Studio Technologies 78 2004 - Manual (Page 5)

Model 78/79 User Guide Issue 5, January 2004
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 5
for Surround
Introduction
What This User Guide Covers
This User Guide is designed to assist you
when installing and using the Model 78
Central Controller and the Model 79
Control Console.
StudioComm for Surround
Once exclusively the domain of major mo-
tion picture studios and large production
facilities, the recording, mixing, editing,
and distribution of multichannel “surround”
audio material has become much more
prevalent. To handle these tasks, the ability
to effectively monitor multichannel sources
has become imperative for more and more
facilities. Studio Technologies has ad-
dressed this need with the StudioComm for
Surround Model 78 Central Controller and
Model 79 Control Console. The system is
perfect for 8-channel “7.1” applications,
including adding 7.1 monitoring capabil-
ity to disk-based recording systems. It’s
also ideal for upgrading a post-production,
mastering, or broadcast facility to support
multichannel monitoring. The StudioComm
for Surround Model 78 and Model 79
combination is THX® pm3 approved.
The system’s core design goals were
audio quality and ease of use. Designed
to support the most sophisticated audio
requirements, the signal path was opti-
mized for sonic quality. The operator fea-
tures and controls were carefully selected
to enhance usability and minimize the
learning curve. For the first time, advanced
multichannel monitoring features such as
source selection, level control, downmix,
and bass management are available in a
compact, sonically excellent, and cost-
effective system.
A StudioComm for Surround system starts
with the Model 79 Control Console, a
compact, comfortable “command center,”
that is designed to reside at the operator’s
location. Using a single 9-pin cable, the
Model 79 connects to the Model 78 Central
Controller. The Model 78 occupies just one
rack space and allows connection of two
8-channel inputs and an 8-channel monitor
output. With the StudioComm for Surround
system any audio console, disk-based
recording system, or broadcast facility can
have a complete 7.1 multichannel monitor
system.
Model 78 Central Controller
The Model 78 Central Controller is a
single rack-space unit that contains ana-
log, digital, and power supply electronics.
Two 8-channel analog sources can be
connected. In many applications the first
input, Surround A, will be connected to a
multichannel output on an audio console
or digital audio workstation. The second
input, Surround B, will be connected to a
playback device, such as a multitrack tape
recorder or disk storage system. For film or
video post applications Surround A would
be considered the direct source, while
Surround B would be considered the play-
back source. For flexibility, the inputs are
compatible with balanced or unbalanced
signals having a nominal level range of
–12 dBV to +6 dBu. Fifteen-turn trim po-
tentiometers are used to precisely calibrate
the input signals.
A sophisticated bass management func-
tion is integral to the Model 78’s design.
The overall goal of bass management is
very simple: ensure that the entire audio
bandwidth of all channels can be accurate-
ly monitored. Many loudspeaker systems
have inherent low-frequency limitations,