Studio Technologies 236 User manual

Copyright © 2020 by Studio Technologies, Inc., all rights reserved
www.studio-tech.com
User Guide
Issue 1, August 2020
This User Guide is applicable for serial numbers
M236-00151 and later with main firmware version 1.02
and STcontroller application version 2.10.00.
50688-0820 Issue 1
Model 236 Announcer’s Console

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Model 236 User Guide Issue 1, August 2020
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MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Table of Contents
Revision History .............................................................................. 4
Introduction ...................................................................................... 5
Getting Started ................................................................................ 8
Dante Configuration ....................................................................... 11
Model 236 Configuration ................................................................ 13
Operation ........................................................................................ 23
Technical Notes .............................................................................. 31
Specifications ................................................................................. 37
Appendix A: STcontroller default configuration values ................... 39
Appendix B: 3-Pin Header Connector Details ................................ 40
Appendix C: Model 236 Block Diagram .......................................... 41

Issue 1, August 2020 Model 236 User Guide
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MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Revision History
Issue 1, August 2020:
• Initial release.

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MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Introduction
The Model 236 Announcer’s Console provides
a combination of high-performance audio with
an extensive set of user features and configu-
rable resources. The unit is intended for use
in demanding broadcast sports, eSports, live
event, entertainment, and streaming broadcast
applications. With a few simple connections
the Model 236 can provide one on-air talent
with all the resources they need to support a
wide range of applications. The compact, rug-
ged steel enclosure is intended for tabletop
use, small enough for use “court-side” or in a
crowded booth, yet flexible enough for remote
production deployment. The Model 236 sup-
ports Dante® audio-over-Ethernet digital media
technology with AES67 compatibility for inte-
gration into contemporary applications.
The Model 236 can integrate directly into
both Dante audio-over-Ethernet and stan-
dard analog audio environments. With just a
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Gigabit network
connection, a microphone, and a pair of head-
phones a complete broadcast on-air position
can be created. With the addition of a second
Ethernet connection Redundant Dante can be
supported. And by using the Model 236’s ana-
log microphone output a connection to a micro-
phone-level input on an associated remote I/O
interface or audio console can be supported.
With a total of eight Dante audio inputs and an
integrated sidetone function, users can eas-
ily create their desired headphone audio mix.
They’ll enjoy clear and “click-free” monaural
or stereo audio that can only help their on-air
performance. Six independent Dante talkback
channels allow users to communicate with a
variety of support personnel. Among the range
of operating capabilities includes the ability
to create talent cue (IFB) channels. This was
specifically included for REMI/At-Home ap-
plications. Provision has been made such that
a technician can “customize” the Model 236’s
Figure 1. Model 236 Announcer’s Console front and
back views
hardware. Option kits, purchased separately,
can be added to support functions such as
multi-pin headset connectors, up to four remote
control inputs, and a low-voltage DC tally
output.
The Model 236 was designed to meet two main
goals: supporting great audio quality and pro-
viding an extensive set of configurable features.
Using the latest in audio integrated circuits and
advanced 32-bit audio processing, the unit’s
audio performance should meet or exceed that
of any audio console, standalone microphone
preamplifier, remote I/O interface, or outboard
A/D or D/A converter. With over 40 years of
professional audio experience, Studio Technol-
ogies takes audio performance seriously! And
while providing excellent measured specifica-
tions is a “must,” a device also has to “sound”
good before we feel its design is complete.

Issue 1, August 2020 Model 236 User Guide
Page 6 Studio Technologies, Inc.
MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
The amount of flexibility provided in the Model
236 allows it to meet the needs of virtually all
on-air announcer applications. And using the
Studio Technologies’ STcontroller software
application makes “customizing” the operation
of a Model 236 fast and simple. The unit’s abil-
ity to handle both day-to-day and specialized
situations makes it a unique product in the
market. For example, each pushbutton switch
and rotary encoder can be independently con-
figured with multiple choices that range from
simple to quite advanced. If a Model 236 can’t
seem to be configured to meet an application’s
goals please contact Studio Technologies’
technical support for an application review.
The Model 236 is part of a three-product fam-
ily that differ only in the number of talkback
channels provided. The Model 236 provides
six talkback channels, while the Model 232
provides two and the Model 234 provides four
The Model 236, as with the other two models,
has a compact enclosure with overall dimen-
sions of 8.5 inches wide (16.5 cm), 2.9 inches
high (7.4 cm), and 4.9 inches deep (12.5 cm).
Weighing 2.1 pounds (0.95 kg), the enclo-
sure is made of steel to provide some “heft”
to minimize the chance of inadvertent move-
ment. The Model 236’s main, secondary, and
programmable logic (FPGA) firmware can be
updated using the USB port on the back of the
unit; the Dante firmware can be updated via
an Ethernet connection.
Setup, Configuration, and
Operation
Set up, configuration, and operation of the
Model 236 is simple. The unit includes two
Neutrik etherCON RJ45 connectors which
allow interfacing with single or redundant
Gigabit Ethernet networks. The primary net-
work connection can provide power to the unit
using a port on a Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
network switch. Model 236’s power can also
be supplied from a 12 volt DC source that is
connected using a 4-pin XLR connector. A
broadcast headset or handheld (“stick”) micro-
phone can be directly connected to the unit’s
3-pin female XLR microphone input connector.
The input is compatible with dynamic or con-
denser microphones. A P48 phantom power
source allows support for a wide range of con-
denser microphones. A 3-pin male XLR con-
nector provides an analog microphone output
for integration with inputs on related devices.
A configuration choice allows this output to be
active all the time (hot mic operation) or muted
or unmuted following the main output pushbut-
ton function. A pair of stereo headphones, the
headphone connection from a stereo or mon-
aural headset, or even earbuds can be con-
nected to the Model 236’s headphone output
jack.
Audio signals are routed to and from the Model
236 using the Dante Controller software ap-
plication. This is available, free of charge, from
Audinate®, the creators of Dante. All Model
236 operating features are configured using
the Studio Technologies’ STcontroller software
application. The extensive set of parameters
allows the unit’s functions to be tailored to
meet the needs of many, many applications.
STcontroller, compatible with version 7 and
later of the Windows® operating system, is
available, free of charge, from the Studio Tech-
nologies’ website. It’s a fast and simple means
of configuring, revising, saving, and loading a
unit’s operating parameters. A future release
of STcontroller will support MacOS® operating
systems.
The Model 236’s front panel includes eight ro-
tary controls (encoders) which are used to ad-
just the level of the Dante input signal sources
as they create an audio mix that is fed to both
the analog and Dante digital headphone out-
puts. Using RGB (red-green-blue) LEDs, each
rotary encoder is illuminated and can display
whether or not signal is present on its associ-
ated audio input channel. Two additional rotary

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MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
controls allow adjustment of sidetone level
and the overall level of the analog headphone
output.
Seven pushbutton switches allow the user to
control the status of the main outputs (digital
and analog) as well as the six talkback func-
tions. Extensive configuration choices allow
the operation of the talkback pushbuttons and
associated output channels to be optimized to
meet the needs of specific applications. They
can be independently configured for talkback,
talent cueing (IFB), call signal (20 kHz tone),
and other related actions.
The Model 236’s one main and six talkback
pushbutton switches are illuminated to display
their operating status. For performance confir-
mation an integrated sidetone function allows
audio coming from the headset’s microphone
to be returned to the headset output.
Audio Quality
The Model 236’s audio performance is com-
pletely “pro.” A low-noise, wide dynamic-range
microphone preamplifier ensures that micro-
phone audio quality is preserved and minimiz-
es the chance of signal overload. The gain of
the microphone preamplifier can be adjusted
over a range of 20 to 65 dB in 1-dB steps. The
output of the microphone preamplifier is routed
to an analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) sec-
tion that supports sampling rates of 48 and
96 kHz. The audio signal, now in the digital
domain, routes through a 32-bit microproces-
sor and associated programmable logic and
then on to the Dante interface section where
it is packetized and prepared for transport over
Ethernet. A total of ten Dante transmitter (out-
put) channels are provided: one main, six talk-
back, one hot mic, and two headphone monitor
output channels.
Audio input signals arrive into the Model 236
by way of nine Dante receiver (input) chan-
nels and pass into the Model 236’s 32-bit logic
circuitry. Two channels are associated with
the main section, six are used for the talkback
listen sources, and one can serve as an alter-
nate microphone audio source. In addition to
being used for typical headphone monitoring,
the audio input associated with each talkback
channel can be used with its talent cue (IFB)
function. All channel routing, headphone level
control, signal detection, and sidetone func-
tions are performed within the digital domain.
This preserves audio quality, enhances per-
formance, and provides flexibility, allowing
precise level control and mixing as well as
eliminating the need for analog audio signals
to pass through passive level controls (poten-
tiometers). The audio signals destined for the
headphone outputs are sent to a high-perfor-
mance digital-to-analog converter and then on
to robust driver circuitry.
Dante Audio-over-Ethernet
Audio data is sent to and received from the
Model 236 using Dante audio-over-Ethernet
media networking technology. As a Dante-
compliant device, the Model 236’s ten Dante
transmitter (output) channels and nine Dante
receiver (input) channels can be assigned
(routed or “subscribed”) using the Dante Con-
troller software application. The Model 236’s
Dante transmitter and receiver channels sup-
port 32 Dante flows, 16 in each direction, which
ensure no flow limitation. The digital audio’s bit
depth is up to 32 with a sample rate of 48 or 96
kHz. Bi-color LEDs, located on the unit’s back
panel, provide status indications of the Ether-
net network and Dante interface performance.
The Model 236 is compliant with the AES67
interoperability standard. In addition, the unit
is compatible with Audinate’s Dante Domain
Manager™ (DDM) software application. DDM
offers an enhanced set of network control and
monitoring features, making it ideal for secu-
rity-conscious applications. This may also allow
the Model 236’s audio channels to support
SMPTE® ST 2110-30.

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MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Ethernet Data and PoE
The Model 236 connects to one or two local
area networks (LANs) by way of two Gigabit
(“GigE”) twisted-pair Ethernet interfaces. The
1000BASE-T interconnections are made by
way of Neutrik® etherCON RJ45 connectors.
While compatible with standard RJ45 plugs,
etherCON allows a ruggedized and locking
interconnection for harsh or high-reliability
environments. The two Ethernet interfaces can
be configured, using the Dante Controller soft-
ware applications, to serve in Dante Switched
or Redundant modes.
The Model 236’s operating power can be pro-
vided by way of its Primary-PoE Ethernet in-
terface using the 802.3af Power-over-Ethernet
(PoE) standard. PoE allows fast and efficient
interconnection with the associated data net-
work. Alternately, an external source of nominal
12 volts DC can be connected to power the
unit. If both are connected then PoE will serve
as the active power source.
Future Capabilities and Firmware
Updating
The Model 236 was designed so that its
capabilities and performance can be easily
enhanced in the future. A USB type A connec-
tor, located on the unit’s back panel, allows the
application firmware (embedded software) to
be updated using a USB flash drive. The Model
236 uses the Broadway™ integrated circuit
from Audinate to implement the Dante interface.
The firmware in this integrated circuit can be
updated via an 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 236
Announcer’s Console and a printed copy of
this guide. As a device that can be Power-over-
Ethernet (PoE) powered, no external power
source is provided. This is because in most
applications an Ethernet switch with PoE
capability will be utilized. It’s also possible to
connect an external source of 12 volts DC to
power the Model 236. If this is the case then
a power supply would need to be obtained
separately.
Connections
In this section signal interconnections will
be made using the connectors located on
the back of the Model 236’s enclosure. One
or two Ethernet connections will be made
using either standard RJ45 patch cables
or etherCON protected RJ45 plugs. The
Ethernet data connection associated with the
Primary-PoE RJ45 connector is compatible
with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). If desired,
an Ethernet connection made to the second-
ary Ethernet connector can provide access
to a Redundant Dante network. Or it can be
utilized as an active “loop through” connec-
tion associated with the Primary-PoE Ethernet
connection. If PoE is not going to be utilized,
or a redundant source of power is desired, a
source of 12 volts DC can be connected by
way of a 4-conductor XLR connector.
A microphone can be connected using a
cable-mounted 3-pin male XLR connector.
A set of headphones, the headset portion of
a broadcast-style headset, or an earpiece
will be connected by way of a ¼-inch plug. If
desired, the Model 236’s analog microphone
output may be interfaced with other equip-
ment using a cable terminated with a standard
3-pin female XLR connector.
For special applications the Model 236’s
internal circuit boards contain 3-pin “header”
connectors that allow access to various func-
tions. In addition, there are two spare con-
nector locations located on the Model 236’s
back panel. A technician can add connectors

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MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
and wire them to the headers such that ap-
plication-specific needs can be supported. For
example, a 6- or 7-pin XLR connector can be
added to support direct connection of broad-
cast-style headsets. Contact closures can be
interfaced to the Model 236’s circuitry, allow-
ing external switches to activate the main and
talkback functions. A low-voltage/low-current
tally output associated with the main function
is also available. Refer to the Technical Notes
section of this guide for details.
One or Two Ethernet Connections
One 1000BASE-T (“GigE”) Ethernet connec-
tion is required for Model 236 operation and
can provide both the Ethernet data interface
and power, by way of Power-over-Ether-
net (PoE), for the Model 236’s circuitry. A
10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX connection is not
sufficient. The Model 236 supports Ethernet
switch power management, enumerating as
a PoE class 3 device.
A second 1000BASE-T (“GigE”) connection
can be made if Redundant Dante is desired.
(For this functionality to be active the Model
236’s network configuration must be set for
Redundant within the Dante Controller soft-
ware application.) PoE is not supported on the
secondary Ethernet connection. A 10BASE-T
or 100BASE-TX connection is not sufficient.
The secondary Ethernet connection can
also be used as a “loop through” port such
as would be provided by an Ethernet switch.
(This requires that the Model 236’s network
configuration within the Dante Controller
software application be set for Switched.)
Switched mode is the default setting but using
the secondary port in this mode for applica-
tions other than troubleshooting is not rec-
ommended. It will function reliably but “daisy
chaining” Ethernet signals can limit flexibility
and present a failure point; it’s best if each
Ethernet interface connects directly to a port
on an Ethernet switch.
The Ethernet connections are made by way of
two Neutrik etherCON protected RJ45 connec-
tors that are located on the back of the Model
236’s enclosure. These allow connection by
way of cable-mounted etherCON connectors
or standard RJ45 plugs. The Model 236’s Eth-
ernet interfaces support auto MDI/MDI-X so
that crossover cables are not required. The
Model 236’s Primary-PoE Ethernet connection
will enumerate as a PoE class 3 device.
External 12 Volts DC Input
An external source of 12 volts DC can be con-
nected to the Model 236 by way of a 4-pin male
XLR connector which is located on the back
panel. While the requirement for the external
source is nominally 12 volts, correct operation
will take place over a 10 to 18 volts DC range.
The Model 236 requires a maximum of 550
milliamperes (0.55 amperes) at 12 volts DC
for correct operation. The DC source should be
terminated on a 4-pin female XLR connector
with pin 1 negative (–) and pin 4 positive (+).
If an external power source is required, the
PS-DC-02 power supply, available as an option
from Studio Technologies, is directly compatible
with the Model 236. Its AC mains input allows
connection to 100-240 volts, 50/60 Hz with an
output of 12 volts DC, 1.5 amperes maximum.
Its DC output is terminated on a 4-pin female
XLR connector.
As previously discussed in this guide, an
Ethernet connection that provides Power-over-
Ethernet (PoE) can serve as the Model 236’s
power source. Alternately, an external 12 volts
DC source can be connected. For redundancy,
both PoE and the external source can be con-
nected at the same time. If both PoE and an
external 12 volts DC source are connected,
power will be drawn only from the PoE supply.
If the PoE source becomes inoperative the 12
volts DC source will provide the Model 236’s
power. No interruption in operation will occur
during a power source transition.

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MODEL 236
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Analog Microphone Input
Using a configuration selection within the
STcontroller software application, the Model
236’s microphone audio source can be se-
lected. In most cases a local microphone will
be connected and analog will be selected.
Alternately, an audio signal can be provided
by way of a Dante receiver (input) channel. In
this section details on connecting an analog
microphone will be provided.
The Model 236 provides a 3-pin female XLR
connector, located on the back panel, to allow
an analog microphone to be connected. The
microphone can be a standalone handheld
(“stick”) type, a stand-mounted type, or can be
part of a broadcast-style headset. The Model
236’s analog microphone input is directly
compatible with balanced dynamic or P48-
compatible “phantom” powered microphones.
A microphone should be connected such that
its associated 3-pin male XLR connector has
pin 1 as common, pin 2 as signal high (+),
and pin 3 as signal low (–).
A configuration setting in STcontroller allows
the Model 236’s P48 phantom power source
to be enabled or disabled as desired. Another
setting allows the gain of the preamplifier cir-
cuitry associated with the analog microphone
input to be selected. Details on configuration
settings will be described later in this guide.
While the Model 236 provides an excellent
source of P48 phantom power, it’s possible
that an input on an associated piece of equip-
ment is already providing microphone power.
This input could be connected to the Model
236 by way of the analog microphone output
connector. This would not create a problem
since the circuitry that passes audio from the
Model 236’s analog microphone input con-
nector to the Model 236’s analog microphone
output connector will also pass microphone
power from output to input without interrup-
tion. This situation could be relevant in cases
where the Model 236’s analog microphone
output connector is interfaced with the micro-
phone input on an ENG camera, audio con-
sole, microphone mixer, remote I/O interface,
or similar equipment. Microphone inputs on
these devices would typically offer phantom
power which in some cases may be enabled.
Analog Microphone Output
A 3-pin male XLR connector the Model 236
provides an analog microphone-level out-
put that’s directly related to the analog mi-
crophone input. Technically this output is
identical to the signal that’s connected to the
analog microphone input but with a solid-state
muting circuit in series with the interconnec-
tion. A configuration choice in STcontroller
allows the operation of the analog micro-
phone output to be selected. The choices are
to have the analog microphone output active
at all times or for it to also mute whenever
the Dante Main transmitter (output) channel
mutes.
If the analog microphone output is configured
to be active at all times then it will provide
what is effectively an analog hot mic output;
a signal that is connected to the analog micro-
phone input will continuously “pass through”
to the analog microphone output. No Model
236 action will impact that signal. If the analog
microphone output is configured to follow the
status of the Dante Main transmitter (output)
then the analog microphone input signal will
pass through to the analog microphone output
connector only when the Dante Main transmit-
ter (output) function is active. Whenever the
Dante Main transmitter (output) channel is
muted the analog microphone output signal
will not pass through to the analog micro-
phone output connector; it is muted in an es-
sentially click-free manner. Refer to Appendix
C for a block diagram of the analog micro-
phone input and analog microphone output
circuitry.