Rane HC 6 User Manual

DATA S HE ET

General Description

The Rane HC 6 is one of the most indispensable products
in today’s audio industry. Featuring six stereo headphone
amplifiers, the HC 6 performs a number of necessary tasks,
not all of which are headphone related.

The HC 6 provides Master stereo Inputs which can be
used to drive any or all of the 6 stereo headphone amplifiers.
A Mono switch is provided on the front panel to drive both
channels of all 6 amplifiers from a common mono source. Six
individual unbalanced stereo Inputs are available to drive any
individual amplifier from a separate stereo source. These
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

HC 6

HEADPHONE CONSOLE

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.

The HC 6 is capable of delivering up to 450 milliwatts
into headphones with rated impedances between 32-600
ohms. The 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
HC 6 produces sound pressure levels in excess of 120 dB.
This level is more than adequate for most listeners.

See the RaneNote, “Understanding Headphone Power
Requirements” for further information.

Features

• Six Stereo Headphone Amplifiers

• Master Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Inputs

• Six Unbalanced Stereo Inputs

• Six Output Level Controls

• Master Input Level Controls

• Stereo/Mono Switch

• Drives 32-600 ohm Headphones

• Front and Rear Output Jacks

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

Data Sheet-1

HC 6

HEADPHONE CONSOLE

Parameter Specification Limit Units Conditions/Comments

Power Output: 1 Channel Driven Max Avg (RMS) Power, 20-20 kHz

450 5% mW 32 ohm headphones
390 5% mW 50 ohm headphones

285 5% mW 100 ohm headphone s
150 5% mW 200 ohm headphones
100 5% mW 300 ohm headphones

80 5% mW 600 ohm headphones

6 Channels Driven

240 5% mW 32 ohm headp hones

250 5% mW 50 ohm headp hones
180 5% mW 100 ohm headphones
130 5% mW 200 ohm headphones
100 5% mW 300 ohm headphones

75 5% mW 600 ohm headphones

(Note: Above values produce loudness levels of 120 dB in most headphones)

Headphone Impedance Range 32-600 10% ohms For best performance
Inputs: Type Active Balanced/Unbalanced

………Connectors ¼" TRS
………Impedance 20k 1% ohms
………Maximum Level +20 1 dBu

Outputs: Type (6) Stereo Amplifiers (6) Outs front + (6) Outs rear

………Connector s ¼" Tip = Left, Ring = Right

………Impedance 7.5 5 % ohms Headphone Outputs
Overall Gain Range Off to +28 1 dB
LED Threshold: Signal Present -20 1 dBu Input Level
Ultrasonic Filter 20 kHz, 6 dB/octave 5% Hz Linear phase
Frequency Response 20-20 kHz +0/-3 dB
THD+Noise 0.005 .002 % 150 mW/200 ohms, 1 kHz, 1 c hannel

0.1 .02 % 150 mW/200 ohms, 2 0-20 kH z, 1 ch
IM Distortion (SMPTE) 0.05 .01 % 60 Hz/7 kHz, 4:1, 150 mW/200 ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio -94(main)/-104(channel) 2 dB re 150 mW/200 ohms, 20 kHz BW
Mean Time Between Failure 20,500 Hrs Mil Hdbk-217D, Section V
Unit: Agency Listing

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

UL / CSA Exempt Class 2 equipme nt

………230 VAC model CE-EMC EMC Directive 89/336/EEC

CE-Safety Exempt Per Article 1 of LV directive 73/23/EEC

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

Power Supply: Agency Listing

………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

..........Requirement 18 VAC with Center Tap 10% Vrms Rane RS 1 supplied

..........Maximum Current 750 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 21.6 cm)
………Weight 6 lb (2.7 kg)

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

………Weight 12 lb (5.4 kg)

Note: 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms

Data Sheet-2

HC 6

HEADPHONE CONSOLE

Block Diagram

LEFT

MASTER

INPUT

RIGHT

MASTER

INPUT

STEREO*

IN 1

*

CONSULT MANUAL FOR MONO BALANCED SOURCES

0 dB

0 dB

MONO

0 dB

MASTER
LEVEL

0 dB

TO STAGES 2-6

Application Information

At first glance the HC 6 looks like any other headphone
distribution amplifier. Indeed, it performs superbly all the
basic functions of such an instrument. Two balanced Inputs
provide a master stereo signal to six stereo headphone
amplifiers, with individual stereo Level controls. The 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 HC 6 allow
performance well beyond the limits of standard headphone
distribution amplifiers. Besides the stereo Master Inputs, the
HC 6 provides separate stereo Inputs for each of the six
headphone amplifiers. Whenever a signal is plugged into the
individual stereo Input, the Master stereo signal automatically
disconnects from that amplifier, allowing the remaining
stages to be fed either from the Master stereo Inputs or
likewise from another separate input. This feature opens new
applications for the HC 6, allowing operation as either a
standard distribution amplifier or as six separate amplifiers, 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 HC 6 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

SIGNAL

SENSE

HEADPHONE
LEVEL

+28 dB

+28 dB

G

SIGNAL
PRESENT

LEFT

RIGHT

TIP
RING

TIP
RING

FRONT

HEADPHONE

JACKS 1

REAR

headache); or let the producer monitor the straight mix all at
the same time. This feature proves equally valuable to
broadcast facilities, video production studios, language labs
and other educational facilities.

The HC 6 provides Output jacks on both the front and rear
panels. The front jacks (paralleled with the rear jacks) add
considerable flexibility and ease of operation. This 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.

The HC 6 makes a valuable tool for any band wanting to
practice anywhere, anytime, at any volume, without disturb­ing a soul. By connecting the HC 6 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. The HC 6 is
a very cost-effective alternative to renting a practice studio
for every rehearsal.

And finally, everyone wants to know how much power the
HC 6 puts out. The output power depends on the impedance
of the headphones; but, how much power the HC 6 puts out is
the wrong question. How loud will the HC 6 make my
headphones is the right question. See the RaneNote “Under­standing Headphone Power Requirements” for the answer.

Data Sheet-3

HC 6

HEADPHONE CONSOLE

Rear Panel

Architectural Specifications

The headphone console shall have six (6) stereo inputs
and two (2) master inputs driving six (6) stereo amplifiers
wired to six (6) outputs on the front panel, in parallel with six
(6) outputs on the rear chassis. Sufficient 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 off to +28 dB. A stereo/mono switch shall be

located on the front panel.

The master inputs shall be active balanced/unbalanced
designs terminated with ¼" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connectors.
The outputs shall be ¼" TRS connectors wired tip-left, ring­right, sleeve-common.

Ultrasonic filters shall be built-in, and LEDs provided to
indicate Signal Present conditions on all amplifier inputs.

The unit shall be powered from a U.L. Listed, C.S.A.
Certified, (120 VAC) external power supply, or a (230 VAC)
supply meeting CE requirements. This external supply shall
be provided with each unit.

The unit shall be a Rane Corporation Model HC 6.

References

1. D. Bohn, “Understanding Headphone Power Requirements,” RaneNote, (1983).

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

Data Sheet-4

All features & specifications subject to change without notice. DOC 103084 PN 07861