Studio Technologies 230 2008 - Manual (Page 34)

Issue 7, October 2008 Model 230 User Guide
Page 34 Studio Technologies, Inc.
is actually a serious operational concern.
If a Model 230 user can’t hear what they
are saying, it can be almost impossible for
them to communicate effectively. This is
especially true when there is a high level
of background audio signal present in the
environment. Astute readers will realize
that sidetone is provided during Model
230 talk-to-intercom activity. This “passive”
sidetone is created in the intercom inter-
face’s analog talk/listen hybrid null circuit.
Trim pots allow the null/sidetone level
to be adjusted over a limited range. But
when the main output or talkback-to-line-
level-output functions are active, sidetone
is normally not provided.
But have no fear, a sophisticated active
sidetone feature has been included in the
Model 230. As expected, it is available
only for use when the Model 230 is con-
figured for one of the production modes.
The active sidetone feature allows audio
from the output of the compressor circuit
to be routed to the left and right channel of
the headphone output whenever the main
output or one of the talkback functions is
active. (For review, the talkback functions
can be configured to send audio to the
line-level talkback output, intercom chan-
nel 1, and intercom channel 2.) The sid-
etone audio, which is microphone audio
that arrives by way of the compressor, is
actively mixed with the other cue sources.
The best way to learn about the active
sidetone feature is to try it out. Begin by
ensuring the Model 230 has been config-
ured to one of the production modes. If
necessary, refer to the Configuration sec-
tion of this user guide for details on how
to enable a production mode. Enter the
active sidetone level configuration mode
by pressing and releasing (“tapping”)
the main output button five times in quick
succession. Once the five button-presses
have been recognized by the Model 230’s
software, the sidetone level configuration
mode becomes active. Normal operation
will cease, the main and talkback outputs
will mute, and the two LEDs associated
with main output button will light in an
alternating pattern. As a calibration refer-
ence, sidetone (audio from the compressor
circuit) is routed to the headphone output.
Speaking into the connected microphone
may cause audio to be heard in the head-
phone output. The sidetone level will be de-
pendent on the currently stored parameter.
From the factory it’s configured for mute.
Once in the active sidetone level configu-
ration mode, the two talkback buttons are
used to select the desired sidetone level.
The talkback 1 button, located in the cen-
ter, is used to lower the sidetone level. The
talkback 2 button, located on the right, is
used to raise the sidetone level. The side-
tone level can be selected from among 21
choices: mute (no sidetone) and 20 single
dB steps. Each time one of the talkback
buttons is pressed, the LED associated
with it will momentarily “flash” to indicate
that a new level choice has been selected.
Once the end of the level range has been
reached, the LED will no longer flash in
response to a button push. As an example,
repeatedly press the talkback 2 button until
maximum sidetone level has been reached.
Now repeatedly press the talkback 1 button
until sidetone is no longer active. Twenty-
one button presses will be required to go
from maximum sidetone level to mute.
To become comfortable with the adjust-
ment process, try adjusting the sidetone
level over the available range while speak-
ing into the microphone to provide the
audio source. Once experience with level