Symetrix ARC-EX4E, ARC-SW4E Users Manual

6408 216th Street SW | Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA

T +1.425.778.7728 F +1.425.778.7727 | www.symetrix.co

DATA SHEET: Wall Panels

ARCs: Adaptive Remote Controls

One true test of a sound system is how easily end-users
can operate it. With that in mind, Symetrix has developed
the Adaptive Remote Control (ARC) series of wall panels for
easy user interaction with Symetrix DSP systems. These
modular controls handle source selection, level control,
paging, room combining, and much more. Flexible, modular,
and truly adaptive, they can be mixed and matched within a
venue to provide each room with an appropriate command
set, tailored specifically to that environment.

An important consideration when evaluating external control
options is their ease of integration with the DSP. With most
projects, time and money are key factors. Third-party control
systems add expense and can require extensive expertise
to implement. The ARC series of control panels are all
programmed by the system designer from within the same
software applications used to configure the DSP hardware.
All control parameters are stored in the DSP hardware as
part of the “site” file so they can be easily accessed and
modified should the user’s needs change.

Their simple, straightforward appearance belies the
sophisticated control the ARCs offer. They communicate
over RS485, a fast and flexible long-distance
communications protocol.

Using this powerful technology, command sets are assigned
to specific ARCs. The range of form factors and hardware
combinations allows simple, intuitive operation that can
control multiple parameters at once. If so desired, a single
button press can recall a preset that reconfigures the whole
system for an alternate application.

Security features such as button combination lockouts or
user-provided key locks assure that only qualified users
make adjustments to the system.

The preferred method for connecting ARCs to a DSP system
is over CAT5. Power and control can be daisy-chained to
multiple devices via the dual RJ45 connectors. The tool
for this job is the ARC-PS, a rack-mounted power supply
that powers up to 10 ARCs. Device IDs are assigned via
rotary decimal switches on each control. Additionally, most
Symetrix DSP products feature an ARC port, as found on
the ARC-PS, built-in for quick and easy integration with a
few ARC devices.

ARC Programming

No special tools are required to program the Symetrix
remotes because they are programmed directly from your
Symetrix DSP device’s software. Configure and test your
system’s remote control devices in minutes rather than days.
Your DSP and control hardware all come from the same
vendor.

6408 216th Street SW | Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA

T +1.425.778.7728 F +1.425.778.7727 | www.symetrix.co

Data Sheet

Wall Panels

The ARC-K1e modular remote control
wall panel features a push-button rotary
encoder that provides simple control
of two parameters in the Symetrix DSP
hardware. The 8-segment LED ladder
on the ARC-K1e provides instant user
feedback, clearly showing relative volume
level. Two additional LEDs illuminate to
indicate which of the two available controls
is active. All control assignments, including
parameter limits and firmware version
upgrades, are handled by the software
included with Symetrix DSP hardware.

A single channel RJ45 connection
provides power and data to the ARC-K1e.
ARC-K1e has an “idle” mode option for
light-sensitive environments like theaters.

Hardware lockout pins accomodate an
installer supplied key switch. Furnished
with a standard white single gang Decora®
faceplate and splash resistant overlay. The
ARC-K1e fits in standard US wall boxes
(sold separately) for in-wall or surface
mount applications.

The ARC-2e is a menu-driven remote
control for Symetrix DSPs. Tap into the full
power of your system with twenty-four (24)
menus with up to sixteen (16) items each
that can be used to address multiple basic
functions or initiate complex logic-based
control events: gain, preset triggering,
source selection, room combining and
more. The 8-character backlit display
supports up to thirty-one (31) scrolling
characters, providing instant user feedback
for control assignments, default settings,
and actions. The three buttons help you
navigate menus, raise or lower values,
and enable or disable the remote control.
All control assignments, including item
labeling, parameter limits and firmware
version upgrades are handled by software
included with Symetrix DSP hardware.
Power, and control are connected via RJ45
inputs.

Intuitive Navigation: Pressing the menu
button navigates through the menu names.
The menu button also acts as a preset

trigger when a preset list is scrolled. The
up/down arrow buttons adjust parameter
settings and scroll through preset lists.
Holding the menu button and using the up/
down arrow keys moves you forward or
backward through the menus.

Programmable Setup: The wall panel’s
behavior is programmable as well. Menu
brightness in “active” and “inactive” states
can be set independently, so the display
will “sleep” in light-sensitive environments
such as theaters. If the ARC-2e goes
idle, it can scroll a message and return
to the top of its menu tree. Upper and
lower parameter limits help contain the
range of adjustment and a button press
lockout will prevent tampering by curious
but unauthorized fingers. The ARC-2e
features a white plastic faceplate and
is powered directly by its host device.
An external power supply (PS-6) and
aluminum faceplate are accessories sold
separately. ARC-2e mounts into a single
gang electrical box (US).