Staub Electronics EA-AMP-12D-45A EPISODE - 12 CHANNEL 45 WATTS DIGITAL AMPLIFIER - Manual (Page 14)

EA-AMP-12D-45A Installation Manual
Pg. 14
© 2013 Episode ®
6.5. Zone Volume Calibration
Follow these directions to calibrate the LEVEL setting in relation to the source input volume and inline volume
control level (if applicable) for the best sounding and most reliable installation.
1. Connect all speaker and audio source wiring and configure the amplifier. Connect power to the amplifier but
leave it turned Off at the Master Power Switch.
2. (If applicable) Set all volume controls to their maximum volume setting.
3. Set the LEVEL for each zone in use to baseline by turning the knob counterclockwise to its minimum limit, and
then turning it back up about ¼ turn. Set the LEVEL for any unused zones to minimum (counterclockwise).
4. Power on the amplifier and the source to be used. Play audio typical of what will be played in the zone. Set
the volume of the source to around half of its volume. If the audio becomes distorted, turn the volume back to
a point where audio is clear.
5. Set the LEVEL adjustment for the zone to a level where the volume is slightly above normal listening level. If
the audio becomes distorted, experiment with changes to the source volume and the LEVEL adjustment until
audio is clear and slightly too loud.
6. Now the volume level of each zone is matched to the volume of the source input. Adjust the level of audio
back to a comfortable level by adjusting the inline volume control (if equipped) or the source volume.
6.5.1. Calibration Setup Tips
The following common issues may occur with a poorly calibrated system. Use the tips listed to identify and correct
these problems:
Distorted Audio at Normal Volume
If the LEVEL adjustment for a zone is set too high to compensate for low source volume, distortion can occur in the
form of background noise or poor audio quality. This will be heard as a steady hissing or humming behind music,
clipping of signal, or distortion of highs and lows.
To eliminate this issue, re-adjust the volume levels by starting back at baseline settings and re-adjusting the final
volume so that a maximum comfortable volume level can be reached with no distortion while using the source
volume or inline control.
Inline Volume Controls “Thump” or Play Source Audio in the Walls
If inline volume controls are thumping in the wall, then the amplifier and the source volume levels are set too high
and the volume controls are being used to attenuate too much power from the speakers. This causes the entire
system to work harder, and can reduce reliability and sound quality.
Inline volume controls should be calibrated in relation to source/amplifier volume so that they are one or two
adjustment levels away from their maximum setting when audio heard in the room is at the normal listening level.
This will leave one to three settings above normal level for use if a little extra volume is needed.