Peer Review-Rane RPM88 Digital Processor
The Rane RPM88 is an eight-in/eight-out digital processor with two-in/two-out AES3 digital connectivity.
Peer Reviewer: Stefan Svärd, president, Audio Video Electronics (AVE), Maple Grove, MN. AVE is a pro AV systems integrator that focuses on the house of worship market in the Minnesota area.
My Pick: Rane RPM88 digital processor, $3,499 MSRP
MANUFACTURER SPECIFICATIONS
- Analog I/O: Active balanced, Euroblock connectors
- Input Trim Range: +16 to -20 (plus mute)
- Mic Gain Settings: 15, 30, 45, 60 dB @ 1 kHz
- Line Gain Settings: -5, +10
- Output Trim Range: +16 to -30 (plus mute and polarity invert)
- Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 22 kHz
- Dynamic Range: 106 dB, input gain at -5 dB, A-weighted
- IM Distortion (SMPTE): <0.01%, 60 Hz/7 kHz, 4:1, +4 dBu
- Crosstalk: 100 dB, 1 kHz bandpass, any channel
- Audio Converters: 24 bit
- Audio Processing: 24 bit and higher, 48 kHz sample rate
- Internal Memory: Non-volatile, Flash and NOVRAM or FRAM
- AES3 Digital Input: Two channels, balanced; XLR-type, female
- AES3 Digital Output: Two channels, balanced; XLR-type, male
- Versatile Input Port: 8-bit A/D converter 1/2 LSB
- Versatile Output Port: Open-collector
- Power Supply Requirement: 100 to 240 ±10 percent VAC 50/60 Hz, 1.25 to 0.9 amp
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 3.5 x 19 x 8.5 inches
- Weight: 9 pounds
What I Like About It: The Rane RPM88 is an eight-in/eight-out digital processor with two-in/two-out AES3 digital connectivity. This product works with Rane’s SR3 remote control, which is a cost-effective way to give the end-user multiple controls with a single knob by using an LCD screen. This DSP is suitable for a lot of places that can’t afford a Crestron system, but don’t need a complex system. The RPM88’s DragNet software has to be the nicest looking and easiest software program to use. Rane’s level of support on the setup and configuration of these is really what makes it that much more valuable for us.
I Would Change: If it only had a “fat pipe,” I could link two RPM88s to create a true 16×16 DSP box. Right now you can go between two boxes, but you can only link the two AES3 channels between boxes without eating up precious analog channels.
Where I Used It: St. Michael Catholic Church, new construction church sound system, St. Michael, MN.
My Results: The St. Michael project required a lot of speakers, a 40-channel analog mixing console, as well as an “automatic” sound system. We ended up using three of the RPM88s to do all of the DSP for the loudspeaker system, and the first unit is the input for the automatic system. We have the 40-channel mixer feeding the Rane for times when there’s a sound operator, and we use the Rane RPM88 as the mixer for six “auto” system inputs along with the SR3 remote. The remote gives the priest the ability to run the system without ever touching the intimidating 40-channel mixer. It’s a best of both worlds situation for St. Michael’s.
