Table of Contents Introduction ... 5 System Features ... 6 Installation and Setup ... 12 Configuration ... 17 Operation ... 28 Advanced Operation ... 33 Technical Notes ... 34 Specifications ... 45 Appendix A ... 46 Block Diagram Model 233 User Guide Studio Technologies, Inc.
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Introduction What This User Guide Covers This User Guide is designed to assist you when installing, configuring, and using the Model 233 Announcer’s Console. Ad- ditional background technical information is also provided. A product block diagram is included at the end of this guide. System Overview The Model 233 Announcer’s Console is designed to serve as the audio control...
of capabilities many other specialized “behind-the-scenes” applications can also be implemented. System Features Microphone Input A high-performance microphone preampli- fier circuit provides low-noise/low-distortion amplification over a 20 to 60 dB gain range. The gain is adjustable in 10 dB steps. The input is compatible with balanced dynamic and condenser microphones.
main output to be used as an additional talkback output. This feature makes the unit even more powerful when used in live- event applications, such as serving as a master console for an orchestra conductor or production director. With all the available talkback flexibility, the exact needs of many specific applica- tions can easily be met.
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radio broadcasting, announce-booth, or voice-over applications. The fourth mode provides a hybrid function, supporting both push-to-talk and tap-to-enable/tap-to- disable operation. This operation is similar to that found in many broadcast intercom system user stations. The two buttons associated with the talk- back functions can be configured to oper- ate from either of two modes.
with satellite transmission systems, are present. In effect the Model 233’s sidetone function adds the “minus” part to a “mix minus” cue. Several configurable parameters allow the sidetone function to be tailored to the needs of a specific Model 233 installation. The sidetone function can be configured to route audio to the left, right, or left and right headphone outputs.
Intercom Interface Of special note is the Model 233’s sophisti- cated intercom interface. It’s designed to work correctly with industry-standard single- and dual-channel party-line inter- com systems, including those from RTS and Clear-Com. An intercom line connect- ed to the Model 233 can serve three func- tions: providing cue audio signals to the headphone output, allowing talkback audio to be sent to intercom users, and acting...
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Configuration Model 233 configurations are made using a number of DIP-type switches and four trim potentiometers. One 8-position switch array is used to set the gain of the micro- phone preamplifier, the on/off status of phantom power, and control of the head- phone output mode.
Options The Model 233’s standard resources are more than sufficient to directly support a large number of applications. But in the “real world” of audio and intercommunica- tions special needs always seem to arise. To that end, Studio Technologies offers a number of option cards.
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The selected microphone is intercon- nected by way of a 3-pin female XLR-type connector which is located on the Model 233’s back panel. The mating connector (male) should be wired so that pin 2 is signal high (+ or hot), pin 3 is signal low (–...
Main Output The Model 233’s main output is intended to be the “on-air” or primary signal that typi- cally connects to the input of an audio con- sole. The output is transformer balanced with a nominal signal level of –2 dBu. The actual level will depend upon the gain set- ting of the microphone preamplifier, sen- sitivity of the microphone, and how loudly...
are often part of broadcast and production audio applications. While the output cir- cuitry is not intended to be “on-air” quality, overall audio performance should be very good. Devices connected to the line-level talkback outputs can range from amplified loudspeakers, analog inputs on intercom systems, and input channels associated with audio consoles.
intercom channels. In addition, the inter- com line can provide the DC power re- quired to operate the Model 233’s circuitry. An intercom line is connected to the Model 233 by way of a 3-pin female XLR- type connector which is located on the back panel.
Pushbutton Labeling The three pushbutton switches used in the Model 233 were selected for several reasons. Foremost was the fact that they are highly reliable, using gold-plated con- tacts for long life in less-than-ideal environ- ments. A second reason was that applying customized labels to the button caps would be very simple.
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Figure 3. Bottom view of Model 233 showing configuration switches, trim pots, and compressor active LED Microphone Preamplifier Gain and Phantom Power Five switches are used to set the gain of the microphone preamplifier. One switch is used to select the on/off status of the phantom power supply.
It is visible by observing the bottom of the Model 233’s enclosure when the security plate has been removed. Technically, this red LED lights whenever the compressor circuitry is controlling the dynamic range of the signal coming from the microphone preamplifier.
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Figure 6. Left and right channel headphone source selection settings The line inputs are interfaced using two connectors also located on the back pan- el. Associated with line inputs 1 and 2 are level trim potentiometers. They are pro- vided so that audio sources with a wide range of nominal levels can be effectively used as cue sources.
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SW2-6, and SW2-9 be placed in their on positions. Note that in some cases a user may wish to wear a headset or a pair of headphones in a left/right orientation opposite of what’s usual. In this situation the transducer designated for the left ear would actually supply audio to the user’s right ear, and vice versa.
control, located on the far right, will be used to adjust its level. There is one limitation related to the head- phone output mode. It’s the fact that the output will be 2-channel monaural. What- ever signal is present on the headphone output’s left channel will also be present on the right channel.
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Talkback 1 Button Mode Switch SW3-3 configures how the talkback 1 button functions. Figure 9. Talkback 1 button mode settings Two modes are available: • Push to talk: In this mode the talkback 1 button is normally off. The function becomes active whenever the button is pressed and held.
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Talkback 2 Button Function Switch SW3-6 configures the overall operation of the button associated with talkback 2. Figure 12. Talkback 2 function mode settings Two modes are available: • Disabled: In this mode the talkback 2 button is disabled. The talkback 2 line- level output and, if configured, talkback to intercom pin 3 function, will never be active.
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Headphone Output Operating Modes The user is provided with three rotary level controls (“pots”) that are associated with the headphone output. Switches SW4-1, SW4-2, and SW4-3 are used to configure the way two of the controls, the one lo- cated on the far left and the one located in the center, function.
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user is provided with a consistent and easy-to-use set of headphone level controls. Minimum Level Mode Switch SW4-3 is used to configure the minimum headphone output level for the controls located on the far left and center. (This setting doesn’t impact operation of the sidetone level control which is located on the far right.) In the –40 dB mode the minimum output level for the control on...
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modes should be considered before a final selection is made. If possible, experi- menting with both modes in a test environ- ment might prove to be very helpful. Relay Mode Switch SW4-5 and SW4-6 configure the operating mode of the auxiliary relay. Figure 19.
of how they impact the Model 233’s operation can lead to many interesting and powerful uses. Talkback to Intercom Functions The last two switches in switch assembly SW2 are used to configure the talkback to intercom functions. Talkback 1 to Intercom Function Mode Switch SW2-11 configures whether the talkback 1 button will allow talkback audio to be sent to pin 2 of the intercom...
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present on the outputs unless power has been supplied. Specifically, the micro- phone does not passively “cut through” to the main output connector! Upon Model 233 power up, the four status LEDs will light in succession as a firmware “boot up” indication. The unit will then begin normal operation.
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state when talkback began, once talk- back activity ends that state will resume; the main output will again be in its on (“latched”) state. Talkback 1 Button and LED Indicator The button in the center, factory labeled TALKBACK 1, controls the function(s) as- sociated with talkback 1.
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controls to be reversed. A third parameter selects whether the headphone output channels will maintain a minimum output level or can be fully muted. In most cases the headphone output will be configured for stereo, rather than monaural, operation. The following paragraphs will describe how these controls will function in that scenario.
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When in the level/balance mode and the minimum output level is set to –40 dB, turning the level control to its fully coun- terclockwise position will place both head- phone output channels to 40 dB below maximum. This ensures that talent will never be fully “isolated”...
one of the talkback outputs is active. The level control on the far right adjusts the side-tone level. When the sidetone level control is in its fully counterclockwise posi- tion the sidetone signal will always be fully muted. Astute readers will realize that sidetone au- dio can also be provided from the intercom cue sources during Model 233 talkback to intercom activity.
to the connected headphones. The user can now, in response to changing condi- tions, adjust the front-panel level controls as desired. Returning the controls to their detent positions will always provide the “reference” level to the headphone output. A second example has the intercom input and line input 1 both providing cue sourc- es.
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to the user or installer to be connected or disconnected as desired. However repeat- ed field testing found that floating pin 1 on these outputs was the key to maintaining quiet audio. From Fenway Park, to the Orange Bowl, and then northwest to Husk- er Stadium, lifting pin 1 always did the trick.
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was very good, limiting the maximum level to at most 10 dB above the nominal. The nominal audio level associated with a Clear-Com system was harder to char- acterize. It appeared to be a few dB less than –10 dBu, but the dynamic range was much larger.
The power supplied by an IFB circuit, normally in the range of 28 to 32 volts DC, is usually sufficient to operate the Model 233’s circuitry. The acceptable input range is 24 to 32 volts, with a required current of 125 milliamperes. Note that the speci- fied input voltage is given when measured directly at the Model 233’s IFB input con- nector, not at the source of the IFB circuit.
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the intercom line, everything worked well. But a new problem arose when it came to finding an external linear power supply for Model 233 users worldwide. For loca- tions that are served by 100 or 120 volts, 60 Hz a 24 volt DC linear “wall-wart” pow- er supply was readily available.
LED Colors As previously described, two LED indica- tors are associated with the main output and are located directly above the main output pushbutton switch. The red LED, located on the left, is lit whenever the main output is muted. The green LED, located on the right, is lit whenever the main output is active.
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are specifically included so that a Model 233 can be customized to meet the many specific needs that arise in broadcast and related audio applications. Expected uses for these locations include adding a 6- or 7-pin XLR-type connector to allow direct connection of a broadcast headset.
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of the enclosure and two on the back panel, must be removed. A 5/64-inch hex driver is required. The cover can then be carefully separated from the chassis, remaining attached by means of a flexible cable assembly. This “flex-cable” assem- bly links the main printed circuit board assembly with the board assembly that contains the pushbuttons and LED indi-...
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configurations. Note that this is an ad- vanced feature, intended only to be implemented by a qualified technician. From the outset several limitations must be discussed. The first is that button back- lighting is not intended to serve tally appli- cations.
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P19: Pin 1 is connected to the common point of the Model 233’s circuitry. Pin 2 is connect- ed to the circuitry associated with the main output pushbutton. Pin 3 is connected to circuitry associated with the tally output. The remote switch input circuits are “active low,”...
please refer to the Additional Connectors section in the Technical Notes area of this user guide. Specifications General Audio: Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHz, ±0.1 dB, mic in/main out Distortion (THD+N): 0.008%, measured at 1 kHz, mic in/main out S/N Ratio: 80 dB, referenced to –46 dBu mic in/ –2 dBu main out Connectors: Mic In, Line In 1 &...
Appendix A A label is attached to the security plate on the bottom of the unit. It provides a summary of the configurable parameters and related information. The actual label size 4.80 inches by 5.90 inches. Issue 1, September 2007 Page 45 Model 233 User Guide Studio Technologies, Inc.
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