Incorporating a Volume Control
It is possible to control the volume of the sound at the speaker location. Volume
controls are connected in line with the speaker, an example of wiring an area with
2 speakers and a master volume control is shown in Figures 4a and 4b, 4a is for
one-speaker stereo mode and 4b is for two-speaker stereo mode. It is usually
desirable to control the volume of the speakers in different areas or zones of the
outdoor system. A suggested way to accomplish this is shown in Figures 5 and 5b,
5a is for one-speaker stereo mode and 5b is for two-speaker stereo mode.
Niles makes a wide range of outdoor volume controls. We recommend our
standard weatherproof volume control, WVC100 series or our weatherproof muting
volume control, WMVC series. In addition to controlling the volume of the
loudspeakers, these controls can allow the addition of added speakers without
adding more amplifier channels. Volume controls provide flexibility and
customization to make the system reliable and easy to use. Consult your local
Niles’ dealer for more information about using volume controls.
Recommended Amplifier Power
We recommend an amplifier with a power rating of ten to two hundred watts per
channel for optimum performance. Outdoor speakers typically require more power
than indoor speakers. The outdoor environment is usually noisier and has less
reflective surfaces to make the system sound louder. Therefore, the use of a higher
power amplifier is recommended.
Ironically, most speakers are not damaged by large amplifiers but by small
amplifiers. When playing the loudspeaker at higher volumes, a small amplifier will
run out of power very quickly. When an amplifier runs out of power it creates
damaging “clipping” distortion. A large amplifier will play at the same volume
without causing this distortion.
If the plan requires connecting two halves of a RS8Si speaker to an amplifier, in the
one-speaker stereo mode or use the speaker in the two-speaker stereo mode, an
amplifier rated to drive a 4-ohm load of thirty watts to three hundred watts, is
recommended. If you use two halves of an RS8Si’s on one channel and the
amplifier is not rated for driving a 4-ohm load, the amplifier will run out of power
more easily and could damage the speakers.
See the section “Operation” for more information about clipping distortion.
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Figure 4a One-Speaker Stereo
One Zone VC Wiring
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Figure 4b Two-Speaker Stereo
One Zone VC Wiring
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Figure 5a One-Speaker
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Figure 4b Two-Speaker Stereo
Two Zone VC Wiring
