Studio Technologies 236 Manuale utente
Copyright © 2021 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved
studio-tech.com
User Guide
Issue 5, October 2021
This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers
M236-00151 and later with main firmware version 3.02 and later
and STcontroller software application version 3.05.00 and later.
50688-1021 Issue 5
Model 236 Announcer’s Console
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Model 236 User Guide Issue 5, October 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 3
MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Table of Contents
Revision History ............................................................................. 4
Introduction ..................................................................................... 5
Getting Started ................................................................................ 8
Dante Configuration ....................................................................... 12
Model 236 Configuration ................................................................ 14
Operation ........................................................................................ 23
Technical Notes .............................................................................. 31
Specifications ................................................................................. 39
Appendix A: STcontroller Default Configuration Values .................. 41
Appendix B: 3-Pin Header Connector Details ................................ 42
Appendix C: Block Diagram ........................................................... 43
Issue 5, October 2021 Model 236 User Guide
Page 4 Studio Technologies, Inc.
MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Revision History
Issue 5, October 2021:
• Documents change to Dante Aux Output operation when Hot Mic is selected.
Issue 4, May 2021:
• Documents new analog microphone input limiter function.
• Documents revised configuration name from LED Intensity to LED Intensity and Action.
• Documents two LED Intensity and Action modes.
Issue 3, October 2020:
• Revises text to reflect Audinate’s Inclusive Language Guidelines. The word “master,” in
reference to Dante® clocking, has been changed to “Leader.”
Issue 2, September 2020:
• Documents changes to Main 1 and Main 2 inputs and associated headphone monitoring.
• Documents addition of Sidetone Channel Routing feature.
• Adds technical note regarding level attenuation in Dante Aux and Talkback transmitter (output)
channels when Analog Mic Output is configured for Switched.
Issue 1, August 2020:
• Initial release.
Model 236 User Guide Issue 5, October 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 5
MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Introduction
The Model 236 Announcer’s Console provides
a combination of high-performance audio with
an extensive set of user features and configu-
rable resources. The unit is intended for use
in demanding broadcast sports, eSports, live
event, entertainment, and streaming broadcast
applications. With a few simple connections
the Model 236 can provide one on-air talent
with all the resources they need to support a
wide range of applications. The compact, rug-
ged steel enclosure is intended for tabletop
use, small enough for use “court-side” or in
a crowded booth, yet flexible enough for re-
mote production deployment. The Model 236
supports Dante® audio-over-Ethernet digital
media technology with AES67 compatibility for
integration into contemporary applications.
The Model 236 can integrate directly into
both Dante audio-over-Ethernet and standard
analog audio environments. With just a Power-
over-Ethernet (PoE) Gigabit network connec-
tion, a microphone, and a pair of headphones
a complete broadcast on-air position can be
created. With the addition of a second Ether-
net connection Redundant Dante can be sup-
ported. And by using the Model 236’s analog
microphone output a connection to a micro-
phone-level input on an associated remote I/O
interface or audio console can be supported.
With ten Dante audio inputs and an integrated
sidetone function, users can easily create their
desired headphone audio mix. They’ll enjoy
clear and “click-free” monaural or stereo audio
that can only help their on-air performance.
Six independent Dante talkback channels
allow users to communicate with a variety
of support personnel. Among the range of
operating capabilities includes the ability to
create talent cue (IFB) channels. This was
specifically included for REMI/At-Home ap-
plications. Provision has been made such that
a technician can “customize” the Model 236’s
Figure 1. Model 236 Announcer’s Console front and
back views
hardware. Option kits, purchased separately,
can be added to support functions such as
multi-pin headset connectors, remote control
inputs, and a low-voltage, low-current DC tally
output.
The Model 236 was designed to meet two main
goals: supporting great audio quality and pro-
viding an extensive set of configurable features.
Using the latest in audio integrated circuits and
advanced 32-bit audio processing, the unit’s
audio performance should meet or exceed that
of any audio console, standalone microphone
preamplifier, remote I/O interface, or outboard
A/D or D/A converter. With over 40 years of
professional audio experience, Studio Technolo-
gies takes audio performance seriously! And
while providing excellent technical specifica-
tions is a “must,” a device also has to “sound”
good before we feel its design is complete.
Issue 5, October 2021 Model 236 User Guide
Page 6 Studio Technologies, Inc.
MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
The amount of flexibility provided in the Model
236 allows it to meet the needs of virtually all
on-air announcer applications. And using the
Studio Technologies’ STcontroller software
application makes “customizing” the opera-
tion of a Model 236 fast and simple. The unit’s
ability to handle both day-to-day and special-
ized situations makes it a unique product in the
market. For example, the pushbutton switches
and rotary encoders can be independently
configured with multiple choices that range
from simple to quite advanced. If a Model
236 can’t seem to be configured to meet an
application’s goals please contact Studio Tech-
nologies’ technical support for an application
review.
The Model 236 is part of a three-product fam-
ily that differ only in the number of talkback
channels provided. The Model 236 provides
six talkback channels, while the Model 232
provides two and the Model 234 provides four.
The Model 236, as with the other two models,
has a compact enclosure with overall dimen-
sions of 6.5 inches wide (16.5 cm), 2.9 inches
high (7.4 cm), and 4.9 inches deep (12.5 cm).
Weighing 2.1 pounds (0.95 kg), the enclosure
is made of steel to provide some “heft” to
minimize the chance of inadvertent movement.
The Model 236’s main, secondary, and FPGA
(programmable logic) firmware can be updated
using the USB port on the back of the unit; the
Dante firmware can be updated via an Ether-
net connection.
Setup, Configuration, and
Operation
Set up, configuration, and operation of the
Model 236 is simple. The unit includes two
Neutrik etherCON RJ45 connectors which
allow interfacing with single or redundant
Gigabit Ethernet networks. The primary net-
work connection can provide power to the
unit using a port on a Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) network switch. Model 236’s power
can also be supplied from a 12 volt DC source
that is connected using a 4-pin XLR connec-
tor. A broadcast headset or handheld (“stick”)
microphone can be directly connected to the
unit’s 3-pin female XLR microphone input con-
nector. The input is compatible with dynamic or
condenser microphones. A P48 phantom power
source allows support for a wide range of con-
denser microphones. A 3-pin male XLR con-
nector provides an analog microphone output
for integration with inputs on related devices.
A configuration choice allows this output to be
active all the time (hot mic operation) or muted
or unmuted following the main output function.
A pair of stereo headphones, the headphone
connection from a stereo or monaural headset,
or even earbuds can be connected to the Model
236’s headphone output jack.
Audio signals are routed to and from the Model
236 using the Dante Controller software ap-
plication. This is available, free of charge, from
Audinate®, the creators of Dante. All Model 236
operating features are configured using the Stu-
dio Technologies’ STcontroller software applica-
tion. The extensive set of parameters allows the
unit’s functions to be tailored to meet the needs
of many, many applications. STcontroller is
available at no charge from the Studio Technol-
ogies’ website. Versions are available that are
compatible with the Windows® and macOS®
operating systems. STcontroller is a fast and
simple means of configuring, revising, saving,
and loading a unit’s operating parameters.
The Model 236’s front panel includes eight rota-
ry controls (encoders) which are used to adjust
the level of the Dante input signal sources as
they create an audio mix that is fed to both the
analog and Dante digital headphone outputs.
Using RGB (red-green-blue) LEDs, each rotary
encoder is illuminated and can display whether
or not signal is present on their associated au-
dio input channels. Two additional rotary con-
trols allow adjustment of sidetone level and the
overall level of the analog headphone output.
Model 236 User Guide Issue 5, October 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 7
MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Seven pushbutton switches allow the user to
control the status of the main outputs (digital
and analog) as well as the six talkback func-
tions. Extensive configuration choices allow
the operation of the pushbutton switches and
associated output channels to be optimized to
meet the needs of specific applications. For
example, the talkback functions can be inde-
pendently configured for talkback, talent cue-
ing (IFB), call signal (20 kHz tone), and other
related actions.
The Model 236’s one main and six talkback
pushbutton switches are illuminated to display
their operating status. For performance confir-
mation an integrated sidetone function allows
audio coming from the headset’s microphone
to be returned to the headset output.
Audio Quality
The Model 236’s audio performance is com-
pletely “pro.” A low-noise, wide dynamic-
range microphone preamplifier ensures that
microphone audio quality is preserved while
minimizes the chance of signal overload. The
gain of the microphone preamplifier can be
adjusted over a range of 20 to 65 dB in 1-
dB steps. A digitally controlled analog limiter
function allows the signal level to be automati-
cally adjusted to reduce the chance of signal
overload. A setting in STcontroller allows the
limiter function to be enabled or disabled as
desired. The limiter function applies only to
signals that are connected to the analog mi-
crophone input.
The output of the microphone preamplifier
is routed to an analog-to-digital conversion
(ADC) section that supports sampling rates
of 48 and 96 kHz. The audio signal, now in
the digital domain, routes through a 32-bit
microprocessor and associated programma-
ble logic and then on to the Dante interface
section where it is packetized and prepared
for transport over Ethernet. Ten Dante trans-
mitter (output) channels are provided: one
main, one aux, six talkback, and two head-
phone monitor output channels.
Audio input signals arrive into the Model 236
by way of eleven Dante receiver (input) chan-
nels and pass into the Model 236’s 32-bit logic
circuitry. Four channels are associated with
the main section, six are used for the talkback
listen sources, and one can serve as an alter-
nate microphone audio source. In addition to
being used for typical headphone monitoring,
the audio input associated with each talkback
channel can be used as part of a talent cue
(IFB) function. All channel routing, headphone
level control, signal detection, and sidetone
functions are performed within the digital do-
main. This preserves audio quality, enhances
performance, and provides flexibility, allow-
ing precise level control and mixing as well as
eliminating the need for analog audio signals
to pass through passive level controls (poten-
tiometers). The audio signals destined for the
analog headphone output are sent to a high-
performance 2-channel digital-to-analog con-
verter and then on to robust driver circuitry.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent to and received from the
Model 236 using Dante audio-over-Ethernet
media networking technology. As a Dante-
compliant device, the Model 236’s ten Dante
transmitter (output) channels and eleven Dante
receiver (input) channels can be assigned
(routed or “subscribed”) using the Dante Con-
troller software application. To minimize the
chance of a flow limitation, the Model 236’s
Dante transmitter and receiver channels sup-
port 32 Dante flows, 16 in each direction.
The digital audio’s bit depth is up to 32 with a
sample rate of 48 or 96 kHz. Bi-color LEDs,
located on the unit’s back panel, provide status
indications related to the Ethernet network and
Dante interface performance.
The Model 236 is compliant with the AES67
interoperability standard. In addition, the unit
Issue 5, October 2021 Model 236 User Guide
Page 8 Studio Technologies, Inc.
MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
is compatible with Audinate’s Dante Domain
Manager™ (DDM) software application. DDM
offers an enhanced set of network control
and monitoring features, making it ideal for
security-conscious applications. This may
also allow the Model 236’s audio channels
to support SMPTE® ST 2110-30.
Ethernet Data and PoE
The Model 236 connects to one or two local
area networks (LANs) by way of two Gigabit
(GigE) twisted-pair Ethernet interfaces. These
1000BASE-T interconnections are made by
way of Neutrik® etherCON RJ45 connectors.
While compatible with standard RJ45 plugs,
etherCON allows a ruggedized and locking
interconnection for harsh or high-reliability
environments. The two Ethernet interfaces
can be configured, using the Dante Controller
software applications, to serve in the Dante
Switched or Redundant modes.
The Model 236’s operating power can be
provided by way of its Primary-PoE Ethernet
interface using the 802.3af Power-over-
Ethernet (PoE) standard. PoE allows fast and
efficient interconnection with an associated
data network. Alternately, an external source
of nominal 12 volts DC can be connected to
power the unit. If both are connected then
PoE will serve as the active power source.
Future Capabilities and
Firmware Updating
The Model 236 was designed so that in the
future its capabilities and performance can
be easily enhanced. A USB type A connector,
located on the unit’s back panel, allows the
Main and FPGA firmware files to be updated
using a USB flash drive. The Model 236 uses
the Broadway™ integrated circuit from Audi-
nate to implement its Dante interface. The firm-
ware in this integrated circuit can be updated
via an Ethernet connection helping to ensure
that its capabilities remain up to date.
Getting Started
What’s Included
Included in the shipping carton are a Model
236 Announcer’s Console and instructions on
how to obtain a copy of this guide. As a de-
vice that can be Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
powered, no external power source is pro-
vided. This is because in most applications
an Ethernet switch with PoE capability will be
utilized. It’s also possible to connect an exter-
nal source of 12 volts DC to power the Model
236. If this is the case then a power supply
would need to be obtained separately.
Connections
In this section signal interconnections will
be made using the connectors located on
the back of the Model 236’s enclosure. One
or two Ethernet connections will be made
using either standard RJ45 patch cables
or etherCON protected RJ45 plugs. The
Ethernet data connection associated with the
Primary-PoE RJ45 connector is compatible
with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). If desired,
an Ethernet connection made to the Second-
ary Ethernet connector can provide access
to a Redundant Dante network. Or it can be
utilized as an active “loop through” connec-
tion associated with the Primary-PoE Ethernet
connection. If PoE is not going to be utilized,
or a redundant source of power is desired, a
source of 12 volts DC can be connected by
way of a 4-conductor XLR connector.
A microphone can be connected using a
cable-mounted 3-pin male XLR connector.
A set of headphones, the headset portion
of a broadcast-style headset, or an earpiece
will be connected by way of a ¼-inch plug.
If desired, the Model 236’s analog micro-
phone output may be interfaced with other
equipment using a cable terminated with
a standard 3-pin female XLR connector.
Model 236 User Guide Issue 5, October 2021
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 9
MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
For special applications the Model 236’s
internal circuit boards contain 3-pin “header”
connectors that allow access to various func-
tions. In addition, there are two spare con-
nector locations located on the Model 236’s
back panel. A technician can add connectors
and wire them to the headers such that ap-
plication-specific needs can be supported. For
example, a 6- or 7-pin XLR connector can be
added to support direct connection of broad-
cast-style headsets. Contact closures can be
interfaced to the Model 236’s circuitry, allow-
ing external switches to activate the main and
talkback functions. A low-voltage, low-current
tally output associated with the main function
is also available. Refer to the Technical Notes
section of this guide for details.
One or Two Ethernet Connections
One 1000BASE-T Gigibit Ethernet (GigE)
connection is required for Model 236 opera-
tion and can provide both Ethernet data and
power by way of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
for the Model 236’s circuitry. A 10BASE-T
(10 Mb/s) or 100BASE-TX (100 Mb/s) con-
nection is not sufficient.
A second 1000BASE-T (GigE) connection
can be made if Redundant Dante is desired.
(For this functionality to be active the Model
236’s network configuration must be set for
Redundant within the Dante Controller soft-
ware application.) PoE is not supported on
the Secondary Ethernet connection. Again,
a 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX connection is
not sufficient. The Secondary Ethernet con-
nection can also be used as a “loop through”
port such as would be provided by an Eth-
ernet switch. (This requires that the Model
236’s network configuration within the Dante
Controller software application be set for
Switched.) Switched mode is the default set-
ting but using the Secondary port in this mode
for applications other than troubleshooting
is not recommended. The unit will function
reliably but “daisy chaining” Ethernet signals
can limit flexibility and present a failure point;
it’s best if each Ethernet interface connects
directly to a port on an Ethernet switch.
The Ethernet connections are made by way
of two Neutrik etherCON protected RJ45
connectors that are located on the back
of the Model 236’s enclosure. These allow
connection by way of cable-mounted ether-
CON connectors or standard RJ45 plugs. The
Model 236’s Ethernet interfaces support auto
MDI/MDI-X so that crossover cables are not
required.
External 12 Volts DC Input
An external source of 12 volts DC can be
connected to the Model 236 by way of a
4-pin male XLR connector which is located
on the unit’s back panel. While the require-
ment for the external source is nominally 12
volts, correct operation will take place over a
10 to 18 volts DC range. The Model 236 re-
quires a maximum of 550 milliamperes (0.55
amperes) at 12 volts DC for correct operation.
The DC source should be terminated on a
4-pin female XLR connector with pin 1 nega-
tive (–) and pin 4 positive (+).
If an external power source is required, the
PS-DC-02 power supply, available as an
option from Studio Technologies, is directly
compatible with the Model 236. Its AC mains
input allows connection to 100-240 volts,
50/60 Hz with an output of 12 volts DC,
1.5 amperes maximum. Its DC output is
terminated on a 4-pin female XLR connector.
As previously discussed in this guide, an
Ethernet connection that provides Power-
over-Ethernet (PoE) can serve as the Model
236’s power source. Alternately, an external
12 volts DC source can be connected. For re-
dundancy, both PoE and the external source
can be connected at the same time. If both
PoE and an external 12 volts DC source are
Issue 5, October 2021 Model 236 User Guide
Page 10 Studio Technologies, Inc.
MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
connected, power will be drawn only from the
PoE supply. If the PoE source becomes inop-
erative the 12 volts DC source will provide the
Model 236’s power. No interruption in opera-
tion will occur during a power source transition.
Analog Microphone Input
Using a configuration selection within the
STcontroller software application, the Model
236’s microphone audio source can be select-
ed. In most cases a local microphone will
be connected and Analog will be selected.
Alternately, an audio signal can be provided
by way of a Dante receiver (input) channel.
In this section details on connecting an analog
microphone will be provided.
The Model 236 provides a 3-pin female XLR
connector, located on the back panel, to allow
an analog microphone to be connected. The
microphone can be a standalone handheld
(“stick”) type, a stand- or arm-mounted type, or
can be part of a broadcast-style headset. The
Model 236’s analog microphone input is direct-
ly compatible with balanced dynamic or P48-
compatible “phantom” powered microphones.
A microphone should be connected such that
its associated 3-pin male XLR connector has
pin 1 as common, pin 2 as signal high (+), and
pin 3 as signal low (–).
A configuration setting in STcontroller allows
the Model 236’s P48 phantom power source
to be enabled or disabled as desired. Another
setting allows the gain of the preamplifier cir-
cuitry associated with the analog microphone
input to be selected. In addition, a configura-
tion setting allows the limiter function to be
enabled or disabled as desired. Details on
configuration settings will be described later
in this guide.
While the Model 236 provides an excellent
source of P48 phantom power, it’s possible
that an input on an associated piece of equip-
ment is already providing microphone power.
This input could be connected to the Model
236 by way of the analog microphone output
connector. This would not create a problem
since the circuitry that passes audio from the
Model 236’s analog microphone input con-
nector to the Model 236’s analog microphone
output connector will also pass microphone
power from output-to-input without interrup-
tion. This situation could be relevant in cases
where the Model 236’s analog microphone
output connector is interfaced with a micro-
phone input on an associated ENG camera,
audio console, microphone mixer, remote I/O
interface, or similar equipment. The micro-
phone inputs on such devices will often pro-
vide phantom power capability which may,
or may not, be enabled.
Analog Microphone Output
A 3-pin male XLR connector on the Model
236’s back panel provides an analog micro-
phone-level output that’s directly related to
the analog microphone input. Technically this
output is identical to the signal that’s con-
nected to the analog microphone input but
with a solid-state muting circuit in series with
the interconnection. A configuration choice in
STcontroller allows the operation of the ana-
log microphone output to be selected. The
choices are to have the analog microphone
output active at all times or for it to also mute
whenever the Dante Main transmitter (output)
channel mutes.
If the analog microphone output is configured
to be active at all times it will provide what is
effectively an analog “hot mic” output; a signal
that is connected to the analog microphone
input will continuously “pass through” to the
analog microphone output. No Model 236
action will impact this signal. If the analog
microphone output is configured to follow the
status of the Dante Main transmitter (output)
then the analog microphone input signal will
pass through to the analog microphone output
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