RANE DA 216A (01) PDF Document

The Output assignment switches are a powerful feature of the RANE DA 216A. Each switch has three positions which assign the Output to the A-Input, the B-Input, or A+B (sum).

If your application calls for a single channel set-up with one Input driving all Outputs, set all of the switches to the appropriate Input (A or B).

To mix both inputs, set them all to A+B. In this mode, both Inputs drive all Outputs with the Inputs summed.

For a stereo application, decide how the stereo Outputs are to be assigned and set the assignment switches accordingly. Eight stereo outputs are possible.

The MASTER LEVEL controls set the level of each Input to be routed to bus A, B, or A+B. Each MASTER LEVEL may be adjusted from off to +10 dB gain. Occasionally blinking OL (Overload) indicators are okay. The OL LEDs illuminate whenever either Input section (both pre-gain and post-gain) approaches clipping.

The individual OUTPUT LEVEL controls set the level for each Output channel. Each Output has an independent LEVEL control and may be adjusted from off to +6 dB gain.

An additional 16 dB of gain is available when both the MASTER LEVEL and OUTPUT LEVEL controls are turned all the way up (clockwise).

When using microphones that require a “phantom” voltage, turn on the PHANTOM POWER switch, illuminating its rear panel LED. When activated (in), 15 VDC Phantom Power appears at each mic-level Input.

Because the phantom voltage is applied to both Inputs, do not mix phantom powered and non-phantom powered mics in the same RANE DA 216A.

Never engage the phantom voltage when using an unbalanced mic—doing so may damage the mic. At the very least, it will saturate the mic’s output transformer and spoil the sound quality.

If an Input is selected for line-level (using the INPUT PAD switch), the Phantom Voltage is disabled for that channel, even when the PHANTOM LED is lit.

INPUT PAD switches: In the MIC position (out), the gain is appropriate for a microphone Input (40 dB or 60 dB). In the LINE position (in), the gain is line-level (0 dB or 20 dB). Incidentally, the INPUT PAD switch reduces the gain 40 dB when in the LINE position (pressed in).

INPUT GAIN switches: Changes the gain by 20 dB. That is, with mic Input, the INPUT GAIN switch sets the gain to 60 dB (out) or 40 dB (in). With a line-level Input, it sets the gain to 20 dB (out) or 0 dB (in).

When using the Inputs for line-level, pressing in both the INPUT PAD and the INPUT GAIN switches provides a nominal gain of 0 dB.

The two Inputs on the RANE DA 216A are balanced but may be used in an unbalanced configuration.

Balanced Inputs: Connect balanced sources to the respective “+” and “–” terminals, and tie the shield to chassis ground. The “+” Input connects to the “+” Output of the previous equipment. The “–” Input then connects to the “–” Output and the shield goes to the chassis ground.

Unbalanced Inputs: Use two conductors plus shield cable. Connect the “hot” Input to the “+”, and the common wire goes to the “–” while the shield connects to one of the chassis grounds. Since the common wire and shield are to be tied together at one end in an unbalanced system, this connects the “–” Input to chassis ground.

If used unbalanced, do not engage Phantom Power.

Balanced Outputs: Connect two conductor shielded cable to “+” and “–” terminals. Connect the shield to one of the chassis ground screws.

Unbalanced Outputs: Connect the “hot” wire to the “+” terminal, and the shield connects to one of the chassis grounds.

Important Note for Unbalanced Outputs: Do not tie the unused terminal (normally “–”) to Ground — leave it floating. Connecting “–” to chassis ground results in improper operation.

For optimum noise performance with microphones, obtain as much gain as possible in the Input stage of the RANE DA 216A without overdriving the unit.

1. Set the appropriate INPUT PAD switch to MIC (out).

2. Set the appropriate INPUT GAIN switch to 40 dB (in).

3. Set the MASTER LEVEL controls fully counterclockwise.

4. Set the OUTPUT LEVEL controls midway.

5. Adjust the MASTER LEVEL clockwise until the OL LED just blinks on the loudest expected program material. If the MASTER LEVEL is turned all the way up and the OL LED is not lighting, set the INPUT GAIN to 60 dB and adjust the MASTER LEVEL again. Adjust the OUTPUT LEVELs for the desired output level. If the OL LED is not lit, adjusting the OUTPUT LEVEL cannot cause clipping within the RANE DA 216A.

In the LINE-level configuration, unity gain is the best place to start.

1. Set INPUT PAD switch to LINE position (in).

2. Set appropriate INPUT GAIN switch to 0 dB.

3. Set MASTER LEVEL controls fully counterclockwise.

4. Set OUTPUT LEVEL controls midway.

5. Adjust the MASTER LEVEL clockwise until the OL LED just blinks on the loudest expected program material. If the MASTER LEVEL is turned all the way up and the OL LED never comes on, set the INPUT GAIN switch out to the 20 dB position. Adjust the MASTER LEVEL control as before for optimum gain, then adjust the OUTPUT LEVEL controls for the desired output level.

The RANE DA 216A uses an external power supply that does not ground the unit to the power line ground. On the rear chassis, a #6-32 screw is provided to allow for attachment of the grounding wire.

This chassis ground point must be connected to earth ground either through another product which utilizes a three-prong grounded AC power cord, or by attaching the wire to a known earth ground (such as the screw on a grounded AC outlet).

Yes. The (“–”) Output may be used as an unbalanced line driver, albeit inverted. The balanced Input terminals of the next stage must be reversed (+) for (–) to correct for the inversion. This nets a total of 32 Outputs.

Use only a model RS 1 or other remote AC power supply approved by Rane. This unit’s power supply input is designed for an AC supply, delivering 18 volts from a center-tapped transformer capable of supplying at least the current demanded by this product. Never connect anything except an approved Rane power supply to the Input that looks like a telephone jack on the rear of the RANE DA 216A.