System Design
The MDADZHMS/E Multi-Source Audio Hub is compatible with any A-BUS Volume Control
Module; however, some Volume Control Modules do not have the capability to control the
MDADZHMS/E Multi-Source Audio Hub directly from keypad buttons. We recommend using
only Volume Control Modules with IR receivers built in, so that you will be able to control the
MDADZHMS/E Multi-Source Audio Hub by pointing an A-BUS IR Remote at the Volume Control
Module, which will repeat the IR commands to the MDADZHMS/E Hub. A-BUS is a very flexible
system, it allows for many variations not normally possible in traditional multi-room systems.
For instance; it is possible to mix Multi-Source Hubs with Single-Source Hubs. There are many
reasons why you may want to do this; the most common reason is because in an open plan
house you may have interconnecting areas, which are acoustically the same (family rooms,
dining rooms and kitchens). So if you change the source in one area the other rooms can track
the same source. Another example is bedrooms with bathrooms. In the master bedroom, the full
function Volume Control Module would normally be used; however, in the bathroom a less
expensive Volume Control Module may be all that is needed. Each Multi-Source Hub has an A
and B output (the second bank requires a separate power supply) for each zone in order to
cater to this requirement. Any zone output can also be fed into the Expansion Input of a
separate A-BUS Distribution Hub such as the MDADZ600 6-Output Audio Hub to expand that
zone.
Installation
It is recommended that the A-BUS MDADZHMS/E Multi-Source Audio Hub be installed by a
qualified technician and in compliance with relevant low-voltage regulations. The
MDADZHMS/E Multi-Source Audio Hub, AUDZBX75 Source Input Module and AUDZ45
Multi-Source Volume Control Module should not be installed next to or in the same box as
high-voltage devices. These devices all connect via a single Cat 5/5e cable using the TIA 568A
wiring color code. It is recommended that no length of cabling should be run parallel or close to
high-voltage cables or data cables. If the A-BUS cabling must cross other wires, it is best to
cross at a perpendicular. It is recommended that the Cat 5/5e cable length be no longer than
100ft (30m); longer runs may cause induced noise and reduce sound quality.
Operation
The MDADZHMS/E Multi-Source Audio Hub is controlled by A-BUS infrared (IR) commands.
There are four inputs into which AUDZBX75 Source Input Modules may be connected. When
the Hub receives a command for any one of the four inputs in any zone, the Hub will turn on.
This will be indicated by the green Status Indicator [3]. The 12v DC Trigger [12] will also
activate. If source components are activated by a power strip switched by the Trigger, they will
also activate. Each zone must have one Volume Control Module with a keypad that includes
buttons with A-BUS functions (Inputs 1-4 or Input Up/Down, Room Off and System Off
commands). Alternatively, any Volume Control Module containing an IR receiver may be used in
conjunction with an A-BUS IR Remote that has these IR commands built-in. Volume Control
Modules without Room On/Off switches will activate when any Zone is turned on. Other
modules with individual On/Off capability require either an On command or a Volume Up
command to activate the module. These units will reset to a low volume level the next time the
system is turned on. The A-BUS OFF command will turn off the Volume Control Module only. To
turn the whole system off, the SYSTEM OFF command must be used.
MDADZHMS/E
Multi-Source Structured Wiring Hub