Rane RPM 44 User manual

Manual-1
RPM 44
PROGRAMMABLE MULTIPROCESSOR
HARDWARE MANUAL
WEAR PARTS: is product contains no wear parts.
INPUT 1 2 3 4
OUTPUT 1 2 3 4
PRESET
RPM 44
A B
A B
Peak dBFS
-4
-12
-48
-4
-12
-48
-4
-12
-48
-4
-12
-48
AES3
AES3
LOCK
PROGRAMMABLE
MULTIPROCESSOR
VIP/VOP RW 485 ETHERNET STATUS POWER
QUICK START
is section is intended to help you make the physical con-
nections and software manipulations necessary to get up and
running with your sleek new RPM 44. If you don’t read the en-
tire Hardware Manual, at least read this section. It is also recom-
mended that you read the Quick Start section of the Drag Net
Software Manual. If the Drag Net software is not yet installed
on your computer, please install it now.
To be safe, leave the audio connections until last. Begin by
connecting the IEC power cord. Observe that the POWER LED
on the front panel illuminates. After a few seconds, the STATUS
LED should turn from red to yellow to green, and the PRESET
display should have a number in it (00, if it’s the first time you’ve
powered the device). If the POWER comes on, but the STATUS
LED does not turn green, contact the factory.
Connect one end of the Ethernet crossover cable (supplied
with the unit) to the 10Base-T jack on the rear panel. Connect
the other end of the cable to an Ethernet port on your computer.
e LINK LED on the rear panel should be lit. If it is not,
verify that you are indeed using a crossover cable, not a standard
Ethernet cable. A standard Ethernet cable should only be used
if you are connecting the RPM 44 and a computer indirectly
using an Ethernet switch. Launch the Drag Net application and
follow the steps to create a new project and new RPM 44 device
configuration. e Project window then appears. e Proj-
ect window then appears. Click the Configure Hardware IP
shortcut to set the unit’s IP address to be compatible with your
computer’s Network settings. Tip: If you aren't sure what IP to
use, try the address 192.168.69.69 and subnet 255.255.255.0. is
finds the default factory address without manually setting it.
Now click on the Poll button in the toolbar. A device name
and IP address should appear under the Live folder in the
Project window. If a device does not appear, consult Drag Net’s
online Help for instructions on configuring and verifying your
computer’s Network settings.
e audio path within the RPM 44 is displayed in Drag
Net’s Device Configuration window as a collection of blocks
wired together to form a Processing Map. ese maps are cre-
ated offline as Storage configurations, which are then trans-
ferred to a Live unit. Drag blocks from the Palette onto the
Processing Map and wire them together to create the audio
path. Save this file frequently using the File > Save command.
Transfer the selected Storage configuration to a Live unit using
the Transfer Config button in the Project window. A new,
minty green Device Configuration window opens once the
transfer is complete, indicating you are now online with a Live
device. Double-click a processing block to display and adjust its
Properties (parameters) in real time on a Live device – there is
no need to go offline to make parameter changes.
Once you have a useful configuration in the unit, connect
balanced audio INPUTS and OUTPUTS to the Euroblocks on
the rear panel, then turn on the amplifier. As a precautionary
measure, all outputs are muted during and after a configuration
transfer. Unmute each output individually, or use the handy
Mute Outputs button in the toolbar. Once all outputs are
unmuted, audio passes through the unit along the connections
you defined.

Manual-2
Front Panel Description
INPUT 1 2 3 4
OUTPUT 1 2 3 4
PRESET
RPM 44
A B
A B
Peak dBFS
-4
-12
-48
-4
-12
-48
-4
-12
-48
-4
-12
-48
AES3
AES3
LOCK
PROGRAMMABLE
MULTIPROCESSOR
VIP/VOP RW 485 ETHERNET STATUS POWER
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 Signal/Overload LED meters indicate the presence of significant audio signal or overload. ese 3-segment meters indicate the
available headroom once the analog signal has been converted to digital: -4 dBFS (red, near clipping), -12 dBFS (yellow, high
normal level), and -48 dBFS (green, low level). e analog signal level depends on the input and output settings and is displayed in
Drag Net’s Meter window.
2 AES3 LOCK LED lights solidly when a valid AES3 digital signal is detected on the AES3 input jack. ere does not need to be
an audio signal present at the input, only the “carrier” signal.
3 PRESET LED displays the number of the most recently recalled Preset, numbered 0 through 24.
4 VIP/VOP LED flashes when a change is detected on the Versatile Input Port (VIP) or Versatile Output Port (VOP). ese ports
are used for direct electrical connections to potentiometers, switches or other logic ports. e Versatile Input Port accepts up to
eight contact closures or voltages; the Versatile Output Port drives eight loads (logic on/off).
5 RW 485 LED flashes when a change in setting is detected on the RW 485 Remote Interface Port. RW 485 is a serial communica-
tions protocol primarily used for Rane’s Smart Remotes.
6 ETHERNET LED flashes when an Ethernet data packet for this device is received.
7 STATUS LED reflects the overall status of the unit:
Red - initializing (briefly) or possible internal error.
Yellow - working, but not currently processing audio.
Green - processing audio.
8 POWER LED lights solidly when the unit is powered on.

Manual-3
Rear Panel Description
POWER
AES3 OUT AES3 IN
OUTPUTS INPUTS
RPM 44
–
REMOTE INTERFACE PORT
N108
+
100-240V
55 WATTS50/60 Hz
DEFAULT LAN
10Base-T
LINK
MADE IN U.S.A.
RANE CORP.
++ – + –– + – + – + – + –
+5v /
100 mA
A B +V -V
A B +V -V
(RW 485)
+12
VERSATILE OUTPUT PORT
OPEN COLLECTOR
1 2 3 4 5 76 8
+40 VDC / 100 mA MAX
100 mA
MAX
0-5V
GND
+12
1 2 3 4 5 76 8 GND REF 1 2 3 4 5 76 8 GND
REF
1 2 3 4 5 76 8 GND
VERSATILE INPUT PORT
34 12 4 3 2 1
FOR CONTINUED
GROUNDING
PROTECTION
DO NOT REMOVE
SCREW
THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15
OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS
SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING TWO
CONDITIONS:
(1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE
HARMFUL INTERFERENCE.
(2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT
ANY INTERFERENCE THAT
MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.
LISTED
COMMERCIAL
AUDIO
EQUIPMENT
24TJ
R
CUS
1
10
9
8
7
6
2
3
4
5
1 POWER IEC jack connects to AC line voltage, 100-240 VAC ±10%.
2 Balanced analog audio Inputs 1 through 8. Euroblock connectors.
3 Balanced analog audio Outputs 1 through 8. Euroblock connectors.
4 AES3 digital audio Input and Output. XLR female (input) and male (output) connectors.
5 Versatile Input Port provides 8 logic or voltage inputs for remote level control and Preset recall. Euroblock connector.
6 Versatile Output Port provides 8 logic outputs capable of driving small relays, LEDs or other logic inputs. Euroblock connector.
7 RW 485 Port communicates with Rane’s Smart Remotes. A maximum of 280 mA of current is available for powering remotes.
Euroblock connector.
8 LAN and LINK reflect the state of the Ethernet connection. LINK lights solidly when a valid connection to another Ethernet
device (e.g., a PC) is detected. LAN flashes when communicating with another Ethernet device.
9 10Base-T jack accepts a standard Ethernet cable. RJ-45 connector.
0 DEFAULT button recalls Preset 1 when pressed. Holding this button while applying power puts the unit into a special codeload
mode for updating firmware. e letters “CL” appear on the PRESET LED display when the device is in codeload mode.

Manual-4
Audio Connections
As a safety precaution, turn all devices (especially power
amplifiers) OFF when making connections. Doing so gives you a
chance to find and correct wiring mistakes and prevent damage
to your amplifiers, speakers, ears, etc.
Analog Inputs and Outputs
e RPM 44 has four balanced analog Inputs and four bal-
anced analog Outputs.
For each Input or Output Euroblock connector:
• Connect the (positive) audio line to the ‘+’ terminal.
• Connect the (negative) audio line to the ‘–’ terminal.
• Connect the cable shield to the ground terminal.
For those installations where the RPM 44’s internal shield-
to-chassis connection causes interference, connect each shield
directly to the chassis PEM nut located above each Euroblock
connector, keeping the shield wrapped around the audio conduc-
tors as much as possible.
For optimum Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) immunity,
connect the shields at both ends of the cable. See RaneNote 110
“Sound System Interconnection” for more information on system
connections and proper grounding practices.
Analog Input Stage
e analog input uses a two-stage gain approach. e first
stage contains a software controlled analog line/mic pad and
switchable-gain preamp. e second stage contains a Digital
Trim control located immediately after the A/D converter.
e RPM 44 takes the following approach to input clipping:
If you’ve set the Analog Gain so the input stage is not clip-
ping, it is not possible to clip the A/D converter, since there is no
additional gain between the initial input stage and the A/D con-
verter. e Digital Trim control, located after the A/D converter,
can be set to clip the signal to your heart’s content, so adjusting
this trim to provide the hottest signal to the DSPs without clip-
ping is the most important step when setting up gain structure.
For this reason, a dedicated meter displaying the signal level be-
ing passed to the DSPs is provided in each Analog Input block.
If the DSPs are working with a clipped signal, the audio is (as
expected) distorted and none too pretty, but it is not a drastic,
damaging sound. And while it’s technically possible to write a
DSP algorithm to emulate the glorious clipping distortion of
vacuum tubes, it’s not particularly useful for an installed sound
system, where the DSP power could be put to better use remov-
ing that annoying 500 Hz feedback from the Pope’s podium mic.
Plus, they don’t yet make DSP chips with gold-plated substrates
for those celestial highs and that moist, supple midrange.
Analog Output Stage
Each analog output also uses a two-stage gain approach,
which differs slightly from that of the analog input stage. e
first stage is a Digital Trim control located immediately before
the D/A converter. e second stage is an analog trim control
located immediately after the D/A converter. Attenuation is han-
dled in the analog domain, while boosting (when the incoming
digital signal is low) is handled in the digital domain. Boosting
and attenuating using this two-stage approach helps maintain
the RPM 44’s excellent noise performance.
Digital (AES3) Input and Output
AES3 is a popular 2-channel (stereo) digital audio inter-
face commonly found on professional digital audio equipment
(digital mixers, DAT machines, etc.). Each channel of the AES3
digital stream is treated independently within the RPM 44.
See the RaneNote “Interfacing AES3 and S/PDIF”, available
from Rane’s web site (www.rane.com/library.html), for more
information about interfacing consumer S/PDIF gear to the
professional AES3 standard.
Use the AES3 I/O to:
• Connect multiple RPM 88/44/22/26z’s together to create a
2-channel digital “bus” between devices.
• Connect directly to the AES3 output of a digital mixing
console.
• Connect directly to the AES3 input of a DAT machine for
recording purposes.
• Connect to an external A/D or D/A converter, effectively add-
ing two more analog inputs or outputs.
Incoming Sample Rate and Word Length
e AES3 input has a built-in sample rate converter capable
of accepting incoming sample rates up to 96 kHz. Sample
rates exceeding the RPM 44’s internal 48 kHz sample rate are
automatically downsampled. Word lengths up to 24-bits are
accepted.
Outgoing Sample Rate and Word Length
e AES3 output uses a fixed 48 kHz sample rate and 24-bit
word length.

Manual-5
Versatile Output Port (VOP)
Eight open collector logic output pins are provided, each
capable of sinking 100 mA of current. e on-board REF voltage
of 12 VDC provides a maximum of 200 mA of current. Use an
external power supply (40 VDC maximum) if more current is
required, but be sure to connect the external supply’s ground to
the GND pin on the VOP.
RW 485 Port
e RW 485 port uses a simple, proprietary protocol to
communicate with Rane’s optional Smart Remotes (SR 2, SR 3,
SR 4). e details of this protocol are found in the SR Manuals,
available from Rane’s web site.
is port follows the electrical specification found in the
TIA/EIA-485 standard, with one exception: the recommended
termination impedance is neither implemented nor required,
since RW 485 uses a relatively slow baud rate (38,400 bps). In
fact, including the termination has proven to hinder the perfor-
mance of the RW 485 bus.
Five connection terminals are provided: a balanced pair of
data lines (A and B), a pair of power lines (±V), and a chassis
ground. All terminals should be connected to the corresponding
terminals of the Smart Remotes.
Up to eight remotes, each having a unique address, can be
connected to the RPM 44. Any mix of SR 2, SR 3 and SR4
remotes is possible, as is any combination of star or daisy chain
wiring configurations.
Control Connections
Versatile Input Port (VIP)
Eight logic input pins are provided, each capable of accept-
ing DC voltage between 0-5 VDC. VIP pins are used with
contact closure switches for Preset recall, or with potentiometers
for remote Level control. e functionality (Preset recall versus
control) of each pin is assignable as part of the Device Configu-
ration.
e maximum allowable voltage on any VIP pin is 5.3 VDC.
Use of twisted pair cable is recommended for better noise
immunity.
If an external device is used to generate a 0-5 V signal, con-
nect the ground of the external device to the GND pin of the
VIP.
Preset Recall Using Contact Closure Switches
e minimum “low” voltage required to detect a contact
closure and change Presets is 2.5 V. Since the internal pull up is
100 kΩ to +5 V, it is possible to calculate the maximum allow-
able cable length, provided the wire resistance per foot (or meter)
is known.
Example:
To be safe, let’s allow a maximum of 80 kΩ worth of cable
resistance. is value keeps the voltage divider formed by the
100 kΩ internal resistance and 80 kΩ cable resistance from
dropping below 2.5 V.
(5 V * 100 kΩ) / (100 kΩ + 80 kΩ) = 2.777 V
If the cable resistance is 30 Ω per 1,000 feet
(1,000 feet / 30 Ω) * 80,000 Ω = 2,666,666 feet.
us, you can only use 2,666,666 feet (505 miles) of twisted
pair cable before the Preset recall functionality becomes inter-
mittent (assuming the cable is properly twisted and not run
through excessive magnetic or electric fields).
Remote Level Control Using Potentiometers
e VIP inherently prefers linear taper 10 kΩ potenti-
ometers, which provide a nice audio taper “feel” for the end
user. When used with suitable twisted pair wiring, the 10 kΩ
value also offers acceptable noise immunity and very long cable
lengths.
pin 1
GND
Contact
Closure
20 kΩ (linear)
Level Control
Potentiometer
VIP CONNECTION
(examples for VIP pin 1)
GND
REF
pin 1
1N4001
+12
pin 1
2 kΩ
+12
pin 1
(examples for VOP pin 1)
VOP CONNECTION
Light an LED Relay Drive
100 mA coil
Crydom P/N D1225
current max
pin 1
+12
24 to
3
4
2
1
140 VAC
25 A max
Line Voltage Switching
NOTE: +12 VDC is available on the VOP. An external supply may be used as long as any VOP pin voltage never exeeds 40 VDC.
Examples shown are for 12 VDC only.

Manual-6
e cable length limitations and the maximum number of
remotes that can be powered from the RPM 44 is limited by the
mix of remote types used, the cable type used, the distance to
each remote, and the wiring configuration. Detailed wiring and
cabling tables and several examples are discussed in the SR 2, SR
3 and SR 4 Manuals. Up to eight SR 3 remotes can be powered
directly from the RPM 44.
e RW 485 port is intended to be used with Rane’s Smart
Remotes only; we do not recommend directly interfacing the
RW 485 port with devices that are not compliant with the TIA/
EIA-485 standard, such as the “485” ports found on AMX and
Crestron devices.
AMX and Crestron Control
ere are two ways to control a Drag Net device from an
AMX or Crestron system. Use either Ethernet connectivity or
use the rear panel Versatile Input Port (VIP). Each of the 8 VIP
pins supports either switch closure Preset recall or zero-to-five
volt control of Level.
e RW 485 ports found on some Drag Net devices do not
communicate with AMX or Crestron systems. ey are solely for
communicating with Rane's RW 485 remotes.
Many AMX/Crestron applications require simple Level con-
trol and/or Preset recall. is is most easily accomplished using
the VIP (Versatile Input Port) found on all five Drag Net de-
vices: RPM 2, RPM 26z, RPM 22, RPM 44 & RPM 88. ere
are always more Drag Net products coming — both hardware
and software, so check our home page for the most recent.
VIP Preset Recall
Connect a switch closure or relay to a VIP pin and short it to
the ground (GND) pin to recall the corresponding Preset. For
example, shorting VIP pin 1 to the GND terminal recalls Preset
1; pin 2 recalls Preset 2, etc. ere are more details about this
functionality in the Drag Net Help file and on our Drag Net Ap-
plications page. Be certain to appropriately set the VIP Alloca-
tion in Drag Net's Parameter Window.
If GND contention of two or more pins simultaneously
occurs, the highest-numbered VIP pin takes precedence. For
example, if pin 3 is shorted to GND and pin 6 is then shorted
to GND, Preset 6 is recalled. If pin 3 is closed and then pin 2,
nothing happens -- Preset 2 is not recalled. is permits a hier-
archy of Presets when using VIP pin closures for tiered priority
paging. Since there are only eight VIP pins, you can only recall
up to eight Presets using switch closures.
ere are four ways to recall more than eight presets.
1. Use the Drag Net software Recall button which is only in-
tended for the system installer/designer.
2. Use the Rane SR 4 remote to recall any eight Presets.
3. Use a Rane SR 3 remote which can recall any 16 of the avail-
able 24 Presets.
4. Use an Ethernet command from an AMX or Crestron Ether-
net-equipped product.
[When using Drag Net's Auto Mixer/Ducker block, you have
the ability to link a VIP pin closure to a push-to-talk switch in a
paging or boardroom application. When using the Ducker block
in these applications, the VIP pins act independently provided
you Group the appropriate VIP pin with the Auto Mixer/Duck-
er's Input in Drag Net's Remote Map. Again, see our Drag Net
Applications for examples.]
VIP Level control
Connect a zero to five volt DC voltage to a VIP pin from an
AMX or Crestron card to adjust any or all Level blocks placed in
the Processing Map. Use Groups in Drag Net's Remote Map to
link one or more Level blocks so they track each other when us-
ing a VIP pin. Be certain to appropriately set the VIP Allocation
in Drag Net's Parameter Window. When using VIP pins with
Level blocks, set the minimum and maximum for each Level
block by double-clicking it while it's in a Remote Map Group.
is keeps the max and min burdens within the Drag Net device
— but only when using the VIP pin to control Levels, not when
adjusting Levels from Ethernet commands.
You can use up to eight voltage control inputs linked to
Level(s) using the rear panel VIP pins. Combinations of Preset
switches & voltage Level “pots” are possible as long as combined,
they do not exceed the eight pins provided.
Since you can Group any or all Level blocks in Drag Net's
Remote Map, it's much easier to implement a stereo level control
since the Drag Net device is burdened with the task of tracking
many Levels. You can use this to your advantage when using VIP
pins to adjust multiple zones or levels. Since you can place the
Level block anywhere within the Drag Net Processing Map, you
can Group Level blocks at the input, at the output or anywhere
in-between — just place the Level block where you want it.
Ethernet control
To download the AMX or Crestron control code and docu-
mentation, visit these web pages:
For AMX NetLinx code:
www.rane.com/dnamx.html
For Crestron code:
www.rane.com/dncrestron.html
Ethernet Port
e Ethernet port is used to configure, monitor, and control
the RPM 44 via standard 10Base-T Ethernet communication.
Use an Ethernet crossover cable (one is included with each unit)
to connect the RPM 44 directly to a computer. Use a standard
(non-crossover) Ethernet cable if the RPM 44 and computer are
connected indirectly using an Ethernet repeater hub or switch.
All devices connected to the Ethernet port, including
repeater hubs, switches, and the computer’s Network Interface
Card (NIC) must support 10Base-T communication.
©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 USA TEL [phone] FAX [phone] WEB www.rane.com
105276