The IED550CS-H/G digital communications station is a fully programmable touch screen user interface device for initiating audio/visual announcements with GLOBALCOM Announcement Control Systems. Each model utilizes an electret condenser cartridge that is positioned in the housing such that its frequency response is enhanced. The microphone element location provides the mechanism for good acoustical coupling to provide a full-bodied, highly intelligible voice signal. The IED550CS has an auxiliary line level audio input which may be used as a (local) background music source. The station also has a line level audio output which may be used as a zone out. The IED550CS is a network appliance in which each station may obtain its IP address automatically or be assigned a unique IP address which simplifies installation and configuration.