Overview
The RU-VCA6A is a full-featured studio-quality six-channel audio attenuator module for local and/or remote control of balanced or unbalanced line-level sources. The RU-VCA6A has six audio channels for level control of surround sound (5.1) or six individual analog audio channels. Each module can be remote controlled from a single or multiple locations. Rear-panel terminals provide flexible control options using a variety of RDL remote controls or OEM equipment.
Audio levels are controlled in 0.5 dB steps using noiseless zero-crossing digital attenuators for optimum reliability, precise tracking and long-term click-free service. Exceptional wide-band low-noise performance makes the RU VCA6A suited to level adjustment in the most demanding applications. Rear-panel inputs and outputs may each be wired balanced or unbalanced.
The RU-VCA6A powers up in one of two operating modes set by a rear-panel switch.
MOM (momentary) Mode
In the MOM (momentary) mode, audio level is controlled by momentary pushbuttons or pulses. Remote terminals and front-panel pushbuttons are provided for up and down ramping control. If either button is held in, the audio will ramp automatically. If a button is pulsed (< 0.5 second), the audio will increment one step. The time of both the UP and DOWN ramps is individually adjustable on the front panel. Pushing remote UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously, or pressing the front-panel GO TO PRESET button, returns the audio to a preset level. The preset level is stored by adjusting the desired level using the UP and DOWN buttons, then pressing and holding the front-panel PRESET button for 3 seconds. A rear-panel switch sets the audio power-up level to either the preset level or the last level setting used. Multiple remote control locations are possible in the MOM mode. External control pulses may be either of positive polarity or pulled-to-ground (open-collector).
0 to 10 VDC Mode
In the 0 to 10 VDC mode the preset function is disabled and the audio level is controlled by a remote 10 kΩ linear taper pot or by 0 to 10 Vdc. A single remote control location is possible using a remote 10 kΩ pot.
In both operating modes, two separate 0 to 10 Vdc outputs are provided. The linear RAMP output drives the level display on RDL remote controls; the EQ RAMP output is used to control an automatic RDL Loudness Equalizer (see ST LEQ1). A front-panel 10-LED string display indicates the relative audio level. Control expansion is possible using the EXTERNAL CONTROL DATA jacks. One module can be set as a MASTER module to control the level of one or more additional RU-VCA2A or RU VCA6A modules set to the SLAVE mode.
Use the RU-VCA6A individually, or combine it with other RDL products as part of a complete system.
Features:
- Local or Remote Audio Level Control
- Six Channel / Surround Attenuation
- Noiseless Zero-Crossing Adjustment Steps
- 96 dB Attenuation Range in 0.5 dB Steps
- Data Bus Provides Adjustment of Multiple Modules
- Multiple Remote Control Locations Possible
- Precise Level Tracking on Each Channel
- Balanced or Unbalanced Line Inputs/Outputs
- Adjustable Ramp Up/Down Rates
- Controllable Using Various RDL Remote Controls
- Selectable Level Control Options:
Pushbuttons (Internal or External)
Momentary Pulses (External/Rotary Encoder)
0 to10 Vdc or 10 kΩ Potentiometer
- Selectable Power-Up Return to PRESET or LAST Level
- Selectable MASTER/SLAVE Mode for Control Expansion
Specifications
Inputs (6):
>10 kΩ Balanced bridging, or Unbalanced, line level
Frequency Response:
10 Hz to 50 kHz (± 0.5 dB)
THD+N:
< 0.005% (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Gain:
Adjustable from unity to <–96 dB
Headroom:
> 18 dB (above +4 dBu)
Residual Noise:
< -90 dB (referred to +4 dBu at unity gain)
CMRR:
> 65 dB (50 to 150 Hz)
Crosstalk:
<-95 dB (1 kHz, typ.); < -85 dB (20 Hz to 5 kHz); < -75 dB (5 kHz to 20 kHz)
Ramp Times:
0.5 second delay; then: 3 seconds to 10 seconds
(UP and DOWN times individually adjustable on front panel)
Indicators (10):
Front-panel LEDs indicating relative audio level (8), MAX condition (green), MIN condition (red)
Audio Outputs (6):
150 Ω balanced (may be connected unbalanced)
Ramp Output:
0 to 10 Vdc, (Ground-referenced) Note: Not intended to drive additional VCA 0-10V inputs
EQ Ramp Output:
0 to 10 Vdc, (Ground-referenced) Note: dc taper intended only to drive RDL Loudness EQ (ST-LEQ1)
Ambient Operating Environment:
0° C to 50° C
Power Requirement:
24 Vdc @ 200 mA, Ground-referenced
Case Dimensions:
5.75" (14.6 cm) W x 1.65" (4.18 cm) H x 3.54" (9.0 cm) D;3.9" (9.9 cm) D with connectors
Package Type:
Cardboard Box
Package Dimensions:
6 x 6 x 2.625 in.
Shipping Weight:
1.515 lbs.
Tariff Code:
8543.70.9960
RDL Three-Year Limited Warranty
Installation of these products by the Purchaser shall constitute Purchaser’s acknowledgement and acceptance of the terms and
conditions for sale and of this warranty, and shall constitute the Purchaser’s determination of the suitability of this product for the
Purchaser’s intended application. Radio Design Labs, Inc., also referred to as RDL®, warrants to the Purchaser that products
manufactured by RDL are free from defects in material and workmanship. This warranty applies to the period of three years from the date
of shipment, except for component parts or products purchased from other sources and supplied by RDL. Such component parts or
products bear only the warranty of the manufacturer thereof in effect at the time of shipment to the Purchaser. RDL will, without charge,
and after written notice has been received and acknowledged by RDL, repair an RDL product if proved to be defective according to the
usage of the trade, when such equipment is received by RDL at the location it designates with shipment costs prepaid by the Purchaser.
RDL shall not be liable for any expense whether for repairs, replacements, material, service, or otherwise, incurred by the Purchaser or
modifications made by the Purchaser to the product. No equipment shall be deemed defective if it shall fail to operate in a normal or
proper manner due to exposure to excessive moisture in the atmosphere, excessive temperature extremes, improper environmental
cleanliness, or any other environment not consistent with the principles of good engineering practice. In no event shall RDL have any
liability for consequential damage or expense directly or indirectly arising from the use of the products, or any inability to use it either
separately or in combination with other equipment or materials, or from any other cause, whether used in accordance with instructions or
not. This warranty is void if equipment is altered in any way by other than RDL. RDL products are NOT intended for use in life support
appliances, devices, or systems. Use of RDL products in such applications is done solely at the liability of the reseller/installer and/or end
user. RDL reserves the right to change design parameters and specifications at any time without notice. The performance measurements
reflect the products at the time of printing. This warranty is in lieu of all others, either expressed or implied. No representative is authorized
to assume for RDL any other liability in connection with RDL products.
