Operators Manual DA 26S

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER

GAIN

PRIORITY

DETECT DUCKER

TARGET

LEVEL

MIN MAX

OL

ON dBu

+4

ACTIVE

-80 dB

0 -12 +12 dBu

AGC

RATIO

1:1 :1

GAIN

SLOW FAST -12 -6 -3 0 3 6 12

CROSSOVER

FREQUENCY

80 110

1 2 3

OUTPUTS

4 5 6

-12 +12 -12 +12 -12 +12

150 200 FULL HIGH LOW FULL HIGH LOW FULL HIGH LOW

-12 +12 -12 +12 -12 +12

FULL HIGH LOW FULL HIGH LOW FULL HIGH LOW POWER

DA 26S

DISTRIBUTION

PROCESSOR

Quick Start

Are you in a hurry? For optimum system performance, we recommend reading the detailed Setup & Operation below and on page

Manual-4. For those who can’t wait, at least be aware of these points:

• There are two inputs: PRIORITY and LINE. The PRIORITY Input accepts MIC or LINE level.

• The PRIORITY Input sums with an output when assigned by the PRIORITY ASSIGN Port, and PRIORITY DETECT is active.

• The level of the PRIORITY Input is unaffected by the AGC, Output Level controls or Remote Level controls.

• The AGC only operates when the signal is within 26 dB of the Target Level. If the Line Input level is out of AGC range, the 0 dB indicator on the AGC GAIN meter is off.

• With the RATIO set to ∞:1, the AGC GAIN meter should indicate about 0 dB for nominal Line Input levels.

• The AGC SLOW / FAST switch only affects the gain reduction time constant. The gain increase time constant is fixed.

• Only the LINE Input is processed by the AGC, CROSSOVER, Output Level and Remote level controls.

• The three Crossover Outputs (full-range, high-pass and low-pass) may be selected by any of the six Outputs.

• Set the initial Output levels using the Output Level controls on the front panel.

• Remote Level controls allow end user adjustment of Output level.

• Any combination of Remote Ports may be controlled by a single Remote device.

• Remote Level controls provide automatic loudness compensation for low-pass Outputs. Loudness compensation is not provided for full range Outputs.

• The optional VR 1 Remote Level control provides audio taper control over a range of 0 dB to –80 dB.

Setup & Operation

The outline below is detailed in the following procedure.

1. Set Line Input level

2. Set AGC (Automatic Gain Control) Target Level and Ratio

3. Set Crossover frequency

4. Select Source for each Output (Full-range, High-pass or Low-pass)

5. Set Output Level controls

6. Connect Output Remote Level controls

7. Connect the Priority Input for the intended source

8. Set the Priority Input automatic Detect threshold

9. Set Ducking depth for the application

10. Priority Assign selection

1. Connect a balanced line level source to the Line Input. The

Line Input accepts an unbalanced Input connected to (+) and

(GND). We do not recommend unbalanced operation unless the distance to the source is less than 3 feet [one meter].

WEAR PARTS: This product contains no wear parts.

the AGC GAIN meter should indicate about 0 dB for nominal Line Input signals. The best resolution for this adjustment is

achieved with the AGC RATIO set to ∞:1.

The TARGET LEVEL is set in one of two ways: a) If you have a source output level control, set the TARGET

LEVEL to the desired setting and adjust the Line Input level so that the AGC GAIN meter indicates 0 dB for nominal signal levels.

b) If a source output level control is not available, adjust the

TARGET LEVEL so the AGC GAIN meter indicates 0 dB for nominal Line Input levels. The difference between the resulting AGC Target Level and the desired Target Level is compensated with the OUTPUT trims. With Input level and TARGET LEVEL correctly set, adjust the AGC RA-

TIO to the desired value. We recommended values between

2:1 and ∞:1 as marked by the gray band. The soft-kneeresponse of the AGC results in a natural sounding response with AGC Ratios as high as ∞:1.

2. The Line Input signal is processed by the AGC circuit. The

AGC GAIN meter 0 dB indicator lights when the Line Input signal is within 26 dB of the set TARGET LEVEL. For Line

Input levels more than 26 dB below the Target Level, the 0 dB indicator is off and AGC returns to unity. The AGC GAIN indicates the amount of attenuation used to make the Line

Input level equal the set TARGET LEVEL. For best results,

3. The CROSSOVER splits the Line Input signal into three separate Outputs: Full-Range, High-pass and Low-pass, each selectable for each of the six Outputs. Select the desired FRE-

QUENCY (80, 110,150 or 200 Hz).

continued on page Manual-4...

Manual-1

Front Panel Description

GAIN

PRIORITY

DETECT DUCKER

TARGET

LEVEL

MIN MAX

OL

ON dBu

+4

ACTIVE

-80 dB

0 -12 +12 dBu

AGC

RATIO

1:1 :1

GAIN

SLOW FAST -12 -6 -3 0 3 6 12

CROSSOVER

FREQUENCY

80 110

1 2 3

OUTPUTS

4 5 6

-12 +12 -12 +12 -12 +12

150 200 FULL HIGH LOW FULL HIGH LOW FULL HIGH LOW

-12 +12 -12 +12 -12 +12

FULL HIGH LOW FULL HIGH LOW FULL HIGH LOW POWER

DA 26S

DISTRIBUTION

PROCESSOR

1 PRIORITY GAIN trim and OL indicator: adjusts the gain for the PRIORITY INPUT. Set this trim to prevent overloading the

Input — if the Priority Gain OL illuminates, turn down the GAIN.

2 PRIORITY DETECT trim and ACTIVE indicator: sets the threshold in dBu for the PRIORITY INPUT to override the LINE

INPUT. When the threshold has been reached, the ACTIVE indicator illuminates. Set the GAIN(1), then set the DETECT trim.

The range of operation is +4 dBu to ON. The release time for the auto-detect circuit is fixed at about 6 seconds, after which the

LINE INPUT signal returns to it's previous level.

3 PRIORITY DUCKER trim: sets the amount of attenuation applied to the LINE INPUT signal when the PRIORITY INPUT is activated by the DETECT threshold. DUCKER depth is continuously adjustable over a range of 0 dB to –80 dB. For equal mixing of PRIORITY and LINE, set the DUCKER to 0 dB. For PRIORITY replaces LINE operation, use –80 dB. A value of –12 dB (1 o’clock) is typical for PRIORITY (page) talks over LINE (music) operation.

4 AGC TARGET LEVEL trim: is best set so the average signal at the LINE INPUT reads 0 dB on the GAIN meter. This gives the best performance of the AGC (Automatic Gain Control). Active constant gain range of the AGC is ±12 dB (24 dB range). When the Input falls 26 dB below the AGC Target Level, gain returns to unity. See Setup and Operation, step 2.

5 AGC RATIO trim: determines the Ratio applied to the AGC with a soft-knee response. Increased clockwise rotation increases the amount of AGC. The full counter-clockwise position disables the AGC. The normal range of operation is between 2:1 and

∞:1 as marked by the gray band.

6 AGC SLOW/FAST release switch: determines the gain reduction time constant of the AGC circuit. SLOW = 230 ms (best for music), FAST = 11 ms (best for voice). The gain increase time constant is fixed at 1100 ms.

7 AGC GAIN meter: indicates the amount of AGC applied to the LINE INPUT. The 0 dB GAIN indicator is off if the Input is more than 26 dB below the Target Level.

8 CROSSOVER FREQUENCY switch and indicators: select the FREQUENCY for the 2-way Crossover when High-Pass and/or

Low-Pass outputs are used (80, 110,150 or 200 Hz). High, Low or Full-Range is selectable for each of the six Outputs.

9 OUTPUT trims and Crossover select switches: The ±12 dB trims set the levels for each of the six Outputs. High, Low or Full-

Range is switch selectable for each of the six Outputs. Note: the Output trims do not affect Low-pass loudness compensation or Prior-

ity Input level. See Setup & Operation, step 5.

0 POWER indicator LED: This yellow illumination device lights up to let the operator know the thing is plugged in.

Manual-2

Rear Panel Description

DA 26S

100-240 V

50/60 Hz 7 WATTS

COMMERCIAL AUDIO

EQUIPMENT 24TJ

R

RMT

Vr Vc

6

OUT

+ −

MADE IN U.S.A. RANE CORP.

ACN 001 345 482 Vr Vc + −

RMT

Vr Vc

5

OUT

+ −

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES FOR A CLASS 'B' COMPUTING DEVICE.

RMT

Vr Vc

4

OUT

+ −

RMT

Vr Vc

3

OUT

+ −

RMT

Vr Vc

2

OUT

+ −

Vr Vc + − Vr Vc + − Vr Vc + − Vr Vc + −

RMT

1

Vr Vc

OUT

+ −

Vr Vc + −

+

LINE

INPUT

−

+ −

PRIORITY

ASSIGN

Z1 Z2 Z3 Z4 Z5 Z6 ALL

Z1 Z2 Z3 Z4 Z5 Z6 ALL

LINE

PRIORITY

INPUT

+ −

MIC

+ −

1 PRIORITY INPUT connector and MIC/LINE switch: The balanced PRIORITY INPUT operates at line or mic level, determined by the MIC / LINE switch. This Input accepts unbalanced signals, however, we do not recommend unbalanced operation unless the source is within 3 feet [one meter]; then only connect (+) and (GND). Note: the Priority Input is not influenced by the

AGC, Crossover, Output trims or Remote Level controls. The gain range for MIC level Input is 30 to 60 dB. The gain range for

LINE level Input is 0 to 30 dB.

2 PRIORITY ASSIGN port: The state of the PRIORITY ASSIGN port determines Priority Input assignment to each of the six

Outputs. Assignment pins are active low with passive internal pull-up. Any combination of pins may be active at one time. The select ALL pin is provided for convenience. To complete an assignment, the Output must be selected by the PRIORITY ASSIGN port and Priority Detect must be active. Note that if a combination of Crossover Outputs is used in one zone, all Outputs serving the

zone must be selected by the PRIORITY ASSIGN port. Variations in wire type do not greatly affect the performance of this port.

However, 22-gauge stranded wire with a flexible jacket is recommended. Unshielded multi-conductor cable is OK for shorter runs

(less than 100 feet). For longer runs, we recommend shielded cable.

3 LINE INPUT connector: Connect a balanced line level source to the Line Input. The Line Input accepts an unbalanced Input connected to (+) and (GND), but we do not recommend unbalanced connection unless the distance to the source is less than one meter; then only connect (+) and (GND).

4 OUTPUT and REMOTE connectors: are on single 6-pin Euroblocks, one set for each Output. Outputs are line-level, balanced, and hopefully driving a balanced equalizer or amplifier. If not, keep cable lengths short and consult the RaneNote, “Sound System

Interconnection” located elsewhere in this manual.

Connections for optional wired Remote Level controls are provided for each Output. Note: Remote Level controls do not affect the

level of the Priority Input. Each port provides a 5 volt reference voltage (REF), a control voltage input (Vc) and a ground reference.

Gain control law is 50 mV/dB. See Setup and Operation, step 6 for details.

5 Universal Voltage Input: via a miniature IEC 60320 C6 appliance inlet. With the right cord, you can plug anywhere in the world between 100 and 240 VAC. This mates with an IEC 60320 C5 line cord (USA domestic). Do not lift the ground connection!

Manual-3

Setup & Operation…continued from page Manual-1...

4. Next, set up the six OUTPUTS. First, determine the number of zones served and the signals to be sent to each. Using a drawing like the example application diagram in the Data

Sheet is helpful. For ease of wiring, make Outputs serving a common zone adjacent. Select Full-range, High-pass or Lowpass as required for each output. The following are possible zone configurations:

• Full-range only for medium size bookshelf speakers.

• High-pass only for small distributed ceiling speakers.

• Full-range output combined with Low-pass Output to enhance bass response.

• High-pass output combined with Low-pass Output for true bi-amp operation.

5. The ±12 dB OUTPUT trims set Output levels, with relative levels between Full-range, High-pass and Low-pass. Note: the

Output trims do not affect Low-pass loudness compensation or

Priority Input level. The idea is to set system levels for proper operation at the maximum required SPL (with Remote Level controls set for unity gain). Remote Level controls then attenuate the level as required.

Automatic loudness compensation is achieved by altering the gain control law of any Remote port associated with a Low-pass Output. A Low-pass Output is always used in conjunction with a high-pass or full-range Output. Because the Remote Level control turns the low-pass Output down at a lesser rate than the high-pass or full-range Output, bass response is enhanced. The corner frequency for loudness compensation is set by the CROSSOVER frequency selection. The reference level for the room is set with the OUTPUT trim on the front panel. Any Remote Level gain change results in automatic loudness compensation.

Variations in wire type do not greatly affect the performance of the Remote controls. However, 22-gauge stranded wire with a flexible jacket is recommended. You may use 3-conductor unshielded remote control signal cable for shorter runs (less than 100 feet [30 meters]). For longer runs, we recommend using shielded cable. The type of wire required is influenced by your installation and local electrical codes.

Rane Corporation does not provide cable— please contact your local retail or wholesale outlet.

7. The balanced PRIORITY INPUT operates at line or mic level, determined by the MIC / LINE switch, on the rear panel next to the PRIORITY INPUT jack. See Rear Panel (1) for unbalanced connection rules. Note: the Priority Input is not influenced by the AGC, Crossover, Output trims or Remote Level

controls. The gain range for MIC level Input is 30 to 60 dB.

The gain range for LINE level Input is 0 to 30 dB. Set the

PRIORITY GAIN to prevent overloading the Input — if the

Priority Gain OL illuminates, turn down the GAIN.

8. The PRIORITY DETECT threshold is calibrated in dBu, and monitors the signal after the input preamp. Any change in PRIORITY GAIN setting affects the DETECT sensitivity. Set the GAIN, then set DETECT. The range of operation is +4 dBu to ON. The consequence of setting DETECT too low is premature triggering due to background noise. Setting

DETECT too high results in excess delay and a sudden large step in amplitude (perceived as a “pop”). If a paging mic is used in an environment with a lot of background noise, we recommend a push-to-talk device.

The release time is fixed at about 6 seconds. The release delay is based on the typical time required to accommodate a pause in speech or dead-time between music programs.

6. A port for a wired Remote Level control is provided for each

Output. Note: Remote Level controls do not affect the level of the

Priority Input. Each port provides a 5 volt reference voltage

(REF), a control voltage input (Vc) and a ground reference.

The gain control law for Vc is 50 mV/dB. Using the optional

VR 1 Remote control provides an audio taper response from

0 dB to > -80 dB. To control more than one Remote Port with a single Remote control, it is only necessary to connect the Vc pin

of each additional port. An external ground referenced control voltage with a range of 0 to 5 volts may be used with the

Remote ports. If the ratiometric output of a linear potentiometer is used, (GND to CW, Vc to center tap, REF to CCW), a linear log response results. Audio taper response requires a potentiometer with a reverse log taper. Audio taper response is achievable using a linear potentiometer by connecting a resistor equal to 1/10th the value of the potentiometer between

GND and Vc as shown below: cw

1k

GND

10k

Vc

REF

9. The PRIORITY DUCKER depth sets the amount of attenuation applied to the LINE INPUT signal when the

PRIORITY INPUT is activated by the DETECT threshold.

DUCKER depth is continuously adjustable over a range of 0 dB to -80 dB. For equal mixing of PRIORITY and LINE, set the DUCKER to 0 dB. For PRIORITY replaces LINE operation, use –80 dB. A value of –12 dB (2 o’clock) is typical for

PRIORITY (page) talks over LINE (music) operation.

10. The state of the PRIORITY ASSIGN port determines Priority Input assignment to each of the six Outputs. Assignment pins are active low with passive internal pull-up. Any combination of pins may be active at one time. The select ALL pin is provided for convenience. To complete an assignment, the

Output must be selected by the PRIORITY ASSIGN port

and Priority Detect must be active. Note that if a combination of Crossover Outputs is used in one zone, all Outputs serving the

zone must be selected by the PRIORITY ASSIGN port. The type of wire recommended is similar to the description in Step 6 above.

©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 TEL 425-355-6000 FAX 425-347-7757 WEB www.rane.com

Manual-4 DOC 110958