Blaze PowerZone Connect 1002 Troubleshooting guide

INSTALLATION GUIDE / USER MANUAL
PowerZone Connect 1002 • PowerZone Connect 1502
PowerZone Connect 2004 • PowerZone Connect 3004

Technical and Safety Notices
Please read the following important technical, safety
and environmental notices before installing and using
your amplier.
Technical Notices
All reasonable design and engineering steps have been taken
to ensure that these ampliers always perform satisfactorily
in their intended application and environment and will provide
appropriate levels of support to ensure that all reasonable
customer needs and expectations are met. Such support
however is contingent on the following provisions.
1. These ampliers are Class-I products and should be installed
with a mains cable including the required earth connection to
comply with the Safety Class-I.
2. These ampliers should always be installed by competent
and qualied personnel. Amplier damage or failure caused
by installation or operational errors may invalidate support,
warranty or guarantees of performance.
3. These ampliers are not suitable for use in locations where
they may be accessible to minors.
4. These ampliers are intended to be used specically for the
amplication of audio signals and for connection to moving-coil
loudspeaker systems. Use of these ampliers for amplication
of signals outside the audio band (20Hz to 20kHz) or to
drive transducers other than moving-coil loudspeakers may
invalidate support, warranty or guarantees of performance.
5. These ampliers should only be used within professionally
installed and congured audio systems comprising input
and output ancillary equipments that is known to be of an
appropriate level of performance and in good operating
condition. Any damage to, or unsatisfactory performance from,
these ampliers caused by inadequate or failed input or output
ancillaries may invalidate support, warranty or guarantees of
performance.
6. These ampliers are intended to be installed and operated
indoor in a controlled environment (pollution degree, PD2)
within an ambient temperature range of 0°C to 40°C. These
ampliers are not intended for use above 2000 meters above
sea level. Ampliers installed or operated in environments
outside these limits may invalidate support, warranty or
guarantees of performance.
7. Specic warranty terms are the responsibility of the amplier
re-seller.
Safety and Environmental Notices
Note: The intent of the lightning ash with arrowhead symbol
in a triangle is to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous” voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of
sufcient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to humans.
Note: The intent of the exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is to alert the user to the presence of important safety, and
operating and maintenance instructions in this manual.
WARNING! TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
Ambient Temperature Note: If this equipment is
operated in a conned or multiple rack installation, the
internal ambient operating temperature may exceed
the external ambient temperature.
It is important to ensure in these
circumstances that the published
maximum operating temperature for the
equipment is not exceeded.
Reduced Air Flow: Ensure that rack or
other closed installation does not restrict
the cooling airow required for safe and
reliable operation of the equipment.

Technical and Safety Notices
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Do not submerge the equipment in water or liquids.
7. Do not use any aerosol spray, cleaner, disinfectant or
fumigant on, near or into the equipment.
8. Clean only with a dry cloth.
9. Do not block any ventilation opening. Install in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.
10. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliers)
that produce heat.
11. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, the power cord shall
be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective
earthing connection.
12. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
13. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
14. Do not unplug the unit by pulling on the cord, use the plug.
15. Only use attachments/accessories specied by the
manufacturer.
16. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
17. Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing
is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does
not operate normally, or has been dropped.
18. The appliance coupler, or the AC Mains plug, is the AC
mains disconnect device and shall remain readily accessible
after installation.
19. Adhere to all applicable, local codes.
20. Consult a licensed, professional engineer when any
doubt or questions arise regarding a physical equipment
installation.
Environmental Statement
This product complies with international
directives, including but not limited to the
Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
in electrical and electronic equipment, the
Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and
restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and the
disposal of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
Consult your local waste disposal authority for guidance on
how properly to recycle or dispose of this product.

Introduction and Overview
1. Introduction
Blaze PowerZone Connect power ampliers have
been designed to provide congurable, consistent and
reliable high performance audio power amplication for
residential, commercial and entertainment applications.
This manual covers the features, installation and
functions of the PowerZone Connect 1002, 1502,
2004 and 3004 models. Please read the manual fully
before installing and using an amplier. If you have any
questions regarding amplier conguration, installation
or operation please contact the appropriate customer
support portal.
Following this introduction, the manual is divided into sections
covering the following topics:
• 2. Overview
• 3. Carton Contents
• 4. Installation
• 5. Conguration
• 6. Connections
• 7. Operation
• 8. Specications
2. Amplier Overview
PowerZone Connect 1002, 1502, 2004 and 3004 ampliers
are a full rack width, 2U format power ampliers that
can drive both conventional low impedance (Lo-Z, 4Ω to
16Ω) loudspeakers and high impedance (Hi-Z, 70V/100V)
transformer coupled loudspeakers. They provide four analog
inputs, one stereo S/PDIF digital input, and either two or four
outputs (Lo-Z mode), or one or two outputs (Hi-Z or Lo-Z BTL
mode). PowerZone Connect amplier model output channel
counts and power outputs are as follows:
PowerZone Connect 1002
Mode Channels Max Rated Output per Channel
Lo-Z Two 500 Watts
Lo-Z (BTL) One 1000 Watts
Hi-Z One 1000 Watts
PowerZone Connect 1502
Mode Channels Max Rated Output per Channel
Lo-Z Two 750 Watts
Lo-Z (BTL) One 1500 Watts
Hi-Z One 1500 Watts
PowerZone Connect 2004
Mode Channels Max Rated Output per Channel
Lo-Z Four 500 Watts
Lo-Z (BTL) Two 1000 Watts
Hi-Z Two 1000 Watts
PowerZone Connect 3004
Mode Channels Max Rated Output per Channel
Lo-Z Four 750 Watts
Lo-Z (BTL) Two 1500 Watts
Hi-Z Two 1500 Watts
Note: In Lo-Z BTL (bridge-tied load) mode, two amplier output
channels are combined to create a single, double power output
channel. BTL mode can be engaged via the amplier Output Mode
conguration setup menu described in Section 5 of this manual.

Introduction and Overview
2.1 Connections and Power Switching
PowerZone Connect signal input and output connections are
accomplished via RCA Phono and Euroblock style connectors.
A GPIO (General Purpose In/Out) Euroblock connector enables
some amplier functions to be controlled externally, and
wireless or RJ45 socket Ethernet network connection options
are also provided. Cable connectors and connections are
described and illustrated in Section 6 of this manual
PowerZone Connect ampliers incorporate a front panel
mounted power button. Press the button once to switch the
amplier on or off. Amplier power management behaviour
can be congured via the PowerZone Control web app Settings
Menu described in Section 5 of this manual.
2.2 Network Features
PowerZone Connect ampliers are TCP/IP network connected
devices that require a wired or wireless network connection
to access their conguration menus. The conguration menus
are accessed via the PowerZone Control Web App interface
and cover Input, Zone, Output and General Settings functions.
The PowerZone Control web app conguration menus are
described in Section 5 of this manual.
2.3 Firmware
This manual describes the features, functions and user
interface of PowerZone Connect ampliers running Firmware
Version 1.2.0.
It is strongly recommended that the rmware version
installed in the amplier in use is checked initially, and
regularly thereafter. If updated rmware is available,
the amplier should be updated as a priority.
The rmware installed in the amplier can be identied and
updated by selecting the Device option in the PowerZone
Control web app Settings Menu. Firmware versions can be
checked, and rmware downloaded, from the Blaze website:
https://blaze-audio.com/support/#Firmware.
3. Carton Contents
PowerZone Connect ampliers are shipped in a cardboard
carton containing the amplier unit, a mains cable appropriate
for the sales territory, an accessory pack, and a document pack.
The full contents is listed below.
• Amplier unit
• Rack mount ears (tted)
• Mains power cable
• Input connector x 2
• GPIO socket connector
• Output connector x 1 or 2
• Adhesive rubber feet x 4
• Document pack

Installation
Diagram 1a
PowerZone Connect amplier dimensions.
(Shaded area denes ventilation space.)
440 mm
17.3 in
332 mm
13.1 in
4. Installation
4.1 Amplier Location
PowerZone Connect ampliers are shipped with rack “ears”
attached and are primarily intended for standard (19 inch)
equipment rack installation. If not to be installed in an
equipment rack, PowerZone Connect ampliers can be placed
free-standing on a at surface. Adhesive rubber feet are
supplied for this purpose.
It is important that any installation provides space for airow
through the ventilation apertures at the front and rear of the
amplier. This is illustrated in Diagram 1a.
88 mm
3.5 in

Conguration
5. Conguration
Before making input, output and GPIO connections,
an initial PowerZone Connect amplier conguration
should be established. It is particularly important that
the amplier output format is congured appropriately
for the speakers that are to be connected.
Conguration requires that PowerZone Connect
ampliers are connected to mains power, switched on
and connected to network services. These connections
are described in the following two sections.
5.1 Mains Power Connection
PowerZone Connect ampliers incorporate a power factor
corrected power supply and can be used with mains input
voltage from 100V AC to 240V AC, 50/60Hz. Use the mains
cable supplied with the amplier and connect it to a mains
supply.
Press the front panel power button to switch on the amplier.
After a short delay the front panel Status indicator will
illuminate green.
5.2 Network Services
PowerZone Connect ampliers are congured via
the PowerZone Control Web App interface. Before
the Web App conguration menus can be accessed,
PowerZone Connect ampliers must be connected to
the same TCP/IP network as the computer or mobile
device that is to be used for conguration.
5.2.1 Wired (Ethernet) Network Connection
To connect a PowerZone Connect amplier to a TCP/IP
network using a wired connection (Ethernet) follow the steps
below.
1. Use an Ethernet cable to connect the PowerZone Connect
amplier rear panel Network Control socket to a free socket on
a network router or switch, or directly to an Ethernet equipped
laptop or desktop computer.
2. Connect the PowerZone Connect amplier to mains power
using the supplied mains cable. Wait for the front panel
Network indicator to illuminate green to indicate that the
amplier has network connectivity.
3. The PowerZone Connect amplier default LAN IP address
is 192.168.64.100. Congure the laptop or desktop computer
for a xed IP address in the same IP range; eg. 192.168.64.10,
with Subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 (or prex 24) and set the
Gateway to 192.168.64.1.
4. Open a laptop or desktop web browser and enter the
address http://192.168.64.100. The PowerZone Control Web
App interface will open to enable amplier conguration as
required.
Note: PowerZone Connect ampliers can be congured to use
DHCP for network connection if required. However, if a PowerZone
Connect amplier using DHCP is power cycled, it is possible that the
TCP/IP network router will assign it a different IP address, leaving
its conguration page inaccessible via the previous address. If this
occurs, a network scanning app can be used to identify the new IP
address. DHCP and Fixed IP address option settings can be found in
the Settings Tab menu described in Section 5.3.
5.2.2 Wireless (WiFi) Network Connection
To connect a PowerZone Connect amplier to a TCP/IP
network using a wireless connection (WiFi) follow the steps
below.
1. With the PowerZone Connect amplier connected to mains
power, wait for the front panel WiFi indicator to illuminate
green.
2. Use a mobile, laptop or desktop device to search for available
WiFi networks. Connect to, PowerZone Connect (product
serial number)’ using the password, ‘password’. The amplier
serial number can be found on its rear panel.
3. Open a computer or mobile device web browser and enter
the IP address: 192.168.4.1. The PowerZone Control Web
App interface will open to enable amplier conguration as
required.
4. Select the Web App Settings Tab followed by WiFi > WiFi
Mode > Client to congure the amplier to connect to the
required WiFI network. The WiFi network name and password
will be required.
It is strongly recommended that the PowerZone Connect
amplier Access Point WiFi password is changed following
initial wireless connection.

Conguration
5.3.1 Input Tab
The Input Tab provides naming, mono/stereo selection,
sensitivity, and gain trim for each amplier input channel. An
internal pink noise source, provided for system testing and set
up, can also enabled or disabled, and adjusted for gain via the
Input Tab. Diagram 5b illustrates the Input Tab.
Diagram 5a
Conguration Dashboard display
(two output amplier model shown)
Diagram 5b
Input Tab display
(two inputs only shown)
Input name - type to edit
Select mono or stereo
Select input sensitivity option
Adjust input gain
Adjust zone volume
Adjust zone volume
Note: When adjusting input gain, the input level display should
remain green. If it displays red, the input gain should be reduced.
5.3 Conguration Menus
Opening a web browser that is network connected to a
PowerZone Connect amplier initially displays the PowerZone
Control Web App Dashboard illustrated in Diagram 5a.
The Dashboard is the ‘home’ page from which all other
conguration options can be accessed.
The Dashboard displays the amplier status, output zones and
the conguration menu tabs. It also enables immediate access
to zone volume control The functions available under each
conguration menu tab are described in the following sections.

Conguration
5.3.2 Zone Tab
The Zone Tab enables installation zones to be dened and
named, and provides access to further sub-menus. Zones
might be bar or restaurant areas for example, or different
rooms in a home. For all Zone Tab menus, the installation zone
under conguration is selected by highlighting one of the zone
identiers (A, B, C or D) at the top of the page. Diagram 5c
illustrates the Zone Tab.
• The Source menu option enables inputs to be assigned to
zones.
• The GPIO Volume Control option enables external volume
control to be applied to individual zones. The GPIO
conguration menu can be found under the Settings Tab.
• The Compressor option enables default or custom signal
compression to be applied to individual installation zones.
Note: Compression can be useful to reduce the volume difference
between loud and quiet audio material. The lower the compression
threshold is set, the more the difference between loud and soft will
be reduced. The overall zone volume may need to be increased
when compression is used. The default compression parameters are
appropriate for most installations.
5.3.3 Output Tab
The Output Tab enables amplier outputs to be named and
provides access to further sub-menus. For all Output Tab
menus, the amplier output under conguration is selected
by highlighting one of the output identiers (1, 2, 3 or 4) at the
top of the display. The Output Tab also enables Speaker Preset
congurations to be created, exported, imported or cleared.
Diagram 5d illustrates the Output Tab.
Note: The number of individual outputs available for conguration
will depend on the PowerZone Connect amplier model and the
input, zone and output mode conguration.
• The Routing menu enables zones to be assigned to amplier
outputs.
Note: Routing for zones specied as stereo will automatically offer
three output options: left channel, right channel or summed mono.
The summed mono signal can potentially be used to drive a mono
subwoofer.
• The Delay menu enables delay to be applied to individual
amplier outputs.
• The Equalizer menu enables parametric equalization to be
applied to individual amplier outputs. Equalizer settings
congured for one amplier output can be copied and
applied to other outputs.
Zone name - type to edit Output name - type to edit
Select zone Select output
Select mono or stereo
Select input
Select zone
Enable and congure output delay if required
Enable and congure output EQ if required
Congure and manage speaker presets
Select GPIO volume control mode
Select compressor mode and enable
Adjust zone volume
Diagram 5c
Zone Tab display
Diagram 5d
Output Tab display

Conguration
• The Speaker Preset menu enables a set of speaker
parameters to be adjusted, and preset congurations to be
created.
• Speaker Presets can be simply applied to the selected
amplier output or imported, chosen from a library,
exported or cleared. The preset congurations can include
any or all of the parameters described in Section 5.3.4
and can be locked to prevent inadvertent modication.
Diagrams 5e to 5h illustrate the application of speaker
presets.
Speaker Preset data provided by third parties for use with
specic speakers can be imported and applied to amplier
outputs. To import speaker preset parameters follow the
steps described below and illustrated in the diagrams.
1. Select either the IMPORT PRESET FROM FILE or
SELECT PRESET FROM LIBRARY option from the
Speaker Preset menu. If no import option is visible,
select CLEAR to delete any existing speaker preset
data.
Note: The SELECT PRESET FROM LIBRARY option will be
unavailable if no speaker preset libraries have been created. Speaker
preset library creation and management is described in Section
5.3.5. A variety of speaker preset les are available for download
from the Blaze website: www.blaze-audio.com.
2. Select the appropriate ‘.zcp’ format speaker preset
data le to import from either a Library or a
computer folder. The preset data will be applied
to the selected amplier output as soon as the le
import is complete.
3. If the Speaker Preset data requires modication it
can be customized by selecting the CUSTOMIZE
PRESET option.
Note: If an imported Speaker Preset data le includes locked
parameters, they will be unavailable for modication.
5.3.4 Speaker Preset Menu Parameters
• The Crossover & Gain preset menu enables high or low-
pass crossover lters and gain adjustment to be applied to
individual amplier outputs.
• The Speaker EQ preset menu enables parametric
equalization to be applied to individual amplier outputs.
• The FIR preset menu enables FIR (Finite Impulse Response)
based equalization lter coefcients generated by external
speaker measurement software to be imported and applied
to individual amplier outputs.
Select to congure
Select to congure
Select to congure
Select to congure
Select to congure
Select to congure
Select to congure
Diagram 5e
Speaker Preset Parameters
Diagram 5f
Speaker Preset import le selection
Select output

Conguration
Diagram 5g
Speaker Preset applied
Diagram 5h
Speaker Preset parameter adjustment
Note: FIR coefcient les in either .csv or .txt format can be
imported.
• The Driver Alignment preset menu enables delay to be
applied to individual amplier outputs.
• The Polarity preset menu enables the polarity of individual
amplier outputs to be reversed.
• The Limiter preset menu enables signal limiting to be
applied to individual amplier outputs. Clip limiting, peak
limiting and RMS limiting can be individually or collectively
engaged. The Peak limiter can be set to either automatic
or custom parameter values. The RMS limiter has default
parameter values that can be adjusted but has no automatic
option.
Note: In automatic mode, the peak limiter parameters adjust
automatically in response to Crossover & Gain high-pass lter
settings.
• The Output Mode preset menu enables individual amplier
outputs to be switched off or congured for Lo-Z, Hi-Z or
Lo-Z BTL modes. In Hi-Z modes, a high-pass lter can also
be congured and applied to the output. The number of
outputs available will depend on the amplier model, input
setup and zone setup. For example, a two output amplier
will have two outputs available if Lo-Z mode is selected but
only one output available if Hi-Z mode is selected.
Note: In Lo-Z BTL (bridge-tied load) mode, two amplier output
channels are combined to create a single, double power output
channel.
Note: Use of a high-pass lter with Hi-Z mode loudspeakers is useful
to avoid the possibility of distortion caused by low frequency line

Conguration
Diagram 5i
Settings Tab menu
Diagram 5j
Speaker Library Creation and Management
Library name - type to edit
Library version - type to edit
Import preset data (.zcp) to library
Creat new library
Rename library
Edit or delete library
transformer saturation. Begin with the default lter setting of 70Hz.
If low frequency distortion is still audible, increase the frequency
setting one step at a time until the distortion is no longer audible.
5.3.5 Settings Tab
The Settings Tab enables miscellaneous amplier settings
to be congured and installation data to be recorded. The
Settings Tab provides access to further sub-menus. Diagram 5i
illustrates the Settings Tab.
• The System Information menu provides text elds for the
recording of installation data.
• The Device menu records amplier specic information
such as the model number and rmware version. A rmware
update routine and identier button can also be found
under the Device menu.
• The Backup & Restore menu enables amplier
conguration data to be downloaded to an external archive,
and enables previously saved conguration les to be
uploaded and adopted by the currently connected amplier.
• The Speaker Library menu enables management of speaker
preset libraries. Existing libraries of speaker preset les
(.zcl) can be created or imported, and existing libraries
edited or fully deleted. Diagram 5j illustrates the creation
and management of speaker preset libraries.
Note: A variety of speaker preset les are available for download
from the Blaze website: www.blaze-audio.com.
• The Power Management menu enables various automatic
switch-on and standby options to be engaged. The Power
Management menu also offers a timed Mute function.
Note: The front panel power switch will overide any power
management settings.
• The GPIO menu enables conguration of the multi-purpose

Conguration
Diagram 5k
Signal Flow Schematic
(four output amplier)
Analog 3
Output
Matrix
Zones A - D
Outputs 1 - 4
Analog 2
Input
Sensitivity
Analog 1
Input
Gain
Input
Sensitivity
Input
Gain
Input
Sensitivity
Input
Gain
Analog 4
SPDIF (stereo)
SPDIF Out (stereo). Zones A (left) and B (right)
Pink Noise Gain
Delay
Level
Adjustment
Level
Adjustment
Level
Adjustment
Level
Adjustment
Compressor Compressor Compressor Compressor
Delay Delay Delay
EQ EQ EQ EQ
EQ EQ EQ EQ
FIR FIR FIR FIR
Polarity Polarity Polarity Polarity
Limiter
BTL
Amplifier
2 x Low-Z
1 x Hi-Z
BTL
Amplifier
2 x Low-Z
1 x Hi-Z
Limiter Limiter Limiter
Driver
Alignment
Driver
Alignment
Driver
Alignment
Driver
Alignment
Crossover Crossover Crossover Crossover
Gain Trim Gain Trim Gain Trim Gain Trim
Input
Sensitivity
Input
Gain
Input
Gain
Input
Selection
Input Setup
Zone Setup & Routing
Output Setup
Output 1 Output 2 Output 3 Output 4
Zone Adjustment Parameters Speaker Preset Parameters
GPIO interface pins.
• The LAN menu enables conguration and reset of the wired
network options and parameters.
• The WiFi menu enables conguration and reset of the
wireless network options and parameters.
5.4 Setup and Signal Routing
Thanks to their network based conguration features,
PowerZone Connect ampliers offer considerable versatility in
terms of sources, signal routing, installation zones and output
modes. Inputs can be freely assigned to installation zones, and
those zones assigned freely to the available amplier outputs in
either Lo-Z or Hi-Z modes.
This versatility enables, for example, one amplier

Conguration
simultaneously to drive both Lo-Z and Hi-Z speakers, or for
different inputs to be routed to different output zones.
The following paragraphs describe and illustrate the
recommended procedure for conguring input, zone and
output routing. A general signal ow schematic is also
illustrated in Diagram 5k.
5.4.1 Input Setup
Open the conguration Dashboard and select the Input Tab.
The Input Tab is shown in Diagram 5b.
• To edit default input names simply select and type in the
Input Name eld.
• Dene a mono or stereo input by selecting the appropriate
option. Dening a stereo input will reduce the total number
of discrete inputs available.
• Select an input sensitivity option from the drop-down
menu: +14dB, +4dB, -10dB and ‘microphone’ options
are available. Generally, the +14dB or +4dB options are
appropriate for ‘professional audio’ source hardware
with balanced outputs, while the -10dB option is more
appropriate for ‘consumer audio’ source hardware with
unbalanced outputs. The ‘microphone’ option provides the
signicantly greater sensitivity required for microphones.
Note: Only dynamic microphones are suitable for connection.
Phantom power for condenser microphones is not provided.
• If necessary, adjust the input gain using the slider or up/
down icons. Gain adjustment is intended to be used for ne
output level adjustment following initial use.
5.4.2 Zone Setup & Routing
Open the conguration Dashboard and select the Zone Tab.
The Zone Tab is shown in Diagram 5c.
• Select the zone to be congured. The number of zones
available and their channel format (stereo or mono) will
depend on the amplier model, input setup and output
mode (Lo-Z or Hi-Z). For example, a two output amplier
can have the following zone congurations:
• 1 x stereo Lo-Z zone
• 2 x mono Lo-Z zones
• 1 x mono Hi-Z zone
• A four output amplier can have the following zones
congured:
• 2 x stereo Lo-Z zones
• 4 x mono Lo-Z zones
• 2 x mono Hi-Z zone
• 1 x mono Hi-Z zone + 1 x stereo Lo-Z zone
• 1 x mono Hi-Z zone + 2 x mono Lo-Z zones
Note: When congured in Lo-A BTL mode of Hi-Z mode PowerZone
Connect ampliers operate in ‘bridged’ mode where the output of
two channels is combined. This means that the number of output
channels available in Hi-Z mode is half that available in Lo-Z mode .
Note: Mono signals might be mono at source, created though
combining the left and right channels of a stereo signal (summed
mono) or treating the left and right channels of a stereo signal
independently (split mono).
• Name zones by typing in the Zone Name eld.
• Adjust the zone volume if required by using the slider.
• Dene a mono or stereo zone by selecting the appropriate
option. Dening a stereo zone will reduce the total number
of further zones available.
• Specify an input for the zone by selecting from the drop-
down menu. Selecting a stereo input for a mono zone will
automatically sum the stereo channels to mono.

Conguration
5.5 GPIO Setup and Connection
PowerZone Connect ampliers provide a GPIO socket that
enables remote control of volume, standby, mute and trigger
functions. The GPIO connector pin functions are described
in the GPIO Settings menu illustrated in Diagram 5l. The
connection of GPIO based remote volume control and
standby/mute are illustrated in Diagram 5m and Diagram 5n
respectively.
Note: The GPIO connector must not be used for any
unintended purpose. Amplier damage may result from
incorrect use of GPIO.
Note: Shielded cable must be used when connecting standby
switches and potentiometers via GPIO.
Note: GPIO Pin 8 has a low output impedance and is able to
supply a maximum current of 10mA.
Note: GPIO Pin 1 and Pin 3 both offer ground connections:
Pin 1 is connected directly to the amplier chassis.
Pin 3 is connected to the chassis via a 220 Ohm resistor.
The ‘soft ground’ connection of Pin 3 is potentially useful for
managing ground loops that may cause audible hum.
Diagram 5l
GPIO Settings Menu
Diagram 5m
Potentiometer connections for remote vol-
ume control via GPIO.
Note: Diagram 6c illustrates
use of the GPIO connector.
Diagram 5n
Connections for remote
standby/mute switch via GPIO.
Note: Diagram 6c illustrates
use of the GPIO connector.
Ground
+3V3
Ground
Standby/Mute
Potentiometer
(>10kΩ)
Connect Wiper to
Pin 4, 5, 6 or 7. Switch open or closed
toggles Standby or Mute
depending on options
selected in the GPIO
Settings Menu

Connections
6. Connections
PowerZone Connect amplier rear panel connections
are illustrated in Diagrams 6a.
6.1 Mains Power Connection
PowerZone Connect ampliers incorporate a power factor
corrected universal power supply and can be used with mains
input voltage from 100V AC to 240V AC, 50/60Hz. Use the
mains cable supplied with the amplier.
PowerZone Connect ampliers incorporate a front panel
mounted power button. Press the button once to switch the
amplier on or off. Ensure that all signal, GPIO and output
connections are made before switching on the amplier.
6.2 Input Connection
All PowerZone Connect amplier models provide four
balanced or unbalanced analog audio inputs and a stereo S/
PDIF digital audio input. Any input channel can be routed to any
output channel. Input routing options can be congured via the
PowerZone Control Web App Input Tab. See Section 5 of this
manual.
Analog Inputs
PowerZone Connect analog inputs are of line level format with
a default input sensitivity of +4dBu (full output voltage swing/
sensitivity) in all output modes. Depending on the selected
sensitivity, the inputs can handle up to +24dBu without
clipping. Input sensitivity options can be set via the PowerZone
Control Web App Input Tab. See Section 5 of this manual.
Balanced input connections to the ampliers are made via male
‘Euro Block’ connectors. Connecting cables to the supplied
female input connectors is illustrated in Diagram 6b.
Unbalanced input connections to the ampliers are made via
RCA phono sockets connected in parallel with the balanced
inputs.
Diagram 6a
PowerZone Connect rear panel connections.
Note: Two output amplier model connection sockets differ only in
the deletion of channel 3 and channel 4 output connectors.
Digital Inputs
PowerZone Connect S/PDIF stereo digital audio input
connections are made via a single RCA Phono socket. The S/
PDIF input is connected by default to amplier installation
Zones A (left) and B (right).
Digital Outputs
PowerZone Connect S/PDIF stereo digital audio output
connections are made via a single RCA Phono socket. The S/
PDIF output signal by default reects the input to amplier
installation Zones A and B and is intended to be used for daisy-
chaining PowerZone Connect ampliers.
Note: 75Ω RCA Phono cables specically intended for digital audio
should always be used for S/PDIF connections. Standard Phono
cables can be used but may not result in optimal performance.
Note: The S/PDIF output level is by default set at -10dB to reduce
the possibility of downstream input clipping.
6.3 Output Connections
Output connections from the ampliers are achieved via male
‘Euro Block’ connectors. Ensure that speaker connection
polarity is correct throughout the installation:
In the case of Lo-Z speaker connections, positive (+) amplier
terminals should always be connected to positive speaker
terminals and negative (–) amplier terminals always connected
to negative speaker terminals.
In the case of Hi-Z speaker connections, the two speaker cable
conductors should be connected between the positive (+)
terminal of Output 1 and the negative terminal (-) of Output 2,
and likewise for Outputs 3 and 4.
Output mode options (Lo-Z or Hi-Z) can be congured via the
Control Web App Input Tab. See Section 5 of this manual.
Connecting cables to the supplied female output connector is
illustrated in Diagram 6c.

Cable Gauge Table
Lo-Z installations, 0.5dB attenuation. 2 Ω, 4 Ω & 8 Ω loads
Cable Gauge Table
70V Hi-Z installations, 1.0dB attenuation
20 speakers evenly distributed
Cable Gauge Table
100V Hi-Z installations, 1.0dB attenuation
20 speakers evenly distributed
Cable Cross
Section
(mm2)
Cable Gauge
(AWG)
Max Cable
Length
(Metres, 2 Ω
load)
Max Cable
Length
(Metres, 4 Ω
load)
Max Cable
Length
(Metres, 8 Ω
load)
0.75 ≈18 N/A 5 10
1.5 ≈16 5 10 20
2.5 ≈14 8 17 35
4.0 ≈12 14 28 55
Cable Cross
Section
(mm2)
Cable Gauge
(AWG)
Max Cable Length
(Metres),
(1000 W/channel)
Max Cable Length
(Metres),
(1200 W/channel)
0.75 ≈18 25 20
1.5 ≈16 50 40
2.0 ≈14 80 60
3.5 ≈12 125 100
Cable Cross
Section
(mm2)
Cable Gauge
(AWG)
Max Cable Length
(Metres),
(1000 W/channel)
Max Cable Length
(Metres),
(1500 W/channel)
0.75 ≈18 50 30
1.5 ≈16 100 60
2.0 ≈14 160 100
3.5 ≈12 250 160
Connections
6.4 Speaker Cable Gauge
PowerZone Connect speaker connection cable gauge
should be chosen appropriately to reect the type of
installation. The adjacent tables specify the appropriate
cable gauge and maximum cable length for less than
0.5dB cable loss in Lo-Z mode and less than 1.0dB cable
loss in Hi-Z mode.
6.5 GPIO Connections
If any PowerZone Connect GPIO functionality is
required, cables will need to be connected to the
supplied GPIO connector. Connecting cables to the GPIO
connector is illustrated in Diagrams 6d.
6.6 Network Connections
PowerZone Connect ampliers are TCP/IP network
connected devices that are congured via a web
page based interface. Wired (Ethernet) and wireless
(WiFi) connection options are available. Connecting
PowerZone Connect ampliers to a TCP/IP network is
described in Section 5 of this manual

5 mm
Connections
Diagram 6b
Balanced analog input
cable connections.
Diagram 6c
Output cable connections.
Low-Z Mode
Hi-Z/BTL
Modes
5 mm
5 mm

5 mm
Diagram 6d
GPIO cable connections.
The exclamation point printed next to the output terminals of the ampliers is, in addition to the CLASS 2
WIRING text, intended to alert users to the risk of hazardous voltages. Output connectors that could pose a risk
are marked with the exclamation point. Do not touch the output terminals while the amplier is switched on.
Make all connections with the amplier switched off.
Connections

Operation
7. Operation
Once all connections have been made and conguration
options selected, PowerZone Connect ampliers are
ready for use. If an input signal above -60dB is present
on any input, the front panel Input and Standby
indicators will illuminate green to indicate normal
amplier operation. Audio will be heard from any
connected speakers.
Note: PowerZone Connect ampliers will by default not wake from
Standby Mode unless an input signal is present, a network ‘ON’
command is received, or an external standby switch (or 12V trigger)
is operated. Standby behaviour can be congured via the Power
Management menu of the PowerZone Control Web App Settings
Tab.
Amplier outputs will mute if no input signal is present for 5
minutes, and the amplier will switch automatically to Standby
Mode if no signal is present on any input for more than 15
minutes. Alternative standby and mute delay times can selected
via the Settings Tab. Amplier cooling fan speed is temperature
controlled. The fan will switch off when the amplier enters
standby mode.
7.1 Front Panel Indicators
PowerZone Connect amplier front panel indicators illuminate
to indicate the following operational states:
Status: Off – Mains power disconnected.
Green – Amplier operational.
Pulse Green – Standby Mode.
Amber – GPIO triggered Standby Mode
Input: Off – No input signal present.
Green – Signal present on one or more inputs.
Amber – Signal limiting/clipping on one or more
inputs.
Output: Off – No output signal present.
Green – Signal present on one or more outputs.
Amber – Signal limiting/clipping on one or more
outputs.
Red – One or more channel pair is in
overload/protection mode.
Network: Off – No Ethernet network detected.
Green – Ethernet network detected.
WiFi: Off – WiFi disabled.
Green – WiFi enabled.
7.2 Default Reset
PowerZone Connect ampliers can be returned to their default
settings via either the PowerZone Control Web App Settings
Ta b or through the front panel power button.
To reset the amplier using the front panel power button,
follow the steps below:
• Disconnect the amplier from mains power.
• Press and hold the front panel power button while
simultaneously reconnecting mains power.
• Continue to hold the front panel power button for 3 to 5
seconds as the amplier restarts.
The amplier will restart with all settings at their default state.
Any previously congured settings will be deleted.