Rane MPE 14 User manual

Professional Audio Products Data Sheet MPE 14 & MPE 28
PROGRAMMABLE EQUALIZERS
Features
 128 MEMORIES WITH DIRECT RECALL
 REALTIME DYNAMIC CONTROL VIA MIDI
 CURVE COMPARE, WEIGHTING & COPYING
 SNAPLESS EQ CURVE RAMPING
 MIDI SYSEX CURVE EDITING
 SEPARATE EQ AND SYSTEM DISPLAYS
 INTERPOLATING CONSTANT-Q FILTERS
 +12/-15dB RANGE IN 1dB STEPS
 INDIVIDUAL BYPASS SWITCHES
 BALANCED 3-PIN & ¼" IN/OUT
 NON-VOLATILE MEMORY
 TWO-LEVEL ACCESS SECURITY SYSTEM
 UL/CSA REMOTE POWER SUPPLY
 DOS EDITOR PROGRAM AVAILABLE
General Description
The MPE 14, two-channel, 14-band, 2/3-octave, and the
MPE 28, one-channel, 28-band, 1/3-octave MIDI program-
mable equalizers begin a generation of automated signal
processing from Rane Corporation.
Sound Contracting: Presets can be stored for varying
room configurations, and recalled via front panel, or external
contact closures with the Rane RPS 4 Remote Program
Selector (converting switch closures to MIDI program change
commands). Access security can be maintained in two levels
of front panel lockout.
Live Performance: The MPE series interface to any
MIDI controller or sequencer, allowing not only program
changes, but also curve modification in real time through the
use of MIDI System Exclusive (SYSEX) messages.
MIDI Studios: Not only can the MPEs overcome defi-
ciencies in synthesizer and drum machine voices, they also
add a new musical dimension: Expression. The MPEs respond
to expression controllers such as MIDI continuous controllers
or channel pressure aftertouch. This feature allows dynamic
control and continuous modification of the EQ curve. Bend
your bass or tweak your treble; its now at your fingertips, in
real time.
The MPEs are digitally controlled analog equalizers. Start
with Ranes proven equalizer performance. Put it under the
powerful control of a 16-bit, 16MHz microcontroller. Pro-
gram the microcontroller to provide full MIDI implementa-
tion, including SYSEX. Add it all together and you get an
unbeatable programmable equalizer. The MPEs utilize Ranes
exclusive Interpolating Constant-Q filter technology. The
same design used in the commercial grade model GE 30 for
smooth, consistently accurate performance, and minimum
interaction. The MPEs are fitted with fully balanced Inputs
and Outputs using both 3-pin and ¼" TRS connectors.
The MPEs allow the user to store 128 equalization curves
recalled by either the front panel controls, MIDI commands,
another MPE, a Rane RPS 4, or from a computer. DOS
software is available from the factory (at no charge) that
allows graphic editing of the MPE. Other software companies
produce MPE Editor/Librarians, such as Opcode Systems
(Galaxy) and Mark of the Unicorn (Unisyn and X-oR).
The MPEs also feature decimal and octal program display,
program mapping, curve weighting, ramping, copying, and a
wealth of usable factory EQ presets. Please consult the MPE
Users Guide (available upon request) for further information
on these and other advanced features.
MPE 14 & MPE 28 MIDI Programmable Equalizers
Rane MPE 28 Editor DOS Program Screen

Professional Audio Products Data Sheet
MPE 14 & MPE 28
PROGRAMMABLE EQUALIZERS
Parameter Specification Limit Units Conditions/Comments
Equalizer: Channels (2) MPE 14; (1) MPE 28
..........Bands: MPE 14 (14) 2/3 Octave ISO Spacing 40Hz to 16kHz
...................... MPE 28 (28) 1/3 Octave ISO Spacing 31.5Hz to 16kHz
..........Type Interpolating Constant-Q
..........Accuracy 3 % Center Frequency
..........Range +12/-15 1 dB 1 dB Step Size
..........Program Memories 128
Inputs: Type Active Balanced/Unbalanced
..........Connectors 3-Pin & ¼" TRS
..........Impedance 15k 1% •
..........Maximum Level +20 1 dBu
Outputs: Type Active Balanced/Unbalanced
..........Connectors 3-Pin & ¼" TRS
..........Impedance 200 1% • Balanced:100• Each Output
..........Maximum Level +20 1 dBu
Overall Level Range ±12 2 dB 2 dB Step Size
RFI Filters Yes
Memory Battery Life 3 50% Yrs Ray-O-Vac BR2325, or equal
MIDI Xmit/Rcv Buffer Size 5,000 Bytes
Bypass Switches Yes Each Channel Separate
Overload LED Thresholds +16 1 dBu Output or any Internal Level
Low Filter 15Hz, 18dB/Oct, Butterworth 3% Hz
Frequency Response 15-45kHz +0/-3 dB
THD+Noise 0.008 .001 % +4dBu, 20-20kHz
IM Distortion (SMPTE) 0.009 .002 % 60Hz/7kHz, 4:1, +4dBu
Signal-to-Noise Ratio MPE 14/MPE 28 re +20dBu 20kHz Noise BW, Balanced
108/104 2 dB All Bands Centered, Unity Gain
103/98 2 dB All Bands Centered, Max Gain
100/95 2 dB All Bands Full Cut, Unity Gain
Channel Separation (MPE 14) 75 3 dB 40-20kHz
Power Supply Input 18-24VAC w/center-tap 10% Vrms Proposed AES RAP Standard
Power Supply Connector 6-pin mod plug Wired per above
Safety Agency—Unit
..........Classification Class 2 Equipment National Electrical Safety Code
..........Design Safety Extra-Low Voltage VDE SELV
..........U.L. Listing U.L. 813 Exempt Class 2
..........C.S.A. Certification C22.2 No. 1 Exempt Class 2
..........CENELEC IEC 65 Exempt Harmonization Doc. HD 195.S4
—Remote Power Supply Class 2 Equipment
..........U.L. Listed E90493 UL 1012
..........230VAC Export Model Meets requirements of IEC 950 TUV Approved
EMI/RFI Emission Levels FCC Part 15 Compliance Class A Digital Device
Satisfies VDE 0871 Class A Digital Device
Maximum Current 500 mA RMS Current From Remote Supply
Unit: Construction All Steel
..........Size 1.75"H x 19"W x 8.5"D (1U) (4.4cm x 48.3cm x 21.6cm)
..........Weight 6 lb (2.7 kg)
Shipping: Size 7" x 22" x 13" (18cm x 56cm x 33cm)
..........Weight 11 lb (5.0 kg)
Note: 0dBu=0.775Vrms

Professional Audio Products Data Sheet MPE 14 & MPE 28
PROGRAMMABLE EQUALIZERS
Block Diagram
Application Information
Using a Rane MPE programmable equalizer is really no
different than using any conventional equalizer. It hooks-up
the same, and you use it the same. The main difference is you
use pushbuttons instead of sliders. Another difference, of
course, is that up to 128 different curves may be set and
stored for recall at a later time. Recalled either directly using
the front panel, or remotely, using another MPE, contact
closures with a Rane RPS 4, or MIDI commands. And the
MIDI program number is displayed in either decimal or octal
format. Your choice.
Different also is the ability to program the step size
required to go from one curve to another. By ramping
between curves you avoid the snap often associated with
abrupt EQ changes. This curve ramping feature operates
similarly to dissolve in slide and video productions.
And, of course, another difference is the curve-weighting
feature. With this you can modify any new curve by a preset
curveeither factory set, or your own. So, for instance, if
you want the high-end rolled off, all you do is flatten the
system then apply the curve-weighting function to automati-
cally adjust the roll off.
Then there is the two-level security system built into all
MPEs. The first level allows users to select Stored Memories,
but not to edit them; the second level prevents all changes.
This feature alleviates many of the late-night and early
Sunday morning service calls.
And lastly, theres SYSEX. The MIDI system exclusive
remote curve editing capability allows one MPE to program
another MPE, or as many MPEs as you want. Used this way,
any MPE may be designated as a master unit and all others as
slaves. This opens up a whole new world of remote control
capabilities. The other possibility, using the powerful MPE
SYSEX code, is to allow anyone with the proper equipment
and programming ability to manipulate all curve parameters
in real time. Rane provides an MPE Editor for DOS (at no
charge) that allows graphic editing on a PC with a MIDI
interface card (laptops can be fitted with a MIDIator serial-to-
MIDI converter). Third party companies also provide MPE
support for Macintosh and Windows users.
Please see the MPE Users Guide for advanced applica-
tion information.

Professional Audio Products Data Sheet
MPE 14 & MPE 28
PROGRAMMABLE EQUALIZERS
All features & specifications subject to change without notice. 520-260 MAY94Printed in the U.S.A. on Recycled Paper
©Rane Corporation, 10802 47th Avenue W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 TEL[phone] FAX[phone]
Rear Panels
The programmable equalizer shall consist of one or two
channels; each channel shall have 14 or 28 bands, spaced on
ISO centers from 31.5Hz to 16kHz and be 1/3 or 2/3-octaves
wideall as specified elsewhere. The amplitude control
range of each band shall be +12dB and 15dB, adjustable in
1dB steps. The overall level range shall be ±12dB, adjustable
in 2dB steps. Individual bypass switches shall be provided for
each channel.
The inputs and outputs shall be active balanced/unbal-
anced designs terminated in 3-pin and parallel ¼" tip-ring-
sleeve (TRS) connectors. The input impedance shall be 15k
ohms, while the output impedance shall be 200 ohms,
balanced. Both shall be capable of processing audio signal
levels of a maximum of +20dBu. RFI input filters shall be
provided. A low filter shall exist with 18dB/octave slopes and
a corner frequency of 15Hz. The frequency response of the
unit shall be 3dB down at 15Hz and 45kHz respectively.
MIDI In, Out and Thru jacks shall be provided. All
controls shall be rubber-based pushbutton switches. Two
digital displays shall exist, one using green LED digits for
displaying amplitude information, and a separate red LED
display for system information.
The unit shall be exempt from agency safety requirements
and powered from a UL listed remote power supply
(120VAC), or meet IEC 950 requirements (230VAC) and
conform to the proposed AES RAP-6 design via a rear panel
input red modular plug. The unit shall be constructed entirely
from cold-rolled steel, and mount into a standard EIA relay
rack occupying 1U space.
The unit shall be a Rane Corporation Model MPE
Programmable Equalizer.
Architectural Specifications
Available Accessories
 RPS 4 Remote Program Switcher
 RWS 4 Remote Wall Switch (requires RPS 4)
 DOS MPE Editor Programs (versions available for MPE 28 and MPE 14).