News

Matrix Audio Designs New Multi-Room Audio Controllers Represent the Next Step in Quality for Multi-Zone Audio Distribution (10/8/2004)

Matrix Audio Designs, manufacturer of high-fidelity audio distribution systems, announced the introduction of its newest line of multi-source, multi-room controllers, the Series 4, Series 6, and Series 8. The new flagship Series represents a groundbreaking pinnacle for Matrix Audio, leveraging the modular design existent in the Classic MRC-8e Series to deliver a reliable, powerful and easy to use multi-room audio solution with enhanced control options, features and greater upgradeability for more demanding applications. The new Series is now shipping.

"We remained steadfast in our design focus of simplicity and reliability in engineering our new Series 4, Series 6, and Series 8," said Dan Saso, president of Matrix Audio Designs. "Incorporating the modular concepts of the Classic MRC-8e Series as well as our proprietary Speaker Wire Technology (SWT), the result is an audio distribution system that gives users extraordinary sound quality and intuitive control, while being easy to install and maintain in a new or retrofit application."

With the Series 4, Series 6, and Series 8, Matrix Audio Design's engineers sought to provide audio system designers with a versatile solution for meeting the performance demands of homeowners within challenging installation environments. Each controller manages distribution of 4, 6, or 8 sources, with distribution starting at 2 zones and expanding up to 64 zones. Using Matrix Audio's renowned amplification modules and proprietary Speaker Wire Technology (SWT), these powerful units ensure clear and dynamic sound and precise control using only four-conductor speaker wire. With the Series 4 supporting 20 watts per channel and the Series 6 and Series 8 supporting 40 watts, users enjoy improved sonic quality, stability, and reliability. The wiring platform also offers the best retrofit solution available, since the volume controls from preexisting systems can be replaced by Matrix Audio keypads, enabling control over all source functions.

Series KP-4, KP-6, and KP-8 Keypads were developed to simplify control through increased button functionality that allows users to access more source features. Now, each source button not only activates a zone but can select favorite radio stations, discs, and tracks. Its dedicated volume buttons also control treble, bass, and balance to tailor sound in each zone. Each Series Keypad provides a 5-way navigation control in one tactile button so that each transport function is the same whether it's CD, DVD, Satellite, Tuner, or another device. An optional numeric keypad provides all direct access features including zone grouping, setting source favorites, setting alarm clock functions, and more. All keypads are available in white, black, brown, ivory, and almond.

The Series 4, Series 6, and Series 8 Controllers' flexibility gives installers freedom to customize a Matrix Audio System to fit a variety of installation specifications. Each Series unit can control virtually any audio source available today, and the entire system is designed to easily expand into new rooms and zones, and to integrate with cutting-edge control and automation systems. Expansion Controllers (S-4XC, S-6XC or S-8XC) are configurable in two zone increments up to 64 zones and offer plug-and-play simplicity for applications requiring more than eight audio zones. Programming has been made easier than ever. An IR learning window is hidden beneath a removable front panel logo badge and system programming instructions are displayed on the on-board LCD. A rear RS-232 interface allows for easy control via home automation systems and an RJ-45 Ethernet port (standard on Series 6 and 8; optional on Series 4) offers full IP-control capability. All controllers are macro capable, include IR pass-through, and have flash upgradeable memory.

Matrix Audio offers several upgrades for each Series Controller to give users a more robust experience of their distribution system. Single and dual radio tuners add an extra audio source with discrete control in each zone, an SRS/WOW(tm) module enhances sound quality for smaller or multimedia speakers, and an alarm clock increases overall system functionality. Each upgrade can be ordered up-front or easily added by installers on-site.

www.matrixaudiodesigns.com