Dali Sound Hub User manual

DALI SOUND HUB MANUAL
HDMI module • NPM BluOS module

Contents
1. SOUND HUB Overview 4
2. Unpacking 9
3. Installation and Setup 10
3.1 Location 10
3.2 Geing Started and Switching On 11
3.3 Connecting Speakers 12
3.4 Connecting an External Power Amplifier 16
4. Connecting Audio Sources 17
4.1 Bluetooth Audio 17
4.2 Wired Audio 19
4.3 Connecting Network Audio Streams 20
5. Using Your SOUND HUB 21
5.1 Standby 21
5.2 Volume 22
5.3 Mute 23
5.4 Source Selection 24
5.5 Auto Signal Sensing 25
5.6 Display and Indicator Illumination 26
5.7 Speaker Balance Adjustment 27
5.8 Speaker Distance Adjustment 29
6. Trouble-Shooting and Maintaining Your SOUND HUB 32
6.1 Cleaning 32
6.2 Wireless Connection Channel Options 33
6.3 Reset to Defaults 35
6.4 Firmware Update 36
6.5 Disposal 37
7. Installing and Using the SOUND HUB
NPM BluOS Module 38
7.1 Installation 39
7.2 Network Connection 41
7.3 Using Your NPM equipped SOUND HUB 44
7.4 NPM Reset to Defaults 45
8. Installing and Using the SOUND HUB
HDMI Module 46
8.1 Installation 48
8.2 Configuring Your HDMI Equipped SOUND HUB 50
8.3 Using Your HDMI Equipped SOUND HUB 54
9. Technical Specifications 58
10. Diagrams / Tables 59
2

Thank you for choosing the DALI SOUND HUB. DALI is
renowned throughout the world for continually striving
to enhance the experience of music while simultaneously
designing audio products that beer suit our lives and homes.
The DALI SOUND HUB wireless streaming preamplifier is
the latest expression of those twin aspirations.
The DALI SOUND HUB is a technologically advanced
product that requires thoughtful installation. We recommend
therefore that you read this manual carefully, and follow its
advice, when installing your DALI SOUND HUB.
Introduction
Following this introduction the manual covers unpacking, installation, setup,
connections and use, and also includes sections that describe installation
and use of the optional BluOS NPM and HDMI modules. The manual
begins with a short overview of the DALI SOUND HUB.
3

1. SOUND HUB Overview
The DALI SOUND HUB is a control preamplifier and source
selection hub for DALI wireless speaker systems such as the
OBERON C, CALLISTOC and RUBICONC series.
The DALI SOUND HUB takes both wired audio sources and
wireless audio streams and broadcasts them wirelessly to
connected active speakers.
The SOUND HUB has five wired audio inputs and can
also connect to Bluetooth audio devices. The wired inputs
comprise analogue mini-jack and RCA phono sockets, a
coaxial digital input, and two TOSLINK optical digital sockets.
SOUND HUB Bluetooth is compatible with the SBC, AAC,
aptX and aptX HD audio streaming formats. In addition to its
wireless speaker connections, the SOUND HUB is fied with
mono subwoofer and stereo preamplifier outputs.
The input and output capabilities of the DALI SOUND HUB
can be expanded by the installation of one or two optional
modules:
The NPM-1 and NPM-2i modules employ the BluOS
streaming platform to enable the SOUND HUB to play audio
from a range of network streaming services, music libraries,
internet radio and USB storage. The NPM-2i module diers
from the NPM-1 module by incorporating Apple Airplay 2
streaming technology. Installation and use of an NPM module is
described and illustrated in Section7 / page38.
The HDMI module adds an input for HDMI ARC or HDMI eARC
equipped TVs and incorporates Dolby Digital and DTS decoding
to enable the SOUND HUB to broadcast to multi-channel
speaker systems. Installation and use of the HDMI module is
described and illustrated in Section8 / page46.
HDMI eARC (sometimes referred to as HDMI 2.X) is a
technology that enables far higher quali audio performance
than HDMI ARC. In particular, eARC is able to transmit up to 8
channels of uncompressed, high-resolution audio from a TV to
audio devices such as a DALI SOUND HUB. If your TV oers
both ARC and eARC connection or seings options, always use
the eARC option to connect your DALI SOUND HUB.
The SOUND HUB can be controlled using either its front
panel controls or the supplied Bluetooth connected remote
control. If an NPM module is installed, the SOUND HUB can
also be controlled via the BluOS Controller app, and if an HDMI
module is fied a TV remote control can also be used for some
functions.
4

AUX IN
RCA IN OPTICAL IN OPTICAL IN USB POWER/
SERVICE
COAXIALPRE OUT POWER
15V 2.8A
L R L R
Input
Output
SUB OUT
PLUG-IN MODULE PLUG-IN MODULE
Pre Out Power In USB Power
Out /Service
Sub Out
D 1: SOUND HUB Rear Panel
RCA In AUX In Coaxial In Optical In Optical In (TV) Module 2 Module 1
1. SOUND HUB Overview
5

Mute Source Select Volume ControlStandby
1. SOUND HUB Overview
RCA InAUX InCoaxial InOptical In BluetoothOptical In (TV)Module 1 Module 2
D 2: SOUND HUB Front Panel
6

Mute Source SelectStandby
D 3: Remote Control
1. SOUND HUB Overview
Module 2
Module 1Optical In (TV)
Optical In
RCA In
Bluetooth AUX In Coaxial In
Volume Down Volume Up
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HYBRIDTWEETER
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OBERONC
OBERON 1C CALLISTO 2C CALLISTO 6COBERON 7COBERON ON-WALL C
OBERON VOKAL C
CALLISTOC
RUBICON 2C RUBICON 6C RUBICON 8C
RUBICONC
WIRELESS SUBWOOFER
RECEIVER
WSR
The DALI SOUND HUB can be used with the DALI speakers illustrated below
and the DALI Wireless Subwoofer Receiver WSR.
D 4: Setups
1. SOUND HUB Overview
8

D 5: In the box
2. Unpacking
The contents of the DALI SOUND HUB pack is illustrated in
DiagramD5 / page9 and listed below.
1: SOUND HUB
2: Power supply with international mains socket adaptors
3: Bluetooth remote control and baeries
4: Document pack
Take care when unpacking your SOUND HUB. A transparent
protection film is applied over the top surface and the front
panel display. We recommend that the protection film is le in
place until your SOUND HUB is installed in its final location.
NOTE:
We suggest that you retain your SOUND HUB packaging for
future use. However, if that is not possible please dispose of it
responsibly.
DALI SOUND HUB
× 1
× 4
× 1
× 1
9

3. Installation and Setup
3.1 Location
Your DALI SOUND HUB can be located predominantly as
is convenient, although it should be located within the same
room as the speakers it is to be connected to and no more
than 10 metres (33 ) from any of them. We recommend the
SOUND HUB is placed on a furniture unit or shelf however
the only constraints are accessibili to mains power and to
the signal cables for any wired audio sources.
NOTE:
Thanks to its Bluetooth remote control, your SOUND HUB
can be placed inside a closed cupboard or otherwise out of
sight.
If you intend to fit either or both of the SOUND HUB modules
you should do so before the SOUND HUB is in its final
position. Refer to Section7 / page38 and Section8 /
page46 for instructions on installing the modules.
< 10 m / 33 < 10 m / 33 
SOUND
HUB
10

3. Installation and Setup
3.2 Getting Started and Switching On
Begin your DALI SOUND HUB installation process by
following the steps below.
• Install baeries in the SOUND HUB remote control.
DiagramD6 / page11 illustrates baery installation.
• With the location of your SOUND HUB selected and any
modules fied, plug the power supply cable into the rear
panel POWER socket illustrated in DiagramD 1 / page5
and then plug the power supply into an appropriate mains
power socket.
• Switch on your SOUND HUB by pressing the front panel
Standby buon illustrated in DiagramD2 / page6. The
SOUND HUB remote control will automatically connect via
Bluetooth within 30 seconds.
2 x
D 6: Inserting baeries
NOTE:
If your SOUND HUB has been previously used it
may need to be reset to its defaults.
To reset your SOUND HUB, follow the
instructions in Section6.3 / page35.
11

If your SOUND HUB has an HDMI
module installed, up to seven speaker
positions and one subwoofer position can
be connected, however the three DALI
wireless speaker series (OBERON C,
CALLISTOC, RUBICONC) oer some
models that are only able to assume
specific channel roles. The speakers and
roles are specified in the adjacent table.
If your SOUND HUB has no HDMI module
installed, it can connect to only stereo
le and right speaker positions and a
subwoofer. In either case the subwoofer
can be connected to the SOUND HUB
wired subwoofer output or via a DALI
WSR Wireless Subwoofer Receiver.
3. Installation and Setup
3.3 Connecting Speakers
Model Front Le Front Right Centre Side Le Side Right Rear Le Rear Right Sub
OBERON C
CALLISTOC
RUBICONC
WSR
T 1 : Speaker channel assignments
NOTE:
The way in which your SOUND HUB routes audio to a DALI WSR Wireless Subwoofer Receiver,
or to its wired subwoofer output, depends on the pe of audio material. If the material is multi-
channel encoded and input via a SOUND HUB HDMI module, the subwoofer will play the decoded
LFE (Low Frequency Eects) signal. If however the material is conventional stereo, the subwoofer
will output an appropriately low-pass filtered component of the signal. In this case, the front le
and right speaker output signals will also be appropriately high-pass filtered, depending on the
size of the speakers.
Always use the LFE input on the subwoofer when connecting the SOUND HUB or the DALI WSR.
If the subwoofer has no LFE input, connect to its standard line input and either switch its low-pass
filter to bypass or set its low-pass filter frequency to maximum.
12

3. Installation and Setup
3.3 Connecting Speakers
To establish the connections between the
SOUND HUB and your DALI wireless active
speakers and any DALI WSR equipped
subwoofer, follow the steps below.
The SOUND HUB speaker connection
procedure is illustrated in DiagramD 7 /
page14 and DiagramD8 / page15.
• Check that the speakers and any subwoofer
(or DALI WSR Wireless Subwoofer
Receiver) to be used are connected to mains
power and switched on. Refer to their user
manuals to identi their power switch if
necessary.
• Press the LINK & CONNECT buon on your
SOUND HUB. The top panel position display
will illuminate and the front panel volume
indicator will illuminate cyclically.
• Go to one of the speakers (or the WSR if
in use), and press its LINK & CONNECT
buon. The channel matrix indicator on the
speaker rear panel will illuminate cyclically
while connection to the SOUND HUB is
underway. When connection is established,
the cyclic illumination will stop, leaving the
channel matrix indicators flashing slowly. If
the SOUND HUB is equipped with an HDMI
module, multiple channel indicators will flash.
Otherwise, only the stereo le and right
indicators will flash, indicating that these are
the only channels available. The speaker will
play a short confirmation tone.
• With the speaker or WSR connected
to the SOUND HUB, it can be assigned
to a channel. The channel matrix display
incorporates indicators at each channel
position, and pressing the speaker LINK
& CONNECT buon changes the channel
assigned to the speaker. Press the LINK
& CONNECT buon repeatedly until
the required channel for the speaker is
highlighted.
• Repeat the channel assignment procedure
for each speaker or the WSR and when
each one is done return to your SOUND
HUB. Veri, from continuously illuminated
SOUND HUB top panel indicators that
all required channels are assigned. Now
press the SOUND HUB rear panel LINK &
CONNECT buon to complete the speaker
connection process. All the speakers will play
a short confirmation tone, the SOUND HUB
top panel display will switch o, and the front
panel indicator will return to volume display.
Once all speakers are connected to your
SOUND HUB we recommend that you
carry out the Speaker Balance Adjustment
(Section5.7 / page27) and Speaker
Distance Adjustment (Section5.8 /
page29) routines. In addition to enabling
balance and distance adjustment, these
routines provide a check on speaker and
channel assignments.
NOTE:
Setup indication on the WSR is simplified as it
only oers one channel option.
13

NOTE:
SOUND HUB without
HDMI module.
The SOUND HUB must be switched ON.
D 7: Connecting Speakers
3. Installation and Setup
3.3 Connecting Speakers
Press the LINK & CONNECT buon on
the SOUND HUB.
Press the LINK & CONNECT buon on
the SOUND HUB.
HUB
HUB
L
L
R
R
5-10
sec.
Press the LINK & CONNECT buon on
the LEFT speaker.
Press the LINK & CONNECT buon
repeatedly to select the required
channel.
HUB
LR
5-10
sec.
Press the LINK & CONNECT buon on
the RIGHT speaker.
Press the LINK & CONNECT buon
repeatedly to select the required
channel.
HUB
LR
5-10
sec.
A
B
C
D
E
F
14

3. Installation and Setup
3.3 Connecting Speakers
D 8: Multi-Channel Home Theatre System
The SOUND HUB must be switched ON.
Press the LINK & CONNECT
buon on the SOUND HUB.
Press the LINK & CONNECT
buon on the SOUND HUB.
5-10
sec.
Press the LINK & CONNECT
buon on the first speaker.
Repeat procedure for each speaker.
Press the LINK & CONNECT buon
repeatedly if necessary to select the
required channel.
5-10
sec.
NOTE:
System with SOUND HUB
including HDMI module.
AB
C
D
F
15

AUX IN
RCA IN OPTICAL IN OPTICAL IN USB POWER/
SERVICE
COAXIALPRE OUT POWER
15V 2.8A
L R L R
Input
Output
SUB OUT
PLUG-IN MODULE PLUG-IN MODULE
Right
speaker Le speaker
Amplifier
3. Installation and Setup
3.4 Connecting an External Power Amplifier
Your SOUND HUB provides a stereo pair of preamplifier
output RCA Phono sockets intended for the connection of
a separate audio power amplifier. The preamplifier outputs
mirror the SOUND HUB stereo le and right wireless
speaker channels.
NOTE:
If the system combines wireless centre and surround
speakers with wired front speakers, the wired outputs
will be delayed slightly to time-align them with the wireless
speakers. This will maintain accurate timing throughout the
system.
NOTE:
The SOUND HUB’s wireless le and right front speaker
channels will be muted if the wired preamplifier outputs are
connected. Likewise, a wirelessly connected subwoofer will
be muted if the wired subwoofer output is connected.
Le input
Amplifier Le
speaker
Right
speaker
Right input
16

With speakers connected to your SOUND HUB, you can
connect wired and wireless audio sources.
4.1 Bluetooth Audio
If you wish to stream audio to your SOUND HUB and
speakers from a Bluetooth device such as a mobile phone,
tablet or laptop, the device and the SOUND HUB must be
paired.
• To initiate Bluetooth pairing, the SOUND HUB Bluetooth
input must first be selected using the Source Select buon
on the SOUND HUB front panel or remote control. The
SOUND HUB display Bluetooth indicator will flash slowly.
• Now go to the mobile device you wish to connect, open its
Bluetooth seings menu and look for “DALI SOUND HUB”
in the list of available devices. Select “DALI SOUND HUB”
to complete pairing. The SOUND HUB Bluetooth indicator
will stop flashing.
4. Connecting Audio Sources
NOTE:
The SOUND HUB Bluetooth input supports SBC, AAC,
AptX and AptX HD formats.
NOTE:
Bluetooth pairing is only possible when the SOUND
HUB Bluetooth input is selected. Further devices can
be paired while an existing Bluetooth connection is
active, however the Bluetooth indicator will not flash in
this instance.
NOTE:
Your SOUND HUB can be paired with up to eight
Bluetooth devices and connected to two devices
simultaneously, although only one device at a time can
play audio. When the pairing limit is reached, any newly
paired device will delete the oldest paired device.
17

4. Connecting Audio Sources
4.1 Bluetooth Audio
Aer pairing a device with
the SOUND HUB, you can
subsequently connect it via
Bluetooth independently of
source selection. You can also
wake the SOUND HUB from
standby with Bluetooth if no other
Bluetooth device is connected.
You can disconnect currently
connected Bluetooth device(s)
from your SOUND HUB or
change its Bluetooth name.
• To disconnect the currently connected Bluetooth
device(s), press and hold the SOUND HUB front
panel Mute ( ) buon. When the display shows
“b_”, release the buon. The pairings are not
deleted, so the devices may still be reconnected
later to the SOUND HUB as described above.
• The default SOUND HUB Bluetooth name is
“DALI SOUND HUB”. Alternative names from
“DALI SOUND HUB 1” to “DALI SOUND HUB 9”
can be selected.
• To change the default name press and hold the
SOUND HUB front panel Mute ( ) buon.
When the display shows “b_”, turn the Volume
Control until the desired name option is displayed,
then release the Mute buon. The new DALI
SOUND HUB name will now be displayed when
Bluetooth devices are paired or connected.
18

4. Connecting Audio Sources
4.2 Wired Audio
You can connect any wired audio sources
you wish to use with your SOUND HUB to its
rear panel connection sockets. These audio
sources might include a CD player, a phono
preamp equipped turntable, or a TV. DiagramD 1
/ page5 illustrates the SOUND HUB
connection sockets.
NOTE:
The USB socket found on the SOUND HUB rear
panel cannot be used for connection of an audio
source. However, it includes a power output and
can be used to charge or power a range of USB
devices. If your SOUND HUB is equipped with a
DALI NPM module, you can connect USB audio
sources to the USB socket found on this module.
We suggest that the SOUND HUB connection sockets are used for the
following audio source pes:
• OPTICAL IN: CD player or other audio source device equipped with an
optical digital output.
• OPTICAL IN (TV): TV equipped with an optical digital output. If the TV is
equipped with an HDMI (ARC) connection and your SOUND HUB is fied
with the DALI HDMI module, always use this in preference to the optical
connection.
• COAXIAL IN: CD player or other audio source device equipped with a coaxial
digital output.
• RCA IN L(e) & R(ight): CD player, phono preamplifier or other audio source
device equipped with a line level analogue output.
• AUX IN (mini-jack): Portable music player or other audio source device
equipped with a line level or headphone level analogue audio output.
If your SOUND HUB is fied with an HDMI module, this module provides an
input for HDMI ARC or eARC equipped TVs. The HDMI module also supports
Dolby Digital and DTS decoding for broadcast to multi-channel speaker
systems comprising up to 7.1 channels. Decoding is optional, as eARC TVs are
able to transmit un-encoded audio to the SOUND HUB. Installation and use of
the HDMI module is described and illustrated in Section8 / page46.
19

4. Connecting Audio Sources
4.3 Connecting Network Audio Streams
If your SOUND HUB is fied with an NPM
module it will be able to connect to a home WiFi
or Ethernet network and play audio from a wide
range of music streaming services, network
music libraries and internet radio stations. Use
of the NPM module is described in Section7 /
page38.
20