Studio Technologies 761 - Manual (Page 5)

Model 761/771 User Guide Issue 1, March 2008
Studio Technologies, Inc. Page 5
for Surround
Introduction
What This User Guide Covers
This User Guide is designed to assist you
when installing and using the Model 761
Central Controller and the Model 771
Control Console.
Overview
As production of both 5.1 surround and
2-channel stereo audio material becomes
a day-to-day reality, the need for monitor-
ing these sources is imperative for broad-
cast and post-production facilities. Studio
Technologies has addressed this need with
the StudioComm for Surround Model 761
Central Controller and Model 771 Control
Console. While this system was designed
to support the needs of a major televi-
sion network, it should fi nd a comfortable
home in many other applications as well.
About the only system features that were
selected to directly match this network’s re-
quirements are related to the input source/
monitor output organization and naming
conventions. However this implementation
should match the needs of others too. With
its digital audio inputs, analog outputs, and
Dolby® E dialnorm support, it’s a simple
task to integrate the system into a variety
of facilities. The carefully selected feature
set provides the most-needed resources
and presents them in a way that remains
simple to use. In addition, by using the
best of contemporary technology, as well
as following rigorous design practices, the
system’s audio quality is simply excellent.
This version of the StudioComm for Sur-
round system starts with the Model 771
Control Console, the “command center”
that is designed to reside at the operator’s
location. It allows fi ngertip selection of
all monitoring functions. Numerous LED
indicators provide complete status infor-
mation. A 4-digit numeric display indicates
the monitor output or dialnorm level in real
time. A major strength of the Model 771
is its ability to confi gure, under software
control, a number of operating parameters.
Using a 9-pin cable, the Model 771 con-
nects to a Model 761 Central Controller.
The Model 761 Central Controller occupies
just one rack space but allows connec-
tion of two 5.1 surround inputs and three
2-channel stereo inputs. In addition, a 5.1
surround and special 2-channel stereo “di-
rector cue” monitor output are provided.
All the 5.1 and stereo inputs are digital
and are compatible with AES3id sources.
These unbalanced digital signals utilize
BNC connectors and are ubiquitous in
most broadcast and many post-production
environments. Sample rates of up to 192
kHz and bit depths of up to 24 are sup-
ported. With the system’s dynamic range of
greater than 106 dB, there isn’t a problem
ensuring that the quality of all connected
audio sources is maintained. The monitor
outputs are analog, balanced line level,
and have a maximum level of +26 dBu.
They include power-up/power-down pro-
tection circuitry to help maintain the health
of the connected loudspeaker systems.
A source of Dolby E metadata can be
connected to the Model 761 Central Con-
troller. This RS-485/RS-422 115.2 kbit/s
compatible signal carries numerous data
elements, including one that represents
the average dialog level of an associated
audio program. This dialog normalization
or “dialnorm” value is an integral part of
many broadcast distribution systems, end-
ing up in the audio playback systems of
consumers. Hardware and software within