Rane FAC 24 Operating And Service Manual

OPERATING / SERVICE MANUAL

FAC 24/28

using a constant-directivity horn, set the “HORN EQ IN OUT” switch to the “IN” position and ad-

just the frequency control per the recommendations of the horn’s manufacturer. Set the “PHASE 

IN OUT” switch to the “OUT” position. Set the crossover frequency selector to the frequency

recommended by the speaker manufacturer. Power up the system and set the input and output

levels for appropriate performance.

NEVER CONNECT ANYTHING EXCEPT AN APPROVED RANE POWER SUPPLY TO

THE THING THAT LOOKS LIKE A TELEPHONE JACK ON THE REAR OF THE FAC

24/28. This is an AC input and requires special attention if you do not have an operational power

supply EXACTLY like the one that was originally packed with your unit. See the full explanation

of the power supply requirements elsewhere in this manual.

It is a good idea to begin with all level controls set to their full counterclockwise position. Un-

less you are certain that there is an electrical inversion in one of your amplifiers or drivers, set

both “POS INV” switches to their “POS” positions. Both mute switches should be “out”. If you arc

the use of a FAC 24/28.

QUICK START

No one likes to read manuals. Everyone likes to plub in and turn on. That’s usuallv OK and

with only a very few exceptions, damage is unlikely to result from such procedures when initiating

SYSTEM CONNECTION

When connecting the FAC 24/28 to other components in your system for the first time, LEAVE

THE POWER SUPPLY FOR LAST. This will give you a chance to make mistakes and correct

them before any damage is done to your fragile speakers, ears and nerves.

INPUTS  on the FAC 24/28 are balanced. The 3-pin (XLR) uses pin 2 as “hot” or “+” signal

polarity, pin 3 is “return” or “–” and pin 1 is signal ground. If unbalanced operation is required, drive

pin 2 as hot and pin 1 as ground. The l/4" input is a tip-ring-sleeve connector. Tip is (+), ring is (–),

and sleeve is ground. Unbalanced l/4" inputs should drive tip as hot and sleeve as ground and may

be either a “mono” l/4" or TRS l/4" with the ring left open or tied to sleeve, your choice. See Rane

Note 110 for further information on this subject.

OUTPUTS.  The FAC 24/28's outputs are balanced as well. As with the 3-pin input, pin 2 is hot

and pin 3 is not. Pin 1 is signal ground. True balanced operation requires only the use of pins 2 and

3 for signal and either cast ground (chassis) or pin 1 signal ground for shielding. If unbalanced out-

put is your preference, use pin 2 as signal and pin 1 as return. Use case ground for shield. The l/4"

output is a tip-ring-sleeve character whose polarities match the input connector. Again, have a look

at Rane Note 110 for more detail.

THE LOW SUM INPUT  is used to combine the low frequency outputs of two crossover modules

(mono sub bass in stereo applications). To take advantage of this feature, the low frequency output

of one crossover module connects to this input (unbalanced only). The sum of both modules low frequency sections then ap-

pears at the low frequency output of the module whose low sum input is being driven.

3-WAY, 4-WAY etc. Two or more FAC crossovers may be used together to produce 3, 4 and S-way systems. To accomplish

this, the first unit is driven with full range audio. The Sub bass output is taken from the low out of the first module, the high

out of the first module then drives the main input of the second. For 3-way applications, mid and high are taken from the low

and high outs of the second module, respectively. If a four way system is being constructed, the high out of the second

module drives the third, the low out of the second module becomes the low-mid, the low out of the third module is the 3rd

frequency range, the high out of the third module becomes the 4th. See the diagram on the back page of this document as

well as the Flex User’s Guide for more details.

CHOICES  need to be made regarding which input and output connectors to use. Generally, the l/4" ins and outs work well

enough and are definitely cheaper to use in terms of the labor required to terminate cables with 1/4" plugs and the material

cost. The 3-pins do, however, provide a locking mechanism for situations where physical abuse can be a problem. The 3-pin

also provides a tighter connection and can be more impervious to corrosion and stresses of time and environment.