Setup Utility Guide

Advanced Configuration Using the Setup Utility

The Setup Utility is the most efficient method for configuring advanced features of the SF-16M using a Mac or PC. It allows saving configurations for off-site editing or backup. Advanced features configurable via Ethernet/serial commands or the utility include: Advanced DSP (EQ), Network Settings, System Trigger, Contact Closure, Groups, Scenes, Overrides, Sleep Timer, and Lockouts. Note that some SF-16M features may not be compatible with third-party controllers designed for similar functions.

Setup Tips:

1. Choose Advanced or Basic Mode: Advanced mode enables Sound Scenes and advanced DSP, offering control per individual speaker output. Basic Mode simplifies the interface by grouping outputs into "Zones" for control, with limited Bass and Treble DSP settings. Basic Mode is suitable if not using third-party control systems like Control4, URC, CasaTunes, or RTI, as these systems manage zones independently. Zones are primarily for front panel control.
2. Connect to the SonaFlex: Connect via Ethernet to your network using DHCP. In the utility, navigate to Connection > Telnet, then click the Detect button or manually enter the IP address.
3. Existing Systems: Import your SF-16M configuration using "Receive All" from the Connection menu or "File > Load" a saved configuration from your computer or a USB drive.

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the SF-16M Configurator software displays connection and mode selection menus. Options include choosing between "Basic (Use Zones)" and "Advanced (Use Outputs)", selecting a "Connection method" (Serial/Telnet), and specifying an IP address. A "Detect command" button is also visible.

Source Setup Tab

This tab allows you to name each source, adjust gain, and select mono or stereo output. By default, all inputs and outputs are mono. Designating a source as stereo links the odd-numbered source to the next even number for switching, volume, and DSP. Mono sources do not display a checkbox, while stereo pairs show a checked box with the even-numbered source name greyed out.

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Source Setup" tab shows columns for "Source Name", "Stereo" (checkbox for stereo selection), "Gain (dB)", and "Source Name" again. Examples of sources include "Blu-ray", "Turntable", "Casa Tunes", "microphone 1", "Cable", "Dish", and "Slingbox". Labels indicate "Stereo or Mono" selection, "Name Sources", and "Gain or Trim" adjustment.

Output Setup Assignment Tab

In Basic Mode, you assign each output to a Zone and can name outputs, indicating if they are mono or stereo. In Advanced Mode, Zone assignments are bypassed, and all DSP settings are accessible. Source switching is provided for convenience, but the utility is not intended for daily user interface tasks.

Diagram Description (Basic Mode): A screenshot of the "Output Setup" tab in Basic Mode shows columns for "Stereo Output Name", "Zone", "Vol(dB)", "Mute", "Power", "Source", "Loud", "Bass", "Treble", "Max Vol", "POV Min", "POV Max", and "Balance". It notes that "Output settings are greyed out because Basic mode is active. Many of these settings are available on the Zone Setup Tab." Examples of output names include "L Rm Subs" and "Dining rm Full", assigned to specific zones.

Diagram Description (Advanced Mode): A similar screenshot for Advanced Mode indicates "DSP settings unlocked." and displays more detailed DSP options available for each output.

Zone Setup Tab

Switch to Basic Mode to utilize Zones instead of individual Outputs. This tab allows setting volume levels, loudness, bass, treble, and maximum volume. Some settings, like volume and maximum volume, are permanent, while others are for temporary convenience during setup (e.g., source, mute, power off). "Power On Minimum and Maximum levels" can be set to ensure moderate volume when an output is powered on (these limits do not apply after mute).

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Zone Setup" tab displays columns for "Zone Name", "Volume (dB)", "Mute", "Source", "Loudness", "Bass", "Treble", "Max Vol", "POV Min", "POV Max", and "Balance". It highlights "Power On minimum and maximum volume limits", "Maximum Volume", "Bass and Treble are available in Basic Mode but not advanced DSP", and "Loudness on or off". It also shows how to "Name the Zones you plan to use." Zones without assigned outputs do not appear on the front panel.

Scenes Tab

Sound Scene Presets are available exclusively in Advanced Mode but can be recalled from the front panel. A Scene is a system-wide snapshot of all volume levels and source assignments, allowing users to recall previously saved settings with a single button press. Up to 10 sound Scenes can be saved and recalled per SF-16M, and also across multiple linked SF-16M amplifiers. Each individual SF-16M supports a maximum of 10 unit or "global" Scenes. Scene settings include naming, source selection, volume levels, mute status, and a "Bypass" option to ignore a Scene preset for any output.

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Scenes" tab shows columns for "Scene Name/Active", "Bypass", "Source", "Volume (dB)", "Mute", and "Power". It highlights "Choose a Scene (one of ten)", "Choose a Source for each included Output", "Set Volume for each Output", and "Set Mute and Power status". It also notes "Bypass = Output 15 not included in this Scene."

Sound Scene Examples:

• Live Music: Apply the "Live Music" Scene when a band is performing. The band's mixer can connect via a FlexPort transmitter. The SonaFlex can provide high volume sound reinforcement in the bar area, lower volume in the balcony, background music in the dining room and restrooms from a music server, and higher volume music on the patio.
• Lunchtime: Easily set up a standard sound Scene with background music from a music server in all areas, with louder volume on the patio and quieter volume in the restrooms.

Diagram Description: An illustration depicts a restaurant layout with areas labeled BALCONY, BAR, STAGE, DINING ROOM, RESTROOMS, and PATIO, showing how audio might be distributed across these zones.

Overrides Tab

The purpose of audio override is to temporarily switch a defined group of outputs to a specific input. Once the override is released or cancelled, outputs return to their previous inputs and volume levels. Overrides can be brief (e.g., for paging, doorbells) or longer duration (e.g., local source selection like iPod, AppleTV, audio mixer). Audio overrides can be triggered by two contact closure inputs on the SF-16M, as well as serial, IR commands, and FlexPort triggers. Up to 10 audio override configurations can be set up per SF-16M, plus FlexPort overrides. Settings include source assignment, output members, output levels, and override priority. A lower priority number (e.g., 1) outranks a higher number (e.g., 3).

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Overrides" tab shows columns for "Audio Overrides", "Active Override", "Source", "Volume (dB)", "Bypass", "Priority", and "Output" numbers. It highlights "Selected Active Override", "Choose a Source for Override", and "Set Priority for each Override."

Audio Override Examples:

• Announcements: For a Host/Hostess station, speakers normally play background music. A microphone push-to-talk button triggers "Override 1", programmed to switch speaker outputs from background music to the Microphone 1 input. When the button is released, speakers revert to the previous source.

Front Panel Controls Tab

Adjust the SF-16M front panel display settings here. Set Front Panel Brightness (for keys and display) using a slider (25%, 50%, 75%, or 100%). The Sleep Timer slider (0, 1, 2, or 5 minutes) determines when the front display turns off after a period of inactivity. Set "Front Panel IR On/Off" to enable or disable the front panel IR sensor to avoid interference. "Front Panel Lock" can disable or enable front panel controls if IR is not needed for daily use.

Output Trigger, and Contact Closure

The SF-16M features two "Audio Override" contact closure inputs, allowing pushbuttons, partition wall contacts, and other sensors to engage an override. System Trigger contacts allow equipment like A-V receivers or power management devices to put the SF-16M into standby to conserve energy. Choose "Audio Sense" or "Audio Sense Plus Trigger" for the trigger mode. Contact closures can be used to engage an override or a sound Scene preset, chosen as toggle or momentary. Contact closures cannot trigger a FlexPort override.

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Front Panel Controls" tab shows settings for "Front Panel Brightness", "Front Panel Sleep Time", "Front Panel IR Disable", and "Front Panel Lock". It also displays "Output Trigger" and "Contact Closure" settings, including "Mode", "Type", "Contact 1", "Contact 2", "Audio Override", "Scene on Close", and "Scene on Release". Labels indicate "Control functionality of SF-16M Front Panel display", "Choose Mode for System Trigger", and "Set Contact Closure Parameters."

Diagram Description: A schematic illustrates connections for overrides and triggers. It shows a PUSH-BUTTON connected to "SF-16M OVERRIDE CONTACTS", a PARTITION CONTACT connected to "OVERRIDE 2", and inputs for SATELLITE RADIO and MICROPHONE 1/2. Outputs connect to "ROOM A SPEAKERS" and "ROOM B SPEAKERS."

Groups Tab

Groups are collections of Zones that can be controlled simultaneously via Group volume and switching commands. When Zones are members of a Group, individual settings can still be adjusted, but Group commands affect all member Zones. Up to 10 Groups can be created per SF-16M. Group settings include naming and output Zone members.

Network

This section displays network status, including the native IP address, gateway, subnet mask, and MAC address. Using DHCP is convenient for automatic connection to a DHCP network during initial setup. For installed systems, use a static IP address and disable DHCP. Simple Device Discovery Protocol (SDDP) is used for connecting Control4 products to the SF-16M.

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Groups" and "Network" tabs shows sections for "Group Name/Active", "Zone to Add or Remove", and "Member Outputs". It also displays "Internet Protocol (IP) Settings" with options for "Use DHCP" and "Static Settings" (IP Address, Gateway, Network Mask). Labels highlight "Select to connect automatically", "Name the Group", "Select the Zone to add to the Group", "Select to use Control4™ protocol", and "Add or remove the Zone."

Diagram Description: An illustration shows how Zones and Groups function. It depicts 16 SPEAKER OUTPUTS divided into ZONE 1 (BAR), ZONE 2 (DINING RM), ZONE 3 (LOBBY), and ZONE 4 (PATIO). These zones are then grouped into GROUP 1 (INTERIOR) and GROUP 2 (EXTERIOR), demonstrating overlapping members.

DSP Tab

The Digital Signal Processing (DSP) tab is available only in Advanced Mode. It offers seven filters (high-pass, low-pass, high shelf, low shelf, and parametric) that can be used individually or as a multi-band EQ. To create a seven-band parametric EQ, select "parametric" for all filters and set frequencies at regular intervals. Adjust levels to meet output requirements. High-pass and low-pass filters are intended for passive subwoofers and full-range speakers; always use filter slot 1 for these filter types.

Diagram Description (Basic Mode): A screenshot of the DSP tab in Basic Mode shows filters greyed out, indicating "DSP settings are greyed out because Basic mode is active." It notes that "The first four filters are used for bass, treble and loudness in basic mode."

Switching to Advanced Mode is semi-permanent; it's advisable to back up your Basic Mode configuration first. In Advanced Mode, bass and treble adjustments are not possible as you are using advanced DSP on Outputs, not Zones. To revert to Basic Mode, load your archived configuration or reset the SF-16M to Factory Default via the Front Panel menu.

Diagram Description (Advanced Mode): A screenshot of the DSP tab in Advanced Mode shows "Output Selection" and "Digital Filter Settings" with columns for Type, Frequency (Hz), and Gain (dB) for Filters 1-7. A graph displays the combined results of all filters. Labels point to "Choose an Output", "Activate a filter, set frequency and gain for each filter", and "(Bypass = inactive)."

DSP Tab in 7-band parametric configuration

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the DSP tab configured for a 7-band parametric EQ shows specific frequencies and gains set for each filter. Labels indicate "Set frequencies at regular intervals" and "Adjust in realtime."

Zone Control Tab

The Zone Control feature is useful for troubleshooting or testing the SF-16M installation. Select a Zone, choose a Source, and adjust Volume, Treble, Bass, Mute, and Loudness. This tab functions in Basic Mode, and also in Advanced Mode if all outputs are mapped to their own zones (default settings).

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the "Zone Control" tab displays columns for "Zone Name", "Source", "Volume (dB)", "Bass (dB)", "Treble (dB)", "Mute", and "Loudness". Labels indicate "Zone Control tab is convenient for testing in Basic Mode.", "Volume and Filtering.", "Choose a Source.", and "Select a Zone."

Contact Information

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

Version: v 1.5.0 | E-139 | Document Date: 20151208

Additional resources available at audioauthority.com/sonaflex_tips, including VIDEOS and FAQ.