Meridian 218 User Manual
Meridian 218
Zone Controller
User Guide
Meridian 218 Zone Controller User Guide
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Important safety instructions
Read the instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with a dry cloth.
Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Refer all servicing to approved service personnel.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE.
This apparatus has been designed with Class 1 construction
and must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a
protective earthing connection (the third grounding pin).
This apparatus does not include a power switch. The apparatus
may be isolated from mains power either by unplugging the
power connector from the rear of the unit, or by unplugging the
connector at the opposing end of the power cord or cable from
its supply outlet. As a result, either or both of these connectors
should remain accessible.
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Safety warnings
WARNING!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK – DO NOT OPEN
ATTENTION!
NE PAS OUVRIR – RISQUE DE DÉCHARGE ÉLECTRIQUE
Caution: to reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
cover. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to
qualified service personnel.
The lightning flash 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 than may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
Meridian 218 Zone Controller User Guide
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Climate
The equipment has been designed for use in moderate climates
and in domestic situations.
≤2000m
Only use at an altitude not exceeding 2000m.
Safety warnings
Do not expose the unit to dripping or splashing.
Do not place any object filled with liquid, such as a vase, on
the unit.
Do not place naked flame sources, such as lighted candles,
on the unit.
To avoid overheating
Do not position the product in direct sunlight.
Do not position the product near heat sources, such as a
radiator.
Do not position the product on a soft surface such as a
carpet.
Leave at least 10cm around the product to ensure sufficient
ventilation.
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To avoid interference
Do not position the unit near strong electrical or magnetic
radiation, such as near a power amplifier.
Radio interference
FCC Warning: This equipment generates and can radiate
radio frequency energy and if not installed and used correctly
in accordance with our instructions may cause interference to
radio communications or radio and television reception. It has
been type-tested and complies with the limits set out in Subpart
J, Part 15 of FCC rules for a Class B computing device. These
limits are intended to provide reasonable protection against such
interference in home installations.
EEC: This product has been designed and type-tested
to comply with the limits set out in EN55032:2015 and
EN55024:2010 + A1:2015.
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Meridian 218 Zone Controller User Guide
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Copyright and acknowledgements
Sales and service in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd, Latham Road, Huntingdon,
Cambridgeshire, PE29 6YE, England.
Tel (01480) 445678
Fax (01480) 445686
Sales and service in the USA
MAI, 351 Thornton Road, Suite 108, Lithia Springs, GA,
30122, United States.
Tel 404-344-7111
Fax 404-346-7111
Designed and manufactured in the UK
Meridian Audio Ltd, Latham Road, Huntingdon,
Cambridgeshire, PE29 6YE, England.
Visit us on the Web
www.meridian-audio.com
Copyright © 2017 Meridian Audio Ltd.
Part no: P88452
MHR: this product incorporates copyright protection technology
covered by certain patent applications and intellectual property
of Meridian Audio Ltd. This technology is provided for the
express purpose of securely containing copyright audio within
the Meridian System only. Reverse engineering or circumvention
of this protection is strictly prohibited.
MQA decoding technology is used under licence from MQA Ltd.
Boothroyd|Stuart Meridian, Meridian, and Sooloos are registered
trademarks of Meridian Audio Ltd.
This guide was produced by:
Human-Computer Interface Ltd, www.interface.co.uk
Product registration
Register your Meridian 218 Zone Controller at:
www.meridian-audio.com
Meridian 218 Zone Controller User Guide
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Contents
Introduction 1
Specifications
3
Unpacking
5
Applications
7
Configuring the 218 Zone Controller 1
5
Controlling the 218 Zone Controller 2
1
Index 23
Meridian 218 Zone Controller User Guide
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Meridian 218 Zone Controller User Guide
1
Introduction
The Meridian 218 is a compact, networked, Zone Controller
designed to integrate Meridian DSP loudspeakers into an
automated home audio system. It has analogue and digital
stereo inputs as well as a Sooloos audio endpoint in order to
meet the needs of a wide range of connectivity and installation
requirements.
Outputs
The 218 Zone Controller provides two Meridian SpeakerLink
connectors for simple, straightforward connection to Meridian
DSP loudspeakers via standard Cat 5 cable. It also has a pair of
unbalanced analogue outputs that can be used to drive a stereo
power amplifier and passive loudspeakers. An auxiliary digital
output allows you to daisy-chain the output of one zone to the
digital input of another.
Inputs
The 218 provides a range of audio input connections to cater for a
range of installation requirements. These include a digital (co-ax/
RCA) S/PDIF input, an optical (TOSLINK) input, and a Meridian
SpeakerLink input, as well as an unbalanced analogue input.
The 218 also provides a network socket to connect to a Meridian
Sooloos System, Meridian’s music management platform.
Audio processing
The 218 Zone Controller features high-quality audio processing.
The digital inputs accept signals up to 192kHz, and the
analogue inputs are converted to digital at 96kHz sampling.
High resolution files may also be replayed from a Meridian
Sooloos system.
Signals are processed with Meridian’s exclusive apodising filter
that ensures maximum audio quality with outputs at 96kHz/24
bit (digital) or 192kHz/24 bit (analogue).
The 218 Zone Controller will also decode MQA (Master Quality
Authenticated) audio streams. It can extract the finest of details
from music and deliver the audio for rendering either to its own
analogue outputs, or to an attached DSP loudspeaker system.
The front panel will indicate MQA as will any attached DSP
loudspeaker system that can recognise the stream.
When used with analogue loudspeakers the 218 Zone
Controller can be configured to provide tone adjustments as well
as balance and volume controls, for use with power amplifiers
or active analogue speakers. Alternatively it can be configured
for fixed output, for connection to an external analogue
preamplifier.
Meridian 218 Zone Controller User Guide
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When used with Meridian DSP Speakers, the 218 Zone
Controller provides control of additional audio processing in the
speakers, such as treble and bass tone controls and enhanced
room boundary equalisation.
System integration.
The 218 Zone Controller is designed to be both configured and
controlled via its Ethernet socket.
The 218 can be configured simply by entering the product's IP
address into a standard web browser; this then gives access to
the range of setup and operational options.
The 218 is controlled using the Automation Protocol, which
allows full control of all the runtime settings of the unit,
including source selection, volume and audio menus.
The Trigger output is provided for direct control of external
devices, for example enabling a power amplifier.
Meridian 218 Zone Controller User Guide
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Specifications
Audio outputs
2-channel unbalanced analogue output, driven by a 192kHz
digital to analogue converter.
2-channel digital coax output (RCA).
Two 2-channel Meridian SpeakerLink outputs.
Optional MHR encryption on digital outputs.
Audio inputs
One 2-channel unbalanced analogue input with adjustable
sensitivity.
One 2-channel digital coax input (RCA), 44.1kHz to 192kHz
and up to 24-bit precision.
One 2-channel Meridian SpeakerLink input, 44.1kHz to
192kHz and up to 24-bit precision.
One 2-channel digital optical (Toslink), 44.1kHz to 96kHz and
up to 24-bit precision.
One network input for connecting to a Meridian Sooloos
System and IP control systems.
Control signals
One 12VDC/100mA trigger output configurable by source.
One IR input, compatible with the Meridian G12 remote IR
sensor.
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Signal processing
The 218 uses Meridian’s proprietary DSP software to provide
the following powerful features:
Apodising filter.
Upsampling.
FIFO and error correction.
Resolution enhancement.
MQA decoding and rendering.
Indicators
Front panel indicators for source selection, standby state, and
MQA status.
Rear panel indicator for power.
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Meridian 218 Zone Controller User Guide
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