Configure a Multi-Channel Amplifier

Use the System Design and Connections views to add and configure a Multi-Channel amplifier (C4-16AMP3-B). This device provides eight stereo inputs and outputs with full audio switching. 

Note: In Release 1.8 and later, the Multi-Channel amplifier does not work with Zigbee Pro. Configure this device with Ethernet.

Ensure that the Multi-Channel amplifier is installed as directed in the Control4 Multi Channel Amplifier Installation Guide available on the Dealer Portal.

To add and configure a Multi-Channel amplifier:

  1. To add the driver and identify the device see “How to add devices to a project.” Ensure that the Multi Channel Amplifier v3 - 16 driver is in the project tree. 

    2. Note: 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 properties as needed.
  1. In the System Design view on the project tree, select the Amplifier object.
  1. Modify the properties in the Properties pane:

CompPro_MultiChannelAmpAdvancedProps_2.1.gif

Modifiable properties include:

  • 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.
  • Device Firmware—This displays the version of firmware.
  • Zigbee Firmware—This displays the version of firmware.
  • Volume Curve—Shows how the output volume of the amplifier reacts to an increase in volume; the soft-to-loud response of the volume control.
  • 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 settable 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 are 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.