Audio and intercom for e-sports teams
by Editor, August 29, 2024
Building on the strengths of the Model 207, Studio Technologies introduces the updated Model 207A eSports Console. The Model 207A retains the look, feel and functionality of the original Model 207, but offers additional features specifically tailored to the gaming and eSports market.
The Model 207A supports a player’s complete audio and intercom needs through a compact, PoE-powered device. The variety of features supported helps make esports events even more exciting by allowing production staff, team coaches and fans to hear what the players are hearing, including their conversations during play. An audio masking solution provides the added benefit of preventing teams from hearing the conversations of their competitors or the commentators.
To meet audio masking requirements, the Model 207A adds a second 2-channel (stereo) headphone output. This new headphone output, located on the rear of the unit, uses a 3-pole 3.5mm TRS jack that allows for direct connection of wired earphones. Studio Technologies’ STcontroller software application has also been redesigned to provide more flexibility in selecting the audio source for the headset output and to add support for the new headphone output. These updates are particularly beneficial for eSports applications where a player needs to receive both game and masking audio.
Headsets, often with large over-ear headphones, are often fed with “white” noise for masking. The Model 207A integrates an internal source of masking audio and also allows the use of an external source. The internal masking audio source can help minimize the risk of eSports players hearing live audio present in a venue. The Model 207A’s new headphone output, which contains the player’s desired audio, connects to earbuds. These earbuds are inserted into the player’s ear under the headset’s ear pads.
“Both the Model 207A and the original Model 207 offer a series of LED indicators that can be projected from the bottom of the case,” says Gordon Kapes, President of Studio Technologies. “The main purpose of these LEDs is to add visual excitement to an otherwise nondescript device. The original Model 207 used blue LEDs. The Model 207A has LEDs that can glow either blue or red. An updated version of the STcontroller application allows the color of the LEDs to be configured so that groups of Model 207A devices can be more easily identified. For example, implementing a ‘blue team’ and a ‘red team’ can be easily accomplished, as can identifying a group of devices by completely disabling their LEDs.”
In addition to the new features, the Model 207A’s circuitry has been updated to improve the overall performance of the unit. While the Model 207 was designed for professional applications, the revised Model 207A offers small but significant improvements in several areas, including lower noise levels and increased flexibility.
Tags: Production Partner
