Russound XLT User manual

A/V DISTRIBUTION & CONTROL SYSTEMS
XLT
Wall
Mount
Volume
Control
Instruction Manual
48

1. Introduction
The XLT StereoVolume Control is a wall-mount, Decora®-style, stereo speaker volume
control with built-in impedance-matching capabilities. It connects between the speak-
er-level output of an amplifier or receiver, speaker selector, etc. and a pair of speakers.
The application of the XLT is to adjust the volume of the connected speakers.
The XLT adjusts the volume of the speakers connected to it by adjusting the signal from
the amplifier to the speakers. All Russound volume controls are manufactured using a
high-quality autoformer design. Autoformers provide excellent frequency response and
efficient use of amplifier power.
2. P-Ring and Electrical Boxes
The depth of the volume control is 2 3/4”. A minimum 20 cubic inch junction box, or backless junction box (P-
ring) is required for mounting. Some building codes require that all low voltage devices be enclosed in electrical
boxes. Check your local building code.
3.Type of Speaker Wire
For most applications, we recommend you use 16 or 14 gauge, stranded copper speaker wire for the XLT volume
control. For wire runs longer than 100 feet, 14 gauge wire is recommended. Do not use wire that is larger than
14 gauge, as it may not fit into the junction box and it will not fit the connector on the XLT control. Never use
solid or aluminum electrical wire. When running speaker wires inside the walls, most states and municipalities in
the U.S. specify that you must use a speaker cable with a minimum fire rating of “CL-2”or “CL-3”. Consult your
Russound dealer or electrician. Russound offers “CL-3”rated speaker cable which is multi-stranded and enclosed
in temperature resistant PVC jackets specifically designed for this application.
ELECTRICAL CAUTION! Do not install your volume control in the same junction box with any electrical device.
Check the National Electric Code for minimum distance required for low voltage devices.
4. XLT Stereo Wall MountVolume Control Operation
The Russound XLT volume control is a combination of a standard and impedance-matching control. When used
with an impedance-matching speaker selector, the XLT volume control should be set in the X1 jumper position.
In this position, the speaker selector is providing the impedance matching and protection. When there is no
impedance-matching speaker selector in the system, the jumper on the volume control must be set in a position
that correctly multiplies the impedance of the system to a level that is equal to or greater than the impedance of
the amplifier.This will protect the amplifier from damage, and the jumper setting can be determined using the
following simple steps.
Step #1 - Determine the minimum impedance capability of the amplifier. Normally, this information can be
found near the speaker output terminals on the back of the amplifier. (Look for a measurement in OHMS.)
WRITETHE MINIMUM IMPEDANCE HERE:______________________________
Step #2 - Determine the impedance of the speakers. Most speakers have this information printed on the back
near the speaker terminals. Most speakers are 4Ωor 8Ω.
WRITETHE IMPEDANCE HERE:______________________________________
* If you are using speakers of different impedances, you need to determine the average or common impedance.
For example, a pair of 4Ωspeakers can be considered 2 pair of 8Ωspeakers.
Step #3 - Count the number of pairs of speakers connected to the amplifier.
WRITETHE NUMBER OF PAIRS HERE:_________________________________
Step #4 - By dividing the impedance of the speakers ( step #2) by the number of pairs of speakers (step #3), you
can determine the system impedance.
EXAMPLE: 8 ohm speakers ÷4 pair of speakers = 2 ohm system impedance.
1

Step #5 - Determine the proper jumper setting by dividing the amplifier impedance (step1) by the system imped-
ance (step 4). Note: if the resulting number is between 2 and 4, use 4X; if it is between 4 and 8, use 8X; if it is
greater than 8, reduce the number of pairs of speakers.
EXAMPLE: 8 ohm amplifier impedance ÷3 ohm system impedance = 2.7 jumper setting*
*because 2.7 is between 2 and 4, use the X4 jumper setting
X1 setting: Use this setting only when the XLT volume control is used with an impedance-matching speaker
selector.
The X2, X4 and X8 settings are used when you are not using an impedance-matching selector. Now that you
have determined the proper jumper settings, set all the volume controls in the system to the same setting (see dia-
grams below).The XLT has jumper settings on one side of the circuit board: X1, X2, X4 and X8.
IMPORTANT: If you are unsure of any of the installation procedures, the volume control should be installed by a
professional custom installer.
5. Wiring Instructions
Tools Needed: 1/8”& 1/4”slotted screwdrivers. Wire stripper.
Step #1
Strip 1/8”of insulation from the ends of all the wires that will be connected to the
volume control. If necessary twist or solder the ends to keep from fraying and shorting to the
other wires. CAUTION: Do not reverse the input and the output connections.
Step #2
Connect the leads from the amplifier or speaker selector to the connector labeled “input”. The wires should stay
consistent, left+ of the amplifier to the left+ input of the volume control, observing polarity and identification.
Step #3
As outlined in step #2, connect the speaker wires to the connector labeled “output”.
Operation
1. Make sure the amplifier or receiver is OFF and set the volume to minimum.
2. Set the XLT volume control to maximum (fully clockwise).
3. If you are using a Russound speaker selector system, locate the On / Off button which corresponds to the
speaker pair you wish to play. Set it to the On position.
4. Turn on the amplifier or receiver and select a source such as a CD player.
5. Slowly turn up the amplifier or receiver volume and set it to a comfortable listening level. Be careful not to
overdrive the amplifier. If the sound becomes distorted, you have reached the limit of the amplifier’s volume
capability and you should quickly reduce the volume to avoid damaging the amplifier. Note - 12 o’clock on
most receivers is full volume.
6. Adjust the volume of the speakers to the desired listening level using the XLT volume control.
X1
X2
X4
X8
X1
X2
X4
X8
X1
X2
X4
X8
X1
X2
X4
X8
X1
X2
X4
X8
X1
X2
X4
X8
X1
X2
X4
X8
X1
X2
X4
X8
X1 Setting X2 Setting X8 SettingX4 Setting
R–R–L–L+R+R–L–L+
OUTPUTINPUT
2

3
7. You can turn off the speakers in each room by turning the knob on the XLT volume control completely
counter-clockwise, or by pressing the corresponding On/Off button on your speaker selector.
6. Specifications
Power Handling: 75 Watts.
# of steps: 12 steps, including “Off “.
Total Attenuation: 43dB
Impedance multiplier: X1,X2,X4 and X8.
Frequency response: 20-20kHz, +1.5/ -1.5dB at rated power.
Features: 2 channel stereo control.
Can be used with 4 ohm or 8 ohm speakers.
Up to 16 pairs of 8 ohm speakers can be connected to a 4 ohm amplifier.
Terminals: Accommodate up to 14 gauge wire.
Requires: single gang junction box at least 2 3/4”deep.
7. Limited Warranty
The Russound XLTVolume Control is fully guaranteed forTen (10) years from the date of purchase against all
defects in materials and workmanship. During this period Russound will replace any defective parts and correct
any defect in workmanship without charge for either parts or labor. For this warranty to apply, the unit must be
installed and used according to its written instructions. If service is necessary, it must be performed by Russound.
The unit must be returned to Russound at the owner’s expense and with prior written permission. Accidental
damage and shipping damage are not considered defects under the terms of the warranty. Russound assumes no
responsibility for defects resulting from abuse or servicing performed by an agency or person not specifically
authorized in writing by Russound. Damage to or destruction of components due to improper use voids the war-
ranty. In these cases the repair will be made at the owner’s expense.To return for repairs, the unit must be
shipped to Russound at the owner’s expense, along with a note explaining the nature of the service required. Be
sure to pack in a corrugated container with at least 3 inches of resilient material to protect the unit from damage
in transit.
R–R–L–L+R+R–L–L+
OUTPUTINPUT
R–R–L–L+R+R–L–L+
OUTPUTINPUT
XLTVolume Control
set for X2, X4 or X8
Impedance
matching
selector
Amplifier
or Receiver Amplifier or Receiver
XLTVolume Control set
for X1 with impedance
matching selector

A/V DISTRIBUTION & CONTROL SYSTEMS
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