almando Decoder III Multiplay Surround Instruction Manual
- June 9, 2024
- almando
Table of Contents
Almando Multiplay Surround
(Decoder III)
Installation and operating instructions
ALMANDO
In the digital world of entertainment electronics, there are high-quality
devices, technologically sophisticated devices, devices with good design and
easy-to-use devices. And there are a few devices that combine all this in
order to meet the needs of their users – like devices from almando GmbH. For
this, we are taking new and unconventional paths and can rely on many years of
experience.
We congratulate you on buying the almando Multiplay Surround. The unit is 100%
B&O compatible and offers connectivity for up to six speakers in the 5.1 setup
(front,
surround, center speaker and subwoofer).
Various devices from Bang & Olufsen® and from other manufacturers can be
connected to the numerous inputs. The almando Multiplay Surround automatically
detects whether one of the connected sources is playing and automatically
activates the loudspeakers. Once several sources are active simultaneously,
an intelligent priority circuit ensures that only the source with the highest
priority can be heard.
In order to activate and operate your connected device, you only need a single
remote control – the almando Multiplay Surround does the rest automatically.
The almando Multiplay Surround is certified by Dolby and DTS.
almando GmbH is not affiliated with Bang & Olufsen®, Grundig®, Hisense®,
LG®,Loewe®, Metz®, Panasonic®, Philips®, Samsung®, Sharp®, Sonos®, Sony®,
Toshiba®,TechniSat®.
All names, logos etc. are registered trademarks of the manufacturers listed in
this description.
TRADEMARKS
Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Dolby Audio, Pro Logic and the double-D symbol are registered Trademarks of Dolby Laboratories.
Manufactured under license from DTS Licensing Limited. DTS, the Symbol, & DTS and the Symbol together are registered trademarks of DTS, inc. For DTS patents, see http://patents.dts.com
Apple, AirPlay, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Pro and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. The trademark “iPhone” is used in Japan with a license from Aiphone K.K. Use of the Works with Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
Google, Google Play, Chromecast, and other related marks are trademarks of Google LLC. The Google Assistant requires an internet connection and is not available in certain countries and languages. Availability and react of certain features and services are device, service, and network-dependent and may not be available in all areas. Controlling certain devices in your home requires compatible smart devices. Subscriptions for services and applications may be required and additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply.
The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.
The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Logo is a certification mark of Wi-Fi Alliance®.
WiSA is a trademark of Summit Wireless, registered in the United States and/or other countries.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Connect the device to the power supply using the supplied power cord.
A damaged cable must not be repaired.
The operating voltage must match the local mains voltage Protect the device
from moisture and water. Do not operate the unit in rain. The appliance must
not be operated near water, bathtub, sink, kitchen sink, wet room, swimming
pool or damp rooms. Do not place objects filled with liquid, such as vases,
glasses, bottles, etc. on top of the device.
Avoid direct exposure to the sun as well as the immediate proximity of
radiators, radiant heaters or similar devices.
If the appliance is suddenly brought from a cold to a warm place, condensation
may form inside the appliance. Before switching on, wait until the device has
reached room temperature.
To protect the device during a thunderstorm or when it is not supervised or
used for an extended period, the mains plug should be pulled. This prevents
damage to the device due to lightning strikes and voltage surges in the power
supply system.
In case of improper use and by opening the device, the guarantee claim will be
extinguished!
Disclaimer of liability:
Almando GmbH is not liable for damage to equipment caused by negligence or
improper use. In particular, almando GmbH is not liable for loss of profit or
other assets of the buyer. This restriction also applies to the personal
liability of employees, representatives and vicarious agents.
OPERATION
The almando Multiplay Surround is designed to integrate third party devices into a 5.1 surround setup with Bang & Olufsen audio systems and speakers. Any TV (such as Grundig®, LG®, Loewe®, Metz®, Panansonic®, Philips®, Samsung®,Sharp®, Sonos®, Sony®, TechniSat®, Toshiba®, etc.) can be connected to the HDMI ARC input. This is also the way to control the volume with the TV remote control.
All video devices (Apple TV, Bluray Player, etc.) are connected directly to
the TV – all audio devices are connected directly to the various inputs of the
almando Multiplay Surround. There is, of course, the classic Powerlink jack
for Bang & Olufsen® audio systems (for example Beosound 9000).
Digital inputs are available for devices such as e.g. Apple Airport Express,
Sonos Port or Sonos Connect. If you connect a PC or MAC via USB, the almando
Multiplay Surround acts as sound card. You can also play music from a
connected USB storage device. And finally there is also a stereo RCA input.
An application example for the Multiplay Surround Decoder can be found here:
The almando Multiplay Surround can be individually configured with a
smartphone app.
This allows you to set all parameters such as Lipsync, Downmix, Pro Logic
Mode, volume and distances of the speakers, and adjust the sound settings such
as treble, bass and loudness, etc. And all of this is even partial for each
input individually. This allows you to set up your surround system to your
needs.
STEPS FOR THE INITIAL SETUP
Step 1: Connect the Speakers
The almando Multilpay Surround Decoder provides six RJ45 jacks for connecting
Bang & Olufsen speakers in a full 5.1 surround setup.
Front Speakers:
In this example, newer B&O speakers with RJ45 Powerlink jacks
Newer B&O speakers (e.g., BeoLab 18) will be connect directly with a CAT 7
patch cable.
This figure shows the connection of BeoLab 18 as front speakers.
If the speakers have two Powerlink sockets, the wiring can also be made in
daisy chain.
There are also various older B&O speakers with two Powerlink jacks (for
example BeoLab 6000, BeoLab 4000, BeoLab 5, etc.). A wiring in daisy chain is
also possible with these speakers.
Surround Speakers:
In this example older B&O loudspeakers with 8pol DIN Powerlink sockets
In order to connect older B&O speakers (e.g. BeoLab 5, BeoLab 8000, BeoLab
6000 etc.) you need some special adapters RJ45 <-> Powerlink.
In this figure you can see the connection of BeoLab 8000 as surround speakers.
Center Speaker
The RJ45 center socket is specifically designed for connecting center speakers
only. The center tone is output on both Powerlink audio signals from this
socket.
This makes it possible to connect not just mono but also stereo speakers (as
shown here with a BeoLab 7).
Subwoofer
Subwoofers like a BeoLab 2 are connected to the RJ45 subwoofer socket.
BeoLab 14 can also be connected without any problems (center and subwoofer
channels are separately on both audio signals of this Powerlink socket).
If you also have the passive loudspeakers connected to the BeoLab 14
subwoofer, you will need two more CAT 7 cables for the front and surround
speakers (shown here in
dashed lines).
Multichannel Modes
That means you can realize various speaker setups from 2.0 stereo up to a
full 5.1 surround system:
|
5.1 surround setup with center speaker and with subwoofer
---|---
| 5.0 surround setup with center speaker without subwoofer
| 4.1 surround setup without center speaker with subwoofer
|
4.0 surround setup without center speaker without subwoofer
| 3.1 stereo setup with center speaker and with subwoofer
| 3.0 stereo setup with center speaker without subwoofer
| 2.1 stereo setup without center speaker with subwoofer
| 2.0 stereo setup without center speaker without subwoofer
Step 2: Connect the Sources
POWERLINK (8pin DIN)
Here you can connect a Bang & Olufsen audio system (e.g. BeoSound 9000,
BeoSound Overture, etc.) with a classic Powerlink cable.
Even newer B&O systems (such as BeoSound Essence, BeoSound Moment, etc.) can
be connected – but for this you need an adapter cable Powerlink <-> RJ45.
LINE IN (RCA)
Connect any devices that have a stereo RCA output (if possible adjustable by
volume), e.g. Sonos Connect, Sonos Port, Turntable, etc.
COAX
If possible, use only devices with a volume-controllable optical output, such
as Sonos Port, Sonos Connect etc.
OPTICAL
If possible, use only devices with a volume-controllable optical output, such
as BeoSound Core, Sonos Connect, etc.
The OPTICAL input can be paired together with HDMI (e)ARC.
HDMI (e)ARC / CEC
Connect the Television with the supplied HDMI cable and activate the HDMI
(e)ARC function in the setup menu of your TV. Please observe the instructions
in the manual
of the TV.
Step 3: Connect the Multiplay Surround to the Ethernet (optional)
The
almando Multiplay Surround is WiFi certified and can be wirelessly connected
to the network.
The device also has an integrated switch with two RJ45 sockets and can
optionally be connected to your network with a patch cable. The second RJ45
socket can optionally
be used to connect another device if needed (e.g. a TV, etc.).
Important note: This is not possible if the almando Multiplay Surround is
connected to the network wirelessly via WiFi. That means the almando Multiplay
Surround can NOT be used as a WiFi repeater!
Step 4: Connect the Multiplay Surround to the Power Supply
After you have connected all speakers and sources, connect the almando Multiplay Surround to your power supply.
Step 5: Download and install the Goggle Home App
For the initial setup we recommend the Google Home App. This is available free of charge for the Android and iOS platforms.
Download the free Google Home App from the Apple App Store and install it on
your iPhone or iPad.
Download the free Google Home App from the Google Play Store and install it on
your Android smartphone or tablet.
After the installation start the Google Home App and you can start the initial setup for the Almando device. You define the device name (e.g. living room) and enter the access data to your home WLAN if necessary.
Step 6: Download and install the Almando Play App
For the audio settings and the daily use you need the Almando Play App.This is available free of charge for the Android and iOS platforms.
Download the free Almando Play App from the Apple App Store and install it on
your iPhone or iPad.
Download the free Almando Play App from the Google Play Store and install it
on your Android smartphone or tablet.
ALMANDO PLAY APP
Rooms (Main Screen of the App)
The main screen of the App is divided into these sections:
Settings
Settings > Speakers
Settings > Input
Radio
On the Radio page, you can start the desired station.
Inputs
This page shows the inputs on Multiplay Surround in order of priority:
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Inputs
– HDMI (e)ARC for any kind of TV
– DIN 8pin / B&O Powerlink
– COAX
– OPTICAL
– RCA Stereo
Outputs (5.1 Surround)
– 2 x Front L/R …………………. RJ45 (Powerlink)
– 2 x Surround L/R …………….. RJ45 (Powerlink)
– 1 x Center …………………….. RJ45 (Powerlink)
– 1 x Subwoofer (/ Center) ……. RJ45 (Powerlink)
| Outputs (Stereo Zone) | – 1 x L/R (Stereo Downmix) .…. RJ45 (Powerlink) |
|---|---|
| External Power Supply | 20 V / 3 A (USB-C PD) |
| Measurements | 380 x 180 x 34 mm (B x T x H) |
| Weight | 0,76 kg |
| Color | – black |
– white
Warranty| 3 years
Accessories included| – External Power Supply incl. Cable
– HDMI cable, length 2 m
– Ethernet Cable (RJ45), length 2 m
Accessories sold separately| – HDMI cable, optical cable (several lengths)
– Powerlink-Adapter (RJ45 <-> 8pin DIN female)
– Powerlink-RJ45 cable (several lengths)