Studio Technologies Model 77B Control Console

The Studio Technologies Model 77B Control Console is a compact user control surface designed for use with 76B/77B and 76DB/77B Systems. While residing at an operator’s location, Model 77B allows fingertip selection of all monitoring functions. Numerous LED indicators provide complete status information.

The Studio Technologies Model 77B Control Console is the “command center” of a StudioComm for Surround system. A major strength of the Studio Technologies Model 77B is its ability to configure, under software control, many important operating parameters. A 4-digit numeric display of Studio Technologies Model 77B indicates the post-fader monitor output level or dialnorm level in real time.

While many installations will use only one Studio Technologies Model 77B Control Console, up to three additional Model 77B 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 76DBA provides power for all connected Studio Technologies Model 77B or Model 71 units.

Additional Details
The Studio Technologies Model 77B provides four buttons and associated LEDs for selecting the input source to be monitored. The buttons are designed such that up to six unique input choices are available. Using the Studio Technologies Model 77B’s configuration mode, each of the six input choices can be configured from the system’s two surround (5.1) and three stereo inputs. The configuration mode also allows stereo inputs A and B to be used as either stereo or monaural sources. This is especially useful in broadcast applications where a 2-channel AES3id source may carry two independent monaural signals. To highlight this powerful feature: the Studio Technologies Model 77B allows independent monitoring of the two channels associated with a single AES3id source. Broadcast master control applications can greatly benefit from this configuration flexibility.

The post-fader surround digital and analog monitor output levels can be controlled by way of a large, easy-to-use rotary control. The control, actually a digital encoder, allows level selection in precise 0.5-dB steps. The auto mute all function causes the post-fader surround digital and analog monitor output channels to automatically mute whenever the output level control reaches maximum attenuation. Using the reference level function, the post-fader surround digital and analog monitor output levels can be set to a pre-configured value. This is provided for audio-with-picture applications that require a specific monitor output level. The reference level is easily configured by taking an electronic “snapshot” of the desired monitor output level. For operator confirmation a 4-digit LED readout can display the level of the post-fader surround digital and analog monitor output channels. To match the needs of a facility, it can be configured to display either the attenuation level or the sound pressure level (SPL).

The dim function allows the post-fader surround digital and analog monitor output levels to be reduced by a fixed dB amount. The dim level is configured from among four available values. A mute all function allows the post-fader surround digital and analog monitor output channels to be simultaneously muted. The channel solo section provides post-fader surround digital and analog channel monitoring control, allowing a single channel to be monitored while the others are automatically muted. Multiple channels can also be simultaneously selected for “soloing.”

A special solo mode is also provided, called channel pop solo, which offers a unique aid in monitoring audio material. Channel pop solo allows the level of a single post-fader surround digital and analog monitor output channel to be raised while the level of the other channels is reduced. This helps to emphasize the content on one channel without fully muting the others. Broadcast applications can benefit from the channel pop solo mode by allowing, for example, the center channel to be highlighted while still maintaining some level on the other channels. The amount of level increase—the “pop”—as well as the amount of attenuation can be configured to meet the needs of specific applications or users.

Two functions allow the input sources to be checked for level or phase inconsistencies. The 5.1 to stereo downmix function is used to create a stereo signal from the selected surround (5.1) source. The stereo to mono downmix function allows audio on the left and right channels to be added (summed) and monitored on the center output channel. The two downmix functions can be simultaneously enabled, allowing a surround source to be checked for mono compatibility. The downmix functions always impact the post-fader surround digital and analog monitor outputs. A configuration setting allows the pre-fader surround digital monitor output to be selected for pre- or post-downmix operation.

In addition to the surround digital and analog monitor outputs, auxiliary stereo digital and analog monitor outputs are also provided. A stereo signal, connected to stereo input C on the Model 76DBA Central Controller, can be routed to the auxiliary stereo digital and analog monitor outputs. A pushbutton on the Studio Technologies Model 77B Control Console allows on/off control of the signal; no level control or signal modification takes place. The auxiliary stereo digital and analog monitor outputs can be useful in special applications, e.g., in a broadcast control room setting where an audio signal, such as site-event cue signals, needs to be monitored by way of an independent set of loudspeakers.

For flexibility, the StudioComm for Surround system is designed to easily integrate with equipment such as production intercom systems, on-air or recording tally signals, and audio consoles. Three remote-control inputs provide access to the mute all, dim, and auxiliary stereo monitor output on/off functions. By providing access to these functions, talkback or slate activity from an audio console or other communications system can control the level of the post-fader surround digital and analog monitor outputs or enable the auxiliary stereo digital and analog monitor outputs.

Studio Technologies Model 77B Control Console Features

• Dolby® E metadata dialnorm support
• Flexible input source selection
• Unbalanced digital inputs
• Supports multiple control consoles
• Excellent audio quality
• Channel pop solo function

Studio Technologies Model 77B Control Console Specifications

• Application: Up to Four Model 77B Control Consoles Can be Connected to Model 76B Central Controller (Two Can be Powered by Model 76B)
• Power: 12 Volts DC Nominal (9 Volts DC Minimum), Maximum Current 100 milliamperes, Provided by Model 76B Central Controller
• Control Data:
  • Type: RS-485
  • Data Rate/Format: 115.2 k bit/s, 8-N-1
  • Connector: 9-Pin Female D-Subminiature (DE-9F)
• Dimensions (Overall):
  • Width: 7.20 inches (18.3 cm)
  • Height: 2.20 inches (5.6 cm)
  • Depth: 5.40 inches (13.7 cm)
• Weight: 1.7 Pounds (0.8 kg)

Studio Technologies Model 77B Control Console Includes

• 1 x Studio Technologies Model 77B Control Console
• 3 Year Warranty