Rane Stereo Amplifier DA 26S User Manual

Manual-1

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER

WEAR PARTS: This product contains no wear parts.

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 ac-

tive.

• 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.

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).