Couple questions about the RDC-7

[Paulbert]

Hi All,
I have been considering a purchase of the RDC-7 preamp/processor. There does not seem to be a lot of info out there, so I was very happy that in my search I came across this forum.
I currently have a Lexicon MC-1 and am looking to improve on the audio performance and upgrade the feature set at the same time.

A couple of remaining questions I have are:

1) I want to run a second zone for the rest of my house. I know that this pre-pro has 2 zone capability, but I want the signal to go straight into an amp, and then each zone controls its own volume. In reviewing the online manaul, I see that the zone 2 output is variable, and I was not able to find an independant zone-2 power on volume setting.
My Lex offers a different power-on volume setting for each zone (i.e. -45db for Zone 1, and -15db for zone 2). I'd hate to lose this capability, as it would make a mess of one or the other zones on startup.

Another option is to use a fixed line out to the power amp. Is there any option to use the Record out connections? How do the zone-2 and record out interact?

2) Rack mounting
I would be placing this in a Middle Atlantic Rack. Any feedback out there on using a Middle Atlantic custom faceplate for the RDC-7, or are there Rack ears available from Integra Research?

Appreciate any feedback provided.

Regards,
Paul

[Paulbert]

Looks like I can answer one of my own questions:

I re-read the manual looking for any clue as to how the zone-2 volume was managed. Then I found a reference that it is a fixed output level.

Paul

[Burke Strickland]

Glad you found the answer on the Zone 2 volume. Since it is a fixed output, the volume for Zone 2 must be controlled downstream of the RDC-7.

Is there any option to use the Record out connections? How do the zone-2 and record out interact?

From the manual:

Note:
Be aware that if you start using the system in the remote
zone (Zone 2) while a recording is going on in the main
zone, the recording is aborted.
...
• If the Rec Out button is pressed in the main room
while someone is using the system in the remote
zone, the Zone 2 function will be deactivated and
the source will turn off in the remote zone.

The Zone 2 and Record Out use the same circuits.

Burke