Avid Technology VENUE - User Manual

VENUE | Stage 64 Rack Ears 1
VENUE | Stage 64 Rack Ears
This guide shows you how to attach the included rack ears to the
VENUE | Stage 64 I/O rack and mount the rack into a flight case,
furniture or other rack housing. The ears can be installed on the
front or the back of the rack depending on the desired orientation.
Components
Mounting the Stage 64 utilizes the following components:
• (2) Stage 64 rack ears
• (18) Rack ear mounting screws (nine per rack ear) and
washers
• (8) Rack screws and washers (four per side)
• Flight case, furniture or other enclosure (not included)
Attaching the Rack Ears
The included rack ears can be installed on the front or the back of
the Stage 64. The front of the rack is where all the I/O connectors
are located, and the back of the rack is where the power switches
and associated AC connectors are located.
To attach the rack ears to Stage 64:
1 Locate the rack ears and the rack ear mounting screws, in-
cluded in the Stage 64 box.
2 For forward mounting, do the following:
• Position one of the rack ears at the front of the rack, making
sure it is oriented correctly for right-front or left-front loca-
tion, as appropriate.
• Insert nine rack ear screws with washers in the positions in-
dicated in the figure below, and tighten to secure the rack
ear to the rack.
• Repeat the same procedure to attach the other rack ear to the
other side of the rack using the other nine screws.
Avoid overheating. Be sure to maintain proper air ventila-
tion when installing the device in a rack, and do not block
the Stage 64 fans while operating the device.
Stage 64 rack ear
Rack ears attached to the front of Stage 64 (right side shown)
© 2015 Avid Technology, Inc 9320-65322-00 REV A

Summary

Components and Rack Ear Attachment

Forward Mounting Rack Ears

Instructions for attaching rack ears to the front of the Stage 64 unit.

Reverse Mounting Rack Ears

Instructions for attaching rack ears to the back of the Stage 64 unit.

Mounting Stage 64 in a Case

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The VENUE | Stage 64 Rack Ears are an accessory designed to facilitate the mounting of the VENUE | Stage 64 I/O rack into various housings, such as flight cases, furniture, or other rack enclosures. This guide outlines the process of attaching these rack ears and subsequently installing the Stage 64 into a rack. The flexibility of installation allows the rack ears to be mounted on either the front or the back of the Stage 64, depending on the user's preferred orientation for the device within its housing.

Function Description

The primary function of the VENUE | Stage 64 Rack Ears is to provide a secure and standardized method for integrating the Stage 64 I/O rack into a 19-inch rack system. By attaching these ears, the Stage 64 becomes compatible with standard rack-mount environments, ensuring stability and protection for the device during transport or permanent installation. The rack ears essentially extend the Stage 64's chassis to meet the width requirements of a standard rack, allowing it to be fastened securely with rack screws. This not only prevents movement but also helps to organize equipment within a professional audio setup, making it easier to manage cables and access controls.

Usage Features

The VENUE | Stage 64 Rack Ears offer several key usage features that enhance the versatility and convenience of the Stage 64 I/O rack:

• Flexible Mounting Orientation: Users have the option to mount the rack ears on either the front or the back of the Stage 64.
  • Forward Mounting: When the rack ears are attached to the front of the Stage 64, the I/O connectors (audio inputs and outputs) will face the front of the rack enclosure. This orientation is typically preferred when frequent access to the audio connections is required, making it easy to plug and unplug cables from the front of the rack.
  • Reverse Mounting: Alternatively, if the rack ears are attached to the back of the Stage 64, the fans, power switches, and AC connectors will face the front of the rack enclosure. This setup might be chosen when the primary need is to access power controls and ensure proper ventilation from the front, or when the audio connections are intended to be more permanently wired and less frequently accessed from the front.
• Standard Rack Compatibility: Once the rack ears are attached, the Stage 64 can be installed into any standard 19-inch road case, furniture rack, or other rack enclosure. This ensures broad compatibility with existing professional audio setups and rack systems.
• Secure Installation: The rack ears are designed to be securely fastened to the Stage 64 using eighteen rack ear mounting screws (nine per rack ear) with washers. This robust attachment prevents any wobbling or instability of the rack ears themselves. Subsequently, the Stage 64, with its attached rack ears, is secured into the rack rails of the case using eight rack screws and corresponding washers (four per side). This dual-stage fastening process ensures that the Stage 64 remains firmly in place, even during transport or in demanding live sound environments.
• Ease of Installation: The guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for attaching the rack ears and mounting the Stage 64. For forward mounting, the rack ear is positioned at the front, ensuring correct orientation, and then secured with nine screws. The same process is repeated for the other side. For reverse mounting, the rack ear is positioned at the back, again ensuring correct orientation, and secured with nine screws. When mounting the Stage 64 into a case, it is recommended to team lift the device and slide it into position. To simplify the alignment of screw holes, a helpful tip is provided: tipping the entire flight case on its back after sliding the Stage 64 in can make the process easier.
• Component Inclusion: The necessary components for mounting are included with the Stage 64. These include the two Stage 64 rack ears, eighteen rack ear mounting screws with washers, and eight rack screws with washers. This ensures that users have all the required hardware to perform the installation without needing to source additional parts.

Maintenance Features

While the rack ears themselves do not require specific maintenance, their proper installation contributes to the overall maintenance and longevity of the Stage 64 I/O rack.

• Overheating Prevention: A critical maintenance consideration highlighted in the guide is the prevention of overheating. When installing the device in a rack, it is imperative to maintain proper air ventilation and ensure that the Stage 64 fans are not blocked during operation. The rack ears facilitate a secure installation, which, when combined with appropriate rack design (e.g., adequate spacing, ventilation panels), helps to ensure that the device's cooling system can function effectively. Blocking the fans can lead to increased internal temperatures, potentially affecting the performance and lifespan of the Stage 64.
• Protection During Transport: By securely mounting the Stage 64 into a flight case using the rack ears, the device is protected from physical shocks, vibrations, and impacts during transport. This reduces the risk of damage to internal components, connectors, and the chassis itself, thereby minimizing the need for repairs and extending the operational life of the unit. The robust attachment provided by the rack ears ensures that the Stage 64 remains stable within its enclosure, preventing it from shifting or colliding with other equipment.
• Organized Setup: A well-organized rack setup, enabled by the rack ears, contributes to easier maintenance. When equipment is neatly installed and secured, it simplifies troubleshooting, cable management, and access for cleaning or inspection. This systematic approach to equipment housing can reduce the time and effort required for routine checks and potential repairs.
• Durability of Components: The rack ears and associated screws are designed for durability, ensuring a long-lasting mounting solution. Regular checks of the screw tightness, especially after initial installation and subsequent transport, can help maintain the integrity of the mounting and prevent any loosening that could compromise the device's security or ventilation.

In summary, the VENUE | Stage 64 Rack Ears are an essential accessory that transforms the Stage 64 I/O rack into a rack-mountable unit. They offer flexible installation options, ensure secure integration into standard rack systems, and contribute significantly to the protection and proper functioning of the Stage 64 by facilitating adequate ventilation and physical stability.

Avid Technology VENUE Specifications