Designed specifically for use by totally non-technical staff, this compact unit permits studio quality contributions from remote locations, such as homes, offices and 'un-manned' news and sport contribution points. It uses ISDN dial-up lines as these offer the proven reliability required for live interviews, often at prime-time or critical events.
UK broadcast practice is normally for the studio to originate the ISDN call, so no dial is provided and only incoming calls are accepted (on either B-channel). Visible and audible indication of an incoming call is provided, which is manually accepted, for reasons of privacy, where relevant, by the contributor.
The unit is designed to operate primarily with the Beyer DT297PV broadcast headset. Other headset types, or separate headphones and microphones can be used, but the AGC circuitry on the mic input is optimised for the DT297PV so use of this type is strongly recommended for best results.
User controls are provided for power on/off, line connect/disconnect and headphone level. A 'cough' button is provided that mutes the mic input. LED indicators show line connection status, microphone level and cue level. The unit is housed in an extruded aluminium case, with indicators and user controls on the front end, and headset, ISDN line and mains power connections at the rear.
It supports MPEG Layer 2 in mono at either 24 or 48kHz sampling, plus G.722 at 64kbits/s (no auxiliary data channels). It automatically senses what data type is being sent and sets itself accordingly. An internal jumper selects the headphone feed between studio feed to left earpiece and microphone input (sidetone) to right (default setting), or a mix of both to both earpieces. P48 phantom power can be enabled (default) or disabled.
The microphone input is a 3-pin XLR female; the headphone output a 3-pole A-gauge jack. The ISDN connection is an RJ45 socket. Power inlet is IEC, 230VAC. Supply cable is not included with the basic unit 28-201, but a 3 metre cable with UK 13A plug is included in kits 28-203 and 28-204. Dimensions: 215 x 110 x 47(l x w x h)mm. Weight 1.1kg.
Included accessories:
All include user operating instructions, set-up guide and ISDN line installation guide. Kit 28-203 includes a Beyer DT297PV headset (54-521), 5 metre RJ45-RJ45 ISDN cable (28-283), 3 metre IEC-UK 13A power cable (42-3186). Kit 28-204 is as 28-203, but supplied in a robust carrying/transit case (Hofbauer Megabag 1000, stock code 16-370) with custom foam protective insert.