Issue Preliminary 1, October 2022
Model 214A User Guide
Page 14
Studio Technologies, Inc.
Model 214A
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Observing the signal level on the device that’s being “fed”
(digitally supplied) by the Model 214A’s Dante main trans-
mitter (output) channel is a good means of checking the
actual signal level as it relates to the configuration of the
microphone preamplifier. Most devices have some method
of providing an indication of the digital level, either in the
form of a numerical value, physical or virtual “VU” meter, or
LED-based display. The Studio Technologies’ Model 5202
Dante to Phones and Line Output Interface would also be
an excellent means of monitoring the Model 214A’s output
level. The Model 5202 provides a 2-channel LED level that
is calibrated in dBFS.
A dual-color LED, located on the Model 214A’s back panel
adjacent to the microphone input connector, is provided as
an aid when adjusting the gain of the microphone preampli-
fier. It provides a 3-step indication of the output level of the
microphone preamplifier. It will light green when the signal
level is –40 dBFS or greater, light in a mix of green and red
when the signal level is –14 dBFS or greater, and light red
only when the signal level is –4 dBFS or greater. When the
gain of the microphone preamplifier is set optimally a signal
at a normal level that’s applied to the microphone input will
cause the LED to light green with an occasional peak signal
causing the LED to light both green and red at the same
time. A more conservative gain setting would find that the
LED would only light green. A gain setting that results in
the LED ever lighting only red would be incorrect. The gain
must be reduced or the audio quality would probably be
severely compromised.
Headphone Output – Audio Sources and
Routing
Choices are
Mode 1
,
Mode 2
,
Mode 3
,
Mode 4
, and
Mode 5
.
STcontroller allows selection from among five headphone
audio source and routing modes. Each mode is distinct
and careful selection will help optimize the Model 214A’s
operation for a range of applications.
Mode 1 – Ch1 L / Ch2 R / Sidetone LR:
This mode is pro-
vided for on-air applications where two independent audio
sources need to be routed separately to the two headphone
output channels. Dante receiver (input) channel 1 will be
routed to the left headphone output channel and level con-
trol A will adjust its level. Dante receiver (input) channel 2
will be routed to the right headphone output channel and
level control B will adjust its level. Level control C will adjust
the level of the sidetone audio as it is sent to both the left
and right headphone output channels.
Mode 2 – Ch1 L Ch2 R / Balance LR / Sidetone LR:
This
mode is provided for stereo applications that could include
live music events that are distributed via streaming audio or
by way of an over-the-air broadcast. In these applications
it’s typical to want the user to have a single control to simul-
taneously adjust the level of a stereo pair while a separate
potentiometer is used to adjust the left/right level balance.
When set for Mode 2, Dante receiver (input) channel 1
will be routed to the left headphone output channel and
Dante receiver (input) channel 2 will be routed to the right
headphone output channel. Level control A will adjust the
level of the input channels as they are sent to both head-
phone output channels. Level control B will adjust the level
balance between the left and right output channels. Level
control C will adjust the level of the sidetone audio as it is
sent to both the left and right headphone output channels.
Mode 3 – Ch1 L Ch2 R / Ch3 L Ch4 R / Sidetone LR:
This
mode can be useful in applications where two stereo sig-
nals need to be provided to the user on the left and right
headphone output channels. In this mode, Dante receiver
(input) channels 1 and 2 are routed, respectively, to the left
and right channels of the headphone output. Level control
A adjusts the level of this stereo pair. Dante receiver (input)
channels 3 and 4 are also routed, respectively, to the left
and right channels of the headphone output. Level control
B adjusts the level of this stereo pair as it is sent to the
headphone output channels. Level control C adjusts the
level of the sidetone audio as it is sent to both the left and
right headphone output channels.
Mode 4 – Ch1 L / Ch2 R / Ch3 L Ch4 R:
This mode is very
similar to Mode 1 except instead of providing sidetone
another stereo pair can be routed to the left and right head-
phone output channels. Dante receiver (input) channel 1 is
routed to the left channel of the headphone output. Level
control A adjusts its level. Dante receiver (input) channel
2 is routed to the right headphone output channel and
level control B adjusts its level. A stereo pair can enter the
Model 214A by way of Dante receiver (input) channels 3
and 4. These signals, whose level is adjusted using the
level control C, are sent, respectively, to the left and right
channels of the headphone output.
Mode 5 – Ch1 LR / Ch2 LR / Ch3 L Ch4 R:
This mode is a
unique variation where two monaural signals can be routed
to both the left and right headphone output channels while
a stereo input source is routed, in stereo, to the headphone
output channels. Dante receiver (input) channel 1 will be
routed to both the left and right channels of the headphone
output. Its level is controlled by level control A. Dante
receiver (input) channel 2 will also be routed to both the left
and right channels of the headphone output. Its level will be
adjusted using level control B. A stereo pair can enter the
Model 214A by way of Dante receiver (input) channels 3
and 4. These signals will be sent, in stereo, to the left and
right channels of the headphone output. Their level, as a
pair, will be adjusted using level control C.
