Rane DA 26 (2003 version) - Manual (Page 3)

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 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.
• 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 & 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].
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 nomi-
nal 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-knee-
response of the AGC results in a natural sounding response
with AGC Ratios as high as ∞: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 FRE-
QUENCY (80, 110,150 or 200 Hz).
continued on page Manual-4...
PROCESSOR
DISTRIBUTION
dBu dB
+4 ON MIN MAX -12 -80 0 +12 1:1 :1 ∞
dBu
+12 -12 +12 -12 -12 -12 +12 +12 -12 +12 -12 +12
DA 26
DETECT
PRIORITY
GAIN DUCKER
AGC
1 2 3 4 5
CROSSOVER OUTPUTS
6
POWER OL SLOW ACTIVE
LEVEL RATIO
FAST -12 -6 -3 0 3 6 12
GAIN
TARGET
HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH HIGH FULL LOW FULL LOW FULL LOW FULL LOW FULL LOW FULL LOW
FREQUENCY
150 110 80 200