Rane HC6S User manual

HC6S
HEADPHONE CONSOLE
Data Sheet-1
Features
• Six Stereo Headphone Ampliers
• Master Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Inputs
• Six Unbalanced Stereo Inputs
• Six Output Level Controls
• Master Input Level Controls
• Stereo/Mono Switch
• Front and Rear Output Jacks
• Internal Universal Power Supply (100-240 VAC)
General Description
e Rane HC6S is one of the most indispensable products in
today’s audio industry. Featuring six stereo headphone ampliers,
the HC6S performs a number of necessary tasks, not all of which
are headphone related.
e HC6S provides Master stereo Inputs which can be used
to drive any or all of the 6 stereo headphone ampliers. A Mono
switch is provided on the front panel to drive both channels of
all 6 ampliers from a common mono source. Six individual
unbalanced stereo Inputs are available to drive any individual
amplier from a separate stereo source. ese Inputs can be
converted to mono balanced Inputs through internal jumpers
if required. Outputs for all six channels are provided on the
front panel and on the rear panel so that headphones may be
connected on either side based on the requirements of a given
installation. Two pairs of headphones may be driven from each
channel, one pair connected to the front and one to the rear.
e HC6S is capable of delivering up to 500 milliwatts into
headphones with rated impedances between 32-600 ohms. e
precise amount of power depends on the exact impedance of
the headphone in use and the number of headphones connected
to the unit. Under most conditions, the HC6S produces sound
pressure levels in excess of 120 dB. is level is more than ad-
equate for most listeners.
DATA SHEET

Data Sheet-2
HC6S
HEADPHONE CONSOLE
HC6S Specifications
Parameter Specication Limit Units Conditions/Comments
Power Output: 1 Channel Driven Max average rms power, 20-20 kHz
500 5% mW 32  headphones
500 5% mW 50  headphones
500 5% mW 100  headphones
300 5% mW 200  headphones
200 5% mW 300  headphones
120 5% mW 600  headphones
6 Channels Driven
250 5% mW 32  headphones
250 5% mW 50  headphones
250 5% mW 100  headphones
200 5% mW 200  headphones
100 5% mW 300  headphones
120 5% mW 600  headphones
(Note: Above values produce loudness levels of 120 dB in most headphones)
Headphone Impedance Range 32-600 10% For best performance
I np ut s: Ty p e Active Balanced/Unbalanced
………Connectors ¼" TRS
………Impedance 20k 1% 
………Maximum Level +20 1dBu
Outputs: Type (6) Stereo Ampliers (6) Outs front + (6) Outs rear
………Connectors ¼" TRS Tip = Left, Ring = Right
………Impedance 0.25 typ. Headphone Outputs
Overall Gain Range O to +20 1 dB
LED reshold: Signal Present -20 1dBu Input Level
Ultrasonic Filter 20 kHz, 6 dB/octave 5% Hz Linear phase
Frequency Response 20-20 kHz +0/-3 dB
THD+Noise @ 1 kHz 0.002 .002 % 150 mW / 200 , 1 channel
THD+Noise 20-20 kHz 0.02 .01 % 150 mW / 200 , 1 channel
IM Distortion (SMPTE) 0.03 .01 % 60 Hz / 7 kHz, 4:1, 150 mW / 200 
Signal-to-Noise Ratio -96 2dB re 150 mW / 200 , A-weighted
Mean Time Between Failure 20,500 Hrs Mil Hdbk-217D, Section V
Universal Line Voltage 100-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz VAC 12W
Maximum Power 12 W
Unit: Conformity CE, FCC, UL
Unit: Construction All Steel
………Size 1.75"H x 19"W x 5.3"D (1U) (4.4 cm x 48.3 cm x 13.5 cm)
………Weight 5 lb (1.9 kg)
Shipping: Size 4.25" x 20.3" x 13.75" (11 cm x 52 cm x 35 cm)
………Weight 9 lb (4.1 kg)
Note: 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

HC6S
HEADPHONE CONSOLE
Data Sheet-3
Block Diagram
Application Information
At rst glance the HC6S looks like any other headphone dis-
tribution amplier. Indeed, it performs superbly all the basic
functions of such an instrument. Two balanced Inputs provide
a master stereo signal to six stereo headphone ampliers, with
individual stereo Level controls. e Master Level control allows
adjustment of the main stereo Input level for proper matching
to any source. In addition, a Stereo/Mono switch converts the
stereo Inputs to mono operation when required.
However, several unique features of the HC6S allow perfor-
mance well beyond the limits of standard headphone distribution
ampliers. Besides the stereo Master Inputs, the HC6S provides
separate stereo Inputs for each of the six headphone ampliers.
Whenever a signal is plugged into the individual stereo Input,
the Master stereo signal automatically disconnects from that
amplier, allowing the remaining stages to be fed either from
the Master stereo Inputs or likewise from another separate input.
is feature opens new applications for the HC6S, allowing
operation as either a standard distribution amplier or as six
separate ampliers, or any combination of both. By connecting
the six Inputs to a monitor mixing console, or to sub-master
sends, or even to a patch bay, the HC6S converts any size studio
to a custom headphone monitor mixing system. You now can
give each vocalist more of their voice for increased clarity; or
add more kick drum to the bassist (without giving everyone else
a headache); or let the producer monitor the straight mix all at
the same time. is feature proves equally valuable to broadcast
facilities, video production studios, language labs and other
educational facilities.
e HC6S provides Output jacks on both the front and
rear panels. e front jacks (paralleled with the rear jacks) add
considerable exibility and ease of operation. is feature allows
permanent rack-mounting while maintaining instant access to
any of the Outputs. Cueing becomes a snap; a must for monitor
mix adjustments, and allows additional monitoring or routing
without the use of a patch bay. Or, for language labs and other
demo purposes, this feature means up to 12 headphones may be
driven simultaneously.
e HC6S makes a valuable tool for any band wanting to
practice anywhere, anytime, at any volume, without disturbing
a soul. By connecting the HC6S directly to the mixer outputs
and using headphones instead of amps and speakers, the entire
band can perform at ear shattering levels, with no feedback, with
amazingly cleaner, clearer sound. e HC6S is a very cost-eec-
tive alternative to renting a practice studio for every rehearsal.
SIGNAL
SENSE
SIGNAL
PRESENT
FRONT
REAR
HEADPHONE
JACKS 1
TIP
RING
TIP
RING
LEFT
RIGHT
+28 dB
+28 dB
HEADPHONE
LEVEL
TO STAGES 2-6
*
IN 1
STEREO*
RIGHT
MASTER
INPUT
0 dB
0 dB
LEFT
MASTER
INPUT 0 dB
0 dB
MASTER
LEVEL
MONO
CONSULT MANUAL FOR MONO BALANCED SOURCES

Data Sheet-4
HC6S
HEADPHONE CONSOLE
©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5000 USA TEL [phone] FAX [phone] WEB rane.com
Architectural Specifications
e headphone console shall have six (6) stereo inputs and two
(2) master inputs driving six (6) stereo ampliers wired to six (6)
outputs on the front panel, in parallel with six (6) outputs on the
rear chassis. Sucient output power shall be provided to drive
most stereo headphones to levels of 120 dB SPL.
Automatic switching shall be included such that driving any
of the separate inputs disconnects that one channel from the
main stereo driving bus internally, allowing separate program
material to be processed through the driven channel.
Input level controls shall be provided on all inputs with a
gain range from o to +28 dB. A stereo/mono switch shall be
located on the front panel.
e master inputs shall be active balanced/unbalanced de-
signs terminated with ¼" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connectors. e
outputs shall be ¼" TRS connectors wired tip-left, ring-right,
sleeve-common.
Ultrasonic lters shall be built-in, and LEDs provided to
indicate Signal Present conditions on all amplier inputs.
e unit shall be capable of operation by means of its own
built-in universal power supply operating at 100-240 VAC and
meet CE requirements. e unit shall be UL and cUL listed. e
unit shall be entirely constructed from cold-rolled steel.
e unit shall be a Rane Corporation Model HC6S.
Rear Panel
All features & specications subject to change without notice. 1-2014
Headphone Sensitivity
Headphone manufacturers specify a “sensitivity” rating for their
products that is very similar to loudspeaker sensitivity ratings.
For loudspeakers, the standard is to apply 1 watt and then mea-
sure the sound pressure level (SPL) at a distance of 1 meter. For
headphones, the standard is to apply 1 milliwatt (1 mW = 1/1000
of a watt) and then measure the sound pressure level at the ear-
piece (using a dummy head with built-in microphones). Sensitiv-
ity is then stated as the number of dB of actual sound level (SPL)
produced by the headphones with 1 mW of input; headphone
specications commonly refer to this by the misleading term
“dB/mW.” What they really mean is dB SPL for 1 mW input.
ink about these sensitivity denitions a moment: head-
phone sensitivity is rated using 1/1000 of a watt; loudspeaker
sensitivity is rated using 1 watt. So a quick rule-of-thumb is that
you are going to need about 1/1000 as much power to drive your
headphones as to drive your loudspeakers since both of their sen-
sitivity ratings are similar (around 90-110 dB SPL). For example,
if your hi- amp is rated at 65 watts, then you would need only
65 mW to drive comparable headphones. (Actually you need less
than 65 mW since most people don’t listen to their loudspeak-
ers at 1 meter.) And this is exactly what you nd in hi- receiv-
ers—their headphone jacks typically provide only 10-20 mW of
output power.
Take another moment and think about all those portable
MP3 players. ey sound great, and loud. Why, you can even
hear them ten feet away as the teenage skateboarder that ran over
your foot escapes.
Power output? About 12 mW.