Studio Technologies has released the Model 207 eSports Console – a new control hub for eSports applications.
Housed in a compact, tabletop enclosure, the Model 207 provides microphone, audio monitoring and interfacing for eSports players and personnel, incorporating both analogue and Dante audio-over-Ethernet technology to allow direct integration with personal computers and Ethernet-based audio networks.
‘As the popularity of eSports has continued to grow, so has the expectations for the technology used by the competitors and event personnel,’ says Studio Technologies President, Gordon Kapes. ‘We saw a trend in customers using our existing products for broadcast and streaming eSports applications. The results were adequate but not optimal, which led us to explore the field. We designed the Model 207 expressly to support the needs of these emerging applications.’
Integrating the Model 207 into applications requires only a few standard connections. By providing both a 5-pin female XLR and a four-conductor, 3.5mm TRRS jack, a wide range of headsets can be connected. The XLR connector supports traditional ‘professional’ headsets that are commonly used with intercom systems. The unit’s 3.5mm TRRS jack allows direct interconnection with low-cost stereo gaming headsets.
The Model 207’s mic preamplifier and associated dynamics control circuit ensures optimal audio performance, converting the signal is to 24-bit, 48kHz digital audio. Following the state of the front-panel pushbutton switches, the microphone audio is routed to two Dante transmitter (output) channels. For user confidence, an integrated sidetone function is provided.
The Model 207 provides a two-channel stereo line input that is directly compatible with the analogue outputs provided by personal computers. A simple audio patch cord is all that is required to connect with the unit’s 3.5mm 3-conductor (TRS) input jack. The stereo line-input signal is converted to digital and output by way of two Dante transmitter (output) channels.
The headphone monitoring’s ‘listen’ audio sources include four Dante receiver (input) channels, the stereo line input, and microphone audio for sidetone. Three rotary level controls allow users to create their desired headphone mix. A Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connection supplies both operating power and data transport.
An extensive range of Model 207 functions can be configured using Studio Technologies’ STcontroller software application. Selectable parameters include microphone preamplifier game, electret power on/off, stereo line input gain, headphone monitoring, pushbutton action, and overall system operation.
‘eSports arenas are technically-sophisticated, ever-shifting environments that require flexible and high-performance technology,’ adds Kapes. ‘We equipped the Model 207 with unique, configurable resources, along with careful circuit design for reliable operation and excellent audio performance.’
More: www.studio-tech.com
