SM26S - Audio Mixer Rane - Free user manual and instructions

Product type	Audio mixer / Line-level signal splitter-mixer
Brand	Rane
Model	SM26S
Format	19-inch rack, 1U (approx. 48.3 x 4.4 x 15 cm)
Weight	Approx. 2.5 kg
Power supply	100-230 V AC, 50/60 Hz, via IEC 60320 C6 connector
Inputs	6 mono TRS 6.35 mm balanced/unbalanced inputs 2 stereo master TRS 6.35 mm balanced inputs
Outputs	6 mono TRS 6.35 mm balanced/unbalanced outputs 2 stereo mix TRS 6.35 mm balanced outputs 2 Expand Out outputs (paralleled to master inputs)
Controls	6 mono input level controls (Off to +12 dB) 6 Mix/Pan controls 1 master input level control (Off to +12 dB) 1 master output level control (Off to 0 dB)
Indicator	Yellow power LED
Operating modes	Mixer (6 mono inputs to 2 stereo outputs) Splitter (1 or 2 stereo inputs to 6 mono outputs) Distribution amplifier (6 inputs to 6 outputs) Configurable to 8 outputs (via internal jumpers)
Series expansion	Ability to daisy-chain multiple SM26S via Expand Out outputs
Internal configuration	Internal jumpers to disconnect each output from the mix bus (requires qualified technician)
Maintenance and cleaning	Clean with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use abrasive or liquid products.
Safety	Use only the supplied power cable. Do not remove the ground connection. Disconnect before any internal intervention.
Repairability	Spare parts available via Rane. Jumper configuration reserved for qualified technician.

Frequently Asked Questions - SM26S Rane

How to set up the SM26S in mixer mode (6 mono inputs to stereo output)?

Connect your sources to the Mono Inputs (1 to 6). Set the Master Input Level to the desired position. Use the Level knobs on each channel to adjust the level, and the Mix/Pan knobs to position the signal in the stereo field. The stereo output is via the Mix Outputs connectors. The overall output level is controlled by the Master Output Level knob.

How to use the SM26S in splitter mode (1 stereo input to 6 mono outputs)?

Connect your stereo source to the Master In inputs (left and right). Make sure no plug is inserted into the Mono Inputs. The Mix/Pan knobs control the level of each Mono Output: turn left to send more signal from the left channel, right for the right channel. The Master Input Level knob adjusts the overall level of all outputs.

Can I use the SM26S as a distribution amplifier (6 inputs to 6 outputs)?

Yes. In amplifier mode, connect each input to the corresponding Mono Input and each output to the Mono Output. The Level knobs adjust the level of each channel. The Mix/Pan knobs have no effect in this mode if the Master inputs are not used. The signal is transmitted directly from input 1 to output 1, etc.

How to connect multiple SM26S in series to expand the number of outputs?

Use the Expand Out outputs of one SM26S and connect them to the Master In inputs of a second SM26S. The signals on the Master inputs of the first unit are transmitted to the outputs of the second. There is no limit to the number of daisy-chained units. Caution: if you use a mono (unbalanced) plug in the chain, the signal becomes unbalanced for the entire line.

What is the function of the Mix/Pan knob on the front panel?

The Mix/Pan knob has two functions depending on the mode. In mixer mode (with a source on Mono Input), it acts as a pan: it distributes the signal between the left and right Mix Outputs. In splitter mode (with source on Master In), it controls the mix of left and right channels applied to each Mono Output.

How to connect balanced and unbalanced sources to the SM26S?

For balanced use, use a 6.35 mm TRS plug (tip = signal +, ring = signal -, sleeve = ground). For unbalanced use, use a 6.35 mm TS plug (tip = signal, sleeve = ground). Inputs and outputs accept both types. Important: if you mix balanced and unbalanced, the signal becomes unbalanced throughout the line.

What are the internal jumpers and when should they be used?

The internal jumpers (J3, J6, J9, etc.) allow disconnecting a Mono Output from the Mix bus. This is useful if you want to use the Mix Outputs as independent outputs, for example for a 2x4 stereo distribution amplifier. Jumper modification must be done with power off by a qualified technician.

How to adjust the master input level and what is it for?

The Master Input Level knob adjusts the gain of the Master In inputs (left and right) from Off to +12 dB. In mixer mode, it only affects signals from the Master inputs. In splitter mode, it controls the overall level of all Mono Outputs that have no Mono input connected. Use it to match the level of your sources.

What to do if the power LED indicator does not light up?

Check that the power cable is properly connected to the unit and to a mains outlet. Ensure the outlet is powered. If the problem persists, the unit may have an internal fault. Contact Rane support at rane.com/support.

Can I get 8 independent outputs with the SM26S?

Yes, by using the internal jumpers to disconnect some Mono Outputs from the Mix bus. Once disconnected, the Mix Outputs become independent. You can then have 6 Mono outputs + 2 Mix outputs, for a total of 8 outputs. This modification must be done by a qualified technician.

USER MANUAL SM26S Rane

User Guide (English)

Introduction

The Rane Model SM26S 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 Outputs on the rear. In its splitter mode, the SM26S 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 Outputs to become an independent stereo out, allowing a total of eight outputs. The SM26S 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.

The SM26S 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 buses 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 SM26S comprises a Master Input Level control, six Channel Level controls, six Mix/Pan controls and a Master Output Level control. The rear of the SM26S provides two Master Left and Right Inputs, six Mono Inputs, six Mono Outputs and two Master Left and Right Mix Outputs. All Inputs and Outputs on the SM26S are 1/4"TRS active balanced.

Features:

• -10 dBV to +4 dBu Shifter
• +4 dBu to -10 dBV Shifter
• 6 Balanced Mono Inputs, 6 Balanced Mono Outputs
• 2 Main Balanced Inputs, 2 Main Balanced Outputs
• 6 Input Level Controls and 6 Mix/Pan Controls
• Master Input and Output Level Controls
• Internal Universal Power Supply (100-230 VAC)

Applications:

• 6 Mono Inputs, Stereo Output Line Mixer
• 4 Stereo Inputs, Stereo Output Line Mixer
• Stereo Input, 6 Mono Output Line Splitter
• 1 Stereo Input, 4 Stereo Output Splitter
• 6-In, 6-Out Booster Amplifier
• Configurable to 8 Outputs

Box Contents

SM26S

Power Cable

User Guide

Safety & Warranty Manual

Support

For the latest information about this product (documentation, technical specifications, system requirements, compatibility information, etc.) and product registration, visit rane.com.

For additional product support, visit rane.com/support.

Features

Front Panel

1. Master Input Level: Sets the gain of the Left & Right Master Input stages, with a range of Off to +12 dB. In the splitting mode, this controls the Level of all Mono Channel Outputs at once (i.e., those which do not have a separate input).
2. Mono Input Level: Controls the Level of signal through each particular channel. When fed from the Mono Input jack, each stage has a gain range from Off to +12 dB minimum, allowing level matching of -10 dBV equipment to +4 dBu gear. When fed via the Left & Right Master In, these Level controls automatically limit to a maximum of unity gain to accommodate the +12 dB available from the Left & Right Input gain stages.
3. Mix / Pan: Serves two different functions:

Mix: When used as a splitter, this controls the mix of Left and Right Master Input program to each channel's Mono Output.

Pan: When used as a mixer, this control pans the Mono Channel Input between the Left and Right Mix Outputs.

1. Master Output Level: Controls the gain of the output stages and the amount of signal at the Mix Output jacks. It does not affect the level of any of the six Mono Outputs. This allows an increase in headroom to eliminate overloading due to excessive combined signal from one or more Inputs. Range of gain is from Off to 0 dB (unity) (refer to the Block Diagram in the Appendix).
2. Power Indicator: When this yellow LED is lit, the SM26S is ready to go (when it's off, it's not).

Rear Panel

1. Master In: These balanced Tip-Ring-Sleeve (TRS) 1/4 Master Inputs feed all six Mono Outputs when all Mono Inputs are not used. Connecting to an individual Mono Input disconnects that channel from these Inputs (refer to the Block Diagram in the Appendix).

For unbalanced operation use a standard mono 1/4" plug; for balanced operation use a TRS (stereo) 1/4" plug wired as follows:

Tip is signal + (connect to pin 2 on a 3-pin connector).
Ring is signal - (pin 3 in a 3-pin connector).
- Sleeve is chassis ground.

1. Mono Inputs: 1/4" TRS jacks which accept either balanced or unbalanced mono signals. These are switching jacks which automatically bypass the Master In jacks whenever a plug is inserted (refer to the Block Diagram in the Appendix). Follow wiring conventions as in 1 above.

2. Mono Outputs: 1/4'' TRS jacks that deliver either an unbalanced output (use TS plugs), or a balanced output (use TRS plugs). Follow wiring conventions as in 1 above.

3. Expand Outs: 1/4 TRS jacks connected in parallel with the Master In jacks, allowing two or more SM26Ss to be daisy-chained for multiple splitting. Simply connect the Expand Out to the Master In of another SM26S; there is no limit to the number of expansions possible with the SM26S.

Note: These Expand Outputs are not buffered from the Master Inputs. Therefore, it is not possible to mix both balanced and unbalanced lines in the same channel between several units: once the ring and sleeve are shorted anywhere in the chain (by using a mono plug) the entire line becomes unbalanced.

1. Mix Outputs: Balanced TRS 1/4'' outputs controlled by the Master Output Level control. They are fed either by the Master In or by any of the six Mono Inputs, or a combination of both. Follow wiring conventions as in 1 above.
2. Universal Voltage Input: via a miniature IEC 60320 C6 appliance inlet. This mates with an IEC 60320 C5 line cord (USA domestic). Do not lift the ground connection!

Operation

Since numerous applications exist for the SM26S, no single set of operational procedures control its use. Visit rane.com/note108.html to view The SM26S Swiss Army Mixer RaneNote, which explores the many configurations of the SM26S in depth.

Internal Jumper Options

There exist within the SM26S some signal routing options, requiring removal of the top cover to move some jumpers. This must only be done with the power off by qualified service personnel.

If an SM26S needs to have an additional set of independent outputs, as in a 2x4 stereo distribution amplifier, the Left and Right Mix Outputs can be used in addition to the 6 Mono Outputs. Normally, the Left and Right Mix Outputs produce the sum mix of all 6 Level and Pan controls. To break any channel away from the Mix Output bus, internal jumpers have been provided. These are located behind the Mix/Pan controls for each channel. J3 connects Mono Out 1 to the mix bus. J6 connects Mono Out 2, J9 connects Mono Out 3, and so on—see the board layout diagram by visiting rane.com.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification	Limit	Units	Conditions/Comments
Inputs: Type Connectors	Active Balanced 1/4" TRS			Tip=(+/-), Sleeve=GNDRing=Ω
Impedance	20k	1%
Maximum Level 22 1 dBu
Outputs: Type Connectors	Active Balanced 1/4" TRS			Ω 1 kHz
Impedance	125	typ
Maximum Level 26 1 dBu	10 kΩ or greater
Overall Gain Range	Off to +12 -0/+6 dB	Any Input to Any Output
RFI Filters	Yes	5%
Frequency Response	10-40 kHz	+0/-3	dB
THD+Noise	0.008	.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 Ratio	120	2 dB	Mono	re +4 dBu, 20 kHz noise bandwidth Outputs, unity gain
	98 2 dB Mix Outputs, unity gain
Crosstalk
L-R Paning	60 (1 kHz)	2	dB	Any Input to Mix Outs
Channel-Channel	75 (1 kHz)	2	dB	Any Input to Mix Outs
Maximum Power	7		W
Universal Line Voltage	100 to 240	10%	VAC	50/60 Hz
Dimensions	19" x 5.3" x 1.75" / 48.3 x 13.5 x 4.4 cm			Width x Depth x Height
Weight	5 lbs. / 2.3 kg			net

Note: 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms. Unity Gain = Master Levels Set to ~“7” position.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Block Diagram

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All other product names, company names, trademarks, or trade names are those of their respective owners.

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