-to-talk and tap-to-enable/tap-to-
disable operation. This operation is similar
to that found in many broadcast intercom
system user stations.
The two buttons associated with the talk-
back functions can be configured to oper-
ate from either of two modes. One of the
modes supports a “push-to-talk” function.
This is typically used for on-air broadcast
applications. The other mode provides a
hybrid function, the operation of which is
discussed in the previous paragraph. The
hybrid mode is especially useful when the
Model 220 is used in a production-support
application.
In addition to the two modes provided
for talkback 1, the button associated with
talkback 2 supports three additional oper-
ating modes. One mode allows talkback
2 to be disabled. This is useful when only
talkback 1 is to be utilized. The other two
modes provide special momentary and