The Rane ME30S Stereo Constant-Q Equalizer is a one-channel, 1/3-octave design, housed in a one 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 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.
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 ME30S.)
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 ME30S 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.
The accompanying figures dramatically show the advantages of constant-Q designs. For more explanation, consult the references below.
| Parameter | Specification | Limit | Units | Conditions/Comments |
| Equalizer: | ||||
| ..........Bands | (30) 1/3-octave ISO spacing | From 25 Hz to 20 kHz | ||
| ..........Type | Constant-Q | |||
| ..........Accuracy | 3 | % | Center frequency | |
| ..........Travel | 20 mm | Positive grounded center detent | ||
| ..........Range | ±12 or ±6 | 1 | dB | Switch selectable |
| Inputs: Type | Active balanced / unbalanced | |||
| ..........Connectors | XLR & 1/4" TRS | |||
| ..........Impedance | 20k balanced; 10k unbalanced |
min | Ω | |
| ..........Maximum Level | 20 | 1 | dBu | |
| Outputs: Type | Active balanced/unbalanced | |||
| ..........Connectors | XLR & 1/4 TRS" | |||
| ..........Impedance | 400 balanced 200 unbalanced |
1% | Ω | |
| ..........Maximum Level | +20 balanced +15 unbalanced |
1 | dBu | 2 kΩ |
| +19 balanced +13 unbalanced |
1 | dBu | 600 Ω | |
| Overall Gain Range | Off to +0 (unbalanced output) |
min | dB | Sliders centered |
| Off to +6 (balanced output) |
min | dB | Sliders centered | |
| RFI Filters | Yes | |||
| Bypass Switch | Yes | Passive | ||
| LED Thresholds: Overload | 4 | 1 | dB | Below clipping |
| Infrasonic Filter | 20 Hz, 18 dB/octave | 3% | Hz | Butterworth |
| Freq. Response | 20-100 kHz | +0/-3 | dB | |
| THD+Noise | 0.011 | max | % | +4 dBu, 20-20 kHz, 20k BW |
| IM Distortion (SMPTE) | 0.01 | max | % | 60 Hz / 7 kHz, 4:1, +4 dBu |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | re +20 dBu re +4 dBu |
20 kHz noise bandwidth | ||
| 107 91 |
2 | dB | Sliders centered, unity gain, balanced | |
| 92 76 |
2 | dB | Full boost, unity gain, balanced | |
| 104 88 |
2 | dB | Full cut, unity gain, balanced | |
| Common Mode Rejection | 40 | 1 | dB | 1 kHz |
| Unit: Max. Power | 7 | W | ||
| .....Line Voltage | 100-240 | VAC | 50/60 Hz | |
| .....Agency Listing | UL/cUL/CE | |||
| ..... Construction | All steel | |||
| .....Size (1U) | 1.75" H x 19" W x 5.25" D | (4.4 cm x 48.3 cm x 13.3 cm) | ||
| .....Weight | 5 lb | (2.3 kg) | ||
| Shipping: Size | 4.25 x 20.3 x 13.75 | (10.8 cm x 52 cm x 35 cm) | ||
| .....Weight | 8 lb | (3.6 kg) | ||
| Note: 0 dBu=0.775 Vrms | ||||
Each unit is shipped with a booklet containing all of the above, the RaneNote "Sound System Interconnection," Declaration of Conformity, and Rane's 2+ Year Warranty information.
Can I use both the XLR and 1/4" outputs at the same time?
Yes. Both output connections may be used simultaneously. However only use one input at a time. If you combine a unbalanced 1/4" with a balanced XLR you could create a ground loop problem. See "Sound System Interconnection" below.
What's the difference between the "B" and "S" and "non-B/S" versions?
The earlier (non-B) units only had 1/4" inputs and outputs. Inputs are fully balanced, outputs are single-ended (some say "quasi-balanced") auto balancee/unbalanced. Ability to drive longer cables is less and high frequency rolloff can be a concern due to cable capacitance. Around 1994 we updated the design and changed to the "B" designation. These units have fully balanced inputs and outputs, both XLR and 1/4" TRS connections being utilized. Functionally the units are virtually identical. With the exception of much enhanced grounding, the older units possess almost the same sonic quality. The "S" versions have a new universal power supply, operating from 100-240 VAC (true for all Rane "S" suffix models).
If the above options don't answer your question, or it's urgent...
Phone 425-355-6000, 8:30 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.
RaneNote: "Constant-Q Graphic Equalizers"
ME30S Data Sheet
ME30S front DWG