1. Description
The WCN-12 audio distribution system is a highly-efficient impedance-matching distribution block designed for use with 12 pair of
either 4 ohm or 8 ohm speakers, and 4 to 8 ohm amplifiers. Russound precision-wound autoformers ensure the highest fidelity and efficient amplifier operation, and are designed for use with amplifiers whose frequency range DOES NOT extend below 20 Hz. In applications with amplifiers whose frequency range does extend below 20 Hz, a lo w-frequency protection circuit is needed to reduce subsonic signals that would otherwise cause amplifier shutdown. The Russound LFP-1 Lo w Frequency Protection Module is excellent for
protecting these amplifiers.The WCN-12 is equipped with a rotary switch, mounted on the top of the printed circuit board, which can
be set to the appropriate position based on the number of pairs of speakers connected in the system. The switch selects the proper taps
of the autoformers resulting in the correct impedance multiplication to protect the amplifier .
2. Connections
The WCN-12 has removable color-coded modular snap connectors that snap open for wire insertion and snap shut to secure the connection. Strip about 3/8" of insulation from the ends of all wires to be connected. If necessary, twist the exposed conductor to ensure
that no loose strands exist. Remove the SPEAKER connector by firmly pulling it out of its 4-pole connector. Lift the wire loc king lev er on
the connector , insert the wire, being careful to observ e the polarity, then lower the lever with a “snap.” Connect each pair of speakers
one at a time to any of the 12 SPEAKER connectors, observing polarity, then snap the connector back into place. In the same way,
remove the AMP INPUT connector. Snap open the connector to insert the wires from the amplifier’ s output, observing polarity. Snap the
connector shut to secure the wire connection. Snap the connector back into place. If external volume controls are used, connect speaker wire from the appropriate speaker connector on the WCN-12 to the volume control input.
3. Operation
All the connected speakers will be driven when the amplifier is operating. To ensure safe operation of the amplifier, an impedance level
for the system must be selected using the rotary switch on the WCN-12. The switch must be set based on the follo wing conditions:
• If the amplifier and the speakers are both 4 ohms, set the rotary switch to the number of pairs of speakers connected to the WCN-12.
• If the amplifier and the speakers are both 8 ohms, set the rotary switch to the number of pairs of speakers connected to the WCN-12.
• If the amplifier is 8 ohms and the speakers are 4 ohms, set the rotary switch to TWICE the number of pairs of speakers connected to
the WCN-12.
• If the amplifier is 4 ohms and the speakers are 8 ohms, set the rotary switch to HALF the number of pairs of speakers connected to
the WCN-12.
4. Setting System Volume
It is important to properly adjust an impedance-matching system to avoid distortion or DC clipping (DC voltage will be produced from
an amplifier that is overworked or that has an improper load). These can cause an amplifier/receiver to go into protection, and can
cause autoformers on volume controls to heat up, damaging system components. To set up the system, the amplifier/receiver volume
should be at its lowest setting, and the in-wall/selector volume control should be at the highest setting. Slowly adjust the
amplifier/receiver volume to a level that is acceptable for the amplifier without clipping.
5. Specifications
Power Rating/channel: 200 watts Po wer Handling
100 watts RMS/channel, continuous
300 watts peak
Terminals: Removable modular color-coded snap connectors accept up to 14 gauge wire
Impedance: Use with 4 ohm or 8 ohm amplifiers
Mount: Standard 19" open frame allows rack or stud mounting
Dimensions: 19"W x 3"H x 3"D (48.3 x 8.9 x 7.6 cm)
Weight: 5 lb. (2.3 kg)