Description
Digital and Analog 5.1 Surround Monitoring System
The all-digital StudioComm 76DA/77 Surround Monitoring System with digital inputs and digital and analog outputs enables simple and effective monitoring of 5.1 surround and stereo audio material. Comprised of a Model 76DA Central Controller and a Model 77 Control Console, this system is ideal for recording, post production, and broadcasting applications with digital-input loudspeakers.
As creating and distributing multi-channel surround (5.1) and stereo audio material has become a day-to-day reality, the ability to simply and effectively monitor these sources is imperative for recording, post-production, and broadcast facilities. And with audio-with-picture applications becoming so prevalent, additional monitoring challenges have arisen. Studio Technologies has addressed these needs with the StudioComm for Surround Model 76DA Central Controller and the Model 77 and Model 71 Control Consoles. With digital audio inputs, digital and analog monitor outputs, support for multiple user control surfaces, and an extensive set of operating resources it's a simple task to integrate a monitoring system into virtually any facility. The carefully selected group of features, including surround and stereo inputs, configurable input-signal time delay, multiple pre- and post-fader outputs, downmix and mute/solo functions, along with a multi-format sync input, make the system powerful yet simple to operate. And by using the best of contemporary technology, as well as following rigorous design practices, the system's audio quality is excellent.
A StudioComm for Surround system starts with the Model 77 Control Console. It's the system's "command center" and is designed to reside at an operator's location, allowing fingertip selection of all monitoring functions. Numerous LED indicators provide complete status information. A 4-digit numeric display indicates the post-fader monitor output level in real time. A major strength of the Model 77 is its ability to configure, under software control, many important operating parameters. Intended for secondary monitoring locations, the Model 71 Control Console is a compact user control surface. It provides three of the most basic functions: a rotary level control, dim on/off button, and reference level on/off button.
While many installations will use only one Model 77 Control Console, up to three additional Model 77 or Model 71 Control Consoles can also be connected. This provides multiple users with full control over a facility's monitor system. And to make installation simple, the Model 76DA provides power for all connected Model 77 or Model 71 units.
The core of this StudioComm for Surround system is the Model 76DA Central Controller. The one-rack-space unit contains digital audio input, digital and analog monitor output, processing, and support circuitry. The Model 76DA provides two surround (5.1) and three stereo digital audio inputs. These unbalanced digital inputs are AES3id/SMPTE 276M-compliant; sources of this type are ubiquitous in most post-production and broadcast environments. The inputs allow a sample rate of up to 192 kHz and a bit depth of up to 24 to be directly supported. Circuitry associated with one of the stereo inputs provides sample rate conversion (SRC) capability, allowing a wide range of digital audio sources to be monitored. Up to 340 milliseconds of input delay can be selected to compensate for processing delays in an associated video path. A number of different signals can serve as the Model 76DA's digital audio timing reference. For synchronization with a master timing reference a dedicated source of word clock, DARS (AES11), bi-level video, or tri-level video can be connected. Alternately, the L/R connection of the actively selected surround or stereo input source can serve as the timing reference.
A range of digital and analog surround (5.1) and stereo monitor outputs are provided. The post-fader surround and stereo digital and analog monitor outputs are intended for connection to monitor loudspeaker systems. The pre-fader surround digital monitor output can be used with metering systems that require signals that aren't impacted by level control or other monitoring functions. The stereo input C direct digital monitor output allows an installation to directly access the SRC capabilities.
For installation flexibility the digital monitor outputs can be configured for compatibility with equipment that requires AES3 ("balanced") or AES3id ("unbalanced") digital audio signals. When selected for AES3 compatibility the output impedance is 110 ohms with a signal level of 5 volts peak-to-peak (Vpp). For AES3id operation the impedance is 75 ohms and the level is 1 Vpp.
Great care was taken in designing the system's architecture, ensuring that the character of the audio input signals is preserved. All audio processing is performed in 32 bits using a high-speed field-programmable gate array (FPGA) integrated circuit.
The Model 76DA occupies one space (1U) in a standard 19-inch rack. Digital audio sources are interfaced with the Model 76DA using nine BNC connectors. A 10th BNC connector is used by the sync source. Digital and analog monitor output signal connections are made using two 25-pin D-subminiature connectors. One 9-pin D-subminiature connector is used to connect the Model 76DA with up to four Model 77 or Model 71 Control Consoles. A second 9-pin "D-sub" connector is used to interface with remote control signals. AC mains power is connected directly to the Model 76DA, with an acceptable range of 100 to 230 volts, 50/60 Hz.
Features:
- Digital audio inputs
- Digital and analog monitor outputs
- Downmix
- Channel mute/solo
- Level adjustment, reference level, and dim