QSC S series User manual

1
RAVE
“S” series Digital Audio Router
USER MANUAL
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▼ RAVE 80s (8 AES3 outputs)
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▼ RAVE 81s (8 AES3 inputs)
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▼ RAVE 88s (4 AES3 inputs + 4 AES3 outputs)
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▼ RAVE 160s-24 (16 analog audio outputs)
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▼ RAVE 161s-24 (16 analog audio inputs)
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▼ RAVE 188s-24 (8 analog audio ins + 8 analog audio outs)
*TD-000070-00*
TD-000070-00 Rev. C

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© Copyright 2002 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.
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 en-
closure 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 mainte-
nance (servicing) instructions in the litera-
ture accompanying the product.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the
cover. No user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to quali-
fied service personnel.
WARNING: To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this
equipment to rain or moisture.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
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
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
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
GEFAHR EINES ELEKTRISCHEN
SCHLAGES. NICHT ÖFFNEN!
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 elec-
trical shock or fire hazards. In order not to defeat the
safeguards, observe the following instructions for its in-
stallation, use and servicing.
PRECAUTIONS
L’énergie électrique peut 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.
FEDERAL
COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
(FCC)
INFORMATION
NOTE: This equipment has
beentestedandfoundtocom-
ply with the limits for a Class
A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to
providereasonableprotection
against harmful interference
in a commercial installation.
This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accor-
dance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio communica-
tions.Operationof this equip-
ment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful inter-
ference, in which case the
user will be required to cor-
rect the interference at his or
her own expense.
Attention!
•Maximum operating ambient temperature is 65° C.
•Never restrict the airflow throught the devices’ fans
or vents.
•When installing equipment into a rack, distribute
the units evenly. Otherwise, hazardous conditions
may be created by an uneven weight distribution.
•Connect the unit only to a properly rated supply
circuit.
•Reliable Earthing (Grounding) of Rack-Mounted
Equipment should be maintained.

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RAVE “S”Series Digital Audio Router User Manual
Warning Notices ................................................................................................................................................. 2
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Illustration of RAVE unit ................................................................................................................................. 5
Glossary .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
How it works .................................................................................................................................................. 8
Channel routing ............................................................................................................................................ 10
Installation ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Pre-Installation preparation: analog signal levels (RAVE 160/161/188s only) ........................................... 11
Rack mounting .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Connections ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
Ethernet connection ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Analog audio connections (RAVE 160/161/188 only) .................................................................................. 14
Digital audio connections (RAVE 80/81/88 only) ......................................................................................... 15
AC power ...................................................................................................................................................... 16
Master/Sync output ..................................................................................................................................... 16
Slave/Sync input ......................................................................................................................................... 16
RS-232 port .................................................................................................................................................. 17
Synchronizing to an AES3 (AES/EBU) stream................................................................................................18
Operation ............................................................................................................................................................ 20
Network activity/status indicators .............................................................................................................. 20
Channel audio signal indicators ................................................................................................................... 22
Program and software “kill” mode .............................................................................................................. 24
Routing ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
Network Design Considerations ................................................................................................................... 26
Specifications ................................................................................................................................................... 29
Appendix ............................................................................................................................................................ 32
Ethernet Cabling ........................................................................................................................................... 32
RS-232 Port Information ............................................................................................................................... 32
Resources ..................................................................................................................................................... 33
How to contact QSC Audio Products and Warranty Information............................................................ 34
Note: Page numbering starts with cover as page 1. This is done to keep electronically-distributed document
page numbering synchronized with the printed document.
Table of Contents

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RAVE™ Digital Audio Router products provide a means of
transporting CobraNet™ audio signals over a Fast Ethernet
network. Using standard network hardware and physical me-
dia, a RAVE system has a maximum capacity of 64 audio chan-
nels on a 100BASE-TX repeater segment and the ability to
support hundreds of audio channels on a switched Ethernet
LAN. RAVE transports the audio signals over the network in a
standard uncompressed 48 kHz digital format in resolutions
of 16, 20 or 24-bit. Additionally, RAVE products support op-
eration in stand-alone mode, requiring minimal front-panel
setup, or in software mode, utilizing off-the-shelf applications
implementing the Simple Network Management Protocol, or
SNMP.
A RAVE system handles routing in bundles of up to 8 indi-
vidual audio channels. Each RAVE supports up to two bundles
of audio. The availability of audio through network transmis-
sion or reception is dependent on the RAVE model. The 88s
INTRODUCTION: Overview
and 188s-24 can both receive and transmit data over the net-
work and can support higher capacity configurations when
setup through the Management Interface using SNMP.
Each RAVE unit has a female RJ-45 Ethernet connector on its
rear panel for connecting to a standard Category 5 Unshielded
Twisted Pair (UTP) cable. For economy and flexibility, RAVE
utilizes standard off-the-shelf Fast Ethernet devices such as
repeaters, switches and fiber optic media converters. You need
at least two RAVE devices—one to send and one to receive,
or two that operate bi-directionally—to route audio over an
Ethernet network. There are currently six RAVE models, with
three basic send/receive configurations (16 channels send,
16 channels receive, or 8 channels send/8 channels receive).
Each of these configurations is available with either analog
or digital AES3 (often called AES/EBU) audio inputs and out-
puts. The six models are listed in the table below:
NOTE! Many instances of RAVE model numbers, as presented in this manual,
have had the suffix (“s”or “s-24”) removed for clarity and ease of reading.

5
Power LED
Bundle assignment
selector switches
(behind cover)
Network status LEDs Audio signal level LEDs
Front view of a RAVE 161s-24; other models are similar
Rear view, from top:
RAVE 160s-24, RAVE 188s-24, RAVE 161s-24, RAVE 80s, RAVE 88s and RAVE 81s
INTRODUCTION: Illustration of RAVE units
IEC connector (AC power)
and fuse holder
Ethernet connection
RS-232 port
Sync connections
Audio I/O section

6
AES 3—A digital audio format specification approved by
the Audio Engineering Society and European Broad-
cast Union for inter-device conveyance of a dual-
channel (stereo) digital audio signal. Also called
AES/EBU. This specification is periodically revised
and amendments are published by the AES.
Bundle—The basic network transmission unit under Cobra-
Net. Up to 8 audio channels may be carried in a
bundle. Each bundle is assigned a unique number
and its value denotes the distribution type, either
multicast or unicast, between RAVE devices. A
bundle can be thought of as a virtual cable between
two or more RAVE devices, which transports mul-
tiple audio channels. Bundle numbers can be as-
signed to the RAVE via its front-panel interface or
through an SNMP supporting browser or related ap-
plication.
Channel —A single digital audio signal. Audio channels on
CobraNet have a 48 kHz sampling rate and may
be of 16, 20 or 24-bit resolution. Up to 8 audio
channels may be carried in a bundle.
Conductor —The CobraNet device on the network which sup-
plies the master clock and permissions list. A con-
ductor arbitration procedure insures that there is
one and only one conductor per network at any time.
Crossover cabl e—An Ethernet patch cable with the transmit
and receive wire pairs swapped at one end. Cross-
over cables permit a direct connection of two nodes
without a repeater or switch in between. A cross-
over cable can also be used for cascading repeat-
ers or switches that don’t have an available uplink
port.
INTRODUCTION: Glossary
Latency —The time interval from when an event occurs and
when it is perceived. In digital audio routing, this is
typically the time required to convert an analog in-
put to a digital signal, transmit that signal over the
network, receive it and convert it back to analog for
the end listening device. Latency is dependant upon
every device in the signal chain that adds any time
delay to the delivery of the audio.
Management Interface —The management interface (MI) can
be thought of as the software and front panel con-
trols that determine how the RAVE will operate. The
MI is the means for control and monitoring of
CobraNet parameters within the RAVE unit. Two
main management methods are supported by
CobraNet; the host management interface (HMI)
and SNMP. RAVE supports SNMP and its front panel
switches for control. A RAVE unit can use its front-
panel thumbwheel switches to access most con-
figuration parameters for stand-alone mode. The
front-panel interface will satisfy most configuration
requirements. All of RAVE’s configuration param-
eters are accessible using SNMP.
MI Variable Set —The MI variable set is the group of param-
eters that can be controlled by the MI.
Multicast Bundle —A multicast bundle supports a one-to-
many routing of audio on the network. Ethernet
multicast addressing is used to deliver a multicast
bundle. Because a multicast bundle consumes band-
width network-wide (within the same broadcast do-
main), use of this delivery service must be rationed
on a switched network. By design, all bundles on a
repeater network are of the multicast type.

7
Repeater —Network repeaters are commonly referred to as
Ethernet multi-port hubs. A data signal arriving in
any port is reproduced out all other ports on the
hub. A repeater hub does not buffer or interpret the
data passing through it. An Ethernet network is
typically wired in a star configuration and the
repeater hub is at the center. Repeaters are half-
duplex by design and all RAVEs attached to a
repeater share the same broadcast domain. 64
audio channels is the maximum capacity on a LAN
configured with network repeaters. Repeater
networks with RAVE require the use of Class II
devices that are 100 Mbps only.
Note: CobraNet networks must consist of only network re-
peaters or only network switches. A mix of these de-
vices is not supported on the same LAN. This does
not apply to non-CobraNet™traffic.
Simple Network Management Protocol —SNMP is the network
industry’s standard for control and monitoring of net-
work devices. SNMP is a cross-platform, cross-net-
work protocol and may be used as the interface for
managed network switches and multi-protocol rout-
ers. CobraNet supports SNMP as one method for ac-
cessing its Management Interface.
Stand Alone Mode —Stand alone mode is operating a RAVE
using the RAVE’s front and rear panel controls. All
available management interface variables are ac-
cessed using the front panel hexadecimal switches
when operating in stand alone mode. Also called hard-
ware mode. Redundancy and external Synch can be
setup via SNMP independent of the front panel switch
positions.
Software Mode —Software mode is operating a RAVE using
the SNMP software only. All available management
interface variables are accessed through the network
connection using a PC and the proper software.
Introduction: Glossary (continued)
Switch —A network switch examines incoming data and sends
it to the port or ports to which the data is addressed.
Networks that use switches realize higher overall
bandwidth capacity because data may be received
through multiple ports simultaneously without con-
flict. Switches are full-duplex devices. A network
that uses switches to connect network segments is
called a switched network. Because each switch
port has its own collision management and full use
of bandwidth, audio capacity may realistically reach
several hundred channels depending on the network
architecture. Additionally, switched networks may
support non-CobraNet packet types, allowing con-
trol and monitoring of the system devices
(QSControl, SNMP). Network switches range from
basic stand-alone models to more complex man-
agement and routing devices.
Note: CobraNet networks must consist of only network
repeaters or only network switches. A mix of these
devices is not supported on the same LAN. This does
not apply to non-CobraNet traffic.
Unicast Bundle —Unicast bundles provide a single point-to-
point connection between two devices. Unicast
transmission is the preferred choice when operat-
ing on network switches. Data which is unicast is
addressed to a specific RAVE or other CobraNet
device. A network switch may examine the unicast
address field of the data and determine on which
port the addressed RAVE resides and direct the data
out only that port. Unicast bundles conserve band-
width network wide and reduce congestion at the
node.
Uplink por t—A special port on a network repeater or switch
used for cascading or linking to another repeater or
switch.

8
Ethernet networks are used most often for data communica-
tions, such as with file or print sharing on an office LAN (Lo-
cal Area Network). A typical application might include a num-
ber of PCs or workstations, servers and shared printers all
connected to common Ethernet hardware. Messages (Ether-
net frames) are communicated between devices on the LAN
in a random and non-deterministic manor. Network response
to print messages or file access is usually noncritical so long
as the intended outcome occurs in a reasonable amount of
time. For example, when multiple users are attempting to
share a common printer at the same time, some users will
likely experience delays in output. Collisions or failed attempts
to access the network may also be acceptable so long as the
intended messages are retransmitted. Most often, a limited
amount of collisions are expected and are usually transpar-
ent to the user.
Audio networks are different because late arrival or failed
attempts to transmit audio messages are immediately per-
ceived by the listener. Therefore, audio network transmission
must be error free with low latency and delivery must be pre-
cisely defined. To do this, RAVE incorporates the CobraNet
protocol. CobraNet is the industry’s most reliable audio deliv-
ery mechanism. CobraNet provides low latency, determinis-
tic delivery of audio over Ethernet on either network repeat-
ers or switches. Collisions are prevented on shared media
links, such as repeater hubs, by CobraNet’s proprietary “order
persistent”media access scheme. On dedicated media links,
such as with network switches, collisions are prevented due
to separate transmit and receive paths in a full-duplex con-
Introduction: How It Works
nection and/or an abundance of bandwidth dedicated to a
single device on each switch port. On network switches, RAVE
establishes a half-duplex link to a dedicated port. The 100
Mbps of bandwidth available at a switched port is more than
enough to support all of the typical communications require-
ments of RAVE while providing for an ample amount of con-
trol and monitoring through the MI via SNMP messages.
A network of CobraNet devices can be thought of as a syn-
chronized orchestra. The unit acting in the “conductor”role
provides the system clock and grants network permissions to
the “performer”units. Each RAVE has a local internal clock so
that any RAVE may arbitrate for the role of network “conduc-
tor”. RAVE devices may also be synchronized to an external
clock source, which is attached to a rear-panel BNC connec-
tor. External synchronization requires configuration setup
through the front-panel interface or via SNMP. The permis-
sions list is a message sent with the system clock that allow
individual units access to the network and reserve bundle as-
signments.
RAVE routes audio in bundles that are populated with a de-
fault value of 8 channels per bundle. The actual number of
channels per bundle may be altered, from 0 to 8, from the
management interface using SNMP. Reducing channel count
reduces system bandwidth requirements. On the models sup-
porting CobraNet transmission (81/88/161/188) audio is
brought into the RAVE using the rear panel connectors.

9
In default mode, the signals from the first 8 audio channel in-
puts will be grouped together in a bundle whose “network iden-
tifier”number is specified from the front-panel hexadecimal
switches or through the management interface. The bundle will
then be sent over the network to the destination devices that
are configured, or set to receive the bundle. RAVE models sup-
porting CobraNet reception (80/88/160/188) can then receive
the bundle by setting their respective front-panel hexadecimal
switches (or MI variables) to the appropriate bundle number.
RAVE 81s: 8 AES ins
RAVE 80s: 8 AES Outs
RAVE 88s: 4 AES ins + 4 AES
outs
RAVE 160s-24: 16 analog
outs
RAVE 188s-24: 8 analog ins
+ 8 analog outs
RAVE 161s-24: 16 analog
ins
Introduction: How It Works (continued)
The received bundle is then separated into individual audio chan-
nels and forwarded to the first 8 audio outputs at the rear-panel
in either analog or digital format, depending upon which model
Rave is used.
Signal flow for the six RAVE models are depicted below. The
wide black arrows indicate the bundle direction to or from the
network interface, while the thin arrows indicate individual audio
channels to or from RAVE’s rear-panel connectors.

10
Channel Routing
A RAVE network handles routing in bundles of up to eight audio
channels. Each bundle of audio transmitted on the network oc-
cupies a unique identifier, or number. In stand-alone mode, each
RAVE device handles two bundles—two sent, two received, or
one of each. For example, a RAVE 161, with 16 analog audio
inputs, supports two bundles for transmission over the network.
Therefore, the 161 requires two separate bundle number as-
signments to enable both groups of audio to be sent onto the
network. In default mode, one bundle comprises audio chan-
nels 1 through 8—the second bundle, channels 9 through 16.
You can always alter the number and order of audio channels
within each bundle via SNMP.
Similarly, a RAVE 80, with eight AES3 digital outputs, supports
network reception of two bundles (each AES3 output carries
two audio channels). With receivers, each bundle number need
not be unique. A receiver may “tune-in”to two specific bundles
from two separate transmitters or both receiving bundle as-
Introduction: Channel Routing
Bundle Setup:
The two left-most switches set the assignment of the RAVE’s first bundle. The default mapping for the first bundle is:
RAVE 81/ 88/161 and 188- bundle 1 transmitted onto network from audio inputs 1 through 8
RAVE 80 and 160- bundle 1 received from network routes to audio outputs 1 through 8
The two right-most switches set the assignment of the device’s second bundle. The default mapping for the second bundle is:
RAVE 81 and 161- bundle 2 transmitted onto network from audio inputs 9 through 16
RAVE 88 and 188- bundle 2 received from network routes to audio outputs 1 through 8
RAVE 80 and 160- bundle 2 received from network routes to audio outputs 9 through 16
signments may be the same. Whether the bundle assignments
on a receiver (or multiple receivers) can be duplicated is depen-
dent on whether the particular transmitters are setup for unicast
or multicast transmission. On network repeaters, all bundles
are multicast. On network switches, the value of the bundle
assignment determines the addressing of the transmission.
A RAVE device that both sends and receives, such as the RAVE
188 (eight analog inputs and 8 analog outputs) or RAVE 88 (4
AES3 inputs and 4 AES3 outputs), transmits one bundle and
can receive another. Note: in software mode, the RAVE 88 and
188 can support two bundles in each direction.
Behind a removable cover on the front panel of each RAVE unit
are four hexadecimal rotary switches. In stand-alone (hardware)
mode, these switches are used for selecting the assignments
for each of RAVE’s two bundles. In software mode, these
switches are used to provide a network name for the RAVE.
NOTE! Detailed instructions on setting network bundle assignments follow later in the Operation chapter.
Removable Cover- RAVE 160s-24 shown
Rotary Switches

11
PRE-INSTALLATION PREPARATION: ANALOG AUDIO SIGNAL LEVELS (RAVE 160/161/188 ONLY)
CAUTION: Detach 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.
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: #2 Phillips screwdriver.
Then lift the rear edge of the top cover about ¼inch, 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.
Reverse this procedure to reinstall the cover.
Be sure to take proper protective
measures, such as working on an
antistatic surface and wearing a grounding
wrist strap, before touching any circuitry
inside.
Installation: Pre-Installation Level Setting (RAVE 160/161/188 only)
The RAVE models supporting analog audio inputs and/or outputs may require signal level setup to
achieve optimum performance. Level setup must be configured before rack-mounting the units. The
digital AES3 (digital audio) models do not require any adjustment. Level adjustments are made by
configuring internal jumpers on the main circuit board. For access to these jumpers, you must first
remove the top cover of the RAVE unit as follows.
NOTE: If synchronizing to an AES3 (AES/EBU) source, see page 18 for AES3 jumper settings.

12
•First, locate the input sensitivity-selection jumper headers, which are in a row
of small groups of pins (6 in each group) on the topside of the circuit board,
somewhat midway between the 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 input channel.
•Determine what the correct setting should be for each channel, and set the
jumpers as shown 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.
Output Levels (RAVE 160s-24 and 188s-24 only)
The output level setting determines the absolute RMS level of an analog signal produced by a digital full scale
signal representing a sinusoidal waveform. The four selections available are +24dBu, +18dBu, +12dBu, and
+6dBu (reference: 0 dBu = 0.775 volt)—12.3 volts, 6.1 volts, 3.1 volts, and 1.5 volts rms, respectively. These
voltages respectively correspond to 17.4, 8.7, 4.4, and 2.2 volts peak.
Input Level Sensitivity (RAVE 161s-24 and 188s-24 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. The available settings are +24dBu, +18dBu, and +12 dBu (reference: 0 dBu = 0.775
volt), which are 12.3, 6.1, and 3.1 volts rms, respectively. These correspond to 17.4, 8.7, and 4.4 volts peak. Check
the specifications of the audio equipment driving the inputs to determine the correct setting. Each channel’s
sensitivity is independent of the others and must be set individually.
•As with setting the input level, the output level for each channel is
set by arranging jumpers on the pins of a header. These headers
are located near the rear edge of the circuit board, and there is one
header for each analog output: eight in the RAVE 188, and 16 in the
RAVE 160.
•Place jumpers as required for the desired output level as shown in
this illustration. A legend printed on the circuit board also shows
the jumper settings. Save any unused jumpers for future use.
Installation: Pre-Installation Level Setting (RAVE 160/161/188 only)

13
RACK MOUNTING (ALL MODELS)
A RAVE unit is 1 RU (1 rack space) high and mounts in any standard 19-inch wide equipment rack. The top
cover of the chassis must be in place and properly secured with screws before you can mount the RAVE unit.
•Rack mounting is optional.
•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 used for mobile, portable,
touring or other high vibration application, support each RAVE at the rear ears as well. If you have
several units stacked in the rack, 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. Do not pinch or otherwise crush CAT-5 Ethernet cable.
Be careful when installing the unit in an equipment rack; its cooling vents must not be obstructed.
ETHERNET CONNECTION (ALL MODELS)
A female modular RJ-45 jack on the rear panel is for connecting the RAVE unit to a 100BASE-TX Ethernet device.
•To connect the network cable to the RAVE unit, insert the RJ-45 male
connector—with its locking tab facing down (the only way the con-
nector will fit 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 con-
nector and squeeze up on the locking tab, then pull it out of the RJ-45
jack.
A 100BASE-TX network connection requires CAT-5 UTP (unshielded twisted pair) grade cable. Suitable Ethernet
cable is readily available at most computer suppliers. To make your own, see the Appendix for connector pinouts
and for cable manufacturers.
Connections: 100BASE-TX Ethernet
Installation: Rack Mounting

14
ANALOG AUDIO CONNECTIONS
The analog RAVE models (RAVE 160 /161 and 188) use normal analog balanced audio inputs and
outputs, with three terminals per channel: Hi (+), Lo (-) and Shield..
Analog audio inputs and outputs connect using detachable terminal strip headers on the rear
panel of the RAVE unit. These detachable headers allow for pre-wiring of racks and quick connect-
ing and disconnecting for installation, removal, reconfiguration, or replacement. The detachable
headers connect to and disconnect from the pins simply by pushing on and pulling off. The illustra-
tion at right shows how the detachable headers work.
To connect a wire to a terminal:
•Strip back the insulation on the wire about ¼inch (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.
To connect balanced inputs: insert the +, -, and shield into the header as shown at the right.
To connect unbalanced inputs: insert the signal conductor into the + terminal and the shield to
the - terminal, with a jumper to the ground/shield terminal, as shown at the lower right.
Connections: Analog Audio Inputs/Outputs (RAVE 160/161/188)
Channel numbers and connector pinouts are labeled on the rear of the unit, as shown in the illustration above.
The actual channel assignment depends on the model.
Analog audio connections- RAVE 161s-24 shown
RAVE 188 : 16 analog channels; 8 inputs, labeled 1 through 8 and 8 outputs, labeled 1 through 8
RAVE 161 : 16 analog audio input channels labeled 1 through 16
RAVE 160 : 16 analog audio output channels labeled 1 through 16 on the rear of the unit.

15
Channel numbers and connector pinouts are labeled on the rear of the unit, as shown in the illustration above.
The actual channel assignment depends on the model.
DIGITAL AUDIO CONNECTIONS
The digital RAVE models (RAVE 80/81/88) use the AES3 (also known as AES/EBU) digital audio
standard. Each AES3 XLR jack carries 2 channels of digital audio, each carrying between 16- and 24
bits per sample.
All digital audio I/O on a RAVE unit are terminated in accordance with the AES3 specification.
AES3-1992 warns against the use of more than 1 receiver across the cable. If you need to supply
the same AES3 signal to more than one receiving device, you will need a suitable digital distribu-
tion amplifier. AES3 inputs automatically and independently perform digital sample rate conver-
sion. This allows any source device to run asynchronously to the network and to other sourcing
devices.
Each AES3 input or output carries a pair of digital audio channels through a balanced 3-pin XLR
connector. Like analog equipment, outputs use connectors with male pins and inputs use connectors
with female pins. Unlike analog equipment, AES3 cables must use 110 ohm digital audio cable. The
connector’s Pin 1 is used for the cable shield and the signal ground. Pins 2 and 3 are for the digital
audio signals.
RAVE 88 : 8 digital AES3 channels (16 audio channels): 4 inputs and 4 outputs labeled 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8
RAVE 81 : 8 digital AES3 input channels (16 audio channels) labeled 1-2 through 15-16 on the rear of the unit.
RAVE 80 : 8 digital AES3 output channels (16 audio channels) labeled 1-2 through 15-16 on the rear of the unit.
Connections: Digital Audio Inputs/Outputs (RAVE 80/81/88)
Use 110 ohm AES/EBU digital audio
cables for digital audio connections
Digital audio connections- RAVE 88s shown
To construct an AES3 digital audio cable: use 110 ohm digital audio
cable; terminate using XLR connectors per the pinout provided to the right.

16
2A 250V
20 x 5 mm FUSE
(2 required)
•The detachable AC power cord connects to the RAVE at the rear-panel IEC connector.
•There is no power switch; the AC disconnect device is the detachable power cord.
•A RAVE operates on line voltages from 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz. No user setting is required.
Replace only with the same type fuse.
Use only a power source with a protective earth
ground.
MASTER/SYNC OUTPUT
A 5 Vp-p sample rate clock is output this 50 ohm BNC female jack whenever the unit is
connected to the network and is operating properly. This clock output can be used to
synchronize external digital audio or video equipment, and is synchronous with the
clock signal broadcast over the network. No clock signal is produced if the unit loses
power, its Ethernet connection, or if a severe fault occurs with the unit. In the event of
severe fault within the RAVE unit, the front panel Fault LED will illuminate.
How to use for Redundant Operation: Connect the SYNC OUTPUT to the slave
unit’s SLAVE INPUT. The loss of this signal to the slave initiates a fail-over event and
the slaved unit becomes active. Redundant operation provides a second RAVE for au-
dio backup in mission-critical applications.
SLAVE/SYNC INPUT
This 50 ohm BNC female jack can be used to synchronize the network to an external clock source. The unit must be acting as the system
“conductor”and the external clock must be a valid increment of the isochronous cycle clock. This cycle is currently fixed at 750 Hz. The
valid external clock range is from 15 kHz to 49.5 kHz. To implement external synchronization, the first group of front panel hexadecimal
switches must be set between “80”and “FE”. This provides well over 100 bundle assignments possible for use with the external synchro-
nization feature. As with all managed features, external synchronization can be configured through the management interface using a
software application implementing SNMP.
How to use for Redundant Operation: SLAVE INPUT is connected to master (main) unit’s SYNC OUTPUT. During redundant operation,
the slave input provides the backup unit with a sample clock from the primary or master RAVE. As long as this signal is present, the slave
unit will exist on the network in standby mode. In standby, all network audio communication is suspended and output relays are forced
open. If the master clock is lost, the slave senses the missing clock on its slave input and commences network audio communication. The
slave unit becomes enabled when the sample clock is missing from its SLAVE INPUT.
Sync connections on the rear panel of a RAVE unit
Connections: AC Power and Fuses, Master/Sync Output and Slave/Sync Input
AC POWER:
FUSES: •The fuse holder is an integral part of the IEC connector and contains two fuses.
•To replace a fuse, first detach the AC power cord from the RAVE unit.
•Then use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the fuse holder out, as shown below, left.
The fuses are held in the round openings in the end of the
fuse holder as shown at right. Replace one or both fuses
with the same type: 20 ×5 mm, 2 amp, 250V.

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REDUNDANT CONFIGURATION
(hardware setup)
To slave one RAVE unit to another, connect a male-to-male
BNC jumper cable from the sync output of the master unit to
the slave input of the redundant unit. Select the same bundle
assignment(s) on the slave unit as are selected on the mas-
ter unit.
Bundle assignments and additional parameters available for
redundant operation may be configured through MI variables
via SNMP. Redundancy for network links, hardware and
routing is also possible. Refer to the Peak Audio and QSC
Audio websites regarding additional methods for redundant
and fail-safe operation on switched Ethernet LANs.
RS-232 PORT
The RS-232 port is an auxiliary interface which serves two
primary functions. It provides a serial method for upgrading
the CobraNet program code and it provides a means to bridge
serial data onto Ethernet. The serial bridge allows the user
to transmit serial data over the network, from one RAVE unit
to another. This is a handy feature for remotely controlling
and/or programming accessories and processors that require
an RS-232 serial interface. The serial data format is opti-
mized for RAVE at 19,200 baud, 9 bits (or 8 bits w/ parity), 1
stop bit. Note that no parity or data validity detection is done
within RAVE. The unit simply bridges the serial data onto
the network.
Incoming serial data is buffered and broadcast over the net-
work. All attached stations receive these broadcasts and
transmit the data simultaneously out their respective serial
ports. When the RS-232 electrical connection is in use, the
serial port operates in a half duplex mode. Port parameters
(including unicast transmission) may be configured via the
management interface, using SNMP.
For the DB-9 pinout information, see the Appendix.
Rear panel coax cable and Ethernet connections
Configuration example for redundant audio transmission
Note that audio connections must be present at both devices. This may be accomplished through
the use of “Y”connections or by channel duplication from a console or other source device.
Configuration example for redundant audio reception
Note that destination devices will need to be connected to audio sources from both RAVEs.
Although RAVE provides a means to do this directly, a splitter box, duplicate console inputs or
redundant amplifiers may also be used.
Connections: Sync Connection for Redundant Operation, RS-232 Port

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The RAVE “s”series AES/EBU input models provide some additional means for synchronizing the CobraNet
network and deriving on-board clocks. In addition to the on-board PLL and external synch inputs available on all
models, the AES/EBU input models allow the user to synchronize the network to a 48 kHz AES/EBU input
stream. The 48 kHz stream can be used in a similar manner to the external synchronization feature where a
clock is applied to the rear panel “synch input”BNC connector. However, instead of applying an external clock to
the rear panel, the RAVE recovers the clock from the AES input stream off the first XLR connector. The 48 kHz
recovered clock can then be multiplied to acquire the 12.288 MHz master clock, which is needed for all local
audio clocks.
Two methods of synchronization from an AES input stream are supported via jumper selections at J37 and J39.
The 3-pin headers for jumpers J37 and J39 are available on the RAVE 81s and 88s models only, as the AES
receiver at channel input number 1 is required.
Method 1: Synchronize to the AES input “master clock”. When the jumper on header J39 is set to “AES clock”,
the CobraNet interface will disable the RAVE’s on-board PLL and instead use the 12.288 MHz clock recovered
from the AES receiver at input number 1. Note that AES receivers are only available on the RAVE 81s and 88s
products. Header J39 is located near the front of the RAVE PCB about midway between the status and metering
LEDs. The jumper position for implementing synchronization to the AES “master clock”is shown below.
As with all synchronization methods implemented via hardware configuration, the AES/EBU RAVE must be
acting as the network conductor. To guarantee that the RAVE configured for synchronization to the AES “master
clock”is always the conductor, it is recommended that the unit’s conductor priority level be elevated via
software with the “condPriority”variable (refer to the CobraNet datasheet variable descriptions). Additionally,
the AES input stream at channel 1 must be configured for a 48 kHz sample rate.
The advantage to using the AES “master clock”synch method is that all local audio clocks are derived directly
from the AES master clock stream. As with all system synch methods, all performers slave to the network
conductor. Additionally, since the network clock is distributed throughout the system, all AES receivers and
transmitters will be synchronous to the AES master clock sourced by the AES receiver at input 1 of the conduc-
tor unit.
The disadvantage to using the AES “master clock”synch method is that the on-board PLL is permanently
disabled when the jumper at header J39 is in the “AES clock”position. If the RAVE device loses the conductor
role it will no longer have clock pullability and will likely lose synch to the network.
Connections: Synchronizing the CobraNet Network to an AES/EBU Stream
SYNCHRONIZING TO AES/EBU

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Connections: Synchronizing the CobraNet Network to an AES/EBU Stream
Method 2: Use the recovered AES 48 kHz clock as an “external clock”source. When the jumper at header J37
is set to “AES”, the CobraNet interface uses the recovered 48 kHz clock at the first XLR connector (inputs 1 and
2) as the external synchronization clock. This method is similar to the “external synch”or “buddy link”mode of
clock distribution in which an external clock is applied to the “synch input”BNC connectors on the rear panel of
the RAVE. This method requires that the RAVE device be acting as the network conductor and be configured for
external synchronization mode. External synchronization mode can be invoked by setting the left pair of
hexadecimal switches on the RAVE’s front panel to “80”or above. External synchronization can also be
configured through software via SNMP.
Header J37 is located toward the far left side of the RAVE PCB just above the power supply capacitors and to
the left of U137. The jumper configuration for implementing the “external clock”mode of AES synchronization is
shown below.
The advantage to implementing the “external clock”method of AES synchronization is that the on-board PLL is
still available should the RAVE lose the conductor role. This allows the RAVE device to function properly in the
performer role. When acting as the conductor, local audio clocks are derived from the master clock sourced by
the on-board PLL. The PLL is synchronized to an external clock, which happens to be the recovered 48 kHz clock
from the AES receiver at the channel 1 input.
The disadvantage to using the “external clock”method is that the unit must be configured for external synchro-
nization mode. Audio clocks are derived indirectly from the recovered 48 kHz AES stream.
It should be noted that external synchronization of the CobraNet network requires the on-board PLL. A RAVE
AES/EBU device acting as the system conductor, which is synchronizing to an external clock applied to the rear
panel “synch input”, must not have its jumper at header J39 configured for “AES clock”. This is a synchroniza-
tion violation since the device cannot track the external clock source.
SYNCHRONIZING TO AES/EBU

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The eight status indicator LEDs display the operating condition
of the RAVE unit and its connection to the Ethernet network.
They are color coded such that green LEDs, when illuminated,
signify a good or normal condition, while red LEDs signify a
problem. The “Conductor”LED is yellow and simply indicates
whether the unit is providing system synchronization and ac-
cessibility functions.
Link
This LED illuminates green when the unit has established a link to an operating Ethernet network. In normal operation,
this LED remains constantly lit, as long as the circuitry detects the network carrier. If this LED is not illuminated, there is
a fault, possibly at the network device or in the cable connection. Note that this indicator does not confirm that the link
is 100 Mbps or that the network device is supported by RAVE.
100 Mbps
This LED illuminates green when the unit establishes a link to a 100BASE-TX Ethernet device. If this indicator does not
illuminate, the RAVE has not established link with a supported Ethernet device. Check the network device hardware and or
configuration. Note that network routers, 10 Mbps and 1000 Mbps links are not supported for directly interfacing to RAVE.
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. This indicator will blink when receive activity is present. The activity of this indicator is dependent on the RAVE
model and bundle type. This is a physical layer indicator and does not guarantee that data is being received properly at the
CobraNet core.
Rx Error
This red LED illuminates for at least 1 second if the unit has trouble receiving CobraNet related data. If illuminated, the
failure may be due to problems with Ethernet reception, overcommitted transmission, excessive network delay or an
internal fault. This indicator will also illuminate with the TxError LED if the device cannot synchronize to the network clock.
Network activity LEDs
Operation: Network Activity (Status) Indicators
STATUS INDICATORS