Studio Technologies Model 68A/69A Surround Monitoring System Details
5.1 Surround Monitoring System with Analog I/O
As the production of multi-channel "surround" audio material becomes prevalent, the need for monitoring these sources becomes imperative for more and more facilities. Studio Technologies has addressed this need with the StudioComm 68A 69A Surround Monitoring System. The system is perfect for a variety of applications, including adding "5.1" monitoring capability to disk-based recording systems. It's also ideal for upgrading a post-production or broadcast facility to support multi-channel monitoring. For the first time, multi-channel monitoring features such as source selection, level control, and downmix are available in an easy-to-use, cost-effective system.

The StudioComm 68A 69A Surround Monitoring System is expressly designed to support 6-channel (5.1) monitoring, with the channels designated as left, center, right, left surround, right surround, and LFE. While it is anticipated that this channel arrangement will be most common, the channels can obviously used in alternative arrangements.

A StudioComm 68A 69A Surround Monitoring System starts with the Model 69A Control Console, a compact but comfortable "command center," that is designed to reside at the operator's location. Using a single 9-pin cable, the Model 69A connects to the Model 68A Central Controller. The Model 68A occupies just one rack space but allows connection of two multi-channel inputs, two stereo inputs, along with separate 6-channel and stereo monitor outputs. With the StudioComm 68A 69A Surround Monitoring System any audio console, disk-based recording system, or broadcast facility can have a complete multi-channel monitor system.

Model 68A Central Controller

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.

Audio input and output connections are made using three 25-pin D-subminiature connectors. The Model 68A's audio path features analog switches for input source selection and laser-trimmed voltage-controlled-amplifiers (VCA) for monitor level control. One 9-pin D-subminiature connector is used to connect the Model 68A to the Model 69A Control Console. A second 9-pin "D-sub" connector is used to interface remote control signals with the Model 68A.

An 8-bit micro-controller provides the logic "horsepower" for the Model 68A. AC mains power is connected directly to the Model 68A, which is factory selected for 100, 120, or 220/240 V operation. The internal power supply utilizes a toroidal mains transformer for quiet audio operation.

Model 69A Control Console

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.

The surround and stereo monitor output levels can be controlled by way of a large, easy-to-use rotary control. The "curve" or "taper" of the level control can be configured to match an operator's preference. The choices available are true logarithmic and modified logarithmic. The level control auto mute-all function allow the monitor output channels to automatically mute whenever the rotary level control is in its fully counterclockwise (minimum) position. This is useful in applications such as broadcast. By using the reference level function, the monitor output level can set to a pre-configured value. This is provided for audio-with-picture applications that require a specific monitor level. The reference level is easily configured by taking an electronic "snapshot" of the position of the rotary level control.

For operator convenience, the dim function allows the monitor output level to be reduced by a fixed dB amount. The dim level is selected from four available levels. A mute all function allows all of the monitor output channels to be simultaneously muted. The mute/solo section provides individual output channel control. One pushbutton switch sets the operating mode for either mute or solo. In the mute mode, individual channels can be muted as required. In the solo mode, one channel can be monitored while the others are automatically muted. Depending on the configuration, multiple channels can be simultaneously selected for "soloing." The flexibility of having both mute and solo available allows an operator to quickly select the most comfortable and productive operating mode.

Two functions allow the format of the monitored sources to be checked for level or phase inconsistencies. The downmix function is used to create a stereo signal from a surround (5.1) source. The mono function allows a stereo signal to be added (summed) and monitored. The downmix and mono functions can be simultaneously enabled, allowing a surround signal to be checked for mono compatibility. The mono operating mode can be selected from two choices: mono-to-left-and-right or mono-to-center. This allows support for both music and audio-with-picture applications. A bandpass filter feature is associated with the mono function. It is included to assist an operator in determining compatibility with "real world" playback environments. A bandpass filter can be inserted into the path of the mono signal, allowing the response of a monaural loudspeaker associated with an inexpensive television or portable radio to be simulated.

The Model 69A Control Console connects to, and is powered by, the Model 68A Central Controller using a standard 9-pin D-subminiature cable. The Model 69A generates MIDI system-exclusive messages to control the Model 68A. Remote-control signals connected to the Model 68A Central Controller are routed to the Model 69A via pins in the 9-pin interconnecting cable.