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U.S. Senate Desk Units 

1995 (David Carroll Electronics, Inc.)

Peak Audio developed the electronics for these units and we did the packaging. The desk units performed a myriad of functions. Each unit contained a DSP chip which was a remotely connected part of the central MediaMatrix. This chip also performed control functions for the desk unit. The main features of the desk unit are:

  • Power supply: converts 120VDC phantom power to operating potentials. 
  • Microphone (custom, built by Steve Sutter of DCE to behave like a cross between a lavaliere and a handheld)
  • Microphone preamp
  • Analog limiter
  • A/D converter (sends signals to central matrix over AES/EBU link)
  • D/A converter (receives signals from central matrix over AES/EBU link)
  • Power amplifier 
  • 2-way loudspeaker and cross over (subcontract with EAW, Kenton Forsythe personally designed it)
  • Cable Reeler (another subcontract with Xedit corporation)
  • Mic cup: support holder for microphone
  • Proximity Sensor: subaudible acoustical signature signal is sent through tweeter mounted on mic cup. When mic is being replaced, DSP chip senses signal and shuts off mic before it can make an undesirable "klunk". 
desk unit.jpg (56290 bytes) The wood portion of the cabinet was built by Rob Carroll; the finish, size, shape, etc, had to pass muster with the Architectural Heritage Committee. They are tough. mic and cup.jpg (54594 bytes) The Mic Cup. Attaches to the side of the Senators' desk. The "cup" is actually a milled out piece of Plexiglas with LED back lighting.
desk unit open.jpg (52156 bytes) The Guts. reeler.jpg (49693 bytes) The Reeler. Contained in the desk unit. It works like an electrically operated vacuum cleaner winder: tug it until you've got enough, let go, it stays. Quick jerk - it winds it up nice and slowly. Made by Xedit.
deskunit stacked.jpg (20473 bytes) Desk units on their way to the Architect of the Capitol's finishing squadron. They decided to do it themselves.