Russound ALTX User Manual

ALTx Volume Control

Instruction Manual

INTRODUCTION

8X 4X 1X-2X 2X-4X-8X 1X

The ALTx UltraMatch™ Volume Control you have just purchased is a wallmounted Decora™ or Standard style, stereo speaker-level volume control. It connects between the speaker outputs of an amplifier or receiver and a pair of speakers.The 1X setting allows the volume control to be used as a standard control. The 2X, 4X, and 8X settings allow it to be used as an UltraMatch™ control. The UltraMatch™ volume control provides a method of matching the minimum output impedance of the amplifier or receiver, in addition to adjusting volume. It eliminates the need for a speaker selector or impedance matching equipment. The ALTx adjusts volume level by attenuating the amplifier signal output of the ALTx to the speakers. All Russound Volume Controls are manufactured using a highquality autoformer design which provides long life, excellent frequency response, no heat build-up, and maximum power transfer from the amplifier to the speakers. All Russound ALTx volume controls conform to UL Standard 1492 First Edition, and for Canada Certified to CSA Standard

22.2 No. 1-M94. This certification assures that your ALTx volume control has been designed and tested for safety.

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS

• Near other wall controls

• Near a desk/workstation

• In entryways or exits

• At your bedside

• Close to a telephone and an intercom

• Near a jacuzzi

P-RING AND ELECTRICAL BOXES

From the wallplate/faceplate to the back of the ALTx control, the mounting depth of the ALTx is 2 7/8”. You must use a minimum of a standard light switch plaster ring (p-ring) or a standard 20 cu. in. (or larger) electrical box. Suitable P-Rings and electrical boxes are available from your Russound dealer or a local electrical supply company. Using the P-Ring during new construction (some building codes require that wall devices be enclosed in electrical boxes. Check your local building code) is best because it gives you unobstructed access to the full depth of the wall.

Jumper

Settings On

Circuit Boards

TYPE OF SPEAKER WIRE

For most applications, we recommend you use 16 or 18 gauge, stranded copper speaker wire for the ALTx speaker connections. For wiring runs longer than 100 feet, 14 gauge wire is recommended. Using speaker wire larger than 14 gauge for ALTx Volume Controls is not recommended as the wire may not fit into the connectors. NOTE - Never use solid-

core, aluminum or Romex® type wire with volume controls. When running speaker wires inside walls, most states and municipalities in the U.S. specify that you must use a special type of speaker wire. Usually, the requirement is that the wire has a specific “CL” fire rating, such as “CL-2” or “CL-3”. Consult your Russound dealer, building contractor, or local building and inspection department if unsure about which type of wire is best for your application. If you need speaker wire, we recommend you order Russound AW series wire. These speaker cables use multi-strand copper wire and high-temperature PVC jackets specially designed for snaking through the walls and for long speaker runs.

CAUTION

Do not install the ALTx into electrical boxes with 110 Volt devices. Some states or municipalities allow devices such as the ALTx to be installed into the same electrical box as 110 volt devices, provided a “low-voltage partition” is used between the devices. Russound does not recommend this. Speaker wires can act as an “antenna” for electrical noise. Locating speaker wires too close to a light switch or dimmer switch may cause a “humming” or “buzzing” sound to be heard through the speakers. If you must locate the volume control near electrical devices, install it in a separate metal electrical box, ground the box to the electrical system ground, and route the speaker wires several feet away from the electrical wiring.

OPERATION

1. Make sure the amplifier or receiver is OFF and set the volume to minimum.

2. Set the ALTx volume to maximum (fully clockwise).

3. Turn on the amplifier or receiver and select a music source, such as tuner or CD player.

4. Slowly turn up the amplifier or receiver volume and set it to a comfortable (not maximum) listening level. Be careful not to overdrive your amplifier. If the sound becomes muddy or distorted, you have reached the limit of your amplifier’s volume capability and should quickly reduce the volume to avoid damaging your speakers.

NOTE: 12 o’clock (50%) on most receivers is full volume. An amplifier that is being driven beyond its potential will produce D/C voltage (clipping) which will not pass through a transformer, resulting in improper signal transfer and possible amplifier shutdown or damage.

5. Adjust the volume of the speakers to the desired listening level using the ALTx.

6. You can turn off the speakers in each room by turning the knob on the ALTx completely counter-clockwise.

IMPORTANT: If you are unsure of any of the installation procedures, the products should be installed by a professional custom installer.

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