Radio Design Labs RU-VCA2A Digitally Controlled Attenuators

The RU-VCA2A is a full-featured studio-quality dual-channel audio attenuator module for local and/or remote control of balanced or unbalanced line-level sources. Each module can be remote controlled from a single or multiple locations. Rear-panel terminals provide flexible control options using a variety of RDL remote controls or OEM equipment.

Audio levels are controlled in 0.5 dB steps using noiseless zero-crossing digital attenuators for optimum reliability, precise tracking and long-term click-free service. Exceptional wide-band low-noise performance makes the RU VCA2A suited to level adjustment in the most demanding applications. Rear-panel inputs and outputs may each be wired balanced or unbalanced.

The RU-VCA2A powers up in one of two operating modes set by a rear-panel switch.

MOM (momentary) Mode

In the MOM (momentary) mode, audio level is controlled by momentary pushbuttons or pulses. Remote terminals and front-panel pushbuttons are provided for up and down ramping control. If either button is held in, the audio will ramp automatically. If a button is pulsed (< 0.5 second), the audio will increment one step. The time of both the UP and DOWN ramps is individually adjustable on the front panel. Pushing remote UP and DOWN buttons simultaneously, or pressing the front-panel GO TO PRESET button, returns the audio to a preset level. The preset level is stored by adjusting the desired level using the UP and DOWN buttons, then pressing and holding the front-panel PRESET button for 3 seconds. A rear-panel switch sets the audio power-up level to either the preset level or the last level setting used. Multiple remote control locations are possible in the MOM mode. External control pulses may be either of positive polarity or pulled-to-ground (open-collector).

0 to 10 VDC Mode

In the 0 to 10 VDC mode the preset function is disabled and the audio level is controlled by a remote 10 kΩ linear taper pot or by 0 to 10 Vdc. A single remote control location is possible using a remote 10 kΩ pot.

In both operating modes, two separate 0 to 10 Vdc outputs are provided. The linear RAMP output drives the level display on RDL remote controls; the EQ RAMP output is used to control an automatic RDL Loudness Equalizer (see ST LEQ1). A front-panel 10-LED string display indicates the relative audio level. Control expansion is possible using the EXTERNAL CONTROL DATA jacks. One module can be set as a MASTER module to control the level of one or more additional RU-VCA2A or RU VCA6A modules set to the SLAVE mode.

Use the RU-VCA2A individually, or combine it with other RDL products as part of a complete system.

Key features:

• Local or Remote Audio Level Control

• Mono or Stereo Attenuation

• Noiseless Zero-Crossing Adjustment Steps

• 96 dB Attenuation Range in 0.5 dB Steps

• Data Bus Provides Adjustment of Multiple Modules

• Multiple Remote Control Locations Possible

• Precise Level Tracking on Each Channel

• Balanced or Unbalanced Line Inputs/Outputs

• Adjustable Ramp Up/Down Rates

• Controllable Using Various RDL Remote Controls

• Selectable Level Control Options: Pushbuttons (Internal or External) Momentary Pulses (External/Rotary Encoder) 0 to10 Vdc or 10 kΩ Potentiometer

• Selectable Power-Up Return to PRESET or LAST Level

• Selectable MASTER/SLAVE Mode for Control Expansion

Manufacturer part number RU-VCA2A.