DATA SHEET SM 26B

SPLITTER MIXER

General Description
The Rane Model SM 26B Splitter Mixer is one of the most The SM 26B may also be used in a combination of modes
useful, yet unusual audio products available. In its most basic at once. For instance, Inputs 1 through 3 may be mixed to the
configuration, it is a six-to-two line level mixer. It will accept left and/or right output busses while at the same time Outputs
six balanced or unbalanced line level inputs which are applied 4 and 5 are delivering signal originally applied to the Left and
to six Level and Pan controls. An additional stereo Master Right Master Inputs while at the same time Output 6 is being
Input allows a total of eight inputs. The result of the mix is driven from Input 6 in the straight through mode.
sent to an overall Master Output Level control and appears at The front of the SM 26B comprises a Master Input Level
the Left and Right Output jacks on the rear. In its splitter control, six Channel Level controls, six Mix/Pan controls and
mode, the SM 26B can take one or two line level inputs and a Master Output Level control. The rear of the SM 26B
split these to any of the six Mono Outputs on the rear. The provides two Master Left and Right Inputs, six Channel Mono
Mix/Pan controls in this mode control the level from each of Inputs, six Channel Mono Outputs and two Master Mix Output.
the two input buses to be applied to each Output. Internal All Inputs and Outputs on the SM 26B are ¼" TRS active
header blocks allow the Mix Output jacks to become an balanced.
independent stereo out, allowing a total of eight outputs. The See RaneNote 108, “The SM 26B Swiss Army Mixer” for
SM 26B may also be used as a six input, six output buffer additional application information.
amplifier in which case signal applied to Input 1 is delivered
to Output 1, and so on.

Features Applications
• –10 dBV to +4 dBu Shifter • 6 Mono Inputs, Stereo Output Line Mixer
• +4 dBu to –10 dBV Shifter • 4 Stereo Inputs, Stereo Output Line Mixer
• Six Balanced Mono Inputs, Six Balanced Mono Outputs • Stereo Input, 6 Mono Output Line Splitter
• Two Main Balanced Inputs, Two Main Balanced Outputs • 1 Stereo Input, 4 Stereo Output Splitter
• Six Input Level Controls and Six Mix/Pan Controls • 6-In, 6-Out Booster Amplifier
• Master Input and Output Level Controls • Configurable to Eight Outputs
• UL/CSA/CE and 100/120/230 VAC Remote Power Supplies

Data Sheet-1
SM 26B
SPLITTER MIXER

Features and Specifications

Parameter Specification Limit Units Conditions/Comments
Inputs: Type Active Balanced
..........Connectors ¼" TRS
..........Impedance 20k 1% ohms
..........Maximum Level 22 1 dBu
Outputs: Type Active Balanced
..........Connectors ¼" TRS
..........Impedance 200 1% ohms
..........Maximum Level 26 1 dBu 1k ohms or greater
Overall Gain Range Off to +12 -0/+6 dB Any Input to any Output
RFI Filters Yes 5% 240 kHz
Frequency Response 10-56 kHz +0/-3 dB
THD+Noise 0.006 .002 % +4 dBu, 20-20 kHz unity gain
IM Distortion (SMPTE) 0.009 .002 % 60 Hz /7 kHz, 4:1, +4 dBu unity gain
Signal-to-Noise Ratio re +4 dBu, 20 kHz Noise Bandwidth
93 2 dB Mono Outputs, unity gain
90 2 dB Mix Outputs, unity gain
Crosstalk
..........L-R Panning 72 (1 kHz) 2 dB Any Input to Mix Outs
..........Channel-Channel 78 (1 kHz) 2 dB Any Input to Mix Outs
Mean Time Between Failure 35,500 Hrs Mil-Hdbk-217D, Section V
Unit: Agency Listing
..........120 VAC model Class 2 Equipment National Electrical Code
UL & CSA Exempt Class 2 equipment
..........230 VAC model CE-EMC EMC directive 89/336/EEC
CE-Safety Exempt per Art. 1, LVD 73/23/EEC
Power Supply: Agency Listing Class 2 Equipment
..........120 VAC model UL File no. E88261
CSA File no. LR58948
..........230 VAC model CE-EMC EMC directive 89/336/EEC
CE-Safety LV directive 73/23/EEC
..........100 VAC model Built to JIS Japan only
CE (safety) LV directive 73/23/EEC
Power Supply Requirement 18-24 VAC w/center tap 0.1 Vrms
Maximum Current 300 mA RMS current from remote supply
Unit: Construction All Steel 19" 1U Rackmount
..........Size 1.75" H x 19" W x 5.3" D (4.4 cm x 48.3 cm x 13.5 cm)
..........Weight 5 lb (w/o power supply) (2.3 kg)
Shipping: Size 4.25" x 20.3" x 13.75" (11 cm x 52 cm x 35 cm)
..........Weight 9 lb (4.1 kg)

Note: 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms

Unity Gain = Master Levels Set to ~ “7” Position

Data Sheet-2
 SM 26B
SPLITTER MIXER

Block Diagram

Application Information
Aptly nicknamed the “Swiss Army Mixer”, the SM 26B is level matching, intercom splitting, line boosting, hotel and
an extremely versatile single rack-space tool providing a club zone management, restaurant paging systems, adding
number of different functions to solve a broad spectrum of additional monitor buses for studio or stage use, and many
line-level signal routing problems. Whether the need is for more custom applications. Please consult Rane Note 108 for
line mixing, line distribution or line matching/amplification, in-depth application information.
the SM 26B easily performs these tasks, along with additional The SM 26B provides full expansion capabilities for all
features for even more flexibility. applications. Simple ¼" TRS connectors allow expansion
One of the most popular uses is line-level mixing for using patch cords. Using these provisions, an unlimited
keyboards, drum machines, and effects. Expanding existing number of lines may be mixed or split upon demand. For
console limitations is simple. Whenever a mono or stereo sub- example, three units create either an 18 input mixer or an 18
mix is desired, the SM 26B comes to the rescue. Up to three output splitter, or a combination of both.
stereo, or six mono sources easily mix together, with panning The question arises regarding mic levels. Since the
ability on every input. Many musical instrument performers SM 26B operates only at line levels, microphone applications
find the SM 26B indispensable for combining various effects require separate boosting before connection. Rane offers a
and expanding the available loops on their signal processors. mic stage model MS 1 ideally suited to this application. The
The SM 26B capabilities also include a wide variety of MS 1 is a single channel mic preamplifier with a true differ-
functions such as live recording splitting, -10 dBV to +4 dBm ential input and balanced output. This provides the ability to
locate the mic preamp close to the mic’s location.

Data Sheet-3
SM 26B
SPLITTER MIXER

Rear Panel

Architectural Specifications
The splitter mixer unit shall have six (6) mono inputs, six each of the six (6) mono channels to allow any output to be a
(6) mono outputs, two (2) master inputs, and two (2) master mix of the two master inputs, or to allow any mono input to
outputs. The unit shall be capable of mixing or splitting any be panned between the two master outputs.
inputs to any outputs simultaneously. Each mono input shall The inputs and outputs shall be active balanced designs
have a level control with a range of off to +12 dB gain. terminated with ¼" TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connectors. RFI
Separate +12 dB gain Master Input and Output Level controls filters shall be provided. Ultrasonic filters shall be built-in.
shall be provided. The unit shall be exempt from agency safety requirements
Complete expansion capabilities shall be provided to and powered from a UL listed / CSA certified (120 VAC), or
allow any number of similar units to be coupled together. CE approved (230 VAC) remote power supply. The unit shall
A combination Mix or Pan control shall be provided on be entirely constructed from cold-rolled steel.
The unit shall be a Rane Corporation SM 26B.

Available Accessories
• SC 1.7 Security Cover
• MS 1 Microphone Preamplifier

References
1. D. Bohn, “SM 26B Swiss Army Mixer,” RaneNote 108, (1984).
2. T. Pennington, “Cost-Effective Noise Masking Systems,” RaneNote 116, (1987).

©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 TEL (425)-355-6000 FAX (425)-347-7757 WEB http://www.rane.com
Data Sheet-4 All features & specifications subject to change without notice. DOC 103205 PN 07326 9-98