Studio Technologies 206 User manual

Copyright © 2018 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved
www.studio-tech.com
User Guide
Issue 2, October 2018
This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers
M206-00151 to 00500 with application firmware 1.2 and later
and STcontroller application version 1.07.00 and later.
50646-1018, Issue 2
Model 206 Announcer’s Console

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MODEL 206
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Table of Contents
Revision History ........................................................... 4
Introduction ................................................................... 5
Getting Started ............................................................. 10
Operation ...................................................................... 19
Technical Notes ............................................................ 24
Specifications ............................................................... 28
Appendix A: Model 206 Block Diagram ........................ 29

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Revision History
Issue 2, October 2018:
• Documents addition of the Push to Mute/Tap to Latch main button operating mode.
Issue 1, April 2018:
• Initial release.

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Introduction
The Model 206 Announcer’s Console
offers a unique combination of analog and
digital audio resources for use in broadcast
sports, eSports, live event, entertainment,
and streaming broadcast applications.
The unit is housed in a compact, rugged
steel enclosure that’s intended for table-
top use. Calling the Model 206 “cute” or
“cool” would be accurate; its nicely propor-
tioned but diminutive size makes it ideal
for use in space-constrained locations.
The Model 206 supports Dante® audio-
over-Ethernet digital media technology
with AES67 compatibility for integration
into contemporary applications. The unit is
extremely simple to deploy, is “pro” quality
throughout, and provides an intuitive user
experience. The Model 206’s audio quality
is excellent, with low distortion, low noise,
and ample headroom. Careful circuit
design and rugged components ensure
long, reliable operation.
The Model 206 integrates directly into both
Dante audio-over-Ethernet and standard
analog audio environments. With just a
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection, a
microphone, and a pair of headphones or
an earpiece, a complete broadcast on-air
position can be created. And by using the
Model 206’s microphone output a direct
connection to an analog microphone-level
input on an associated camera, remote I/O
interface, or audio console can be support-
ed. Two remote control inputs allow exter-
nal switches or contact closures to activate
the main and/or talkback button functions.
Model 206 operating features are con-
figured using the STcontroller personal
computer software application. An exten-
sive set of parameters allows the unit’s
functions to be tailored to meet the needs
of many applications. STcontroller, com-
patible with version 7 and later of the
Windows® operating system, is a fast and
simple means of confirming and revising
the unit’s operating parameters.
Applications
The Model 206 on its own can provide an
“all-Dante” solution for one on-air talent
location. A wide range of applications can
be supported, including sports and enter-
tainment TV and radio events, streaming
broadcasts, corporate and government AV
installations, and post-production facilities.
The unit’s small size makes it ideal for live-
sports applications, such as basketball,
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
Figure 1. Model 206 Announcer’s Console front
and rear views

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be “mix-minus” an integrated sidetone
function can provide the user with a micro-
phone confidence signal. Four Dante audio
output channels, one designated as main
and three named talkback, are routed via
an associated local-area network (LAN) to
inputs on Dante-compatible devices. Four
pushbutton switches, main and three talk-
back, provide the user with direct control
over audio routing. The audio switching
is performed in the digital domain and is
virtually “click-free.”
By providing the main audio signal in two
forms, Dante digital audio and analog
microphone level, the Model 206 makes
integration into a wide range of on-air envi-
ronments easy to accomplish. And with the
three talkback audio channels available as
Dante output channels, routing to inputs
on a variety of devices, such as matrix
intercom systems, audio consoles, and
monitor loudspeaker systems, is simple
and flexible.
Some applications may benefit from not
utilizing the Model 206’s Dante main out-
put channel. This typically won’t be an is-
sue of inadequate audio quality but rather
a need to match work-flow requirements.
For example, for lip-sync or transmission
purposes it may be optimal to have the
on-air audio transported as an embedded
signal along with the associated camera
video. Alternately, all on-air audio sources
may need to connect to inputs on an audio
console or console-related I/O unit. Sup-
porting these scenarios is not a problem
as the Model 206 supplies a microphone
output connection that’s specifically intend-
ed for this purpose. Simply connect the
unit’s microphone output connection to the
desired analog input, such as the mic/line
input on an ENG-style camera—that’s it!
The circuitry associated with the Model
206’s analog microphone output is very
simple, essentially a passive path that
routes a signal connected to the micro-
phone input connector directly to the
microphone output connector. A solid-state
circuit, in series with the mic in-to-mic out
path, allows muting of the signal on the
microphone output connector whenever
the Dante main output channel is muted.
Having both the Dante main output and the
microphone outputs work in tandem can
be a valuable resource, allowing one to
serve as the primary on-air signal source
while the other serves as the backup.
Setup and Operation
Set up, configuration, and operation of
the Model 206 is simple. An etherCON®
RJ45 jack is used to interconnect with a
standard twisted-pair Ethernet port associ-
ated with a PoE-enabled network switch.
This connection provides both power and
bidirectional digital audio. A broadcast
headset or handheld (“stick”) microphone
can be directly connected to the unit’s
3-pin XLR mic input connector. The input
is compatible with dynamic or condenser
microphones. The integrated P48 phan-
tom power source provides support for a
wide range of condenser microphones.
A 3-pin XLR microphone output connec-
tor provides a “direct mic out” function
for integration with microphone inputs on
related devices. Stereo headphones, the
headphone connections from a stereo or
monaural headset, or even a monaural
earpiece can be connected to the phones
output jack. External switches or contact
closures can be connected to the Model
206’s remote control inputs to allow activa-
tion of button functions. The STcontroller
software application is used to configure
the wide range of Model 206 operating

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parameters. This allows the unit’s perfor-
mance to be optimized to meet the needs
of specific applications.
The user is presented with four pushbutton
switches and three push-in/push-out rotary
level potentiometers This makes it easy to
control the status of the main and talkback
outputs as well as adjusting the signals that
are sent to the headphone channels.
Ethernet Data and PoE
The Model 206 connects to a local area net-
work (LAN) by way of a standard 100 Mb/s
twisted-pair Ethernet interface. The physical
100BASE-TX interconnection is made by
way of a Neutrik® etherCON RJ45 connec-
tor. While compatible with standard RJ45
plugs, etherCON allows a ruggedized and
locking interconnection for harsh or high-
reliability environments.
The Model 206’s operating power is provid-
ed by way of the Ethernet interface using
the 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
standard. This allows fast and efficient inter-
connection with the associated data network.
To support PoE power management, the
Model 206’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 206 using the Dante audio-over-
Ethernet media networking technology. As
a Dante-compliant device, the Model 206’s
four Dante transmitter (audio output) chan-
nels and four Dante receiver (audio input)
channels can be assigned (routed or “sub-
scribed”) to other devices using the Dante
Controller software application. The Dante
transmitter and receiver channels are lim-
ited 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 indi-
cation of the Dante connection status. An
additional LED displays the status of the
associated Ethernet connection.
The Model 206 is compatible with the
AES67 interoperability standard. In this
mode the four transmitter (output) chan-
nels will function in multicast; unicast is not
supported. In addition, the unit is compat-
ible with the Dante Domain Manager™
(DDM) software application.
Audio Quality
The Model 206’s audio performance is
completely “pro.” A low-noise, wide dy-
namic-range microphone preamplifier and
associated voltage-controlled-amplifier
(VCA) dynamics controller (compressor)
ensures that mic input audio quality is
preserved while minimizing the chance of
signal overload. The output of the micro-
phone 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 do-
main, routes through a 32-bit microproces-
sor and on to the Dante interface section
where it is packetized and prepared for
transport over Ethernet.
Audio input signals arrive via the four
Dante receiver channels and pass into the
Model 206’s microprocessor. The sup-
ported sampling rates are 44.1 and 48 kHz
with a bit depth of up to 24. Channel rout-
ing, headphone level control, and sidetone
creation are performed within the digital
domain. This provides flexibility, allows

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precise control, and keeps the three level
potentiometers from having to directly
handle analog audio signals. The audio
channels destined for the phones outputs
are sent to a high-performance digital-to-
analog converter and then on to robust
driver circuitry. High signal levels can be
provided to a variety of headsets, head-
phones, and earpieces.
Configuration Flexibility
The Model 206 can be configured to meet
the needs of specific applications and user
preferences. All configuration choices are
performed using the STcontroller personal
computer software application which is
compatible with version 7 and later of the
Windows operating systems. There are no
mechanical switch settings or button-press
sequences required to configure how the
unit functions. Selectable parameters
include microphone preamplifier gain, P48
phantom power on/off, button operation,
remote control inputs, headphone output
mode, sidetone operation, and overall unit
operation. The gain of the microphone
preamplifier can be selected from among
four choices. This allows the Model 206
to match the output sensitivity of a range
of handheld and headset-associated
microphones. A low-noise source of P48
phantom power can be enabled if required
to support condenser (capacitor) micro-
phones.
The main and talkback pushbutton switch-
es can be individually configured. The
main button can be selected to operate
from among five modes while the talk-
back buttons can be selected from among
three. These choices allow the Model
206’s operation to be tailored to meet the
specific needs of many applications. As an
example, for on-air sports applications the
main button would typically be configured
to provide a push to mute (cough) function.
The microphone signal on the Dante main
output channel and the microphone output
connector would remain active unless the
talent needs to momentarily disable it. The
talkback buttons would most likely be set
to their push to talk modes as their use
would be intermittent.
The Model 206 provides two remote con-
trol inputs. Configuration choices allow
these to be assigned to work in parallel
with the main, talkback 1, talkback 2, or
talkback 3 pushbutton switches. In this
way activation of a remote control input
will emulate a user pressing its associated
pushbutton switch.
The audio sources and the way in which
they are assigned to the headphone output
channels can be configured from among
five choices. These unique choices allow
almost any required headphone monitor-
ing situation to be implemented. Whether
for use in on-air sports, an awards show
broadcast, or as a production support tool,
the Model 206 should be able to achieve
the desired configuration.
Following the mode number is an abbrevi-
ated description of what signal or signals
are assigned to the three potentiometers
(pots) and on to the two headphone output
channels. The potentiometers are labeled
A, B, and C, as can be seen in Figure 1
of this guide. The format would equate to
Mode x – pot A/pot B/pot C where x equals
the mode number.
• Mode 1 – Ch1L/Ch2R/SidetoneLR:
Provided for broadcast applications
where two monaural channels of tal-
ent cueing audio (“IFB”) need to be
independently sent to the left and right
headphone output channels. It would be

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common for program audio with director
interrupt to enter the Model 206 by way
of Dante input (receiver) channel 1 and
be sent to the left headphone output.
Program-only audio, entering the unit by
way of Dante input channel 2, would be
sent to the right headphone output. Pots
A and B are used to adjust the level of
those signals. Pot C is used for the side-
tone function where microphone audio is
sent to both the left and right channels of
the headphone output.
• Mode 2 – Ch1LCh2R/BalanceLR/
SidetoneLR: Intended for applications
where a stereo signal enters the Model
206 by way of Dante inputs 1 and 2 and
is routed in stereo to the left and right
channels of the headphone output. In
this mode pot A controls the overall level
of this stereo signal and the pot B con-
trols its left/right level balance. Pot C is
used by the sidetone function.
• Mode 3 – Ch1LCh2R/Ch3LCh4R/
SidetoneLR: Allows two stereo signals
to be routed as stereo pairs to the two
headphone output channels. In this
mode pot A adjusts the level of the
stereo pair entering the unit by way of
Dante inputs 1 and 2 while pot B adjusts
the level of the stereo pair entering on
Dante inputs 3 and 4. Pot C is used by
the sidetone function.
• Mode 4 – Ch1L/Ch2R/Ch3LCh4R:
Allows two monaural input signals to
be independently routed to the left and
right headphone output channels. These
audio signals would enter the Model 206
by way of Dante input channels 1 and 2.
Pots A and B are used to control the
levels of the signals as they are sent
to the left and right headphone output
channels. A stereo input signal, entering
the unit by way of Dante inputs 3 and
4, are routed to the left and right head-
phone outputs. The level of this stereo
pair is controlled by pot C.
• Mode 5 – Ch1LR/Ch2LR/Ch3LCh4R:
Allows two monaural input audio chan-
nels to be sent to both the left and right
headphone output channels. Dante
inputs 1 and 2 are used to bring these
audio signals into the Model 206. Pots
A and B are used to control the level of
the signals as they are sent to the head-
phone output channels. Pot C is used to
control the level of a stereo input signal
as it is routed to the left and right chan-
nels of the headphone output. This ste-
reo pair enters the unit by way of Dante
inputs 3 and 4.
The integrated sidetone function can be
configured to operate from among four
choices. This allows audio associated with
the microphone input and microphone
preamplifier to be returned to the head-
phone output. This is important as different
applications may provide a “full mix” or a
“mix-minus” talent cue signal. If a full mix
cue signal is provided then sidetone audio
will not be needed and the function can be
disabled. In the case where a mix-minus
signal is present, providing the user with
sidetone at the appropriate time(s) can
be an important means of confirming the
signal that’s coming from the connected
microphone.
The headphone gain range configura-
tion helps to provide an optimized audio
level to Model 206 users. The appropriate
setting will depend on the specific audio
sources provided to the unit as well as
user preference.

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Three system modes select the overall
way in which the Model 206 functions. The
on-air mode is optimized for applications
where users will be on-air talent that must
maintain strict separation between on-air
and production audio channels. Other
applications will benefit from the two
available production modes.
Future Capabilities and
Firmware Updating
The Model 206 was designed so that
its capabilities and performance can be
enhanced in the future. A USB connector,
located on the unit’s main circuit board
(underneath the unit’s cover), allows the
application firmware (embedded software)
to be updated using a USB flash drive.
The Model 206 uses the Audinate Ultimo™
integrated circuit to implement the Dante
interface. The firmware in this integrated
circuit can be updated via the 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 206 Announcer’s Console and a
printed copy of this guide. As a device that
is Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) powered, no
external power source is provided. In most
applications an Ethernet switch with PoE
capability will be utilized. If that’s not
available a PoE midspan power injector
can be used.
Connections
In this section signal interconnections will
be made using the five connectors located
on the back of the Model 206’s enclosure.
An Ethernet data connection with Power-
over-Ethernet (PoE) capability will be
made using either a standard RJ45 patch
cable or an etherCON protected RJ45
plug. A microphone will be connected
using a cable-mounted 3-pin male XLR
connector. A set of headphones or an
earpiece will be connected by way of a
¼-inch plug. If desired, the Model 206’s
microphone-level output may be interfaced
with other equipment using a cable termi-
nated with a standard 3-pin female XLR
connector. Special applications may utilize
the two remote control inputs that are ac-
cessible using a 3.5 mm 3-conductor jack.
Ethernet Connection with PoE
A 100BASE-TX Ethernet connection that
supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is
required for Model 206 operation. This one
connection will provide both the Ethernet
data interface and power for the Model
206’s circuitry. A 10BASE-T connection is
not sufficient and a 1000BASE-T (“GigE”)
connection is not supported unless it can
automatically “fall back” to 100BASE-TX
operation. The Model 206 supports Ether-
net switch power management, enumerat-
ing itself as a PoE class 2 device.
The Ethernet connection is made by way
of a Neutrik etherCON protected RJ45
connector that is located on the back of
the Model 206’s enclosure. This allows
connection by way of a cable-mounted
etherCON connector or a standard RJ45
plug. The Model 206’s Ethernet interface
supports auto MDI/MDI-X so that a “cross-
over” or “reversing” cable will never be
required.
Ethernet Connection without PoE
As previously discussed in this guide, the
Model 206 was designed such that the
Ethernet connection will provide both data

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ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
and Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power.
There may be situations where the as-
sociated Ethernet switch does not provide
PoE power. In such cases an external PoE
midspan power injector can be used. If the
selected midspan power injector is 802.3af-
compatible it should function correctly.
Midspan units are available from a variety
of sources, including many online retailers.
Microphone Input
The Model 206 provides a 3-pin female
XLR connector that allows a balanced
dynamic or phantom powered condenser
powered microphone to be connected. The
microphone can be a standalone handheld
(“stick”) type or can be part of a broadcast-
style headset. The Model 206’s microphone
input is directly compatible with balanced
dynamic or P48 phantom powered micro-
phones. A microphone should be connected
such that its associated XLR connector has
pin 1 as common, pin 2 as signal high (+),
and pin 3 as signal low (–). A configura-
tion setting allows the P48 phantom power
source to be enabled or disabled as de-
sired. Details on configuration settings will
be described later in this guide.
While the Model 206 provides an excellent
source of P48 phantom power, it’s possible
that an input on an associated piece of
equipment is already providing microphone
power. This could be connected to the
Model 206 by way of the microphone output
connector. This would not create a problem
since the circuitry that connects audio
from the Model 206’s microphone output
connector to the Model 206’s microphone
input connector will pass this microphone
power through without interruption. This
situation could be relevant when the Model
206’s microphone output connector is
interfaced with the microphone input on
a broadcast camera, audio console,
microphone mixer, or similar equipment.
Inputs on these devices would typically
offer phantom power which in some cases
may have been enabled.
Headphone Output
The Model 206 provides a 2-channel
headphone output interfaced by way of a
3-conductor ¼-inch phone jack. Devices
such as stereo headphones or stereo
(“dual-muff”) broadcast-style headsets can
be directly connected using a 3-conductor
¼-inch plug. Following the usual conven-
tion the left channel should be terminated
on the tip lead, the right channel on the
ring lead, and common on the sleeve lead.
It’s also possible to use a monaural
(“single-muff”) headset or broadcast-type
single earbud but in these cases care must
be taken. If a 3-conductor ¼-inch plug is
used by a device it should be wired to the
tip and sleeve leads; the plug’s ring lead
should be left unconnected. But it’s also
possible that the monaural device will
be terminated on a 2-conductor (“tip and
sleeve”) plug. When the plug is inserted
into the Model 206’s headphone jack the
Model 206’s right headphone output chan-
nel will be shorted; the ring lead will be
directly connected to the sleeve lead. This
can lead to stress on the right channel
headphone output circuitry as well as extra
current draw. To prevent this undesirable
condition ensure that no input audio signal
is routed to the right headphone output
channel. Refer to the Configuration section
later in this guide for details on setting the
headphone audio routing to best accom-
plish this condition.
Microphone Output
A 3-pin male XLR connector provides a
microphone-level output that’s directly re-
lated to the microphone input. Technically

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the output is identical to the signal that’s
connected to the microphone input but with
a solid-state muting circuit in series with
the interconnection. When the Model 206’s
Dante main output channel is active the
microphone signal will also pass through to
the Model 206’s microphone output connec-
tor. Whenever the Dante main output chan-
nel is muted the microphone signal does
not pass through to the microphone output
connector; it is muted in an essentially
click-free manner. Refer to Appendix A for a
block diagram of the microphone input and
microphone output circuitry.
The microphone output can be connected
to balanced (differential) analog micro-
phone-level inputs on a variety of devices.
This includes microphone input connec-
tions on remote I/O interfaces associated
with a networked audio console. An ex-
ample of such an interface would be the
Calrec® Hydra2®. The mic inputs on these
devices typically offer microphone power,
high-quality amplification, and conversion
to the digital domain. The output signals of
the interface’s pre-amp channels are trans-
ported to the main electronics or console
surface using a fiber optic interface. In this
type of application the Model 206’s Dante
main output channel would not be used or
would only be used as a backup path.
No preamplifier or other active circuitry
impacts the path from the Model 206’s
microphone input connector to the Model
206’s microphone output connector. But the
signal does pass through a 200 ohm resis-
tor in each “leg” (pin 2 and pin 3) along with
connecting to a solid-state relay contact.
The result is that the source impedance of
a connected microphone will be 400 ohms
greater when presented to the microphone
output connector. This will slightly raise the
theoretical noise floor of the microphone
signal vis-à-vis a directly connected micro-
phone signal but shouldn’t impact any real-
world applications.
Remote Control Inputs
Provision has been made to allow exter-
nal switches or contact closures to mimic
operation of any two of the four pushbut-
ton switches (main, talkback 1, talkback 2,
and talkback 3). The exact functioning of
the two remote control inputs is determined
by configuration settings, details of which
are discussed later in this guide. A 3.5 mm
3-conductor jack is located on the Model
206’s back panel and provides access to
the two remote control inputs. The input
circuitry is “active low,” with 3.4 k ohm re-
sistors connected to +3.3 volts DC to act as
input “pull ups.” (In addition, a combination
of resistors and capacitors provide ESD
protection, minimizing the chance of dam-
age due to static discharge or other extra-
neous signals.) A current flow of less than
one milliampere is required for a remote
control input to be recognized as active.
Prepare the interconnecting cable and
associated 3.5 mm 3-conductor plug to
reflect that the tip lead is used by remote
control input 1, the ring lead by remote
control input 2, and the sleeve lead is the
connection to common.
Dante Configuration
For audio to pass to and from the Model
206 requires that several Dante-related
parameters be configured. These configu-
ration settings will be stored in non-volatile
memory within the Model 206’s circuitry.
Configuration will typically be done with
the Dante Controller software application
which is available for download free of
charge at www.audinate.com. Versions of
Dante Controller are available to support
Windows and OS X® operating systems.

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The Model 206 uses the Ultimo 4-input/
4-output integrated circuit to implement
the Dante functionality. The Model 206 can
also be configured to meet the requirements
of the AES67 standard. This requires a
setting to be enabled within the Device Info
section of the Dante Controller application.
The four Dante transmitter (Tx) channels
associated with the Model 206’s Dante
interface must be assigned to the desired
receiver channels on associated equip-
ment. This achieves routing the Model 206’s
four output audio channels to the device
(or devices) that will be “listening” to them.
Within Dante Controller a “subscription” is
the term used for routing a transmitter flow
(a group of output channels) to a receiver
flow (a group of input channels). The num-
ber of transmitter flows associated with an
Ultimo integrated circuit is limited to two.
These can either be unicast, multicast, or a
combination of the two. If the Model 206’s
four transmitter channels need to be routed
to more than two flows it’s possible that an
intermediary device with enhanced flow
capability, such as the Studio Technologies
Model 5422 Dante Intercom Audio Engine,
can be used to “repeat” the signals.
The desired audio sources need to be
routed to the receiver (Rx) channels as-
sociated with the Model 206’s Dante audio
inputs. The unit provides four audio input
channels. The number utilized will depend
on the specific application. Following the
unit’s headphone source and routing con-
figuration selection these audio signals will
be sent to the Model 206’s 2-channel head-
phone output.
The Model 206 supports audio sample
rates of 44.1 and 48 kHz with no pull-up/
pull-down values available. In most cases
it’s anticipated that the default rate of 48
KHz will be appropriate. While technically
the Model 206 can serve as a clock master
for a Dante network (as can all Dante-
enabled devices) in virtually all cases the
unit will be configured to receive “sync”
from another device.
The Model 206 has a default Dante device
name of ST-M206 along with a unique
suffix. The suffix identifies the specific
Model 206 that is being configured. The
suffix’s actual alpha and/or numeric charac-
ters relate to the MAC address of the unit’s
Ultimo integrated circuit. The four Dante
transmitter (Tx) audio output channels
have default names of Main, Talkback 1,
Talkback 2, and Talkback 3. The four
Dante receiver (Rx) audio input channels
have default names of Headphone Ch1,
Headphone Ch2, Headphone Ch3, and
Headphone Ch4. Using Dante Control-
ler the default device name and channel
names can be revised as appropriate for
the specific application.
Model 206 Configuration
The STcontroller software application is
used to configure the way in which the
Model 206 functions. No DIP switch settings
or other local actions are used to configure
the unit. This makes it imperative that
STcontroller be available for convenient
use in a personal computer that’s connect-
ed to the related LAN.
The configurable functions include:
• P48 phantom power on/off status
• Microphone input gain
• Headphone audio sources and routing
• Headphone gain range and minimum
level
• Sidetone

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• Main and talkback button operating
modes
• System operating mode
• Remote control inputs
• Button backlight intensity
Changes made using STcontroller will be
immediately reflected in the unit’s opera-
tion; no Model 206 “reboot” is required.
Each time a change is made the main and
talkback buttons on the front panel will
momentarily flash orange in a distinctive
pattern to indicate that a command from
STcontroller has been received.
Installing STcontroller
STcontroller is available free of charge
on the Studio Technologies website (www.
studio-tech.com/stcontroller) and is com-
patible with personal computers running
Windows operating systems that are
version 7 and later. STcontroller versions
1.07.00 and later will fully support the Mod-
el 206. If required, download and install
STcontroller onto a designated personal
computer. This personal computer must be
on the same local area network (LAN) and
subnet as the Model 206 unit or units that
are to be configured. Immediately after
starting STcontroller the application will
locate the devices that it can control. The
one or more Model 206 units to be config-
ured will appear in the device list. Use the
identify command to allow easy recogni-
tion of a specific Model 206 unit. Double-
clicking on a device name will cause the
associated configuration menu to appear.
Review the current configuration and make
any changes that are desired.
P48 Phantom Power
STcontroller allows selection of the on/off
status of the microphone input’s P48
phantom power source. The on/off
status is displayed by way of an LED, red
in color, located on the back panel adja-
cent to the microphone input connector.
Select the status of the P48 source to
meet the needs of the connected micro-
phone. No problem will occur if an external
source of P12 or P48 phantom power is
present on the connection made to the
microphone output connector. In this case
simply turn off the Model 206’s P48 phan-
tom power source. The external source of
microphone power will “pass thru” from the
microphone output connector to the micro-
phone input connector.
Microphone Input Gain
The gain of the Model 206’s microphone
preamplifier can be selected from among
four choices: 35, 43, 52, and 59 dB. The
compressor active LED, orange in color
and visible on the back of the Model 206’s
enclosure adjacent to the microphone
input connector, can act as a guide when
setting the preamp gain. When a voice
signal at a normal level is present on the
microphone input the compressor active
LED should light intermittently. If, for
example, it rarely lights and the gain is set
to 43 dB, it might be a good idea to change
the setting to 52 dB. If the LED is lit fully
during normal talking and the gain is set
for 52 or 59 dB, changing it to one of the
lower values might be warranted. There’s
no “hard and fast” rule about which gain
setting is appropriate. But unless otherwise
indicated, 43 dB is typically a good initial
choice.
Headphone Audio Sources and Routing
STcontroller allows selection from among
five headphone audio source and routing
modes. Each mode is distinct and care-
ful selection will help optimize the Model
206’s operation for a range of applications.

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ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Mode 1 – Ch1L/Ch2R/SidetoneLR
Mode 1 is provided for on-air applications
where two independent audio sources
need to be routed separately to the two
headphone output channels. Dante input
(receiver) channel 1 will be routed to the
left headphone output channel and pot A
will adjust its level. Dante input (receiver)
channel 2 will be routed to the right head-
phone output channel and pot B will adjust
its level. Pot C will adjust the level of the
sidetone audio as it is sent to both the left
and right headphone output channels.
Mode 2 – Ch1LCh2R/BalanceLR/
SidetoneLR
Mode 2 is provided for stereo applications
that could include live music events that are
distributed via streaming audio or by way of
an over-the-air broadcast. In these applica-
tions it’s typical to want the user to have
a single potentiometer to simultaneously
adjust the level of a stereo pair while
a separate potentiometer is used to adjust
the left/right level balance.
When set for Mode 2 Dante input chan-
nel 1 will be routed to the left headphone
output channel and Dante input channel 2
will be routed to the right headphone output
channel. Pot A will adjust the overall level
of both headphone output channels. Pot B
will adjust the level balance between the left
and right output channels. Pot C will adjust
the level of the sidetone audio as it is sent
to both the left and right headphone output
channels.
Mode 3 – Ch1LCh2R/Ch3LCh4R/
SidetoneLR
Mode 3 can be useful in applications where
two stereo signals need to be provided to
the user on the left and right headphone
output channels. In this mode Dante input
channels 1 and 2 are routed to the left and
right channels of the headphone output.
Pot A adjusts the level of this stereo pair.
Dante input channels 3 and 4 are also
routed to the left and right channels of the
headphone output. Pot B adjusts the level
of this stereo pair as it is sent to the head-
phone output channels. Pot C will adjust
the level of the sidetone audio as it is sent
to both the left and right headphone output
channels.
Mode 4 – Ch1L/Ch2R/Ch3LCh4R
Mode 4 is very similar to mode 1 except
instead of providing sidetone another ste-
reo pair can be routed to the left and right
headphone output channels. Dante input
channel 1 is routed to the left channel of
the headphone output and pot A adjusts
its level. Dante input channel 2 is routed
to the right headphone output channel and
pot B adjusts its level. A stereo pair can
enter the Model 206 by way of Dante input
channels 3 and 4. These signals, whose
level is adjusted using pot C, are sent to
the left and right channels of the head-
phone output.
Mode 5 – Ch1LR/Ch2LR/Ch3LCh4R
Model 5 is a unique variation where two
monaural signals can be routed to both
the left and right headphone output chan-
nels while a stereo input source is routed
in stereo to the headphone output chan-
nels. Dante input channel 1 will be routed
to both the left and right channels of the
headphone output. Its level is controlled
by pot A. Dante input channel 2 will also
be routed to both the left and right chan-
nels of the headphone output. Its level will
be adjusted using pot B. A stereo pair can
enter the Model 206 by way of Dante input
channels 3 and 4. These signals will be
sent, in stereo, to the left and right chan-
nels of the headphone output. Their level
will be adjusted using pot C.

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Headphone Gain Range
The overall level of the headphone output
can be configured as desired for specific
applications. The default setting, low, is
designed so that users with typical audio
input sources will be inclined to set the
rotary potentiometers at approximately 50%
of rotation. This would be appropriate for
most applications. The high setting would
be applicable in cases where an extreme
headphone output level is required or the
audio input sources are providing a level
that is lower than typical. Using the high
setting in the former application is not rec-
ommended as hearing damage could result
from exposure to high signal levels.
Headphone Minimum Level
A setting in STcontroller is used to config-
ure the headphone output’s minimum level.
In the –40 dB setting the minimum head-
phone output level is approximately 40 dB
below its maximum; the headphone output
channels will never fully mute. This ensures
that any audio signal present on the uti-
lized Dante input channels will always be
present on the headphone output. In most
on-air broadcast applications this is the ap-
propriate setting, ensuring that a minimum
amount of signal is always present. When
full mute is selected moving a level potenti-
ometer to its fully counterclockwise position
will cause its associated headphone output
channel (or channels) to fully mute. If a
potentiometer is set to serve as a balance
control, moving it to either its fully coun-
terclockwise or fully clockwise position will
cause the associated signal to fully mute.
Selecting the full mute mode may be ap-
propriate for applications where minimizing
the chance of audio “leakage” is important.
This could occur when during an event the
connected headset or headphones are at
times placed on a desk or tabletop.
Note that the action of pot C when con-
figured to provide the sidetone function
(headphone modes 1, 2 or 3) will never be
impacted by the setting for the headphone
minimum level. Whenever pot C is control-
ling the sidetone level it will always cause
the signal to fully mute when it’s set to fully
counterclockwise.
Sidetone Mode
STcontroller allows the Model 206’s side-
tone function to be configured as desired.
Sidetone is audio from the microphone input
that is sent to the headphone output chan-
nels. This can be important, allowing the
user to “hear” themselves for performance
confirmation and comfort. Making a specific
selection from among the four available
modes will depend on the needs of the ap-
plication. If a “full mix” is being provided to
the Model 206’s Dante inputs then locally
provided sidetone won’t be needed and the
off configuration should be selected. The
user will hear themselves by way of audio
signals being routed to the Dante input
channels. But if “mix-minus” audio is being
supplied to the Model 206 then selecting
a headphone source and routing modes
which enables sidetone (headphone modes
1, 2, or 3) can be an important means of
establishing user confidence. Then the
sidetone mode configuration will establish
exactly when sidetone audio will be sent to
the headphone output channels.
Four sidetone modes are available:
• Off: In this mode the sidetone function
is not active.
• Main Button: In this mode the sidetone
function will be active whenever the audio
signal associated with the microphone
input is present on the Dante main output
channel and the microphone output
connector.

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ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
• Latching: If this mode is selected the
main button’s function will alternate
between its active and inactive states
whenever the main button is pressed.
Upon power up the function will be in its
inactive state and the red LED associated
with the button will be lit.
• Push to Talk/Tap to Latch: This mode is
a combination of the Push to Talk and
Latching modes. It’s similar to the way
talk pushbutton switches function on
user stations associated with broadcast
or production intercom systems. If the
main button is pressed and held the main
button’s function will be active. It will stay
active until the main button is released.
If the main button is momentarily “tapped”
the main button’s status will change,
either from inactive-to-active or from ac-
tive-to-inactive. Upon Model 206 power
up the main button will be in its inactive
state and its red LED will be lit.
• Push to Mute/Tap to Latch: This mode is
a combination of the Push to Mute and
Latching modes. Whenever the main
button is momentarily “tapped” the main
button’s status will change, either from
active-to-inactive or inactive-to-active.
When the main button function is active
its green LED will be lit. The audio signal
associated with the microphone input
will be routed to both the Dante main
output channel and the microphone out-
put connector. Whenever the main but-
ton is pressed and held the audio signal
will mute on both the Dante main output
channel and the microphone output con-
nector and the button’s LED will change
from green to red. It will stay in this condi-
tion until the main button is released.
Upon Model 206 power up the main
button will be in its inactive state and its
red LED will be lit.
• Talkback Buttons: In this mode the side-
tone function will be active whenever
one or more of the talkback functions are
active and the audio signal is present on
the talkback 1, talkback 2, and/or talk-
back 3 Dante output channels.
• Main and Talkback Buttons: In this mode
the sidetone function will be active when-
ever the audio signal associated with the
mic input is present on the Dante main
output channel and the microphone out-
put connector. The sidetone function will
also be active whenever one or more of
the talkback functions are active.
Button Operation – Main
STcontroller allows the configuration of the
main button to be selected. There are five
mode choices available:
• Push to Mute: If this mode is selected
the main button function will normally be
active and its green LED lit. The audio
signal associated with the microphone in-
put will be routed to both the Dante main
output channel and the microphone out-
put connector. Whenever the main button
is pressed the audio signal will mute on
both the Dante main output channel and
the microphone output connector; the
button’s LED will change from green to
red.
• Push to Talk: If this mode is selected
the main button function will normally be
inactive and the button’s red LED will be
lit. The audio signal associated with the
microphone input will not be routed to the
Dante main output channel and the mi-
crophone output connector will be muted.
Whenever the main button is pressed
the audio signal will become active on
the Dante output channel and the micro-
phone output connector. In addition, the
button’s green LED will light.

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talkback functions. The system mode can
also impact one facet of the headphone
output’s function. There are three system
modes available. Understanding how each
specifically impacts Model 206 operation
will help to ensure that the desired opera-
tion is obtained and that maximum usabil-
ity will occur.
On-Air
When selected to the on-air mode, audio
on the Dante main output channel and the
microphone output connector will always
mute whenever the talkback 1, talkback 2,
or talkback 3 functions are active. The on-
air mode should be selected for all on-air
broadcast applications when it’s impera-
tive that the “on-air” audio signal be muted
whenever on-air talent uses a talkback
function to communicate with production
personnel.
Production
When the system mode is set for produc-
tion, the audio signals on the Dante main
output channel and microphone output
connector are never muted in response to
talkback function activity. The mic off/off
function operates independently of the
talkback functions. This mode allows the
Dante main output channel to be used, for
example, as an additional talkback output.
In this way the Dante main output channel
and the three talkback output channels can
be used separately and not impact each
other. This also allows both the main and
talkback pushbuttons to be used simulta-
neously. When selected for the correct ap-
plication, the production mode can prove
to be very useful. But it’s not appropriate
for on-air use!
Production with Dim
This mode is identical to the production
mode with the exception that the head-
Button Operation – Talkback
The manner in which the three talkback
buttons function can be configured. One
setting applies to both talkback buttons.
There are three mode choices available:
• Push to Talk: If this mode is selected
the talkback functions will normally be
inactive and the LED associated with
each button will not be lit. Whenever a
talkback button is pressed its associated
talkback function will become active and
its green LED will light.
• Latching: If this mode is selected the
talkback functions will alternate between
their active and inactive states when-
ever a talkback button is pressed. Upon
power up the talkback functions will be in
their inactive state and their button LEDs
will not be lit.
• Push to Talk/Tap to Latch: This mode is
a combination of the Push to Talk and
Latching modes. It’s similar to the way
talk pushbutton switches function on
user stations associated with broadcast
or production intercom systems. If a
talkback button is pressed and held its
talkback function will be active. It will
stay active until the talkback button is
released. If a talkback button is momen-
tarily “tapped” the status of the function
will change, either from inactive-to-active
or from active-to-inactive. Upon Model
206 power up the talkback buttons will
be in their inactive state and their LEDs
will not be lit.
System Operating Mode
The system mode configures the overall
manner in which the Model 206 operates.
Specifically, it determines how the Dante
main output channel and the microphone
output connector operate vis-à-vis the

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MODEL 206
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
capability should have been made. Alter-
nately, a midspan power injector, in “se-
ries” with the Ethernet connection, should
have been put into place. A microphone
and headphones or earbud should have
been connected. Alternately, a broadcast-
style headset may have been connected.
If desired, a connection to the microphone
output should have been made. Some ap-
plications may utilize either or both of the
remote control inputs.
The Model 206 should have been placed
in the desired physical location. Using the
Studio Technologies STcontroller software
application the unit’s configuration should
have been selected to meet the needs of
the specific application. The Model 206’s
Dante configuration settings should have
been selected using the Dante Controller
software application. In this way the unit’s
four Dante audio output channels (Dante
transmitter channels) and four Dante audio
input channels (Dante receiver channels)
should have been routed, by way of Dante
“subscriptions,” to the receiver and trans-
mitter channels on associated Dante-
enabled equipment.
Initial Operation
The Model 206 will start to function as
soon as a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
power source is connected. However, it
may take 20 to 30 seconds for full opera-
tion to commence. Upon initial power up
the three status LEDs, located on the back
panel below the RJ45 jack, will begin to
light as network and Dante connections
are established. The COMP LED, adjacent
to the microphone input connector, may or
may not flash momentarily. The P48 LED,
also located adjacent to the microphone
input connector, will flash once to indicate
that it is functioning. The red and green
phone output reduces in level (“dims”)
whenever the main, talkback 1, talkback
2, or talkback 3 functions are active. This
mode was specifically provided to minimize
the chance that acoustical feedback will
occur in applications where the headphone
output is connected to the inputs on am-
plified speakers (or inputs on an amplifier
associated with loudspeakers). In this mode
the level of the headphone output channels
is reduced by 18 dB whenever a main or
talkback function is active. This mode is
not appropriate when headphones are
going to be connected to the Model 206!
Remote Control Inputs
There are two remote control inputs.
They can be individually configured to
mimic the action of one of the pushbutton
switches. The choices are off, main button,
talkback 1 button, talkback 2 button, or
talkback 3 button.
Button Backlight Intensity
The caps (top surfaces) of the four push-
button switches are able to be lit using in-
ternal LEDs, one red and one green. When
they light and with what color depends on
the configuration of the Model 206 and the
current operating condition. The intensity
of these LEDs can be adjusted to meet the
needs of an application, specifically being
configured to perform optimally vis-à-vis
the amount of ambient light present in the
Model 206’s location. The choices are low
and high.
Operation
At this point all connections and configura-
tion steps should have been completed and
everything should be ready for Model 206
operation to commence. An Ethernet con-
nection with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)

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and SYNC LEDs display the operating sta-
tus of the Dante interface and its associat-
ed network activity. The SYS LED will light
red upon Model 206 power up to indicate
that the Dante interface is not ready. After
a short interval it will light green to indicate
that it is ready to pass data with another
Dante device. The SYNC LED will light red
when the Model 206 is not synchronized
with a Dante network. It will light solid
green when the Model 206 is synchronized
with a Dante network and an external
clock source (timing reference) is being
received. It will slowly flash green when
this specific Model 206 is part of a Dante
network and is serving as the clock mas-
ter. It’s possible that up to 30 seconds may
be required for the SYNC LED to reach its
final state.
P48 Status LED
An LED indicator is located on the back
panel adjacent to the microphone input
connector. It is labeled P48 and will light
red whenever the P48 phantom power
source is active and providing power to
the microphone input.
Compressor Active LED and
Mic Preamp Gain
An LED indicator, orange in color, is locat-
ed on the back panel, also adjacent to the
microphone input connector. It is labeled
COMP and displays the status of the
microphone audio compressor function.
This function controls the dynamic range of
the audio signal that can be present on the
Dante audio output (transmitter) channels
and sidetone audio sent to the headphone
output versus the signal present on the
microphone input. The compressor LED
will light whenever the input level from the
microphone, along with the configured
LEDs within the main and talkback push-
button switches will light in a short test
sequence to indicate that the application
firmware (embedded software) has started.
Once that sequence has completed and
the Dante connection has been estab-
lished full operation will begin. The vari-
ous LEDs will then become operational,
displaying the status of their designated
functions.
How to Identify a Specific
Model 206
Functions within the Dante Controller and
STcontroller software applications allow
a specific Model 206 unit to be identified.
Each application provides an “eyeball” icon
that when clicked will activate the identify
function. When identify is selected it will
send a command to a specific Model 206
unit. On that unit the LEDs associated with
the main and talkback pushbutton switch-
es will “flash” orange approximately eight
times (the actual on/off status of the but-
tons will not change). In addition, the SYS
and SYNC status LEDs, located directly
below the etherCON RJ45 connector on
the back panel, will slowly flash green.
After a few seconds the LED identification
pattern will cease and normal Model 206
button LED and Dante status LED opera-
tion will resume.
Ethernet and Dante Status
LEDs
Three status LEDs are located below the
etherCON RJ45 connector on the Model
206’s back panel. The LINK ACT LED will
light green whenever an active connection
to a 100 Mb/s Ethernet network has been
established. It will then flash in response to
all Ethernet data packet activity. The SYS