OSD AUDIO NERO MAX12 12-Channel Multi-Room Power Amplifier Owner’s Manual

OSD AUDIO NERO MAX12 12-Channel Multi-Room Power Amplifier

Instructions

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER ( OR BACK )
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICE TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
This product was designed and manufactured to meet strict quality and safety standards. There are, however,some installation and operation precautions, which you should be par-ticularly aware of.

1. Read Instructions – All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions – The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings – All warnings on appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow instructions – All operating and use instructions should be followed.
5. Water and Moisture – The appliance should not be used near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.
6. Carts and Stands – The appliance should be only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn.
   The NERO MAX12 is a functional, easy to install, highly compatible, expandable and user-friendly audio distribution system. It features six Analog Source Inputs and provides up to 80W @4-ohm from a Class D amplifier for six zones expandable to 12 or 18 zones which can be controlled by the either the OSD Control App (Free App that Duplicates the Keypads), Optional Keypads with IR Remote Control or RS-232.

FEATURES

• 6×6 Audio Matrix Switch with 6 Bridgeable Zones and Six Source Inputs
• Expandable to 2/3 units, 12/18 zones of distributed Audio.
• Free iOS & Android App duplicates the Control Panels for each
• Zone/Room. Optional Control Pads/IR Remote are available as well.
• High Efficiency Class D Amplifier; 80 watts (4-ohms) and 40 watts (8-ohms)
• Each Zone can drive a single 4-ohm pair of speakers or two pair of 8-ohm speakers
• Stereo/Bridge Mono Output for combining zones 100 Watts at 8 ohm only
• Stereo line-level Pre-AMP L&R RCA Outputs (Zones 1-3)
• Stereo line-level L&R RCA Analog Source Inputs
• RS232 for transferring and receiving the serial data between two devices.
• Individual Zone Status (3.5mm): Used to control external Zone Devices (12V triggers)
• IR Emitter 3.5mm Mono RCA outputs + 1 IR Emitter/Blaster 3.5mm Mono All Output
• PA Input jack to set all zones to Source 1 (12Vdc Trigger)
• External Mute In/Control Out (3.5mm Mono RCA connections/12Vdc)
• AGC (Automatic Gain Control): brings low input levels up to a preset-level
• Unit ID Selector Switch: Master/Slave 1/Slave 2( Expandable settings)
• Multi Voltage Selector 115V or 230V, AC Input connection with Fuse Receptable (CE Certified)

SPECS

Power:

• 8 Ohm – 40W x 2 per zone
• 4 Ohm – 80W x 2 per zone

Bridgeable

• S/N: 85dB A WTD
• THD: <0.1%
• Freq Response: 20Hz-20KHz
• Input Impedance: 47 K Ohm
• Input Sensitivity: 250mv
• Protection: Overload, Short Circuit, Temperature
• System Voltage: DC +12V
• External Mute Voltage: DC +12V
• Power Supply:  AC 115V/60Hz – 230V/50Hz
• Output Connection: Terminal Block
• Dimensions: 16.9”W x 3.5”H x 16.4”D
• Weight: 25lbs

CONTENTS

• NERO MAX12 Amp
• Expansion Ribbon Cable
• Rack Ears (Pre Installed on Amp)
• Speaker Termainal Blocks (Pre Installed on Amp)
• AC Power Cable
• Product Manual

NERO MAX12 MANUAL

1. Power ON/OFF Switch
2. Standby/Zone ON LED- When this LED is BLUE this indicates a zone is in Standby mode. When this LED is WHITE it indicates that a zone is on.

1. Stereo line-level Pre-Amp outputs (Zones 1-3)

2. Mode Switch: Mono/Bridge

3. Speaker Outputs: 80w @ 4 Ohms- Stereo, 4Ow@ 8 Ohms-Stereo, 100w@ 8 Ohms-Bridge

4. Ethernet Port.

5. Zone Status: Used to control external Zone Devices

6. Source Inputs (Input 1/PA)

7. IR Outputs to control Sources

8. A) PA Trigger IN (Source 1)
   B) MUTE In/Control Out: This input can temporarily mute the system by connecting this unit to a relay closure switch on home automation system or phone system etc. When switch is on, it will short-circuit the input and mute the unit.

9. Expansion IN/OUT Port: Connects up to 3 units’ total

10. R$232 Port

11. Voltage Selector (115v in US)

12.  AC Input

13. Keypad Hub Input

14. AGC (Automatic Gain Control): brings low input levels up to a preset-level

15. Unit ID Switch

OPTIONAL KEYPAD (Sold Separately NERO-MAX12KEYPAD kit)

1. Numeric LED Display
2. IR Receiver Target
3. Selection and Status LED’s
4. Power/Status. Press and Hold to Turn Zone ON/OFF. When ON, Press to toggle through settings
5. Increase Volume, Treble or Bass
6. Decrease Volume, Treble or Bass
7. Source Select

REMOTE CONTROL (Included with NERO-MAX12KEYPAD kit)

1. Power: switches power (On/Off) for the certain zone.
2. Mute: allows you to mute a certain zone.
3. BAL: These L & R buttons can adjust the balance of L/R channel in stereo mode.
4. VOL: Volume adjustment
5. Source: Used to select signal input.
6. Treble: This allows you to enhance or reduce Treble of signal in individual zone.
7. Bass: This allows you to adjust the Bass for the individual zone

CONNECT AND OPERATE

Before you begin to install the NERO MAX12, it is important to implement good installation practices:

1. Make sure that AC power is disconnected before making ANY connections to the main unit and attached devices.
2. Install in a well-ventilated environment
3. Ensure any vents are not blocked to allow for proper circulation
4. Do not install above or below sources of heat
5. Use good quality cabling
6. The NERO MAX 12 can be installed within a rack using the provided mounting rack ears

CONNECTING THE SOURCES

Up to 6 dedicated sources can be connected to a single NERO MAX 12. Source 1-4 features Right and Left Female Unbalanced RCA Stereo Inputs (RCA Stereo Patch cords). Source 5 is 3.5mm Female input (Dual RCA to single Stereo 3.5mm adaptor cable or 3.5mm to 3.5mm Stereo Aux cable) to RCA and Source 6 offers a choice of 3.5mm Stereo Input or Digital Fiber Optic Input (Optical Fiber Cable ).

Note: Input 1 can be used as a global input for all zones when a source is connected to input 1 and the 12VDC is applied to the PA-IN (tip is positive) then source 1 will broadcast to all zones. If no 12VDC is applied, then the first input will be operating under normal conditions

CONNECTING THE SPEAKERS

The NERO MAX12 can work with speakers that are 4-8 Ohm. There are two modes that can be set for different setups: Stereo or Bridge. An 8 Ohm speaker can only be used when in Bridge mode. To choose between mode use the mode switch to determine modes for each zone (Number 2 Panel Descriptions, page 5)
Once you have properly identified the desired mode, strip about ” of insulation and twist the copper strands. Connect the speaker wire to there screw down terminal as indicated on the amp. To loosen the terminal turn counterclockwise and to tighten the terminal turn clockwise. For better quality, we recommend used 12-14 AWG stranded copper speaker wire.

USING THE PRE-AMP OUTPUTS

There are 3 unbalanced, line level Pre-Amp outputs that correspond to the first 3 Outputs. These can be used to connect an additional amplifier, expand zones, or to connect a powered subwoofer. The Pre-amp output levels are not fixed and are able to be controlled via IR, R$232, optional keypads and Wifi.

CONNECTING THE OPTIONAL KEYPADS

The Keypad kit comes with 6 POE enabled keypads. This allows for source control from each specific zone as well as IR routing to the appropriate source devices once selected. The Keypad kit also comes with a hub that allows for all 6-keypads to be connected to the amp via Cat5e/6.

Without power being connected, connect a Cat5e/6 cable to the RJ45 port labeled KEYPADS on the back of the NERO MAX12. We recommend terminating the Cat5e/6 using the 568B standard.

At this point it is also important to addresS your keypads. Refer to the chart below which is also found on the PCB board of the back of the keypad to set the dip switches according to the zone you would like it to control.

Connect the other end of the Cat5e/6 to the lone RJ45 port found on the front side of the Keypad Hub. The front is what fits into the provide decora plate. Note that the Cat5e/6 between the unit and the hub should only be between 7-10ft. The RJ45 ports on the back of the Keypad Hub are not assigned but the single RJ45 port isolated on the bottom of the hub is reserved for cascading units.

CONNECTING AND USING THE ZONE STATUS PORTS

There are six 12Vdc trigger outputs which correspond to the six output zones When a zone is powered ON by the NERO MAX12 keypad, the corresponding zone sends 12Vdc to the trigger output jack. The triggers can be used too automatically switch peripheral equipment ON or OFF.
WIRING: 3.5mm Mono

Plug: Tip is Positive (+)
Trigger Outputs for Zones 1 6: Zone ON; 12Vdc applied to the TRIGGER
OUTPUT, Zone OFF; 12Vdc removed from the TRIGGER OUTPUT.
CONTROL: When any zone is on, 12Vdc applied to the CONTROL OUT. When All zones are OFF, 12Vdc removed from the cONTROL OUT
Trigger Inputs:

• PA- IN: Apply 12Vdc for input #1 override on all six zones.
• MUTE IN: Apply 12Vdc to mute all zones.

IR EMITTERS

When being used with keypads, the NERO MAX12 can receive IR signals from each zone, and routed back through the Cat5e/6 and Keypad up to the Amplifier to control the selected source. For example, if Source 2-DVD is selected in Zone 1, the user will be able to control the DVD player to power the device on/off, change settings ect. Since the amplifer has discreet routing, ONLY the Source that is selected on each zone can be controlled. This prevents other sources from accidently be controlled when selected on other zones.

CASCADING SOURCES INTO ADDITONAL ZONES

The NERO MAX12 can allow 6 sources to be distributed to up to 18 zones on 3 different units using the provided ribbon cable to connect between units. To do this first each unit needs to be addressed according using the MASTER/ SLAVE switch. There are 3 positions for this, Master, Slave 1, and Slave 2 which heln identifv each unit.

Once each unit is correctly addressed, use the provided ribbon cables to connect the OUTPUT of the original MASTER unit into the INPUT of Slave 1. To cascade the sources into a third unit, using the provided expansion ribbon cable, go out of the OUTPUT port from the device addressed as SLAVE 1 into the INPUT port of the device addressed as SLAVE 2.

CONFIGURING WIRELESS CONTROL VIA OUR APP

We recommend using a wired ethernet connection to the internet/LAN. The IOS or Android APp provides wireless control of the audio system from a connected tablet or smartphone. Basically, the App duplicates the Control keypad normally located in each zone/room to control the Multi Zone/Multi Source Receiver. The Control Keypads and corresponding IR Remote are available as an option for those who do not have an internet connection or prefer the convenience of having the physical keypad and IR remote for each local zone .

ETHERNET/WI-FI CONNECTION

After downloading and installing the OSD Control App, open the App to start linking your wireless device to the NERO MAX12.

ETHERNET CONNECTION – Recommended
There is an RJ-45 jack on the rear panel of this amplifier for the connection to Ethernet. Please use quality Cat5E/Cat6 cable, and then follow the connection diagram.

Connect the LAN port on the rear panel of the local Wi-Fi Router. The Ethernet connection is mainly for Wi-Fi control via APP or other control devices.

WIFI CONNECTION – Not Recommended
Because of the high stability and ease of setup, connecting to the Ethernet via Cat5e/Cat6 cable is always recommended.
NOTE: If you have a 32-bit Android phone you might not be able to find the OSD Control App in the App Store, if so please – Download the Android App by following this link. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z5sbdSP- rWpmVaPAoqIFM7uPDmPhtMPw/view?usp=sharing
Once the OSD Control app is opened, click the link icon in the lower left corner image #1 Home Screen , press Auto in center left of # 2 wait until processing within the app is complete.

USING THE CONTROL APP

Now that the MAX12 has been added to the network you can control it using the OSD Control App.

KEY FEATURES

1. Zones 1-6: Touch to select and control.
2. Name of current zone selected.
3. Volume Control: Touch to control Vol +/-
4. Treble Adjust +/-
5. Bass Adjust +/-
6. Balance Adjust L/R
7. Source Select
8. All Zones On: Turn On all zones.
9. All Zones Off: Shuts Off all zones.
10. Party Mode: All zones ON
11. Source Name: Name of selected source.
12. Zone Off: turns current selected zone Off.
13. Mute: Mute the current zone.

WARRANTY

All OSD AUDIO electronics have (2) year Limited Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Proof of purchase must accompany all claims. During the warranty period OSD AUDIO will replace any defective part and correct any defect in workmanship without charge for either parts or labor.
OSD AUDIO may replace returned electronics with a product of equal value and performance. In such cases, some modifications to the mounting may be necessary and are not OSD AUDIO’s responsibility.
Damage to or destruction of components due to application of excessive power voids the warranty on those parts. In these cases, repairs will be made on the basis of the retail value of the parts and labor. To return for repairs, you must email customer service at RMA@audiogear-group.com for a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number then the unit must be shipped to OSD AUDIO at the owner’s expense, along with a note explaining the nature of service required. Be sure to pack the product(s) in a corrugated container with at least 3 inches of resilient material to protect the unit from damage in transit.
This Warranty Does Not Cover: Damage caused by abuse, accident, misuse, negligence, or improper operation (installation). Any products that have been altered or modified. Any product whose identifying number of decal, serial #, etc. has been altered, defaced or removed. Normal wear and maintenance.

MAX12/KIT
RS232 Commands and Protocol

Command Mode:
Control structure to send a command is: <xxPPyy/

Reply from command is: xxPPyy/
< = prefix at the beginning of each action command

• Xx = Control ID Code (see table below)
• PP = Type of command being sent
• Yy = Action command
• / =  Carriage Return
• Example: <11CH01/ sets Zone 1 to Source 1 on the Master Unit

ID Code:

Control Commands:

• PP: Stands for control action code.

• PR: Power control

• MU: Mute control

• DT: Do Not Disturb

• VO: Volume control

• TR: Treble control

• BS: Bass control

• BL: Balance control

• CH: Source Channel control

• PR00:Power off PR01:Power on

• MU00:Mute off

• DT00: DT Control off

• VO(00-38)

• TR(00-14)

• BS(00-14)

• BL(00-20)

• MU01:Mute on

• DT01:DT control on

• TR00= -7; TR07=0; TR14=7

• BS00= -7; BS07=0; BS14=7

• BL00= Left 10; BL10=0; BL20= Right 10

• CH(01-06):Select or Control Inputs

• Inquiry command: Structure to send an inquiry command is: ?xx/

  • ? = prefix at the beginning of each inquiry command

  • xx= Control ID Code

  • / = Carriage Return
    NOTE: FOR AN INQUIRY OF A SPECIFIC FUNCTION USE: ?xxPP/

  • PP= Control Action Command

• Reply Command: Structure of reply to a control system: >xxaabbccddeeffgghhiijj/

  • aa: PA control status
  • bb: Power control status
  • cc: Mute control status
  • dd: DT control status
  • ee: Volume control status ff: Treble control status
  • gg: Bass control status
  • hh: Balance control status ii: Source control status
  • jj: keypad connecting status (00:disconnect 01:connected)

• Name Change Command: Structure to rename a source: x<**/ Needs to be 8 valid ASCII bytes

  • X = Source number (1-6)
  • **= Name
  • / = Carriage Return
  • NOTE: THIS CAN ALSO BE DONE WITHIN THE iOS AND ANDROID CONTROL APP WITHOUT COMMANDS AND CODING.

KEYPAD FEATURES

Sold Separately
(NERO MAX12 Keypad/IR Remote Kit) Free 050 Control App duplicates Keypads

1. Numeric LED Display
2. IR Receiver Target
3. Selection & Status LED’s
4. Power/Status: Press & Hold to Turn Zone ON/OFF. When ON, Press to toggle through settings.
5. Increase Volume, Treble or Bass
6. Decrease Volume, Treble or Bass
7. Source Select

M12IRR INFRARED REMOTE-CONTROL

The M12IRR infrared remote control provides complete zone control through the IR receiver located on the NERO Max 12 keypad. All keypad functions can be accessed using the M 12IRR. In addition to the keypad functions, the M12IRR has a MUTE button to temporarily mute audio in the zone. Once the MUTE function is activated the keypad’s LED display will flash, indicating the mute status. Press the MUTE button to continue playing music or press the keypad volume up or down buttons to un-mute the zone. One M 121 RR is included with the Optional Max 12 Keypads.

REMOTE FEATURES

IR Remote Control works with Keypads only. It is included with Optional Keypad Kit

1. Power: switches power (On/Off) for the respective zone
2. Mute: allows you to mute a respective zone
3. Bal: Left & Right Balance in stereo mode
4. VOL: Volume adjustment up/down
5. Source: Used to select signal input for the respective zone
6. Treble: Enhance or reduces the high frequency up and down
7. Bass: Adjust Bass enhance and reduce for the respective zone

CONNECTING THE OPTIONAL KEYPADS

The Keypad kit comes with 6 POE enabled keypads. This allows for source control from each specific zone as well as IR routing to the appropriate source devices once selected. The Keypad kit also comes with a hub that allows for all 6-keypads to be connected to the amp via CatSe/6.

Without power being connected, connect a CatSe/6 cable to the RJ45 port labeled KEYPADS on the back of the NERO MAX12. We recommend terminating the CatSe/6 using the 568B standard.

At this point it is also important to address your keypads. Refer to the chart below which is also found on the PCB board of the back of the keypad to set the dip switches according to the zone you would like it to control.

Connect the other end of the CatSe/6 to the lone RJ45 port found on the front side of the Keypad Hub. The front is what fits into the provided Decora plate. Note that the CatSe/6 between the unit and the hub should only be between 7-1 Oft. The RJ45 ports on the back of the Keypad Hub are not assigned but the single RJ45 port isolated on the bottom of the hub is reserved for cascading units.

Connect the other end of the terminated CatSe/6 to the RJ45 port on the back of the assigned keypad and installation is complete. Complete zone and the source control as well as the IR and power are provided through the single CatSe/6

IR EMITTERS

When utilizing the optional Keypad system, The NERO Max12 has an IR repeater system built in and each source has a corresponding Infrared (IR) emitter output. The IR emitter output is tied the corresponding source device, or all (global/lR Blaster versus IR emitter) source control. Program a universal remote to operate all six of the input devices. Point the universal remote at the NERO MAX12 keypad to transmit the IR control codes through the NERO MAX12 Receiver to the source device. With an IR emitter connected to an IR Emitter output jack and the emitter placed over the source device IR receiver window, the source can be controlled from any zone.

CONNECTING AND USING THE ZONE STATUS PORTS

There are six 12Vdc trigger outputs which correspond to the six output zones. When a zone is powered ON by the NERO MAX 12Keypad , the corresponding zone sends 12Vdc to the trigger output jack. The triggers can be used to automatically switch peripheral equipment ON or OFF. Wiring: 3.5mm Mono

NERO MAX 12 Trigger Outputs:

• ZONES 1 – 6: Zone ON; 12Vdc applied to the TRIGGER OUTPUT, Zone OFF; 12Vdc removed from the TRIGGER

• CONTROL: Any zone ON; 12 Vdc applied to the CONTROL OUT, All zones OFF; 12Vdc removed from the CONTROL OUT
  NERO MAX 12 Trigger Inputs:

• PA-IN: Apply 12Vdc for input #1 override on all six zones

• MUTE-IN: Apply 12Vdc to mute all zones

OPTIONAL KEYPAD KIT CONTENTS

• Six (6) MAX12 Keypads
• One (1) MAX12 Keypad Hub
• Six (6) Outer Plates for Decora keypad inserts
• IR Remote Control (direct access to keypads)
• Product Manual

WARRANTY

All OSD AUDIO electronics have (2) year Limited Warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Proof of purchase must accompany all claims. During the warranty period OSD AUDIO will replace any defective part and correct any defect in workmanship without charge for either parts or labor OSD AUDIO may replace returned electronics with a product of equal value and performance. In such cases, some modifications to the mounting may be necessary and are not OSD AUDIO’s responsibility. For this warranty to apply, the unit must be installed and used according to its written instructions. If necessary, repairs must be performed by OSD AUDIO. The unit must be returned to OSD AUDIO at the owner’s expense and with prior written permission. Accidental damage and shipping damage are not considered defects, nor is damaged resulting from abuse or from servicing performed by an agency or person not specifically authorized in writing by OSD Audio OSD AUDIO sells products only through authorized dealers and distributors to ensure that customers obtain proper support and service. Any OSD AUDIO product purchased from an unauthorized dealer or other source, including retailers, mail order dealers and online sellers will not be honored or serviced under existing OSD AUDIO warranty policy. Any sale of product by an unauthorized source or other manner not authorized by OSD AUDIO shall void the warranty on the applicable product. Damage to or destruction of components due to application of excessive power voids the warranty on those parts. In these cases, repairs will be made on the basis of the retail value of the parts and labor. To return for repairs, you must email customer service at RMA@audiogeargroup.com for a Returned Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number then the unit must be shipped to OSD AUDIO at the owner’s expense, along with a note explaining the nature of service required. Be sure to pack the product(s) in a corrugated container with at least 3 inches of resilient material to protect the unit from damage in transit.
This Warranty Does Not Cover: Damage caused by abuse, accident, misuse, negligence, or improper operation (installation) • Any products that have been altered or modified • Any product whose identifying number of decal, serial#, etc. has been altered, defaced or removed· Normal wear and maintenance.

References

• Group Publishing

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