CRESTRON SWAMP-24X8 SONNEX MULTIROOM AUDIO SYSTEM

Sonnex is a fully-scalable audio distribution system that delivers high-output audiophile sound quality to every room with significantly reduced cabling, low power consumption, advanced DSP, and integrator-friendly setup. The Sonnex Multiroom Audio System takes audio distribution to a higher level, facilitating massive systems with up to 74 zones and over 30,000 Watts of power.

Employing a whole new system topology, Sonnex minimises speaker wiring distances by allowing expansion units to be placed central to the rooms they serve, routing 24 stereo channels of uncompressed digital audio and control to each expander over a single inexpensive shielded CAT5e cable. Gone is all the clutter of amplifier interconnects and input loop-thru cables, meticulously integrating 8 zones of high-performance power amplification and signal processing, plus input switching for a generous 24 analogue and digital sources, all in one compact 4-space rack-mountable package.

Key features

Advanced multiroom audio distribution for homes and offices
Robust, high-efficiency audiophile grade amplification built in
140 Watts/Ch. @ 8 Ohms, 400 Watts/Ch. bridged
Provides eight amplified stereo zone outputs
Provides two additional SPDIF stereo zone outputs
Output Bussing - enables linked operation of multiple adjacent zones
Bridgeable outputs - Affords extra power for pools and other large areas
Sonnex Link - Provides one-wire, plug-and-play interface to eight SWAMPE expanders up to 200 feet away
Includes 12 unbalanced, 4 balanced/unbalanced, and 8 SPDIF inputs
Supports direct audio connection of the Crestron Interface for iPod and other "CH" CAT5 sources
User adjustable volume, bass, treble, loudness, and selectable "tone profiles"
Installer adjustable 5-band graphic or parametric EQ per zone
Dynamic Range Control - Maintains even listening levels in both quiet and loud ambient environments
Speaker Profiles - Allows easy upload of custom preset speaker settings
Sonnex Speaker Protect -Affords extra headroom while preventing component damage
Individual zone power control and global standby
Streamlined setup and adjustment via front panel or Sonnex Tools software
Remote fault monitoring
Seamless Crestron system integration
Heavy duty detachable terminal blocks ease speaker wire termination
Low power consumption, cool-running operation
Four-space 19" rack-mountable

Integrated Audio Amplifier
Sonnex get more power to the speakers. It takes its cues from Crestron´s Procise Proamp line of professional surround sound amplifiers, the SWAMP-24X8 boasts a custom hybrid design that achieves the warmth and neutrality of a fine Class AB amplifier with all the efficiency benefits of modern Class D. Designed to appease the most demanding listener, Sonnex possesses the sonic integrity of a world-class stereo amplifier eight times over to deliver faithful, eminently satisfying audio reproduction in every room from all your music sources.

Each of its 16 channels (configured as 8 zones) delivers an unprecedented 140 Watts into 8 Ohms, or 240 Watts into 4 Ohms. And, for those large, noisy areas around the pool or patio, or perhaps in a game room or gym, any two adjacent zones can be bridged to produce a gratifying 400 Watts per channel at 8 Ohms. Each zone is individually controllable, saving further energy by turning off any unused channels.

24x8 Matrix Switcher

Designed with flexibility and expansion in mind, the Sonnex Multiroom Audio System provides numerous inputs to manage all your stereo audio sources, both analogue and digital. Sonnex easily handles the multi-zone outputs from a Crestron ADMS Intermedia Delivery System or CEN-TRACK multi-tuner, plus all the your digital television receivers and other devices. Sonnex also accepts a direct input from the CEN-IDOCV Interface for iPod and other Crestron Home CAT5 Balanced sources without requiring a separate converter.

A total of 24 discrete inputs are spread across an array of connectors, including unbalanced RCA, balanced terminal blocks, and SPDIF coaxial. For ease of use, descriptive names can be entered for display on the front panel LCD and pushbuttons for every source input and zone output. Via the front panel controls or from a Crestron touchpanel or remote, any input can be selected for listening in any zone or group. Additional features include mono summing for distribution to non-stereo zones, scaling factor settings for defining minimum and maximum volume levels, source signal detection, and source gain compensation to assure a consistent level when switching between disparate sources.

Bonus zones

Sonnex leaves no zone behind, providing two additional SPDIF digital outputs for sharing stereo sources with centralised audio processors and AV receivers.

Sonnex Digital Audio Transport

Among the many exceptional features that set Sonnex apart from all other multiroom systems is the remarkable Sonnex Audio Transport. On the rear of the SWAMP-24X8 are eight Sonnex Link ports, enabling the connection of up to eight SWAMPE-4 or SWAMPE-8 expanders. Each link transports professional-quality 24-bit, 48 kHz digital audio from all 24 inputs simultaneously to each expander, supporting wiring distances up to 61m over a single CAT5e shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable.

While the expanders can be installed centrally with the SWAMP-24X8, the ease of running just one tiny wire instead of 16 heavy speaker cables clearly affords a much better decentralised system approach. Installing each expander local to the rooms it serves, whether on a different floor, another wing, or a completely separate building, significantly reduces the amount of speaker wiring you'll need to install. The benefits of reducing speaker wiring include faster, easier and less expensive installation, as well as overall higher performance and efficiency by minimising the signal loss inherent in long speaker runs.

Plug and Play Expansion

Control for each expander is also embedded in the Sonnex Link, dramatically simplifying installation and setup through a true one-wire interface. There's no need to set addresses or write any special programming, simply connect each expander to the SWAMP-24X8 and instantly control the complete system from the SWAMP-24X8's front panel or Sonnex Tools software.

Advanced DSP

To truly deliver an ultimate listening experience in every room, Sonnex includes built-in digital signal processing providing a virtual arsenal of controls and adjustments, intelligently deployed to streamline both the installer setup procedure and day-to-day user operation. Key setup functions are accessible via the front panel, while more advanced settings are provided via Sonnex Tools software. The essential user controls can be made available on any Crestron touchpanel, keypad, handheld remote, or mobile device as part of a complete Crestron system.

Sonnex DSP features include:

User Controls - From a Crestron touchpanel or other user interface, Sonnex provides the essential controls for day-to-day listening. Controls include room volume, bass, treble, balance, loudness, mute, zone on/off, and five selectable tone profiles. Through the control system program, many advanced user functions are possible including priority modes (who can control which sources), zone grouping (source sharing), paging, do-not-disturb, alarm clock, sleep timer, and much more.
Tone Profiles - With one touch, users can select from five preset EQ curves including Classical, Jazz, Pop, Rock, or Spoken Word, each tailored for a different type of material or listening preference.
Dynamic Range Control - When you listen to music or watch TV, you want to enjoy it at a volume level that lets you hear everything clearly - which can be difficult to do if there are competing background noises or someone resting in the next room. Not only that, but the level from one song to the next, and between TV programs and commercials, can fluctuate wildly. Sonnex provides user-selectable DRC to help keep everything at a consistent level, whether in a quiet bedroom, a loud swimming pool, or an outdoor patio, facilitating a more cohesive listening experience without disturbing the neighbours.
Sonnex Speaker Protect - When the occasion calls for cranking the volume, exclusive SSP output limiting assures maximum headroom while preventing damage to the amplifier or speakers. More sophisticated than conventional limiting, SSP lets the installer set the protection to match the speakers' power handling capability, achieving a transparent effect right up to the limits of the speaker device.
5-Band Equalizer - To tailor the sound of your speakers to the unique acoustical environment of each room or space, Sonnex provides the choice of graphic or parametric 5-band EQ. Using Sonnex Tools software and a wireless laptop, the installer can easily move from room to room, sculpting the sound for optimal audio clarity and impact.

Speaker Profiles

AV system integrators typically rely on just a few select speaker models for the majority of installs, and subsequently find themselves repeating many of the same adjustments at each project. The Speaker Profiles feature in Sonnex Tools alleviates the repetition, allowing installers to save a complete set of EQ and SSP settings for every type of speaker, room, and customer listening preference. So, tuning the next room or project can be as simple as loading the appropriate Speaker Profile for each zone. Using Speaker Profiles, a complete Sonnex system can be effectively "pre-tuned" before a single note of music or test signal is even played.

Output Bussing

The spacious, open floor plans typical of today's homes and offices commonly present multiple adjacent listening zones with no sonic boundary between them - e.g., a kitchen and dinette, a living room and dining room, or an outdoor pool and terrace. One click in Sonnex Tools instantly busses adjacent zones together to function as one group while preserving the individual speaker profile settings for each. Volume Offset adjustments easily allow for balancing the levels of each bussed zone for smooth, even coverage of the complete space.

Passive Subwoofer Support

Sonnex lets you enjoy extended low frequency performance in any room, providing high-performance bi-amplification capability to support any passive in-wall, in-floor, or freestanding subwoofer. Configuring Sonnex to handle a 2.1 speaker system is both simple and powerful using its parametric equalizers, offering the choice of 2nd or 4th order active crossover filters for each sub and satellite output, plus up to four additional EQ filters for further room correction and enhancement. With 400 Watts available in bridged mode, there's plenty of power on hand to fill any room with deep, gratifying bass.

Intelligent Monitoring and Protection

To help ensure the most seamless user experience and long-lived operation, Sonnex includes several ways to keep tabs of its operating status and health. On its own, Sonnex possesses the intelligence to protect itself from all types of faults including over temperature, over current, over voltage, under voltage, and DC offset on any channel. In the event of a fault, the front panel LCD provides clear fault indication to speed the troubleshooting of incorrect wiring, poor rack ventilation, and other unforeseen issues. Fault alerts may also be broadcast to a system touchpanel or mobile device, and integrators can even monitor and track the data remotely through Crestron RoomView software to ensure a rapid service response.

Ultimate Integration

Without question, Sonnex delivers unprecedented intelligence from source to speaker. Via high-speed Ethernet or Cresnet, Sonnex affords incredible integration potential as part of a complete Crestron system, enabling seamless control of every room and source through a wide selection of touchpanels, keypads, wireless remotes, computers and mobile devices. Complete setup is afforded via USB or Ethernet using Sonnex Tools software, part of the Crestron Toolbox installer toolkit.