Crestron CNX-BIPAD8 User manual

Crestron CNX-BIPAD8
Professional Audio Distribution Processor
Operations Guide

This document was prepared and written by the Technical Documentation department at:
Crestron Electronics, Inc.
15 Volvo Drive
Rockleigh, NJ 07647
1-888-CRESTRON
All brand names, product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
©2003 Crestron Electronics, Inc.

Crestron CNX-BIPAD8 Professional Audio Distribution Processor
Operations Guide – DOC. 8160A Contents •i
Contents
Professional Audio Distribution Processor: CNX-BIPAD8 1
Introduction 1
Features and Functions 1
Specifications 3
Physical Description 4
Industry Compliance 7
Setup 7
Network Wiring 7
Identity Code 8
Rack Mounting 9
Stacking 10
Hardware Hookup 10
Typical Room Configurations 11
Signal Distribution to More than Eight Rooms 12
Expanded Distribution of Local Audio Sources 13
Programming Software 15
Earliest Version Software Requirements for the PC 15
Programming with SIMPL Windows 15
Uploading and Upgrading 19
Communication Settings 19
Uploading a SIMPL Windows Program 21
Firmware Upgrade 23
Problem Solving 24
Troubleshooting 24
Further Inquiries 25
Future Updates 25
Return and Warranty Policies 26
Merchandise Returns / Repair Service 26
CRESTRON Limited Warranty 26

Crestron CNX-BIPAD8 Professional Audio Distribution Processor
Operations Guide – DOC. 8160A Professional Audio Distribution Processor: CNX-BIPAD8 •1
Professional Audio Distribution
Processor: CNX-BIPAD8
Introduction
Features and Functions
The Crestron Bi-Directional Professional Audio Distribution Processor,
CNX-BIPAD8, is a second-generation product in Crestron’s audio distribution
product line. The unit is an 8-channel preamplifier that has all of the capabilities of
the CNX-PAD8A product plus the ability to route balanced line audio to and from
remote locations utilizing low cost CAT5 cables and Crestron’s CNXRMCLV,
C2N-DAP8RC, or C2N-DAP8 room boxes. The Cresnet system supplies power to
the unit.
Functional Summary
The CNX-BIPAD8 controls the selection of up to 24 stereo audio sources, and then
distributes the audio to up to eight room amplifiers or Crestron room control boxes.
The unit’s sixteen stereo head end audio inputs are RCA type connectors with loop
through. These inputs plus the eight additional CAT5 stereo inputs pass through a
stereo 24x8 cross-point switch. Each output of the cross-point switch goes to a
differential driver to the CAT5 connectors. The same cross-point outputs also go to
the CNX-BIPAD8 preamplifiers and mute relays before they go to the RCA output
connectors. The cross point switch makes it possible to route any of the 24 audio
• 16 line level/unbalanced stereo source inputs (L/R audio) plus
loop-through
• 8 CAT5 bi-directional inputs and outputs for professional-grade
balanced audio to/from remote locations, using CNXRMCLV or
C2N-DAP8/C2N-DAP8RC local room boxes
• 8 RCA outputs with built-in volume/tone preamplifiers and mute
relays
• Built-in 24x8 stereo crosspoint switch
• Input level compensation adjustments
• Daisy-chaining for distribution up to 32 Rooms

Professional Audio Distribution Processor Crestron CNX-BIPAD8
2 •Professional Audio Distribution Processor: CNX-BIPAD8 Operations Guide - DOC. 8160A
inputs to any of the eight outputs. The following simplified diagram illustrates the
internal signal routing.
Simplified Audio Signal Routing
Up to four units can be daisy-chained via the RCA loop-through connectors to
extend distribution to up to 32 rooms.
The CNX-BIPAD8 preamplifier circuits provide the following controls for each of
the eight RCA outputs:
• Loudness — Activates the loudness function, commonly found on stereo
amplifiers, to boost low- and high-frequency signals at low volume settings
to compensate for natural hearing limitations at lower volume levels.
• Volume — Sets minimum and maximum volume levels and controls the
relative audio level within that range.
• Balance, Bass, and Treble — Specifies levels for these settings relative to a
50% neutral or balanced signal.
• Mono — Changes the audio setting from stereo to mono (monaural) mode.
• Compensation — Source gain compensation that normalizes input levels
from different sources; for example, setting the volume range of a VCR
equal to that of a CD player.
• Mute — Electronically attenuates signal.
• On/Off — Activates electronic relays that cut sound to a room.
Optional source and numeric keypads or any other Crestron network panel or
touchpanel may be added to the individual rooms to interface with the CNX-
BIPAD8. For more information regarding such devices, refer to the Downloads |
Product Manuals section of the Crestron website (www.crestron.com).
NOTE: Unit does not ship with default parameters for adjustable values (bass,
treble, or compensation). These values must be set in the program for the unit to
operate correctly.

Crestron CNX-BIPAD8 Professional Audio Distribution Processor
Operations Guide – DOC. 8160A Professional Audio Distribution Processor: CNX-BIPAD8 •3
Specifications
Specifications for the CNX-BIPAD8 are listed in the following table.
CNX-BIPAD8 Specifications
SPECIFICATION DETAILS
Power Requirements 20 Watts (0.83 Amp @ 24 VDC)
Default NET ID 44
Control System Update Files 1, 2, 3
2-Series Control System Update
File
CNMSX-AV/Pro Update File
CNRACKX/-DP Update File
ST-CP Update File
CEN/CN-TVAV Update File
Version 2.004.CUZ or later
Version 5.12.63X.UPZ or later
Version 5.12.63W.UPZ or later
Version 4.02.4S.UPZ or later
Version 5.12.63V.UPZ or later
CNX-BIPAD8 Firmware Bipad-22.upg
RCA input ports (labeled 1 – 16) RCA jacks – Sixteen sets of four: two for left and right
audio; two for stereo loop-through.
RCA output ports (labeled ROOMS) RCA jacks – Eight pairs for left and right preamplified (line
level) audio for corresponding room power amplifiers.
CAT5 I/O ports (labeled ROOMS) RJ-45 Jacks – Eight shielded jacks for balanced line
audio to/from remote locations; one CAT5 stereo input
and output per connector.
Tone specifications (per channel) Flatness (8 to 60 KHz flat mode) ±0.2 dB
Bass gain range (100 Hz) ±12 dB
Bass step size (100 Hz) 2 dB
Treble gain range (10 KHz) ±12 dB
Treble step size (10 KHz) 2 dB
Preamp specifications (per channel) Input impedance 47K Ohms
Total harmonic distortion (THD) <0.02%
S/N ratio >100 dB
Maximum input level (flat mode) 3.2 Vrms
Maximum output level 2.5 Vrms
Channel separation >90 dB
Gain range (excluding mute) -80 dB to +20 dB
Volume steps 100 (1 dB/step)
Mute > 120 dB (relay)
100 dB (electronic mute)
Rack space required 2U high, 1U wide
Environmental temperature 41° to 122°F (5° to 50°C)
Humidity 10% to 90% RH (non-condensing)
Dimensions Height: 3.47 in (8.81 cm)
Width: 17.10 in (43.43 cm)
Depth: 8.44 in (21.44 cm)
Weight 6.2 lb (2.8 kg)
1. The latest versions can be obtained from the Downloads | Software Updates section of the Crestron
website (www.crestron.com). Refer to NOTE on the next page.
2. Crestron 2-Series control systems include the AV2, CP2, CP2E, MP2, MP2E, PAC2, PRO2, and
RACK2.
3. CNX update files are required for either CNMSX-AV/Pro or CNRACKX/-DP. Filenames for CNX
update files have a UPZ extension and are in one EXE or zipped UPZ file. To avoid program problems,
make certain you are using the update file with the correct suffix letter (e.g., S, V, W, X).

Professional Audio Distribution Processor Crestron CNX-BIPAD8
4 •Professional Audio Distribution Processor: CNX-BIPAD8 Operations Guide - DOC. 8160A
NOTE: Outputs from the RCA and RJ-45 CAT5 connectors (ROOMS 1-8) are the
same signals. The RCA outputs first pass through preamplifier and tone/volume
control circuits; the balanced outputs from the CAT5 connectors are unprocessed.
NOTE: Crestron software and any files on the website are for Authorized Crestron
dealers and Crestron Authorized Independent Programmers (CAIP) only. New users
may be required to register to obtain access to certain areas of the site (including the
FTP site).
Physical Description
The CNX-BIPAD8 is housed in a black enclosure with labeling on the front and rear
panels. Ten LEDs on the front panel indicate the unit’s current status. All
connections are made to the back of the unit. Refer to the following illustrations of
the front and rear panels and the physical views on the next page.
Two mounting ears are provided for rack mounting, and four square rubber feet are
supplied for stability and to prevent slippage in tabletop placement or stacking
configurations.
CNX-BIPAD8 Front Panel
CNX-BIPAD8 Rear Panel

Crestron CNX-BIPAD8 Professional Audio Distribution Processor
Operations Guide – DOC. 8160A Professional Audio Distribution Processor: CNX-BIPAD8 •5
CNX-BIPAD8 Physical Views
3.310 in
(8.407 cm)
3.480 in (8.84 cm)
with Optional
Feet Mounted
3.469 in
(8.811 cm)
19.000 in
(48.26 cm)
17.100 in
(43.43 cm)
8.440 in
(21.437 cm)
16.910 in
(42.951 cm)
ROOMS
42 53 8761
NET
POWER
P R O F E S S I O N A L A U D I O D I S T R I B U T I O N P R O C E S S O R
CRESTRON
CNX-BIPAD8
8.250 in
(20.955 cm)
RIGHT
LEFT
1234567
RIGHT
LEFT
910 1311 12 14 15
5
8
RIGHT
LEFT
1 2 3 4 6 7 8
ROOMS
16
SETUP
24 Y Z G
NET
CRESTRON ELECTRONICS INC. ROCKLEIGH N.J. 07674 USA
CNX-BIPAD8 Ports
All connections to the CNX-BIPAD8 are made through the ports on the rear panel.
Refer to the illustrations and descriptions, which follow.
NET
The 4-pin network connector is used to connect the CNX-BIPAD8 to the Cresnet
system. Data and power for the CNX-BIPAD8 is provided via the connection. Refer
to “Network Wiring” on page 7.
24 Y Z G
NET

Professional Audio Distribution Processor Crestron CNX-BIPAD8
6 •Professional Audio Distribution Processor: CNX-BIPAD8 Operations Guide - DOC. 8160A
ROOMS
The eight, shielded RJ-45 connectors provide for balanced line audio to/from remote
locations in the facility; one CAT5 stereo input and output per connector. Signal
connections for the jacks are given in the following table.
Pin # Signal
1 Audio In L +
2 Audio In L -
3 Audio In R +
4 Audio Out L -
5 Audio Out L +
6 Audio In R -
7 Audio Out R +
8 Audio Out R -
NOTE: For additional information on audio/video connections over CAT5, refer to
the latest version of the Crestron CAT5 Wiring Reference Guide (Doc. 6137) which
is available from the Downloads | Product Manuals section of the Crestron website
(www.crestron.com).
The eight pairs of RCA jacks output pre-amplified (line-level) and volume/tone
processed audio to corresponding room power amplifiers. Each room output contains
left and right audio channels. (These are the same signals as the unprocessed outputs
from the CAT5 connectors.)
1 – 16 (Source Connectors)
The sixteen sets of four RCA jacks connect independent audio sources to the CNX-
BIPAD8. Of each set, two of the connectors are used for left and right audio
channels; the other two are parallel stereo loop-throughs.
(Chassis Ground)
Use this chassis screw to connect the audio source(s) common ground(s) to the
CNX-BIPAD8.
Indicators
Ten LED indicators on the front panel indicate the unit’s current status.
CNX-BIPAD8 Indicators
ROOMS
42 53 8761
NET
PWR
P R O F E S S I O N A L A U D I O D I S T R I B U T I O N P R O C E S S O R
CRESTRON
CNX-BIPAD8
PWR (Power)
This LED illuminates when 24 volts DC is supplied to the CNX-PAD8.
JACK, REAR VIEW
(TAB POSITION DOWN)
Pin 1