Episode EVC-100R User manual

EVC-100R & EVC-100S
Volume Control Installation Guide
2 Pre-construction
3 Impedance settings
5 Installation
7 Diagram
8 Specifications

Congratulations on selecting an
Episode™ volume control
Episode is one of the most highly-regarded brands of
electronics and speakers available today. We appreciate
your business and we stand committed to providing our
customers with the highest degree of quality and service
in the industry.
The Episode EVC-100R and EVC-100S are 12-step stereo
volume controls that feature selectable impedance-match
settings of 1X, 2X, 4X, and 8X. This allows you to connect
multiple speakers to an amplifier without overloading the
amplifier.
Pre-construction
Both the EVC-100R and the EVC-100S fit easily into the
majority of 18 cubic inch single-gang boxes and rings
available today. If local building code allows, use of a ring
provides for the easiest installation as the full depth of the
wall is accessible. Some building codes allow low voltage
devices such as volume controls to be enclosed in the
same electrical boxes as 110 volt devices. Episode does not
recommend this type of installation as interference may
be introduced to the audio signal. For the same reason,
take care not to install volume controls next to high
wattage light dimmers.

Wiring
The EVC-100R and the EVC-100S can accommodate
14 to 22-gauge speaker wire. The longer your run, the
thicker the wire should be. All in-wall and in-ceiling wire
installations are subject to local code fire ratings. Never
use lamp or zip cord. Always use multi-strand copper
speaker wire for your installations. UV protected wire
should be used for outdoor installations.
• Check your local building and fire rating codes for
low voltage device installation & wiring requirements
before you begin your installation.
• In existing construction installations, check for
obstructions such as any pipes, conduit or wiring before
cutting into drywall.
Setting the impedance switch
Take note of the following when determining impedance:
• The minimum impedance rating of the amplifier being
used.
• The number of speakers being connected to the
amplifier channel.
• The impedance of the speakers being connected to the
amplifier channel.

Carefully determine the system impedance using these
two formulas:
1. Impedance Rating of Speakers divided by the number
of speakers connected to channel = System Impedance
Is/N=It
2. Amplifiers Minimum Impedance Rating / by System
Impedance = Impedance Match Switch Setting Im/
It=X.
Example
If the amplifier’s minimum impedance rating = 8Ωand
you wish to connect four 8 ohm speakers to a single
amplifier channel:
• 8Ωspeakers / by 4 speakers = 2Ωsystem impedance
• 8Ωamplifier / by 2Ωsystem impedance = 4X switch
setting
If connecting speakers of dierent impedances to an
amplifier, determine an average impedance; 6Ωspeakers
should be entered into the equation as 4Ωspeakers. All
volume controls connected to the amplifier must have the
same impedance match setting. To avoid damage, never
go below an amplifier’s minimum impedance rating. Both
the EVC-100R and EVC-100S have minimum impedance
ratings of 4Ω. Do not exceed this minimum.

Installation and wiring
Episode volume control connectors do not require
screwdrivers. Simply flip the levers up on each connector
before inserting the wire. Insert the wires then snap the
levers down. The spring-loaded mechanism holds the
wires in place.
Caution: Confirm the amplifier is powered o before
connecting any volume control wires to it.
Do not connect the wires from the amplifier to the
volume control until you measured the resistance
between the + and – of each pair of wires being
connected to the amplifier’s speakers outputs using an
ohm meter. This value should never be below 3.5Ω.
A reading of less than 3.5Ωmay mean the volume
control’s input and output connectors have been
reversed. An open reading likely indicates a polarity
reversal.
1. Strip back 1/4" of insulation from each wire being
connected to the volume control. Twist the exposed
conductors tightly so that there are no stray strands.
2. Connect the wires going to each speaker to the
connector labeled SPEAKERS. Make sure to maintain
proper polarity.

3. Verify the amplifier or receiver being used is turned o,
then connect the wire coming from the amplifier to the
connector labeled AMPLIFIER.
4. Verify there are no stray strands or exposed wire
outside of the connector to avoid a short. Make sure
the connector is tightened down on bare wire and not
insulation. Install the connectors back on to the volume
control circuit board. Verify the connectors are in the
correct place on the volume control.
Caution: Reversing the amplifier & speaker connectors
can damage the amplifier, volume control, and the
speakers and is not covered under warranty.
5. The volume control is supplied with white and almond
parts. If changing the color of the trim plate, press
the two plate tabs (only one tab for the slider volume
control) on one end of the volume control then push
towards the knob shaft or slider lever. Replace the plate
with the color of your choice, then push the knob into
place. When installing the slider plate, be sure to align
the slider knob with the slider mechanism.
6. Install the volume control in the box or ring using the
two longer screws provided. Do not force the volume
control into the ring or box to avoid the connectors
becoming loose or wires being forced out.

7. Place the Decora plate over the volume control, then
insert and tighten the short color-matched screws until
the cover is tight and flush with the wall.
L+ L- R- R+
L+ L- R- R+
To speakers
To amplifier
To amplifier
EVC-100R
L+ L- R- R+
L+ L- R- R+
EVC-100S To speakers
Impedance
switch
8X
4X
2X
1X
Remove front plate
and knob for
Impedance switch
8X
4X
2X
1X

Specifications
Power rating 100 Watts continuous or 200
Watts Peak Music Power per
channel
Frequency response 20 - 20KHz, +/- 0.5 dB into
8Ω
Total harmonic
distortion
<1%
Impedance settings 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x
Speaker load
impedances
4, 6, or 8Ω
Dynamic range 54dB
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as Wirepath Home Systems, LLC), in the United States and/or other countries.
4Store, 4Sight, Control4, Control4 My Home, SnapAV, Episode, Wirepath, and
Wirepath ONE are also registered trademarks or trademarks of Snap One, LLC.
Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of their respective
owners. Snap One makes no claim that the information contained herein covers all
installation scenarios and contingencies, or product use risks. Information within this
specification subject to change without notice.
200-01170 – INSTALL GUIDE, EVC-100X-WHLA
230428