The Rane SM 82S is a product offering incredible power and versatility. It is the equivalent of a sixteen channel mixer in one rack space. Measuring only 5.25 inches deep, it can do the job of mixers costing several times as much while only occupying a fraction of the rack space. It is ideally suited for keyboards, synthesizer expander modules and drum machines, as well as such things as effects mixing in guitar racks. It also functions as an excellent submixer for stereo line inputs and effects to a larger console. Because of shorter internal signal paths, it is much cleaner than many mixers ten times the cost and size.
Each of the eight Stereo (two channel) input channels feature a stereo rotary input Level control, a stereo aux Send level control slider and a left to right Balance control slider. When a single mono input is used, the Balance control acts as a pan pot. The aux return section provides a rotary Return Level control and a slide control for left to right Balance. The output stage includes a rotary Output Level control and a slide control for left to right Balance.
The human engineering applied to the SM 82S makes it extremely easy to operate. The segregation of function between rotary and slide controls (rotary for all input and output Levels and slide for Balance and Send) makes it simple to use, even in the dark.
The SM 82S is expandable using the 1/4" TRS Main Expand Input and Output jacks. Expansion is as simple as connecting a stereo 1/4" jumper cable from the first unit’s Expand Output jack to the second unit’s Expand Input jack. Now, two SM 82S units create a 16 channel stereo (32 input) line level Mixer in just two rack spaces. Or, 24 channel stereo (48 input) Mixer in just three rack spaces. You get the idea!
One of the most unusual features of the SM 82S is its inherent immunity from noise. All eight of the stereo inputs may be turned all the way up without increasing the internal noise of the mixer. This is critical due to the wide variation in output levels found in musical instruments and tape devices. A fairly low-level guitar may be combined in the same system with a high level synthesizer without any undesirable side-effects. The SM 82S eliminates the concerns normally associated with mixing so-called -l0 dBV units with +4 dBu types.
The SM 82S allows you to mix eight Stereo line level Inputs down to a main Stereo Output. Additionally you can create a separate Stereo Loop Send mix for driving any stereo, or mono, external processor, and then return from this processor into the Stereo Loop Return Inputs. The stereo Return Level control is used to set the desired mix of wet and dry signals.
For applications not requiring the looping facilities, the Loop Return Inputs double as a fully functional 9th Stereo Input, creating a 9-Input Stereo Mixer! When used this way, the Loop Send Outputs become a separate Stereo Output pair, useful for monitor sends, tape outputs, or any other application.
When not used for expansion, the Main Expand Output pair double as a pre-fader stereo mix, again useful as tape outputs, or any other fixed-level application.
Mono sources and external processors are handled easily by the SM 82S. Connecting only to any Left Input Jack automatically routes this signal to the Right channel so an equal Left/Right signal is summed into the mains. Similarly, connecting only to the Left Loop Send output gives you an equal mono L+R output send for mono input processors.
The question arises regarding mic levels. Since the SM 82S 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. If you need two mics, an ML 1 preamp works just as easily into a stereo input.
Are the inputs balanced?
No. This piece is primarily aimed at the keyboard and similar sources. If you need fully balanced inputs use the SM 26S or the MLM 82S. However, the SM 82 outputs are balanced.
Can I modify the unit's aux send to be pre fade?
This unit is really packed tightly and just doesn't allow room for this. The performance would be seriously compromised.
If the above options don't answer your question, or it's urgent...
Phone 425-355-6000, 8 AM to 5 PM PST, Monday through Friday.
If it's less urgent, you can email the factory.
For local service within the USA, find a service center.
| MODEL | DESCRIPTION | RACK SPACES | CONNECTORS |
| SM 26S | 6 In x 2 Out Line Mixer, 2 In x 6 Out Line Splitter | 1 |  1/4" TRS |
| 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 82S Data Sheet
RaneNote: "Sound System Interconnection"
SM 82S front DWG