Precision Audio and AV Interface Products

Radio Design Labs

RU-VCA6A Digitally Controlled Attenuators

  • 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
  • Overview
  • Specifications
  • Related Products
  • Accessories
  • Downloads
  • How to Buy
  • Product Series
  • Dimensions

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.

0 to 10 VDC Mode

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).

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.

Applications

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
Step Size:
0.5 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.
WEEE Weight:
1.27 lbs
Tariff Code:
8543.70.9860

Documents:
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RACK-UP SERIES

RACK-UPs are the original 1/3 rack width 1RU rack-mountable modules for the A/V, recording and broadcast industries. Module functions include mixing, switching, pre-amplification, power amplification, distribution, gain control, equalization and more. Some RACK-UP modules are constructed in solid encapsulated durable industrial black plastic enclosures; MAX RACK-UPs are assembled using heavy duty extruded aluminum and steel panels. The rear panels feature clear bold white lettering for the terminal blocks and connectors. Reverse-printed front-panel polycarbonate laminates provide an attractive, durable finished appearance for rack-mounted or free-standing use.

Since RDL first originated 1/3 rack width modules, RACK-UPs have led the industry in economical, high-performance and cost-effective long life solutions in system designs. Multiple RACK-UP modules may be interconnected, or may be connected with other RDL modules to form all or part of an A/V system. Certain RACK-UP modules are often used free standing; all RACK-UPs may be rack mounted. A complete range of mounting options is available for systems comprised of multiple modules.

RACK-UP modules provide input, output and control connections through terminal blocks and connector (or both) according to common usage in professional installations. Front panels are equipped with connectors, user controls and LED metering, as appropriate.

Functions and features provided by RACK-UPs, since their introduction, are still available today. This continuity in product offering and support makes RACK-UP modules a preferred long-term resource for system design solutions. RACK-UP SERIES modules are designed and manufactured in the U.S.A.

RU-VCA6A RU-VCA6A