Quick Start Guide
SonaFlex™ SF-16M 16-Channel Digital Matrix Amplifier
Brand: Audio Authority
Introduction
The SonaFlex™ SF-16M is designed and built in the U.S. with A-V integrators in mind. This quick start guide covers basic topics. For more articles and videos, visit www.audioauthority.com/sonaflex_tips.
Key Features
- 50 watts RMS@8Ω per channel.
- 16 source inputs, 16 outputs.
- Inputs and outputs can be configured stereo or mono.
- Four FlexPort inputs.
- Full matrix switching.
- Third party IR, RS-232, or Ethernet control.
- Cat 5 inputs for FlexPort audio transmitters.
- Hybrid digital and analog amplifier design.
- Volume, EQ, bass, treble, and loudness adjustments per output.
Carton Contents
- SF-16M Amplifier
- Power cord
- Rack ears
- Ferrite beads
- DB-25 cable
- Phoenix Connection (x 8)
- Quick start manual
Safety Warnings
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
CAUTION: [Risk of Electric Shock] ⚡
AVERTISSEMENT: Pour réduire les risques d'incendie ou de choc électrique, ne pas exposer cet appareil à la pluie ni à l'humidité.
CAUTION: [Risk of Electric Shock] ⚡
The lightning flash within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
L'éclair terminé d'une flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle indique à l'utilisateur la présence à l'intérieur de l'appareil d'une tension dangereuse non isolée ayant une amplitude suffisante pour provoquer une électrocution.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle indique que des instructions de fonctionnement et d'entretien importantes sont détaillées dans les documents fournis avec l'appareil.
The exclamation point symbol within the eight-sided shape alerts users to important operating and maintenance instructions in this booklet. ❗
Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur de l'octagone indique à l'utilisateur que des importantes instructions d'opération et d'entretien sont incluses dans ce document.
- Read these instructions.
- Keep these instructions.
- Heed all warnings.
- Follow all instructions.
- This product must be installed by qualified personnel.
- Do not open the cover—there are no user-serviceable parts inside.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean only with dry cloth.
- Ensure adequate ventilation space around the unit. Do not block ventilation openings. Install per manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not install near heat sources (radiators, heat registers, stoves, etc.).
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. Consult an electrician for outlet replacement if the plug does not fit.
- Ensure correct voltage is selected before plugging in.
- Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
- Use only manufacturer-specified attachments/accessories.
- Unplug during lightning storms or when unused for long periods.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required for damage, spilled liquid, foreign objects, exposure to rain/moisture, abnormal operation, or dropping.
Rack Mounting
The SF-16M can be installed on a shelf or in a standard 19-inch equipment rack. For rack mounting, remove feet and adjacent cover screws. Reuse cover screws to mount supplied rack adapters. Place a spacer under adapters at each screw location. Secure SF-16M to rack rails with supplied screws. Use appropriate chassis supports (e.g., Middle Atlantic CSA Series) for loaded racks.
Diagram Description: Figure 1 shows rack mounting with a spacer.
Essential Steps for Setup
- Choose a control method:
- For front panel control, proceed to step 2.
- For third-party controller, skip to page 6.
- Make a system plan (refer to worksheet on page 11):
- List all audio sources.
- Divide the house/building into zones (see page 10).
- Determine the number of speakers required for each zone.
- Choose stereo pairs and/or mono speaker locations.
- Basic setup (front panel - see page 5):
- Set stereo and mono inputs and outputs.
- Add outputs to Zones (see page 10).
- Enter source and Zone names.
- Connect sources and speakers (see page 4).
- Set up advanced features (see page 8), including Groups, Sound Scenes, and Overrides.
Connections
Source Inputs
The SF-16M features 16 RCA audio inputs configurable as mono, stereo, or a combination. Specify input configurations using the PC Setup Utility or the front panel menu.
Diagram Description: Figure 1 illustrates converting stereo inputs to mono using PC Setup Utility or front panel controls. It shows signal flow from Stereo Source to Mono Source to Stereo Source.
Note on Y Adapters: For optimal audio quality when creating a mono signal from a stereo source, Audio Authority recommends using the SF-16M DSP. However, a y-adapter can be used if only one RCA input jack is available.
Speaker Outputs/Zones
By default, all 16 amplified speaker outputs are set to mono, 50% volume, and muted. During installation and testing, set outputs to a reasonable volume. Outputs can be configured as mono, stereo, or a combination.
| Speaker Impedance | 8Ω | 6Ω | 4Ω |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max # of speakers per SF-16 amp output | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Diagram Description: Figure 2 shows SF-16M outputs connected to Stereo Pair, Mono, and Mono speakers.
Note: Specify speaker output configurations using the PC Setup Utility or the front panel menu (see page 5).
PC Setup Utility
The PC Setup Utility allows for all setup tasks. Video tutorials are available at www.audioauthority.com/sonaflex_tip4. Features include:
- Parametric EQ per zone
- Sound Scenes
- Output Groups
- Overrides
- Source naming and gain adjustments
- Zone naming
- Mono and stereo selection for inputs and outputs
- Set turn-on volume levels
Diagram Description: Figure 3 shows parallel 8-ohm speaker wiring for an SF-16M speaker output.
Using the Front Panel
Basic setup and control are available via the front panel menu and controls. If using a third-party controller, skip to page 6. For advanced features, see page 8.
Diagram Description: Figure 4 illustrates the front panel with controls labeled A, B, C, D.
- A: Multi-Function Knob: Scrolls (clockwise/counterclockwise) and selects/de-selects (press in). An open arrow symbol indicates scrolling; a filled arrow indicates selection. Turn knob to adjust values. Press again to de-select and move to the next item.
- B: Menu Key: Accesses the main menu, which includes Zone Control, System Control, Source Setup, Zone Setup, and System Setup.
- C: Back Key: Returns to the previous screen. Repeated presses return to the top of the main menu.
- D: Dim Key: Toggles through four brightness levels for the display and key lights. After a set period of inactivity, the display enters a screen saver mode.
Front Panel Control Options:
- Zone Control: Choose source, adjust volume, bass, treble, and loudness.
- System Control: Use Group commands, activate Overrides and Sound Scenes.
Setup Menu Options:
- Zone Setup: Choose stereo or mono status for each output, assign outputs to Zones, and set turn-on volume limits (maximum and minimum).
- Zone and Source Naming: Edit source or zone names. The Menu button cycles through numeric, uppercase, lowercase, and blank cursor options. Dim and Back buttons move the cursor left/right.
- Source Setup: Choose mono or stereo for each source and adjust trim gain levels.
- System Setup: Change front panel display behavior, view network settings, import/export configuration files, update firmware, name sources and Zones, reboot, and reset to factory defaults.
Diagram Descriptions: Figures 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 show examples of menu navigation and setup screens.
Third Party Control
For third-party controllers, use the worksheet on page 11. Connect sources and speakers (page 4) and set up advanced features (page 8). Three control methods are recommended:
- Third party serial controller: Uses DB-9 RS-232 port. Most reliable, all functions available, customizable.
- Third party IP controller: Uses RJ-45 Ethernet port. Very reliable, all functions available, customizable.
- Third party IR controller: Uses 3.5mm IR port. Most functions available, customizable.
RS-232 Port
The DB-9 RS-232 port connects to virtually any third-party RS-232 controller, enabling 2-way communications for control and feedback. Download the serial command set from the Audio Authority website.
Diagram Description: Figure 10 shows the SF-16M RS-232 IN/OUT ports, connection to a Control System (Serial Port), and DB9 pinout.
Ethernet Port
The Ethernet port connects to any standard Ethernet router/switch. DHCP is enabled by default. SDDP is enabled for seamless integration with Control4 systems. For initial setup, DHCP can connect automatically. After installation, use a static IP address and disable DHCP. Download the Ethernet command set from the SF-16M product page.
Diagram Description: Figure 11 illustrates the SF-16M Ethernet port connection to a network and a laptop via a remote control system.
IR Port
The 3.5mm "Main IR In" connects to any third-party IR controller using a mono 3.5mm cable. A comprehensive list of IR commands is available in spreadsheet format. Download the hexcode IR command set from the SF-16M product page.
Diagram Description: Figure 12 shows the SF-16M Main IR In/Out ports, connection to a Control System (IR Output), and discrete IR commands.
SF-16M Menu Tree
Figure 13 details the SF-16M Menu Tree structure:
| Root Menu | First Menu Subset | Second Menu Subset |
|---|---|---|
| Zone Control | Zone | Volume, Source, Loudness, Bass, Treble |
| System Control | Groups* | Group Naming (1-10), Volume, Source, 1-14 ON/OFF, Priority |
| Overrides* | ON/OFF select, Zone selection (1-16), Source selection (1-16) or Flexport (1-4), Volume level, Priority (1-10) or Flexport (1-4) | |
| Scenes* | Scene Naming (1-10), ON/OFF select, Volume level, Source selection, Power (ON/OFF), Mute ON/OFF | |
| Source Setup (Including Flexport) | Sources 1-20 Gain | |
| Stereo/Mono | All Stereo, All Mono | |
| Zone Setup | Stereo/Mono Setup | Outputs 1-16 |
| Output Zones | Outputs 1-16, All to one Zone | |
| Volume Settings | Zone, Volume Maximum, Power ON Volume Maximum, Power ON Volume Minimum | |
| System Setup | Front Panel | Brightness*, Front Panel IR, Display Lock*, Sleep Timer* |
| Network* | DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), IP (Internet Protocol), NM (Netmask), GW (Gateway), MAC Address, SDDP (Simple Device Discovery Protocol; Control4) | |
| Import File, Export File, Firmware, Name Source, Name Zone, Reboot, Factory Reset |
*See page 8 for more advanced feature details.
Advanced Features
Many advanced features are used with third-party controllers. The PC Setup Utility is the most efficient way to configure these features and allows saving configurations. For more details, see video tutorials at www.audioauthority.com/sonaflex_tip4. The following settings are configurable via Ethernet/serial commands or PC Setup Utility:
- Advanced DSP (EQ): Set filter type per zone (Bypass, High Pass, Low Pass, High Shelf, Low Shelf, Parametric). Frequency attenuation from 1 Hz - 20KHz. Gain adjustments from -15db to +15db. Balance control.
- Network Settings: DHCP ON/OFF (default OFF), SDDP ON/OFF (default ON), Static IP Address (default 10.10.10.1), Netmask (default 0.0.0.0), Gateway (default 0.0.0.0).
- System Trigger: Audio Sense / Audio Sense + Trigger.
- Contact Closure: Select Contact 1 or 2, Mode (Momentary / Toggle), Type (Audio Override / Scene Preset), Audio Override (1-10) or Scene (1-10).
- Groups: Group Naming (1-10), Select Zones to include in each Group.
- Scenes: Scene Naming (1-10), ON/OFF select, Volume level, Source selection, Power (ON/OFF), Mute ON/OFF.
- Overrides: ON/OFF select, Zone selection (1-16), Source selection (1-16) or Flexport (1-4), Volume level (default = 0), Priority (1-10) or Flexport (1-4).
- Sleep Timer: 1, 2, or 5 minutes, or OFF.
- Display Brightness: Adjust 0 - 100% (default 100%).
- Lockouts: Front panel controls, Front panel IR.
Note: These advanced features may not be compatible with all third-party controllers.
Front Panel and Back Panel Descriptions
Front Panel Descriptions
Diagram Description: Shows front panel controls labeled A through G.
- A: Power Light
- B: IR receiver
- C: Display (VFD)
- D: Control knob
- E: Menu button
- F: Back button
- G: Dim button
Back Panel Descriptions
Diagram Description: Shows back panel ports and connectors labeled H through U.
- H: Audio Override Triggers 1 & 2 (Contact Closures)
- I: System Trigger In & Out (5V - 24V AC / DC)
- J: Unit ID switch for multiple unit operation
- K: Ethernet connector with Link/Speed indicators
- L: USB connector (to update firmware and save settings)
- M: FlexPort transmitter 1 & 2 In/Loop Out
- N: DB-25 Input/Loop Output
- O: RCA stereo/mono audio inputs
- P: 3.5 mm Main IR In/Loop Out
- Q: DB-9 RS-232 In/Loop Out
- R: Stereo and/or Mono speaker level outputs
- S: Power switch
- T: Fuse compartment
- U: Power cord Input
Includes safety warnings regarding voltage selector and fuse replacement. For 100-120V~ 50-60 Hz, use T 10A, 250V fuses.
Set Up Zones and Groups
Zones and Groups are for front panel control of SonaFlex speaker outputs. They are not compatible with third-party controllers. Each Zone can contain one or many speaker outputs (mono/stereo). Zones may not overlap. Groups can contain one or many Zones, with overlapping members.
Diagram Description: Figure 14 illustrates a restaurant example where speaker outputs are divided into Zones (Bar, Dining Rm, Lobby, Patio) and Groups (Interior, Exterior) with overlapping members.
How to Create and Use Zones
An SF-16M can have up to eight stereo zones or 16 mono zones. Assign speaker outputs to Zones using the front panel (Figure 15) or the PC Setup Utility V2.0.
How to Create and Use Groups
Use the PC Setup Utility to create Groups and add Zones as members. Group volume and source selection are controlled via the System Control menu.
Diagram Description: Figure 15 shows an example of assigning speaker outputs to zones.
Firmware Update Procedure
The latest firmware is available from the SF-16M product page on the Audio Authority website: www.audioauthority.com/sonaflex_tips.
- Copy the latest firmware file to a USB drive.
- Insert the USB drive into the SF-16M's rear panel USB port.
- Press the menu key and navigate to the firmware update menu item.
- Follow prompts and select the firmware file.
- The SF-16M will reboot and perform the update.
- Upon completion, the SF-16M reboots and resumes operation with the new firmware.
System Connection and Planning Worksheet
A worksheet is provided to plan system connections, including source inputs, FlexPort inputs, speaker outputs, and zone assignments. This worksheet helps organize setup for units 1 through 4.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Power Per Channel (All Channels Driven) | 50W @ 8 Ohms |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.55 dB into 8 Ohms |
| Full Power Bandwidth | 20Hz to 20kHz |
| S/N Ratio | 96dB |
| Channel Separation | 70dB (channel to channel @1kHz) |
| THD+N | <0.3% @ full power output |
| IMD | <0.5% @ full power output |
| Input Sensitivity | 0.5Vrms |
| Input Impedance | 20k Ohms |
| Audio Clock Frequency | 96KHz |
| Output Clock Frequency | 385KHz |
| Output Protection | Short Circuit, Over-Temperature, Overload |
| Line Voltage & Frequency | 100-120VAC 50-60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 1125W continuous, 1280W for 2 minutes |
| Maximum Current Draw | 10A RMS |
| Heat Output | 1109BTU/Hr. maximum |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 5.22" x 16.60" x 14" |
| Net Weight | 41 lb. |
| Shipping Weight | 49 lb. |
| Approvals | FCC, ETL |
| Warranty | Three years, parts and labor |
Limited Warranty
This product is covered by a limited warranty for three years from the original sale date against defects in materials or workmanship. Audio Authority will repair or replace defective products at no cost. Freight charges for replacement units are paid by Audio Authority (Ground service only). Proof-of-purchase (invoice from authorized reseller showing item number, serial number, and date) is required for in-warranty claims.
Units failing after the warranty period may be returned for repair at a nominal charge, provided they are not damaged beyond repair. Freight charges for out-of-warranty returns are the customer's responsibility. A Customer Return Authorization Number must be obtained from the factory for all returns.
This warranty is limited and does not apply to products that have been damaged, altered, abused, misused, or improperly installed. Audio Authority disclaims other warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No allowances are made for field service or installation work performed by the end user.
SF-16M Serial Number: [Field for user to fill]
Date of Purchase / Installation: [Field for user to fill]
Contact & Support
Audio Authority
2048 Mercer Road, Lexington, Kentucky 40511-1071
Phone: 800-322-8346 | 859-233-4599
Fax: 859-233-4510
Website: www.audioauthority.com
Email: support@audioauthority.com
Additional Resources: www.audioauthority.com/sonaflex_tips
