Microphone Amplifiers
The DCD2020 includes three digitally controlled microphone amplifiers with very low
distortion and really natural sounding audio amplification. Microphone amplifier gain
is adjustable in 1dB steps from 0dB to +70dB.
Each microphone amplifier has an individual network output with a built in
adjustable threshold limiter. There is also a selectable mixed output available with its
own limiter. Ensure only terminated microphone inputs are switched to this output
else the inevitable open mic line hiss will be heard.
All microphone inputs have switchable 48 volt phantom power, operation is
indicated by red LEDs on the front of the unit.
Microphone inputs may be either 3 pin XLR or via the 5 pin headset XLRs.
Talk Keys
When a talk key is pressed the programme output of the commentary microphone
will be silently muted and the audio will be diverted to the relevant talk key(s)
output. Commentators A and B have four talk keys, the guest has two talk keys.
These talk keys may be individually routed via Dante Controller to any network
destination. For simplicity and to avoid the need for mixing signals the talk keys are
also available in groups. For example if all commentators are to talk to the Director
on key 1 then just Talk A+B+G1 need be routed.
When a talk key is pressed the on air light will extinguish or change colour depending
on settings. Gain make-up is available on the talkback outputs so they may be a
higher level than the programme microphones.
On-Air Keys
The On-Air keys may be programmed to off, where they will only operate as
indicators, to momentary where when pressed they will take the commentators off
air and when released back on air. (Useful, for example, as a cough key.) They may
also be programmed to toggle so when pressed they will switch the commentator
microphone off (and indicate as such) and when pressed again take the
commentator back on air. If they are toggled off, the talk keys will still operate as
normal but the commentator will not be switched back on air until the on-air key is
toggled back on. Try it, it’s easier to see than to explain.
