Crestron C2N-VEQ4 Cresnet 4-Channel Digital Volume Control
Cresnet 4-Channel Digital Volume
Control: C2N-VEQ4
Introduction
Features and Functions
The Crestron® C2N-VEQ4 Cresnet® 4-Channel Digital Volume Control module is a
digitally controlled 4-channel audio processor that incorporates volume, tone, mixer
and equalization capabilities. Each channel has independent settings for volume,
treble, bass, mute, and mixer controls plus a 12-band parametric equalizer.
Volume/tone controls are compatible with both X-Generation and 2-Series control
systems. Equalization and mixer controls are only accessible from 2-Series
processors.
Refer to the simplified block diagram provided on the next page.
Functional Summary
• Four balanced/unbalanced audio I/O channels
• 24-bit 96KHz A/D and D/A converters with dual DSPs provide
improved audio quality
• Independent settings for volume, treble, bass, and mute per channel
• 4 x 4 matrix mixer controls set the percentage of each input desired at
each output (any input to any output)
• Five modes of audio equalization per channel
- a ten-band graphic equalizer and two-band parametric equalizer
- a five-band graphic equalizer and seven-band parametric equalizer
- a speech-optimized five-band graphic equalizer and seven-band
parametric equalizer
- a three-band graphic equalizer and nine-band parametric equalizer
- a full twelve-band parametric equalizer
• Touch settable ID capable
Volume, bass, and treble ramp times, scaling, preset levels, and volume muting may
be specified on a per-channel basis. All of these aspects are software controllable.
Volume, bass, and treble control may be sent to more than one channel via software
to support stereo applications.
Cresnet 4-Channel Digital Volume Control Crestron C2N-VEQ4
Input and output connections are completely independent of each other. Therefore, it
is possible to have a balanced input paired with an unbalanced output and vice-versa.
The treble and bass controls are independent from volume and are individually
controlled for each channel. Each channel includes a muting relay with 100 dB
attenuation. When the signal driving Mute1 goes high, the muting circuit is activated
providing 100 dB attenuation from any preset volume level. Likewise, channels “2,”
“3,”and “4” drive Mute2, Mute3, and Mute4, respectively. When the muting signal
goes low, the muting circuit is deactivated and the volume and tone return to their
original preset levels.
NOTE: MuteAll is an override. All channels are muted when this signal is high.
When it is low, the channels follow the state of Mute1, Mute2, Mute3 and Mute4.
Each of the four channels has a twelve-filter parametric equalizer that permits you to
correct for acoustical distortions in the listening area or in the speakers themselves,
and/or to establish preset values that enhance the sound conditions for favorite music
or recording media.
Equalization controls are programmable using Crestron’s Digital Media Tools (DMT)
software or SIMPL Windows (SIMPL). Refer to “Programming Software” on page
13 for details.
The 12 filters are identical in function. Each delivers up to 12 dB of boost or cut
when using DMT software; from -36 dB to +24 dB in a SIMPL program. Each filter
also has an adjustable bandwidth control (from 0.02 octaves to 2 octaves using DMT
software; from 0.02 octaves to 3.5 octaves using SIMPL), and a center frequency
control range (from 25 Hz to 19.9 kHz from DMT; from 5 Hz to 24 kHz using
SIMPL). Use each filter anywhere in the audio spectrum, not just pre-selected ranges
as typically found on graphic equalizers. In addition, you can select from among five
filter types (low pass, high pass, peaking EQ (equalization)/notch, bass shelf, and
treble shelf) or select no filter.
Each channel is equipped with protective relays that turn ON only after safe
conditions are sustained by the electronic circuitry. This feature protects the output
from “pops” caused by accidental power-down/up conditions to the C2N-VEQ4.
If the C2N-VEQ4 is under program control and the power is cycled to the
C2N-VEQ4, it renews the volume, bass, and treble levels to the current program
settings. The mute status (per channel and the mute-all) is also restored.
Cresnet 4-Channel Digital Volume Control Crestron C2N-VEQ4
2. Crestron 2-Series control systems include the AV2 and PRO2. Consult the latest Crestron Product
Catalog for a complete list of 2-Series control systems.
3. Filenames for CNX and ST-CP update files have a UPZ extension. Files on the website may be .zip or
self-extracting .exe files containing the .cuz or .upz file. All can be obtained from the Downloads
section of the Crestron website. To avoid program problems, make sure you are using the update file
with the correct suffix letter (e.g., S, V, W, X).
NOTE: Crestron software and any files on the website are for Authorized Crestron
dealers and Crestron Authorized Independent Programmers (CAIP) only. New users
may be required to register to obtain access to certain areas of the site (including the
FTP site).
Physical Description
The C2N-VEQ4, shown below, is housed in a black enclosure with labeling on the
front and rear panels. Six LEDs on the front of the unit indicate the unit’s status. All
connections are made on the back of the unit. There are four rubber feet on the base
of the unit for stability and to prevent slippage
Crestron C2N-VEQ4 Cresnet 4-Channel Digital Volume Control
C2N-VEQ4 Overall Dimensions
1.50 in
(3.81 cm)
6.94 in
(17.63 cm)
6.32 in
(16.05 cm)
7.07 in
(17.96 cm)
1.80 in
(4.57 cm)
1.70 in
(4.32 cm)
C2N-VEQ4 Ports
All connections to the C2N-VEQ4 are made through the ports on the rear panel. Refer
to the illustrations and descriptions, which follow.
C2N-VEQ4 Ports
IN and OUT Connectors
These four mini connectors provide four channels of balanced/unbalanced audio input
(IN 1-4) and four channels of balanced/unbalanced audio output (OUT 1-4). Connect
the balanced/unbalanced input (IN) ports to the audio output of any A/V equipment
that needs volume, treble, bass, mixer, and/or equalization control. Connect the
Cresnet 4-Channel Digital Volume Control Crestron C2N-VEQ4
balanced/unbalanced output (OUT) ports to an amplifier. Each channel includes a
muting relay with 100 dB attenuation.
G (Chassis Ground)
Use this chassis screw to ground the unit to the amplifier and audio source common
grounds.
NET
This 4-pin network connector is used to connect the C2N-VEQ4 module to the
Cresnet system. Data and power for the C2N-VEQ4 are provided via the connection.
Refer to “Network Wiring” on page 7.
C2N-VEQ4 Indicators
There are six LED indicators located on the front panel of the C2N-VEQ4. Refer to
the illustration below and descriptions that follow.
C2N-VEQ4 Indicators
PWR (Power)
This green LED illuminates when power is supplied to the C2N-VEQ4.
NET
This yellow LED illuminates when communication between the control system and
the C2N-VEQ4 is established (the unit is polled on the network). Illumination
indicates that the program currently loaded has a network device defined at the same
ID as the C2N-VEQ4. The LED flashes when communication with the processor
occurs.
ACTIVITY (1 – 4)
These red LEDs illuminate only when there is activity on any of the four channels.
Activity includes any change in volume, tone (bass, treble), mixer, or equalization
parameters. Once the command is completed, the related LED(s) go out.
SETUP LED and Pushbutton
The C2N-VEQ4 is TSID ready. The SETUP pushbutton and its associated LED are
located on the rear panel and are used for setup of the unit’s network ID during the
initial configuration of a Cresnet
Refer to “Method B (Touch Settable IDs)” on page 9for detailed information.
®
system or when the device is being added/replaced.
Crestron C2N-VEQ4 Cresnet 4-Channel Digital Volume Control
Industry Compliance
As of the date of manufacture, the C2N-VEQ4 has been tested and found to comply
with specifications for CE marking and standards per EMC and
Radiocommunications Compliance Labelling.
NOTE: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) these devices may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) these devices must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
Setup
Network Wiring
CAUTION: In order to ensure optimum performance over the full range of your
installation topology, Crestron Certified Wire, and only Crestron Certified Wire,
should be used. Failure to do so may incur additional charges if support is required to
identify performance deficiencies as a result of using improper wire.
CAUTION: Use only Crestron power supplies for Crestron equipment. Failure to do
so could cause equipment damage or void the Crestron warranty.
CAUTION: Provide sufficient power to the system. Insufficient power can lead to
unpredictable results or damage to the equipment. Please use the Crestron Power
Calculator to help calculate how much power is needed for the system
(http://www.crestron.com/calculators
NOTE: When installing network wiring, refer to the latest revision of the wiring
diagram(s) appropriate for your specific system configuration, available from the
Crestron website.
When calculating the wire gauge for a particular Cresnet run, the length of the run
and the Cresnet power usage of each network unit to be connected must be taken into
consideration. If Cresnet units are to be daisy-chained on the run, the Cresnet power
usage of each unit to be daisy-chained must be added together to determine the
Cresnet power usage of the entire chain. If the unit is a home-run from a Crestron
system power supply network port, the Cresnet power usage of that unit is the Cresnet
power usage of the entire run. The length of the run in feet and the Cresnet power
usage of the run should be used in the following resistance equation to calculate the
value on the right side of the equation.
Resistance Equation
Where:
R <
40,000
L x P
).
R = Resistance (refer to the following table).
L = Length of run (or chain) in feet.
P = Cresnet power usage of entire run (or chain).
Cresnet 4-Channel Digital Volume Control Crestron C2N-VEQ4
The required wire gauge should be chosen such that the resistance value is less than
the value calculated in the resistance equation. Refer to the following table.
Wire Gauge Values
RESISTANCE WIRE GAUGE
4 16
6 18
10 20
15 22
13 Doubled CAT 5
8.7 Tripled CAT 5
NOTE: All Cresnet wiring must consist of two twisted pairs. One twisted pair is the
+24V conductor and the GND conductor, and the other twisted pair is the Y
conductor and the Z conductor.
NOTE: When daisy-chaining Cresnet units, strip the ends of the wires carefully to
avoid nicking the conductors. Twist together the ends of the wires that share a pin on
the network connector, and tin the twisted connection. Apply solder only to the ends
of the twisted wires. Avoid tinning too far up the wires or the end becomes brittle.
Insert the tinned connection into the Cresnet connector and tighten the retaining
screw. Repeat the procedure for the other three conductors.
Refer to the note on page 26 for
a definition of Viewport.
Identity Code
Every equipment and user interface within the network requires a unique identity
code (Net ID). These codes are recognized by a two-digit hexadecimal number from
03 to FE. The Net ID of each unit must match an ID code specified in the SIMPL
Windows program. Refer to “Setting the Net ID in Device Settings” on page 15 for
details of the SIMPL Windows procedure.
The Net ID of the C2N-VEQ4 has been factory set to 12. The Net IDs of multiple
C2N-VEQ4s in the same system must be unique. Net IDs are changed from a
personal computer (PC) via the Crestron Viewport.
NOTE: For detailed information on establishing communication between the PC and
control system, refer to “Communication Settings” on page 26. If communication
cannot be established, refer to the “Troubleshooting Communications” section in the
respective Operations Guide for the control system.
There are two different methods—Method A or Method B—for setting the
C2N-VEQ4 Net IDs:
Method A (Cresnet address-settable ID), described on page 9, applies to
C2N-VEQ4s in a Cresnet system with a CNX control system or with a 2-Series
control system upgrade file (CUZ) version prior to 3.008, but can be used with later
versions of firmware and requires that a single unit be the only network device
connected to the control system.
Method B (Touch Settable IDs), which begins on page 9, applies to C2N-VEQ4s in a
Cresnet system with 2-Series control system upgrade file (CUZ) version 3.029 or
later. These upgrades enable Touch Settable ID (TSID) functionality, which makes it