Studio Technologies has released the Model 207 Esports Console. According to the company, the console helps to make esports events more compelling by opening the lines of communication, allowing production personnel, team coaches and fans to hear what the players are discussing during gameplay. The solution also prevents teams from hearing their competitors or the event commentators.

The Model 207 is optimized to address the microphone, headphone monitoring and personal computer audio-interfacing needs of esports players. Housed in a tabletop enclosure, the unit incorporates both analog and Dante audio-over-Ethernet technology to allow direct integration with a player’s headset, gaming computer, and Ethernet-based audio network. In just minutes, an esports player’s location or “position” can be integrated into a sophisticated live event application.

The Model 207 operates on the Dante network. The intercommunication audio feed can be tied into the gameplay with the audio following the video while switching between the gameplay feeds. The Model 207 also includes remote-control capabilities, as operators can control it from a workstation on the network.

The Model 207’s talkback feature also helps with player-support personnel intercommunications during an event. From a workflow perspective, there are usually several administrators on the event stage responsible for making sure that the players have everything they need. Using the talkback feature, if a player is having an issue, such as with their mouse or keyboard, they can contact the administrators.

Studio Technologies’ Model 207 also supports a “masking” noise headphone feed. This feature allows an audio source, typically pink noise, to be “fed” to players at a fixed level with no ability to adjust the volume. This audio signal helps to prevent the players from hearing real-time commentary that may be present on a “house” sound system. The masking audio helps keep play fair, shielding the players from hearing game strategy or related topics, as might be discussed by the commentators.