DATA SHEET

AC 23B

ACTIVE CROSSOVER

MASTER

LEVEL 6

2W: INACTIVE

LEVEL 2 6

3W: LOW / MID 2W: INACTIVE 1k

2W: LOW

2 MIN MAX DELAY 4 6
3W: MID / HIGH HIGH 2W: LOW / HIGH 1.0k 700 2.0k 6 2.8k 475 4.5k 350 5.8k 190 7.0k

10 LEVEL 4 6

3W: MID / HIGH HIGH 2W: LOW / HIGH 1.0k 700 2.0k 6 2.8k 475 4.5k 350 5.8k 250 8

MIN MAX DELAY

FREQUENCY

MONO MASTER

SUBWOOFER

SUB / LOW

FREQUENCY 4W: MID / HIGH 5W: MID / HIGH-MID
LEVEL LEVEL MONO 4W OR 5W: INACTIVE

LOW / MID

7k 190 MIN MAX MUTE DELAY FREQUENCY 4W: INACTIVE 4W: INACTIVE 5W: HIGH-MID 5W: HIGH-MID / HIGH

General Description

The Rane AC 23B Active Crossover can be configured as a stereo 2- or 3-way, or a mono 4- or 5-way. It employs 4th-order Linkwitz-Riley filter alignments to minimize phase difficulties in the critical crossover region. The AC 23B uses XLR connectors with active balanced Inputs and Outputs. Simply put, a Linkwitz-Riley alignment is two cascaded 2ndorder Butterworth filters exhibiting identical phase characteristics on their low-pass and high-pass outputs. This characteristic guarantees in-phase outputs at all frequencies. In-phase outputs are mandatory for proper acoustic summing of common signals from adjacent drivers in the crossover region. An added benefit of this topology is steep 24 dB per octave rolloff slopes. A slope of this magnitude guarantees drivers designed to produce a specific range of frequencies, and no more, will not be driven past their limits, thereby minimizing distortion and driver fatigue. To further guarantee the transparent operation of the AC 23B, adjustable Delay circuits appear on the Low & Mid Outputs of each Channel to compensate for any physical misalignment of the drivers. Time correction ensures the mechanical phase alignment of adjacent drivers will be acoustically correct, thus maintaining the integrity of the electrical phase alignment of the crossovers filters. In 2- or 3-way stereo mode, the low outputs may be mono'ed by moving an internal jumper. Constant directivity (CD) horn equalization is possible with an internal modification. See the manual for details. See the RaneNote Linkwitz-Riley Crossovers for more information, available at www.rane.com.
Features Stereo 2- or 3-Way, Mono 4- or 5-Way Linkwitz-Riley Alignment with 24 dB per Octave Slopes Adjustable Delays Infrasonic, Ultrasonic and RFI Filters Low & Mid Output Muting (3-Way) Input & Output Level Controls Fully Active Balanced XLR Inputs & Outputs UL/CSA/CE and 100/120/230 VAC Remote Power Supplies

Data Sheet-

ACTIVE CROSSOVER Features and Specifications
Parameter Crossover: Alignment..Slopes..Range (3-way)..Range (3-way)..Range (2-way) Time Delay Adjust Range Inputs: Impedance..Maximum Level..Gain Range Inputs: Type Outputs: Type..Impedance..Maximum Level..Gain Range Band Muting Switches RFI Filters Infrasonic Filter Ultrasonic Filter Frequency Response THD+Noise IM Distortion (SMPTE) Signal-to-Noise Ratio Unit: Agency Listing..120 VAC model..230 VAC model Specification Linkwitz-Riley 24 dB per Octave 70-1 kHz Low to Mid 190-7 kHz Mid to High 190-7 kHz Low to High Off to +2 20k +21 Off to +6 Active Balanced XLR Active Balanced XLR 200 +20 Off to +12 Yes Yes 20 Hz, 18 dB/Oct, Butterworth 40 kHz, 18 dB/Oct, Bessel 20-40 kHz 0.02 0.Class 2 Equipment UL & CSA VDE, SELV CE-EMC CE-Safety UL CSA CE-EMC CE-Safety Built to JIS 18 VAC w/center tap 750 All Steel 1.75" H x 19" W x 5.3" D (1U) 5 lb 4.25" x 20.3" x 13.75" 9 lb Limit Units Conditions/Comments Proprietary 4th-order state-variable 41-detent continuously variable pot as above as above Low & Mid Outputs only

5% -0/+4

ms dBu dB
Pin 2 hot per AES standards Pin 2 hot per AES standards 1% 1 -0/+4 dBu dB 600 or greater Low & Mid Outputs only 3% 3% +0/-3.01.Hz Hz dB % % dB
Linear phase +4 dBu, 20-20 kHz 60 Hz / 7 kHz, 4:1, +4 dBu re +4 dBu, 20 kHz noise bandwidth National Electrical Code Class 2 Safety Extra Low Voltage EMC directive 89/336/EEC Exempt per Art. 1, LVD 73/23/EEC File no. E88261 File no. LR58948 EMC directive 89/336/EEC LV directive 73/23/EEC Japan only Model RS 1 RMS Current from Remote Supply (4.4 cm x 48.3 cm x 13.3 cm) (2.3 kg) (11.5 cm x 52 cm x 35 cm) (4.1 kg)
Power Supply: Agency Listing..120 VAC model..230 VAC model..100 VAC model Power Supply Requirement Maximum Current Unit: Construction..Size..Weight Shipping: Size..Weight Note: 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms

Vrms mA

Block Diagram

Rear Panel

Choosing the Right Configuration: Mono, Dual Mono, or Stereo?
Very few systems indeed will utilize a two channel crossover for the purpose of true stereo imaging. Discrete stereo channels which are run from the mixing board are usually used for panning effects and/or for separate equalization of left and right speaker stacks. Different sides of the room often require significantly different equalization due to varying room acoustics, dimensions, positioning of speaker stacks near walls, curtains and the like. Even though you may not plan to use stereo equalization or panning effects, it is recommended that your system utilize discrete crossover channels for each stack of speakers to ensure flexibility and control for consistent, optimum sound quality. For example, if you plan to run a multi-stack system mono threeway, use the AC 23B rather than the AC 22B for separate control over each set of speakersespecially since phase alignment may differ with each stack requiring separate time delay adjustments. Even with only a single system equalizer, the AC 23B can deliver the extra independent control which can make a difference in sound throughout the listening area. If all drivers are built into a single cabinet, or you are running bi-amped monitors, then the AC 22B is the one for you.
Architectural Specifications
The active crossover shall contain 4th-order Linkwitz-Riley filters. Provisions shall exist to correct for driver misalignment by adding time delay to the low and mid frequency outputs. The crossover frequency shall be controlled by a continuously variable control with 41 detents to allow mechanical reference of crossover setting. Signal inputs and outputs shall be of active balanced design terminated with XLR connectors. RFI, infrasonic, and ultrasonic filters shall be built-in. The active crossover shall afford an input level range of Off to +6 dB. The output level controls shall afford a level range of from Off to +12 dB with muting capability on the low and mid frequency outputs. The crossover shall supply two independent channels. The unit shall be exempt from agency safety requirements and powered from a UL listed, CSA certified remote power supply (120 VAC) or CE approved (230 VAC) via a rear panel modular plug input. The unit shall be constructed entirely from cold-rolled steel, and mount into a standard 1U EIA rack. The unit shall be a Rane Corporation AC 23B Active Crossover.

Available Accessories SC 1.7 Security Cover References
1. S.H. Linkwitz, Active Crossover Networks for Noncoincident Drivers, J. Audio Eng. Soc., vol. 24, pp. 2-8 (Jan/Feb 1976). 2. D. Bohn, A Fourth-Order State-Variable Filter for Linkwitz-Riley Active Crossover Designs, presented at the 74th Convention of the Audio Engineering Society, New York, Oct. 9-12, 1983, preprint no. 2011. 3. D. Bohn, Linkwitz-Riley Crossovers, RaneNote, (1983). 4. D. Bohn, Why Not Wye? RaneNote, (1984). 5. D. Bohn, Linkwitz-Riley Active Crossovers Up To 8th-Order: An Overview, RaneNote, (1989).
Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 USA TEL 425-355-6000 FAX 425-347-7757 WEB www.rane.com
All features & specifications subject to change without notice. DOC 107496

DATA SHEET

AC 23B

ACTIVE CROSSOVER

MASTER

LEVEL 10 LEVEL 8

2W: INACTIVE
3W: LOW / MID 2W: INACTIVE 1k

2W: LOW

2 MIN MAX DELAY 4 6
3W: MID / HIGH HIGH 2W: LOW / HIGH 1.0k 700 2.0k 6 2.8k 475 4.5k 350 5.8k 190 7.0k

10 LEVEL 8

3W: MID / HIGH HIGH 2W: LOW / HIGH 1.0k 700 2.0k 6 2.8k 475 4.5k 350 5.8k 250 8

MIN MAX DELAY

FREQUENCY

MONO MASTER

SUBWOOFER

SUB / LOW

FREQUENCY 4W: MID / HIGH 5W: MID / HIGH-MID
LEVEL LEVEL MONO 4W OR 5W: INACTIVE

LOW / MID

7k 10 MIN MAX MUTE LEVEL DELAY FREQUENCY 4W: INACTIVE 4W: INACTIVE 5W: HIGH-MID 5W: HIGH-MID / HIGH

General Description

The Rane AC 23B Active Crossover can be configured as a stereo 2- or 3-way, or a mono 4- or 5-way. It employs 4thorder Linkwitz-Riley filter alignments to minimize phase difficulties in the critical crossover region. The AC 23B uses XLR connectors with active balanced Inputs and Outputs. Simply put, a Linkwitz-Riley alignment is two cascaded 2nd-order Butterworth filters exhibiting identical phase characteristics on their low-pass and high-pass outputs. This characteristic guarantees in-phase outputs at all frequencies. In-phase outputs are mandatory for proper acoustic summing of common signals from adjacent drivers in the crossover region. An added benefit of this topology is steep 24 dB per octave rolloff slopes. A slope of this magnitude guarantees drivers designed to produce a specific range of frequencies, and no more, will not be driven past their limits, thereby minimizing distortion and driver fatigue. To further guarantee the transparent operation of the AC 23B, adjustable Delay circuits appear on the Low & Mid Outputs of each Channel to compensate for any physical misalignment of the drivers. Time correction ensures the mechanical phase alignment of adjacent drivers will be acoustically correct, thus maintaining the integrity of the electrical phase alignment of the crossovers filters. In 2- or 3-way stereo mode, the low outputs may be mono'ed by moving an internal jumper. Constant directivity (CD) horn equalization is possible with an internal modification. See the manual for details. See the RaneNote Linkwitz-Riley Crossovers for more information.
Features Stereo 2- or 3-Way, Mono 4- or 5-Way Linkwitz-Riley Alignment with 24 dB per Octave Slopes Adjustable Delays Infrasonic, Ultrasonic and RFI Filters Low & Mid Output Muting (3-Way) Input & Output Level Controls Fully Active Balanced XLR Inputs & Outputs UL/CSA/CE and 100/120/230 VAC Remote Power Supplies

Data Sheet-1

ACTIVE CROSSOVER Features and Specifications
Parameter Crossover: Alignment..Slopes..Range (3-way)..Range (3-way)..Range (2-way) Time Delay Adjust Range Inputs: Type..Connectors..Maximum Level..Gain Range..Impedance Outputs: Type..Connectors..Impedance..Maximum Level..Gain Range Band Muting Switches RFI Filters Infrasonic Filter Ultrasonic Filter Frequency Response THD+Noise IM Distortion (SMPTE) Signal-to-Noise Ratio Unit: Agency Listing..120 VAC model..230 VAC model Specification Linkwitz-Riley 24 dB/Octave 70-1 kHz Low to Mid 190-7 kHz Mid to High 190-7 kHz Low to High Off to +2 Active Balanced XLR +21 Off to +6 20k Active Balanced XLR 200 +20 Off to +12 Yes Yes 20 Hz, 18 dB/oct., Butterworth 40 kHz, 18 dB/oct., Bessel 20-40 kHz 0.02 0.Class 2 Equipment UL & CSA VDE, SELV CE-EMC CE-Safety UL CSA CE-EMC CE-Safety Built to JIS 18 VAC w/center tap 750 All Steel 1.75" H x 19" W x 5.3" D (1U) 5 lb 4.25" x 20.3" x 13.75" 9 lb Limit Units Conditions/Comments Proprietary 4th-order state-variable 41-detent continuously variable pot as above as above Low & Mid Outputs only Pin 2 hot per AES standards 1 -0/+dBu dB Pin 2 hot per AES standards 1% 1 -0/+4 dBu dB 600 or greater Low & Mid Outputs only 3% 3% +0/-3.01.Hz Hz dB % % dB

Linear phase +4 dBu, 20-20 kHz 60 Hz / 7 kHz, 4:1, +4 dBu re +4 dBu, 20 kHz noise bandwidth National Electrical Code Class 2 Safety Extra Low Voltage EMC directive 89/336/EEC Exempt per Art. 1, LVD 73/23/EEC File no. E88261 File no. LR58948 EMC directive 89/336/EEC LV directive 73/23/EEC Japan only Model RS 1 RMS Current from Remote Supply (4.4 cm x 48.3 cm x 13.3 cm) (2.3 kg) (11.5 cm x 52 cm x 35 cm) (4.1 kg)
Power Supply: Agency Listing..120 VAC model..230 VAC model..100 VAC model Power Supply Requirment Maximum Current Unit: Construction..Size..Weight Shipping: Size..Weight Note: 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms

Vrms mA

Data Sheet-2

Block Diagram

Data Sheet-3

Rear Panel

HIGH OUT MID-3W / LOW-2W LOW-3W / OMIT-2W CHANNEL 2 IN STEREO 3W / 2W HIGH OUT MID-3W / LOW-2W LOW-3W / OMIT-2W CHANNEL 1 IN
POWER MADE IN U.S.A. RANE CORP. CHANNEL 2 STEREO 3W 2W 260mA CLASS 2 EQUIPMENT N108 HIGH OUT OMIT-4W HI MID OUT-5W LOW OUT CHANNEL 1 STEREO 3W 2W STEREO PIN 2=POSITIVE PIN 3=NEGATIVE PIN 1=CHASSIS GND
MONO MONO: SET SWITCHES AS SHOWN OMIT MONO MONO 5W (CHANGE INTERNAL SWITCH FOR MONO 4W)

OMIT MONO

MID OUT

SUB OUT

MONO 4W / 5W IN
Choosing the Right Configuration: Mono, Dual Mono, or Stereo?
Very few systems indeed will utilize a two channel crossover for the purpose of true stereo imaging. Discrete stereo channels which are run from the mixing board are usually used for panning effects and/or for separate equalization of left and right speaker stacks. Different sides of the room often require significantly different equalization due to varying room acoustics, dimensions, positioning of speaker stacks near walls, curtains and the like. Even though you may not plan to use stereo equalization or panning effects, it is recommended that your system utilize discrete crossover channels for each stack of speakers to ensure flexibility and control for consistent, optimum sound quality. For example, if you plan to run a multi-stack system mono three-way, use the AC 23B rather than the AC 22B for separate control over each set of speakersespecially since phase alignment may differ with each stack requiring separate time delay adjustments. Even with only a single system equalizer, the AC 23B can deliver the extra independent control which can make a difference in sound throughout the listening area. If all drivers are built into a single cabinet, or you are running bi-amped monitors, then the AC 22B is the one for you.

Architectural Specifications
The active crossover shall contain 4th-order LinkwitzRiley filters. Provisions shall exist to correct for driver misalignment by adding time delay to the low and mid frequency outputs. The crossover frequency shall be controlled by a continuously variable control with 41 detents to allow mechanical reference of crossover setting. Signal inputs and outputs shall be of active balanced design terminated with XLR connectors. RFI, infrasonic, and ultrasonic filters shall be built-in. The active crossover shall afford an input level range of Off to +6 dB. The output level controls shall afford a level range of from Off to +12 dB with muting capability on the low and mid frequency outputs. The crossover shall supply two independent channels. The unit shall be exempt from agency safety requirements and powered from a UL listed, CSA certified remote power supply (120 VAC) or CE approved (230 VAC) via a rear panel modular plug input. The unit shall be constructed entirely from cold-rolled steel, and mount into a standard 1U EIA rack. The unit shall be a Rane Corporation AC 23B Active Crossover.
Available Accessories SC 1.7 Security Cover

References

1. S.H. Linkwitz, Active Crossover Networks for Noncoincident Drivers, J. Audio Eng. Soc., vol. 24, pp. 2-8 (Jan/Feb 1976). 2. D. Bohn, A Fourth-Order State-Variable Filter for Linkwitz-Riley Active Crossover Designs, presented at the 74th Convention of the Audio Engineering Society, New York, Oct. 9-12, 1983, preprint no. 2011. 3. D. Bohn, Linkwitz-Riley Crossovers, RaneNote, (1983). 4. D. Bohn, Why Not Wye? RaneNote, (1984). 5. D. Bohn, Linkwitz-Riley Active Crossovers Up To 8th-Order: An Overview, RaneNote, (1989).
Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 USA 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 106002 PN 12958 8-02