Rane AP 13 User Manual

DATA SHEET

BA

CUT

RING=MIC

RING=PIEZO

–

PIEZO

PICKUP GAIN TRI

M

PHANTOM

TIP=PIEZO

TIP=MIC

15V6V

POWER

INPUT

101010 A12

10

0

INVERT INVERT

180

250

12

9

6

80

3

MIC

6
3

35

9

20

C

2

0

4

180

2

B 0 250

4

80

6

8

6

35

8

20

LOW+CUT 40 100 250 OUT630 1.6k 10k4k LEVELPAN

LOW

–

6104

101010A12

C0

12

9

6

3

B

6
3

9

222

0 0

0

4 4

4

0

6 66

8 8

8

2

63

0100+40 250 1.6k 4k 10k PAN

SEN

D

LEVEL

A B

RTN

LEVEL

0 1

0

28 8

4 6

LEVEL

13AP

PZO

MIC

OL

INSTRUMENT

PIEZO PICKU

P

POWER

MUTE

MIC PICKUP MAIN OUT

PREAMPLIFIER

OL

ACOUSTIC

HEADPHONE

General Description

Dedicated to the needs of the acoustic musician, the
AP 13 Acoustic Preamplifier is a full-featured package specifical­ly suited for instruments with two pickups. e AP 13 provides
two signal processing paths: one optimized for piezo pickups and
one for microphone pickups. e piezo path features very high
input impedance for extended low bass response; while the mic
processing channel offers two choices of phantom power voltages
satisfing most electret condenser mic pickups. Additionally, ei­ther channel accepts dynamic pickups or line-level outputs from
outboard preamps. A convenient front panel slide switch allows
choice of which pickup is wired to the tip or the sleeve of the
stereo ¼" input jack. Handy Pickup Gain Trim controls feature
large openings for quick changes using guitar picks, fingernails
or coins. And separate pickup Overload indicators make gain
set-up easy.

Each pickup signal path contains an Invert switch, an adjust­able Low Cut filter, a 7-band graphic equalizer, a Pan control and
a separate Level amplifier, all logically arranged along the front
panel using smooth-acting oil-damped sliders for the ultimate in
convenience and graphical feedback. e Invert switch solves the

AP 13

ACOUSTIC PREAMPLIFIER

annoying (and too common) problem of what to do with pickups
wired out-of-phase. e sliding Low Cut filter helps eliminate
troublesome thumping, rumbling, rubbing and other unwanted
infrasonic frequencies. e graphic equalizers give you separate
timbre control over each individual pickup. e Pan and Level
controls mix both pickups into one smooth stereo signal ready to
drive the Send/Return Effects Loop, or the in-line Inserts. Two
pair of high-current cross-coupled balanced stereo line drivers,
with Mono switch, complete the processing chain. Choose be­tween the stereo ¼" line-level outs for amplifier feed or the stereo
XLR mic-level outs for direct console patching, or use them both.

A powerful Headphone amplifier and Master Mute switch
allow private auditioning and practice. e Tuner Output lets
you leave your tuner attached for quick checks or changes during
performance. When an auxiliary output is necessary, the separate
Piezo Output with Level control perfectly satisfies the need.

e AP 13 Acoustic Preamplifer is all you ever dreamed of
for perfect control of your acoustic instrument (years of practice
not included).

Features

• Advanced Preamp for Instruments Using Piezo & Mic Pickups

• Selectable Phantom Power Voltages for Condenser Mics

• Signal Processor for Each Pickup:

• Low Cut Filter 15-250 Hz

• 7-Band Graphic Equalizer

• Phase Invert Switch

• Level & Pan Controls

• Stereo Send/Return and Insert Loops

• Switchable Tip/Ring Input Wiring

• Direct Tuner and Piezo Outputs

• Main Output Muting with Indicator

• Main Output Stereo/Mono Switch

• Fully Balanced Mic/Line Level Outputs

• Stereo Headphone Amplifier

• UL/CSA/CE and 100/120/230 VAC Remote Power Supplies

Data Sheet-1

Parameter Specification Limit Units Conditions/Comments

Frequency Response 15-40 kHz +0/-3 dB Low Cut set minimum
THD+Noise 0.03 .01
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) 120 2 dB Inst Mic In to Send, 60 dB gain

115
Signal-to-Noise Ratio re +4 dBu, 20 kHz BW

..........Return In to Main Out 88 / 81 2 dB Unity/Max gain

..........Instrument In to Main Out 81

Crosstalk greater than 70 at 2 kHz min dB 50 dB at 20 kHz
Mic Pickup Phantom Power +6 or +15 5% VDC Switch on rear
Input Impedances: Mic Pickup 20k (1.8k w/Phantom Power) 1%

..........PZO Pickup 5 Meg min

..........All Others 20k 1% Ω Insert, Return & Expand

Maximum Input Levels

..........Instrument Pickups +12

..........All Others +22 1 dBu (9.76 Vrms)

7-Band EQ: Center Frequencies 40/100/250/630/1.6k/4k/10k 3% Hz

..........Bandwidth 2.0 3% oct

..........Boost/Cut Range ±12

Low Cut: Frequency Range 15-250 10% Hz Slope = 12 dB per octave
Maximum Available Gain Input to Main Output (Line-level)

..........Instrument Pickups 86

..........Headphones 10 1 dB

..........Return or Insert 16

Output Impedances

..........Main Line-level 50 1%

..........Main Mic-level 100 1% Ω Balanced

..........Headphones 90 1%

..........Effect or Insert Sends 100 1% Ω Unbalanced

Maximum Output Levels

..........Main Line-level +22 1 dBu Balanced into 600 Ω

..........Main Mic-level -20 1 dBu Balanced into 1 kΩ

..........Effect or Insert Sends +22

Headphones: Maximum Power 170 5% mW 150 Ω headphones

100 5% mW 600

..........THD + Noise less than 0.015 max % 150 mW / 150 Ω, 20-20 kHz

..........Crosstalk greater than 80 @ 1 kHz min dB 60 dB, 20-20 kHz

Unit: Agency Listing

..........120 VAC model Class 2 Equipment National Electrical Code

UL & CSA Exempt Class 2 equipment

..........230 VAC model CE-EMC EMC directive 89/336/EEC

CE-Safety Exempt per Art. 1, LVD 73/23/EEC
Power Supply: Agency Listing Class 2 Equipment

..........120 VAC model UL File no. E88261

CSA File no. LR58948

..........230 VAC model CE-EMC EMC directive 89/336/EEC

CE-Safety LV directive 73/23/EEC

..........100 VAC model Built to JIS Japan only

CE (safety) LV directive 73/23/EEC
Power Supply Input 18 VAC w/center tap 10% Vrms Rane RS 1 (supplied)
Maximum Current Consumption 200 mA
Unit: 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 (2.3 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

2 dB Inst PZO In to Send, 60 dB gain

2 dB Max gain except PU gains 50%

1 dBu (3.09 Vrms)

1 dB

2 dB

2 dB

1 dBu Unbalanced into 2 kΩ

% +4 dBu, 20-20k Hz

Ω
Ω 1 kHz

Ω Balanced

Ω Unbalanced

Ω headphones

Data Sheet-2

Block Diagram

INPUT

INSTRUMENT

SWITCH

TIP/RING

GAIN

PIEZO

TRIM

MIC
GAIN
TRIM

PHANTOM

POWER

(O

FF, 6V, 15V )

6-60 dB

6-60dB

GRAPHIC

7-BAND

INVERT

LO

W

FILTER

15-250 Hz

EQ ±12 dB

15-250 Hz

7-BAND
GRAPHIC

EQ ±12 dB

FILTER

LO

W

OVERLOAD

PZ

O

PIEZO

OUTPUT

TUNER

OUTPUT

10 dB

OUT

PIEZO

PIEZO

10 dB

LEVEL

R

MIC

OVERLOAD

R

MIC

LEVEL

10 dB

PA

N

PIEZO

PAN

MIC

SEND A

0 dB

SEND A

A(LEFT)

B(RIGHT)

SEND B

0 dB

SEND B

RETURN A

RETURN

RETURN B

0 dB

INSERT

A

EXPAND IN

A

INSERT

B

EXPAND IN

B

0d

B

0 dB

0 dB

0d

B

MONO

10 dB

10 dB

HEADPHONES

L

R

B

A

MAIN

10 dB

10 dB

OUT

B

OUT

A

MAIN

MAIN

OUT

MUTE

OVERLOAD

MAIN

R

6 dB

6 dB

OUT

A

MAIN

MAIN

OUT

B

40dB

PA

D

40dB

PA

D

SWITCH

INVERT

SWITCH

+

+

+

+

Application Information

Several interesting things distinguish the AP 13 from other

acoustic preamplifiers.

AP 13

ACOUSTIC PREAMPLIFIER

STEREO ¼" INPUT

Referring to the block diagram above, note the convenience
of having an input switch that automatically reverses the role
of tip and ring on the ¼" Input jack. is saves the trouble of
having to rewire your plug just because it follows one tradition
or another. Next, the three-position Phantom Power (T-Power)
selector switch allows you to choose between 6 volts or 15 volts
DC to power your electret or other condenser pickup. T-Power
is similar to phantom power except only two conductors are
required instead of three (voltage and hot are tied together). is
should cover just about every case – check with the factory for
your mic if in doubt, or read the RaneNote

, “Microphones for the

AP 13”. e Off choice lets this Input accommodate standard

electric guitar type pickups (magnetic coil designs – humbucking
or otherwise). In fact, either Input handles this type of pickup
directly, or accepts the line-level outputs of outboard preamps
(belt or instrument mounted).

TUNING

e fixed Tuner Output connects to the piezo processing side
since that is the one that gives the most accurate tuning informa
tion. is output is not affected by the graphic EQ. e Piezo
Output is similar except located post-EQ and has it’s own Piezo
Output Level control. Neither of these outputs are affected by
the Piezo Level control.

EFFECTS LOOPS

Two different kinds of effects loops live in the AP 13. e
first is the standard Send/Return loop used to mix a wet (pro
cessed) signal back with the dry (unprocessed) signal. Choose
between stereo or mono Send and Return paths. Individual Send
A/B controls exist along with a ganged stereo Return control.
e second is the direct in-line type known as an Insert. Here all
the signal exits, passes through the outboard processor and re­enters, all using the same ¼" TRS jack, wired per the Tip=Send,
Ring=Return convention.

EXPANDING & OTHER INPUTS

e Expand Input jacks provide a means for either expand­ing the AP 13 to allow two instrument use, or as a means to mix
line-level signals with that of the AP 13. Such things as drum
machines and synthesizers often find themselves plugged into
these jacks. Mono or stereo sources may be used.

MAIN OUTPUTS

e AP 13 uses high-current cross-coupled differential
line drivers for each of its balanced outputs. Normal balanced
line-level applications use the ¼" output jacks with 3-wire cable
terminated with ¼" TRS plugs. Unbalanced line-level intercon
nection uses standard mono ¼" TS plugs without gain change
or signal loss. For direct console connection, the XLR outputs
provide a low-noise mic-level balanced signal.

Architectural Specifications

-

­e Inputs shall contain two channels accomodating both

a microphone and piezo instrument pickup, terminated in a
single ¼" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connector. Switchable phantom
power shall be provided for the microphone input. Each input
shall have an overload LED, input trim control, phase invert
switch, low cut filter, seven-band graphic equalizer, pan and level
controls. e main outputs shall implement a stereo level control
and mute switch, terminated in balanced 3-pin.and ¼" TRS
connectors. An output mono switch shall be provided.

Stereo send and return connectors with level controls shall

be provided. A ¼" TS tuner output, ¼" piezo output, ¼" TRS
insert connectors and ¼" TS expand input connectors shall also
be provided. A headphone amplifier shall be built-in with it's
own level control.

e unit shall be a Rane AP 13 Acoustic Preamplifier.

Data Sheet-3

-

AP 13

Basic Two Pickup System (no battery in guitar) Two Pickup Sytem with Separate Piezo Pickup for Each String

Two Electric Guitar Magnetic Pickups Single Pickup with Preamp

Elec tret
Conde nser Mic

0.6 mV - 1 V max

3 mV - 5V m ax

Ring

Ti

p

Sleev

e
Piezo
Pickup

Tie together if they exit the mic separately — see notes below.

Ring

Ti

p

Sleeve

Mic or
Magnetic
Pickup

Segmente

d
Piezo
Picku p

Commo n

Ring

Tip

Sleeve

Pickup #1Pickup #2

Pickups may be active or passive, typic al “electric
guitar”

picku ps or simil ar magnet & coil transducers.

Existing p

reamp m ay be built into the guitar,

or in an external “s

tomp box.”

Tip (or

Ring)

Sleeve

An

y

Picku p

Existing
Preamp

6V 15VOFF

SIG GN

D

LIFT

CHASSIS

GND

(PIEZO)

CLASS 2 EQUIPMENT

MI

C

LINELINE

MIC

(TIP=SEND RING=RETURN)

RANE CORP

.

ACN001.187.837

SLEEVE=#1=SIG GN

DTIP=#2=POSITIVE RING=#3=NEGATIVE

MADE IN U.S.A.

AP 13

MIC

PHANTOM

TUNER

OUTPUT

SENDRETURN

PIEZO

OUTPUT

BA

(MONO)

BBB AAA

(MONO)

POWER

INSERTEXPAND IN

MAIN

OUTPUTS

(MONO)

MONO

A

600mA

POWER

ACOUSTIC PREAMPLIFIER

Rear Panel

Application Information

Recommended Microphones

Almost any miniature dynamic or condenser mic may be
used with the AP 13. Several compatible miniature microphones
are made by AKG, Audio-Technica, Barcus Berry, Beyerdy­namic, Countryman, Crown, CT Audio, Donnell, ElectroVoice,
Fishman, Frap, Sennheiser, Seymour Duncan, Shure, Sony, and

Mic Wiring in General: e red wire is usually the hot wire

and should be connected to the tip or ring; the other wire and
shield tie together at the sleeve. Consult the mic maker or Rane
Tech Support for more specific information on wiring micro­phones from other manufacturers.

Telex. Consult the RaneNote, “Microphone Options for the AP
13,” available at the Rane website: www.rane.com/ap13.html.

SP 13

e SP 13 is a version of the AP 13 optimized for Stick musicians. It is available exclusively from Stick Enterprises. www.stick.com

©Rane Corporati on 10802 47t h Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 TEL [phone] FAX [phone] WEB w ww.rane.com

Data Sheet-4

All features & specifications subject to change without notice. DOC 103212