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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
This unit serves two similar yet different functions. It may
be operated as a stand-alone 4-input to 4-output mixer, or it
may be used in conjunction with other Flex mixer modules to
create a larger system. For instance, via the Flex bus system,
the FPM 44 may be connected to other input modules to
accommodate an infinite number of inputs, which may be
mixed to 4 outputs. It may also be used in conjunction with
FMI 14s when the equalization features of that unit are
required on one or more inputs. The module may also be used
with the FMM 42 Master Module which features Auxiliary
Bus Outputs, which also may be mixed with the A and B
Main Outputs for effects mixing. The possibilities are
staggering and we shall attempt to describe them, so you may
fully understand the range of talent provided by the FPM 44.
STAND-ALONE. As an independent 4-input to 4-output
mixer, the FPM 44 is a reasonably straightforward device.
The 4 Inputs are mixed to either, or both, of two Master
buses, A and B, as well as to both Auxiliary buses via the
AUX SEND control on the front of the unit. The A and B
input LEVEL controls determine the amount of input signal
to be applied to each of the main buses. The A and B MAS-
TER level controls at the end of the signal path set the levels
for the final output at the A and B MASTER OUTPUT
terminals on the rear of the unit. The AUX send control on
each input places an equal amount of program on each of the
AUX A/B OUTPUTS. The source for the Aux is determined
by setting the internal assign switches to be either pre- or
post- the input LEVEL controls. This is a single control for
both outputs—see 4-In 4-Out Modification below.
MULTIPLE MODULES. As previously mentioned, the
FPM 44 may be used in conjunction with other Flex mixer
modules to create a large system. This is accomplished
through the use of the FLEX BUS IN and OUT jacks on the
rear of the unit. Each mixer module in the system places its
Master and Aux mixes on the respective buses internally and
provides this information to the BUS OUT jack. When these
signals are connected to the BUS IN jack on a succeeding
unit, they combine in the next unit with any local program
material generated in that unit and the sum of the two will be
available at the second unit's BUS OUT jack.
Each Flex mixer module sums all bus information in such
a way that the Flex BUS OUT is a low impedance line. This
differs rather dramatically from the way most mixers operate.
Normally this line would be very sensitive to noise and would
be impossible to bring out of the mixer, even in a well
shielded cable. This is not a problem with the Flex Bus
System and thus allows as many modules to be combined on
one bus as could ever be necessary.
For further system connection possibilities, please refer to
the Flex Users Guide.
4-IN 4-OUT MODIFICATION. Because of space
limitations, dual concentric AUX SEND pots are not possible.
By internally disabling the output of this pot to either of the
Aux Outputs, the FPM 44 can become a quad mic preamp.
©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Avenue West, Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 TEL(206) 355-6000 FAX(206) 347-7757
Printed in the U.S.A. on Recycled Paper
WARNING: This modification should only be attempted by
factory authorized service center to preserve the warranty.
Step 1: Switch the internal Pre-Post switches to the PRE
position (see Board Layout).
Step 2: There are resistors that connect each input to the
aux A or B outputs. On input 1, 1R31 connects to the aux A
output, and 1R32 connects to the aux B output. On input 2,
the resistors are 2R31 (to A) and 2R32 (to B); etc. So to make
any input send only to aux A, disconnect one end of the R32
resistor that connects to aux B. To make any input send to aux
B, disconnect the R31 resistor.
To create a 4-In, 4-Out, only 3R32 and 4R31 need to be
removed. Then on the front panel, begin by turning all
controls down. Input 1, turn up the inner concentric LEVEL.
Input 2, turn up the outer concentric LEVEL. Inputs 3 and 4,
turn up the SEND controls. Unused knobs can be pulled off to
simplify operation if desired.
POWER SUPPLY. As noted elsewhere in this manual,
never use a power supply with your FPM 44 other than the
one supplied from the factory or an exact replacement
authorized by Rane Corporation. This unit's power supply
input is designed for an AC supply, delivering 18-24 volts,
from a center-tapped transformer 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?).
IMPORTANT NOTE
CHASSIS GROUNDING
The Rane FPM 44 is supplied with either a 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 incom-
patibility in the grounding configuration 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 the ground
screw on the chassis.
Please refer to Rane Note 110 (supplied with your unit
and available on request at no charge if you lost your first
one) for further information on system grounding.
All features & specifications subject to change without notice. 520-226 SEP94
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