Rane FDA 28 - Manual

OPERATING / SERVICE MANUAL FDA 28
DISTRIBUTION
AMPLIFIER
QUICK START
This section is provided as a convenience for those in a rush. If you are experienced with this
unit or other Rane Flex modules, these few words should help refresh your memory.
Inputs may be microphone or line level. The choice between the two is made by setting the
pushbuttons on the rear of the unit near each Input. Follow the silkscreening for proper wiring
hookup. Choose between chassis, signal ground or open for shield connection.
Signal for the Outputs is sourced either before or after the A and B MASTER level controls.
The switches which determine this are located within the confines of the unit’s covers. All FDA
28s are shipped from the factory with the internal switches in the POST fader position.
Once Inputs and Outputs are satisfactorily connected, set the Input GAINs as high as possible
without causing the A and B OverLoad indicators to illuminate steadily for high input levels. If 1
x 8 Mono operation is required, use only one Input and set all STEREO/MONO switches to the
MONO position. If 1 x 4 STEREO operation is chosen, all switches should be in the opposite
position. Mix settings as each application demands.
NEVER CONNECT ANYTHING EXCEPT AN APPROVED RANE POWER SUPPLY
TO THE RED THING THAT LOOKS LIKE A TELEPHONE JACK ON THE REAR OF
THE FDA 28. This is an AC input and requires special attention if you do not have a power
supply EXACTLY like the one that was originally packed with your unit. See the full explana-
tion of the power supply requirements elsewhere in this manual.
SYSTEM CONNECTION
When connecting the FDA 28 to other components in your system for the first time, leave the
power supply for last. This gives you a chance to make mistakes and correct them without damage
to your fragile speakers, ears and nerves.
INPUTS. The two Inputs on the FDA 28 are balanced. They may also be used in an unbalanced
configuration. Use only shielded cable for Inputs. This wire should always be two-conductor plus
shield, even for unbalanced operation. Balanced Inputs should be connected to both the “+” and “–
” terminals. Tie the shield to either chassis ground for normal use, or to signal ground when using
Phantom Power (required). A neutral ground is not necessary (except when using Phantom Power).
For unbalanced use, connect the hot side of the input cable to “+” and ground to signal ground. If
the input is coming from another piece of equipment in the signal path, connect the shield only at
the receiving end to help prevent ground induced hum. If a microphone is being connected to the
unit, the shield may be connected to the case of the mic as well as to the ground terminal on the
unit.
OUTPUTS. The FDA 28s Outputs are balanced. The same wiring conventions as the Inputs
apply, with one exception. Unbalanced Outputs require tying the “–” Output to Signal Ground.