The Web interface duplicates control surface functions on any network-connected computer.

---

You'll find all the user settings and level control recessed behind a cover on the front of the STAC. The cover comes off without a screwdriver, and adjustments are made with your favorite greenie screwdriver. Nomenclature is located on the back of the removable cover to help identify the adjustment trimmers. The AGC can be turned on or off by one of the dipswitches but there's no provision for any control of the AGC.

You'll find all the standard PC connections of keyboard, mouse, network and VGA monitor. Once set up you can run without any of those connections but you'll find it is easier to have your primary talent watching the VGA output and have the screeners logging into the Web server.

All audio inputs and outputs are analog, on the back and XLR balanced connections. The telephone line input and loop through connections for the analog telephone lines are on the back. The telephone lines are input on four RJ-45 cables (three lines per cable). The lines can be looped through to additional STACs or other phones. By enabling the clustering feature, calls can be isolated between STACs so that one studio doesn't interrupt an interview in progress in another studio.

Overall the Comrex STAC has been a reliable system for the Tom Joyner Morning Show. It's grown into a well established system that will be a benefit to any studio.

Kramer is director of engineering of Reach Media/The Tom Joyner Morning Show, Dallas.

Editor's note: Field Reports are an exclusive Radio magazine feature for radio broadcasters. Each report is prepared by well-qualified staff at a radio station, production facility or consulting company.
These reports are performed by the industry, for the industry. Manufacturer support is limited to providing loan equipment and to aiding the author if requested.
It is the responsibility of Radio magazine to publish the results of any device tested, positive or negative. No report should be considered an endorsement or disapproval by Radio magazine.