Rane ME60S (Rane ME-60S)

ME 60S Graphic Equalizer

The Rane ME 60S Stereo Constant-Q Equalizer is a two-channel, 1/3-octave design, housed in a two rack-space unit. It features a Range switch for high slider resolution in the ±6 dB mode, equivalent resolution to 45 mm sliders found on the DEQ 60L. The ±12 dB mode provides a wide range of control over system audio.

The ME 60S evolved by combining two ME 30S equalizers in one unit and then embellishing with two adjustable band-limiting filters on the low and high end. Though consuming only 12 watts of power, a Power switch is added to the ME 60S (the ME 30S consumes 7 watts and does not have a Power switch).

The active filter sections feature Rane’s innovative constant-Q (constant bandwidth) design. Constant-Q means the bandwidth of each individual filter is guaranteed to be narrow enough to prevent unwarranted interaction between filters, yet wide enough to produce exactly the type of correction curve demanded by even the most unusual acoustic surroundings. This differs dramatically from conventional designs of the past, encumbered with the unfortunate characteristic of changing bandwidth when changing boost/cut amounts.

The adjustable filters are useful when it is desirable to band limit the audio signal. For instance, restricting high frequencies to match the incoming signal usually produces the most quiet system. And a common use for the Low Cut Filter is limiting the signal going to 70-volt speaker systems. Often low frequencies saturate the loudspeaker transformers. Restricting these signals greatly improves system intelligibility. Full bandwidth use requires positioning both sliders to their lower limits. This effectively removes the filters and guarantees 20-20 kHz ±0.5 dB performance.

Front panel controls and indicators include an overall rotary Level control for each channel as well as Overload indicators. Passive pushbutton Bypass switches feature LED indicators, avoiding ambiguity by being on when the unit is Bypassed. (A passive Bypass switch requires no power to operate. This allows completion of the audio path should power fail in the ME 60S.)

Inputs and Outputs are electronically balanced designs, capable of unbalanced operation when required. They accept and drive all possible signal levels into normal load impedances. Balanced applications choose between the XLR or 1/4" Tip-Ring-Sleeve connectors. Unbalanced sources also may tie to the ME 60S through mono 1/4" connectors (no ring connection).

Constant-Q graphic equalizers arose from the sound professional’s need for greater control with less interaction than previously possible with conventional equalizers. You use a constant-Q graphic the same way you use a conventional graphic. You just get the desired results quicker, with far less after adjustment to the adjacent sliders.