Connecting the S-Zone

The rear panel of the S-Zone provides all input and output connections (except for the headphone jack). The S-Zone provides four input channels, which can accept up to four line level sources and two microphones, and four output channels to feed the sound zones. The connections for these inputs and outputs are made using standard Euroblock connectors (the mating ends for connecting your wires are included). The Euroblock connectors are easy to wire; just strip your wire, insert it into the Euroblock connector, and tighten the screws. The next section of this manual details the connections for the S-Zone inputs and outputs.

Euroblock Connector

Connecting the S-Zone Inputs

Once you have a plan for your installation, you need to connect your audio sources to the S-Zone inputs. You may want to connect multiple devices such as microphones for paging and other line level devices such as CD, DVD, MP3, tablet, or karaoke players, or perhaps a radio tuner. Regardless of the sound source, it's important to connect the inputs correctly. Follow the sections and diagrams below to connect your input sources. The microphone inputs accept low impedance (100 to 600 ohms) balanced or unbalanced microphones.

Connect your microphones to input channels 1 and 2 using the following wiring guide.

Note: The S-Zone always provides 15 volts of phantom power to the microphone inputs, so you can use almost any condenser microphone. Dynamic microphones can also be connected.

Mic Input Wiring for Channel 1 and 2

Next, connect your line inputs to channels 1 and 2 using the wiring diagram below.

These inputs are set to accept -10 dBV levels, which is the standard for devices such as most CD and DVD players.

Line Input Wiring for Channel 1 and 2

Now connect your line inputs to channels 3 and 4 using the wiring diagram below.

Line Input Wiring for Channel 3 and 4

These inputs are set to accept -10 dBV levels, which is the standard for devices such as most CD and DVD players.

If you need to connect one or two microphones along with more than two line-level input sources, you can use the mic and line inputs for channels 1 and 2 simultaneously. You should only do this if you need more than two line inputs. If you connect both the Mic and Line inputs to the same input, you will not be able to control the level of either input source individually. If possible, choose a line-level device that has its own output level control. You can use this level control to balance the level between the line level and the microphone connected to the same input. To connect a microphone and line input to both Channel 1 and Channel 2 simultaneously, follow the wiring diagram below.

Mic/Line Input Wiring for Channel 1 and 2

Connecting the S zone Zone Outputs

After you have designed a plan for your installation, you need to connect the zone outputs of the S zone to your power amplifiers or powered speakers. You can wire the outputs of the S-Zone for balanced or unbalanced operation. It's highly recommended that you use balanced wiring if you're running long cable runs, such as over 20 feet. When you use balanced wiring, you benefit from CMR (Common Mode Rejection), which reduces the possibility of noise and hum from other interfering electrical devices. Regardless of the sound source, it's important to connect the outputs properly.

To connect the zone outputs to a balanced input using standard XLR connectors, follow the wiring diagram below.

Zone Output Balance Line

To connect the zone outputs of the S-Zone to an unbalanced input using standard 1/4" connectors, follow the wiring diagram below.

Zone Output Unbalance Line

Connecting  a  Remote Level Control on a Zone Output

Any or all of the S-Zone's four outputs can be remotely controlled using standard potentiometers or variable resistors and standard 3-conductor wire. You can run up to 1000 feet of cable to remote locations in your installation to control zone output levels, thanks to the S-Zone's internal VCA's (voltage controlled amplifiers). This allows you to install a remote volume control, typically in a standard electrical box, in each of the four zones. See Using the Remote Control on page 14 of this manual for more information.

Connect a standard 10K, linear potentiometer according to the wiring diagram below.