Manual

ManualsBrandsRane ManualsAudioDA 26 (2001 version)

Manual-1

DA 26

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER

OPERATORS MANUAL

WEAR PARTS: This product contains no wear parts.

QUICK START

Are you in a hurry? For optimum system performance, we recommend reading the detailed Operating Instructions

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 microphone 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 includes a Target Level and Ratio.

• 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 infinity:1, the AGC Gain Meter should indicate about 0 dB for nominal Line Input levels.

• The AGC Fast/Slow 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 controls 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 located 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 control provides 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.

• Never connect anything except an approved Rane power supply to the Input that looks like a telephone jack on the rear of

the DA 26. This is an AC Input and requires specific voltage and current. This is not a good place to experiment or

improvise. Use only the supply sent with your DA 26.

SETUP AND OPERATION

The outline below is detailed in the procedure that follows.

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. Setup 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].

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, 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 TAR-

GET 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 that 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 RATIO to the desired

value. We recommended values between 2:1 and ∞:1 as

marked by the gray band. The soft-knee-response of the

AGC results in a natural sounding response with AGC

Ratios as high as ∞:1.

continued on page Manual-4...

Summary of content (4 pages)

PAGE 1
OPERATORS MANUAL DA 26 DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER QUICK START Are you in a hurry? For optimum system performance, we recommend reading the detailed Operating Instructions 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 microphone or line level. • The Priority Input sums with an Output when assigned by the Priority Assign Port, and Priority Detect is active.
PAGE 2
FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION 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. 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( ), then set the DETECT trim. The range of operation is +4 dBu to ON.
PAGE 3
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION 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.
PAGE 4
Setup…continued from page Manual-1... 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 FREQUENCY (80, 110,150 or 200 Hz). 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.