Sonifex CM-CU1 - Commentator Unit, 1 Commentator & Line Input

Sonifex CM-CU1

The Sonifex CM-CU1 provides a fully featured commentator position and a line-level input. The unit has an individual commentator output, with an additional output providing a mix of commentator and line input audio. A limit indicator on the main panel shows when the adjustable limiter on the main output is active, and a bright 21 segment LED PPM meter, which can be disabled, shows the main output level.

The Sonifex CM-CU1 offers the same high quality, robust specification as the CM-CU21, with a feature set tailored to single commentator applications.

The line input can be configured to remain present at the mix output even if the commentator is off air, making it useful for routing crowd effects or pre-recorded material to the programme feed. Its presence in the commentator’s headphones is also configurable to suit the application.

Four talkback output channels, with a built in limiter, are available to the commentator and they can be linked to provide simultaneous operation. Activation of one or more talkback channels removes the commentator audio from the main output until all talkback channels are deactivated.

A wide input gain range and switchable phantom power allows support of a variety of microphone types including low output ribbon mics, headsets and high output phantom powered microphones. There are 5 transformer balanced return audio inputs which, along with the commentator input, are routed to the headphone monitor controls. With these headphone controls, any monitor input can be adjusted and sent to either the left, right or both ears.

A GPIO port gives an open-collector driven output indication of any active On-Air or talkback channel and four remote inputs provide an external call/alert to each of the talkback controls.

The unit has a built in line-up tone generator for easy channel identification and cabling checks. When enabled the test-tone is routed to the required output simply by pressing the corresponding on air or talkback button. An automatic tone mode repeatedly sends different quantities of tone bursts to each output to make it effortless for a single technician to set up.

An On-Air lock switch prevents the On-Air button from being accidentally deactivated and a T/B Gang switch links the operation of talkbacks A, B, C & D.

A flexible range of options allow the Commentator Unit to be customised to better suit the operational and user’s personal requirements. These include options for momentary or latching operation of the talkback buttons, permanently enabling or disabling the commentator input, default headphone signal routing and main panel indicator illumination levels.

The CM-CU1 Commentator Unit can be powered from a universal mains input between 85-264V AC at 47-63Hz, or from a 12-24V DC input.

Sonifex CM-CU1 Commentator Unit Features

• Commentator position with individual output; plus main mix output.
• Line input with configurable output and headphone presence.
• Talkback outputs selectable by the commentator, with built in limiter and adjustable gain.
• 5 Return audio circuits that are routed to headphones along with the commentator input. Any source can be individually level controlled and sent to left, right or both ears.
• A wide input gain range and switchable phantom power allows support of a variety of microphone types including low output ribbon, headsets and high output phantom powered microphones.
• User preset adjustable limiter on main output with limit activity indication.
• Built in line-up tone for initial cabling checks.
• 21 Segment LED PPM meter showing main output level.
• Transformer balanced inputs and outputs.
• Fitted formica ‘Sharpie’ designation strips.
• Robust mechanical design with protection for potentiometer knobs.
• Universal AC mains, or 12-24 volt DC power.

Sonifex CM-CU1 Specifications

Microphone Input

• Gain Range: +20dB to +86dB
• Maximum Input Level: -6dBu
• Equivalent Input Noise: 130dB Ref. 80dB gain with  150Ω termination
• Equivalent Input Noise: 128dB Ref. 50dB gain with 150Ω termination
• C.M.R.R. >60dB
• Frequency Response:
  • ±0.5dB 20Hz to 22kHz 
  • Ref 50dB gain @ 1kHz

Electronically Balanced Line Input

• Gain Range: -83dB to +10dB
• Maximum Input Level: +25dBu
• C.M.R.R. >70dB
• Frequency Response:
  • ±0.2dB 20Hz to 22kHz 
  • Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz

Transformer Balanced Monitor Inputs

• Gain Range: -66dB to +11dB measured @ Headphone output
• Maximum Input Level: +21dBu
• C.M.R.R. >55dB
• Frequency Response: 
  • ±0.5dB 20Hz to 22kHz 
  • Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz

Transformer Balanced Mix Output

• Maximum Output Level (Limiter Off): +24dBu
• Frequency Response:
  • ±0.5dB 20Hz to 22kHz 
  • Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz
• Noise: 
  • -94dB Average weighting 
  • Ref +8dBu
• THD & N: <0.02% Ref. 1kHz @ +8dBu
• THD & N: <0.065% Ref. 1kHz @ +18dBu
• 1% Distortion Point: +18dBu @ 24Hz

Transformer Balanced Talkback Outputs

• Maximum Output Level Limited: +8dBu
• Frequency Response:
  • ±0.5dB 20Hz to 22kHz 
  • Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz
• Noise:
  • -94dB Average weighting 
  • Ref +8dBu
• THD & N: <0.02% Ref. 1kHz @ +8dBu
• Gain Adjustment: 0dB to +12dB

Electronically Balanced Comm Output

• Maximum Output Level: +25dBu
• Frequency Response: ±0.2dB 20Hz to 22kHz Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz
• Noise: -98dB Average weighting Ref+8dBu
• THD & N: <0.002% Ref. 1kHz @ +8dBu

Headphone Output

• Gain Range: -66dB to +11dB
• Maximum Output Level: +19dBu
• Frequency Response: ±0.5dB 20Hz to 22kHz Ref 0dBu @ 1kHz
• Noise: -85dB Average weighting Ref +8dBu
• THD & N: <0.005% Ref. 1kHz @ +8dBu

Main Panel Operational Controls & Indicators

• On-Air Button: Illuminated button with latching action
• Talkback A, B, C & D Buttons: Illuminated buttons with selectable momentary and/or latching action
• Headphone Monitor Controls:
  • Input source level adjustment potentiometers
  • Headphone channel selection switches
• Line Input Level: line input mode level potentiometer
• PPM Meter: 21 segment display showing mix output level, brightness level Is selectable
• Limit LED: Indicates main output limiter is active, colour & brightness level is selectable
• Power LED: Indicates operating mode; normal or setup   

Front Panel Operational Controls

• Phantom: Switch to enable 48V microphone phantom power
• Mic Gain: Microphone gain potentiometer and range select switch selects +20dB to +56dB or +50 to +86dB

Rear Panel Operational Controls

• On Air Lock: Switch to prevent On Air control from being deactivated. Momentary push-button to override on air lock
• T/B Gang: Switch to link operation of talkbacks A, B, C & D
• T/B Gain: 0dB to +12dB
• Limiter: Switch to enable limiter on mix output. Limit level adjustment potentiometer
• Test Tone: Switch to enable 1 kHz line-up tone

Configuration Options – Accessible via Setup Mode

• On Air Control Mode: Disabled, normal or permanently on
• Talkback Button Action: Momentary, latching or both
• Headphone Routing:
  
  • Line-level input permanently routed/routed if on air to Commentator headphones
  • Commentator input permanently routed/not routed to headphone monitors
• Line Level Input Routing: Line-level input permanently routed/not routed/routed if on air to main output
• Display Preferences:
  
  • Limit LED colour and brightness
  • Button LED brightness
  • PPM meter LED brightness/disable
• Permanent Option Backup: Save/load options to/from Permanent backup or return to factory defaults   

Front Panel Connections

• Headphone Output: 1 x locking headphone jack socket
• Microphone Input: 1 x XLR-3 pin latching female
• Line Input: 1 x XLR-3 pin latching female  

Rear Panel Connections

• Prog, A, B, C & D Inputs: 5 x XLR-3 pin female (transformer balanced)
• Comm Output: 1 x XLR-3 pin male (electronic balanced)
• Talkback A, B, C & D Outputs: 4 x XLR-3 pin male (transformer balanced)
• Mix Output: 1 x XLR-3 pin male (transformer balanced)
• GPIO Port: 15-way ‘D’-type socket
• Mains Input: Universal filtered IEC, continuously rated 85-264VAC, 47-63Hz, 10W
• Fuse Rating: Anti-surge fuse 1A 20 x 5mm
• DC Input:
  
  • XLR-4 pin male 12V DC, 650mA Typical, 850mA Maximum
  • 24V DC, 325mA Typical, 425mA Maximum
• Earth Point: M4 stud.

Physical Specification

• Dimensions (Raw):
  
  • 270mm (W) x 230mm (D) x 70mm (H - front) x 95mm (H - rear)
  • 10.6” (W) x 9” (D) x 2.8” (H - front) x 3.7” (H - rear)
• Dimensions (Boxed):
  
  • 380mm (W) x 350mm (D) x 200mm (H)
  • 15” (W) x 13.8” (D) x 7.8” (H)
• Weight:
  
  • Nett: 3.3kg Gross: 4.3kg
  • Nett: 7.3lbs Gross: 9.4lbs