Configuring Audio Input Signals: Primary Input Vs. Secondary Input
Within the Web UI and Cloud control platforms, users have access to a complete input matrix where they can digitally select and assign any input signal to any channel of the amplifier. This is a powerful feature that saves integrators a lot of time and work when configuring their audio systems.
Another thing that you’ll notice when looking at the input section in our control UI, is that there are options for a Primary Input and a Secondary Input.
These options are extremely useful for creating flexible and reliable audio systems.
Let’s dive into the differences in both input options.
PRIMARY INPUT
Configuring Audio Input Signals: Primary Input Vs. Secondary Input
This is the primary audio signal that you would like to pass through the audio system.
For example, if an audio system is being used for background music in a retail store, the Primary Input would be set to the source of the background music such as a streaming device (computer, iphone, etc.)
SECONDARY INPUT
Configuring Audio Input Signals: Primary Input Vs. Secondary Input
This is an audio signal that you would like to set to override or backup your primary signal. There are a few different reasons you may want to override or backup your primary audio signal.
In a retail store with background music, for example, you may want to override your background music to make a storewide announcement that pages a specific customer, promotes a particular sale, or informs shoppers that the store is closing soon.
In a house of worship, you may have a Dante network setup with digital audio being fed to the amplifiers, but also want to have an analog backup in the event the network has troubles. When the Dante network audio on the primary input disappears but there is still an analog signal on the secondary input, the amp will switch to the analog secondary input.
There are a couple of settings available in the UI that allow you to configure when the Secondary Input signal should override the Primary Input signal.
AUTO OVERRIDE PRIMARY
Configuring Audio Input Signals: Primary Input Vs. Secondary Input
When this setting is selected, your primary input will play all day, until there is a signal detected on the Secondary Input. At this point, the Secondary Input signal takes over until no Secondary signal is detected.
Picture an overhead paging system. The Secondary Input signal is set to a paging microphone. The microphone is typically inactive most of the day so, the Primary Input background music will play the majority of the time. But as soon as someone activates the paging microphone to make an announcement, that signal is detected, and the Secondary Input is then allowed to auto override the Primary Input signal to deliver the message to the audio system.
SIGNAL SENSING OVERRIDE
Configuring Audio Input Signals: Primary Input Vs. Secondary Input
This setting is used as a traditional backup signal. In the event that the Primary Input signal is lost for any reason, you can have a backup signal set to the Secondary Input which will instantly take over.
So, if your background music streaming device on the Primary Input loses power, you can have a backup device streaming music on the Secondary Input which will automatically take over eliminating any system down time.
Conclusion
Configuring Audio Input Signals: Primary Input Vs. Secondary Input
These features are great for creating custom configurations that impress your clients, but they are also essential functions for systems controlling life safety devices such as fire alarms and security systems.
If you have any questions or feedback regarding the configuration of the Primary and Secondary Inputs with our CONNECTSERIES amplifiers, please leave a comment below or reach out to us on our social media channels.
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