The Studio-Tech Model 207 integrates directly into both Dante audio-over-Ethernet and standard analog audio environments. With just a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection, a broadcast or "gaming" headset, and a connection to a stereo line-level audio source, a complete player position can be created.
Model 207 operating features are configured using the STcontroller software application. An extensive set of parameters allows the unit's functions to be tailored to meet the needs of many applications. STcontroller, compatible with version 7 and later of the Windowsr operating system, is a fast and simple means of confirming and revising the unit's operating parameters.
Applications
The Model 207 on its own can provide an "all-Dante" solution for one game player location. The unit's small size makes it ideal for live applications where physical space for personnel is very limited. Four Dante receiver (audio input) channels supply the user with their talent cue (IFB) signals. Should the cue signal be "mix-minus" an integrated sidetone function can provide the user with a microphone confidence signal. Two Dante audio output channels are associated with a connected headset's microphone, one designated as main and the other as talkback. Two additional Dante outputs have signal sources derived from the Model 207's stereo line input. These two audio channels, typically provided by a personal computer, can also be routed to the headphone output.
Ethernet Data and PoE
The Model 207 connects to a local area network (LAN) by way of a standard 100 Mb/s twisted-pair Ethernet interface. The physical 100BASE-TX interconnection is made by way of a Neutrikr etherCON RJ45 connector. While compatible with standard RJ45 plugs, etherCON allows a ruggedized and locking interconnection for harsh or high-reliability environments.
The Model 207's operating power is provided by way of the Ethernet interface using the 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) standard. This allows fast and efficient interconnection with the associated data network. To support PoE power management, the Model 207's PoE interface enumerates (reports) to the power sourcing equipment (PSE) that it's a class 2 (low power) device. If a PoE-enabled Ethernet port can't be provided by the associated Ethernet switch a low-cost PoE midspan power injector can be utilized.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent to and received from the Model 207 using the Dante audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. As a Dante-compliant device, the Model 207's two Dante transmitter (audio output) channels and four Dante receiver (audio input) channels can be assigned (routed or "subscribed") to other devices using the Dante Controller software application. The Dante transmitter and receiver channels are limited to supporting four Dante flows, two in each direction. The digital audio's bit depth is up to 24 with a sampling rate of 44.1 or 48 kHz. Two bi-color LEDs provide an indication of the Dante connection status. An additional LED displays the status of the associated Ethernet connection.
The Model 207 is compatible with the AES67 interoperability standard. In addition, the unit is compatible with the Dante Domain Manager™ (DDM) software application.
Audio Quality
The Model 207's audio performance is completely "pro." A low-noise, wide dynamic-range microphone preamplifier and associated voltage-controlled-amplifier (VCA) dynamics controller (compressor) ensures the headset's microphone audio quality is preserved while minimizing the chance of signal overload. The output of the microphone preamp and compressor is routed to an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) section that supports sampling rates of 44.1 and 48 kHz with a bit depth of up to 24. The audio signal, now in the digital domain, routes through a 32-bit microprocessor and on to the Dante interface section where it is packetized and prepared for transport over Ethernet.