PULSE EIGHT P8 PROAUDIO32 ProAudio32 DSP Pre Amp Audio Matrix User Manual

Please note that the internal serial number should not be used for support queries. For more information, including a list of API commands, please refer to the ProAudio Universal Protocol Guide

PAGING AND DOORBELL
The back panel can be wired to accept dry contact closures (for push buttons or relay triggers), or voltage triggers. You can mix connection types and setup one connection for dry closures, and the other for voltage triggers.

To use dry contact closures, add a jumper between the SE and dB connections, and connect the switch to the other dB input and the SW input. Note that the SW-1 and SW-2 connections are also connected to the chassis ground. If you are using a shielded cable to the switch, connect the SW side to the shield. If one side of your button is grounded, the side that is grounded should use the SW connection.

The voltage trigger inputs can be wired directly to the doorbell transformer so that when the doorbell rings, paging will also occur. When used in this manner, the doorbell system can be set up to mute or lower the volume of the audio during a doorbell press, to allow the doorbell to be heard.

HOW DO I SET UP THE PAGING SYSTEM?
When a page or doorbell is triggered (from now on just referred to as a “page”), all the zones switch to a predetermined source, and a predetermined volume. When the page is finished, all the zones are restored to their normal operation. There are two page settings, with their setups. For instance ‘page 1’ could be used for the front door, and ‘page 2’ for the back door. If you have two different sound generators, then you could have a different sound for the two doorbells, and setup the pages to be connected to two different sources. To make all this work, the installers need to set up, in advance, all the things each zone should do when a page is triggered. This can be done by sending the correct commands over the serial or TCP/IP port.

Please refer to your control driver documentation or please refer to the ProAudio Universal Protocol Guide, depending on your control setup.

AUDIO OUTPUT ZONE SETTINGS

The ProAudio32 offers several parameters that can be individually set for each output port (zone). The following parameters can be adjusted per output port:

• Volume: Range from +24dB to -99.5dB, and full mute (-115dB), in 5dB step resolutions.
• Balance: Range from -200 (full left) to +200 (full right) in 5 dB steps.
• Treble: Range from -20dB to +20dB, in 5dB steps
• 5- Band Equalizer: Set at 100Hz, 330Hz, 1,000Hz, 3,300Hz and 10,000Hz. Each EQ band setting can range from -20dB to +20 dB in 0.5dB steps.
• Stereo to Mono Mix: If required, the stereo inputs can be mixed in several
• Lock Zone: It can be set so that the selected audio output is locked to another
• Subwoofer Settings (Filter/Frequency): When using a subwoofer, you can set the sub-filter to 12dB or 24dB, and the sub-crossover frequency to be anything between 50-300Hz.
• Lip Sync: Can set a delay to the Range between 0-170.65 ms, in 1/48 ms steps.
• Coax Port: Enable the Coax port to mirror the stereo (analog) port, or to be
• 12V Trigger: Assign any of the available trigger ports to be paired with the selected audio output
• Paging Settings: Set actions that each zone should take when a page.

For more information, please refer to the “CONFIGURE PRO AUDIO OUTPUTS” section on your control driver documentation. Alternatively, refer to the ProAudio Universal Protocol Guide when not using a third-party control system.

LOCK ZONE
The ProAudio32 has “Zone Lock” capabilities for all of its audio outputs.

The Zone Lock feature allows you to:

• Make an audio output zone always switch to the same source as a different output zone
• Send volume to one output zone and have another zone go to the same volume
• Or, when using a subwoofer, it can make the subwoofer (connected to the audio output zone) switch to the same source as the smaller speakers

Every audio output has a “Lock Zone” parameter that can be set to follow another zone. For instance, if you have a set of stereo speakers connected to output 1 (zone 1), and a subwoofer connected to output 2 (zone 2), then you would set zone 2 to use the “Lock Zone’ parameter to lock it to output 1. Now each time zone 1 changes sources, zone 2 will also change sources. When the volume is raised in zone 1, zone 2’s volume will also be raised.

More than one zone can be locked into the same zone. For instance, after the above zone is set (i.e. zone 2 is locked to zone 1), then Audio Output 3 (zone 3) can be set to lock to zone 1. Now each time zone 1 changes sources, both zones 2 and 3 will also change sources. When the volume is raised in zone 1, then the volume for zones 2 & 3 will also be raised.

Please note that not all things are locked between the outputs, here’s the list of locked parameters:

• Volume (including other volume-related parameters like Mute)
• Bass and Treble (but not the equalizers)
• Source changes

Anything not listed above, is not locked. Notable things that are not locked are:

• Equalizers, allows the use of different setting for a subwoofer than for the stereo
• Output Level, this allows adjusting the level of a subwoofer independent of the stereo
• Lip Sync Delay, this allows a delay to be set to compensate for distances between the subwoofer and

Caveats:
Care must be taken to avoid a zone following itself; for example, if zone 2 and zone 3 follow zone 1, but zone 1 follows zone 3, this will not work because zone 1 is following itself. Zone 1 in this example cannot be followed by any other zone.

If you accidentally set a zone to follow itself, all zones that follow it will revert to the unlock mode. For more information, please refer to your control driver documentation.

SETTING UP A SUBWOOFER
When configuring a subwoofer, please ensure that the selected output is locked to the speaker output. See the LOCK ZONE section.

Each zone has a crossover filter that can allow only high frequencies, or only low frequencies to pass, or be disabled (and allow all frequencies to pass). Both the crossover type and the crossover frequency have to be set before the crossover filter is enabled. This can be done by selecting the correct “crossover filter” parameter for both the subwoofer and main speaker zone outputs.

_ Note : The default is to set “24dB/oct Low Pass Filter” for the subwoofer zone and “24dB/oct High Pass Filter” for the main stereo speakers zone. _The 12dB / 24dB is the sharpness of the filter, how fast it cuts off high or low frequencies. Experimenting with this setting and listening for what sounds best is encouraged.

Then the “crossover frequency” parameter is to be set for both the subwoofer and main speaker zone outputs.

Note : Both the main speakers and the subwoofer should be set to the same frequency. When going up in frequency, this setting indicates the frequency the subwoofer stops working and the main speakers take over. This value is usually between 100Hz and 150Hz, but we allow values between 50 and 300Hz.

Again, experimenting with this setting and listening for what sounds best is encouraged. For more information, please refer to your control driver documentation.

SETTING MINIMUM/MAXIMUM VOLUME
The output’s “min volume” and “max volume” settings are the absolute volume levels. A volume level of 0 means that the signal level coming into the switch is the same as the signal level going out. Each step of one of the settings is a 0.5dB change. So a setting of 1 = +0.5dB gain, and -1 = -0.5dB loss.

_ Note : _The default values are 24 = 12.0dB gain, and -120 = -60dB loss.

The gain command is given in 0.5dB steps and uses an offset of 200 to indicate a gain of 0.0 dB. Values above 200 raise gain, and values below 200 lower gain. The minimum and maximum volume settings must have at least a 49.5dB (99 steps) difference between them. Any attempt to set the maximum volume closer than 99 steps of the minimum, will result in a setting of exactly 99 steps above the minimum volume setting.

The use of the Max Volume is pretty straightforward. Any user of the switch cannot set the level above Max Volume, this can be used to limit volumes at specific zones.  The Min Volume use is more subtle. If you are in a quiet room, you can turn down the volume and still hear audio way down into whisper levels. In a case like this, you would set the Min Volume to a large negative value, since this will allow you to turn the volume way down.

If you have speakers in the backyard, you might not hear much once you turn the speakers below 50% because of all the background noise, this is irritating because now half the volume is wasted, once you get below 50% nothing happens. And if the volume level starts down at 1%, it can feel like it’s not working as you hold the volume button down between 1% and 49%, waiting to hear something. In this case , you can turn the Min Volume up until you can start to hear something at around 5% or so. Now you have the complete range of the volume control from 1% to 100%, and the sound fades out below 5% as it should.

For more information, please refer to your control driver documentation.

FIXED AUDIO OUTPUT
There might be occasions when the volume control on the switch needs to be disabled, such as when using an AVR as an amplifier. To do so, select the Audio Output of the zone you’re interested in setting up, then set the volume to 84%. Note that 84% is the pass-through level (if the Min and Max default volume settings have not been changed). It sets the volume so that the level going out is the same as the level coming in.

To keep the volume from changing, make sure you don’t use the audio switch as the volume endpoint for the zone being set. In the AVR example, the AVR should be the volume endpoint, not the audio switch.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Should you encounter installation difficulties or issues with device communication, the following checklist of common issues and causes should help resolve your issues. If you continue to experience issues, please contact your local representative or Customer Support team ([email protected]) for further assistance.

No Audio

• Cable quality and condition – cable/connectors can easily be damaged and the quality of material can vary. Always use good quality leads and cables and try swapping cables that are known to be working into the solution to see if this improves your output.
• Volume – check that the selected audio output is not set to full mute or a very low
• Amplifier – confirm that the connected audio amplifier and speakers are working as
• Output routing and settings – make sure that the audio output is routed to the desired audio
• Digital output – when using the coax output, please ensure that the attached AVR/amplifier supports 1/3.1 multichannel audio and 2ch PCM audio.

“Paging” Not Triggering

• When setting up the paging it is important to ensure that the dry contacts or triggers are wired up Please check against the wiring shown in the PAGING AND DOORBELL section.
• Have you set up the specified output port “paging” settings on your control system correctly? As each output port needs to be set up individually, it is important to ensure that if any issues arise, the settings are double- as it is easy to make a mistake when setting several of the outputs to support paging

Subwoofer Not Working
Have you set the subwoofer output port correctly? The output port for the subwoofer must be LOCKED to the output port that the stereo speaker (Front- Left/Front-Right) is connected to. Check that the crossover frequency is set to between 100Hz and 150Hz, to begin with for testing. See the SETTING UP SUBWOOFER section.

Hear A Low “Humming/Buzzing Noise”
On the rare occasion when there might be a low, humming or buzzing noise coming from the speakers in your installation, the causes could be poor cabling, other equipment in the setup (e.g. amplifier), possible “ground loop” feedback noise on the RCA cables or the AC mains.

• First, check that the cables are all of good quality and maybe consider replacing them if you notice that they have an effect.
• Secondly, verify that the amplifier and speakers do not cause this humming noise on their own when disconnected from the ProAudio.
• If neither of the above resolves the issue, then the problem might be “ground loop” noise and it is worth considering replacing the standard RCA connectors (from ProAudio to amplifier) with a “ground isolator” adapter RCA It is also worthwhile considering adding an isolating transformer or a “DC blocker” on the AC power input of the equipment.

MANUAL VERSION HISTORY

• V2.0: 21st July 2022. Update existing manual to the new format
• V2.1:  6th December 2022. Further updates.
• V2.2:  12th July 2023. Added input and Output voltage in Specification section. Included Revision History section.
  • Update Overview – Audio Routing Capabilities diagram

WARRANTY PROCEDURE
The following policies cover all Pulse-Eight products. Unless otherwise instructed, please do not open any of our products. Doing so will invalidate your warranty. As part of the troubleshooting procedure, you may be instructed to open the device, but you can only proceed with this once consent has been given. To open a support ticket, please visit www.pulse- eight.com/support.

Please Note: Warranty cover for ALL products starts from the date of receipt of goods NOT the date of installation. Should we find that your product does need replacing, we will send your replacement directly to the distributor you purchased from, if not purchased directly from Pulse-Eight.

From 1st April 2022, any products purchased will have new warranty lengths. The length of warranty is determined by the type of product purchased. Our cover can be broken down into 3 categories:

Gold, Silver, and Bronze.

GOLD: Pulse-Eight Audio and Video Matrices

• 5-year warranty as standard
  • 3-year advanced replacements
  • 2-year return to base for repair

SILVER: Pulse-Eight Amps, Extender Sets, and Accessories

• 3-year warranty as standard
  • 1-year advanced replacements
  • 2-year return to base for repair

BRONZE: IR, Cables, Brackets, and our Tech Tools

• 1-year advanced replacements

Pulse-Eight Current Product—Within the advanced replacement warranty year(s)

1. Contact support via phone or a support ticket. Pulse-Eight will try to help troubleshoot and resolve the issue
2. If unable to resolve the fault remotely and the unit needs replacing an advanced replacement will be raised with the installer who purchased it. If you purchased from a distributor you will need to return to your distributor and they will contact Pulse-Eight to get the RMA raised. All distributor advanced replacements will be sent to the distributor and cannot be sent directly to their installer.

Pulse-Eight Current Product—Within return to base warranty

1. Contact support via phone or a support ticket. Pulse-Eight will try to help troubleshoot and resolve the issue
2. If unable to resolve the fault remotely and the unit needs to be repaired, an RMA will be raised with the installer if purchased directly from Pulse-Eight. Or if purchased from a distributor, the installer will be directed back to their distributor who will raise an RMA.

Pulse-Eight Products Purchased Before 1st April 2022.

Please visit: Warranty Page. Contact support via phone, opening a support ticket or emailing [email protected].

WARRANTY TERMS & CONDITIONS

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, AS WELL AS LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOU. YOUR RIGHTS AND THIS LIMITED WARRANTY

This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other legal rights that vary by state, province, or jurisdiction. The disclaimers, exclusions, and limitations of liability under this Limited Warranty will not apply to the extent prohibited by applicable law. For a full description of your legal rights, you should refer to the laws applicable in your jurisdiction and you may wish to contact a relevant consumer advisory service.

WHAT THIS LIMITED WARRANTY COVERS; PERIOD OF COVERAGE

Pulse-Eight Limited (“Pulse-Eight”), 8-12 Alder Hills, Poole, BH12 4AL, UK, warrants to the owner of the enclosed product that the product contained in this box (“Product”) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for three years from the date of delivery following the original purchase (the “Warranty Period”), or if this product has been professionally installed, the warranty start date is from the date your installer purchased the item, not your system commissioning date. Please check with your installer for their purchase date. If the Product fails to conform to this Limited Warranty during the Warranty Period, Pulse-Eight will, at its sole discretion, either (a) repair or replace any defective Product or component; or (b) accept the return of the Product and refund within 45 days of return the money paid by the original purchaser for the Product. Repair or replacement may be made with a new or refurbished product or components, at Pulse-Eight’s sole discretion.

If the Product or a component incorporated within it is no longer available, Pulse-Eight may replace the Product with a similar product of a similar function, at Pulse-Eight’s sole discretion. This is your sole and exclusive remedy for breach of this Limited Warranty. Any Product that has either been repaired or replaced under this Limited Warranty will be covered by the terms of this Limited Warranty for the longer of ninety (90) days from the date of delivery or the remaining Warranty Period. This Limited Warranty is transferable from the original purchaser to subsequent owners, but the Warranty Period will not be extended in duration or expanded in coverage for any such transfer.

TOTAL SATISFACTION RETURN POLICY

If you are the original purchaser of the Product and you are not satisfied with this product for any reason, you may return it in its original condition within thirty (30) days of the original purchase and receive a full refund. If this is a professionally installed product, you must check with your installer regarding their own returns policy.

WARRANTY CONDITIONS; HOW TO GET SERVICE IF YOU WANT TO CLAIM UNDER THIS LIMITED WARRANTY
Before being able to claim under this Limited Warranty, the owner of the Product must (a) notify Pulse-Eight of the intention to claim by emailing [email protected] during the Warranty Period and providing a description of the alleged failure, and (b) comply with Pulse-Eight’s return shipping instructions, and (c) ship the Product at owner’s cost (except where prohibited by applicable law) to Pulse-Eight for repair or replacement. Pulse-Eight will have no warranty obligations concerning a returned Product if it determines, in its reasonable discretion after examination of the returned Product that the Product is an Ineligible Product (defined below). Pulse-Eight will bear all costs of return shipping to the owner, except concerning any Ineligible Product, for which the owner will bear all shipping costs.

WHAT THIS LIMITED WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER
This warranty does not cover the following (collectively “Ineligible Products”): Products marked as “sample” or sold “AS IS”; or Products that have been subject to: (a) modifications, alterations, tampering, or improper maintenance or repairs; (b) handling, storage, installation, testing, or use not by the Installation Guide or other instructions provided by Pulse-Eight; (c) abuse or misuse of the Product;

(d) breakdowns, fluctuations, or interruptions in electric power or the telecommunications network; or (e) Acts of God, including lightning, fire, flood, tornado, earthquake, or hurricane. This warranty does not cover consumable parts, including batteries unless damage is due to defects in materials or workmanship of the Product, or software (even if packaged or sold with the product). Pulse-Eight recommends that you use only authorized service providers for maintenance or repair. Unauthorized use of the Product or software can impair the Product’s performance and may invalidate this Limited Warranty. Pulse-Eight does not warrant that the operation of the Product will be error-free or uninterrupted or that the Product will in every case process all data correctly

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
Except as stated above in this limited warranty, and to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, Pulse-Eight disclaims all express, implied, and statutory warranties and conditions concerning the product, including the implied warranties of merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, also limits the duration of any implied warranties or conditions to the duration of this limited warranty.

LIMITATION OF DAMAGES
In addition to the above warranty disclaimers, in no event will Pulse-Eight be liable for any consequential, incidental, exemplary, or special damages, including any damages for lost data or lost profits, arising from or relating to this limited warranty or the product, and Pulse- Eight’s total cumulative liability arising from or related to this limited warranty or the product will not exceed the amount paid for the product by the original purchaser.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Pulse-Eight disclaims all liability of any kind of Pulse-Eight’s suppliers. The Pulse-Eight online services (“services”) may provide you with information (“product information”) regarding your product’s performance and/or peripherals connected to your product (“product peripherals”). The type of product peripherals that may be connected to your product may change from time to time. Without limiting the generality of the disclaimers above, all product information is provided for your convenience, “as is”, and “as available”. Pulse-eight does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that product information will be available, accurate, or reliable. You use all product information, the services, and the product at your discretion and risk. You will be solely responsible for (and Pulse-Eight disclaims) any loss, liability, or damages, including to your HVAC system, plumbing, home, product, product peripherals, computer, mobile device, and all other items and pets in your home, resulting from your use of the product information, services, or product. The product information provided by the services is not intended as a substitute for direct means of obtaining the information.

VARIATIONS THAT MIGHT APPLY TO THIS LIMITED WARRANTY
Some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or exclusions/limitations on incidental or consequential damages, so some of the limitations set out above may not apply to you.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE
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