Proficient Audio Systems VC60i

To Next Page

OWNER’S MANUAL

VC60i

Impedance Balancing Volume Control

with Multiple Room Switch

The VC60i is an impedance balancing wall mounted stereo vol-

ume control, which connects between a pair of speakers and the

speaker level output of an ampliﬁer, receiver or speaker selector.

Add any number of speakers to your ampliﬁer by making simple

adjustments on the convenient front-mounted switch.

Before mounting the volume control into the wall, consider how

it will be used. It is important to keep in mind the location of the

primary listening area and the ease of running the wire to the

location you choose. It is common to mount the volume control

by the door as you walk into a room, next to existing wall ﬁxtures,

or in the primary area where you will be listening to music.

Do not place the volume control into the same box as a 110V

AC circuit. (i.e. light switch, electrical outlet, etc.). Speaker

wires can act as an "antenna" for electrical noise. Placing

speaker wires too close to a light switch or dimmer may cause

buzzing or popping sounds to be heard through the speakers. If

you must locate the VC60i near electrical devices, use a separate

electrical box.

Once the location has been determined, install a standard single

gang plaster ring, or a single gang electrical box (light switch

type) before installing the VC60i.

INTRODUCTION

PLACING THE VC60i

CAUTION

• Please be sure that your ampliﬁer or receiver is turned off

prior to wiring the VC60i.

• Damage to your audio system may occur if the VC60i is not

wired properly.

The VC60i features a quick and secure wire connecting system,

which eliminates the need for turning small screws.

For best results, strip the speaker wire no more than

⁄4" from the

end. Push the wire completely into the opening on the connector,

then lift the lever using your ﬁnger or screwdriver. This will secure

the wire. (see Figure 1)

If you need to remove the wire, simply push the lever down. This

can be done with your ﬁnger, but it may be easier to use a screw

driver or similar tool. With the lever in the down position, you can

pull the wire out.

Refer to Figure 2 when wiring the VC60i:

1. Connect the ampliﬁer or receiver's left speaker output to the left

ampliﬁer terminals of the VC60i. Please observe proper polar

ity of the connections (+ ampliﬁer to + input on the VC60i).

2. Repeat step 1 for the right side.

3. Connect the wires from the left speaker to the left speaker

output terminals of the VC60i. Please observe proper polarity

of the wires for correct speaker phase (+ speaker to + output).

4. Repeat step 3 for right speaker connection.

CAUTION

If the input and output connections are reversed, the minimum

setting on the VC60i would present a short across the ampliﬁer

or receiver output terminals, resulting in serious damage to your

ampliﬁer or receiver. Please double check steps 1 - 4. The VC60i

cannot be connected in series with another volume control.

WIRING THE VC60i

Figure 1

Figure 2

DWG • 516-933-4900 • dwgdistribution.com

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Proficient Audio Systems VC60i and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Placing and Wiring the VC60 i

Wiring the VC60 i

Connect amplifier and speaker wires to the VC60i, observing polarity and ensuring correct connections to avoid system damage.

Switch Adjustment for Multiple Speakers

Mounting and Warranty Information

Mounting the VC60 i

Details on how to install the VC60i volume control into the wall, including component placement and securing.

Limited Ten-Year Warranty

Outlines the warranty terms, coverage, exclusions, and procedures for claims for Proficient Audio Systems products.

The Proficient VC60i is an impedance-balancing, wall-mounted stereo volume control designed to manage audio output in multiple rooms. It connects between the speaker-level output of an amplifier, receiver, or speaker selector and a pair of speakers, allowing users to add any number of speakers to their audio system by making simple adjustments on its front-mounted switch.

Function Description

The primary function of the VC60i is to provide independent volume control for a pair of speakers in a specific room while maintaining proper impedance balance for the connected amplifier. This impedance balancing is crucial to prevent damage to the amplifier or receiver, especially when multiple pairs of speakers are connected. The device ensures that the amplifier sees a safe load, regardless of the number of speakers or their individual impedances.

The VC60i features a multi-room switch that allows users to adjust the impedance matching based on the total number of speakers (both 4-ohm and 8-ohm) connected to a single channel of the amplifier. This switch is critical for protecting the amplifier from an unsafe load, which could lead to overheating or failure. The device is designed to be installed in a standard single-gang plaster ring or electrical box, integrating seamlessly into the wall.

Usage Features

Placement and Installation:

When choosing a location for the VC60i, users should consider the primary listening area and the ease of running speaker wire. It is common to mount the control near a door, next to existing wall fixtures, or in the main listening area. A critical safety instruction is to avoid placing the VC60i in the same electrical box as a 110V AC circuit (e.g., light switch, electrical outlet). Speaker wires can act as an "antenna" for electrical noise, and proximity to AC circuits can cause buzzing or popping sounds through the speakers. If placement near electrical devices is unavoidable, a separate electrical box must be used for the VC60i.

Wiring:

The VC60i utilizes a quick and secure wire connecting system, eliminating the need for small screws. For optimal results, speaker wire should be stripped no more than 1/4 inch from the end. To connect, the wire is pushed completely into the opening on the connector, and then a lever is lifted with a finger or screwdriver to secure the wire. To remove the wire, the lever is simply pushed down.

Wiring connections are straightforward:

The amplifier's or receiver's left speaker output connects to the left amplifier terminals of the VC60i, observing proper polarity (+ amplifier to + input on the VC60i).
This process is repeated for the right side.
Wires from the left speaker connect to the left speaker output terminals of the VC60i, again observing proper polarity (+ speaker to + output).
This process is repeated for the right speaker connection.

A crucial caution is provided: if the input and output connections are reversed, the minimum setting on the VC60i would create a short across the amplifier or receiver output terminals, potentially causing serious damage. Users are advised to double-check all connections. The VC60i cannot be connected in series with another volume control.

Switch Adjustment for Multiple Speakers:

The VC60i is designed to operate with multiple pairs of speakers without damaging the amplifier. The impedance adjustment is made via a switch that can be easily changed, even after the control is mounted. Users must follow specific recommendations to set the switch properly to prevent damage to their amplifier or receiver.

To determine the correct switch setting:

Identify the minimum recommended load the amplifier or receiver can handle (e.g., 4 ohms or 8 ohms). This determines which chart (Chart A for 4 ohms, Chart B for 8 ohms) to use.
Determine the number of 8-ohm speakers connected to one channel (left or right) of the amplifier and locate this number on the chosen chart.
Determine the number of 4-ohm speakers connected to one channel (left or right) of the amplifier and locate this number on the chosen chart.
Find the intersection of the column (8-ohm speakers) and the row (4-ohm speakers) on the chart. This intersection will indicate a letter, which is the correct setting for the multi-room switch.

The rotary switch is shipped with the control turned as far counterclockwise as possible (off position). If this has been changed, it should be returned to the full counterclockwise position before installation.

Maintenance Features

Warranty:

Proficient Audio Systems offers a limited ten-year warranty to the original retail purchaser, covering defects in materials and workmanship, provided the product was purchased from an authorized dealer.

Warranty Claims:

Defective products must be shipped, prepaid and insured, along with proof of purchase, to the authorized dealer or directly to Proficient Audio Systems. Freight collect shipments will be refused. It is recommended to ship the product in its original container to minimize transit damage, with the risk of loss or damage during transit borne by the purchaser.

Upon examination, if the unit is found to be defective, Proficient Audio Systems or the authorized dealer will, at their option, repair or replace the product at no additional charge. If the model is no longer available or cannot be effectively repaired, it may be replaced with a current model of equal or greater value. If a new model requires modification to the mounting surface, Proficient Audio Systems assumes no responsibility for such modification. All replaced parts and products become the property of Proficient Audio Systems. Repaired or replaced products will be returned to the original retail purchaser, freight prepaid, within a reasonable time.

Warranty Exclusions:

The warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs exceeding rated maximums, or unauthorized service, repair, or modification. Normal cosmetic deterioration due to environmental conditions is also excluded. The warranty is void if the serial number has been removed, tampered with, or defaced.

This warranty is explicitly stated to be in lieu of all other expressed warranties. The purchaser's sole remedy for material or workmanship defects is repair or replacement. Proficient Audio Systems is not liable for incidental or consequential damages arising from the use or inability to use the product, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. All implied warranties are limited to the duration of this expressed warranty.