Dynamic range control, User controls and status indicators, Flexibility – Studio Technologies 230 2014 User Manual

Page 7

Model 230 User Guide

Issue 9, November 2014

Studio Technologies, Inc.

Page 7

For non-on-air applications, the Model 230

can be placed in its “production” mode.

This software-based mode allows the

main output to be used as an additional

talkback output. This feature makes the

unit even more powerful when used in live-

event applications, such as serving as a

master console for an orchestra conductor

or production director. With this ﬂexibility,

the exact needs of many speciﬁc applica-

tions can easily be met. And, of course,

whatever conﬁguration is selected the

audio quality will be excellent.

Dynamic Range Control

To enhance the Model 230’s talkback

functions, a studio-quality compressor

circuit is provided to control the dynamic

range of the signal coming from the mi-

crophone 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 compressor is used by the talkback

functions. This ensures that talkback

audio signals remain clear and intelligible

under all real-world conditions. In addi-

tion, dynamic range control is especially

important when talkback signals are being

routed to party-line intercom channels.

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 talkback functions. These

functions create the audio cue signals

used to communicate with producers,

directors, “spotters,” or other behind-the-

scenes production personnel. A status

LED is associated with each talkback but-

ton. Two rotary controls allow the user to

adjust the level of the headphone output.

Flexibility

A large part of the Model 230’s unique

power is the ability to conﬁgure the op-

eration of the main output and talkback

functions. To meet the needs of the many

speciﬁc broadcast and production ap-

plications, 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 momen-

tary 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 among 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