Housed in a convenient beltpack form-factor, the Studio-Technologies Model 385 lightweight Mic / Intercom supports Dante audio-over-Ethernet standard and is powered by Power over Ethernet. The Model 385 offers a unique combination of on-air mic and intercom audio resources. Supporting Dante audio-over-Ethernet networking, it allows direct integration into contemporary fixed and mobile broadcast environments. With the inherent interoperability of Dante, Model 385 can be used with their other Dante-enabled products or a multitude of devices from many other manufacturers. For maximum flexibility, the Model 385 is compatible with the Dante Domain Manager™ software application and is AES67-compliant.
Using a standard 3-pin XLR connector, a dynamic or condenser mic can be connected to the Model 385's main mic input. To support condenser mics, a P48 phantom power source can be enabled. A low-noise, low-distortion mic preamplifier circuit offers adjustable gain over a range of 19 to 64 dB in 3-dB steps. The analog audio from the preamplifier is converted to 24-bit digital and then output by way of a Dante digital-audio transmitter channel.
A broadcast headset can be connected using a 5-pin XLR connector. The input circuitry for the headset's mic offers adjustable gain, as well as a source of low-voltage DC power. The output of the headset's mic preamplifier is sent out a second Dante transmitter channel in response to the action of a pushbutton switch. This serves as the intercom talk channel and can be integrated with other Dante-enabled intercom beltpacks and related devices.
Up to four audio sources can be combined, then routed to the headset's 2-channel headphone output. Three "push-in/push-out" rotary controls allow a user to adjust the listen levels associated with the output of the main mic preamplifier and the audio signals that arrive by way of the unit's two Dante receiver channels.
The fourth "listen" source is audio from the headset's mic preamplifier. This is referred to as sidetone and can be sent, at a fixed level, to the headset's headphone outputs as a user confirmation signal. The ability of the user to create a custom headphone mix helps to ensure that they can effectively perform their role in a broadcast production.
The Model 385 is optimized for broadcast sports and live-entertainment events. The unit's audio quality is excellent, with low distortion, low noise, and high headroom. Careful circuit design and rugged components ensure long-term, reliable operation. Needing only a PoE connection, a dynamic or phantom-powered mic, and a single- or dual-ear broadcast headset, the unit is ready for fast "on-air" deployment while maintaining "pro" audio quality and an intuitive user experience.
The STcontroller software application, available free of charge, is used for configuring the Model 385's operating parameters, including main mic preamplifier gain, P48 phantom power on/off, limiter on/off, headset mic electret power on/off, headset mic preamp gain, headset headphone signal routing, sidetone operation, and talkback button action.