Blaze by Sonance PowerZone Connect Amplifiers: Installation and User Manual

1. Introduction

Blaze by Sonance PowerZone™ Connect power amplifiers are designed to provide configurable, consistent, and reliable high-performance audio power amplification for residential, commercial, and entertainment applications. This manual should be read fully before installing and using an amplifier. For questions regarding amplifier configuration, installation, or operation, contact the appropriate customer support portal.

This manual is divided into sections covering:

• 2. Overview
• 3. Carton Contents
• 4. Installation
• 5. Configuration
• 6. Connections
• 7. Operation
• 8. Specifications

2. Amplifier Overview

PowerZone™ Connect 122/122D, 252, 254, 504/504D, 508, and 1008/1008D amplifiers are half-rack and full-rack width, 1U format power amplifiers. They can drive both conventional low impedance (Lo-Z, 4 Ω to 16 Ω) loudspeakers and high impedance (Hi-Z, 70 V / 100 V) transformer-coupled loudspeakers.

The amplifiers provide four analog inputs, one stereo S/PDIF digital input, and either two, four, or eight outputs (Lo-Z mode), or one, two, or four outputs (Hi-Z mode).

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers also incorporate automatic power sharing technology, enabling power to be shared proportionately as required between pairs of outputs in Lo-Z mode.

PowerZone™ Connect Amplifier Models:

2.1 Connections

PowerZone™ Connect signal input and output connections are accomplished via RCA Phono and Euroblock style connectors. A GPIO (General Purpose In/Out) Euroblock connector enables some amplifier functions to be controlled. Wireless or RJ45 socket Ethernet network connection options are also provided.

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers have no mains power switch and are operational as soon as mains power is connected via the IEC 60320 mains socket.

2.2 Network Features

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are TCP/IP network-connected devices requiring a wired or wireless network connection to access their configuration menus. The configuration menus are accessed via the PowerZone™ Control web app interface.

Audinate Dante®: Half-rack width PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are optionally compatible with Audinate Dante® audio over IP (AoIP) networks and installations. Configuration and management of IP routing for Dante® digital audio is administered by Audinate's Dante® Controller software. More information can be found at: www.audinate.com/products/software/dante-controller.

2.3 Dimensions

PowerZone™ Connect amplifier dimensions and features are illustrated in Diagrams 2A, 2B, and 2C. The amplifiers are primarily intended for installation in an equipment rack but can also be under-desk or wall mounted, or used free-standing. They are fan-cooled and require unobstructed ventilation apertures.

Diagram 2A:

[Illustration showing dimensions for a two-channel amplifier with ventilation space indicated.]

Diagram 2B:

[Illustration showing dimensions for a four-channel amplifier with ventilation space indicated.]

Diagram 2C:

[Illustration showing dimensions for an eight-channel amplifier with ventilation space indicated.]

2.4 Firmware

This manual describes the features, functions, and user interface of PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers running Firmware Version 1.8.0. It is recommended to check and update the firmware regularly. Firmware can be identified and updated via the Device option in the Control web app Settings Menu, or downloaded from the PowerZone™ Connect website.

3. Carton Contents

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are shipped with:

• Amplifier unit
• Mains power cable
• Input connectors (x2)
• GPIO socket connector
• Output connectors (x1, x2, or x4)
• Adhesive rubber feet (x4)
• Document pack

4. Half Rack Width Amplifier Installation

PowerZone™ Connect 122/122D, 252, 254, and 504/504D models.

Note: Rack mounting and desk/wall mounting components are not supplied and are available as accessories.

4.1 PowerZone™ Connect Mounting

Half-rack width amplifiers are shipped without rack mount hardware. They can be configured for rack installation using one standard rack 'ear' and one half-rack extension piece (Diagram 4A). The installation and equipment rack should provide adequate ventilation airflow space around the sides and rear of the amplifier. Maintain at least 25 mm (1 in) of ventilation airflow space along at least one side, and at least 80 mm (3.1 in) free space behind the amplifier rear panel.

Rack mount rear support hardware is optionally available for mobile racks or situations with significant movement (Diagram 4B).

Multiple half-rack width amplifiers can be mechanically connected using accessory connecting plates (Diagram 4C).

[Illustration showing rack ear and half-rack extension.]

[Illustration showing rack support hardware.]

[Illustration showing connecting plates for multiple units.]

4.2 Free-standing

If not installed in an equipment rack, half-rack width amplifiers can be placed free-standing on a flat surface using the supplied adhesive rubber feet. They can also be attached to the underside of desks or wall mounted using connecting plate hardware (Diagrams 4D and 4E). Ensure at least 80 mm of free space behind the amplifier and 25 mm along at least one side for airflow.

Note: Full rack width amplifiers are not suitable for under-desk or wall mount installation.

[Illustration showing desk/wall mounting plate and adhesive feet.]

[Illustration showing wall and under-desk mounting.]

5. Full Rack Width Amplifier Installation

PowerZone™ Connect 508 and 1008/1008D models.

Note: Full rack width models are intended for rack mount or free-standing installation only.

5.1 Rack Mounting

Full rack width amplifiers are supplied with rack ears fitted. Ensure adequate ventilation airflow space around the sides and rear of the amplifier, with at least 25 mm (1 in) along one side and 80 mm (3.1 in) behind the unit.

Rack mount rear support hardware is optionally available (Diagram 5A).

[Illustration showing rack mount rear support hardware.]

5.2 Free-standing

If not installed in an equipment rack, full rack width amplifiers can be placed free-standing on a flat surface using the supplied adhesive rubber feet (Diagram 5B).

[Illustration showing adhesive feet locations.]

6. Configuration

Before making input, output, and GPIO connections, an initial PowerZone™ Connect amplifier configuration should be established. It is important that the amplifier output format is configured appropriately for the connected speakers.

Configuration requires the amplifier to be connected to mains power and network services.

6.1 Mains Power Connection

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers have a power factor corrected universal power supply (100 V AC to 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz). Use the supplied mains cable and connect to a switched mains supply. The amplifiers have no mains power switch and are operational as soon as mains power is connected.

6.2 Network Services

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are configured via a web page interface called PowerZone™ Control. The amplifier must be connected to the same TCP/IP network as the computer or mobile device used for configuration.

6.2.1 Wired (Ethernet) Network Connection

1. Connect the amplifier's Network Control socket to a network router or switch, or directly to an Ethernet-equipped laptop/desktop computer using an Ethernet cable.
2. Connect the amplifier to mains power. Wait for the front panel Network indicator to illuminate green.
3. The default LAN IP address is 192.168.64.100. Configure your computer for a fixed IP address in the same range (e.g., 192.168.64.10) with a Subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 and Gateway 192.168.64.1.
4. Open a web browser and enter the address http://192.168.64.100 to access the PowerZone™ Control Web App interface.

Note: Amplifiers can be configured to use DHCP. If DHCP is used, the IP address may change after a power cycle. A network scanning app can help identify the new IP address. DHCP and Fixed IP settings are in the Settings Tab.

The second network socket is for Audinate Dante® AoIP network connection only.

6.2.2 Wireless (WiFi) Network Connection

1. Connect the amplifier to mains power and wait for the front panel WiFi indicator to illuminate green.
2. Search for available WiFi networks and connect to 'PowerZone™ Connect (product serial number)' using the password 'password'. The serial number is on the rear panel.
3. Open a web browser and enter the IP address: 192.168.4.1 to access the PowerZone™ Control Web App interface.
4. In the Web App Settings Tab, navigate to WiFi > WiFi Mode > Client to configure the connection to your required WiFi network.

Note: It is strongly recommended to change the Access Point WiFi password after initial connection.

6.3 Configuration Menus

Opening a web browser connected to a PowerZone™ Connect amplifier displays the PowerZone™ Control Web App Dashboard (Diagram 6A). The Dashboard provides access to amplifier status, output zones, and configuration menu tabs.

[Illustration of the configuration dashboard.]

6.3.1 Input Tab

The Input Tab allows configuration of:

• Input name
• Mono/Stereo selection
• Input sensitivity
• High-pass filter
• Gain trim
• Five-band equalization

The Input Tab also enables input signals to be mixed and routed to specific amplifier zones. The mix function allows grouping of inputs to create predefined mixes. The number of possible mixes equals the number of amplifier outputs.

Note: Mix inputs are muted by default. Mix operations occur after high-pass filter, input equalization, and mono/stereo selection.

A pink noise or sine wave audio signal generator is also available.

[Illustration of the Input Tab.]

[Illustration of Input EQ display.]

[Illustration of Dante® Input display.]

[Illustration of Input Mix display.]

6.3.2 Zone Tab

The Zone Tab enables installation zones to be defined and named, providing access to sub-menus. Zones can represent areas like bar or restaurant sections, or different rooms in a home.

The Source menu within the Zone Tab allows inputs to be assigned to zones and Input Priority or Input Ducking to be configured. Input Priority allows up to three alternative inputs to the Primary Input on each zone, enabling prioritization, replacement, and muting of inputs.

Input Ducking allows an alternative input to replace and attenuate the Primary Input when the alternative input exceeds a preset level.

Note: Priority Low, Mid, and High parameters can be set to default values or manual settings (Threshold, Attack, Hold, Release). Ducking Low parameters can also be set to default or manual values.

The Volume menu allows minimum and maximum zone volume limits to be set, and enables external GPIO volume control.

The Restrictions menu enables zone inputs or input mixes to be restricted from routing to particular zones.

The Compressor option enables default or custom signal compression to be applied to individual zones.

[Illustration of the Zone Tab.]

[Illustration of the Zone Source menu.]

6.3.3 Output Tab

The Output Tab enables amplifier outputs to be named, linked to zones, and provides access to Delay, Room Equalizer, and Speaker Preset menus.

The Routing menu assigns zones to amplifier outputs. Stereo zones automatically offer three output options: left, right, or summed mono.

The Delay menu applies delay to individual amplifier outputs.

The Equalizer menu applies parametric equalization to individual amplifier outputs. Settings can be copied between outputs.

The Speaker Preset menu allows adjustment of speaker parameters and creation, export, import, or clearing of preset configurations. Speaker Presets can be applied, imported from a library, exported, or cleared. They can also be locked.

Speaker preset data from third parties can be imported. To import, select 'IMPORT PRESET FROM LIBRARY' or 'SELECT PRESET FROM FILE'. Use 'CLEAR' to delete existing presets.

[Illustration of the Output Tab.]

[Illustration of Speaker Preset Parameters.]

[Illustration of Speaker Preset import file selection.]

[Illustration of Speaker Preset applied.]

[Illustration of Speaker Preset parameter adjustment.]

6.3.4 Speaker Preset Menu Parameters

• Crossover & Gain: Enables high or low-pass crossover filters and gain adjustment for individual outputs.
• Speaker EQ: Enables parametric equalization for individual outputs.
• FIR: Enables import of FIR (Finite Impulse Response) equalization filter coefficients generated by external speaker measurement software. FIR files can be in .csv or .txt format.
• Driver Alignment: Enables delay to be applied to individual outputs.
• Polarity: Reverses the polarity of individual outputs.
• Limiter: Engages or bypasses signal limiting (Clip, Peak, RMS) on individual outputs.
• Output Mode: Switches outputs off or configures them for Lo-Z or Hi-Z modes. A high-pass filter can be applied in Hi-Z modes.

Note: A high-pass filter in Hi-Z mode can help avoid distortion caused by low-frequency transformer saturation. Start with the default 70Hz setting and increase if necessary.

6.3.5 Settings Tab

The Settings Tab allows configuration of miscellaneous amplifier settings and recording of installation data.

• System Information: Provides fields for recording installation data.
• Device: Records amplifier information (model, firmware version) and provides firmware update options.
• External Devices: Enables control panels to be paired and configured with the amplifier.

[Illustration of the Settings Tab menu.]

[Illustration of the External Devices display.]

• Backup & Restore: Enables configuration data to be downloaded or uploaded.
• Speaker Library: Manages speaker preset libraries.
• Security: Sets a password to protect the amplifier Control Web App.
• Power Management: Configures automatic switch-on options, Standby, and Mute functions.
• Output Routing: Routes specified inputs or zones to the amplifier S/PDIF outputs.
• Dante®: Enables identification of Dante® capable devices on the AoIP network.
• GPIO: Configures the multi-purpose GPIO interface pins.
• LAN: Configures and resets wired network options.
• WiFi: Configures and resets wireless network options.

6.4 Setup and Signal Routing

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers offer considerable versatility in sources, signal routing, installation zones, and output modes. Inputs can be freely assigned to installation zones, and zones assigned to amplifier outputs in either Lo-Z or Hi-Z modes. This allows, for example, one amplifier to simultaneously drive both Lo-Z and Hi-Z speakers, or different inputs to be routed to different output zones.

The following paragraphs describe the recommended procedure for configuring input, zone, and output routing. A general signal flow schematic is illustrated in Diagram 6P.

[Illustration of the signal flow schematic.]

6.4.1 Input Setup

Open the configuration Dashboard and select the Input Tab.

• Edit default input names by typing in the Input Name field.
• Define a mono or stereo input. Defining a stereo input reduces the total number of discrete inputs available.
• Select an input sensitivity option (+14dB, +4dB, -10dB, or 'microphone'). +14dB or +4dB are suitable for professional audio sources with balanced outputs. -10dB is for consumer audio sources with unbalanced outputs. The 'microphone' option provides higher sensitivity for microphones.

Note: Only dynamic microphones are suitable. Phantom power is not provided.

• Adjust input gain using the slider. Gain adjustment is for fine output level adjustment. Adjust input EQ using the 5-band equalizer.

6.4.2 Zone Setup & Routing

Open the configuration Dashboard and select the Zone Tab.

• Select the zone to be configured. The number of zones and their channel format depend on the amplifier model, input setup, and output mode (Lo-Z or Hi-Z).

Note: In Hi-Z mode, amplifiers operate in 'bridged' format, combining two channels. This halves the number of available output channels compared to Lo-Z mode. BTL mode is only allowed for speakers with an impedance of 8 Ohms or higher.

• Name zones by typing in the Zone Name field.
• Adjust zone volume using the slider.
• Define a mono or stereo zone. Defining a stereo zone reduces the total number of further zones available.
• Specify an input for the zone. Selecting a stereo input for a mono zone will automatically sum the stereo channels to mono.

6.5 GPIO Setup and Connection

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers provide a GPIO socket for remote control of volume, standby, mute, and trigger functions. The GPIO connector pin functions are described in the GPIO Settings menu (Diagram 6Q).

Note: The GPIO connector must not be used for unintended purposes, as amplifier damage may result from incorrect use. Shielded cable is recommended for connecting standby switches and potentiometers via GPIO.

Note: GPIO Pin 8 has a low output impedance and can supply a maximum current of 10mA.

Note: GPIO Pins 1 and 3 offer ground connections. Pin 1 is connected directly to the amplifier chassis. Pin 3 is connected to the chassis via a 220 Ohm resistor, offering a 'soft ground' connection that can help manage ground loops.

[Illustration of the GPIO Settings Menu.]

[Illustration of potentiometer connections for GPIO.]

[Illustration of connections for GPIO standby/mute switch.]

7. Connections

PowerZone™ Connect amplifier rear panel connections are illustrated in Diagrams 7A and 7B.

7.1 Mains Power Connection

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers have a power factor corrected universal power supply (100V AC to 240V AC, 50/60Hz). Use the supplied mains cable. The amplifiers have no mains power switch and are operational as soon as mains power is connected. Ensure all signal, GPIO, and output connections are made before connecting to mains power.

7.2 Input Connection

All PowerZone™ Connect amplifier models provide four balanced or unbalanced analog audio inputs and a stereo S/PDIF digital audio input. Any input channel can be routed to any output channel via the amplifier network interface.

Analog Inputs

Analog inputs are line-level with a default input sensitivity of +4dBu. Input signal levels up to +24dBu can be handled without input clipping. Input sensitivity can be set via the amplifier network interface.

Balanced input connections use male 'Euro Block' connectors. Unbalanced input connections use RCA phono sockets.

[Illustration of half-rack width amplifier rear panel connections.]

[Illustration of full-rack width amplifier rear panel connections.]

Digital Outputs

S/PDIF stereo digital audio output connections are made via a single RCA Phono socket. The S/PDIF output signal can be routed from any input or zone and is intended for daisy-chaining PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers.

Note: Use 75Ω RCA Phono cables specifically intended for digital audio for S/PDIF connections. The S/PDIF output level is set at -10dB by default.

7.3 Output Connections

Output connections are made via male 'Euro Block' connectors. Ensure correct speaker connection polarity.

For Lo-Z speaker connections, connect positive (+) amplifier terminals to positive speaker terminals, and negative (-) amplifier terminals to negative speaker terminals.

For Hi-Z speaker connections, connect the two speaker cable conductors between the positive (+) terminal of Output 1 and the negative terminal (-) of Output 2, and similarly for additional Hi-Z outputs.

Output mode options (Lo-Z or Hi-Z) can be configured via the amplifier network interface.

[Illustration of balanced analog input cable connections.]

[Illustration of output cable connections.]

[Illustration of GPIO cable connections.]

Note: Input, output, and GPIO connection socket use is the same for two, four, and eight-channel output amplifiers.

Warning: The exclamation point symbol next to the output terminals indicates a risk of hazardous voltages. Do not touch output terminals while the amplifier is switched on. Make all connections with the amplifier switched off.

7.5 Speaker Cable Gauge

Speaker connection cable gauge should be chosen appropriately to reflect the type of installation. The tables below specify appropriate cable gauges for less than 0.5dB cable loss with different installation types and cable lengths.

Cable Gauge Table (Lo-Z Installations, 0.5dB Attenuation, 4Ω & 8Ω Loads)

7.5 GPIO Connections

If GPIO functionality is required, cables will need to be connected to the supplied GPIO connector. Connecting cables to the GPIO connector is illustrated in Diagrams 7E.

7.6 Network Connections

PowerZone™ Control

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are TCP/IP network-connected devices configured via a web page interface. Wired (Ethernet) and wireless (WiFi) connection options are available. Connecting to a TCP/IP network is described in Section 6. If a wired connection is used, connect an Ethernet cable to the amplifier rear panel Network Control socket.

Audinate Dante®

Half-rack width PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are optionally compatible with Audinate Dante® audio over IP (AoIP) networks and installations. Connect to a Dante® network via the amplifier rear panel Dante® socket and configure the network using the Audinate Dante® Controller application, available for download from: www.audinate.com/products/software/dante-controller.

Cable Gauge Table (70V Hi-Z Installations, 1.0dB Attenuation, 20 speakers evenly distributed)

Note: Cable lengths should not exceed 250m.

Cable Gauge Table (100V Hi-Z Installations, 1.0dB Attenuation, 20 speakers evenly distributed)

Note: Cable lengths should not exceed 250m.

8. Operation

Once all connections have been made and configuration options selected, PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers are ready for use. If an input signal above -60dB is present on any input, the front panel Input and Standby indicators will illuminate green. Audio will be heard from connected speakers.

Note: PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers will not switch on from Standby Mode unless an input signal is present, a network 'ON' command is received, or an external standby switch (or 12V trigger) is operated. Standby behavior can be configured via the Power Management menu.

Amplifier outputs will mute if no input signal is present for 5 minutes. The amplifier will switch automatically to Standby Mode if no signal is present on any input for more than 15 minutes. Alternative standby and mute delay times can be selected via the Settings Tab. The amplifier cooling fan speed is temperature controlled and will switch off when the amplifier enters standby mode.

8.1 Front Panel Indicators

PowerZone™ Connect amplifier front panel indicators illuminate to indicate the following operational states:

• Status: Off - Mains power disconnected. Green - Amplifier operational. Pulse Green - Standby Mode. Amber - GPIO triggered Standby Mode.
• Input: Off - No input signal present. Green - Signal present on one or more inputs. Amber - Signal limiting/clipping on one or more inputs.
• Output: Off - No output signal present. Green - Signal present on one or more outputs. Amber - Signal limiting/clipping on one or more outputs. Red - One or more channel pair is in overload/protection mode.
• Network: Off - No Ethernet network detected. Green - Ethernet network detected.
• WiFi: Off - WiFi disabled. Green - WiFi enabled.

8.2 Automatic Power Sharing

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers incorporate a power sharing feature that automatically shares the total power available from the amplifier's internal power supply across each pair of output channels. If one channel demands more power than the amplifier's continuous power rating while another channel demands less, the excess power is automatically made available to the over-power channel. Power sharing optimizes the amplifier's ability to deliver maximum power into dynamic loudspeaker loads.

8.3 Default Reset

PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers can be returned to their default settings via the Control Web App Settings Tab or the hardware reset pinhole button (located on the underside panel). To reset using the pinhole button:

1. Disconnect the amplifier from mains power.
2. Use an appropriate tool to press and hold the reset pinhole button while simultaneously reconnecting mains power.
3. Continue to hold the reset pinhole button for 3 seconds as the amplifier restarts.

The amplifier will restart with default settings. Previously configured settings will be deleted.

9. Specifications

The following tables describe the efficiency and power performance of PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers, including derived thermal losses.

Power Efficiency Data (1/8th Full Power)

Standby and Idle

*As per compliance to ErP

Propagation Delay Data

The following tables describe the input/output latency performance of PowerZone™ Connect amplifiers.

2 & 4 Channel Amplifiers

8 Channel Amplifiers

*Dante® network latency not included.

Note: Dante® latency is measured in a Dante® to Dante® connection setup. The propagation delay is measured from both analog and digital inputs. The total delay of Amp1 SPDIF input to Dante® out -> Amp2 Dante® input to SPDIF output is 4333 μs. Out of this, network latency accounts for 1000 μs, and ASCRS accounts for 3 x 1000 μs. The remaining 333 μs includes DSP processing (approx. 208 μs) and Dante® chip processing (approx. 125 μs).

Specifications Summary Table

*100 V line mode is @ -1 dB (≈ 90 V)

**PowerZone™ Connect 504: 250 W across ch 1/2 and 250 W across ch 3/4

***PowerZone™ Connect 508: 250 W across ch 1/2/3/4 and 250 W across ch 5/6/7/8

****PowerZone™ Connect 1008: 250 W across ch 1/2, 250 W across ch 3/4, 250 W across ch 5/6, 250 W across ch 7/8

©2025 Sonance. All rights reserved. Sonance is a registered trademark of Dana Innovations. Due to continuous product improvement, all features and specifications are subject to change without notice. For the latest Sonance product specification information visit our website at www.sonance.com.

SONANCE 991 Calle Amanecer San Clemente, CA 92673 USA Phone: (949) 492-7777 Technical Support: (949) 492-7777.www.sonance.com 07.01.25