Page 38 MZC-88 Installation Instructions
ADDING A 12-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER TO A ZONE
In certain applications it may be desirable to expand a zone into multiple listening areas or ‘sub-zones’ that all play the same
source material for background music. This type of application might include an entry, hallways, guest bathrooms, etc. or a
mutiple-room suite such as a guest bedroom, bathroom and small patio. For this type of application, adding a twelve-chan-
nel amplifier such as the SpeakerCraft BB1235 is a simple way to distribute music to up to six additional rooms.
Adding a twelve-channel amp requires home runs of speaker wire from each sub-zone back to the head-end and one stereo
RCA-RCA patch cable needs to be connected between the MZC-88 Zone Pre-Out and the Amplifier Main IN.
When using a SpeakerCraft BB1235, power management of the external amplifier is automatic using the on-board audio
sensing circuitry. When the amplifier receives an audio signal from the MZC-88 Zone Pre-Out, the external amplifier will turn
on. The BB1235 will shut off after three minutes of no audio signal. Other makes will vary in their specifications and perfor-
mance. Please refer to appropriate documentation for additional information.
Some amplifiers use a 12 volt trigger input to turn on in this type of application (also an option on SpeakerCraft amplifiers).
There are two methods of 12V control from a MZC-88. One method utilizes one of the Contact Closure pairs as an ‘event’
to turn the amplifier on and off with a specific zone. The other allows use of the MZC-88 Common Status Out. This second
option will have the amplifier turn on when any zone is on and off when the last zone shuts off. In most cases turning the
external amplifier on and off with a specific zone is recommended.
INSTALLATION
Additional space should be allocated for installation of a 12-Channel amplifier. Leave at least 3-4 inches above and below
the amp for proper air flow for cooling. If rack mounting, use cooling vents above and below the amp for increased air flow.
Mounting amplifiers at the top of an equipment cabinet is recommended to reduce source components exposure to excess
heat. Use cooling fans when necessary.
CONNECTIONS AND CONFIGURATION
AUDIO
1. Connect one, quality, RCA-RCA stereo patch cable from the appropriate MZC-88 ZONE L&R PRE-OUT to the L&R MAIN
INPUT on the 12-channel amplifier.
2. Set the VC/NVC SWITCH to NVC (fixed). The Zone volume will be controlled via the sub-zone volume controls.
SPEAKERS
1. Connect the L+,L-/R-R+ SPEAKER-LEVEL OUTPUTS of the 12-channel amplifier to the appropriate sub-zone volume con-
trols and speakers. Maintain proper polarity.
AUDIO SENSING
1. No additional connections required.
2. If using a SpeakerCraft BB1235, switch the ‘Audio Sense/Trigger/Constant’ Switch to AUDIO SENSE.
3. If using another brand of amplifier with audio sensing, please refer to appropriate documentation for additional informa-
tion.
12V TRIGGER (ZONE SPECIFIC)
1. Connect an unregulated 12V DC power supply in series with one of the MZC-88 Contact Closure pairs as shown in
Figure 21.
2. If using a SpeakerCraft BB1235, terminate the control wire with a 3.5mm mini plug and plug it into the Trigger Input
jack. POLARITY: TIP=+12V; SLEEVE=GND. Switch the ‘Audio Sense/Trigger/Constant’ Switch to TRIGGER INPUT.
3. If using another brand of amplifier, terminate the control wire as appropriate. Be sure to maintain proper polarity.
4. Configure the Contact Closures as an ‘event’ for that zone in EZ-Tools. Set the Contact Closure to ‘Close’ when turning
the zone ON and ‘Open’ when turning the zone OFF.
12V TRIGGER (SYSTEM ACTIVITY)
1. Connect a 3.5mm mini-mini plug wire to the MZC-88 COMMON STATUS OUT.
2. If using a SpeakerCraft BB1235, plug the other end into the Trigger Input jack. Switch the ‘Audio Sense/Trigger/Constant’
Switch to TRIGGER INPUT.
3. If using another brand of amplifier, terminate the 12-channel amplifier end as appropriate. Be sure to maintain proper
polarity.
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