Rane's New RPM 26i Programmable Multiprocessor Available August 2000
 
RPM 26i Digital Multiprocessor with Digital Input (click for larger image)

Mukilteo, Wash., July 17, 2000 -- Rane's new RPM 26i Programmable Multiprocessor offers all the functionality of the RPM 26v, but with an AES3 Input - the interface formerly known as AES-EBU. It has two digital inputs, 6 analog outputs, 24-bit D/As and 48-bit internal DSP processing. Whether fed from the AES3 output of a digital mixing board in a theater, club, or studio, or from a digital audio distribution system in a convention center, small stadium or other large facility, the RPM 26i fits the bill for the fixed, outboard processing such as EQ, crossover, compression, delay, splitting and level control. The suggested retail price of the RPM 26i is the same as the RPM 26v. Anticipated availability is August.

The RPM 26i is the digital input version of the RPM 26v, which has analog inputs. The RPM 26i provides all required signal processing between the mixer and amplifiers. With its preprogrammed configurations and user-friendly RaneWare software, the RPM 26i includes a wide variety of intuitive signal processing functions: high and low cut filters, compression, delay, crossover, parametric EQ, splitting, input summing, limiting, trim controls and sine wave or pink noise test tones. Select a DSP Program, and draw, enter, or copy and paste values in each of its signal processing blocks.

The RPM 26i contains a stereo AES3 input, 6 analog outputs and saves several rack spaces with its tamper proof, dead-front, 1U chassis. Configurations and settings are stored in 16 internal, non-volatile memories -- which are contact closure accessible from the rear panel Memory Recall Port. This Port can be paralleled with the Ports of other RW 232 products -- allowing one hardware switch to select entire system configurations. This makes the RPM 26i ideal for installations requiring preset configurations through simple contact closures. All 16 memories are accessible from RaneWare's Site Control Panel.

The RPM 26i is programmable via its rear panel RW 232 port that interfaces directly to the RS-232 ports found on PC compatible computers. This eliminates the need for a special cable, box or interface card. Up to 16 RW 232 units at a time can be serially linked to a single computer. Thus a sound system installer can access and program each device on line without having to unplug from the first device and plug into the next. The RW 232 port is also compatible with AMX and Crestron controllers. Once the RPM 26i is programmed, the computer is strictly optional.

The RPM 26i employs an AES3 receiver with high-performance sample rate converter & D/A converters with 24-bit double-precision internal DSP processing. Euroblock connectors are provided for audio and the Memory Recall Port. The recessed Default button on the rear panel recalls Memory 1 in case of computer failure. The Device Address switch assigns one of 250 possible RW 232 addresses that uniquely identifies each device on the RW 232 bus. The front panel has two-color, signal present and overload indicators for both the Inputs and the Outputs -- allowing for fast and intuitive signal flow verification without the need of a computer. Power and COM (communications) indicators are also on the front panel to verify proper AC supply and communications with the computer.

Powered from a UL listed, CSA and CE certified remote power supply, the RPM 26i may be used in any installation mandating agency compliance.

Rane's easy-to-use, Windows-compatible software called RaneWare allows the RPM 26i (and other RW 232 units) to be controlled in real time. RaneWare also supports saving memories--which include configuration changes to a file. This allows programming units without being physically connected to them, and allows different configurations to be stored in each Memory. Thus units may be initially programmed at the office, then 'tweaked' on site.

The software provides password security, allowing only memory changes, thus disallowing further access. The software also provides metering for Input trims, A/D number of bits toggling, and Compressor Gain Reduction meters. Stereo Linking of Input Trims, Delays and Output Trims as well as Combining of Compressors and Limiters are also supported. Frequency steps for High and Low Cut filters, Crossover and Parametric EQ are adjustable in 1 Hertz steps. The Crossovers and Extended Parametric EQ (included in some of the preprogrammed configurations) support Linkwitz-Riley, Bessel or Butterworth filters (12, 18 or 24 dB/octave, where applicable). All Parametric EQs contain 1/4 dB boost/cut steps with a +12 / -15 dB range and 80 Q steps between 40 and 0.5 (bandwidths between 0.036 and 2.54 octaves, respectively). Double clicking on the software's Output terminal displays the computed Overall Response curve for the Output(s). This screen allows independent viewing of the frequency response contribution of the Input EQ (High and Low Cut or PEQ Filters), the Crossover (if applicable) and the Output (Parametric) EQ. Ramping can be enabled for smooth transitions between parameter settings, or disabled when not needed (during setup, for example). RaneWare also prints device reports containing all of the device's parameter settings, along with each Output's Overall Response curve.

One computer running RaneWare controls any number of RPE 228d equalizers, RPM 26v multiprocessors, ECM 64 and the ECS Engineered Conferencing System Base. RaneWare also controls the Via 10 Ethernet Bridge and the RPD 1 Programming and Diagnostics unit, allowing long distance remote control of the RPM 26v using a standard modem.

An equivalent analog system comparison vs. RPM 26i Stereo 3-way crossover with parametric EQ, delay and limiting.

  • Eliminates cabling in the signal processing path.
  • Greatly reduces grounding hum and buzz problems.
  • Reduced noise potential due to fewer analog stages in audio path.
  • Using product from a single manufacturer reduces multiple source(s) problems for contractor.
  • Fewer rack spaces (reduced from 6U to 1U, 83% reduction).
  • Truly tamperproof without a computer.
  • Easy contact closure memory recall of up to 8 (of 16) system configurations or "snap shots".
  • When system changes or gets updated "new" equipment is not necessarily needed.
  • Unit is reconfigurable to other crossover types (from 2, up to 6-way), slopes (12, 18 or 24 dB/octave), and filters (Linkwitz-Riley, Butterworth or Bessel).
  • Actually provides 3 "stereo" pairs of 6 band parametric EQ in addition to "stereo" hi and low cut filters. Also, any of these parametric bands can be made into shelving or cut filters.
  • The RPM 26i supplies limiting on the low frequency driver. (Some systems forego low frequency limiting.)
  • Provides up to 1.3 seconds of delay time on each output. [Almost 4 times the delay time.]

Source: Rane Corporation
Web: www.rane.com