All features & specifications subject to change without notice. 520-232 1293
Printed in the U.S.A. on Recycled Paper
©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Avenue West, Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 TEL(206) 355-6000 FAX(206) 347-7757
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This unit serves two different, yet similar, functions. It
may be used as a stand-alone mixer/controller or as a master
module for moderate to large mixing systems. Either way it
is a very flexible module.
STAND-ALONE.
As an independent mixer, the FMM
42 provides a switchable MIC or LINE balanced INPUT as
well as a stereo LINE-level unbalanced INPUT. This is
useful in situations where an audio source such as music or
noise masking needs to be combined with a microphone for
paging or voice-over requirements. When combined with the
capabilities of the ducker feature, the FMM 42 is quite
powerful, indeed. To use the module in this way, connect
your mic or line source to the MIC/LINE 1 INPUT jack, set
the push button adjacent to the connector for the proper
source and then set the input trim appropriately. This is
accomplished by watching the red overload LED just below
the output meters. The input TRIM control should be set so
that the overload light comes on only when the input signal
is as high as it can ever get. Setting too low a level in the
input gain stage can impair noise performance later in the
system. The level control follows the input gain stage and is
used to set the relative mix between this input and all others.
If you are using a microphone which requires phantom
power, set the MIC PHANTOM POWER switch to its
on
position.
If the LINE 2 (STEREO) Input is to be used, the concen-
tric controls just below the Ducker controls are used to set
the relative levels for this input.
If you wish to use the ducker, set its slide switch to the
on
position and adjust the SENSITIVITY control so the
Ducker engages at the required Input 1 level. Normally, this
is used as a paging priority controller. In this case you speak
into the microphone at a normal level and adjust the SENSI-
TIVITY so the LED illuminates only when voice is present.
Setting the sensitivity too high might cause nuisance
engagement of this controller. When the ducker activates, all
audio (except Input 1) at the master outputs will be attenu-
ated by the amount set by the depth control. The amount of
gain reduction may be varied between -6dB and -40dB.
MASTER MODULE OPERATION.
The FMM 42 was
primarily designed to serve as a master output module for
use with FMI 14 input modules and FPM 44, FPM 42, CM
86 and FLM 82 mixers. These modules have 7-pin DIN bus
outputs which may be connected to the BUS Input of the
FMM 42. When used this way, everything stated above
regarding the use of this module in a stand-alone fashion
remains true. Now, however, signal is being applied to the
Bus Input for both the Master A and B as well as the Aux A
and B programs. All signal applied to the master buses will
be present at the master output and mix with whatever has
been connected to the FMM 42 itself. If the page override
Ducking system is in use, all material arriving at the FMM
42 through the Bus Inputs will be attenuated when the circuit
IMPORTANT NOTE
activates as well as all local program (except for Input 1).
The amount of gain reduction will be the same for all
material.
The Aux A/B Bus Inputs feature looping capabilities
using the tip/send, ring/return convention. This is the normal
insert point for reverb or other signal processing units. In
addition, the Aux A/B Bus Inputs may be assigned. In the
DUAL (stereo) position, each Aux Input mixes indepen-
dently to its natural Output, i.e., Aux A mixes with Master
A, and Aux B mixes with Master B. In the MIX (mono)
position, the sum of Aux A + Aux B add equally to Master
Outputs A & B. See the
Flex Users Guide
for more details.
POWER SUPPLY.
As noted elsewhere in this manual,
NEVER USE A POWER SUPPLY OTHER THAN THE
ONE SUPPLIED FROM THE FACTORY OR AN EXACT
REPLACEMENT OBTAINED FROM RANE CORPORA-
TION. This unit’s power supply input is designed for an AC
supply, delivering 18-24 volts, from a center-tapped trans-
former capable of supplying at least the current demanded
by this product. Using any other type of supply may damage
the unit and void the warranty (which at two years parts and
labor is worth safeguarding, don’t you think?).
CHASSIS GROUNDING
Rane Flex modules are supplied with a rear or
bottom/side mounted ground-lift switch. The unit is
shipped with this switch in the “grounded” position,
tying circuit ground to chassis ground. If after hooking
up your system it exhibits excessive hum or buzzing,
there is an incompatibility in the grounding configura-
tion between units somewhere. Your mission, should you
accept it, is to discover how your particular system wants
to be grounded. Here are some things to try:
1. Try combinations of lifting grounds on units that
are supplied with ground lift switches or links.
2. If your equipment is in a rack, verify that all
chassis are tied to a good earth ground, either through
the line cord grounding pin or the rack screws to another
grounded chassis.
3. Units with outboard power supplies do NOT
ground the chassis through the line cord. Make sure that
these units are grounded either to another chassis which
is earth grounded, or directly to the grounding screw on
an AC outlet cover by means of a wire connected to a
screw on the chassis with a star washer to guarantee
proper contact.
Please refer to Rane Note 110 (supplied with your
unit and available on request at no charge if you lose it)
for further information on system grounding.
