AudioControl The Director M4840 Installation Manual
The Director
®
Model M4840
8 CHANNEL SHALLOW-MOUNT
MULTI-ZONE NETWORK MATRIX AMPLIFIER
Installation Manual
2
Important Safety
Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other apparatus (including ampliers) that
produce heat.
9. Protect the power cord from being walked
on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
10. Only use attachments/accessories speci-
ed by the manufacturer.
11. Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
12. Refer all servicing to qualied service
personnel. Servicing is required when
the apparatus has been damaged in any
way, such as 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.
13. This apparatus shall not be exposed to
dripping or splashing, and no object lled
with liquids, such as vases or glasses, shall
be placed on the apparatus.
The lightning ash with arrowhead
symbol within an equilateral triangle
is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage”
within the product’s enclosure, that may be
of sucient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user of the presence of import-
ant operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the
appliance.
Caution: to reduce the risk of electric shock,
do not remove the top cover. There are no
user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualied personnel.
This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular
installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment o
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on
a circuit dierent from that to which the
receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/
TV technician for help.
CAUTION: Changes or modications to this
device not expressly approved by AudioControl
Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate
the equipment under FCC rules.
Recycling notice: If the time comes
and this apparatus has fullled its
destiny, do not throw it out into the
trash. It has to be carefully recycled
for the good of mankind, by a facility specially
equipped for the safe recycling of electronic
apparatii. Please contact your local or state
recycling leaders for assistance in locating a
suitable nearby recycling facility. Or, contact us
and we might be able to repair it for you.
Important Safety Instructions
3
Installation Manual
Model M4840
THE DIRECTOR
®
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Important Safety Instructions .......2
Introduction .......................4
Getting Started ....................8
Installation Examples ..............9
Front Panel Features ...............12
Rear Panel Features ................14
Speaker Connections ...............17
12 Volt Trigger Ins and Outs .........19
Ventilation ...................... 21
Internet Connectivity and Control ....22
Operation Tab ................... 25
Device Conguration Tab .......... 27
Zone Conguration Tab ........... 28
Home Owner Tab ................ 32
Acoustics ....................... 33
Equalization .......................34
Advanced Discussions ..............37
Troubleshooting ...................39
Block Diagram .....................41
Specications ......................42
Service ............................43
The Warranty ......................44
Installation Notes .................46
The Linkwitz-Riley Two Step ........48
©2017 AudioControl Inc., all rights reserved.
Based on a true story of bold and daring adventure, dBs, and audio destiny.
Network Settings
Default IP Address 192.168.0.249
4
Flowery Marketing Introduction
When a whole-house audio system demands high levels of audio performance,
but the physical installation space is
limited, The Director® M4840 is an ideal
solution. Requiring only 11.75" depth and
two rack spaces, the M4840 produces at
least 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms,
and 200 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms.
Extensive protection features prevent
damage to your loudspeakers.
Congratulations!
You are now installing a component which
will dramatically improve the performance
of any distributed audio system, especially those utilizing in-wall, in-ceiling,
and invisible speakers. Ethernet control,
loop outputs for every input, unparalleled
energy eciency, rack saving compact design, superb sound quality and bulletproof
reliability are just a few key features of The
Director.
This 8 channel power amplier provides
high levels of power, pristine sound qual-
ity, exible matrix input switching, plus a
number of installation-friendly features
that makes them the perfect product for
performance oriented audio systems. The
Director is an American-designed and
built, “set and forget” component which
will provide a lifetime of trouble-free service for your multi-room audio system.
Introduction
The Director is designed and manufactured by AudioControl, the only electronics company in the world that specializes
in ampliers, equalizers, signal processors
and audio analyzers. Our passion for high
quality, meticulous attention to detail,
and pro sound heritage shows itself in the
dozens of awards we have won for our
designs, products, and service.
Now, as when we began, our greatest
satisfaction is our reputation for sonic
excellence and reliability among people
just like you throughout the world.
This is a professional installer’s manual.
We assume you are experienced with
multi-channel ampliers and the use of
Ethernet. The product setup, adjustment
and operation requires network access.
This manual is designed to help you get
the best out of the amplier.
5
Installation Manual
Model M4840
THE DIRECTOR
®
Features
Features
Here are some of the features that make
The Director very unique, unlike any other
amplier:
• Digital and Analog Input Matrix
Each zone can select and play
any digital or analog input. The
high-resolution digital inputs accept
32-96 kHz, 16/24-bit digital signals.
The digital outputs can also play any
analog or digital input source.
• Ethernet Control
Via a browser or Telnet commands,
you can control and query almost all
the functions, mute zones, change
source inputs, recall EQ presets,
check line voltage, display protection
logs, and get an email if something
goes wrong.
• High Power Levels
The M4840 has 8 channels of 100
Watts each into 8 Ohms, or 200
Watts into 4 Ohms. Each channel
pair can also be run in bridged mono
at 400 Watts into 8 Ohms. Each
high-eciency amplier is made
from discrete components.
• Superior Sound Quality
Pristine sonics happens rst in all
AudioControl designs and is not compromised by any other feature.
• Unparalleled Energy Eciency
From the point of view of saving
electricity, the Director amplier has
no equal. It is VERY energy ecient
during operation, and equally impressive during standby.
• Signal Processing
You have at your command: graphic
equalization, parametric equal-
ization, tweeter protection lters
and low frequency cuto lters. In
addition, you can set up any zone
with low-pass and high-pass channels
for a two-way setup. The equalizer
settings are ganged with left and
right channels together, or separately. Plus, there are six EQ presets per
zone to save and recall settings.
• LightDrive Anti-clipping
With durability in mind, AudioControl’s LightDrive anti-clipping protection defends the system against
clipping, distortion, damage, and
even teenage parties. The Director features the latest evolution of
LightDrive which adds a power-supply-tracking instantaneous dynamic
control to the smooth sound of the
traditional AudioControl LightDrive.
• Self Resetting Protection Features
Protection features are extensive and
include thermal, short circuit, clip-
ping, ultrasonic and DC oset among
others. If the fault is removed, the
Director resets. Plus, it can send you
an email if something happens.
• Pacic Northwest Heritage
We make this product in the USA,
and we are very proud of that fact.
What is more important is the care
we craft in at every step, and the
extensive knowledge we have in all
aspects of the product. Plus, we back
this up with a conditional ve year
warranty.
6
Complimentary Features
Features continued
• DHCP: An IP address is obtained
via DHCP by default. If a DHCP
server is not found on the network, The Director will default to
192.168.0.249.
• Groups: Grouping has been enabled
for quick control of zones through
Telnet commands. Up to 4 groups can
be dened for control over Standby
and Source Selection.
• Import/Export: Exporting and Im-
porting of the amplier’s settings
– including EQ settings – has been
enabled. Now you can congure your
EQ settings as a template and apply
these to each Director M4840 ampli-
er in your system. A little rening of
those settings for each amp and you
will be in and out in no time.
• 8 channels of AudioControl
amplication
• 4 stereo digital loop outputs
• 4 stereo analog loop outputs
• Any zone can play any input source
• Ecient power ampliers and power
supplies
• Power consumption is less than 2 Watts
in standby
• Rack mountable 2U form factor
• Shallow Depth
• Removable rack ears
• Light weight
• Stackable with other Director or Architect Models
• Signal sense independent for each zone
• Input assignment independent for each
zone
• Super wonderful signal processing
allows for a wide variety of EQ options
and adjustments
• Sound Partner Speaker Proles
• 12V Master trigger usable with contact
closure or 12V external source
• 12V trigger in for each zone
• Coaxial and Optical digital inputs assignable to any zone
• A and B digital outputs assignable from
any analog or digital input
• Analog and digital signal-present LEDs
7
Installation Manual
Model M4840
THE DIRECTOR
®
Quick View
Quick View
Front Panel
4. Zone Status LED
5. Zone Level LED Ladder
6. Rack Mount Ears
10. Digital Coaxial and Optical Inputs
11. Digital Signal Present LEDs
12. Zone Status LEDs
13. 12V Trigger Inputs
14. Analog RCA Line Level Inputs
15. Analog Signal Present LEDs
16. Speaker Outputs
17. Digital Loop outputs
18. Analog Loop Outputs
Rear Panel
1. AC Input
2. AC Power Switch
3. AC Fuse
4. Ground Isolation Switch
5. Disable front LED Ladders
6. 12V Master Trigger In/Out
7. Ethernet Port
8. Master Reset Button
9. Digital Coaxial Outputs A and B
1. Power LED
2. Protection LED
3. Ethernet Status LEDs
8 Channel DSP Matrix Amplifier
Model M4840
12 4653
63 1 4 12 13 16 17 18
2 5 7 8 11 15
1410
9
8
Getting Started
1. Turn o power to all com-
ponents before making any
connections.
2. When making connections, des-
ignate red RCA plugs as right, and
designate white, black, or grey plugs
as left. This is a good idea for all signal connections made in your audio
system. The key is consistency. Stick
with the same color coding and you’ll
reduce possible problems.
3. Whenever possible, keep power
cords away from signal cables to prevent induced hum. This is especially
important if you bundle the cables to
keep the installation neat looking.
4. Use quality interconnect cables. We
know from experience that really
cheap cables can cause a multitude
of problems. They tend to break
inside or corrode, causing a loss of
signal or hum. They also have poor
shielding.
5. If you need to run the RCA audio
cables more than 20 feet, consider
using an active balanced line driver
for the signals. This will provide
better noise rejection against nasty
things like hum, spikes, local talk
radio, and metaphysical paranormal
phenomena, etc. The AudioControl
balanced line driver components
(BLD-10, BLR-10 and BLX-10) are an
excellent way to send audio over long
distances with standard Cat-5 wiring.
Check them out at audiocontrol.com.
6. If you are using the digital inputs,
and running higher resolution sam-
ple rates (96 kHz), use high-quality
digital interconnect cables.
Getting Started
7. Dance in a fairy circle at midnight, on
the rst full moon of the new year.
Ask Queen Mab for the IP address.
8. Connect The Director to the network
with an Ethernet cord, preferably one
in good condition without a broken
tab or covered in Marmite®.
9. Open your favorite internet browser
and open the web server within the
unit. It will show all features and
controls of the unit.
Installation Examples
The next pages show some typical installations of The Director, and also shows
some of our other ne AudioControl
components.
9
Installation Manual
Model M4840
THE DIRECTOR
®
Installation Examples
Installation with 2 Bijou 600 Ampliers
Super Den
Subwoofer
Really Nice
Speakers
Living
Room
KitchenDining
Room
Family
Room
Sonos 4Sonos 3Sonos 2CDHD Tuner
Receiver
Zone 2
Digital out
Digital
Out
Analog
Out
Analog
Out
Analog
Out
Digital
Out
Digital
Out
Digital
Out
Sonos 1
Bijou 600 in
Bridged Mono
Bijou 600 in
Stereo
Input 1 = Receiver
Input 3 = Sonos 4
Input 2 = The Director
10
Installation Examples
Installation with an Architect 2660
Architect 2660 (Lower FLoor)
SubMids/Highs
Master Bedroom
BedroomOce
Living Room Dining Room Hall Bath Patio
Sonos 2Sonos 1CD
Front
Door
Service
Entrance
HD Tuner TV
AVR
Zone 2
Digital Out
Digital
Out
Analog
Out
Analog
Out
Analog
Out
Analog
Out
Digital
Out
Digital
Out
Digital
Out
Bus A Digital Input All inputs set to Bus A
11
Installation Manual
Model M4840
THE DIRECTOR
®
Installation Examples
Installation with two M4840
SubMids/Highs
Master Bedroom
Digital Loop
Outputs
Analog Loop
Outputs
BedroomOce
Studio Hall Bath Bat Cave
Sonos 2Sonos 1CD
Front
Door
Service
Entrance
HD Tuner TV
AVR
Zone 2
Digital Out
Digital
Out
Analog
Out
Analog
Out
Analog
Out
Analog
Out
Digital
Out
Digital
Out
12
Front Panel
Front Panel Features
1. Power LED – This dual color LED indi-
cates when the unit is in standby, on,
or o
Red: The unit is in standby mode
and is ready to be turned on
via Ethernet or 12V triggering
Blue: The unit is on
Green: Coee brewed
OFF: The unit is powered o
2. Protection LED – This red LED will
illuminate briey during turn on/o
phases, and if a fault is detected in any
amplier or the power supply (such
as overheating, over-current, or DC
oset). If a fault is detected, then the
unit will go into its protection mode to
prevent any damage to loudspeakers,
and to allow cooling.
3. Ethernet LEDs – These indicate the
status, readiness, and willingness, of
The Director’s Ethernet communications protocol to (getting all technical
for a moment) strut its funky stu. The
green LED glows when the Ethernet
is connected and operational, and the
yellow LED blinks during data activity.
4. Zone Status LED – This dual-color
LED indicates when the zone is in fault
mode, active, or in standby.
Red: The zone has detected a fault,
such as a DC oset or a load
short circuit.
Blue: The zone is active
OFF: The zone is in standby
5. Zone Level LEDs – These three LEDs
light from the bottom to the top
depending on the zone’s output level
(-33, -20, -10 dBFS). These LEDs can be
turned o using the rear panel switch.
6. Rack Mount Ears – The unit comes
supplied with removable rack mount
ears. These allow the unit to be rack
mounted in a standard 19” wide rack,
with a 2U height. Use standard rack
mount screws and washers to secure
the unit in a rack. The unit does not
have to be supported at the rear if the
rack is located in a xed location.
To remove the rack ears (making the
unit 17” wide), rst unplug the power
cord, and then locate and undo the
four screws securing each ear to the
side of the chassis, and remove the
ears. Replace the screws securely back
into the chassis. Do not remove any of
the other screws from the chassis or
top cover. There are hazardous voltages inside the unit. Keep the rack ears in
a safe place.
8 Channel DSP Matrix Amplifier
Model M4840
12 4653
13
Installation Manual
Model M4840
THE DIRECTOR
®
Front Panel
LED Function Table
Typical Rack Mount
This side view shows the relative shallow depth of the M484o compared to typical units.
LED Color Description
Red The unit is in standby mode
Blue The unit is on
O The unit is powered o, or all the lights are o in town
Red The unit has detected a fault and is in protect mode*
O The unit is operating normally, or it is powered o
ZONE LEDs Color Description
Blue -10 dBFS zone output level
Blue -20 dBFS zone output level
Blue -33 dBFS zone output level
Blue/Red
Blue or Red ash shows technical writer’s heartbeat –
this is normal, except when the Seahawks are playing
Red
The zone has detected a fault, or a smooth-jazz saxo-
phone solo, and is in protect mode
Blue The zone is active
O The zone is in standby
*The protection LED also comes on for a short time during power up or down
14
Rear Panel
Rear Panel Features
AC section
When rack-mounting the unit,
make sure that the power cord
and the AC power switch remain
readily accessible.
1. AC Input – Connect the supplied AC
power cord securely to this input. Plug
the other end into an AC mains outlet
of the correct voltage rating for your
unit. They are either 100 -120 VAC (50
– 60 Hz) or 220 – 240 VAC (50 – 60 Hz);
look at the check box to see how your
unit has been congured. The voltage
setting is not user-settable. This unit
is a class 1 device, do not defeat the
safety ground connection or use a
power cord that does not have the
safety ground pin.
2. AC Power Switch – This switch shuts
o the main AC power. Normally the
only time you need to turn this o is
if the system is going to be shut down
for an extended period of time. Use
the Ethernet or master trigger inputs
to switch the unit between standby
and on.
Also turn the power switch o during
lightning storms, wind storms with
frequent power outages, or when a
giant asteroid is heading for the power
station again.
3. AC Fuse – The main power supply fuse
may be checked or replaced. Make
sure that the power cord is unplugged
from the AC mains rst. Then use a
at-headed screwdriver to undo the
fuse carrier from the fuse holder.
Inspect the fuse and replace with the
exact same type indicated on the unit.
The use of any other type of fuse may
lead to an unsafe condition. If the fuse
blows again immediately, then unplug
the power cord and contact our ne
folks in customer service. Do not open
the unit, as there are no user-serviceable parts inside, and dangerous
voltages exist.
4. Ground Isolation Switch – This switch
selects the level of isolation between
the audio signal ground and the AC
earth ground. In normal operation this
switch should be in the GND Ground
position. If there is trouble with an AC
ground hum, try the other two settings
for the best operation. For safety, the
chassis is always connected to the
earth ground regardless of the switch
setting.
63 1 4 12 13 16 17 18
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15
Installation Manual
Model M4840
THE DIRECTOR
®
Rear Panel
5. Disable Front Panel LED Ladders –
The front panel LED ladders show the
output levels of each zone. If this is
distracting, or your pets or children
keep getting hypnotized, press this
switch in to turn o the LED ladders.
This switch does not aect the Power,
Protection, or Zone Status LEDs.
6. Master Trigger – If you are not using
the Ethernet connection to turn the
unit on, then you can use the TS 1/8”
connectors or the 3-pin block connector to turn on the unit or place it into
standby mode. Any one of these three
connections can be used as a trigger
input. For example, you could have
an external device such as one of our
glorious AudioControl home theater
receivers, turn on The Director when it
is turned on.
If you are not using the Ethernet
connection to turn on The Director,
and there is no trigger voltage present
at any of these trigger inputs, then the
unit will be in standby, with all zones
muted.
LED indicator – This LED is blue when
the master trigger input is active, and
o when it is inactive.
7. Ethernet LAN Port – This standard
port allows The Director to be connected to a 10BaseT network via CAT5 cabling. The unit can then be controlled
using its internal web server, accessible through standard and popular
(and some unpopular) web browsers.
No external software is required to
run The Director. See the section on
Internet Connectivity and Control for
detailed information.
8. Master Reset – If things are not going
well, for example you are unable to
communicate with The Director, press
and hold down this button for more
than 3 seconds. This will reset the internal Ethernet settings and other odd
things, and hopefully lead you along
the pathway to Ethernet communications once again. Warning: Do not do
this while turning on the power switch,
because all ash memory will be
erased, and the milk in your fridge will
go bad. In this case you will have to go
to the store and get more milk, and
inquire from our ne lads in technical
support about the latest rmware le.
9. Digital Outputs – These S/PDIF digital
outputs use standard RCA coaxial
connectors.
The digital signals from each of these
outputs can be a copy of any zone’s
input pair (converted internally from
analog to digital), or a copy of the digital inputs. This is selectable using The
Director’s web page interface. For an
example, these outputs can be sent to
the digital inputs of another Director
M4840 unit.
10. Digital Inputs – There are four
coaxial and optical digital inputs,
A, B, C, and D.
The digital signals are transferred
directly to the advanced DSP section,
and are then available to any zone or
all zones at the same time. The digital
inputs are selected for any or all zones
using The Director’s web page interface.
11. Signal Present LEDs – These light
whenever a digital input signal is present.
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