Configure a 4-Zone Amplifier

Use the System Design and Connections views to add and configure a 4-Zone Amplifier (C4-8AMP1-B). This device lets you enjoy up to four zones (rooms) of music in the home.

Ensure that the 4-Zone Amplifier is installed as directed in the Control4 4-Zone Amplifier Installation Guide available on the Dealer Portal.

To add and configure a 4-zone Amplifier:

  1. To add the driver and identify the device see “How to add devices to a project.” Ensure that the Multi Channel Amplifier 4 Zone driver (under Audio/Video > Amplifier) is added to the project tree.

    2. IMPORTANT! The amplifier can be identified by IP only. The amplifier can communicate with the Control4 system using the TCP/IP network.

    Note: If you are using a TCP/IP network and the latest shipping version of this device, you can set this device to either DHCP Client (default) or a client that uses Static IP. To change this setting, see the LCD screen menu on the device.

  1. Make the necessary connections. See “Connect and verify devices” for details.
  1. (Optional) Change the 4-Zone Amplifier properties.
  1. In the System Design view on the project tree, select the Amplifier object.
  1. Modify the properties in the Properties pane: 

    2. CompPro_8_ZoneAmpAdvProps_2.1.gif

    Modifiable properties include:

  • Advanced Properties
  • Inputs Locked—This locks Audio Inputs to set Audio Outputs. You can have one Audio Input with several Audio Outputs, but an Audio Output may only have one Audio Input.
  • Power Save Enabled—Check to save power.
  • Device Firmware—This displays the firmware version.
  • Power Save Status—This displays when power save is enabled.
  • Volume Curve—Shows how the output volume of the amplifier reacts (the device compensates) to an increase in volume as heard by the human ear.
  • Output Settings
  • Output Zones—Select zones 1 through 8.
  • Maximum Volume—Use the drop-down menu to select the volume up to 100. Click Set.
  • Parametric EQ Settings
  • Frequency—Center frequency to be adjusted.
  • Gain—Set from -24dB (cut) to +6dB (boost) for the center frequency.
  • Quality Factor (Q)—Width of the EQ boost/cut can be set from 0.5 to 1.0 in 0.1 steps and 1.0 to 10.0 in 1 step (there are no units for Q).
  • Shelving EQ Settings
  • Frequency—Center frequency to be adjusted.
  • Gain—Set from -24dB (cut) to +6dB (boost) for the center frequency

Notes on EQ settings: The Q setting on the EQ setting determines the bandwidth of the boosted frequency (or cut frequency).

The Quality Factor is the center frequency divided by the bandwidth (Q=Center Frequency/Bandwidth), where bandwidth is determined by the frequency points; either side of the center frequency are -3dB from the center frequency. A setting of 1kHz with a Q of 1 means that the boosted frequencies affected are from 500Hz to 1.5kHz (1kHz wide to the -3dB points centered at 1kHz).

Example: If the Q is increased to 10 with the same 1kHz center frequency, then the bandwidth must decrease by the same ratio. Mathematically:

Q = Freq/BW10 = 1kHz/BWBW = 100HzAffected frequencies are Center Frequency +/- ½ (BW)1kHz +/- ½ (100Hz)1kHz +/- 50Hz = 950Hz to 1,050Hz

The higher the Q setting the narrower the frequency range affected by the gain setting, while a lower Q setting increases the frequency range affected by the gain setting at each EQ frequency.

The frequency response can be visualized as a tall, skinny building with a high Q value or a tall, wide (or pyramid shaped) building with a low Q value. The peak (or height of the building) at the center frequency is set by the Gain setting.