QSC RAVE 160 User manual

27
RAVE
USER MANUAL
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▼ RAVE 160 Digital Audio Router (16 analog audio outputs)
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▼ RAVE 161 Digital Audio Router (16 analog audio inputs)
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▼ RAVE 188 Digital Audio Router (8 analog audio ins + 8 analog audio outs)
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1
TableofContents
RAVE Digital Audio Router User Manual
Warning Notices................................................................................................................................................ 2
I. Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 3
Glossary..........................................................................................................................................................4
How it works ..................................................................................................................................................5
II. Network Design......................................................................................................................................... 6
Network topology examples ......................................................................................................................... 7
Longer distance through fiber.......................................................................................................................8
Network limitations..................................................................................................................................... 10
III. Installation ...............................................................................................................................................12
Pre-Installation preparation: analog signal levels (RAVE 160, 161, and 188 only) .................................. 12
Rack mounting (all models) .........................................................................................................................14
IV. Connections.............................................................................................................................................. 14
Ethernet connection (all models) ................................................................................................................ 14
Analog audio connections ...........................................................................................................................14
Digital audio connections............................................................................................................................15
AC power .....................................................................................................................................................16
Sync output .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Slave input ................................................................................................................................................... 17
RS232 port ................................................................................................................................................... 17
V. Operation................................................................................................................................................... 18
Status indicators..........................................................................................................................................18
Channel signal indicators............................................................................................................................19
Routing......................................................................................................................................................... 20
VI. FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions....................................................................................................... 21
VII. Specifications.......................................................................................................................................... 23
VIII. Appendix ................................................................................................................................................... 24
IX. Address & Telephone Information ...................................................................................................... 25
© Copyright 1997 QSC Audio Products, Inc. All rights reserved.
“QSC” and the QSC logo are registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
RAVE™ is a trademark of QSC Audio Products, Inc. CobraNet™ is a trademark of Peak Audio, Inc.

2
EXPLANATION OF GRAPHICAL
SYMBOLS
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage within the products
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to
humans.
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the users to the
presence of important operating and main-
tenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
the cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing
to qualified service personnel.
WARNING: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this
equipment to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISKOFELECTRICSHOCK
DONOTOPEN
ATTENTION: Pour eviter les risques de choc électrique, ne pas
enlever le courvercle. Aucun entretien de pièces intérieures
par lusager. Confier lentretien au personnel qualifié.
AVIS: Pour eviter les risques dincendie ou délectrocution,
nexposez pas cet article à la pluie ou a lhumidité.
AVIS
RISQUEDECHOCÉLECTRIQUE
NEPASOUVRIR
VORSICHT: Um das Risiko eines elektrischen Schlages zu
vermindern, Abdeckung nicht entfernen! Keine Benutzer
Wartungsteile im Innern. Wartung nur durch qualifiertes
Wartungspersonal.
WARNUNG: Zur vermeidung von Feuer oder elektrischen
Schlägen, das Gerät nicht mit Regen oder Feuchtigkeit in
Berührung bringen!
VORSICHT
GEFAHREINESELEKTRISCHEN
SCHLAGES.NICHTÖFFNEN!
SAFEGUARDS
Electrical energy can perform many useful functions.
This unit has been engineered and manufactured to
assure your personal safety. Improper use can result in
potential electrical shock or fire hazards. In order not to
defeat the safeguards, observe the following instruc-
tions for its installation, use and servicing.
PRECAUTIONS
Lénergieélectriquepeut remplir de nombreuses fonctions
utiles. Cet appariel a été conçu et réalisé pour assurer
une sécurité personnelle entiére. Une utilisation impropre
peut entraîner des risques délectrocution ou dincendie.
Dans le but de ne pas rendre inutiles les mesures de
sécurité, bien observer les instructions suivantes pour
linstallation, lutilisation et lentretien de lappareil.
EXPLICATION DES
SYMBOLES GRAPHIQUES
Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à
lintrérieur dun triangle équilatéral est utilisé
pour alerter lutilisateur de la presence à
lintérieur du coffret de voltage dangereux
non isolé dampleur suffisante pour constituer
un risque delétrocution.
Le point dexclamation à lintérieur dun tri-
angle équilatéral est employé pour alerter les
utilisateurs de la présence dinstructions
importantes pour le fonctionnement et
lentretien (service) dans le livret dinstruction
accompagnant lappareil.
ERKLÄRUNG DER GRAPHISCHEN
SYMBOLE
Der Blitz nach unten zeigendem Pfeil in einem
gleichseitigen Dreieck weist den Benutzer auf
das Vorhandensein einer unisolierten,
gefährlichen Spannung im Gehäuse hin, die
stark sein kann, einer Person einen
elektrischen Schlag zu versetzen.
Das Ausrufzeichen in einem gleichseitigen
Dreieck weist den Benutzer auf wichtige
Betriebs- und Wartungs- vorschriften in den
beiliegenden Unterlagen des Gerätes hin.
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
forall RAVE models
We declare as our sole responsibility that this
product is in compliance with the EMC Direc-
tive 89/336/EEC and conforms to the require-
ments of the Harmonized Product Standards
EN55013(Product Emissions), and EN 55020
(Product Immunity).
FEDERAL
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION(FCC)
INFORMATION
NOTE:Thisequipmenthasbeen
tested and found to comply
with the limits for a Class A
digitaldevice,pursuanttoPart
15 of the FCC Rules. These
limitsaredesignedtoprovide
reasonableprotectionagainst
harmfulinterferenceinacom-
mercial installation. This
equipment generates, uses,
andcanradiateradiofrequency
energyand,ifnotinstalledand
used in accordance with the
instructions,maycauseharm-
fulinterferencetoradiocom-
munications.Operationofthis
equipmentinaresidentialarea
is likely to cause harmful in-
terference,inwhichcasethe
userwillberequiredtocorrect
theinterference at his orher
ownexpense.

3
I. Introduction
RAVE Digital Audio Router products provide a means of transporting audio signals over a data network. Using
common Fast Ethernet as the physical medium, a RAVE system has a maximum capacity of 64 channels on a
100baseTXnetwork. RAVEtransports theaudio signalsoverthenetworkina48kHz20-bit digitalformat. Each
unit has a female RJ-45 connector on its rear panel for connecting to a standard Ethernet twisted-pair cable.
Foreconomyandflexibility,youcanusestandardoff-the-shelfFastEthernetdevicessuchashubsandfiberoptic
media converters with your RAVE system.
YouneedatleasttwoRAVEdevices—onetosendandonetoreceive,ortwotobothsendandreceive—toroute
audio over an Ethernet. There are currently six RAVE models, with three basic send/receive configurations (16
channelssend, 16channelsreceive, or8 channelssend/8channels receive),witheitheranalogor digitalAES3
(often called AES/EBU) ins and outs. The six models are numbered as follows:
RAVE80 Digital Audio Router (8 AES3 outputs; 16 audio channels total)
RAVE81 Digital Audio Router (8 AES3 inputs; 16 audio channels total)
RAVE88 Digital Audio Router (4 AES3 inputs + 4 AES3 outputs; 8 audio channels total each way)
RAVE160 Digital Audio Router (16 analog audio outputs)
RAVE161 Digital Audio Router (16 analog audio inputs)
RAVE188 Digital Audio Router (8 analog audio inputs + 8 analog audio outputs)
A RAVE system handles routing in groups of 8 individual audio channels.
Front view of a RAVE 161; other models are simliar
Power LED Network channel
selector switches
(behind cover) Network status LEDs Audio signal level LEDs

4
GLOSSARY
Below are some terms used in this manual that RAVE users should be familiar with.
AES3—A technological specification for inter-device conveyance of a dual-channel (stereo) digital audio
signal. Also called AES/EBU.
Crossover cable—A type of twisted-pair Ethernet patch cable, but somewhat analogous in function to a
null modem cable. Unlike a normal patch cable, the transmit and receive wire pairs are swapped at
oneend,permitting a directconnectionof two nodeswithout a hubinbetween. A crossovercableis
alsosuitableforcascadinghubsthatdon’thaveanavailableuplinkport.Italsohasnothingtodowith
an audio crossover.
Networkchannel—ARAVE networkgroup of eightaudiochannels, withachannel numberdesignatedby
a switch on the sending unit. Don’t confuse this term with actual audio channels. A RAVE network
multiplexeseightaudiochannelsontoasinglenetworkchannelandroutestheentirenetworkchannel
asawhole.AreceivingRAVEunitsettoaparticularnetworkchannelwilloutputalleightofthenetwork
channel’s audio signals.
Uplinkport—Aspecialportonahub,usedforcascadingtoanotherhub.Usuallyit’sofferedintandemwith
a normal port so you can use one or the other, but not both. For example, a 5-port hub with an uplink
allows you to connect to five nodes via the normal ports, or to four nodes via normal ports plus one
hub via the uplink port.
Rear views,
from top:
RAVE 160,
RAVE 188,
RAVE 161,
RAVE 80,
RAVE 88, and
RAVE 81.

5
Therefore, the CobraNet™ technology used in a
RAVE system employs a regulated, deterministic
system of packet timing to ensure consistent and
reliable transmission without dropouts or glitches.
The RAVE devices on a common network will auto-
matically negotiate the time slots among them-
selves. For efficiency, the sample data from eight
audiochannelsaregroupedtogetherineachpacket.
RAVE units will synchronize themselves over the
network,and theyhaveBNC connectorson therear
panelsforsendingsyncsignals.Thisallowsthemto
synchronize external digital audio equipment to the
RAVE network.
HOW IT WORKS
Ethernet networks are most often used for computer systems; a typical application would be in an office with
servers, workstations, and shared printers. These devices use the Ethernet medium in an unregulated, non-
deterministic way. This means that they transmit data messages (called “packets”) only when necessary, and
thelengthofthemessagesmayvarydependingonthesendingdeviceandonthetypeandamountofdatabeing
sent.Whenithasamessagetosendonthenetwork,adevice,ornode,waitsuntilthereisnotraffic,thensends
it.Iftwoormorenodestrytosendmessagesatthesametime,acollisionoccurs;eachnodethenwaitsarandom
lengthof timebeforetrying again.In thistype ofapplication,reasonable latency(the lengthoftimefromwhen
the transmitting node has a message ready to send, to when the receiving node actually receives it) is not a
problem, since a second or two delay in the
transmission of a print job or an e-mail mes-
sage won’t have any noticeable effect.
Audiosignals(especiallymulti-channel),how-
ever, generally can’t tolerate a delay of even
a significant fraction of a second, or even
worse, a varying, unpredictable delay. This
would cause glitches, dropouts, noise, and
other nasty and undesirable artifacts in the
final audio signal.
Internal block diagram of a RAVE unit; chief difference among the different models is the
audio I/O (below)
RAVE 80: 8 AES3 outs RAVE 81: 8 AES3 ins RAVE 88: 4 AES3 ins + 4
AES3 outs
RAVE 160: 16 analog outs RAVE 161: 16 analog ins RAVE 188: 8 analog ins + 8
analog outs

6
Channel routing
ARAVEnetwork handles routingingroups of eightaudio channels, andeachgroup of eighttransmittedon the
network makes up one network channel. Each RAVE device handles two network channels—two sent, two
received,oroneofeach.Forexample,aRAVE161unit,with16analogaudioinputs,representstwotransmitted
groups,andthustwoseparatenetworkchannels;onecomprisesaudiochannels1through8—theother,channels
9 through 16.
Similarly,aRAVE80,witheightAES3digitaloutputs,representstworeceivinggroups(eachAES3channelcarries
twoaudiochannels). Either one canbeconfigured to receive anynetworkchannel—even the sameone,if you
needed what would essentially be a digital “Y” cable.
A RAVE device that both sends and receives, such as the RAVE 188 (eight analog inputs and 8 analog outputs)
orRAVE 88(4 AES3inputs and4AES3outputs),transmitsonenetworkchanneland canreceive another.It can
receivethesamenetworkchannelthatittransmits,butonlyifitisconnectedtoahuboranotherunit,onavalid
network.
Behind a removable cover on the front panel of a RAVE unit are four hexadecimal rotary switches for selecting
the network channels of the device’s two groups. The two switches on the left set the address of the device’s
firstgroup(channels1through8ontheRAVE80,81, 160,and161;inputs1 through8ontheRAVE 88and188),
whilethetwoontherightsetthe addressofthedevice’ssecondgroup(channels8 through16on theRAVE80,
81,160,and161;outputs1through8ontheRAVE88and188).Detailedinstructionsonsettingnetworkchannel
numbers follow later in the Operation chapter.
II.NetworkDesign
ThereareseveralwaystoconfigureaRAVEnetwork,fromverysimpletorelativelycomplex.ThenumberofRAVE
unitsinthenetwork,wheretheyarelocated,andyourfutureexpansionplanswilldeterminewhatnettopology
wouldbebest.Thesametechniquesyouwoulduseindesigningaconventional100-MbpsFastEthernetwillassist
you in designing a RAVE network.
RAVEunitscanuseunshieldedtwistedpairwiring,butitmustbeatleastCategory5(orCAT-5,forshort)quality.
Anything less may cause unreliable operation of the network, if it runs at all. Fortunately, most new Ethernet
cable installations in buildings use Category 5 cable.

7
Two nodes with a 100baseTX hub
Advantages:greaternetworksize—upto200meters(656feet);highreliability;readilyexpandable;uses
standard Ethernet patch cables
Disadvantages: higher cost
This network is similar to the previous one,
but with a hub in between, breaking up the
network into two segments which can each
be up to 100 meters long. Yes, there is the
addedexpenseof a hub, and youareadding
theslightpossibility ofa hub failure,but the
net media can be simple off-the-shelf patch
cables, and you can easily expand the net-
workbyconnectingadditionalnodestothehub.Astuteobserversand thosewhoreadaheadin themanualwill
notice that this network configuration is really just a star topology with only two nodes.
NETWORK TOPOLOGY EXAMPLES
Two nodes with a direct cable connection
Advantages: very low cost; very high reliability; simple to implement
Disadvantages: limitedto100 meters (328feet)total network size;no expandability; usesnon-standard
wiring of RJ-45 connectors on Ethernet cable
The simplest and most direct RAVE network
comprises two RAVE units connected by a
singlecrossovercable.Thisnetworkhasonly
onesegment,so the100-meterlimit applies
to the segment and thus to the entire net-
work.Therearenohardwarecostsotherthan
theRAVEunitsthemselvesandthecablefor
theinterconnection.Also,therearefewpotentialfailurepoints.However,thereisnowaytoconnectadditional
RAVEunitswithoutresortingtoaddingahub,andbecauseacrossovercableisn’tusuallyanoff-the-shelfitem,
you’ll probably have to wire it yourself.

8
Star topology
Advantages:greaternetworksize—upto200meters(656feet);highreliability;readilyexpandable;uses
standard Ethernet patch cables
Disadvantages: higher cost
Add nodes—i.e., RAVE units—to the previ-
ous net layout and you have the classic star
topology. This name comes from the hub
being at the center and the nodes radiating
outfromit likethepoints ofastar.Itdoesn’t
matterifthe nodes are actuallyrightnext to
one another while the hub is in another
room—it’s still a star topology. You can
connect as many RAVE units as there are ports on the hub.
Distributed star topology
Advantages: greater network size; high reliability; readily expandable; uses standard Ethernet patch
cables
Disadvantages: higher cost
WhatdoyoudowhenyouhavemoreRAVEunitsthanavailablehubports?Addmorehubs,ofcourse.MostFast
Ethernet hubs now are stackable, either through an uplink port that lets you connect an additional hub to one
alreadyinthenetwork,orthroughabackplaneconnection.Theresultingnetworktopolgyiscalledadistributed
star, because it is made up of interconnected multiple stars. The maximum UTP cable length from hub to hub,
or from hub to RAVE unit, is 100 meters (328 feet).
Theexampleshownonthefollowingpageusesthreehubs.ThemaximumsizeofthisparticularCobraNetnetwork
wouldbe400meters(1312feet),allowingtwo100-metercablerunsamongthethreehubs,plus100-metercable
runs on the end hubs.
Youcanexpandthedistancesevenfurtherbydaisy-chainingmorehubsandcablesegments.Therearetechnical
and practical limits to this strategy; see the section on network limitations for further information.
Star network topology
LONGER DISTANCE THROUGH FIBER
Sometimes a network may span long distances without any practical need for hubs distributed along the way.
The computer networking industry, on whom we’re already relying for an economical and rugged transport
medium, has an answer to this need also: fiber optics.

9
Datasignals sentoveroptical fiberdon’t degradeasmuch astheydoovercopper wiring,andthey areimmune
to induced interference from electromagnetic and RF sources, fluorescent lighting fixtures, etc. Consequently,
aFastEthernetfiberopticnetworksegment(100baseFX)canbeupto2kilometers(6560feet,or1.24miles)long,
twenty times longer than what is possible with CAT-5 UTP copper wire.
Largely due to increased economies of scale, fiber optic cable pricing has become more economical in recent
years,soeven62.5µmmultimodefiberisnolongerpainfullymoreexpensivethanCAT-5UTP.However,because
of the added cost of media conversion, it’s usually most cost-effective to use fiber only when distance or
electromagnetic conditions require it.
Distributed star network topology
Maximum system cable
span (e.g., furthest node-
to-hub + hub-to-hub +
hub-to-node):
400 meters (1312 feet)

10
The illustration at right shows a simple 2-node network similar to the one decribed before, except nearly all of
theinterconnectingUTPcablebetweentheRAVEdeviceshasbeenreplacedbyapairof100baseTX-to-100baseFX
convertersandalengthoffiberopticcable.Thisconversiontoafiberopticmediumallowsthedistancebetween
the RAVE units to be increased to up to 2 kilometers.
More complex topologies with more than one fiber optic link are also possible, as shown below. Although any
fiber link may be up to 2000 meters long, the maximum network diameter—the total span from one device to
thefurthestdevice—isalsoslightlymorethan2000meters,allowingforthedelaysinherentintheothercabling
anddevices. Inthesystemshownhere,Fiber
LinkAandFiberLinkBcanindividuallybeup
to2000meters,butthetotalof theirlengths
should also be 2000 meters or less; For ex-
ample, Fiber Link A could be 1500 meters,
while B would be up to 500 meters; the UTP
cabling length will also require adjustments
in the maximum lengths.
Likewise, the other network topologies described here earlier can be upgraded with optical fiber. This can be
done with media conversion on individual network segments, as shown here, or by using fiber to interconnect
hubs (illustrated on the following page), or combinations thereof.
*Although any one fiber segment can be up to 2000 meters long, and
any single UTP segment can be up to 100 meters long, it may be
necessary to impose shorter limits, in consideration of cumulative
delays caused by devices and cabling. See text for more information.
NETWORK LIMITATIONS
Therearemorepossiblecombinationsthancanbeshowninthisoranybook,andaslongastheyarecompatible
with100baseTXFastEthernetstandards,theywillworkwithRAVE units.Keepinmind,though,thatevery hub,
lengthofcabling,mediaconverter,etc.,delaysthedatapassingthroughitbyasmallamount,andaddingthese
tothesystemaddstothetotaldelaytime.CobraNethasacertainadvantageoverregularFastEthernet,however,

11
inthatitsdeterministicnatureaffordsabitmoretoleranceofdelaythanunregulated,non-deterministicnetwork
traffic can handle: a network span or diameter of up to 2560 bit periods (with Fast Ethernet, 1 bit period = 10
nanoseconds), or 25.6 microseconds. Unless you are designing very large and complicated RAVE networks,
though, you’re highly unlikely to reach these limits. For further guidance on designing large-scale networks,
consult the RAVE Application Guide or see the CobraNet network guidelines on Peak Audio’s web site at
http://www.peakaudio.com.
Asmentionedbefore,themaximumCategory5UTPcablelengthbetweentwonetworkdevices—thatis,between
any RAVE unit, hub, repeater, switch, etc., and any other—is 100 meters, or 328 feet. You can cover longer
distances by using optical fiber, as mentioned earlier, or by running 100-meter lengths of UTP cable linked by
Fast Ethernet hubs. The latter solution is practical mainly if you need, or are likely to need, RAVE units at the
intermediatepoints,and possibleonlyif you havepowersources forallthe Fast Ethernethubs.Ultimately, the
cumulativeround-trippropagationdelaysofallthecables(typically1.112bitperiods/meter)andinterveninghubs
(Class I hub: < 140 bit periods; Class II hub: <92 bit periods) imposes a limit on how far you can carry this sort
of configuration. See the CobraNet network guidelines at the Peak Audio web site (cited above) for further
guidance, especially if you are designing a CobraNet network whose span approaches or even exceeds 1000
meters.
Afiber opticrunof typical62.5 µmmultimode fibercanbe upto 2kilometers,or6560feet or1.24 mile.Single-
mode fiber is a much higher grade and can thus handle longer distances, but the specific limit hasn’t been
determined, and largely depends on the hardware involved. Consult the manufacturer of the media converters
you use.
Although a RAVE network has a capacity of 64 audio channels—i.e., eight network channels, each with eight
audiochannels—thereis no setlimitto the numberof receivers thataRAVE network willsupport,except that
as you add more hubs and cabling, the data delays will increase.
Using optical fiber to link hubs
*Although any one fiber segment can be up to 2000 meters long, and
any single UTP segment can be up to 100 meters long, it may be
necessary to impose shorter limits, in consideration of cumulative
delays caused by devices and cabling. See text for more information.
*

12
III. Installation
PRE-INSTALLATION PREPARATION: ANALOG SIGNAL LEVELS (RAVE 160, 161, AND 188
ONLY)
The RAVE models which handle analog audio inputs and/or outputs require a signal level set-up to achieve
optimumperformance.Thisconfigurationshouldbecompletedbeforerack-mountingtheunits.(ThedigitalAES3
models, however, do not require any such adjustment.)
Theseadjustmentsare done internally byplacingor arranging jumpers onthemain circuit board.Foraccess to
thesejumpers,youmustfirstremovethetop
cover of the RAVE unit as follows.
To remove cover, first detach the AC power
cord, then remove screws from top, bottom,
and sides. The arrows in this picture point
to the 17 screw locations.
Required tools: medium Phillips screw-
driver
CAUTION: Remove the power cord
before removing the top cover.
Dangerous voltages within the
enclosure may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to humans.
Then lift the rear edge of the top cover about ¼ inch, or 6
mm, and slide the cover forward about 2 inches, or 5 cm.
Lift the cover straight up to remove it from the chassis.
Re-installing the cover is the reverse of removal.
Be sure to take proper
protective measures, such as
working on an anti-static
surface and wearing a
grounding wrist strap, before
touching any circuitry
inside.

13
Input Level Sensitivity (RAVE 161 and 188 only)
Input level sensitivity is the rms analog signal level at which a sinusoidal waveform will produce a digital full
scale signal in the device.
Theavailablesettingsare+24dBu,+18dBu,and+12dBu(reference:0dBu=0.775volt),whichare12.3,6.1,and
3.1voltsrms,respectively.Thesecorrespondto17.4,8.7,and4.4voltspeak.Checkthespecificationsoftheaudio
equipment driving the inputs to determine the correct setting.
Output Levels (RAVE 160 and 188 only)
The output level setting determines the absolute rms level of an analog signal produced by a digital full scale
sinusoidal signal.
Thefourselectionsavailableare+24dBu,+18dBu,+12dBu,and+6dBu(reference:0dBu=0.775volt)—12.3volts,
6.1volts,3.1volts,and1.5voltsrms,respectively.Thesevoltagesrespectivelycorrespondto17.4,8.7,4.4,and
2.2 volts peak..
•As with setting the input level, the output level for each channel is set by
arrangingjumpersonthepinsofaheader.Theseheadersarelocatednearthe
rearedgeofthecircuitboard,andthereisoneheaderforeachanalogoutput:
eight in the RAVE 188, and 16 in the RAVE 160.
•Arrange jumpers as shown in this illustration. A legend printed on the circuit
board also shows the jumper configurations.
Save any unused jumpers for future use.
Each channel’s sensitivity is independent of the others and must be set individually.
•First,locatetheinputsensitivity-selectionjumperheaders,whichareinarowofsmallgroups
ofpins(6ineachgroup)onthetopsideofthecircuitboard,somewhatmidwaybetweenthe
front edge of the board and the rear edge. You’ll see a row of 16 headers on a RAVE 161,
or eight on a RAVE 188–one for each channel, in other words.
•Determinewhatthecorrectsettingshouldbeforeachchannel,andsetthejumpersasshown
in the illustration.
There is also a legend printed on the circuit board showing the jumper setting options.
Save any unused jumpers for future use.

14
Connecting to Ethernet
IV. Connections
ETHERNET CONNECTION (ALL MODELS)
A female modular RJ-45 jack on the rear panel is for connecting the RAVE unit to a 100baseTX Ethernet.
•ToconnectthenetworkcabletotheRAVEunit,inserttheRJ-45maleconnector—withitslockingtab
facing down, the only way the connector will fit into the jack—into the jack until the tab clicks into
place, just like connecting a modular telephone cable to a telephone.
•To disconnect the network cable from the RAVE unit, grasp the connector and squeeze
up on the locking tab, then pull it out of the RJ-45 jack.
A 100baseTX network connection requires CAT-5 grade cable. The cable length between the
RAVE unit and a 100baseTX hub should not exceed 100 meters (328 feet).
SuitableEthernet cableis readilyavailable atmost computersuppliers. Tomake yourown, see
the Appendix for connector pinouts.
ANALOG AUDIO CONNECTIONS
AnalogaudioinputsandoutputsconnectthroughdetachableterminalstripheadersontherearpaneloftheRAVE
unit.Thesedetachableheadersallowforpre-wiringofracksandquickconnectinganddisconnectingfor
installation, removal, reconfiguration, or replacement.
The illustration at right shows how the detachable headers work. To connect a wire to a terminal:
RACK MOUNTING (ALL MODELS)
A RAVE unit is 1 RU (1 rack space) high and mounts in any standard 19-inch equipment rack. The top cover of
the chassis must be in place and properly secured with screws before you can mount the RAVE unit.
•Use four mounting screws to fasten the front ears of the RAVE unit to the mounting rails of the rack.
•The chassis of a RAVE unit also has mounting ears on its rear corners; if the rack also has rear rails,
it’sagoodideatosupporttheRAVEunitintherear,too.Ifyouhaveseveralunitsstackedintherack,
at least support the bottom one at the rear corners.
•Dress and support any cables that are to attach to the RAVE unit so that their weight doesn’t put an
undue strain on their connectors when you attach them.
Be careful when installing the unit in an equipment rack; its cooling vents must not be obstructed.
Prendre soin lors de l'installation de l'unité dans un bâti d'équipement; on ne doit pas obstruer les bouches de ventilation.
• Strip back the insulation on the wire about ¼ inch (approximately 6.3 mm).
• Loosen the screw above the header terminal, then insert the wire fully.
• Tighten the screw until the wire is firmly anchored. Do not overtighten.
• Use a wire tie to secure the cable to the grip of the header block.
The detachable headers connect to and disconnect from the pins simply by pushing
on and pulling off.

15
To connect balanced inputs, insert the +, -, and shield into the header as shown at left.
To connect unbalanced inputs, connect the signal conductor to the + terminal and the shield to the - terminal,
with a jumper to the ground/shield terminal, as shown at below left.
Theanalog RAVEmodels(RAVE 160,161, and188) usenormalanalog balancedaudio inputsandoutputs,with
threeterminalsperchannel:Hi(+),Lo(-)andShield.Channelnumbersandconnectorpinoutsarelabeledonthe
rear of the unit, as shown in the illustration below. The actual channel assignment depends on the model.
RAVE188
This model features 16 analog channels comprising eight inputs and eight outputs. The inputs are labeled 1
through 8 on the rear of the unit and are to the right of the outputs, labeled 1 through 8.
RAVE161
This model features 16 analog audio input channels. They are labeled 1 through 16 on the rear of the unit.
RAVE160
This model features 16 analog audio output channels. They are labeled 1 through 16 on the rear of the unit.
DIGITAL AUDIO CONNECTIONS
ThedigitalRAVEmodels(RAVE80,81,and88)useinputand/oroutputinterfacesthatutilizetheAES3(alsoknown
as AES/EBU) digital audio standard.
All digital audio inputs on a RAVE unit are terminated as dictated by the AES3 specification. Thus, you will
generally need a suitable digital distribution amplifier if any single AES3 source will be driving more than one
AES3input.Also,allAES3inputsautomaticallyandindependentlyperformdigitalsamplerateconversion.This
allows any source device to run asynchronously to the network and to other sourcing devices.
EachAES3 inputoroutput carriesa pairofdigital audiochannelsthroughabalanced 3-pinXLRconnector. Like
analog equipment, outputs use connectors with male pins and inputs use
connectorswithfemalepins,andPin1isusedforthecableshieldandthesignal
ground.Pins2and3areforthedigitalsignal,andunlikeanalogconnectors,the
relative polarity of the two pins is not important. Channel numbers and
connectors are labeled on the rear of the unit, as the illustration shows. The
actual channel assignment depends on the model.
RAVE88
ThismodelfeatureseightAES3channels(16audiochannels):4inputsand4outputs.TheAES3inputsarelabeled
1 through 4 on the rear of the unit and are to the right of the AES3 outputs 1 through 4.

16
RAVE81
ThismodelfeatureseightAES3inputchannels,atotalof16audiochannels.TheAES3inputsarelabeled1through
8 on the rear of the unit.
RAVE80
ThismodelfeatureseightAES3outputchannels,atotalof16audiooutputchannels.TheAES3outputsarelabeled
1 through 8 on the rear of the unit.
AC POWER
A RAVE unit will operate on line voltages from 90 to 264 VAC, 47 to 63Hz. No user selection of line voltage or
frequencyis required;theinternalpowersupplyautomaticallyswitches accordingly.The detachableACpower
cord connects to the chassis at the IEC connector.
•Toreplaceafuse,firstdetachtheACpowercordfrom
the RAVE unit.
•Thenuseaflat-bladescrewdrivertoprythefuseholder
out, as shown at left.
The fuses are held in the round openings in the end of the
fuseholderasshownatright.Replaceoneorbothfuseswiththe
same type: 20 × 5 mm, 2 amp, 250V.
SYNC OUTPUT
AtthisBNCjacktheRAVEunitproducesa5Vp-psamplerateclockwhenevertheunitisconnectedtothenetwork
and is operating properly. This clock signal can be used to synchronize external digital audio equipment, and it
coincides with the clock signal broadcast over the network. No clock signal is produced if the unit is unable to
sendorreceive any audio channels,orif a fault occurswiththe unit. Thelatteroccurrence will be indicatedby
the Fault LED.
TheIEC connectorcontains aline filterto minimizesusceptibility toRF andEMI fromthe ACline, andto reduce
digitalnoisethatmayotherwisegetoutoftheRAVEunitandontotheACsystem.Thefuseholderisanintegral
part of the IEC connector, too. It contains two fuses.
Use only a power source with a protective earth ground.
Utiliser une source d'alimentation électrique avec mise à la terre.
A RAVE unit has no power switch; the AC disconnect device is the detachable power cord.
Les unités RAVE n'ont pas d'interrupteur marche/arrêt; le cordon d'alimentation détachable sert à
débrancher l'unité de la source de courant.
Replace only with the same type fuse.
Remplacer avec un fusible de même type. 2A 250V
20 × 5 mm FUSE
(2 required)

17
SLAVE INPUT
The slave input is another BNC jack. Its use is to allow a RAVE unit to “slave” itself to another RAVE unit, as a
backup in mission-critical applications.
ToslaveoneRAVEunittoanother,connectaBNCjumper
cable from the sync output of the main unit to the slave
input of the redundant unit. Select the same network
channel(s) on the slave unit as are selected on the main
unit. As long as the slave input detects the clock signal
from the main RAVE unit, it will maintain a sort of
“standby” mode, i.e., if it has analog audio outputs, the
output relays will stay open to prevent the production of
audiosignals;ifithasdigitalaudiooutputs,thebitstream
will continue, but the audio information will be as if the
audio channels were muted; if it has analog or digital
audio inputs, the unit will not transmit data on the
network.
However,oncethe clock signal disappears,aswould
happenifthemainunitdetectsaninternalfault,loses
itsnetworkconnection,orjustfails,theslaveunitwill
go into normal operation. If the clock signal re-ap-
pears, the slave unit will go back to its standby role.
RS232 PORT
The RS232 port is an auxiliary function which allows
you to transmit serial data over the RAVE network,
from one RAVE unit to another. This is handy for
remotely controlled accessories and processors that
use RS232 data.
Serialdata formatis fixedat 19,200baud,9bits(or8
bits w/ parity), 1 stop bit.
Incoming serial data is buffered and broadcast over
thenetwork.Allattachedstationsreceivethesebroad-
casts and transmit the data simultaneously out their
respective serial ports.
When the RS232 electrical connection is in use, the
serial port operates in a half duplex mode.
For pinout information, see the Appendix.

18
V. Operation
STATUS INDICATORS
The eight status indicator LEDs display the operating condition of the RAVE unit and its
Ethernetnetwork.TheyarecolorcodedsuchthatgreenLEDs,whenlit,signifysomething
goodornormal,whileredonessignifyaproblem.The“Conductor”LEDisyellowbecause
it doesn’t signify good nor bad; it’s simply informational.
Link
ThisLEDlightsgreenwhentheunitisproperlyconnectedtoanoperatingEthernetnetwork.Innormaloperation,
this LED remains constantly lit, as long as the circuitry detects the network carrier. If this LED is not lit, there
is a fault, probably at the hub or in the connection between the RAVE unit and the hub.
100 Mbps
ThisLEDlightsgreenwhentheunitisconnectedtoa100baseTXEthernet.Ifitdoesnotlight,thenetworkeither
isn’t established or is a 10baseT Ethernet, and the RAVE system will not work.
Rx
This green LED lights for 50 milliseconds or longer whenever the unit receives Ethernet data, whether it is
addressed to the unit or not.
RxError
ThisredLEDlightsforatleast1secondiftheunithastroublereceivingachannelforoneofthefollowingreasons:
◗Ethernet data or framing error.
◗Network timing error; typically caused when transmission is delayed by unregulated traffic on the
network.
◗An internal fault has occurred. The fault indicator will also light in this case.
Tx
This LED lights green for at least 50 milliseconds while the unit is transmitting Ethernet data.
Tx Error
ThisLEDlightsredforatleast1secondifunitishavingtroubletransmittingdataforoneofthefollowingreasons:
◗An internal fault has occurred. The fault indicator will also light in this case.
◗The RAVE unit is not connected to an operating network.
Conductor
This is the aforementioned yellow LED. It lights whenever the unit is the conductor, i.e., it is providing master
timing and coordination services for the network.
Network activity LEDs

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The RAVE units in a common network select a conductor according to three priorities. The priorities are, from
highest to lowest:
1. Models 161 and 81
2. Models 188 and 88
3. Models 160 and 80
When a unit is connected to the network, it first looks to see if there is a conductor with lower priority already
present.Ifso,orif thereisnoconductorpresent, theunittakesoveras conductor.Ifnot,theexisting conductor
keeps its job.
If the conductor of a network is removed or taken offline, the remaining RAVE units choose a new conductor
randomly but according to the above three-level order of priority.
Whenever the conductor duties change hands, a network outage tens of milliseconds in duration occurs. The
conductor indicator helps the operator avoid such outages.
Fault
ThisredLEDremainslitforatleast10secondswhenevertheunitdetectsanynon-fatalbutunexpectedinternal
fault.
When a fatal fault is detected, the fault indicator flashes for 10 seconds in combination with channel signal
indicators to display a fault code. The unit will then attempt to reset itself to recover from the fault.
CHANNEL SIGNAL INDICATORS
Alsoonthefrontpanelare16tri-colorLEDs.Eachonecorrespondswithanaudiochanneltoindicateitsrelative
signal level:
Dimgreen—whenthechannelistransmittingorreceivingaudiodataoverthenetworkandtheaudiopeak
signallevelis below-40dBFS (reference: 0dBFS equals thedigital full-scale signallevel). Evenifthe
audio signal is muted or drastically attenuated, the LED will stay lit.
Bright green—when the channel’s peak level is above -40dBFS (40dB below digital full scale).
Yellow—when the signal peaks exceed -12dBFS
Red—when the signal peaks reach -2dBFS and above.
Anoutputchannel’sindicatorwillnotlightonlyifitisassignedtoanetworkchannelforwhichthereisnoinput.
In normal operation the channel signal indicators should be flashing bright green or yellow, and perhaps once
in a while a quick flash of red. If an LED stays dim green, the signal level is too low and you’re not taking full
advantageofthedigitalheadroom.IfanLEDglowsredoftenandforlongdurations,thesignallevelisprobably
toohighandyou’llexperiencedigital“clipping,”whichtendstobeveryharsh.Aswithanyaudiodevice,youshould
consider the dynamic nature of the program material in judging the correct level indications.