Studio Technologies Model 214A Dante Audio-over-Ethernet Announcers Console

The Model 214A Announcer's Console is designed to serve as the audio control center for announcers, commentators, and production personnel. This tabletop unit supports applications utilizing the Dante® audio-over-Ethernet media networking technology. The Model 214A is suitable for numerous applications including on-air television sports broadcasting, stadium announcement, and corporate AV. Two pushbutton switches allow the user to control the main and talkback audio output channels. Ease of use, configuration flexibility, and sonic excellence are some of the unit's highlights.

The Model 214A is compatible with broadcast and audio system environments that use Dante technology. An Ethernet connection with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power is all that's required to make the unit part of a sophisticated, networked audio system. Add a microphone and pair of headphones (or a broadcast headset) and the installation is complete. Whether it's the on-air audio, the talkback audio, or the headphone cue feed, superior audio quality is always maintained. Using the STcontroller software application, a range of configuration choices allow the desired operating parameters to be easily selected.

User Controls and Status Indicators
Two pushbutton switches, three LED indicators, and three rotary controls provide the user with a clear, easy-to-use interface. One pushbutton switch controls the status of the Dante main transmitter (output) channel. This is the audio channel intended for on-air, announcement, or other primary uses. Two LEDs display the on/off status of the main output channel. A second pushbutton switch controls the status of the talkback Dante transmitter (output) channel. This is the audio signal used to communicate with producers, directors, spotters, or other behind-the-scenes production personnel. A status LED is associated with the talkback pushbutton switch. The two pushbutton switches utilize gold-plated contacts for reliable long-term operation and include backlighting using white LEDs. Three rotary controls allow the user to adjust the content and level of the headphone output channels.

Microphone Input
A microphone signal is connected to the Model 214A by way of a standard 3-pin female XLR connector. The unit incorporates a high-performance microphone preamplifier which offers low-noise, low-distortion, and high-headroom amplification over a 19 to 64 dB range. The gain is adjustable in 3-dB steps. The microphone input is compatible with balanced dynamic or condenser microphones. Phantom power is provided and meets the worldwide P48 standard. A dual-color LED indicator serves as an optimization aid when setting the gain of the microphone preamplifier.

Key Features

• Dante audio-over-Ethernet technology
• Excellent audio quality
• One main, one talkback, and one auxiliary Dante audio output
• Four Dante headphone audio input channels
• Headphone output with sidetone function
• PoE and 12 Vdc powering
• Rugged, compact enclosure
• Configured using STcontroller application

Technical Specifications

Power Sources
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
class 2 (low power, =6.49 watts) per IEEE 802.3af
DC Input
10 to 18 volts DC, 270 mA maximum at 12 volts DC (or optional PS-DC-02)
Network Audio
Type
Dante audio-over-Ethernet
AES67-2018 Support
yes, on/off selectable
Dante Domain Manager (DDM) Support
yes
Bit Depth
up to 24
Sample Rates
44.1 or 48 kHz
Pull Up/Down Support
none
Dante Transmitter (Output) Channels
3 (Main, Talkback, Aux)
Dante Receiver (Input) Channels
4
Dante Audio Flows
4; 2 transmitter, 2 receiver
Analog to Dante Equivalent
an analog input signal at a level of -36 dBu and microphone preamplifier gain configured for 40 dB will result in a Dante transmitter (output) level of -20 dBFS
Network Interface
Type
100BASE-TX, Fast Ethernet per IEEEr 802.3u (10BASE-T and 1000BASE-T (GigE) not supported)
Data Rate
100 Mb/s (10 Mb/s and 1000 Mb/s Ethernet not supported)
Mic Input
Compatibility
dynamic or phantom-powered microphones
Type
balanced, capacitive coupled
Impedance
3.7 k ohms, nominal
CMRR
>76 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 40 dB microphone preamplifier gain
Gain Range
19 to 64 dB, adjustable in 3-dB steps
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0/-1 dB, microphone input to Dante output
Distortion (THD+N)
0.004%, measured at 1 kHz, -36 dBu mic input, 40 dB microphone preamplifier gain
Dynamic Range
>109 dB, 40 dB microphone preamplifier gain, A-weighted
EIN
-123 dBu, 22 kHz bandwidth, 64 dB microphone preamplifier gain, 150 ohms source resistance
Phantom Power
P48 per IEC 61938 P48 standard, on/off selectable, 45 volts DC nominal
Headphone Output
Type
2-channel
Compatibility
intended for connection to stereo (dual-channel) or monaural (single-channel) headphones, headsets, or earpieces with nominal impedance of 50 ohms or greater
Maximum Output Voltage
3.0 Vrms, 1 kHz, 150-ohm load
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
Distortion (THD+N)
<0.025%, measured at 1 kHz, 0 dBu output
Dynamic Range
>109 dB, A-weighted
Tone
Use
provides support for tone operated (TOX) IFB function on devices such as Studio Technologies' Model 5422A Dante Intercom Audio Engine
Type
sine wave
Frequency
18 kHz ± 0.1 Hz
Level
-20 dBFS
Distortion
<0.01% THD+N
Remote Control Inputs
2
Functions
mimics the action of the main and talkback button functions
Type
active low, 1 mA maximum, input pulled up to 3.3 volts DC via 3.4 k ohm resistors
Access
requires user-implemented connector scheme
Connectors
Microphone Input
3-pin female XLR
Headphone Output
1/4-inch 3-conductor jack
Ethernet
Neutrik NE8FBH etherCON RJ45 receptacle
DC Input
4-pin male XLR (pin 1 negative, pin 4 positive)
USB
type A receptacle (used only for updating firmware)
Physical
Operating Temperature
32 - 122 deg F
Storage Temperature
-22 - 158 deg F
Humidity
25 to 85%, non-condensing
Altitude
not characterized
Dims
5.6 x 3.3 x 8.5”
Deployment
intended for tabletop applications
Weight
2.4 pounds
Item Includes
1x Studio Technologies Model 214A Dante Announcers Console