DA26S Distribution Amplifier

DA 26S Distribution Amplifier

Inputs

  • Balanced line input (background music)
    • Automatic Gain Control
      • Target Level - Ratio - Attack/Decay - Gain meter
    • Adjustable 24 dB per octave Linkwitz-Riley Crossover
      • 80 – 110 – 150 – 200 Hz
  • Priority mic/line paging input
    • Remote assignment of priority input to any outputs
    • Automatic gating with adjustable threshold
    • Page ducker range of 0 to –80 dB
    • Mic-line mixing
      • Paging talks over music
      • Priority replaces music

Outputs

  • 6 Balanced outputs
    • Full-range, high-pass and low-pass source selection
    • Loudness compensation for low-pass outputs
    • Front panel Level control for each output
    • Wired DC Level Remote Control port
      • For optional VR1 Remote Level Controls
  • Euroblock audio connections

The DA26S has been discontinued.

Consider these alternatives.

DA 26S Distribution Amplifier

Do you have a paging and background music application that would benefit from a low cost, one-box solution? The DA 26S provides all of the tools needed to serve up to six zones. For even greater flexibility in source selection and zone distribution, combine the DA 26S with a Rane CP52S or CP64S music and paging preamplifier. Many existing solutions require installers to employ separate paging preamplifier, dynamics processor, crossover, distribution amplifier and remote-level-control devices. These systems are expensive and require a lot of wiring, yet fail to meet all of the requirements. The DA 26S provides all of the required features in one compact package.

The DA 26S routes a mono program source and priority/page source to as many as six zones. The mono program source is processed by an Automatic Gain Control (AGC) circuit featuring adjustable target level, ratio and attack/decay.

The priority/page input features automatic signal detection and remote zone assignment. A means of automatically attenuating program music over a range of 0 dB to –80 dB during a page allows mic/line mixing, talk-over or priority-replaces-program operation.

Each of the six outputs distributes full-range, high-pass or low-pass program music. Small bookshelf or hanging speakers frequently require bass enhancement. Bass enhancement is achieved by adding bass to the full range response or by employing a true bi-amp system. The DA 26S provides a 24 dB per octave Linkwitz-Riley crossover that supports both bass enhancement schemes. Wired remote level control ports allow independent control of music amplitude in each zone. Loudness compensation is automatic when a remote is used. Remote level controls do not influence the priority/page level. It is possible to control multiple remote level ports with a single remote device. This allows one remote device to control the level in multiple zones or both high-pass and low-pass outputs in a single zone.

Block Diagram

DA 26S Block Diagram

DA 26S Application with Remotes

Wired remote level control ports allow independent control of music amplitude in each zone. Loudness compensation is automatic when a remote is used. Remote level controls do not influence the priority/page level. It is possible to control multiple remote level ports with a single remote device. This allows one remote device to control the level in multiple zones or both high-pass and low-pass outputs in a single zone. Rane makes the VR1 Remote Control, and instructions are provided for wiring your own pot.

VR1The optional VR1 wired Remote Control allows Level control from within the Zone area. Range is 0 to -80 dB.

To control more than one Remote Port with a single Remote control, it is only necessary to connect the Vc pin of each additional port.

Do not short the Vr pin to ground. This pin is current limited; however, excess heat is generated in the 5V supply if a short occurs. Never subject the Vr pin to voltages above 5 V.

The VR 1 remote assembly mounts in a standard U.S. electrical box with a minimum depth of 2.25" (5.5 cm). Install any Decora plate of your choice. For a secured installation, you may wish to leave the knobs off and use a blank Decora plate to cover the remote after adjustment.

DA 26S Application

In this example, the paging mic from reception has priority over the music source. Remotes for source selection and volume are within four zones. One zone has sub and satellite speakers, another zone is fed to the telephone music-on-hold. Any zone may be wired to have priority remote control over other zones.

DA 26S Literature

Each unit is shipped with a booklet containing all of the above, the RaneNote "Sound System Interconnection," Declaration of Conformity, and Rane's 2+ Year Warranty information.

DA 26S Support

What type of wire can I use to connect the remote?

For runs up to 200 feet any five conductor wire, 14 to 22 gauge will suffice. Use shielded wire for distances greater than 200 feet.

I can't get the page microphone to work. What am I doing wrong?

First check all the wire connections at both ends of the mic cable. Next be sure to set the PRIORITY INPUT MIC/LINE switch correctly on the rear panel. Once you have the setting correct, turn up -- clockwise -- the PRIORITY GAIN control and see if you can light the OL indicator when you yell into the mic. Now adjust the DETECT threshold to get ACTIVE to illuminate. If all this checks out, it's time to follow the step-by-step in the manual.

If the above doesn't answer your question:
Phone the Rane Factory at 425-355-6000, 8:30 AM to 5 PM PST, Monday to Friday.
Email is answered most weekdays from the Rane Factory Contacts.

Commercial Processors Comparison

 
DA 26S
Levels of Priority
3
4
1
3
Paging Mic Inputs
1
2
1
2
Program Line Inputs
4
4
1
6
Number of Zones
1 Stereo
1 Stereo + 1 Mono
6
6
Page Limiter
Yes
No
AGC
Yes
Page High / Low Filter
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Expand Outputs
1
2
6
1
Expand Levels
Yes
No
Yes
Yes

For more inputs and outputs, see the HAL System, providing comprehensive controls and processing for background music and paging systems.

Model
Analog Inputs
Analog Outputs
RAD inputs
RAD outputs
Total Inputs
Total Outputs
HAL1x
8
8
8
8
16
16
HAL2
8
8
8+2
8+2
18
18
HAL3
2
6
2
2
4
8
HAL4
2
2
0
0
2
2

*A HAL1x can connect up to 32 Expanders for a total of 528 inputs and 528 outputs.

Other Splitter / Distribution Amplifiers

Model Description Rack Spaces Connectors
SM26S 6 In x 2 Out Line Mixer, 2 In x 6 Out Line Splitter 1 1/4" 1/4" TRS
DA216S Distribution Amplifier, 2 Mic / Line In, 16 Line Out 1 euro Euro
Mongoose Router, 32 In x 32 Out, Programmable, Audio over Ethernet 1 XLR RJ-45
DA 26S Distribution Amplifier