RANE RPM26z

[John W]

Does anyone have any experience using RANE's digital crossovers, like the RPM26z (http://www.rane.com/rpm26z.html)? Are they suitable for home use?

[John W]

After reading what I could about the Rane RPM26z (http://www.rane.com/rpm26z.html)digital processor on-line, I recently took the plunge and purchased a used one of ebay for a good price. Lucky for me the previous owner is a member of the forum who packaged it up very well and it arrived in fine shape.

It has taken a little while to get things set up, but I am very happy with the results. This unit is very compatible with home systems and to my ears sounds great. It is a definite step up from the Behringer DCX2496 that I was using. :)

I have it hooked up to my big 4-way monitors with 2245, 2202, and 2435/2403 coupled with a passive network.
Setup is done through a computer using software that you download from Rane. The DSP has number of available processing blocks like compressors, limiters and mixers, but a lot of these are specific to live sound and professional installations. The picture below shows the basic blocks I have in the current setup.

[John W]

I’m using the digital input almost exclusively fed into what I see as one of the most useful options available, the 30 band equalizer, then to the crossover at 280 and 850 Hz. I’ve added a delay block on the 2245 then feed the output through a level control and on to the outputs.

The 30 band equalizer eats up a lot of the limited processing power, but it makes tuning a breeze, almost too easy. Here is an expansion of this block.

[John W]

Following the crossover and delay is an internal level control. This allows volume control within the unit that adjusts volume on all six outputs through a single 10k pot. This is a big step up from the 6-gang pot I was using.

It did take a little work integrating the balanced professional inputs and outputs to my other home components. The Rane accepts an AES3 digital input. I was able to get a lock with my S/PDIF output, but went with the recommendation to add an impedance matching transformer between the two. I used a small Llundahl LL1574 (http://www.lundahl.se/pdfs/datash/1574.pdf).

Also the outputs are a little hot. I originally had the balanced outputs configured with the negative shorted to ground. This necessitated adding a lot of trim to the internal outputs and I was getting a fair amount of “hiss” on the horns. I considered adding a balanced to un-balanced converter at each output using either op-amps or transformers, but ended up using a small resistor network that I found on a diyaudio (http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=63547)post. This gives me about 20db attenuation on the outputs and is easier on the Rane’s output stage. This is working great for me.

[4313B]

Outstanding John! :)

[johnaec]

I just picked up a Rane RPE-228D computer controlled EQ. It's a little older model, and only 28 band, but what I like is the fact it can store up to 16 presets, which can be recalled without the computer. It's been a real pain dealing with EQ as I switch between different speaker systems, so I thought I'd give this a whirl.

'Won't have it for a few days, and I'm gong on vacation soon, but I'll report back eventually...

John