Rane DA 216 User Manual

Professional Audio Products Data Sheet

DA 216

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER

General Description

The Rane DA 216 Distribution Amplifier is a two-input,
sixteen-output splitter/distribution amplifier. The DA 216 is
capable of providing sixteen mono or eight stereo discrete
balanced outputs from one or two balanced mic or line level
inputs. Each output’s level may be individually adjusted via
one of the sixteen screwdriver level controls on the front
panel.

The Master A and B Level controls affect the overall level
independent of the Output controls. In other words, they
allow everything to be turned up or down at once. LEDs
indicate an Overload at the Inputs.

Each Input is set to either mic or line level via the rear

Features

• Two Balanced Inputs

panel Input Pad pushbutton. The non-attenuated 0 dB position
is for microphone, and the attenuated -40 dB position accepts
line level signal. A combination of Mic and Line is available.
Additional 40/60 dB Gain switches assist in setting optimum
level. Microphones requiring Phantom Power are
accommodated by a rear panel pushbutton switch and LED.

A recessed front panel Mono switch enables a single
input, or the two input signals mixed, for a total of 16 mono
outputs. An LED confirms this choice.

Each output stage incorporates a high-current balanced
output line driver for driving long lines with optimal
performance.

• #6 Screw Terminals

• Sixteen Balanced Outputs

• Input Overload Indicators

• Mic/Line Input Switches

• 40/60 dB Gain Switches

• Phantom Power Switch

• Studio Grade Low Noise Floor

• Master Input and Individual Output Level Controls

• Stable High-Current Line Drivers

• UL/CSA Remote Power Supply (120 VAC)

• CE (Low Voltage & EMC) Remote Power Supply (230 VAC)

DA 216

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER

Features and Specifications

Parameter Specification Limit Units Conditions/Comments

Mic Input Impedance 900 ohms Balanced 450 + 450
Line Input Impedance 100k ohms Balanced 50k + 50k
Mic Gain Range +40 & +60 dB 2-position gain switch
Line Gain Range 0 & +20 dB 2-position gain switch
Phantom Power +15 VDC
Output Impedance 200 ohms Balanced 100+100
Output Drive Level +24 dBu 600 ohms @ 1 kHz load
Output Cable Length 1500 feet Belden 8451 or equivalent
Output Gain Range Off to +6 dB
Mic Equivalent Input Noise -128 dBu Rs: 150 ohms
Line Signal-To-Noise Ratio 85 dB *
THD+Noise 0.02 0.01 % +4 dBu, *
Frequency Response 15-100 kHz 3 dB +4 dBu, *
Crosstalk 75 @ 1 kHz 2 dB +4 dBu, *

Unit: Agency Listing

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

UL Exempt Class 2 equipment
CSA Exempt Class 2 equipment

..........230 VAC model CE (EMC) EMC directive 89/336/EEC

CE (safety) Exempt Article 1 of LV Directive 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
Power Supply Requirement 18 VAC w/center tap 10% Vrms RS 1 (see data sheet)

..........Maximum Current 600 mA RMS Current from Remote Supply

Unit: Construction All Steel

..........Size 1.75"H x 19"W x 5.3"D (1U) (4.4 cm x 48.3 cm x 13.3 cm)

..........Weight 4 lb (2 kg)

Shipping: Size 4.25" x 20.3" x 13.75" (11 cm x 52 cm x 35 cm)

..........Weight 8 lb (5 kg)

Professional Audio Products Data Sheet

*PAD set to -40 dB, GAIN set to 40 dB, MASTER LEVELS set for unity gain, OUTPUT LEVELS maximum.

Note: 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms

Block Diagram

Professional Audio Products Data Sheet

DA 216

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER

Applications

Use of the DA 216 is straightforward. Connect balanced
inputs to the Input screw terminals. Follow the silk-screened
labels to the balanced Output screw terminals. The terminals
accept standard 8 millimeter (#6) spade lugs. Bare wire is
acceptable by twisting the strands, inserting under the
integrated square washer and tightening the screw. Expansion
is done by paralleling Inputs to additional DA 216s.

The diagram shows the uncomplicated nature of the
DA 216. Fully balanced (instrumentation) inputs receive the
signal to be split or distributed. The Input Pad pushbuttons
change the input gain range via a 40 dB pad. Additional Gain
pushbuttons increase either Mic or Line level inputs another
+20 dB.

Keep an eye on the Overload indicators when setting the
gain. Always use the most gain possible without causing the
Overload indicator to light steadily. Occasional flickering is

permitted. Setting gain this way maintains the best signal-to­noise performance for the system. The Master Level trims and
the Gain switches allow level matching and balancing as
required.

Each Output of DA 216 uses a high-current balanced line
driver. When operating unbalanced single-ended a 6 dB loss
of signal must be taken in to account when setting the gain
structure of the system. When wiring an Output for

unbalanced operation do not ground the unused terminal (i.e.
usually the “–”). Unbalanced uses only the “+” and ground
terminals.

32 Unbalanced Outputs Tip: The (“–”) Output may also
be used as an unbalanced line driver, albeit inverted. The
balanced Input terminals of the next stage must be reversed
(+) for (–) to correct for the inversion. This nets a total of 32
Outputs!

DA 216

DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER

Rear Panel

Professional Audio Products Data Sheet

Arhchitectural Specifications

The distribution amplifier shall have two (2) inputs and
sixteen (16) outputs. The unit shall be capable of mono (16
mono outputs) or stereo operation (8 stereo outputs) via a
front panel switch.

Each input shall be microphone or line level switchable by
means of rear panel switches. Additional 20 dB gain switches
shall be built-in for each input, applicable to either a mic or
line level signal. Each input shall have a front panel
screwdriver level adjustment. 15V phantom power shall be
provided via a rear panel switch for microphone inputs.

Available Accessories

• SC 1.7 Single Space Security Cover

Each output shall have a front panel screwdriver
adjustment. Inputs and outputs shall be balanced screw
terminal connectors.

The unit shall be exempt from agency safety requirements
and powered from a UL listed / CSA certified (120 VAC), or
CE approved (230 VAC) remote power supply. The unit shall
be constructed entirely from cold-rolled steel, and mount into
a standard 19" 1U EIA rack.

The unit shall be a Rane DA 216 Distribution Amplifier.

©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 TEL [phone] FAX [phone] WEB http://www.rane.com

All features & specifications subject to change without notice. 09916 NOV98