episode MB1 Speaker and Light Installation Guide
- June 11, 2024
- episode
Table of Contents
MB1 Speaker and Light
Installation Guide Installation Guide
Introduction to Episode Radiance
The Episode Radiance system combines audio and lighting onto a single two-
conductor wire using the MB1. Designed for use with a standard DSP amplifier
and low voltage light transformer, the Episode Radiance system delivers
exceptional audio and lighting performance in a single system through
simplified wiring, thanks to ACE technology by SWARM. Using a DSP amplifier
like the Episode Hybrid Amplifier with built in presets allows for EQ
optimization specific to Radiance speakers and the accompanying 8Ω subwoofer.
Pro Tip: Always install at least one 8Ω Radiance subwoofer so the audio
quality really shines! 
Example of Radiance speakers and light
placement around a back yard.
System Wiring Overview
For installations outside of North America: IEC-60598 requires all
outdoor lighting connections to use an IP-66 F1-rated connector. 
70V Wiring for Speakers and Lights
All Radiance speakers and lights must be used with a 70V amplifier and wired
in parallel.
Note: The subwoofer is 8Ω, and not included in this calculation.
Use burial-rated wire for all outdoor installations.
The MB1 has a total audio load rating of 500W. Plan to leave at least 100W of
headroom.
| Tap Setting | Speaker Qty. | Total Watts |
|---|---|---|
| 2W | ||
| 4W | ||
| 8W | ||
| 16W | ||
| 20% Headroom | ||
| Total |
Calculating Low-Voltage Lighting Power
The chart to the right shows the available light switch settings. Use this
chart to calculate the total load being used.
The total number of connected lights is determined by the light transformer’s
power. As the number of lights increases, the available power decreases.
The MB1 has a total lighting load rating of 300W. Plan to leave at least 60W
of headroom.
| light Setting | light Qty. | Total Watts |
|---|---|---|
| Spot Light (4.5W) | ||
| Ring Light (2.5W) | ||
| Both (7W) | ||
| 20% Headroom | ||
| Total |
Use the total to determine how long your wire run can be and how far it can
travel.
Caution: Leave 20% headroom, using only 80% of the rated power of the
amplifier and light transformer to reduce strain on the equipment and avoid
unwanted compression.
Choosing the correct wire gauge
Length of wire connected to the MB1’s output
Total lighting load
| 40ft| 80ft| 120ft| 160ft| 200ft| 240ft
---|---|---|---|---|---|---
40W| 14-gauge| 14-gauge| 14-gauge| 14-gauge| 14-gauge| 14-gauge
80W| 14-gauge| 14-gauge| 14-gauge| 12-gauge| 12-gauge| 10-gauge
120W| 14-gauge| 14-gauge| 12-gauge| 10-gauge| 10-gauge| 8-gauge
160W| 14-gauge| 12-gauge| 10-gauge| 8-gauge| 8-gauge| n/a
200W| 12-gauge| 10-gauge| 8-gauge| n/a| n/a| n/a
240W| 10-gauge| 8-gauge| n/a| n/a| n/a| n/a
Speaker Tap Settings
The speaker’s tap settings are on the bottom of the device. The speakers
are 70V only, and can be set to 2, 4, 8, or 16W.
Light Settings
Use the switch on the bottom to set the light. 
ASSEMBLY
All Radiance speakers, lights, and mounts use the same connection method,
providing the ability to use any Radiance mount with any Radiance light or
speaker. To make a connection, place the speaker or light into the mount and
turn the device clockwise.
To remove a device from a connection, push down and turn
the device counterclockwise.
The speaker cap is removable and provides a connection point for a light to
add further flexibility.
Speaker and Light Mounting
Radiance products have an IP66 weather rating. Mounts include carefully
planned drainage holes.
Caution: Do not install Radiance devices next to sprinklers.
Surface Mount
ES-RAD-MNT-SUR
For installations outside of North America: IEC-60598 requires all outdoor
lighting connections to use an IP-66 F1-rated connector.
Connect the 70V wire run to the mount’s pigtail using the included silicon
wire nuts.| Attach the mount to the surface.
Set speaker tap and/or light settings, located on the bottom of the device.|
Attach the speaker to the mount.
Wall Mount
ES-RAD-MNT-WALL
Connect the 70V wire run to the mount’s pigtail using the included silicon
wire nuts.| Attach the mount to thesurface.
Set speaker tap and/or light settings, located on the bottom of the device.|
Attach the speaker to the mount.
Stake Mount
ES-RAD-MNT-STAKE
Using a rubber mallet, hammer the stake into place using the included cap with
built-in bubble level.| Connect the 70V wire run to the mount’s pigtail using
the included silicon wire nuts.
Set speaker tap and/or light settings, located on the bottom of the device.|
Attach the speaker to the mount.
Pendant Mount
ES-RAD-MNT-PND
For installations outside of North America : IEC-60598 requires all
outdoor lighting connections to use an IP-66 F1-rated connector.
Attach the bracket to a junction box or flat to the ceiling.| Slide the
ceiling plate, collet nut, and
lock nut over the mount cable. Make
sure the threaded sides of the collet
and lock nut face the ceiling plate.| Pull the cable through the bracket so
the mount hangs at the desired height.
Loop the cable under the clip, then swing the latch closed to secure the
mount’s height. Screw it into place byhand. Do not use a power drill.| Connect
70V wire run to the mount’s pigtail using the included silicon wire nuts.|
Attach the silver hanger cable to a secondary mounting point for extra
support.
Slide the plate into place to cover the bracket and any extraneous cable. Use
the lock nut to secure the plate.| Set speaker tap and/or light settings.|
Attach the speaker to the mount.
Subwoofer Wiring
Connect the subwoofer to the 8Ω output of the amplifier.
Use burial-rated wire for all outdoor installations.
Maximum performance can be achieved using the following recommendations:
- For wire runs up to 30 meters (100 feet), 16-gauge wire or larger.
- For wire runs up to 60 meters (200 feet), 14-gauge wire or larger.
- For wire runs up to 90 meters (300 feet), 12-gauge wire or larger.
Pro
Tip: Using smaller wire gauges reduces overall performance. The chart below
shows the wire length and the amount of signal loss you can expect on a wire
run.
| Wire Gauge | 80 Subs | 40 Subs (Or Two 80 Subs in Parallel) |
|---|---|---|
| 11% Power Loss | 21% Power Loss | 37% Power Loss |
| Loss | 37% Power Loss | |
| 12 | 89 m (291′) | 190 m (622′) |
(680′)
14| 58 m (189′)| 123 m(403′)| 267 m(876′)| 28 m (92′)| 61 m (199′)| 133 m
(437′)
16| 36 m (117′)| 69 m (225′)| 169 m (553′)| 19 m (61′)| 39 m (128′)| 85 m
(278′)
18| 27 m (87′)| 59 m (194′)| 123 m (405′)| 12 m (41′)| 28 m (92′)| 61 m (201′)
Subwoofer Mounting
ES-RAD-SUB
Connect the subwoofer to the amplifier’s 8Ω output. 
Bolt the
subwoofer to a surface, or bury it, leaving two inches between the ground and
grille.
MB1
The MB1 is a passive device that combines the signal from a lighting
transformer and amplifier along a single wire to carry both signals to
Radiance speakers and lights.
A. FUSE SET — Button pops out during an over-
current event. Press the button back in to reset the fuse.
B. INPUT: LIGHT POWER — Wire terminal for the light transformer input.
C. INPUT: AUDIO 70V — Wire terminal for the 70V DSP amplifier input.
D. OUTPUT — Wire terminal for the 70V wire run to Radiance speakers and
lights.
E. LIGHT ACTIVE LED — Illuminates when the MB1 senses a signal on the
LIGHT POWER input.
F. AUDIO ACTIVE LED — Illuminates when the MB1 senses a signal on the
AUDIO 70V input.
G. FAULT ERROR LED — Illuminates when the MB1 experiences an over-current
event, or the temperature is too hot.
Mounting
**Connections
**
Caution: Verify the light transformer and amplifier are powered off when making connections.
- Loosen the gland nuts to pull the wire through the MB1’s water-tight cap before connecting the amplifier, light transformer, and Radiance wire run.
- Connect the low-voltage lighting transformer to the LIGHT POWER input.
- Connect the 70V DSP amplifier signal to the AUDIO 70V input.
- Connect your Radiance device wire run to the OUTPUT.
Pro Tip: For the best results, use the lighting transformer’s tap setting with the highest output. No less than 12V and no more than 15V. The higher the voltage, the less heat is generated and the more efficient the Radiance system performs. - Slide the MB1 cap into place, tighten the gland nuts, then tighten the screws by hand.
- Rotate the MB1 so it stands vertically in the mount, allowing the wires to hang down. Screw the MB1 into the mount by hand.
Limitations
- The MB1 has a maximum audio load rating of 500W. Plan for 400W to allow for 20% headroom.
- The MB1 has a maximum lighting load rating of 300W. Plan for 240W to allow for 20% headroom.
- The MB1 is only compatible with Radiance lights and speakers.
- Radiance lights cannot be dimmed.
- Radiance lights do not support color modifications.
DSP Settings
A DSP amplifier must be used for the Radiance system to work as intended. DSP settings for the Episode Hybrid amplifier can be found on the support tab of SnapAV.com.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Troubleshooting |
|---|
Lighting transformer and amplifier have power, but the Radiance system isn’t
illuminating or playing audio.| Possible surge event. Press the circuit
breaker button on the MB1.
No audio.| Verify the AUDIO ACTIVE LED is illuminated. If it isn’t, verify the
amplifier is powered on.
No lights.| Verify the LIGHT ACTIVE LED is illuminated. If it isn’t, verify
the light transformer is powered on and working properly.
Technical Support
For chat and telephone, visit snp1.co/techsupport
Email: TechSupport@SnapOne.com Visit
snp1.co/tc for discussions,
instructional videos, news, and more.
Warranty and Legal Notices
Find details of the product’s Limited Warranty and other safety, patent, and
legal resources at snapone.com/legal or request a
paper copy from Customer Service at 866.424.4489.
Copyright ©2023, Snap One, LLC. All rights reserved. Snap One and its
respective logos are registered trademarks or trademarks of Snap One, LLC
(formerly known as Wirepath Home Systems, LLC), in the United States and/or
other countries.
4Store, 4Sight, Control4, Control4 My Home, SnapAV, and Episode are also
registered trademarks or trademarks of Snap One, LLC. Other names and brands
may be claimed as the property of their respective owners. Snap One makes no
claim that the information contained herein covers all installation scenarios
and contingencies, or product use risks. Information within this specification
subject to change without notice.