The Rane Model SM 26S Splitter Mixer is one of the most useful, yet unusual audio products available.
In its most basic configuration, it is a six-to-two line level mixer. It will accept six balanced or unbalanced line level inputs which are applied to six Level and Pan controls. An additional stereo Master Input allows a total of eight inputs. The result of the mix is sent to an overall Master Output Level control and appears at the Left and Right Outputs on the rear.
In its splitter mode, the SM 26S can take one or two line level inputs and split these to any of the six Mono Outputs on the rear. The Mix/Pan controls in this mode control the level from each of the two input buses to be applied to each Output. Internal header blocks allow the Mix Outputs to become an independent stereo out, allowing a total of eight outputs.
The SM 26S may also be used as a six input, six output buffer amplifier in which case signal applied to Input 1 is delivered to Output 1, and so on.
The SM 26S may also be used in a combination of modes at once. For instance, Inputs 1 through 3 may be mixed to the left and/or right output buses while at the same time Outputs 4 and 5 are delivering signal originally applied to the Left and Right Master Inputs while at the same time Output 6 is being driven from Input 6 in the straight through mode.
The front of the SM 26S comprises a Master Input Level control, six Channel Level controls, six Mix/Pan controls and a Master Output Level control. The rear of the SM 26S provides two Master Left and Right Inputs, six Mono Inputs, six Mono Outputs and two Master Left and Right Mix Outputs. All Inputs and Outputs on the SM 26S are 1/4" TRS active balanced.
Aptly nicknamed the “Swiss Army Mixer”, the SM 26S is an extremely versatile single rack-space tool providing a number of different functions to solve a broad spectrum of line-level signal routing problems. Whether the need is for line mixing, line distribution or line matching/amplification, the SM 26S easily performs these tasks, along with additional features for even more flexibility.
One of the most popular uses is line-level mixing for keyboards, drum machines, and effects. Expanding existing console limitations is simple. Whenever a mono or stereo sub-mix is desired, the SM 26S comes to the rescue. Up to three stereo, or six mono sources easily mix together, with panning ability on every input. Many musical instrument performers find the SM 26S indispensable for combining various effects and expanding the available loops on their signal processors.
The SM 26S capabilities also include a wide variety of functions such as live recording splitting, -10 dBV to +4 dBm level matching, intercom splitting, line boosting, hotel and club zone management, restaurant paging systems, adding additional monitor buses for studio or stage use, and many more custom applications.
The SM 26S provides full expansion capabilities for all applications. Simple 1/4" TRS connectors allow expansion using patch cords. Using these provisions, an unlimited number of lines may be mixed or split upon demand. For example, three units create either an 18 input mixer or an 18 output splitter, or a combination of both.
The question arises regarding mic levels. Since the SM 26S operates only at line levels, microphone applications require separate boosting before connection. Rane offers a mic stage model MS 1S ideally suited to this application. The MS 1S is a single channel mic preamplifier with a true differential input and balanced output. This provides the ability to locate the mic preamp close to the mic’s location and run a line signal to the SM 26S.
If an SM 26S needs to have an additional set of independent outputs, as in a 2x4 stereo distribution amplifier (see Swiss Army Mixer, Figure 10), the LEFT and RIGHT MIX OUTPUTS can be used in addition to the 6 MONO OUTS. Normally, the LEFT and RIGHT MIX OUTPUTS produce the sum mix of all 6 LEVEL and PAN controls. To break any channel away from the Mix Output bus, internal jumpers have been provided. These are located behind the MIX/PAN controls for each channel. J3 connects MONO OUT 1 to the mix bus. J6 connects MONO OUT 2, J9 connects MONO OUT 3, and so on — see the board layout in the manual. WARNING: Remove the top cover only after the power is off! Don't attempt this If you aren't qualified to service the unit.
RaneNote: "Sound System Interconnection" RaneNote: “The SM 26S Swiss Army Mixer” RaneNote: "Setting Sound System Level Controls"If the above options don't answer your question, or it's urgent...
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| MODEL | DESCRIPTION | RACK SPACES | CONNECTORS |
| SM 82S | Mixer, 8 Stereo Line Inputs With Aux Sends | 1 |  1/4" TRS, 1/4" TS |
| MLM 42S | Mixer, 4 Mic / Line In, EQ, Effects Loop, 2 Out | 1 |  XLR, 1/4" TRS, 1/4" TS |
| MLM 82S | Mixer, 4 Mic / Line In, 4 Mono / Stereo In, 2 Out | 1 | XLR, 1/4" TRS |
| MLM 103 | Mixer, 6 Mic / Line In, 2 Stereo In, 3 Out | 3 |  Euro |
| RPM 88 | Multiprocessor, Drag Net, 8x8 +AES3 I/O | 2 | Euro, AES3 |
SM 26S Data Sheet
SM 26S front DWG