StudioComm 68A/69A Surround Monitoring System

MFG# MODEL68A69A     SKU# STUDIOMODEL68A69A

StudioComm 68A/69A Surround Monitoring System

 
The Model 68A Central Controller is a single rack-space unit that contains analog, digital, and power supply electronics. Four analog sources can be connected: two surround (5.1) and two stereo. In many applications the first surround input, Surround A, will be connected to a multi-channel output on an audio console or digital audio workstation. The second surround input, Surround B, will be connected to a playback device, such as a multitrack tape recorder or disk storage system. For film or video post applications Surround A would be considered the direct source, while Surround B would be considered the playback source. 
 
The two stereo inputs, Stereo A and Stereo B, are provided for general-purpose use and can be connected to a variety of 2-channel direct and playback sources. For flexibility, the surround and stereo inputs are compatible with balanced or unbalanced signals having a nominal level range of –12 dBV to +6 dBu. Fifteen-turn trim potentiometers are used to precisely calibrate the input signals. The Model 68A provides separate monitor outputs to support both surround (5.1) and stereo loudspeaker systems. The outputs are electronically balanced and designed for connection to audio power amplifiers or amplified loudspeakers. Protection circuitry provides power-up and power-down protection. 
 
The Model 69A Control Console is a compact, self-contained unit designed to be located at the operator’s position. It allows fingertip control of all monitoring parameters. Numerous LED indicators provide complete status information. A major strength of the Model 69A is its ability to configure, under software control, a number of operating parameters. All configuration parameters are stored in non-volatile memory. 
 
The Model 69A provides four buttons and associated LEDs for selection of the surround and stereo sources to be monitored. While in most cases only one input source will be monitored at a time, multiple inputs can be selected for simultaneous monitoring. This allows two, three, or all four of the inputs to be combined ("summed"). While there is no independent control of the input levels, this feature can be useful for creating rough mixes from the source signals. It is also a fast, effective means of making a "seat-of-the-pants" check on the phase relationship between synchronized signals. 
 
FEATURES 

• Remote Control Capability 
  For flexibility, the StudioComm for Surround system is designed to easily integrate with recording consoles, studio communications systems, and film motion-control electronics. Three remote-control input functions are provided: mute all, dim, and input source override. By providing access to the StudioComm’s mute all and dim functions, talkback or slate activity from an audio console or other communications system can control the monitor output level. The input source override function is provided expressly for film post applications, allowing automatic switching of the StudioComm’s input source whenever the mode of a recording system changes between playback and record. This function, often referred to as PEC/direct switching, allows accurate monitoring during dialog replacement or other overdub sessions. 
  
• Limitations on Signal Routing 
  While the StudioComm for Surround system for multi-channel monitoring will do many wonderful things, it is not designed to selectively route input signals to the different output channels. The input-channel-to-output-channel relationship is maintained. A signal that arrives on the center channel of input 2 will, when selected, output only on the center channel of the monitor output. Any rerouting of the input signals must be done prior to their connection to the StudioComm for Surround system. This should not be a drawback in most facilities, but it’s important to highlight this fact. 
   
  SPECIFICATIONS 
   
  Model 68A Central Controller 
  
• General Audio: 
  Frequency Response: 20 Hz-20 kHz ±0.1 dB (down 0.5 dB @ 60 kHz), monitor outputs 
  Distortion (THD+N): 0.03%, measured at 1 kHz, +4 dBu, monitor outputs 
  S/N Ratio: 92 dB, ref +4 dBu out 
  Crosstalk: 78 dB, ref +4 dBu in 
  
• Audio Inputs: 16, organized as two surround (5.1) and two stereo (2-channel) inputs 
  Type: electronically balanced, compatible with balanced or unbalanced sources 
  Impedance: 24 k ohms 
  Nominal Level: –12 dBV to +6 dBu, adjustable 
  
• Monitor Outputs: 2, one surround (5.1), one stereo (2-channel) 
  Type: electronically balanced, compatible with balanced or unbalanced loads 
  Maximum Level: +27 dBu into 10 k ohms, +26 dBu into 600 ohms 
  
• Bandpass Filter: 
  Response: –3 dB@100 Hz and 5 kHz, nominal, 12 dB/octave 
  
• Connectors: 
  Audio: 3, 25-pin D-subminiature female 
  Control: 2, 9-pin D-subminiature female 
  AC Mains: 3-blade IEC-type 
  
• Remote Control Inputs: 3 
  Type: +5 V logic, activates on closure to system common 
  AC Mains Requirement: 100, 120, or 220/240 V, ±10%, factory configured, 50/60 Hz 
  
• Mounting: one space in a standard 19-inch rack 
   
  Model 69A Control Console 
  
• Application: supports Model 68A Central Controller 
  
• Power: provided by Model 68A Central Controller 
  
• Output Data: generates MIDI system-exclusive messages 
  
• Connector: 1, 9-pin D-subminiature female 
   
  DIMENSIONS & WEIGHT 
  Model 68A Central Controller 
  
• (UNIT) 8.75" x 19" x 1.72" (L x W x H) 
  
• WEIGHT: 8.2 lbs. 
  Model 69A Control Console 
  
• (UNIT) 5.40" x 7.20" x 2.20" (L x W x H) 
  
• WEIGHT: 1.9 lbs.