AMX PLB-AS8 User manual

instruction manual
Landmark Products
PLB-AS8
8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher

AMX Limited Warranty and Disclaimer
AMX Corporation warrants its products to be free of defects in material and workmanship under normal use for
three (3) years from the date of purchase from AMX Corporation, with the following exceptions:
• Electroluminescent and LCD Control Panels are warranted for three (3) years, except for the display and touch
overlay components that are warranted for a period of one (1) year.
• Disk drive mechanisms, pan/tilt heads, power supplies, MX Series products, and KC Series products are
warranted for a period of one (1) year.
• Unless otherwise specified, OEM and custom products are warranted for a period of one (1) year.
• Software is warranted for a period of ninety (90) days.
• Batteries and incandescent lamps are not covered under the warranty.
This warranty extends only to products purchased directly from AMX Corporation or an Authorized AMX Dealer.
AMX Corporation is not liable for any damages caused by its products or for the failure of its products to perform.
This includes any lost profits, lost savings, incidental damages, or consequential damages. AMX Corporation is not
liable for any claim made by a third party or by an AMX Dealer for a third party.
This limitation of liability applies whether damages are sought, or a claim is made, under this warranty or as a tort
claim (including negligence and strict product liability), a contract claim, or any other claim. This limitation of
liability cannot be waived or amended by any person. This limitation of liability will be effective even if AMX
Corporation or an authorized representative of AMX Corporation has been advised of the possibility of any such
damages. This limitation of liability, however, will not apply to claims for personal injury.
Some states do not allow a limitation of how long an implied warranty last. Some states do not allow the limitation or
exclusion of incidental or consequential damages for consumer products. In such states, the limitation or exclusion of
the Limited Warranty may not apply. This Limited Warranty gives the owner specific legal rights. The owner may
also have other rights that vary from state to state. The owner is advised to consult applicable state laws for full
determination of rights.
EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS WARRANTY, AMX CORPORATION MAKES NO
OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. AMX CORPORATION
EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES NOT STATED IN THIS LIMITED WARRANTY. ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES THAT MAY BE IMPOSED BY LAW ARE LIMITED TO THE TERMS OF THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY.

Safety Instructions
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LB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher
Safety Instructions
1. Read Instructions - Read all of the safety and operating instructions before operating the
product.
2. Retain Instructions - Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - Adhere to all warnings on the product and in the operating instructions.
4. Follow Instructions - Follow all operating and use instructions.
5. Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet or other power source before cleaning. Do
not use liquid or aerosol cleaners. Use only a clean, damp cloth for cleaning.
6. Attachments - Do not use attachments or accessories that are not recommended by the
manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.
7. Water and Moisture - Do not use this product near water, such as a bath tub, wash basin,
kitchen sink, wet basement, swimming pool, or any other water or wet area.
8. Accessories - Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, table, or
other surface or object. The product may fall, causing serious bodily injury to a child or adult.
It may also cause equipment damage. Use this product only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
table, or other device that is recommended by the manufacturer or sold with the product.
Mount this device only in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, using only
mounting accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
There are no user-serviceable parts inside the PLB-AS8. Opening the PLB-AS8 may
void your warranty and expose you to dangerous voltages.

Safety Instructions
bPLB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher
9. Moving the Product - A product and cart combination must be moved with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart combination to tip or
overturn.
10. Power Sources - Operate this product only from the type of power source indicated by the
product documentation or by a marking label on the product. If you are not sure if the power
source in your home or building is correct for the product, consult your product dealer or local
power company. For products intended for operation from battery power or other sources, refer
to the operating instructions.
11. Grounding or Polarization - This product is shipped with a three-wire grounding-type plug, a
plug having a third (grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet
that is designed for use with this plug. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the
plug into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace the obsolete or incorrect outlet. Do not
defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug.
12. Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed on or against them. Pay particular attention to cords at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the product.
13. Protective Attachment Plug - If the product is equipped with an attachment plug with
overload protection, refer to the manufacturer's instructions for replacement or resetting of this
protective device. If replacement of the plug is required, make sure the service technician has
used a replacement plug specified by the manufacturer that has the same overload protection as
the original plug.
14. Outdoor Antenna Grounding - If an outside antenna or cable system is connected to the
product, make sure the antenna or cable system is grounded to provide some protection against
voltage surges and built-up static charges (FIG. 1). Article 810 of the National Electrical Code,
ANSI/NFPA 70, provides information regarding proper grounding of the mast and supporting
structure, grounding of the lead-in wire to the antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
FIG. 1 Outdoor antenna grounding
Use the same bonded-ground as the house. Refer to the FIG. 1 on page b for more
information.

Safety Instructions
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LB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher
conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit, connection to grounding electrodes, and
requirements for the grounding electrode.
15. Lightning - For added protection for this product during lightning storms, or when the product
is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet or other
power source and disconnect other wires, such as an antenna or cable system. This will prevent
damage to the product due to lightning and power line surges.
16. Power Lines - An outside antenna system should not be located in the vicinity of overhead
power lines or other electrical light or power circuits, or where it can fall into such power lines
or circuits. When installing an outside antenna system, extreme care must be taken to keep
from touching such power lines or circuits, as contact with them might be fatal.
17. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or integral convenience
receptacles, as this can result in a risk of fire or electrical shock.
18. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings,
as they may contact dangerous voltage points or short out parts, resulting in a fire or electrical
shock. Never spill any kind of liquid on this product.
19. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself, as opening or removing covers
may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel.
20. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet or other power source.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:
a. When the power supply cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled on the product or if objects have fallen into the product.
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
d. If the product does not operate normally by following the operating instructions, adjust
only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions. An improper adjustment
of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the product to its normal operation.
e. If the product has been dropped or damaged in any way.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change in performance. This indicates a need for
service.
21. Replacement Parts - When replacement parts are required, make sure the service technician
has used replacement parts that are specified by the manufacturer or have the same
characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electrical
shock, or other hazard.
22. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service
technician to perform safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating
condition.
23. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The product should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
24. Heat - The product should be situated away from heat sources, such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other products (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Safety Instructions
dPLB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher

Table of Contents
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LB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher
Table of Contents
Safety Instructions ...................................................................................................a
Product Information .................................................................................................1
PLB-AS8 Specifications .................................................................................................... 2
Connection and Power-Up Procedure............................................................................... 2
PHASTLink Ports .............................................................................................................. 3
Line-Level Inputs ............................................................................................................... 3
Line-Level Outputs ............................................................................................................ 3
Note on Intercoms ............................................................................................................. 3
PHASTLink Cable Information ................................................................................5
Building a Double 120-ohm Terminator............................................................................. 6
PhastLink Connections...................................................................................................... 7

ii PLB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher
Table of Contents

Product Information
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LB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher
Product Information
Landmark Audio Switches distribute stereo program and monaural intercom audio for whole-house
sound integration. Operating via the PHASTLink data bus, Landmark Audio Switches respond to
keypads, panels, or system automation-routing any input to any output.
Each channel has automated audio pre-amp processing for volume level, balance, bass, treble,
loudness, and muting. Interactive feedback is provided for these parameters, plus routing and signal
sensing. Each input has signal sensing capability, allowing program events to be triggered by an
input signal state.
Inputs can be configured as a stereo pair, or as a mono input, such as for an intercom input. The
PLB-AS8 provides programmable switching capabilities for 8 stereo outputs and 8 stereo inputs
(or 16 mono inputs). A mono input is selected in software.
8 full audio zones are supported. Each output is an audio zone, and each zone can select any input,
even if that input is already selected by another audio zone.
Landmark software now allows you to automatically software-connect any audio source to inputs
on ALL of the Audio Switches in a system. This allows multiple Audio Switches to share the same
sources, increasing the number of audio zones in a system that use those sources.
Each PLB-AS8 Audio Switch provides 8 audio zones. Intercom capabilities are limited to one
Audio Switch, with a maximum of 8 intercom zones (out). Landmark software does not limit the
number of Audio Switches in a system, although switching all zones on multiple Audio Switches
will slow down the switch response time. Landmark audio switches can be rack or shelf mounted.
FIG. 1 PLB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher (front and rear panel)
I
O
POWER
RIGHT
LEFT
IN
RIGHT
LEFT
OUT
910 11
910 11
1312 14 15 16
13
12 14 15 16
POWER
PLB-A S8 8 x 8 STEREO AU DIO SWITCHER
PhastLink
Power LED (green) Link LED (red)
115/230 power
switch

Product Information
2PLB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher
PLB-AS8 Specifications
Attached to the rear of the universal unit is a tag (FIG. 2) that alerts the user of the factory preset
230 VAC power rating. Removing the tag confirms that the user is aware of the preset power rating.
Connection and Power-Up Procedure
1. Read the Safety Instructions section at the beginning of this document.
2. Plug the PLB-AS8 power cord into a properly matching and grounded 115 or 230 VAC outlet.
3. Turn the PLB-AS8 on. The power switch is located at the right side of the rear panel. On
power-up, 8 "zone-active" LEDs display at the center of the front panel.
PLB-AS8 Specifications
Power • DOMESTIC versions - 115 VAC, 60 Hz
•INTERNATIONAL version - 230 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Channels 8 stereo channels
Inputs 16 RCA line level inputs (8 stereo pairs)
Outputs 16 RCA line level outputs (8 stereo pairs)
Intercoms 8 intercom (out) zones (16 maximum per Landmark system)
Level Steps 100-step resolution
LEDs • Power LED (green)
• Link LED (red) - Indicates Network ID
• Zone-active LEDs (1-8) - Conditions are full on, dim, and blinking (used for ID
mode recognition). Light to indicate activity on each zone
Wiring 2 RJ-45 PHASTLink ports (terminate any unused ports)
Dimensions 5.56" x 17.13" x 15.25" (14.12 cm x 43.51 cm x 38.74 cm)
Weight 15.4 lbs (6.99 kg)
Accessories: PM-RAC Rack-Mount Kit, requires 3 rack spaces (5.25" / 133.3 mm).
FIG. 2 Factory power default notification tag
ATTENTION
FACTORY
SET TO
230 VAC
TERMINATE any unused ports.

Product Information
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LB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher
PHASTLink Ports
There are two PHASTLink ports on the left side of the rear panel of the PLB-AS8. Usually you will
use only one, but the second port allows you to daisy chain the Audio Switch to other PHASTLink
devices, such as additional Landmark Audio Switches or Audio Amplifiers.
It does not matter which PHASTLink port you use; they are both functionally identical.
Line-Level Inputs
There are 16 line-level RCA-type input jacks on the rear panel of the system unit.
Line-Level Outputs
There are 16 line-level RCA-type output jacks on the rear panel of the system unit, providing
8 stereo pairs of audio output.
Note on Intercoms
An RCA cable from a PLH-MIC (MIC) may plug into either the Right In or Left In connector for
an Audio Switch channel. In either case, the Right Out and Left Out for that channel will both carry
the same mono signal. In other words, the Right Out and Left Out for a channel always comprise
one audio zone.
It is possible to connect one intercom to a Right In and another to a Left In, but only one of those
intercoms can be switched to the audio zone output at any given time.

Product Information
4PLB-AS8 8 x 8 Stereo Audio Switcher

PHASTLink Cable Information
5
A
ppendix: PHASTLink Cable Information
PHASTLink Cable Information
This section contains information that you will need to make PHASTLink cables, plus general
information on connecting PHASTLink devices.
PHASTLink cables are used to connect all PHASTLink-compatible devices, including keypads,
dimmers, J-box IR devices, amplifiers, audio switches, etc. PHASTLink uses a standard 10BaseT
connection (i.e. Cat 5 wire and RJ-45 connectors), and the wire should be connected in the standard
manner illustrated in the following table. If the standard EIA/TIA 568A color code is followed,
wiring problems will be minimized.
The system comes with a 15-port hub built into the PLB-CF10 cardframe. The maximum length of
PHASTLink wire per port is 1,000 feet.
Each PHASTLink device has two RJ-45 jacks to allow multiple devices to be daisy-chained on one
PHASTLink port. Remember to always terminate the unused RJ-45 jack of the last device (or the
only device) in a chain of PHASTLink devices (see Building a Double 120-ohm Terminator for
details).
! The limit for each home run is 500 mA or 10 PHASTLink devices, whichever comes first
(FIG. 3). Extra hubs can be added to provide additional ports.
! Only one Landmark LCD keypad (i.e. DMS or IMS) can be used per port, so always
home-run each keypad.
! Some PHASTLink devices (particularly those devices that require two-way
communication to the Master) have relatively high bandwidth requirements. These
devices (including SAM modules, the PMB-TCC Remote Television Control Center, and
ITI Printer/Automation Module) should also not be daisy-chained.
PHASTLink Cable Information
Pin # Wire Color Polarity Function
1 White/Green + Transmit
2 Green - Transmit
3 White/Orange - Mic
4 Blue - Ground
5 White/Blue + 12VDC
6 Orange + Mic
7 White/Brown + Receive
8 Brown - Receive
1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
RJ-45 Socket RJ-45 Plug
It is important that the correct pairing is observed. Transmit, Receive, and Mic
need to be on twisted pairs. Splitting pairs (e.g., using a white/green wire with a blue/
white wire for transmit) will result in increased crosstalk, and may result in bus failure
or noise on the intercom.

PHASTLink Cable Information
6Appendix: PHASTLink Cable Information
Building a Double 120-ohm Terminator
For optimum performance, you must install a double 120-ohm terminator in the unused RJ-45 jack
of the last device (or the only device) in a chain of PHASTLink devices.
To build a double 120-ohm terminator:
1. Install a 120-ohm resistor (1/4-watt or larger) between pins 1 and 2 of an RJ-45 connector.
2. Install a 120-ohm resistor (1/4-watt or larger) between pins 7 and 8 of the same RJ-45
connector.
When connecting Landmark keypads that will be used as intercoms, the Microphone Hub taps off
the intercom audio signal carried on the PHASTLink cable from that keypad.
Landmark LCD keypads must connect directly to a Landmark Hub (or Microphone Hub). Due to
power requirements and/or the need for a separate microphone line for each keypad, they cannot be
daisy-chained to other LCD keypads. For maximum performance and reliability, a Landmark
keypad should be the only device on a home run to a port. PHASTLink devices cannot be wired in
a star configuration (see FIG. 4).
FIG. 3 500 mA or 10 devices (whichever comes first) max per port.
FIG. 4 Home-run each Landmark LCD keypad.
PLB-CF10 Cardframe
To other PHA
S
TLink devices
(up to 500 mA total, or 10 devices -
whichever comes first)
Up to 15 PHASTLink
connections to a PLB-CF10 Cardframe -
up to 500 mA per port
hubs for more connections).(add PHAST
PHAST Cardframe or Hub PHAST Cardframe or Hub

PHASTLink Cable Information
7
A
ppendix: PHASTLink Cable Information
PhastLink Connections
FIG. 5 shows how PHASTLink and HubLink ports are connected in a Landmark system.
FIG. 5 PHASTLink ports connected in a typical Landmark system
PLB-CF10 CardFrame HubLink
OUT IN
PLH-RPT Hub HubLink
OUT IN
PHASTLink
12 13 14 15
Device
PHASTLink
Device
PLH-MIC Hub HubLink
OUT IN
DMS
8
PHASTLink MIC
7
PHASTLink MIC
Terminate the
unused port
Terminate the
unused port

AMX reserves the right to alter specifications without notice at any time.
051-004-2428 10/02©2002AMXCorporation.Allrights reserved.AMX,the AMXlogo,thebuildingicon, the home icon,and the light bulb iconare alltrademarksof AMXCorporation.
AMX reserves the right to alter specifications without notice at any time. *In Canada doing business as Panja Inc.
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