Technical notes, Talkback-to-intercom sidetone adjustment, Grounding and shielding – Studio Technologies 230 2014 User Manual

Page 34

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Issue 9, November 2014

Model 230 User Guide

Page 34

Studio Technologies, Inc.

program-only audio that is routed to the

right channel. Line input 1 is connected to

an audio source associated with a sports-

event “spotter” position. This source is

routed to the headphone output’s right

channel. The input trim pot associated

with line input 1 can now serve a critical

role—adjusting the relative level of the

“spotter” audio as compared to the level

of IFB channel 2. The trim pot allows the

desired “mix” to be created, providing the

user with an effective cue signal.

Talkback-to-Intercom

Sidetone Adjustment

Associated with the talkback-to-intercom

functions are sidetone trim potentiometers

that are used to adjust the talkback levels

that are being returned to the intercom

line receive audio sources. These two trim

pots are part of the analog hybrid circuit

that separates (“nulls”) talkback audio

from receive (“listen”) audio. If audio from

either or both of the intercom channels is

to be used as a headphone source, and

talkback to these intercom channels is

also desired, the sidetone trim pots may

need to be adjusted.
One trim pot is associated with the side-

tone level for each channel of the inter-

com interface. Both are accessible on

the bottom of the Model 230’s enclosure,

adjacent to the trim pots associated with

the line-level inputs. Adjusting them is very

simple, requiring only a pair of ears and

a screwdriver.
With the Model 230 configured as previ-

ously described, activate one of the talk-

back-to-intercom functions. Audio from

the connected microphone should be

heard in the configured headphone output

channel(s). Adjust the trim pot associated

with the active intercom channel so that

the desired sidetone level, relative to the

intercom receive level, is achieved. The

adjustment range is approximately 18 dB,

with the sidetone level increasing as the

trim pot is rotated in its clockwise direc-

tion. Now change to the other intercom

channel and adjust its sidetone trim pot

as desired.
Using the Model 230’s sidetone function,

talkback audio will be routed to the head-

phone outputs by means of dedicated cir-

cuitry. If this is enabled be certain to place

the two intercom sidetone trim pots to

their fully counterclockwise positions. This

will minimize the increase in sidetone level

that will occur when both the sidetone and

talkback-to-intercom functions are active.

Additional details are provided later in this

user guide.

Technical Notes

Grounding and Shielding

As previously discussed in this user guide,

the pin 1 connections on the main and

line-level talkback outputs’ 3-pin male XLR

connectors are “floating,” i.e., not con-

nected to anything within the Model 230’s

enclosure. Some audio experts might

take offense to this, complaining that

this should have been left to the user or

installer to be connected or disconnect as

desired. However, repeated field testing

found that floating pin 1 on these outputs

was the key to maintaining quiet audio.

From Fenway Park in Boston, to the

Orange Bowl in Florida, and then north-

west to Husker Stadium in Nebraska,

lifting pin 1 did the trick.
A simple solution is available if an

application does require that a ground

be available on the main and line-level

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