Rane Dragnet processors-nice

[Ricren]

Hi Folks,

Today visited the Rane's web site and noticed a new (at least for me) line of digital processors called Drag net series. Basically they are black boxes, without any external control device on the front plate. Inside you have a DSP engine and AD DA and digital I/O sections.
The control and programming is via 10bt ethernet connection to a PC. You can choose different sotware building blocks to ensamble your processing needs.
Looks promising for a complete crossover and bass management unit.

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Do this thread belongs here or to the digital forum?

[Thunau]

I work with these and similar boxes on almost daily basis.
They are very powerful. Using them as crossovers is just scratching the surface of what they can do.
The more expensive units are networkable and can be expanded to very large number of inputs and outputs with central control. I've done designs for hotels with literally hundreds of speakers in multiple zones, all with their own source and volume controls.
The really good boxes come from BSS and Symetrix.
But, I'll take a Rane over Behringer any day.
Rane for one has good analog volume control built right in. You wire a simple 20k pot to one of the control ports and tell the software that it controls all the output volumes. No need for additional preamp.

[Ricren]

What i really liked about those boxes is the concept: A black box that you can configure to do almost anything and then leave it alone. No knows, dials or controls.A flexible and powerfull DSP farm.No more, no less.

I use a couple of Behringer digiital crossovers all day long and I'm pretty satisfied with the degree of control they provide. And I'd gladly give a try to those Rane things. Any ideo on prices of them?

Ric

[Thunau]

Well, it's more than Behringer. The RPM26z runs about $900.00.
Like the Behringer it's a 4 in 6 out device, but all 4 inputs can be used simultaniously. Not that you would want to do it in your home stereo, but this unit was not necessarily built for home stereo use. If you have multiple zones and sources the features come in very handy.

[Ricren]

Ahhh, the RPM 26 is perfect for a stereo 3 way crossover.
I'm considering the RPM88 for a complete 7.1 system for my mixing room. I can input 8 channels and output 8 channels with bass management, delay compensation and eq. Seems nice. It would be perfect if they'd provide a way to input 8 channels digitaly, may be wiith lightpipe.

Ric

[Thunau]

There is only one stereo digital input on the RPM88. No optical inputs.
If you are looking for a fully digital interface look to Symetrix. They have 8x8 boxes and also digital only input and output boxes in addition to 12 channel analog input and output expanders. You can build very sophisticated systems out of networked components.
I find that Symetrix software is the most comprehensive of all the audio processors available. Their pricing is comparable to the big Rane units.

As far as multichanel digital interface goes, that is Dolby AC-3 and DTS territory. We are talking big licencing fees. No reason for sound contractor oriented boxes to have it. You are back to hi end home theater units and multimedia computers there.
One good thing about those is, the horse power seem to grow exponentially for no extra cost, and the prices are comparable to dedicated DSP boxes. I think my next DIY project will be a serious audio PC. I look forward to passive cooling cases, fanless power supplies and killer DSP applications.
Check out the AsioXO thread in Digital section of this forum.

[Dave Jones]

Originally posted by Ricren
Hi Folks,

Today visited the Rane's web site ...

URL?

[Ricren]

http://www.rane.com/dragnet.html


Google is your friend('')
A very good one.

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[Ricren]

I downloaded the software and I was playing with it a bit. Seems very powerfull. In some ways is similar to the Behringer. I'd like to know how it sounds...

Ric