JBL Soundzone Z21S User manual

Rev. A
Z21S/Z32S
Soundzone Controllers
Owner’s Manual

WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS
HEED ALL WARNINGS
FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
CLEAN ONLY WITH A DAMP CLOTH.
DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS. INSTALL
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURERS INSTRUC-
TIONS.
DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIA-
TORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES; OR OTHER APPARATUS
THAT PRODUCE HEAT.
ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE
MANUFACTURER.
UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR
WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.
WATER AND MOISTURE: Appliance should not be used near
water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub,
in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc). Care should
be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into
the enclosure through openings.
POWER SOURCES: The appliance should be connected to a
power supply only of the type described in the operating instruc-
tions or as marked on the appliance.
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken
so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is
not defeated.
POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be
routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by
items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to
cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the appliance.
SERVICING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, the user
should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that
described in the operating instructions. All other servicing
should be referred to qualified service personnel.
FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE
RECEPTACLE: Replace fuse with same type and rating only.
MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use
of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on
the available power source at installation. Connect this equip-
ment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear
panel. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing
to qualified service personnel or equivalent.
The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that
warn of potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash
with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous
voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral
triangle indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the owner’s
manual.
These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the
unit. Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself.
Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any
reason will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If
liquid is spilled on the unit, shut it off immediately and take it to a deal-
er for service. Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent damage.
CAUTION
ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
This product conforms to EN60065 EMC requirement to EN55103-1,-2
Declaration Of Conformity available upon request.

1. Connect the included JBL power supply to the rear panel of the
Soundzone Controller and check that it powers up.
2. Connect a Left/Right RCA audio source to Source Input 1. Do
not put any audio through the unit at this time.
3. Turn the Source 1 Gain Knob on the rear panel of the unit all
the way COUNTER-CLOCKWISE.
4. Turn the front panel Source Level Knob all the way COUNTER-
CLOCKWISE.
5. On the front panel, select Source 1 with the Zone 1 Select
Knob.
6. Connect the Zone 1 Output to your power amplifier. Make sure
it is not powered up while making this connection, this will prevent
any nasty pops.
7. Turn on your power amplifier.
8. Turn on your audio source.
9. Slowly turn up the rear panel Source 1 gain until the Signal
LED is showing constant green.
10. Now turn up the front panel Source Level until you hear audio
through your source speakers.
11. Adjust EQ to the room, or to taste.
12. See page 12 for setting AutoWarmth™ and LevelGuard™.
Quick Start
QUICK START
1

1.0 INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 Sound Zone Controller 3
1.2 Other features 3
2.0 INSTALLATION 4
2.1 Unpacking 4
2.2 Mechanical Requirements 4
2.3 Mains Power 4
3.0 REAR PANEL 5
4.0 FRONT PANEL 8
5.0 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
SOUNDZONE CONTROLLER 10
5.1 Source 10
5.2 Zones 10
5.3 Volume 10
5.4 Autowarmth™ 10
5.5 LevelGuard™ 10
6.0 SETUP 11
6.1 Determining Source Priorities 11
6.2 Connecting Sources 11
6.3 Adjusting Source Gain 11
6.4 Use Of EQ 11
6.5 Using Subwoofer Crossover 12
6.6 Setting Up AutoWarmth™ method 1 12
6.7 Setting Up AutoWarmth™ method 2 13
6.8 Setting up LevelGuard™ 13
6.9 Security Cover 13
APPENDIX A 14
A.1 Setup Diagram 14
A.2 Optional Items 15
A.3 Schematic 16
A.3 Specifications 17
CONTENTS
Contents
2

1.1 JBL Soundzone
Controller
1.2 Other Soundzone
Features
The JBL Z21S/Z32S Soundzone Controllers are specifically
designed for flexible routing and control of multiple audio sources.
To facilitate this, JBL has equipped the Z21S/Z32S with a wide
array of input and output capabilities.
The Z32S has inputs for three stereo line (-10dB RCA) sources
and a microphone input. The Z32S outputs two stereo signals, two
subwoofer signals, and an isolated auxiliary output, all on
Euroblock connectors. Both Z21S/Z32S convert the incoming -
10dB signal and boost it to the +4dB output required by profes-
sional grade amplifiers.
JBL's AutoWarmth™ and LevelGuard™ controls give you excel-
lent sounding, easy to use equalization and dynamics control.
This circuitry allows the signal to be tailored for a wide variety of
rooms, taste, and volume requirements.
These features allow you to bring the same audio quality many of
your patrons are used to hearing at home into the realm of busi-
ness. The Soundzone Controllers have been designed to make
them easier to operate than any other product in their class. In
reality the feature set provided by the Soundzone Controllers puts
them in a class by themselves.
Soundzone Controllers also feature linking capability. This is
accomplished by connecting standard Category 5 UTP cables to
the Soundzone's LINK jacks.
Linking of multiple controllers provides additional output zones yet
does not increase the number of inputs. SOURCE Linking simply
allows multiple controllers to share the same input source, elimi-
nating the need for Y-cables. Main linking allows multiple con-
trollers to share Paging Mic, Music Mute, and Direct Input func-
tions. When multiple units are linked, there is no master or slave
designation. The functions are simply paralleled so that Sources,
Paging Mic, Music Mute, and Direct Input can be run into ANY of
the linked Sound Zone controllers.
JBL offers several optional remote control wall plates -- the ZR-
3SV, ZR-2SV, and the ZR-V. These plates provide for remote
source selection and/or volume adjustments from within a zone
location.
1.0 Introduction
INTRODUCTION
3

2.1 Unpacking
2.2 Mechanical
Requirements
This product is carefully checked before packing to ensure flaw-
less appearance and operation and that it reaches you in first
class condition.
After unpacking the unit, please inspect it for any physical dam-
age. If any damage has occurred, notify your dealer immediately.
A written claim for damages can then be initiated. Please retain
the shipping carton and all the packing materials for use should
the unit need to be transported or returned for any reason.
Adequate ventilation must be provided by allowing sufficient space
around the sides, top, and rear of the Z21S/Z32S to ensure free
circulation of air. Forced cooling is not required. The Z21S/Z32S
requires a vertical rack space of 1U. Failure to do so may dam-
age the case and invalidate the warranty.
.
INSTALLATION
2.0 Installation
4

Power Supply Input
Connect your included JBL power supply here. The power supply
can be left loose or double-sided tape is provided for holding the
power supply in place. Alternatively, the installer can affix the
power supply with a bracket of their own making.
Zone Output(s)
The Z21S/Z32S outputs utilize balanced Euroblock connectors.
These outputs carry the Left, Right, and Subwoofer signals.
Connect these to your zone power amplifier
AutoWarmth™ Trim Pot
This trim pot adjusts at what point AutoWarmth™ is engaged
Page Assign
This allows you to assign pages between output Zones. This can
be accomplished with a simple remote selector switch or can be
hard wired if pages are to the same Zone every time. Shorting a
zone pin (Z1 or Z2 or both) to the “+” pin assigns the page to that
zone.
Music Mute
This can be wired to a switch that mutes the background music
when pin 2 is shorted to ground pin 1.
NOTE 1: MUSIC MUTE DOES NOT MUTE THE PAGING MIC. IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, THE SYS-
TEM USER MAY NEED TO USE THE PAGING MIC FOR EMERGENCY ANNOUNCEMENTS.
NOTE 2: WHILE MODEL Z21S DOES NOT HAVE A MUSIC MUTE JACK, IT CAN ACCEPT A MUSIC
MUTE THROUGH THE MAIN LINK CABLE. THIS IS FOR INSTANCES WHERE THE Z21S AND Z32S ARE
LINKED TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL OUTPUT ZONE
E
D
C
B
5
3.0 Rear Panel
REAR PANEL
A
Boxes in black are the con-
trols also found on the JBL
Z21S Sound Zone Controller.
Model Z32S shown

VCA Accessory
This provides for future accessory implementation.
Source Inputs
Connect your RCA equipped source signals here.
Microphone Input
Connect the paging microphone here. Line level paging inputs
from telephone systems must be externally transformer isolated
and reduced in volume to microphone level.
High Pass Filter
This switch activates the Zone output 100 Hz High Pass Filter,
which allows all frequencies above 100Hz to pass. Use this filter if
the bass response of your room is too boomy, when you are using
inexpensive loudspeaker transformers or in conjunction with the
subwoofer crossover (see subwoofer crossover section).
AutoWarmth™ Indicators
These indicators flash red when the AutoWarmth circuitry is being
activated.
Zone Remote Jacks
These inputs are for the optional Remote Wall Plates ZR-3SV, ZR-
2SV, and ZR-V.
Isolated Auxiliary Output
This sends a transformer isolated mono signal for a music-on-hold
system, or for a separate mono auxiliary Zone. The +/- outputs are
600 Ohm transformer isolated so that they can interface to another
system (telephone or remote amplifier) without having undesirable
ground interaction. The level control adjusts the output level to
match a variety of applications.
NOTE : AS SHIPPED, THE SOURCE FEEDING THE AUXILIARY OUTPUT IS SELECTED BY THE ZONE 1
SOURCE SELECTOR. WHATEVER SOURCE IS SELECTED BY ZONE 1 IS WHAT COMES OUT OF THE
AUXILIARY OUTPUT. THIS CAN BE CHANGED TO ALWAYS BE SOURCE 1 BY MOVING AN INTERNAL
JUMPER FROM Z1 TO S1.
L
K
J
I
H
G
F
REAR PANEL
6
Boxes in black are the con-
trols also found on the JBL
Z21S Sound Zone Controller.
Z1 S1

Direct Input
The Direct Input signal is buffered and sent directly to the outputs.
This is useful for alarms, emergency pages, or for another priority
level of paging. The gain control adjusts the volume of Direct
Input to the Zones.
NOTE 1: THE DIRECT INPUT REQUIRES A LINE-LEVEL SIGNAL, A MICROPHONE PRE-AMP IS NEEDED
TO BOOST A MIC LEVEL SIGNAL BEFORE IT CAN BE RUN INTO THE DIRECT INPUT.
NOTE 2: WHILE MODEL Z21S DOES NOT HAVE A DIRECT INPUT JACK, IT CAN ACCEPT A DIRECT
INPUT SIGNAL THROUGH THE MAIN LINK CABLE. THIS IS FOR INSTANCES WHERE THE Z21S AND
Z32S ARE LINKED TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL OUTPUT ZONE. IN THIS CASE A VOLUME CONTROL IS
PROVIDED FOR THE ADJUSTMENT OF DIRECT INPUT TO THAT ZONE.
Priority Hold
Priority Hold smoothly adjusts the time it takes for the normal input
source to become audible after the priority source ceases. This
allows for compatibility with the many different types of priority
sources that exist in business environments.
Link Jacks
These inputs allow you to network multiple Soundzone controllers
together. The units are connected by standard Category 5 UTP
cables.
Phantom Power
This switch provides +12V power for condenser microphones.
P
O
N
M
7
REAR PANEL

FRONT PANEL
4.0 Front Panel
Source Selector
This knob selects which source is sending to that Zone,
or selects remote control with a Remote Wall Plate. For
the wall plate source selector to be active, this control
must be set to the REMOTE position.
Music Level Knob
This knob increases or decreases the output level of the
background music.
Mic Level Knob
This knob increases or decreases the level of the Paging
mic.
Bass & Treble Zone EQ
The Bass trim pot cuts/boosts the Zone’s low
frequencies. The Treble trim pot cuts/boosts the Zone’s
high frequencies.
Mono Switch
This switch reduces the stereo image to mono. This is
helpful for adjusting for mono input sources, or for stereo
input sources into a mono system.
Model Z32S shown
A
B
C
D
E
Circles in black
are the controls also
found on the JBL Z21S
Soundzone Controller.
ZONE 1 ZONE 2
REMOTE
1
2
3
SELECT LEVEL
SOURCE
LevelGuard™
MIC
SOURCE
Bass Treble
LevelGuard™
Threshold Mic
Minimum
Out Off
Stereo
Mono
On
Off
Source 3
Priority
SOURCE
Bass Treble
LevelGuard™
Threshold Mic
Minimum
Out Off
Stereo
Mono
On
Off
Source 3
Priority
REMOTE
1
2
3
SELECT LEVEL
SOURCE
LevelGuard™
MIC POWER
Bass Treble
Trigger
Sensitivity Ducking
Depth
MIC EQ
DUCKING
Min Max Off Max
A B C D E F
G H I J K L
8