Studio Technologies 232 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
M232-00151 and later with main firmware version 1.02 and later
and STcontroller application version 2.10.00 and later.
50684-0820 Issue 1
Model 232 Announcer’s Console

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ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Table of Contents
Revision History ............................................................................. 4
Introduction ..................................................................................... 5
Getting Started ................................................................................ 8
Dante Configuration ....................................................................... 11
Model 232 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 232 Block Diagram .......................................... 41

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Revision History
Issue 1, August 2020:
• Initial release.

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Introduction
The Model 232 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 232 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 re-
mote production deployment. The Model 232
supports Dante® audio-over-Ethernet digital
media technology with AES67 compatibility for
integration into contemporary applications.
The Model 232 can integrate directly into
both Dante audio-over-Ethernet and standard
analog audio environments. With just a Power-
over-Ethernet (PoE) Gigabit network connec-
tion, a microphone, and a pair of headphones
a complete broadcast on-air position can be
created. With the addition of a second Ether-
net connection Redundant Dante can be sup-
ported. And by using the Model 232’s analog
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 four 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. Two 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 232’s
Figure 1. Model 232 Announcer’s Console front and
back views
hardware. Option kits, purchased separately,
can be added to support functions such as
multi-pin headset connectors, remote control
inputs, and a low-voltage DC tally output.
The Model 232 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 Technolo-
gies 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.

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The amount of flexibility provided in the Model
232 allows it to meet the needs of virtually all
on-air announcer applications. And using the
Studio Technologies’ STcontroller software ap-
plication makes “customizing” the operation of
a Model 232 fast and simple. The unit’s ability
to handle both day-to-day and specialized situ-
ations makes it a unique product in the market.
For example, each pushbutton switch and ro-
tary encoder can be independently configured
with multiple choices that range from simple to
quite advanced. If a Model 232 can’t seem to
be configured to meet an application’s goals
please contact Studio Technologies’ technical
support for an application review.
The Model 232 is part of a three-product fam-
ily that differ only in the number of talkback
channels provided. The Model 232 provides
two talkback channels, while the Model 234
provides four and the Model 236 provides six.
The Model 232, as with the other two models,
has a compact enclosure with overall dimen-
sions of 6.5 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 232’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 232 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 232’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 connec-
tor. The input is compatible with dynamic or
condenser microphones. A P48 phantom
power source allows support for a wide range
of condenser microphones. A 3-pin male XLR
connector 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 opera-
tion) or muted or unmuted following the main
output pushbutton function. A pair of stereo
headphones, the headphone connection from
a stereo or monaural headset, or even ear-
buds can be connected to the Model 232’s
headphone output jack.
Audio signals are routed to and from the Mod-
el 232 using the Dante Controller software
application. This is available, free of charge,
from Audinate®, the creators of Dante. All
Model 232 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 ap-
plications. STcontroller, compatible with ver-
sion 7 and later of the Windows® operating
system, is available, free of charge, from the
Studio Technologies’ 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 232’s front panel includes four
rotary controls (encoders) which are used
to adjust the level of the Dante input signal
sources as they create an audio mix that is
fed to both the analog and Dante digital head-
phone outputs. Using RGB (red-green-blue)
LEDs, each rotary encoder is illuminated and
can display whether or not signal is present
on its associated audio input channel. Two

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MODEL 232
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additional rotary controls allow adjustment
of sidetone level and the overall level of the
analog headphone output.
Three pushbutton switches allow the user to
control the status of the main outputs (digital
and analog) as well as the two 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 232’s one main and two 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 232’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) section that supports sampling rates
of 48 and 96 kHz. The audio signal, now in
the digital domain, routes through a 32-bit
microprocessor and associated programma-
ble logic and then on to the Dante interface
section where it is packetized and prepared
for transport over Ethernet. A total of six
Dante transmitter (output) channels are pro-
vided: one main, two talkback, one hot mic,
and two headphone monitor output channels.
Audio input signals arrive into the Model 232
by way of five Dante receiver (input) channels
and pass into the Model 232’s 32-bit logic
circuitry. Two channels are associated with
the main section, two are used for the talk-
back listen sources, and one can serve as
an alternate 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 functions are performed within the
digital domain. This preserves audio quality,
enhances performance, and provides flexibili-
ty, allowing precise level control and mixing as
well as eliminating the need for analog audio
signals to pass through passive level controls
(potentiometers). The audio signals destined
for the headphone outputs are sent to a high-
performance 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 232 using Dante audio-over-Ethernet
media networking technology. As a Dante-
compliant device, the Model 232’s six Dante
transmitter (output) channels and five Dante
receiver (input) channels can be assigned
(routed or “subscribed”) using the Dante
Controller software application. The Model
232’s Dante transmitter and receiver channels
support 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 indi-
cations of the Ethernet network and Dante
interface performance.
The Model 232 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
security-conscious applications. This may

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also allow the Model 232’s audio channels
to support SMPTE® ST 2110-30.
Ethernet Data and PoE
The Model 232 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 Control-
ler software applications, to serve in Dante
Switched or Redundant modes.
The Model 232’s operating power can be
provided by way of its Primary-PoE Ethernet
interface using the 802.3af Power-over-
Ethernet (PoE) standard. PoE allows fast and
efficient interconnection with the associated
data network. 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 232 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 232 uses the Broadway™ integrated
circuit from Audinate to implement the Dante
interface. The firmware in this integrated
circuit can be updated via an Ethernet con-
nection helping to ensure that its capabilities
remain up to date.
Getting Started
What’s Included
Included in the shipping carton are a Model
232 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 232. 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 232’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 232’s analog micro-
phone output may be interfaced with other
equipment using a cable terminated with
a standard 3-pin female XLR connector.

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For special applications the Model 232’s inter-
nal circuit boards contain 3-pin “header” con-
nectors that allow access to various functions.
In addition, there are two spare connector loca-
tions located on the Model 232’s back panel. A
technician can add connectors and wire them
to the headers such that application-specific
needs can be supported. For example, a 6- or
7-pin XLR connector can be added to support
direct connection of broadcast-style head-
sets. Contact closures can be interfaced to the
Model 232’s circuitry, allowing 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 connection
is required for Model 232 operation and can
provide both the Ethernet data interface and
power, by way of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE),
for the Model 232’s circuitry. A 10BASE-T or
100BASE-TX connection is not sufficient. The
Model 232 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 232’s
network configuration must be set for Redun-
dant within the Dante Controller software appli-
cation.) 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 232’s network configuration within the
Dante Controller software application be set for
Switched.) Switched mode is the default set-
ting but using the secondary port in this mode
for applications other than troubleshooting is
not recommended. 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
connectors that are located on the back
of the Model 232’s enclosure. These allow
connection by way of cable-mounted ether-
CON connectors or standard RJ45 plugs.
The Model 232’s Ethernet interfaces support
auto MDI/MDI-X so that crossover cables are
not required. The Model 232’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
connected to the Model 232 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 232 requires a maxi-
mum 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 232. 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
232’s power source. Alternately, an external
12 volts DC source can be connected. For

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redundancy, both PoE and the external source
can be connected 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 inop-
erative the 12 volts DC source will provide the
Model 232’s power. No interruption in opera-
tion will occur during a power source transition.
Analog Microphone Input
Using a configuration selection within the
STcontroller software application, the Model
232’s microphone audio source can be select-
ed. 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 232 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
232’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 232’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 232 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
232 by way of the analog microphone output
connector. This would not create a problem
since the circuitry that passes audio from the
Model 232’s analog microphone input con-
nector to the Model 232’s analog microphone
output connector will also pass microphone
power from output to input without interruption.
This situation could be relevant in cases where
the Model 232’s analog microphone output
connector is interfaced with the microphone
input on an ENG camera, audio console,
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 232
provides an analog microphone-level output
that’s directly related to the analog microphone
input. Technically this output is identical to the
signal that’s connected to the analog micro-
phone input but with a solid-state muting circuit
in series with the interconnection. A configura-
tion choice in STcontroller allows the opera-
tion of the analog microphone 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 transmit-
ter (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
232 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

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MODEL 232
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Dante Main transmitter (output) channel is
muted the analog microphone output signal
will not pass through to the analog microphone
output connector; it is muted in an essentially
click-free manner. Refer to Appendix C for a
block diagram of the analog microphone input
and analog microphone output circuitry.
The analog microphone output can be con-
nected to a balanced (differential) analog
microphone-level input on a variety of devices.
This includes a microphone input connection
on a remote I/O interface associated with a
networked audio console. An example of such
an interface would be the Calrec® Hydra2®.
The microphone inputs on these devices
typically offer microphone power, high-quality
amplification, and conversion to the digital do-
main. The output signals of an I/O interface’s
preamplifier channels are typically transported
to the main electronics or console surface us-
ing a fiber optic interface. In this type of appli-
cation, the Model 232’s Dante Main transmitter
(output) channel would not be used or would
only be used as a backup path.
No preamplifier or other active circuitry im-
pacts the path from the Model 232’s analog
microphone input connector to the Model 232’s
analog microphone output connector. But the
signal does pass through 200-ohm resistors in
each “leg” (pin 2 and pin 3) as well as connect-
ing to a solid-state relay contact. The result
is that the source impedance of a connected
microphone will be 400 ohms greater than the
nominal impedance of the analog microphone.
This will slightly raise the theoretical noise floor
of the microphone signal vis-à-vis a directly
connected microphone but shouldn’t impact
most real-world applications.
Headphone Output
The Model 232 provides a 2-channel (“stereo”)
headphone output interfaced by way of a
3-conductor ¼-inch phone jack. Devices such
as stereo headphones or dual-channel (“dual-
muff”) broadcast-style headsets can be directly
connected using a 3-conductor ¼-inch plug.
Following the usual convention, the left chan-
nel should be terminated on the tip lead of the
plug, the right channel on the ring lead, and
common on the sleeve lead.
It’s also possible to use a single-channel/
monaural (“single-muff”) headset or a broad-
cast-type single earbud but in these cases,
care must be taken. If a 3-conductor ¼-inch
plug is used by such 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 such a plug is inserted into the
Model 232’s headphone output jack the right
headphone output channel 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 audio
signal is configured such that it’s routed to the
right headphone output channel. This includes
not using the sidetone function since it always
routes audio to both the left and right head-
phone output channels. Refer to the Configu-
ration section later in this guide for details on
using STcontroller to select the headphone
audio routing.
Dante Configuration
For audio to correctly pass to and from the
Model 232 requires, at a minimum, that sev-
eral Dante-related parameters be configured.
These configuration settings will be stored in
non-volatile memory within the Model 232’s
Dante network interface circuitry. Configuration
will typically be done with the Dante Control-
ler software application which is available for
download free of charge at www.audinate.com.

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Versions of Dante Controller are available
to support Windows and MacOS operating
systems.
The Model 232 is also compatible with the
Dante Domain Manager (DDM) software
application. Refer to DDM documentation
for details on what Model 232 and related
parameters may have to be configured.
Audio Routing
The Model 232’s six Dante transmitter (out-
put) channels must be assigned to the desired
Dante receiver (input) channels on associated
equipment. This will route the Main, Hot Mic,
Talkback, and Phones transmitter (output)
channels to the devices that will be “listening”
to them. Within Dante Controller a “subscrip-
tion” is the term used for routing a transmitter
flow (a group of output channels) to a receiver
flow (a group of input channels).
The Model 232 uses the Broadway integrated
circuit to implement its Dante functionality. The
number of transmitter flows associated with
this integrated circuit is 16 and, as such, no
flow limitation can exist. These flows can either
be unicast, multicast, or a combination of the
two. (Note that in the AES67 mode the Dante
transmitter (output) channels will function in
multicast; unicast is not supported.)
Using Dante Controller, the desired Dante
transmitter (output) sources can be routed to
the five Dante receiver (input) channels asso-
ciated with the Model 232. The exact number
utilized will depend on the specific application.
Four of the Dante receiver (input) channels are
assigned to the Main and Talkback level rotary
encoders and can be used for listening to as-
sociated mix, mix-minus, intercom, or general
audio channels. The fifth can be used as the
Model 232’s microphone input source.
Unit and Channel Names
The Model 232 has a default Dante device
name of ST-M232- along with a unique suffix.
The suffix identifies the specific Model 232 that
is being configured. The suffix’s actual alpha
and/or numeric characters relate to the MAC
address of the unit’s Broadway integrated
circuit. The five Dante receiver (input) chan-
nels have default names of Main 1, Main 2,
Talkback 1, Talkback 2, and Mic In. The
six Dante transmitter (output) channels have
default names of Main, Aux, Talkback 1,
Talkback 2, Phones L, and Phones R. Using
Dante Controller, the default device and chan-
nel names can be revised as appropriate for
a specific application.
Device Configuration
The Model 232 supports audio sample rates
of 48 and 96 kHz with no pull-up/down options
available. The digital audio data is in the form
of pulse-code modulation (PCM) samples.
Encoding choices within Dante Controller are
PCM 16, PCM 24, and PCM 32, but in most
cases the default selection of PCM 24 would
be appropriate. Clocking and Device Latency
can be adjusted if required but the default
values in Dante Controller are typically correct.
Network Configuration – Dante
Redundancy
The Model 232 allows connection of two Ether-
net signals. Two RJ45 jacks are located on
the unit’s back panel and are labeled Primary-
PoE and Secondary. How these ports function
can be selected in the Network Config, Dante
Redundancy section of Dante Controller. The
choices are Switched or Redundant.
If Switched is selected (the factory default)
then the Model 232 can establish one con-
nection with an Ethernet network. It doesn’t
matter which RJ45 jack is utilized, although for
PoE powering the jack labeled Primary-PoE

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MODEL 232
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
must be utilized. The other RJ45 jack, labeled
Secondary, can be used to interconnect with
another piece of networked equipment.
If the Model 232’s network configuration is
Switched ensure that only one of the RJ45
jacks on the back panel is connected to the
LAN associated with the Dante devices. If
both of the Model 232’s RJ45 connections are
routed to ports on the same LAN this will typi-
cally “crash” the network! (Although some of
the latest/most-advanced Ethernet switches
will automatically detect and prevent such a
“network bridging” issue from occurring.)
If Redundant is selected then Dante’s redun-
dant networking capability will be enabled. In
this case, separate network connections should
be made to the Primary-PoE and Secondary
RJ45 jacks. A personal computer that’s running
STcontroller will typically be associated with the
network that is connected to the Primary-PoE
RJ45 jack.
Network Configuration – Addresses
When the Model 232 has been configured
for the Switched network mode one Dante IP
address will be associated with the network
connection that is made to either the Primary-
PoE or the Secondary RJ45 jack. If the network
configuration has been selected for Redundant
then separate IP addresses and related net-
work parameters will be assigned to the
Primary-PoE and Secondary Ethernet ports.
By default, the Model 232’s Dante IP address
and related network parameters will be deter-
mined automatically using the DHCP or,
if that’s not available, link-local network proto-
cols. If desired, Dante Controller allows the IP
address and related network parameters to
be manually set to a fixed (static) configuration.
While this is a more-involved process than
simply letting DHCP or link-local “do their
thing,” if fixed addressing is necessary then
this capability is available. But in this case,
it’s highly recommended that every unit be
physically marked, e.g., directly using a per-
manent marker or “console tape,” with its
specific static IP address or addresses. If
knowledge of a Model 232’s IP address or
addresses has been misplaced there is no
reset button or other method to easily restore
the unit to a known (default) IP setting.
Note that if the Model 232’s network configu-
ration has been set for Redundant then the
Primary and Secondary Dante IP addresses
and related parameters can be independently
configured. This allows both interfaces to be
configured automatically, both interfaces to
be configured manually, or one interface to
be configured automatically and the other
to be configured manually.
AES67 Configuration – AES67 Mode
Dante Controller allows a Model 232 to be
configured for AES67 operation. This requires
the AES67 Mode to be set for Enabled. (By
default, AES67 mode is set for Disabled.)
Model 232 Clocking Source
While technically the Model 232 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 its
timing reference (“sync”) from another device.
As such, Dante Controller’s check box for
Preferred Master associated with the Model
232 would not be enabled.
Model 232 Configuration
The Studio Technologies’ STcontroller soft-
ware application is used to configure the way
in which the Model 232 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 on a personal computer that’s connected
to the related LAN.

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Installing STcontroller
STcontroller is available free of charge on
the Studio Technologies’ website (www.
studio-tech.com/stcontroller-application/)
and is compatible with personal computers
running Windows operating systems that
are version 7 and later. STcontroller versions
2.10.00 and later are required to fully support
the Model 232. A MacOS-compatible version
of STcontroller is expected to be available in
late 2020.
If required, download and install STcontroller
onto the designated personal computer. This
personal computer must be on the same local
area network (LAN) and subnet as the Model
232 unit(s) that are to be configured. Immedi-
ately after starting STcontroller the application
will locate all the Studio Technologies’ devices
that it can control. The one or more Model
232 units to be configured will appear in the
device list. Use the Identify command to allow
easy recognition of a specific Model 232 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.
Parameters
The configurable functions include:
General menu page (includes microphone
input and system-related parameters):
• Microphone Input – Analog Mic In P48
On/Off Status
• Microphone Input – Source
• Microphone Input – Analog Gain
• Microphone Input – Dante Trim
• System – Signal Present Display
• System – LED Intensity
• System – Aux Output
• System – Analog Mic Output
• System – Sidetone Mode
• System – Mic Level Display
• System – Remote Control In 1
• System – Remote Control In 2 / Tally Out
• System – Remote Control In 3
• System – Remote Control In 4
Channel Specific menu page (includes inde-
pendent configuration settings for talkback
channels 1-2):
• Main – Phones Routing
• Main – Button Mode
• Talkback – Phones Routing
• Talkback – Listen Mode
• Talkback – Button Mode
• Talkback – Button Function
• Talkback – Impact on Main Output
• Talkback – Tone Detect Function
Changes made using STcontroller will be
immediately reflected in the unit’s operation;
no Model 232 reboot is required. Each time
a change is made the eight LEDs associated
with the multi-purpose display on the Model
232’s front panel will light orange in a distinc-
tive pattern to indicate that a command from
STcontroller has been received.
General Menu Page
The following configuration selections are
available in STcontroller’s General menu
selections tab:
Microphone Input – Analog Mic In P48
Choices are Off and On.
STcontroller allows the analog microphone
input’s P48 phantom power source to be en-
abled or disabled. The real-time status of the
P48 source is displayed both in STcontroller
and by way of an orange LED that is located

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MODEL 232
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
on the Model 232’s back panel adjacent to the
analog microphone input connector. Select
On or Off to meet the needs of the connected
microphone.
No problems will occur if an external source
of P12 or P48 phantom power is present on
the connection made to the analog micro-
phone output connector. In this case simply
turn off the Model 232’s P48 phantom power
source. The external source of microphone
power will “pass thru” from the analog mi-
crophone output connector to the device
connected to the analog microphone input
connector
Microphone Input – Source
Choices are Analog Mic In and Dante Mic In.
Using STcontroller the Model 232’s micro-
phone source can be selected. When Analog
Mic In is selected the audio source will be the
device connected to the analog microphone
input connector. This connector is located on
the back panel. As expected, a signal con-
nected to the analog microphone input will
first pass through the microphone preampli-
fier circuitry. An audio signal that arrives by
way of the Model 232’s Dante Mic In receiver
(input) channel can also be utilized. Any audio
signal that is present on this Dante receiver
(input) channel can serve as the Model 232’s
microphone source. This could be useful,
for example, where the output of a wireless
microphone receiver or a console microphone
channel could effectively be utilized as the
Model 232’s microphone source.
Microphone Input – Analog Gain
Choices are 20 to 65 dB in 1-dB steps.
When the Model 232’s microphone input
source is selected for Analog Mic In the gain
of the microphone preamplifier can be ad-
justed over a range of 20 to 65 dB in 1-dB
steps. There’s no problem changing the gain
setting while the unit is operating although
small audio clicks or pops may occur during
gain transitions. Selecting the correct amount
of gain for an application might require a
little experimentation. The goal is to bring the
analog microphone’s signal up to the Dante
reference level which Studio Technologies
considers to be –20 dBFS. (This is 20 dB be-
low digital maximum.) Operating at this “refer-
ence” signal level will help ensure the delivery
of “clean” audio to the destination devices.
There’s no “perfect” preamplifier gain set-
ting that this guide can recommend. The
two issues that impact the setting are the
output sensitivity of the connected micro-
phone and the acoustical output level of the
microphone’s user. With some microphones
or headsets, such as the popular Sennheiser
HMD 26 or HMD 27, selecting an initial setting
of 40 or 45 dB would be appropriate. Users
who speak loudly might need to have their
gain reduced to 35 or even 30 dB. “Quiet” us-
ers might need a gain setting of 50 or 55 dB.
The “virtual” level meter provided in the
STcontroller application will typically be used
as a guide when adjusting the preamplifier
gain setting. The level meter function can be
enabled or disabled as desired. However, it
should be disabled when not required in order
to reduce network data traffic to and from the
Model 232. When a voice signal at a normal
level is present on the connected micro-
phone or headset the level meter’s green
area should light. The orange section should
light on signal peaks and the red zone should
never light. For conservative “safe” perfor-
mance the peak hold display bar should never
turn red in color.
The multi-purpose display, located on the
front panel of the Model 232, can serve as an
8-segment audio level meter which can be
used when setting the microphone preamplifi-
er gain. When a voice signal at a normal level

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MODEL 232
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
is present on the connected microphone or
headset the five green LEDs should light. The
two orange LEDs should light on signal peaks;
the red LED will only light when the signal is
near to or actually “clipping.”
The signal present/peak LED, located on the
unit’s back panel below the analog microphone
input connector, can also be used as a guide
when setting the microphone preamplifier gain.
This LED can light orange during signal peaks,
but should never light solid red as that would
indicate an undesirably high-level condition.
As a “reality check,” it’s recommended that a
level meter associated with a device that’s dig-
itally connected to the Model 232’s Dante Main
transmitter (output) channel be observed. That
will be an excellent means of checking the
actual signal level within the signal “chain.” If
necessary, adjust the gain of the Model 232’s
analog microphone preamplifier to achieve the
desired result.
Be aware that the Model 232 does not have
any form of dynamic-range control. Audio
“clipping” can occur if the gain of the analog
microphone preamplifier is configured too high
for the level of the source signal. This will typi-
cally not be an issue as the Model 232 has a
large amount of analog and digital headroom
and most installers will be conservative when
configuring the analog microphone preampli-
fier gain.
Microphone Input – Dante Trim
Choices are –20 to 20 dB in 1-dB steps.
A separate input gain setting is provided in
STcontroller if the microphone source has
been selected to be the Dante Mic In receiver
(input) channel. A configuration choice allows
adjustment over a range of –20 to 20 dB in
1-dB steps. The information provided in the
previous section, Analog Gain, is also appro-
priate when adjusting the Dante Trim value.
The usual goal is to achieve a nominal Dante
transmitter (output) level of –20 dBFS when
a typical audio signal is being provided on
the Dante Mic In receiver (input) channel.
System – Signal Present Display
Choices are Off, Main Inputs, Talkback Inputs,
and All Inputs.
The top surface of the four rotary encoders
can light as an indication of the level of the
audio signal associated with a specific rotary
encoder and related input function. RGB (red-
green-blue) LEDs are located within each
rotary encoder and create the colors that are
displayed. A rotary encoder knob will light
green when a signal level is within the normal
range, yellow when the signal level is greater
than normal, and red when the signal level
is high enough to risk degrading the audio
performance.
The ability of the rotary encoders to provide
a signal present indication can be enabled or
disabled as desired. The four rotary encod-
ers are organized into two groups. One group
consists of the two rotary encoders associ-
ated with the Main inputs. The other group
consists of the two rotary encoders associ-
ated with the Talkback input functions. A con-
figuration setting in STcontroller allows which
group, or groups, will provide a signal present
display. Which exact configuration is selected
will depend on the requirements of an appli-
cation and the personal tastes of Model 232
users. Note that even if the Signal Present
Display function is configured for Off each
rotary encoder will still display their normal
and muted states using LED illumination
(blue for normal, purple for mute).
System – LED Intensity
Choices are High and Low.
The three pushbutton switches, four rotary
encoders, and the multi-purpose display have
LED indicators associated with them. The

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MODEL 232
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Main with 18 kHz Tone is an interesting con-
figuration choice. Whenever the Dante Main
transmitter (output) channel is active the signal
on the Dante Aux transmitter (output) channel
will consist of a combination of audio from the
selected microphone input source (either the
output of the microphone preamplifier or the
Dante Mic In receiver (input) channel) and an
18 kHz sine wave tone. In this way, a single
Dante transmitter (output) channel will contain
both on-air audio and a tally indicator that is
specifically provided for REMI/At Home appli-
cations. Other products from Studio Technolo-
gies, including the Model 5422 Dante Intercom
Audio Engine and the Model 391 Dante Alert-
ing Unit, can directly utilize this signal.
System – Analog Mic Output
Choices are Switched and Always On.
On the Model 232’s back panel is a 3-pin male
XLR connector that is labeled Mic Out. The
way in which this output acts is determined by
the Analog Mic Output configuration choice. If
Switched is selected then audio from the ana-
log microphone input connector will be routed
to the analog microphone output connector
whenever audio is present on the Dante Main
transmitter (output) channel. The analog mi-
crophone output connector will be muted when
the Dante Main transmitter (output) channel is
not active. If Always On is selected then audio
from the analog microphone input connector
will always be routed to the analog microphone
output connector.
No matter which configuration choice is se-
lected phantom power that is present on the
analog microphone output connector will be
passed through to the analog microphone
input connector. This is intentional and will
not cause damage to the Model 232. However,
for correct operation only one source of phan-
tom power should be enabled at one time.
In practical terms this means that if phantom
LED intensity configuration choice allows the
overall intensity of these LEDs to be selected.
Typically, deciding which choice, High or Low,
is appropriate will depend on the amount of
ambient light present where the Model 232
is located.
System – Aux Output
Choices are Off, Hot Mic, Tally Tone, and
Main with 18 kHz Tone.
A Dante transmitter (output) channel is avail-
able for special applications and is capable
of providing a variety of audio signals. Each
configuration choice has been carefully se-
lected and may prove useful in sophisticated
applications.
When Hot Mic is selected audio associated
with the selected Model 232’s microphone in-
put source will always be present on the Dante
Aux transmitter (output) channel. The micro-
phone input source will, depending on a sepa-
rate configuration choice, be either the output
of the preamplifier associated with the analog
microphone input or the Dante Mic In receiver
(input) channel. The Hot Mic function can be
very useful but has the potential for abuse.
By the very nature of a hot mic function, no
button press by the user will cause the audio
signal on the Dante Aux transmitter (output)
channel to become inactive. Users must be
aware that audio on this Dante channel will
always be present.
When Tally Tone is selected a 20 kHz sine
wave signal at a level of –20 dBFS will be
present on the Dante Aux transmitter (output)
channel whenever the Main output function is
active. This is provided as a control signal for
use in REMI/At Home or other specialized ap-
plications. A 20 kHz tone being present on the
Aux transmitter (output) will serve as the tally
signal indicating that audio may be present on
the Main transmitter (output) channel.

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ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
power is being provided by an external con-
nection to the analog microphone output con-
nector (such as from the microphone input of
an audio console or remote I/O interface) then
the Model 232’s analog microphone input P48
phantom power source should be disabled.
System – Sidetone Mode
Choices are Off, Main Button, Talkback
Buttons, and Main and Talkback Buttons.
Sidetone is audio from the selected micro-
phone input source that is sent to the left and
right channels of the headphone output. This
can be important, allowing a 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 application. If a “full mix”
is being supplied to the Model 232 then local-
ly provided sidetone won’t be needed and the
Off configuration choice should be selected.
If “mix-minus” audio is being supplied to
the Model 232 then selecting a mode which
enables sidetone can be an important means
of establishing user confidence. The specific
sidetone mode that is selected will establish
exactly when sidetone audio will be sent to
the headphone output. If the Main Button
choice is selected then sidetone audio will
be sent to the headphone output whenever
the audio signal associated with the se-
lected microphone source is present on the
Dante Main transmitter (output) channel. If
the Talkback Buttons mode is selected then
the sidetone function will be active whenever
either or both of the talkback functions are ac-
tive. Selecting the Main and Talkback Buttons
mode will cause the sidetone function to be
active whenever the selected microphone au-
dio signal is present on the Dante Main trans-
mitter (output) channel or either of the Dante
Talkback transmitter (output) channels.
System – Mic Level Display
Choices are Off and On.
An eight-LED bi-color multi-purpose display is
provided on the front panel of the Model 232.
It can display the level of the selected micro-
phone input source. (The source can be config-
ured, in a separate STcontroller menu choice,
to be either the output of the analog micro-
phone preamplifier or the Dante Mic In receiver
(input) channel.) This configuration choice is
used to enable or disable the microphone level
display function as is appropriate for an appli-
cation. It’s possible that the display will only be
enabled during setup and testing of an applica-
tion. After performance confirmation, including
setting of the preamplifier gain or Dante trim
level, a user may request that the microphone
level display function be turned off.
Remote Inputs / Tally Output – Overview
The Model 232 provides four contact closure
inputs that can be utilized in installer-imple-
mented remote-control applications. They
are physically located inside the Model 232’s
enclosure on the main printed circuit board
and accessible using two 3-pin male “header”
connectors. The same electrical connection
used for Remote Control In 2 can also be con-
figured to provide a low-voltage, low-current
DC output tally signal. A technician will make
connections to the headers and then will install
one or two connectors in the Model 232’s back
panel. Refer to the Technical Notes section of
this guide for details.
System – Remote Control In 1
Choices are Off, Main Button, Talkback 1
Button, and Talkback 2 Button.
The action performed when Remote Control
In 1 is enabled will follow the configuration
selected from among four choices. When Off
is selected no action will be associated with
Remote Control In 1. When Main Button is

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MODEL 232
ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
Channel Specific Menu Page
The following configuration selections are
available in STcontroller’s Channel Specific
menu selections tab:
Main 1 – Phones Routing
Choices are Left, Right, and Left and Right.
Dante Main 1 receiver (input) channel is
provided for routing an audio signal to the
headphone output and the Dante Phones
transmitter (output) channels. This configu-
ration choice allows the audio signal to be
routed to the left channel, the right channel,
or both the left and right headphone output
channels. A rotary encoder, located adjacent
to the main output button, is used to control
the on/off status and level of the Main 1
receiver (input) channel as it is sent to either
or both of the headphone output channels.
In many cases the audio signal present on
the Dante Main 1 receiver (input) channel will
be channel 1 of a 2-channel talent cue (IFB)
source. This channel will often be referred to
as “interrupt” or “program with interrupt” and
would consist of “full mix” or “mix-minus” pro-
gram audio that is interrupted (momentarily
replaced or “dimmed” (attenuated) with audio
from a director or producer. It would be typical
to route this input signal to the left headphone
output channel. It’s also possible in a music-
oriented application for the left channel of
a stereo source to be present on the Dante
Main 1 receiver (input) channel. Assigning it
to the left headphone output channel would
again be appropriate.
Main 2 – Phones Routing
Choices are Left, Right, and Left and Right.
The phones routing for Dante Main 2 receiver
(input) channel is similar to the routing for the
Dante Main 1 receiver (input) channel. A con-
figuration choice allows the signal that arrives
selected activating Remote Control In 1 will
provide the same function as pressing the main
button. (A separate configuration choice allows
the action of the main button to be selected.)
When either of the talkback button choices
are selected then activating Remote Control In
1 will cause the selected talkback function to
change state. The precise action of the remote
talkback function will be identical to how the
associated talkback button is configured.
(Separate configuration choices allow the
action of the talkback buttons to be selected.)
System – Remote Control In 2 / Tally Out
Choices are Off, Main Button, Talkback 1
Button, Talkback 2 Button, and Main Out Tally.
The configuration choices for Remote Control
In 2 are the same as those provided for
Remote Control In 1 with the addition of a
choice of Main Out Tally. When this configura-
tion choice is selected then the physical pin on
this “header” connector becomes an output.
It provides a main output active (tally) signal,
changing from 0 to 3.3 volts DC whenever
microphone audio is present on the Dante
Main transmitter (output) channel.
System – Remote Control In 3
Choices are Off, Main Button, Talkback 1
Button, and Talkback 2 Button.
The configuration choices for Remote Control
In 3 are the same as those provided for
Remote Control In 1.
System – Remote Control In 4
Choices are Off, Main Button, Talkback 1
Button, and Talkback 2 Button.
The configuration choices for Remote Control
In 4 are the same as those provided for
Remote Control In 1.

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ANNOUNCER’S CONSOLE
to the way in which pushbutton switches
often function in user stations associated with
broadcast or production intercom systems. If
the main button is pressed and held the asso-
ciated function will be active. It will stay active
until the main button is released. If the main
button is momentarily “tapped” the status of
the main function will change, either from
inactive-to-active or from active-to-inactive.
The main button’s green LED will be lit when-
ever the associated function is active, red
when it’s inactive. Upon Model 232 power up
the main button will be in its inactive state and
its red LED will be lit.
Talkback Channel 1 and 2
The following configuration selections apply
individually to Talkback Channels 1 and 2.
Talkback – Phones Routing
Choices are Left, Right, and Left and Right.
A configuration choice allows the signal
that arrives on the Dante Talkback receiver
(input) channel to be routed to the headphone
output’s left channel, right channel, or both
the left and right channels. The signal is
also routed to the Dante Phones transmitter
(output) channel(s). A rotary encoder is
associated with each talkback function and is
used to control the on/off status and level of
the Dante Talkback receiver (input) source.
Talkback – Listen Mode
Choices are Always, Main Out Active, Main
Out Inactive, and Talkback 1 Active.
This configuration choice selects under which
operating mode(s) the audio source con-
nected to the Dante Talkback receiver (input)
channel will be routed to the headphone
output. This is a somewhat esoteric configura-
tion but can prove useful in specialized appli-
cations. If Always is selected an audio source
connected to the Dante Talkback receiver (in-
put) channel can always be monitored using
on Dante Main 2 to be routed to the left chan-
nel, right channel, or both the left and right
headphone channels.
In a live sports application it would be typical
for a “program-only” audio signal that’s part of
a 2-channel talent cue (IFB) source to be pres-
ent on the Dante Main 2 receiver (input) chan-
nel. In this case, routing the signal provided on
Dante Main 2 to the right headphone output
channel would be typical. For a stereo audio
source application assigning the Dante Main 2
receiver (input) channel to the right headphone
output channel would typically be utilized.
Main – Button Mode
Choices are Push to Mute, Push to Talk,
Latching, and Hybrid.
The manner in which the main button functions
can be configured from among four choices.
If Push to Mute is selected the main button’s
function will normally be active and the green
LED associated with the button will be lit.
Whenever the main button is pressed the as-
sociated function will become inactive and its
red LED will light. In a broadcast setting this
would typically be considered to be a “cough”
function.
If Push to Talk is selected the button’s function
will normally be inactive and its red LED will be
lit. Whenever the main button is pressed the
associated function will become active and the
button’s green LED will light.
When the Latching mode is selected and the
main button is pressed, the main button’s func-
tion will alternate between its active and inac-
tive state. The button’s green LED will be lit
whenever the associated function is active, red
when it’s inactive. Upon Model 232 power up
the main button will be in its inactive state and
its red LED will be lit.
The Hybrid mode is a combination of the
Push to Talk and Latching modes. It’s similar