The Rane HC6S is one of the most indispensable products in today’s audio industry. Featuring six stereo headphone amplifiers, the HC6S performs a number of necessary tasks, not all of which are headphone related.

The HC6S provides Master stereo Inputs which can be used to drive any or all of the 6 stereo headphone amplifiers. A Mono switch on the front panel drives both channels of all 6 amplifiers from a common mono source. Six individual unbalanced stereo Inputs are available to drive any individual amplifier from a separate stereo source. These Inputs can be converted to mono balanced Inputs through internal jumpers if required. Outputs for all six channels are provided on the front panel and on the rear panel so that headphones may be connected on either side. Two pairs of headphones may be driven from each channel, one pair connected to the front and one to the rear.

The HC6S is capable of delivering up to 500 milliwatts into headphones with rated impedances between 32-600 ohms. The precise amount of power depends on the exact impedance of the headphone in use and the number of headphones connected to the unit. Under most conditions, the HC6S produces sound pressure levels in excess of 120 dB, more than adequate for most listeners.

At first glance the HC6S looks like any other headphone distribution amplifier. Indeed, it performs superbly all the basic functions of such an instrument. Two balanced Inputs provide a master stereo signal to six stereo headphone amplifiers, with individual stereo Level controls. The Master Level control allows adjustment of the main stereo Input level for proper matching to any source. In addition, a Stereo/Mono switch converts the stereo Inputs to mono operation when required.

However, several unique features of the HC6S allow performance well beyond the limits of standard headphone distribution amplifiers. Besides the stereo Master Inputs, the HC6S provides separate stereo Inputs for each of the six headphone amplifiers. Whenever a signal is plugged into the individual stereo Input, the Master stereo signal automatically disconnects from that amplifier, allowing the remaining stages to be fed either from the Master stereo Inputs or likewise from another separate input. This feature opens new applications for the HC6S, allowing operation as either a standard distribution amplifier or as six separate amplifiers, or any combination of both. By connecting the six Inputs to a monitor mixing console, or to sub-master sends, or even to a patch bay, the HC6S converts any size studio to a custom headphone monitor mixing system. You now can give each vocalist more of their voice for increased clarity; or add more kick drum to the bassist (without giving everyone else a headache); or let the producer monitor the straight mix all at the same time. This feature proves equally valuable to broadcast facilities, video production studios, language labs and other educational facilities.

The HC6S provides Output jacks on both the front and rear panels. The front jacks (paralleled with the rear jacks) add considerable flexibility and ease of operation. This feature allows permanent rack-mounting while maintaining instant access to any of the Outputs. Cueing becomes a snap; a must for monitor mix adjustments, and allows additional monitoring or routing without the use of a patch bay.