DMA-1240ADS 12-Channel Amplifier with Automatic Source Switching
Details
How to use the proprietary features of the DMA-1240ADS
Connect a zone’s variable output from your whole-house controller (MC-66, Lync 6, Lync 12) into the regular Line Inputs on your DMA-1240ADS as you would for any traditional Whole House Audio setup. Now, connect a source dedicated for a zone into the Voice Assistant inputs. In this way, the zone can use the Whole-House Audio system just like any other zone in the house, but whenever the source plugged into the Voice Assistant input is active, it takes priority over what is heard in that zone.
With its ADSTM (Auto Detect and Switch) circuit, the DMA-1240ADS opens a realm of possibilities that enhance your audio experience. Here are a few suggestions for how to use this remarkable feature:
Example 1: Use audio baluns to connect a TV from a room into the Voice Assistant inputs of the amplifier channels powering the speakers in that room. The room will still be part of the whole-house audio system, but the TV will take priority whenever it is turned on. Volume is controlled from the TV's remote. Note that with some TVs, an HDMI ARC adapter may be required to achieve variable volume control.
Example 2: Imagine adding Bluetooth (using our BTX extension kit) to a kid's room or guest room. Let the child or guest know that a Bluetooth device is dedicated just for them and all they have to do is start streaming to it from their smart phone in order to hear the audio in their room (they don't even have to be connected to Wi-Fi). Volume is controlled by their phone. That is, the Whole-House Audio system doesn't even need to be powered on and you don’t need to teach anyone how to use the app or wall-mounted control pad.
Example 3: Dedicate a voice assistant to a room. Connect a music streamer that includes Alexa, and the instant you say the wake word (Alexa!), your current audio “mutes” so you can hear the voice assistant's responses through the same speakers. Once she's finished speaking, the amplifier returns to whatever audio you were previously listening to (if any).
Check out our Voice Assistant Mounting Kits for the ultimate way to power and hide a voice assistant device (VAD) in the ceiling of any room and connect its audio into the Voice Assistant inputs on the DMA-1240ADS.
Global Override: The DMA-1240ADS also features a global override! When a source is detected at this input, it overrides all amp channels selected by the 6 dip switches found in the upper-right. In the graphic above, amp channels 9 & 10 (dip switch 5) won’t be interrupted by the video doorbell. This feature is perfect for outdoor zones, baby rooms, or any other zones you'd rather not disturb. Those familiar with home automation will appreciate the benefits of having the connected device (in this example an Echo Dot) make announcements based on time of day or triggered events.
Some notes about setting up the DMA-1240ADS:
Amplifier channels on the DMA-1240ADS will switch to the Voice Assistant inputs whenever the input signal reaches a minimum threshold of approximately 7mV. The amp will switch back to the other source whenever this threshold is not met for a period of time set by the Delay knob (about 0.5-30 seconds). When both input sources are simultaneously playing, the auto-switching works best when the Voice Assistant input signal is consistently above the threshold.
For the Echo Dot and Echo Input, we recommend using a volume setting of around 5-10. A setting of 10 (max) is similar to a fixed level output from traditional audio devices like a CD player. If you stream music through the Dot at very low levels, you will want to turn off the other source connected to the amp channels or increase the Delay time to prevent the amp from auto-switching to the other source.
For most users, setting the Delay knob to near minimum will work best with Alexa and other voice assistant devices.
Specifications
Here is a quick overview of the power features- the key word is "flexibility":
- 12 channels of full-range digital amplification (operates significantly cooler than most multi-channel amplifiers)
40 watts RMS per channel into 8 ohms with all channels driven
60 watts RMS per channel stable into 4 ohms - Each channel is stable to 4 ohms, so you can safely connect two 8 ohm speakers to each channel for a maximum of 24 speakers; example: 6 stereo zones with up to four speakers in each zone
- 2 side-by-side channels can be bridged to create a single 120 watt channel (8 ohms only)
- You decide the combination of 40 watt and 120 watt channels (up to 6 channels at 120 watts each) into 8 ohm load
- For each amplifier channel, select between two stereo bus inputs (In 1 and In 2) and a separate Line Input unique to each channel
- Each channel can independently be selected to play the left, right, or combination (mono) of In 1 and In 2
- A “Voice Assistant” input is available on models with ADS.
- Maximum volume output for each channel can be easily adjusted from the front panel so that you can balance overall sound levels throughout your home (example- limit how loud the speakers can play in your kids' rooms)
- All connections are gold-plated for optimum performance
- Amplifier can be turned on and off manually or automatically as needed when an input signal, or trigger (for whole-house audio) is detected
- Protection circuitry and signal lights make sure you don't overload each channel with too many speakers (a channel will go into protect mode if the impedance drops too low)
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 5.5" x 17" x 14.5" not including power cable and volume knobs- Add 1" in back and front for proper clearance. For rack-mounting purposes, the DMA-1240ADS is considered "3U".
- Weight: 32 lbs
- Top vented: allow 4" of space above and adequate air flow around amplifier
- Stand-by power consumption: 5 watts
- Color: Dark Charcoal Black
- 3U Rack-mount brackets sold separately
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