Studio Technologies has unveiled the upgraded Model 207A eSports console that maintains the look, feel and functionality of the original Model 207 but with additional features catered specifically to the gaming and eSports market.
On display at IBC 2024 (stand 8.F93 – with Nixer Audio), the Model 207A is designed to support the audio and intercom needs of players by means of a compact, PoE-powered unit. To facilitate audio masking needs, it adds a second two-channel (stereo) headphone output.
Meanwhile, located on the unit’s back panel, the new headphone output utilizes a three-conductor 3.5 mm TRS jack that allows wired earbuds to be directly connected. The Studio Technologies’ STcontroller software application has also been revised to make the audio source selection associated with the headset output more flexible as well as adding support for the new headphone output.
Headsets, often with large, over-ear headphone earpads, are often sent “white” noise for masking. The Model 207A incorporates an internal source of masking audio as well as allowing an external source to be utilized. The internal source of masking audio can help minimize the chance that eSports players will hear live audio that’s present in a game venue.
The Model 207A’s new headphone output, containing the player’s desired audio source material, would be connected to earbuds. These earbuds would be placed in the player’s ear, under the headphone earpads associated with the headset.
“Both the Model 207A and the original Model 207 provide a set of LED indicators that can project out the bottom of the units’ enclosure,” says Gordon Kapes, president of Studio Technologies. “The primary purpose of these LEDs is to add ‘pizzazz,’ visual excitement to an otherwise mundane piece of hardware. The original Model 207 used LEDs that were blue in color. The Model 207A has LEDs that can light in either blue or red. An updated version of the STcontroller application includes the ability to configure the color of the LEDs, allowing sets of Model 207A units to be more easily identified. As an example, deploying a “blue team” and a “red team” can be easily implemented, as well has having a group of units identified by having their LEDs completely disabled.”
In addition to new features, the unit’s circuitry has been updated to improve overall audio performance. While the original was designed for professional applications, the revised Model 207A offers small but significant improvements in several areas, including a lower noise floor and increased flexibility.
