Rane ECS v2 RaneWare (RaneWare 2.1) - Manual (Page 6)

RW Manual-6
Off: Audio on this Port will not trigger the Port Signal
indicator on, nor will the Port be able to become the Master.
See also: Status Indicators on page Manual-4
Typical default value:
Automatic
Port Auto-Level
Each Port has an independent selectable Limiter function:
Limiter: Use this on Ports containing speech, such as Port
1 or codec feeds. This Limiter is optimized with a fast attack
and a slow release. Once audio exceeds 0 dB on the Meter,
the Input attenuation is reduced to help prevent overload and
reduce the dynamic range.
Auto-Level: Use this on Ports containing speech and
music content. Auto-Level performs both the Limiter and an
Auto-Level function. Audio signals above 0 dB on the Meter
are reduced by the Limiter. If the audio exceeds 0 dB for 1
second, the Auto-Level kicks in. The Auto-Level function
calculates the average level and reduces the Input attenuation
by the same amount. This attenuation slowly releases only
when the Meter is between its set threshold level and -10 dB.
Off: This disables both of the above limiters.
Typical default value:
Limiter radio button checked.
Port Threshold Level
Each Port has an independently adjustable Threshold
Level. The Port Threshold Level is used solely to illuminate
the Port Signal indicator and tell system status of which Port
contains audio. Once audio on a Port exceeds its
Threshold
Level, the Port Signal indicator is lit (when the Port’s Signal
Mode is set to Automatic).
See Also: Port Signal indicator on page Manual-4
Typical default value:
-20 dB
Port Input Attenuation
Each Port has an independently adjustable Input Attenua-
tion. Proper setup of the Input Attenuation, particularly for
video CODECs, is perhaps the most important calibration
procedure to achieve optimum performance.
There are only a few (nominal) voltage reference levels
commonly seen on products in ECS applications.
• Devices with RCA jacks are generally considered -10 dBV
(0.316 Vrms) consumer-level devices. These include
VCRs, CD players, DVD, laserdiscs, and cassette decks.
• Many video codecs are rated at a nominal -10 dBm (0.245
Vrms into 600 ohms). These devices may require a 600
ohm resistor at the ECB 62’s Input.
• Standard pro audio voltage reference levels equal +4 dBu
(1.23 Vrms).
Typical default value table:
Connected Port
Device Type ECB 62 front
panel PAD switch RaneWare Port
Input Attenuation
RCA (VCR, CD,
DVD…)
“0” 2.0 dB
Video
CODEC
“0” 4.0 dB
Pro (+4 dBu
balanced)
“10” 8.0 dB
Port Output indicators
These six indicators are green when the Port’s Output is
On (enabled). They are gray when the Port is off (muted).
The check box to the left of the Port name (just above the Port
Output attenuation sliders) turn the Port Outputs on (checked)
and off (unchecked).
Port Matrix check boxes
These 6 row by 6 column check boxes set the audio I/O
matrix of the ECB 62. Each Input has an associated column
with the Input names shown from left to right across the top.
Each Output has an associated row with the names listed on
the right from top to bottom. Note: Only Port 5 allows its
Input to feed its own Output. This is useful for assisted
listening applications. Other than Port 5, Inputs cannot feed
their own Output to avoid feedback. See RaneNote 140,
“Mix-Minus Speech Reinforcement with Conferencing” for
room zoning applications using ECS.
For each Output row (names on the right), check the
corresponding Input box or boxes (columns) whose audio you
wish to mix into the chosen Output. For example, to mix the
room (mic) audio and a VCR on Port 5 and feed a mix of both
to a video CODEC on Port 2, in the second row down check
the first and fourth box from the left. [Note that the fourth
check box is actually in the fifth column since the second
column lacks a check box.]
Port Output Attenuators
Each Output has an independently adjustable Output
Attenuator. With the Attenuator set to 0.0 dB and with audio
producing a Meter reading of 0 dB, the Output will be 0 dBu
(0.775 Vrms).
The checkbox to the left of the Output names turns the
Port’s Output on (unmuted) and off (muted). When the check
box is checked, the Port Output “
On” indicator is green.
Typical default value: Set to 0 dB for +4 dBu (pro/
balanced) devices. Set to 10 dB for VCRs, codecs, hybrids
and consumer level (RCA connector) devices.