Studio Technologies 200 - Manual (Page 15)

Issue 3, August 2004 Model 200 User Guide
Page 16 Studio Technologies, Inc.
The button on the right, factory labeled
as TALKBACK, provides a push-to-talk-
back function. The function is momentary,
activating the talkback output only when
the button is pressed and held. One LED
indicator is located directly above this
button. Green in color, it lights whenever
the talkback output is active. Also, when-
ever the talkback output is active the main
output is muted. The LEDs associated with
the main output will light accordingly.
If both buttons are pressed at the same
time, the main output is muted and the
talkback output is active.
Headphone Output Level
Controls
Two rotary level controls are located on
the Model 200’s front panel and are as-
sociated with the headphone outputs. The
control on the left side is used to set the
level of the left headphone output. The
control on the right side is used to set
the level of the right headphone output.
In typical sports broadcasting applica-
tions, the left headphone output will sup-
ply program audio that is interrupted with
cue signals. The right headphone output
will supply an uninterrupted source of
program audio.
By design, the headphone level controls
will not turn their respective outputs to
a fully muted condition. When a control
is set to its fully counterclockwise position,
the output will be 40 dB below its maxi-
mum level. This setting ensures that
talent will never be fully “isolated” from
potentially important cue signals. Some
signal will always be presented to the
headphone outputs.
Each level control has a mechanical step
(detent) that is located at the halfway
(50%) position of its rotation range. This is
intended to serve as an aid to Model 200
users. In an ideal installation, setting the
controls to their detent position will result
in a comfortable headphone output level.
The user can then move the level control as
desired to get more or less level as condi-
tions change. But the detent position will
always remain as a useful reference point.
To achieve this condition the audio level
on the connected IFB circuit would have to
be adjusted as required. This is somewhat
counter to the usual mentality of just provid-
ing the user with whatever level comes up
by default. Spending a few extra minutes
“trimming” the audio levels can result in
much happier, and more productive, talent.
Technical Notes
Grounding and Shielding
As previously discussed in this user guide,
the pin 1 connections on both the main and
talkback outputs’ 3-pin male XLR-type con-
nectors are “floating,” i.e., not connected to
anything within the Model 200’s enclosure.
Some audio experts might take offense to
this, grousing that this should have been
left to the user or installer to be connected
or disconnect as desired. However, re-
peated field testing found that floating pin
1 on the outputs was the key to maintain-
ing quiet audio. From Fenway Park, to the
Orange Bowl, and then northwest to Husker
Stadium, lifting pin 1 did the trick.
A simple solution is available if an applica-
tion does require that a ground be available
on the main and talkback outputs’ inter-
connecting cable. All Model 200 XLR-type
connectors have a ground connection that
is made to the interfacing connector’s metal
“shell.” And most XLR-type connectors