Rolls RA63b Distribution Amplifier, 8 Mono / 4 Stereo, Screw Terminals, 1U

Rolls RA63b: Hard-Wired Distribution of One Source to Eight Balanced Lines

The Rolls RA63b is a distribution amplifier that splits one mono or stereo source into eight mono or four stereo balanced outputs on screw terminals, in a 1U rack chassis. It exists for permanent installs where feeds are hard-wired rather than patched, distributing a single program source to many amplifiers, zones, or rooms. Instead of a passive split that loses level and lets loads interact, the RA63b actively buffers each output so every feed stays independent and full-strength. Screw-terminal I/O makes it the right choice for contractor wiring that has to stay put for years. For a fixed system that needs one source distributed reliably to many destinations, this is the install-grade distribution amp.

Mono-to-Eight or Stereo-to-Four Distribution

The RA63b configures as eight mono outputs from a mono input or four stereo outputs from a stereo input, covering the common distribution needs from one unit. In mono mode a single announcement or program feed reaches eight destinations; in stereo mode a full mix reaches four. Because the split happens after an active buffer, connecting or disconnecting one output has no effect on the level at any other, which a passive split cannot promise. Each output can even feed more than one line where a job requires it. An easy-access stereo/mono switch makes selecting the mode simple during setup. For a facility distributing one master feed across many rooms or amplifiers, that flexibility covers most install scenarios.

Screw-Terminal Wiring for Permanent Installs

Every input and output on the RA63b is a screw terminal with plus, minus, and ground connections, built for hard-wired install work. Screw terminals hold wire securely without connectors that can pull loose from vibration or a snagged cable, which is exactly what a permanent system needs. They also let a contractor land bare cable directly, run it through conduit, and dress it neatly in a rack without terminating dozens of XLR ends. That makes the RA63b faster and tidier to wire into a fixed system than a connectorized unit. For a commercial install meant to run untouched for years, screw terminals are the professional, reliable connection.

Switchable +20 dB Gain and High Headroom

A switchable gain stage adds up to 20 dB, letting the RA63b drive long, high-level balanced lines without loss, and it accepts up to +22 dBV at its input. Long cable runs and multiple loads pull a signal down; the extra gain compensates so a distant zone still receives a strong feed. Being switchable means the boost is available only when a run needs it, keeping levels correct for short runs. The high input headroom lets hot source signals pass without overloading the front end. For distributed systems where feeds travel across a large building, that on-demand gain and generous headroom keep every zone at a usable, clean level.

Quiet, Transparent Audio Performance

The RA63b specifies better than 90 dB signal-to-noise, distortion under 0.008 percent, and a 10 Hz to 40 kHz frequency response within 1 dB. That means the amplifier adds essentially no hiss and does not color the audio, so the eighth output sounds like the source. A wide, flat frequency response preserves full-range program material, making it suitable for music distribution and not just paging. A 100k ohm balanced input does not load the source feeding it, and 50 ohm outputs drive cable confidently. For an install where the same feed reaches many critical destinations, that clean specification keeps the whole system sounding consistent.

The Screw-Terminal Sibling for Fixed Installs

The RA63b is the screw-terminal version of the XLR-equipped RA163, and it replaces the older RA63s by adding an easy-access stereo/mono switch. It suits commercial background-music and paging systems, multi-zone installs, and any hard-wired job that distributes one source to many balanced lines. Its 1U, 7-pound chassis mounts once and runs, feeding several amplifiers or zones from a single mixer output. Because the outputs are buffered and balanced, adding a destination later does not disturb the ones already working. For a contractor who wants terminal wiring and set-and-forget reliability, the RA63b is the distribution amp built for permanent installation.