The Rane Model SM 26B Splitter Mixer is one of the most
useful, yet unusual audio products available. In its most basic
configuration, it is a six-to-two line level mixer. It will accept
six balanced or unbalanced line level inputs which are applied
to six Level and Pan controls. An additional stereo Master
Input allows a total of eight inputs. The result of the mix is
sent to an overall Master Output Level control and appears at
the Left and Right Output jacks on the rear. In its splitter
mode, the SM 26B can take one or two line level inputs and
split these to any of the six Mono Outputs on the rear. The
Mix/Pan controls in this mode control the level from each of
the two input buses to be applied to each Output. Internal
header blocks allow the Mix Output jacks to become an
independent stereo out, allowing a total of eight outputs. The
SM 26B may also be used as a six input, six output buffer
amplifier in which case signal applied to Input 1 is delivered
to Output 1, and so on.
SM 26B
SPLITTER MIXER
The SM 26B may also be used in a combination of modes
at once. For instance, Inputs 1 through 3 may be mixed to the
left and/or right output busses while at the same time Outputs
4 and 5 are delivering signal originally applied to the Left and
Right Master Inputs while at the same time Output 6 is being
driven from Input 6 in the straight through mode.
The front of the SM 26B comprises a Master Input Level
control, six Channel Level controls, six Mix/Pan controls and
a Master Output Level control. The rear of the SM 26B
provides two Master Left and Right Inputs, six Channel Mono
Inputs, six Channel Mono Outputs and two Master Mix Output.
All Inputs and Outputs on the SM 26B are ¼" TRS active
balanced.
See RaneNote 108, “The SM 26B Swiss Army Mixer” for
additional application information.
Features
• –10 dBV to +4 dBu Shifter
• +4 dBu to –10 dBV Shifter
• Six Balanced Mono Inputs, Six Balanced Mono Outputs
• Two Main Balanced Inputs, Two Main Balanced Outputs
• Six Input Level Controls and Six Mix/Pan Controls
• Master Input and Output Level Controls
• UL/CSA/CE and 100/120/230 VAC Remote Power Supplies
Overall Gain RangeOff to +12-0/+6dBAny Input to any Output
RFI FiltersYes5%240 kHz
Frequency Response10-56 kHz+0/-3dB
THD+Noise0.006.002%+4 dBu, 20-20 kHz unity gain
IM Distortion (SMPTE)0.009.002%60 Hz /7 kHz, 4:1, +4 dBu unity gain
Signal-to-Noise Ratiore +4 dBu, 20 kHz Noise Bandwidth
932dBMono Outputs, unity gain
902dBMix Outputs, unity gain
Crosstalk
..........L-R Panning72 (1 kHz)2dBAny Input to Mix Outs
..........Channel-Channel78 (1 kHz)2dBAny Input to Mix Outs
Mean Time Between Failure35,500HrsMil-Hdbk-217D, Section V
Unit: Agency Listing
CE (safety)LV directive 73/23/EEC
Power Supply Requirement18-24 VAC w/center tap0.1Vrms
Maximum Current300mARMS current from remote supply
Unit: ConstructionAll Steel19" 1U Rackmount
..........Size1.75" H x 19" W x 5.3" D(4.4 cm x 48.3 cm x 13.5 cm)
..........Weight5 lb (w/o power supply)(2.3 kg)
Shipping: Size4.25" x 20.3" x 13.75"(11 cm x 52 cm x 35 cm)
..........Weight9 lb(4.1 kg)
Note: 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms
Unity Gain = Master Levels Set to ~ “7” Position
Data Sheet-2
Block Diagram
SM 26B
SPLITTER MIXER
Application Information
Aptly nicknamed the “Swiss Army Mixer”, the SM 26B is
an extremely versatile single rack-space tool providing a
number of different functions to solve a broad spectrum of
line-level signal routing problems. Whether the need is for
line mixing, line distribution or line matching/amplification,
the SM 26B easily performs these tasks, along with additional
features for even more flexibility.
One of the most popular uses is line-level mixing for
keyboards, drum machines, and effects. Expanding existing
console limitations is simple. Whenever a mono or stereo submix is desired, the SM 26B comes to the rescue. Up to three
stereo, or six mono sources easily mix together, with panning
ability on every input. Many musical instrument performers
find the SM 26B indispensable for combining various effects
and expanding the available loops on their signal processors.
The SM 26B capabilities also include a wide variety of
functions such as live recording splitting, -10 dBV to +4 dBm
level matching, intercom splitting, line boosting, hotel and
club zone management, restaurant paging systems, adding
additional monitor buses for studio or stage use, and many
more custom applications. Please consult Rane Note 108 for
in-depth application information.
The SM 26B provides full expansion capabilities for all
applications. Simple ¼" TRS connectors allow expansion
using patch cords. Using these provisions, an unlimited
number of lines may be mixed or split upon demand. For
example, three units create either an 18 input mixer or an 18
output splitter, or a combination of both.
The question arises regarding mic levels. Since the
SM 26B operates only at line levels, microphone applications
require separate boosting before connection. Rane offers a
mic stage model MS 1 ideally suited to this application. The
MS 1 is a single channel mic preamplifier with a true differential input and balanced output. This provides the ability to
locate the mic preamp close to the mic’s location.
Data Sheet-3
SM 26B
SPLITTER MIXER
Rear Panel
Architectural Specifications
The splitter mixer unit shall have six (6) mono inputs, six
(6) mono outputs, two (2) master inputs, and two (2) master
outputs. The unit shall be capable of mixing or splitting any
inputs to any outputs simultaneously. Each mono input shall
have a level control with a range of off to +12 dB gain.
Separate +12 dB gain Master Input and Output Level controls
shall be provided.
Complete expansion capabilities shall be provided to
allow any number of similar units to be coupled together.
A combination Mix or Pan control shall be provided on
each of the six (6) mono channels to allow any output to be a
mix of the two master inputs, or to allow any mono input to
be panned between the two master outputs.
The inputs and outputs shall be active balanced designs
terminated with ¼" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connectors. RFI
filters shall be provided. Ultrasonic filters shall be built-in.
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 entirely constructed from cold-rolled steel.
The unit shall be a Rane Corporation SM 26B.
Available Accessories
• SC 1.7 Security Cover
• MS 1 Microphone Preamplifier
References
1. D. Bohn, “SM 26B Swiss Army Mixer,” RaneNote 108, (1984).
2. T. Pennington, “Cost-Effective Noise Masking Systems,” RaneNote 116, (1987).