MPS VAR-96-8CH User manual

20220912
mpsacoustics.com | 866-557-8438 | PO Box 41 Allen, TX 75013
MP
VAR-96-8CH / VAR-CTLV2
CONTROLLERS
Content
VoiceArrest Sound Masking System User Guide
1 Overview ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������2
2 Specications ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������3
3 Connections�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������5
4 Installation������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 6
4.1 Safety Instructions ���������������������������������������������������������� 6
4.2 Securing the Controller . �������������������������������������������������7
4.3 Powering the Controller��������������������������������������������������7
4.4 Connecting Loudspeakers �������������������������������������������� 8
4�4�1 VAR-96-8CH����������������������������������������������������������� 8
4.4.2 VAR-CTLV2 ������������������������������������������������������������ 9
4.5 Connecting Active Volume Control Sensors ������ 10
4.6 Connecting Volume Control Knobs �������������������������11
4.7 Connecting Music and Paging Sources������������������ 12
5 Conguration ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 13
5.1 Project Manager Software ������������������������������������������ 13
5.2 Touch Screen Interface �������������������������������������������������14
5.2.1 Home Interface ������������������������������������������������������14
5.2.2 Sound Masking Volume Interface������������������14
5.2.3 Sound Masking Equalizer Interface���������������14
5.2.4 Music Volume Interface ������������������������������������15
5.2.5 Settings Interface ������������������������������������������������15
5.2.6 Pass-Code Interface ������������������������������������������� 15
5.2.7 Display Interface �������������������������������������������������15

20220912
mpsacoustics.com | 866-557-8438 | PO Box 41 Allen, TX 75013
1 Overview
Appropriate for small projects to the biggest installations, the VoiceArrest sound
masking system is simple and highly versatile, without compromise on sound masking
performance and quality.
This user manual describes in details how to install the VoiceArrest rack-mount series
of controllers.
The rack-mount series of controller oers powerful ampliers ideal for larger sound
masking systems.
The VAR-96-8CH controller features powerful ampliers capable of driving up to 12
speakers per zone for a total of 96 loudspeaker per controller.
The VAR-CTLV2 controller is a line-level version of the VAR-96-8CH which requires
external ampliers to drive loudspeakers.
Both the VAR-96-8CH and VAR-CTLV2 oer an intuitive touch-screen interface for
quick adjustments.
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20220912
mpsacoustics.com | 866-557-8438 | PO Box 41 Allen, TX 75013
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Specications VAR-96-8CH VAR-CTLV2
Can be a Project Master? Yes
Outputs
Nb. Outputs 8
Max Speakers/Output 12 75
Max Speakers/Controller 96 600
Sound Masking
Volume 30 to 92 dBA in 0.1 dB steps and
mute 90 dB dynamic in 0.1dB steps and mute
Equalizer 23 1/3 octave bands (63 Hz to 10 kHz) or 500 narrow bands automatic equalizer
Reference Spectrum 13 pre-set sound-masking reference spectrums, unlimited user dened
spectrums
Volume Ramp-Up User dened, up to 30 days
Active Volume Control
Nb. Inputs18 (4 shared)
Max Sensors/Input 6
Control Independent sound masking volume adjustment for each output channel
Masking Volume Change
Rate Adjustable down to 0.1dB steps, updates every 15s
Active Adjustment Range User dened; maximum range: -7 to +3 dB relative to reference masking level
Music and Paging
Nb. Inputs14 (4 shared)
Mixer Independent for each output channel
Volume 30 to 92 dBA in 0.1dB steps and mute 90 dB dynamic in 0.1dB steps and mute
Equalizer 20 1/3rd octave bands
Volume Control Knobs
Nb. Inputs 2
Mixer Independent for each output channel (Sound Masking and/or Paging and
Music)
Volume Range User dened
Emergency Mute Relay
Function Mute Sound Masking and Music during an Emergency event
Touch Screen Interface
Features Adjust Sound Masking Volume and Equalizer and Music Volume for every Zone

20220912
mpsacoustics.com | 866-557-8438 | PO Box 41 Allen, TX 75013
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Volume Range 20 dB, at 0.5dB step and mute
Security User dened passcode
Volume Schedule
Schedule 24 hour periods per day, 7 days
Volume 0.1dB steps
Transition Ramp Instant, 2m30, 5min, 10min, or 15min
Schedule Mixer Independent for each output channel (Sound Masking and/or Paging and
Music)
Daylight Saving Time Automatic Adjustment depending on local time zone settings
Monitoring
Diagnosis Automatic
Reporting System diagnosis report sent by email and/or stored locally
Requirement Computer running Project Manager Software
LEED
Feature Controller can be put in low-power
mode according to daily schedule No ampliers
Schedule 7 daily periods per week (user dened)
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0, Mini B connector
Wi2802.11b/g/n, WEP 40/64-bits or WPA/WPA2 personal, 450 kbps (Wi module
can be disabled if not required)
Ethernet DHCP or Static IP, 350 kbps
Power
Input 24 VDC
Rating 150W 15W
Power-Supply EA-1050
Physical
Dimensions 430mm x 190mm x 44mm (16.9” x 7,5” x 1,75”) (1U rack mount brackets)
Weight 1,7kg (3,8lb), including power pack
Certications
Compliance ETL Listed 3191772
Safety UL 60065 / ULC 60065
Fire Test UL 2043
Electromagnetic FCC – EN 55103-1&2
1: A shared input can be an active volume control sensor input OR a
paging/music input. 2: Wi module can be disabled if it’s not required

20220912
mpsacoustics.com | 866-557-8438 | PO Box 41 Allen, TX 75013
3 Connections
VAR-96-8CH
VA R-C TLV 2
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20220912
mpsacoustics.com | 866-557-8438 | PO Box 41 Allen, TX 75013
4 Installation
4.1 Safety Instructions
• Read and keep these instructions.
• Heed all warnings and follow all instructions contained within this manual.
• Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Clean only with dry cloth.
• Do not install near water.
• Do not block any ventilation openings.
• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
• Use the power cord with sealed mains plug appropriate for your local main supply
as provided with the equipment. If the provided plug does not t into you outlet
contact the manufacturer.
• Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Only use attachments and accessories specied by the manufacturer.
• Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as when the 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.
• Operate the product only with the voltage specied on the unit. Fire and/or
electric shock may result if a higher voltage is used.
• Do not modify, kink, or cut the power cord. Do not place the power cord in close
proximity to heaters and do not place heavy objects on the power cord and/or the
product itself, doing so may result in re or electrical shock.
• Be sure the installation of this product is stable, avoid slanted surfaces as the
product may fall and cause injury, property damage, electrocution and/or re.
• Do not open the cover.
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20220912
mpsacoustics.com | 866-557-8438 | PO Box 41 Allen, TX 75013
4.2 Securing the Controller
The VoiceArrest controllers with a rack-mount form factor are designed
to be installed in a standard 19” rack-mount cabinet using the provided
mounting brackets. The enclosures are 1.7” high and occupy a 1U space.
It’s recommended to leave some room above each controller to allow air
circulation.
4.3 Powering the Controller
The rack-mount controllers are delivered with their own power-supply
units. Only one controller can be powered per power-supply unit. Place the
power-supply in the dedicated bay.
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20220912
mpsacoustics.com | 866-557-8438 | PO Box 41 Allen, TX 75013
Speaker Model VA-SPK VA-DIRECT VA-SURF4 VA-FLAT VA-HDN VA-VIBX
Max. Nb. Speakers
per Output 12 12 12 12 6 6
Tap Setting 0dB (4W) 4W 4W 4W --- 0dB
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4.4 Connecting Loudspeakers
4.4.1 VAR-96-8CH
Sound masking loudspeakers are typically suspended from the deck, above the
acoustic ceiling tiles. Dierent types of loudspeaker can be used depending on the
installation requirement. Refer to the loudspeaker user guide for more information.
Use 18-AWG 2-Conductors wire to connect the loudspeakers to the VoiceArrest
controller. Use plenum rated cable and follow local regulations. Typical wire will
be 18/2 FT4. All speakers on a channel are connected in parallel using twist-on
connectors.
Refer to the Design Guidelines Handbook for guidelines on loudspeaker layout and
zone denition according to room characteristics.
Speaker Load Specications for VAR-96-8CH

20220912
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4.4.2 VAR-CTLV2
The VAR-CTLV2 does not include power ampliers. External ampliers must be used
to drive loudspeakers. The recommended power amplier is the Ashly TRA-2150.
Using the VAR-CTLV2 paired with an external amplier allows to increase the number
of speakers. Note that the output level may be reduced due to a lower sensitivity tap
setting on the speakers.
Speaker Load Specications for VAR-CTLV2
Specications
Max Output Power: Per
Channel, 80Hz-20kHz, 1%
THD, All Channels Driven
4 Ohms 150W
8 Ohms 80W
Constant Voltage Options:
80Hz-20kHz,1% THD, All
Channels Driven
25V (per channel) 150W
70V (per channel) 150W
100V (per channel) 150W

20220912
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4.5 Connecting Active Volume Control Sensors
The best location to put the active sound masking volume control sensor is through
the acoustic tile. Sensors must be installed, if possible, in a central position to catch
most of the noise in the zone.
Connect the sensor with 22 AWG shielded cable and BCN connectors. Up to 6 sensors
can be connected on the active input. Connect the shield wire on the negative
terminal on the controller end only, do not connect the shield on the sensor terminal
and let it oat. If many sensors are used, connect the shield between them to ensure
continuity.
Note: When a long cable is used, it’s recommended to run the cable separate from the speaker lines. A minimal
distance on 12 inches between the speaker wires and the volume control cable is recommended.
Refer to the Active Control Sensor User Guide for more information on Active Control.
Refer to the Design Guidelines Handbook for more information on sensor layout.

20220912
mpsacoustics.com | 866-557-8438 | PO Box 41 Allen, TX 75013
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4.6 Connecting Volume Control Knobs
Up to two volume control knobs can be connected to control the sound masking
volume and/or the music and paging volume. Use the VA-RC Zone Volume Control
Knob for this application.
VA-RC Zone Volume Control Knob
Use 22 AWG shielded cable to connect the volume controls. Connect the “CTRL”
connector to the red wire and the “COM” connector to the black wire. Connect the red
wire to the “+” connector on the controller and the black wire on the “-“ connector.
Connect the shield on the “-“ connector on the VoiceArrest controller side and leave it
disconnected on the volume control side.
Note: When a long cable is used, it’s recommended to run the cable separate from the speaker lines. A minimal
distance on 12 inches between the speaker wires and the volume control cable is recommended.
The volume control input can also be used to turn OFF sound masking and music
during a re alarm. For more information, refer to the Application Note on “How to
mute sound masking during a re alarm”.
For some applications, it’s useful to have a volume knob directly on the speaker line.
For more information, refer to the VA-RC Zone Volume Control.

20220912
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4.7 Connecting Music and Paging Sources
The auxiliary inputs can be used to connect any line-level music or paging source
to the system. The auxiliary input range is ±2 V. Only mono channel sources can be
connected (no stereo).
It is recommended to use the auxiliary input 1 for paging as this input features
a trigger allowing to lower the volume of masking and music during the public
announcement. Refer to the Project Manager User Guide for more information.
Use shielded cable when distributing the auxiliary signal to additional VoiceArrest
controllers. It’s recommended to connect the shield to the ground terminal to lower
any noise.
When powering multiple units from the same source, ensure that the source is strong
enough. Otherwise, use a preamp to increase the signal strength. As an example, an
iPod can drive up to 3 VoiceArrest controllers directly but requires a preamp when
driving more than 3 units. Additionally, ground loops and other problems can arise
when connecting multiple controller units together. To avoid these problems, a small
isolation transformer is available. Refer to the Application Note on the AUX-ISO
isolation transformer for more information.
When telephone paging is required, it is recommended to use a telephone interface
such as the BOGEN UTI312. Refer to the Application Note on “Using the Bogen
UTI-312 as a paging source for more information” .

20220912
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5 Conguration
5.1 Project Manager Software
The controllers are congured using the VoiceArrest Project Manager software. The
Project Manager software communicates with the controllers using either:
• USB,
• WiFi,
• or Ethernet.
All these communication interfaces can be used transparently on the same project
meaning that VoiceArrest controllers can be connected using USB, Wi-Fi or Ethernet
without limitation.
Note that communication is required to change system parameters but is not required
for normal operation unless an end-user control panel or system monitoring is
required.
Refer to the VoiceArrest Project Manager User Guide for more information.

20220912
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5.2 Touch Screen Interface
The VAR-96-8CH and VAR-CTLV2 oer a touch-screen interface that allows
adjusting basic parameters directly on the front panel.
5.2.1 Home Interface
The Home interface allows the user to select the zone and adjust the volume of either
masking or music by clicking on the corresponding button.
Note: If zones are dened in the Project Manager Software, the touch-panel will use these zone names. If no
zones are dened, the touch-panel will use “Output 1” to “Output 8”.
5.2.2 Sound Masking Volume Interface
The Sound Masking Volume interface allows dening the sound masking volume for
the selected zone. Drag the cursor or click on the Up/Down buttons to adjust the
volume. Click on the Mute button to mute and click on the Equalizer button to go to
the Masking Equalizer Interface.
5.2.3 Sound Masking Equalizer Interface
The Sound Masking Equalizer interface allows dening the sound masking equalizer
for the selected zone. Use the Up/Down buttons to select the preset Equalizer.
Note: If a custom equalizer is dened in the Project Manager Software, it will be stored as “Custom/Calibration”
equalizer.

20220912
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5.2.4 Music Volume Interface
The Sound Masking Volume interface allows to dene the music volume for the
selected zone. Drag the cursor or click on the Up/Down buttons to adjust the volume.
Click on the Mute button to mute.
5.2.5 Settings Interface
The Settings interface allows dening an access code, adjusting the display settings
such as brightness and accessing the device information such as the serial number.
5.2.6 Pass-Code Interface
The Pass-Code locks the touch-panel to limit modications to certain users. The
pass-code is a 4-digit code and it can be cleared or redened if the need arise.
5.2.7 Display Interface
The Display interface allows adjusting the display brightness and selecting the idle
mode to screen-saver or displaying o.
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