Studio Technologies launched a new series of Announcer’s Consoles with Dante Audio-over-IP connectivity. The new line of Announcers Consoles includes three products — the Model 232, Model 234 and Model 236. All three of them feature a “pro-quality” microphone input circuit, Dante and analog output channels, plus two, four or six talkback inputs and outputs. Each unit can be easily incorporated into a Dante- or AES67-based network and is compatible with the Dante Domain Manager (DDM) application.

The unit’s microphone preamplifier features selectable gain over a range of 20- to 65-dB with available P48 phantom power. For flexibility, an external source of audio, arriving by way of a Dante receiver (input) channel, can be used instead of the microphone input. This allows devices, such as wireless microphones, to be directly supported. A Dante transmitter (output) channel is provided as the main or “on-air” output. In addition, an analog microphone-level output is available to allow the unit to be integrated with analog inputs on audio consoles or remote I/O interfaces.

A stereo headphone output and associated rotary controls allow a user to create their own monitor mix. Each unit provides two Dante receiver (input) channels, typically used for their program or talent cue (IFB) input sources. In addition, each talkback channel has a Dante receiver (input) channel associated with it. This allows a Model 236 user to create an individual headphone mix from up eight audio inputs channels.

Dual Gigabit Ethernet interfaces provide support for redundant Dante operation. Power can be provided by Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) or an external source of 12 volts DC. The unit is housed in a compact, rugged enclosure and provides all the resources required by one announcer or commentator. Two spare connector locations are available on the back panel, allowing installer-implemented options to be created. By simply adding an XLR connector, the unit’s remote-control inputs and low-voltage DC tally output can be utilized.

The Studio Technologies’ STcontroller software application is used to configure the capabilities of the Model 232, Model 234 and Model 236. Configuration choices can be viewed and changed in “real-time,” as well as being saved and recalled as desired. Essentially every feature can be optimized to meet the exact needs of an application. For example, each talkback function can be configured for the desired button action and overall operating characteristics.

A special feature allows a talent cue (IFB) audio channel to be created within the unit. This capability, for use by the associated announcer or commentator in a REMI or at-home environment, would typically be created at a central broadcast facility. The Announcer Console units will also integrate with several other products from Studio Technologies. Many unique functions can be created utilizing high-frequency tones that are well outside of the voice range. These “status” tones allow IFB, on-air tally and intercom call signals to be sent and received.