FlexPort™ Audio Transmitters serve as remote input modules for SonaFlex™ SF-16M Matrix Ampliers. FlexPort
transmitters are available in several different styles. Audio signals are transmitted to an SF-16M via Cat 5e/6/7 cable up
to 500 feet and made available to specied amplied outputs, and can be shared with up to three additional SF-16M
ampliers. Each transmitter has a convenient override button.
• Four FlexPort styles available: Stereo RCA, Digital Audio, XLR / TRS, and Balanced Audio
• Provides compatability for a mixture of consumer and pro audio sources such as computers, MP3 players, CD and DVD
players, audio streaming devices, performance microphones or paging microphones, and audio mixers
• Up to four FlexPort transmitters may be used with one SF-16M (See page 4)
• Convenient Override switch provides a simple user interface at the transmitter location
• Differential balanced line technology eliminates interference, enabling FlexPort transmitters to be located up to 500 feet
away from the SF-16M without signal degradation
• Simple connection via one Cat 5/6/7 cable; link two FlexPort transmitters on each SF-16M input
Double the FlexPort Inputs
Normally, one stereo FlexPort transmitter is connected to each of the two SF-16M FlexPort inputs; however, if mono
signals are used, two FlexPort transmitters may be daisy-chained on each of the FlexPort bus inputs, doubling the
number of possible FlexPort transmitters in one system. There are several ways to congure linked modules. See page 4.
About the SonaFlex SF-16M
The SonaFlex SF-16M is a unique blend of multi-channel amplication, exible input options, audio matrix switching, signal
processing and open control capability. Designed and assembled in the U.S. with sound and video integrators in mind, the
SF-16M offers better sound with less complexity.
• Screws for both surface mounting and Decora ring mounting
• Decora® style face plates in white, ivory, almond, and black
• User manual
Other Materials You May Need
• Cat 5/6/7 cable
• Modular RJ-45 connectors
• Audio players, microphones, audio mixers
• Patch cables (optical, RCA, 3.5mm etc.)
Basic Setup Tasks
1. Read this manual to understand FlexPort functions and behavior.
2. Plan your SF-16M system layout and use the setup utility to assign override behavior, and override priority.
3. Install the SF-16M system, including Cat 5e/6/7 wiring for FlexPort transmitters.
4. Assign FlexPort mono/stereo channels, set other dipswitches as needed.
5. Connect Cat 5 bus to FlexPort transmitters, and connect audio sources.
6. Set SF-16M volume levels (adjust gain if necessary).
7. Cycle power on FlexPort transmitters after any change of settings.
NOTE: If the SF-16M will not be used to control volume, set all SF-16M outputs to -0dB (full volume) and adjust
volume in preamplier.
2 FlexPort Audio Input Modules Installation and Operation Guide
Page 3
FlexPort Transmitter Models
DATE LTR REVISION RECORD AUTH DR CK
11/15/11 P1 Prototype DAF
BALANCED
AUDIO INPUT
+
MODEL
FPM-B
OVERRIDE
GND
OVR
7/29/11 ARelease DRA
11/15/11 B Remove IR DAF
DATE LTR REVISION RECORD AUTH DR CK
11/15/11 P1 Prototype DAF
DATE LTR REVISION RECORD AUTH DR CK
AUDIO INPUT
LR
MODELFPM-U
OVERRIDE
7/29/11 ARelease DRA
11/15/11 B Remove IR DAF
DATE LTR REVISION RECORD AUTH DR CK
MODEL
FPM-X
11/15/11 P1 Prototype DAF
OVERRIDE
AUDIO MIC INPUT
BALANCED
AUDIO INPUT
+
MODELFPM-B
OVERRIDE
GND
OVR
7/29/11 ARelease DRA
11/15/11 B Remove IR DAF
DATE LTR REVISION RECORD AUTH DR CK
DIGITALINPUT
COAXOPTICAL
MODELFPM-D
OVERRIDE
11/15/11 P1 Prototype DAF
AUDIO OUTPUT
LR
DATE LTR REVISION RECORD AUTH DR CK
AUDIO INPUT
LR
MODELFPM-U
OVERRIDE
7/29/11 ARelease DRA
11/15/11 B Remove IR DAF
DATE LTR REVISION RECORD AUTH DR CK
11/15/11 P1 Prototype DAF
DATE LTR REVISION RECORD AUTH DR CK
AUDIO INPUT
LR
MODEL
FPM-U
OVERRIDE
7/29/11 ARelease DRA
11/15/11 B Remove IR DAF
DATE LTR REVISION RECORD AUTH DR CK
DIGITAL INPUT
COAXOPTICAL
MODEL
FPM-D
OVERRIDE
11/15/11 P1 Prototype DAF
AUDIO OUTPUT
LR
DATE LTR REVISION RECORD AUTH DR CK
AUDIO INPUT
LR
MODELFPM-U
OVERRIDE
7/29/11 ARelease DRA
11/15/11 B Remove IR DAF
FlexPort audio transmitters can be used to provide up to four additional audio inputs (2 channels per FlexPort input) to
each SF-16M. FlexPort modules connect via Cat 5 cable to the SF-16M and accept a wide variety of pro and consumer
audio sources. FlexPort modules can be located up to 500 feet from the SF-16M and include mounting points for either
surface or in-wall mounting in an “open ended” single gang bracket such as Arlington model LV1 or Carlon model
SC100RR. Remove unused mounting tabs with pliers before installation.
1. FPM-B Balanced line/mic input with phantom power
• Accepts any 3-wire balanced or 2-wire unbalanced, line or mic level audio input
• “Override” contact closure input for push-to-talk paging mics such as Bogen model MBS1000A
• Override button (defeatable) with backlighting to indicate audio override status
• 15V phantom power (defeatable) for condenser microphones
• Input gain potentiometer
• Input can be assigned as Dual Mono (2 mono channels), Mono 1 or Mono 2 on the FlexPort
audio bus
• Optional “Mix” setting allows two FlexPort modules to be mixed together on a single FlexPort
audio bus (each input must be assigned to a different mono channel)
2. FPM-X XLR/ 1/4” TRS input with phantom power
• Accepts any 3-wire balanced or 2-wire unbalanced, line or mic level audio input via a combo
XLR / 1/4” TRS input
• Override button (defeatable) with backlighting to indicate audio override status
• 15V phantom power (defeatable) for condenser microphones
• Input gain potentiometer
• Input can be assigned as Dual Mono (2 mono channels), Mono 1 or Mono 2 on the FlexPort
audio bus
• Optional “Mix” setting allows two FlexPort modules to be mixed together on a single FlexPort
audio bus (each input must be assigned to a different mono channel)
3. FPM-D Digital Coax/Optical Input
• Accepts any digital SPDIF coax or optical audio input (Stereo PCM only)
• Override button (defeatable) with backlighting to indicate audio override status
• Input can be assigned as Stereo (default), Mono 1 or Mono 2 on the FlexPort audio bus
• Optional “Mix” setting allows two FlexPort modules to be mixed together on a single FlexPort
audio bus (each input must be assigned to a different mono channel)
• Analog audio output (pass-thru) for applications where a converted analog output is desired
4. FPM-U Analog Audio Input
• Accepts any analog RCA audio input
• Override button (defeatable) with backlighting to indicate audio override status
• Input can be assigned as Stereo (default), Mono 1 or Mono 2 on the FlexPort audio bus
• Optional “Mix” setting allows two FlexPort modules to be mixed together on a single FlexPort
audio bus (each input must be assigned to a different mono channel)
FlexPort Audio Input Modules Installation and Operation Guide 3
Page 4
Understanding the FlexPort Audio Bus
BUS
IN
BUS OUT
ASSIGN
FLEXPORT
761-392
GAIN
MIN
BUS
IN
BUS OUT
ASSIGN
FLEXPORT
761-392
GAIN
MIN
BUS
IN
BUS OUT
ASSIGN
FLEXPORT
761-392
GAIN
MIN
BUS
IN
BUS OUT
ASSIGN
CHANNEL
FLEXPORT
761-392
GAIN
MIN
Each SF-16M FlexPort input supports:
• Twochannelsofaudio - input can be either stereo or two mono channels (allows two FlexPort transmitters per bus)
• RS-485datapathway - provides 2-way communication between the SF-16M and all connected FlexPort modules
• 18Vpower - provides power for up to two FlexPort modules on a single bus
FlexPort Override
In addition to the 10 overrides available in the SF-16M, there is an override command for each channel on each FlexPort
bus input (see table). Each FlexPort override button sends a discrete override command to the SF-16M that can be
programmed to connect the associated override channel to any output(s).
When used in stereo mode, the Left channel override command connects
both left and right to the assigned output(s). FlexPort input channels can
be selected independent of an override command. FlexPort channels are
numbered 17, 18, 19 and 20 for SF-16M setup.
FlexPort Bus 1Ch FlexPort Bus 2Ch
Left = Override 117Left = Override 319
Right = Override 2 18Right = Override 420
FPM-D and FPM-U: These are natively stereo input
modules - Dipswitch setting should be “Stereo”.
FPM-B and FPM-X: These are natively mono input
modules - If one mono source input is desired on both
FlexPort bus audio channels, the dipswitch setting
should be set to “Dual M” for dual mono.
IN
OUT
CHANNEL
STEREO
MONO 1
MONO 2
FPM-D
SF-16M
FPM-B
CHANNEL
DUAL M
MONO 1
MONO 2
Figure 1. Basic FlexPort connection for each bus input. One stereo (or dual mono) source per bus input.
LinkFlexPortModulesForTwoMonoInputsPerBus
All FlexPort audio modules feature a FlexPort Bus In and Out, so any two modules may be linked together for a two
source (mono) setup. In linked congurations, it is required to assign one module as “Mono 1” and the other module as
“Mono 2” using the channel assign switches located on the back of the FlexPort transmitters. Stereo FlexPort transmitters
can assign the left or right channel to be active on the bus. When using a linked conguration for stereo sources, combine
the stereo channels into mono before connecting them to a FlexPort transmitter.
IN
OUT
SF-16M
FPM-U
IN
OUT
FPM-D
CHANNEL
DUAL M
MONO 1
MONO 2
Figure 2. Link connection for four mono FlexPort transmitters in a system.
Assign each FlexPort transmitter to a different mono channel on each bus run. Both channels can be connected, but only
one of the channels will be transmitted on the FlexPort bus.
4 FlexPort Audio Input Modules Installation and Operation Guide
FPM-B
FPM-U
DUAL M
MONO 1
MONO 2
Page 5
RearPanelConnectionsandSettings
BUS
IN
BUS OUT
ASSIGN
CHANNEL
STEREO
MONO 1MONO 2
MIXOVER-RIDEBUS
FLEXPORT
761-391
ONONMOMENTARYTERM. ON
OFFOFFTOGL.OFF
SWITCH
GAIN
MIN
MAX
FPM-B and FPM-X
A
FlexPort Bus In - Connects via Cat 5 to the FlexPort “Bus Out” of
another FPM in linked scenarios
B
FlexPort Bus Out - Connects via Cat 5 to a SF-16M “FlexPort In” orin
linked congurations to the “Bus In” of an additional FPM (See D for
audio settings when linking)
C
Input Gain - Increase or decrease input signal level prior to being sent to
the SF-16M
D
Assign Channel - The input source can be assigned as: Dual Mono
(input is assigned to both FlexPort channels), Mono 1 (FlexPort bus
channel 1) or Mono 2 (channel 2)
E
DIPSwitchSettings:
Input Mic/Line - Sets input gain as mic or line level
MixOn/Off - Mix two channels into a mono channel. Allows two linked
FlexPort modules to mix together upon override. Also combines left and
right on one stereo transmitter.
OverrideOn/Off - Enables or Disables override button on the front panel
Momentary/Toggle - Sets the override button to respond as a
momentary or toggle switch
BusTerminationOn/Off - Turn on if the FPM is the last module in a
linked conguration
D
E
Figure 3.
FPM-B and FPM-X
761-392
FLEXPORT
BUS
A
IN
™
BUS
B
OUT
ASSIGN
CHANNEL
DUAL M
MONO 1
MONO 2
INPUT
MIX
OVERRIDE
BUS
PWR
MIN
MAX
SWITCH
MIC
ON
ON
MOMENTARY
TERM. ON
PHANT. OFF
C
GAIN
LINE
OFF
OFF
TOGL.
OFF
ON
PhantomPowerOn/Off - Turn on for phantom powered microphones
FPM-D and FPM-U
G
FlexPort Bus In - Connects via Cat 5 from the FlexPort “Bus Out” of
another FPM in linked scenarios
F
FlexPort Bus Out - Connects via Cat 5 to a SF-16M “FlexPort In” orin
linked congurations to the “Bus In” of an additional FPM (See I for
audio settings when linking)
H
AssignChannelSwitch - The input source can be assigned as: Stereo
(default), Mono 1 (FlexPort bus channel 1) or Mono 2 (channel 2)
I
DIPSwitchSettings:
MixOn/Off - Mix two channels into a mono channel. Allows two linked
FlexPort modules to mix together upon override. Also combines left and
right on one stereo transmitter.
OverrideOn/Off - Enables or Disables override button on the front panel
Momentary/Toggle - Sets the override button to respond as a
momentary or toggle switch
BusTerminationOn/Off - Turn on if the FPM is the last module in a
linked conguration
FPM-D and FPM-U
761-391
FLEXPORT
BUS
G
IN
™
BUS
F
OUT
ASSIGN
CHANNEL
STEREO
H
MONO 1
MONO 2
MIX
I
OVERRIDE
BUS
Figure 4.
FlexPort Audio Input Modules Installation and Operation Guide 5
MIN
GAIN
MAX
SWITCH
ON
ON
MOMENTARY
TERM. ON
OFF
OFF
TOGL.
OFF
Page 6
ETHERNET
USB
RS-232 IN
LINK
SPEED
MAIN IR
IN
UNIT ID
DB25 AUDIO INPUT
AUDIO LOOP OUTPUT
LINE INPUTS
1 2
IN OUT
SYSTEM
TRIGGER
AUDIO
OVERRIDE
Set voltage selector
and install correct fuses according to
local power supply.
4002715
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15
L
R
ETL LISTED CONFORMS
TO UL STD 60065
CERTIFIED TO CAN/CSA
STD C22.2 NO. 60065
Audio Authority® Corp. • 2048 Mercer Rd. Lexington, KY40511 USA
The override button on a FlexPort front panel is used to switch designated SF-16M outputs to a FlexPort input. When
the override button is pressed, it triggers a programmable override event (see setup utility). A typical application would
be an audio mixer, connected to an FPM-X in a conference room. Normally background music is playing from a source
connected to the SF-16M. When the override button is pressed, designated outputs switch from background music to
the audio mixer for the duration of the override. When the override button is pressed again, (in Toggle mode) all affected
outputs switch back to the background music source. When two FlexPort transmitters share a single bus, they must be set
to operate independently, or to mix their signals, as shown in the example below.
Override behavior is based on two key settings:
1. FlexPort dip switch settings (see page 5).
2. SF-16M audio override settings, programmed using the SF-16M PC
conguration utility (see the setup utility manual for more information on audio override settings).
Example: Mix Option Enabled
In some cases it may be desired to mix together
inputs from two FlexPort transmitters when both
audio overrides are active. An example would be a
conference room where both a microphone and an
audio presentation should be heard simultaneously.
• Set one FlexPort as “Mono 1”, and set the other as
“Mono 2”.
• Turn on the “Mix” dipswitch on one of the
transmitters, so that the SF-16M will mix the
channels together for all outputs in the system.
• In the setup utility, designate outputs for overrides
(e.g. 17 and 18).
FPM-X BACK VIEW
761-392
FLEXPORT
FPM-U BACK VIEW
761-391
FLEXPORT
FPM-X FRONT VIEW
MIC
INPUT
FPM-U FRONT VIEW
IN
DVD PLAYER
RIGHT RCA ONLY
(USE “Y” ADAPTER)
IN
OUT
OUT
BUS
IN
BUS
OUT
ASSIGN
CHANNEL
DUAL M
MONO 1
MONO 2
INPUT
MIX
OVERRIDE
BUS
PWR
Figure 5. In this example, a microphone is connected to an FPM-X transmitter, and DVD player audio outputs are
connected to an FPM-U transmitter. Both FlexPort transmitters are on the same Cat 5 bus run. Both transmitters have the
Override switch on and one transmitter has the Mix switch on. When the override switch is active on the Mix transmitter,
the audio from both transmitters is mixed by the SF-16M for output to all speakers in the conference room.
NOTE: In this case, the overrides for both transmitters (17 and 18) are programmed to perform the same action,
so the override may be triggered or cancelled from either transmitter.
6 FlexPort Audio Input Modules Installation and Operation Guide
MIN
GAIN
MAX
SWITCH
MIC
ON
ON
MOMENTARY
TERM. ON
PHANT. OFF
LINE
OFF
OFF
TOGL.
OFF
ON
BUS
IN
™™
BUS
OUT
ASSIGN
CHANNEL
STEREO
MONO 1
MONO 2
MIN
GAIN
MAX
MIX
OVERRIDE
BUS
SWITCH
ON
ON
MOMENTARY
TERM. ON
OFF
OFF
TOGL.
OFF
MIX ON
TERMINATION OFF
SF-16M
FLEXPORT INPUT 2
(OVERRIDES 17 AND 18)
For additional
application examples, see
audioauthority.com/appex
Page 7
ETHERNET
LINK
SPEED
UNIT ID
DB25 AUDIO INPUT
AUDIO LOOP OUTPUT
LINE INPUTS
1 2
IN OUT
SYSTEM
TRIGGER
AUDIO
OVERRIDE
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15
L
R
Audio Authority® Corp. • 2048 Mercer Rd. Lexington, KY40511 USA
It is recommended that all FlexPort bus wiring be
congured using the EIA-568B standard pinout.
Audio Authority cannot guarantee correct operation
using any other wiring conguration. Pre-made
network cables or site-fabricated cables may be used
(EIA-562A or B standard). E-Z Cat 5 cable plugs are
recommended. Always test Category cables with a
network cable tester, not simply a continuity tester;
cables must be paired correctly for proper functionality.
Model SF-16M 16-Channel
Digital Matrix Amplifier
FlexPort Pinout:
(EIA-568B)
Pin 1: RS-485A
Pin 2: RS-485B
Pin 3: Audio Left +
Pin 4: Audio Right +
Pin 5: Audio Right –
Pin 6: Audio Left –
Pin 7: 18V
Pin 8: Ground
MAIN IR
MAIN IR
OUT
USB
RS-232 IN
IN
RS-232 OUT
15 16
4002715
ETL LISTED CONFORMS
TO UL STD 60065
CERTIFIED TO CAN/CSA
STD C22.2 NO. 60065
VOLTAGE SELECTOR
Set voltage selector
and install correct
fuses according to
local power supply.
Régler le sélecteur
de tension et
installer les fusibles
corrects selon
l’alimentation locale.
100-120V~ 50-60 Hz 1125W
Replace Fuses Only
with T 10A, 250V
TECH TIPS
Pair 3
Pair 3
Pair 2Pair 4Pair 1
Pair 2Pair 4Pair 1
Modular Jack (RJ-45)
Modular Jack (RJ-45)
12345678
12345678
W-O O W-GR BL W-BL GR W-BR BR
W-O O W-GR BL W-BL GR W-BR BR
T568B Pair Assignments
T568B Pair Assignments
Remplacer Uniquement avec
Fusible T 10A, 250V
Troubleshooting Guide
Low volumeCheck the mic/line dipswitch (FPM-X or FPM-B) when using a mixer or other line level
source. The factory default setting is line level. If volume is still low, adjust the GAIN pot.
Poor sound qualityMake sure two transmitters linked on one bus are set to Mono 1 and Mono 2.
Override button does not
function
No mic powerFor microphones that accept phantom power, turn PWR Phant. ON.
Only one channel plays
from stereo source
Override button does not
stay on when pushed
Make sure Termination is on. For link, turn off Termination for the transmitter farthest
from the SF-16M. Override must be set up using the setup utility; designate input, output,
and priority.
Check the CH. ASSIGN switch. If using linked conguration with stereo sources, use a
stereo to mono adapter to hear both channels in mono.
Turn off MOMENTARY/TOGL. dipswitch to activate the toggle function.
FlexPort Audio Input Modules Installation and Operation Guide 7
Page 8
FlexPortTransmitterSpecications
S/N Ratio:96dB
Channel Separation:70dB(channel to channel @1kHz)
Input Sensitivity: 0.5Vrms
Input Z Impedance:FPM-U: 20k Ohms, FPM-D: 75 Ohms, FPM-X and FPM-B: 2k Ohms
Accepted Bit Rates (FPM-D)44.1, 48, or 96KHz
Dimensions (H x W x D):4 x 1.65 x 3.65 including mounting tabs; 2.8 x 1.65 x 3.65 without tabs (inches)
Net Weight:9.5 oz. (270g)
Shipping Weight:12 oz. (340g)
ApprovalsFCC
Warranty:Two years, parts and labor
Limited Warranty
If this product fails due to defects in materials or workmanship within two years from the date of the original sale to the
end-user, Audio Authority guarantees that we will repair or replace the defective product at no cost. Freight charges for the
replacement unit will be paid by Audio Authority (Ground service only). A copy of the invoice from an Authorized Re-seller
showing the item number, serial number, and date of purchase (proof-of-purchase) must be submitted with the defective unit
to constitute a valid in-warranty claim.
Units that fail after the warranty period has expired may be returned to the factory for repair at a nominal charge, if not damaged beyond the point of repair. All freight charges for out-of-warranty returns for repair are the responsibility of the customer.
Units returned for repair must have a Customer Return Authorization Number assigned by the factory.
This is a limited warranty and is not applicable for products which, in our opinion, have been damaged, altered, abused,
misused, or improperly installed. Audio Authority makes no other warranties either expressed or implied, including limitation
warranties as to merchantability or tness for a particular purpose. Additionally, there are no allowances or credits available
for service work or installation performed in the eld by the end user.
This product has been tested by an accredited laboratory and meets theprovisions of FCC 47 CFR Part 15.
(b) Operation of an intentional, unintentional, or incidental radiator issubject to the conditions that no harmful
interference is caused and thatinterference must be accepted that may be caused by the operation of an
authorized radio station, by another intentional or unintentional radiator,by industrial, scientic and medical
(ISM) equipment, or by an incidentalradiator.
(c) The operator of a radio frequency device shall be required to ceaseoperating the device upon notication
by a Commission representative thatthe device is causing harmful interference. Operation shall not resume
untilthe condition causing the harmful interference has been corrected.
2048 Mercer Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1071 USA