Rane AM1 User manual

AUTOMIXER
AM1
AM1
AUTOMIXER
POWERLOCATE
PHONESMIX
SIG OL SIG OLLEVEL SIG OLLEVEL SIG OLLEVEL
MIC MIX
SIG OLLEVEL
AUX 1
SIG OLLEVEL
AUX 2
SIG OLLEVEL
USB
SIG OLLEVEL
OUTPUT
SIG OLLEVEL
AUX 2
AUX 1 USB
MICS OUTPUT
SOURCE
LEVELLEVEL
MIC INPUTS
1
234

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not open the unit. No user
serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualied service personnel.
e symbols shown below are internationally accepted symbols that warn
of potential hazards with electrical products.
is symbol indicates that a dangerous voltage
constituting a risk of electric shock is present within
this unit.
is symbol indicates that there are important
operating and maintenance instructions in the
literature accompanying this unit.
WARNING
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A ground-
ing-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. e wide blade or third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not
t into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord and plug from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where it exits from
the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments and accessories specied by Rane.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. e plug on the power cord is the AC mains disconnect device and must remain readily operable. To completely disconnect this apparatus from
the AC mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.
16. is apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
17. When permanently connected, an all-pole mains switch with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in each pole shall be incorporated in the electri-
cal installation of the building.
18. If rackmounting, provide adequate ventilation. Equipment may be located above or below this apparatus, but some equipment (like large power
ampliers) may cause an unacceptable amount of hum or may generate too much heat and degrade the performance of this apparatus.
19. is apparatus may be installed in an industry standard equipment rack. Use screws through all mounting holes to provide the best support.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping
or splashing and no objects lled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
NOTE: is equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
ese limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. is equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio commu-
nications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interfer-
ence by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Changes or modications not expressly approved by Rane Corporation could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
is Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Shielded CAT5e or better cables are required in order to comply with the FCC Rules part 15 limits for a Class B digital device.

Manual-1
AM1
AUTOMATIC MIXER
OPERATORS MANUAL
WEAR PARTS: is product contains no wear parts.
QUICK START
If you’re setting up the AM1 automixer, but your life depends
on getting back to Twitter® feeds and Facebook® posts, then this
Quick Start is for you. It’s intended to get your audio working
quickly in slightly more than 140 characters.
Plug microphones into the Mic Inputs using standard XLR
mic cables. Condenser mics need the MIC +48V switch posi-
tion. Use the MIC +0V middle position for dynamic mics. Use
the WIRELSS MIC position when a wireless receiver output is
connected.
When using the USB Charge-Only port, connect charg-
ing MP3 player audio into AUX 1 or AUX 2. Other line-level
sources (e.g., DVD/CD) may also use AUX 1 or AUX 2. Use the
USB Charge-Only port for keeping the iPod’s battery charged
during playback.
Connect the Main Output XLR to your amplier or powered
loudspeaker and select the LINE switch position. If the Main
Output feeds a microphone input, select the MIC position.
Connect the computer’s USB port to the USB Audio jack.
Once the Windows® or Apple® operating system recognizes the
AM1 as a stereo I/O device, the rear green USB light illuminates.
Start with all the front panel gray knobs turned all the way
down – fully counterclockwise. One at a time for each mic, talk
very loudly with a microphone at an appropriate distance for the
application and adjust the corresponding front panel LEVEL
control so only the loudest speech just barely ickers the red
overload (OL) indicators. Once the input gains are set, the AM1
automatically controls the mic mix to avoid feedback. (You won’t
need to ride these controls.)
Sources with output volume controls (e.g., iPods) need to be
turned up most of the way to get the hottest signal, but without
making the AM1 overload lights ash.
AM1
AUTOMIXER
POWER
LOCATE
PHONES
MIX
SIG
OL
SIG
OL
LEVEL
SIG
OL
LEVEL
SIG
OL
LEVEL
MIC MIX
SIG
OL
LEVEL
AUX 1
SIG
OL
LEVEL
AUX 2
SIG
OL
LEVEL
USB
SIG
OL
LEVEL
OUTPUT
SIG
OL
LEVEL
AUX 2
AUX 1
USB
MICS
OUTPUT
SOURCE
LEVELLEVEL
MIC INPUTS
1
2
3
4
Play audio from your computer’s audio software application
and select the Rane AM1 as the playback and/or recording de-
vice (See USB Audio later in this Manual). If the software oers
playback volume, turn it up all the way.
Turn on the amplier/loudspeaker and turn it up about
half way. Also turn the AM1 OUTPUT gray knob up until the
volume is appropriate for your application. Use the four gray Mix
knobs to adjust the relative volume of the sources.
If the system feeds back (that horrible squeal), something is
turned up too much. First try moving the mics farther from the
loudspeaker and/or pointing the mics and loudspeakers away
from each other. If this does not reduce feedback, don’t reach for
the black Mic Input knobs, instead turn down the gray Mic Mix
knob. While turning down the output or amplier may help,
this also turns down the iPod, CD or USB Audio, only hiding
the feedback problem.
If your system uses the AM1’s rear panel RAD Port, connect
a shielded CAT 5e cable (or better) from the AM1 to either the
wall plate RJ-45, or to a Rane HAL, EXP or Mongoose RAD
port. See the Rane RADX product for useful RJ-45 wall plates.
When cascading one or more AM2 automixers into the
AM1, be certain each Cascade In connection feeds a Cascade
Out. In a cascaded chain, the AM1 must be the last device
before the analog audio connection to the ampliers, powered
loudspeaker, or the digital RAD connection to a Rane HAL,
EXP or Mongoose RAD port. Only one AM1 can be included in
a cascaded system of AM1s and AM2s. And only the AM2 can
be cascaded into Halogen’s Gain-Sharing Auto Mixer and Room
Combine Processor DSP blocks.
Now you can tweet that your AM1 is working ne.

Manual-2
FRONT PANEL DESCRIPTION
1MIC INPUT LEVEL controls adjust the mic input gain. e green Signal indicators inform of audio presence. Overload
indicators warn of excessive signal levels.
2MIC MIX LEVEL control adjusts the volume of all mixed microhones, including all upstream microphones when cascading
additional mics from a Rane AM2 (sold separately). Signal and Overload indicators inform and warn.
3AUX 1 & AUX 2 MIX LEVEL controls alter the mix volume of the Aux 1 and Aux 2 inputs, respectively. Corresponding Signal
and Overload indicators ank each.
4USB MIX LEVEL control adjusts the mix volume of the USB audio received from a computer connected to the rear panel USB
Audio jack. Signal and Overload colors are reminiscent of holiday lights.
5Main OUTPUT LEVEL control adjusts the level of the mix exiting the XLR output and the RAD Port output. e Record
Output level is not aected by this control.
6PHONES SOURCE cue switch selects which audio is heard in the headphone outputs: the mix of all Mics, the Aux 1 input, the
Aux 2 input, the USB audio input, or the Main Output. is allows listening in headphones to any single input before turning
each up in the mix using the MIX controls, or listening to the main mix before turning it up in the PA for the world to hear.
7PHONES LEVEL control adjusts the volume of both the 3.5 mm and ¼" headphone jacks.
8PHONES include both 3.5 mm and ¼" headphone jacks for either size headphone plug.
9LOCATE indicator helps system installers identify a specic AM1 Automixer when using Rane’s Mongoose Tracker or Halogen
software.
0POWER indicator lights whenever adequate power is applied to the unit.
AM1
AUTOMIXER
POWER
LOCATE
PHONES
MIX
SIG
OL
SIG
OL
LEVEL
SIG
OL
LEVEL
SIG
OL
LEVEL
MIC MIX
SIG
OL
LEVEL
AUX 1
SIG
OL
LEVEL
AUX 2
SIG
OL
LEVEL
USB
SIG
OL
LEVEL
OUTPUT
SIG
OL
LEVEL
AUX 2
AUX 1
USB
MICS
OUTPUT
SOURCE
LEVELLEVEL
MIC INPUTS
1
2
3
4
1 2 5 84 6 7 903

Manual-3
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
1AC Power IEC input accepts electrons to power up the AM1. ough it is rst in this list, it’s best to connect it last.
2FAULT indicator lights when something goes awry.
LOCATE indicator ashes when toggled from the Mongoose Tracker or Halogen software. When using multiple AM1 devices in
a Rane Mongoose or HAL system, this uniquely identies a specic AM1.
USB indicator lights when a Windows or Apple operating system recognizes the AM1 as a stereo I/O sound card.
POWER indicator glows when owing electrons pass in and out of the AC Power IEC input.
3USB AUdIO connector allows simultaneous 16-bit, 48 kHz playback and recording via a computer. e AM1 registers as a
standard sound card with either Windows or Apple operating systems.
4CASCAdE IN port permits adding up to 56 more microphones to the AM1’s 4 mic inputs using up to 7 Rane AM2 automixers,
sold separately. Use shielded Ethernet CAT 5e cable connected from the AM2’s Cascade Out.
5RAd PORT connects to either a Rane HAL or Mongoose Remote Audio Device port to transport the single-channel, Main Mix
of the AM1 to Rane’s expandable DSP or to a CobraNet network, respectively.
6CASCAdE IN & RAd PORT status indicators prove that proper cable termination and device conguring has occurred when all
four indicators illuminate. If any of these are o or ashing, a conguration or wiring error is the culprit.
7MAIN OUTPUT XLR connector contains the main mix of all mics, Aux 1, Aux 2 and USB Audio input signals. e front panel
Output Level control adjusts the level exiting this jack.
MIC/LINE Output switch changes this Main XLR Output to mic-level, for feeding the output mix to a mic input device; or
line-level for feeding line-level input devices.
8RECORd Output RCA jacks contain the same audio mix as the Main Output. e signal is not aected by the Output Level
control.
9USB CHARgE-ONLy port powers and charges many USB devices such as iPods®.
0AUX INPUT 2 stereo 3.5 mm jack is internally monoed immediately and useful for connecting MP3 players of all kinds.
qAUX INPUT 1 dual RCA jacks are internally monoed immediately and enjoy being fed audio from CD, DVD, 8-Track tape
players, reel-to-reel machines, docking stations or iPhone®, iPod® or iPad® headphone jacks.
wMIC INPUTS 1 thru 4accept dynamic or condenser microphones, or the output of a wireless microphone receiver. ese inputs
are optimized for speech and have a xed 80 Hz low-cut and 7 kHz high-cut lter. Both lters are 2nd-order Butterworth lters.
e3-position switches support:
MIC +48V phantom power Mic position for condenser mics.
MIC +0V Mic position for dynamic mics.
WIRELESS MIC position intended for wireless mic receiver outputs.
100-240V
13 WATTS50/60 Hz
MADE IN
U.S.A.
RANE CORP. USB
LOCATE
FAULT
POWER
ACN 001 345 482
24 VDC @ 100 mA
AM1
MAIN OUTPUT
CASCADE IN
RAD PORT
AUX
INPUTS
MIC INPUTS
12341
2
RECORD
USB
AUDIO
POWER
COMM
AUDIO RX
AUDIO TX
MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC
5 VDC @ 500 mA
USB
CHARGE
ONLY
MIC LINE
CLASS 2 WIRING
1
2
3
4
5 8
9 q w
6 7 e0

Manual-4
CONNECTION
Connect the AC power cord last to avoid loudspeakers hurting
your sensitive ears.
MIC INPUTS
e four mic jacks are balanced XLR inputs. Unbalanced mics
or wiring can also be used with their inherent lower quality and
higher potential for hum and noise. Standard microphone cable
with a two-conductor twisted pair plus a shield is best. Rane
follows the AES recommended practice of pin 2 positive (hot),
pin 3 negative, and pin 1 to shield. If your microphone is unbal-
anced (only two conductors), see the Sound System Interconnec-
tion RaneNote elsewhere in this manual or on Rane’s website for
the proper cable to use. Or better yet, get a balanced mic.
For condenser microphones which require phantom power,
use the MIC +48V switch position. Dynamic mics use the cen-
ter, MIC +0V position. When connecting a wireless microphone
receiver, use the WIRELESS MIC position.
AUX INPUTS
e two Aux inputs accept line-level audio for connection to
CD/DVD players and portable MP3 players utilizing the USB
Charge-Only port or its external charger.
While the physical ¼" and 3.5 mm jacks are both stereo, the
internal audio on both Aux inputs is immediately monoed since
the AM1 Mix is mono.
USB CHARGE-ONLY PORT
e USB Charge-Only port supplies 5 volts DC at up to 500
mA to charge iPods® and many other USB-powered devices. e
3.5 mm Aux 2 input is optimized to accept audio from devices
plugged in to the USB Charge-Only port.
RECORD OUTPUT
e RCA line-level outputs are unbalanced. Both RCA jacks
contain the same mono mix of the Mic, Aux, and USB Audio
inputs.
MAIN OUTPUT
e Main Output is a mono balanced XLR jack. Connect the
Main Output XLR using mic cable to your amplier or powered
loudspeaker and select the LINE position on the adjacent switch.
If the Main Output feeds a microphone snake or mic input,
select the MIC switch position.
USB AUDIO PORT
Connect a USB cable from this port to the computer’s USB port.
Once the operating system recognizes the AM1 as a stereo input
and output “sound card,” the rear panel USB indicator lights.
e AM1 can simultaneously playback and record via a com-
puter using this USB audio port.
RAD PORT
If your audio system delivers the AM1’s Main Output audio
mix using Rane’s digital audio transport technology exiting the
RAD Port, connect a shielded Ethernet patch cable to the RAD
Port. When the Rane Mongoose or HAL at the other end of
this connection recognizes the AM1’s RAD Port, audio nirvana
is achieved and all four adjacent RAD Port Status indicators
illuminate.
CASCADE IN
Connect a shielded Ethernet patch cable from the CASCADE
IN port to a Rane AM2’s CASCADE OUT port to add more
mics to the mic mix of an AM1. All four CASCADE IN Status
Indicators illuminate when the two devices recognize each other.
Connect up to seven Rane AM2 Automixers to add up to 56
more mics. Be certain to connect CASCADE OUT to CAS-
CADE IN throughout – otherwise, nirvana won’t be achieved.
Note: Only one AM1 Automixer is permitted in a cascaded
system. When cascading mixers, the AM1 must be the device
that feeds the Mongoose or HAL. In other words, the AM1
RAD Port wires to the Mongoose or HAL, and up to seven
AM2 mixers chain together into the AM1’s CASCADE IN. See
the illustration below.
100-240V
13 WATTS50/60 Hz
MADE IN
U.S.A.
RANE CORP. USB
LOCATE
FAULT
POWER
ACN 001 345 482
24 VDC @ 100 mA
AM 1
MAIN OUTPUT
CASCADE IN
RAD PORT
AUX
INPUTS
MIC INPUTS
123
41
2
RECORD
USB
AUDIO
POWER
COMM
AUDIO RX
AUDIO TX
MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC
MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC
5 VDC @ 500 mA
USB
CHARGE
ONLY
MIC LINE
CLASS 2 WIRING
CASCADE
RAD PORT
USB
DATA
OUTPUTMIC INPUTS
12345678
100-240V
13 WATTS50/60 Hz
MADE IN
U.S.A.
RANE CORP.
ACN 001 345 482
AM 2
MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC
INOUT
USB
LOCATE
FAULT
POWER
24 VDC @ 100 mA
CLASS 2 WIRING
MIC LINE
CASCADE
RAD PORT
USB
DATA
OUTPUTMIC INPUTS
12345678
100-240V
13 WATTS50/60 Hz
MADE IN
U.S.A.
RANE CORP.
ACN 001 345 482
AM 2
MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC
INOUT
USB
LOCATE
FAULT
POWER
24 VDC @ 100 mA
CLASS 2 WIRING
MIC LINE
CASCADE
RAD PORT
USB
DATA
OUTPUTMIC INPUTS
12345678
100-240V
13 WATTS50/60 Hz
MADE IN
U.S.A.
RANE CORP.
ACN 001 345 482
AM 2
MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC
INOUT
USB
LOCATE
FAULT
POWER
24 VDC @ 100 mA
CLASS 2 WIRING
MIC LINE
CASCADE
RAD PORT
USB
DATA
OUTPUTMIC INPUTS
12345678
100-240V
13 WATTS50/60 Hz
MADE IN
U.S.A.
RANE CORP.
ACN 001 345 482
AM 2
MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC
INOUT
USB
LOCATE
FAULT
POWER
24 VDC @ 100 mA
CLASS 2 WIRING
MIC LINE
PRIMARY SECONDARY
IN USE /
CONDUCTOR
LINK /
ACTIVITY
PRIMARY SECONDARY
REMOTEAUDIO DEVICESETHERNETETHERNET REMOTE AUDIO DEVICES
MADE
IN
U.S.A.
RANE
CORP.
MONGOOSE
100-240 V
50/60 Hz 40 WATTS
12345678
12345678
LOCATE
POWER
LAN
LINK
COMM
POWER
AUDIO TX
AUDIO RX
ACN 001 345 482
COMMERCIAL AUDIO
EQUIPMENT 24TJ
R
CLASS 2 WIRING
SHIELDED CAT5e OR BETTER 24 VDC @ 100 mA
AM1 Automixer
Mongoose
AM2 Automixer
AM2 Automixer
AM2 Automixer
AM2 Automixer (up to seven)

Manual-5
MIC INPUTS
e rear panel three-position switch sets the appropriate gain for
condenser, dynamic and wireless microphones as well as select-
ing phantom power for condenser microphones. e Mic Inputs
are automatically mixed using a gain-sharing algorithm. Set
the inputs using the black knobs so they do not (or rarely) clip.
en, sit back and relax. If you’ve already set up the inputs and
someone starts talking louder/closer than you expected, feel free
to turn them down a little.
e green Signal indicators should easily light for soft talk-
ers even at relatively low Level settings. e Overload indicator
should light only occasionally for only the loudest talkers.
e gray Mic Mix knob adjusts the level of the automatic
mix of all Mic Inputs. Use it to change the mix of all the Mics
relative to the Aux 1, Aux 2 and USB Audio Line Inputs. Even
when multiple Rane AM2 Automixers are cascaded into an AM1
providing additional microphones, the Mic Mix knob on the
AM1 still adjusts the overall mix of all microphones – up to 60
mics when using seven AM2s. e Overload indicator adjacent
to the Mic Mix knob indicates that the mix of all mics is getting
too loud for the internal circuitry. It can light occasionally, but
only during the loudest talking.
Since these Mic Inputs and their underlying gain-sharing au-
tomix algorithm are designed and optimized for speech signals,
do not use these Inputs with non-speech audio signals such as
musical instruments or CD/DVD.
AUX INPUTS
e 3.5 mm Aux 2 input jack is optimized for use with devices
connected to the adjacent USB Charge-Only port. For other
audio sources , use the Aux 1 RCA jacks. Since the AM1 mix is
mono, audio at these two stereo inputs is monoed upon entering
the AM1. Adjust the front panel Aux Level controls for Aux 1
and Aux 2 to set the relative mix of these sources. e Overload
indicators light when the incoming audio is getting too loud.
Only the very loudest audio sources should occasionally light the
Overload indicator.
If you’re using an iPod® or other aux/line source that allows
output volume adjustments, turn the volume up as far as possible
without lighting the Overload indicator too often.
MIXING
e Mic Inputs are automatically mixed. Use the four gray Mix
knobs to adjust the relative volume of the four inputs: Mic Mix,
Aux 1, Aux 2 and USB Audio from the PC. e red overload
indicators should light only when the loudest source sounds are
running at full-tilt boogie.
OUTPUTS
All the AM1 audio outputs, digital and analog, contain a mono
mix of the automatically mixed Mics and manually mixed Line
Inputs from the four gray Mix knobs.
RECORD OUTPUT
e level or volume of the Record Output is not altered by the
AM1’s front panel Output level control. is permits consistent
recording levels on your favorite recording device, while adjust-
ing the volume in the room / PA system.
MAIN OUTPUT
e front panel Output Level control adjusts the level of this
output.
HEADPHONE AND CUEING
Plug in headphones and adjust the Phones Level knob to a com-
fortable volume. All headphone audio is mono – just like all the
other AM1 outputs.
e Source knob allows cueing each mix source indepen-
dently. is allows verication that a source is working properly
before bringing it into the mix.
With the Source set to Output, the entire mix is heard. Use
the four gray Mix knobs to adjust the relative volume of each
source. Select Mic Mix to hear the automatic mix of all micro-
phones in the system. Select Aux 1, Aux 2 or USB to hear each
of these inputs individually.
Use only one of the headphone jacks at a time.
AM1
AUTOMIXER
POWER
LOCATE
PHONES
MIX
SIG
OL
SIG
OL
LEVEL
SIG
OL
LEVEL
SIG
OL
LEVEL
MIC MIX
SIG
OL
LEVEL
AUX 1
SIG
OL
LEVEL
AUX 2
SIG
OL
LEVEL
USB
SIG
OL
LEVEL
OUTPUT
SIG
OL
LEVEL
AUX 2
AUX 1
USB
MICS
OUTPUT
SOURCE
LEVELLEVEL
MIC INPUTS
1
2
3
4
OPERATION

Manual-6
CASCADE IN PORT
e Cascade Input allows more mics to be added to the gain-
sharing mic mix algorithm of the AM1’s four Mic Inputs. When
a shielded Ethernet patch cable fed from an AM2 is connected
here, all cascaded AM2 microphones are automatically added to
the automatic Mic Mix of the AM1. (US Patent Pending.)
Cascade audio is 24-bit, 48 kHz, xed-point for the curious
audio nerd.
To add more microphones to your system, use a Ethernet
patch cable to connect an AM2 CASCADE OUT port to the
AM1 CASCADE IN port. Doing so allows all 12 mixed micro-
phones (eight AM2 + four AM1) to be heard at the AM1’s Main,
Record, USB Audio and RAD Port Outputs.
When all four Cascade Status indicators light, this means
the cable is wired properly. If any of the Status indicators are
ashing, the cable is not wired properly or damaged. In this case,
perhaps an Ethernet crossover cable was accidentally connected,
or the cable crimp has an error.
We recommend using shielded twisted-pair for the best EMI
performance.
CASCADE IN Status indicators are dened below:
AUdIO TX LED – lights when the AM1’s audio is successfully
transmitted to, and received by, the AM2. If this is o, check
the cable.
AUdIO RX LED – lights when the connected AM2 successfully
sends audio which also proves this twist in the cable is correct.
COMM LED – lights green when the AM2’s Cascade Out is
properly communicating with the AM1 and proves that the
twisted pair for Comm in the cable is good. If this indicator is
o, the cable is not a happy camper.
POWER LED – is always on when the AM1 is powered. If the
AM1 is powered and this is o, make sure the power twisted
pair in the connected cable is not shorted.
RAD PORT
e RAD Port contains a Rane-specic digital audio transport
protocol allowing audio delivery to either a Rane HAL, EXP or
Mongoose RAD port (each sold separately). e audio exiting
the RAD Port contains the main mix and is attenuated by the
AM1’s front panel Output Level control. is port can only be
used to connect to a Rane Mongoose or HAL.
For inquisitive technophiles, RAD Port audio is 24-bit,
48kHz, xed-point.
RAD PORT Status indicators are dened below:
AUdIO TX LED – lights green when communications with the
Mongoose or HAL has been established and is receiving the
AM1’s Tx audio. If this indicator is o, either the cable is bad,
or there is a communications error between the Mongoose or
HAL and AM1 RAD Port (see COMM LED below).
AUdIO RX LED – lights green when the RAD Port successfully
receives audio from the Mongoose or HAL. If this indicator is
o, you may have a bad cable, or the Mongoose or HAL at the
other end of the cable is not powered or connected.
COMM LED – lights green when communication is established
between the Mongoose or HAL and the AM1. is indicator
turns o if the RAD Port cannot communcate with the
Mongoose or HAL for some reason – most likely due to a
faulty cable.
POWER LED – lights green when the RAD Port is receiving 24
volt power from the Mongoose or HAL. is also indicates
that the twisted pair for power within the cable is wired and
crimped properly. If the Power LED is o and the other end
of the cable is plugged into a powered Mongoose or HAL,
there is a problem with the cable.
100-240V
13 WATTS
50/60 Hz
MADE IN
U.S.A.
RANE CORP.
USB
LOCATE
FAULT
POWER
ACN 001 345 482
24 VDC @ 100 mA
AM1
MAIN OUTPUT
CASCADE IN
RAD PORT
AUX
INPUTS
MIC INPUTS
12341
2
RECORD
USB
AUDIO
POWER
COMM
AUDIO RX
AUDIO TX
MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC MIC +48V MIC +0V WIRELESS MIC
5 VDC @ 500 mA
USB
CHARGE
ONLY
MIC LINE
CLASS 2 WIRING

Manual-7
USB AUDIO I/O
Since the AM1 appears as a standard Windows or Mac stereo
playback and record device, you can simultaneously record the
AM1 Main Mix and playback audio via the USB. is makes
many popular audio software programs instantly compatible
with the AM1. Once the computer’s operating system nishes
registering the AM1 via USB, the rear panel USB indicator
lights. e AM1 always registers as a 16-bit, 48 kHz device.
Most audio programs work after setting the AM1 as a default
device, but a few programs may need their preferences manually
set to play or record at 16-bit, 48 kHz.
Play audio from your computer’s audio software applica-
tion and select the Rane AM1 as the playback and/or recording
device. If your audio software oers a playback volume control,
turn it up most or all of the way, but without ashing the front
panel USB input Overload indicator too much. e front panel
USB Mix Level knob adjusts the mix volume of the incoming
USB audio.
WINDOWS OPERATION
When Windows detects the AM1 it automatically sets it as the
default Recording and Playback device. With Windows XP® and
Vista®, any audio applications currently running will continue to
use the previously selected default device. Restart the application
to make it use the AM1 for recording or playback. Windows7®
automatically switches a running application to the newly con-
nected AM1. To avoid surprises, we recommend turning the
USB Level down while connecting.
Remember that Windows likes to play dierent bleeps and
bloops when updates install, devices are plugged in and un-
plugged, or other operating system events happen. If you do
not want these sounds played into your mix, turn o Windows
system sounds. is can be found in:
Start -> Control Panel -> Sound -> Sounds (tab) -> Sound Scheme -> No Sounds.
Finding the audio properties and devices in Windows varies
slightly with each version.
Windows XP:
Classic View
Start -> Control Panel -> Sounds and Audio Devices -> Audio (tab)
Category View
Start -> Control Panel -> Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices -> Sounds and Audio
Devices -> Audio (tab)
Windows Vista:
Classic View
Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Sound -> Playback (tab) and Record (tab)
Control Panel Home
Start -> Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Sound -> Playback (tab) and
Record (tab)

Manual-8
©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5000 TEL [phone] FAX [phone] WEB rane.com
112067
Windows 7:
Small/Large Icon View
Start -> Control Panel -> Sound -> Playback (tab) and Record (tab)
Category View
Start -> Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Sound -> Playback (tab) and
Record (tab)
MACINTOSH OPERATION
When OSX® detects the AM1, it adds it to the list of audio
input and output devices, but does not automatically set it as
the default device. Some Macintosh® applications allow you to
select the device you want to use. Other applications only use
the device specied as the OSX default. We recommend that you
set the default audio input and output device to the AM1 before
starting the application you want to use.
Congure the default audio device in OSX by navigating to:
System Preferences -> Sound -> Output (tab) and Input (tab).
CobraNet is a trademark of Cirrus Logic Inc.
Windows XP, Vista and 7 is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Apple, Mac, Macintosh, iPod, iPad, iPhone and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the US and/or other countries.