Crestron Press Release September 23, 2010
Crestron Debuts Sonnex™ Technology with Digital 24X8 Multi-Room Audio System and Audio Expander
Crestron introduces its new digital 24X8 multi-room audio system with built-in Sonnex™ audio transport technology. Blending high-performance digital audio processing, full-matrix switching and high-powered amplification into a single component, Crestron Sonnex redefines audio distribution for the digital age. This revolutionary audio transport technology transmits 64 channels of uncompressed 24-bit HD audio across a single shielded CAT5 cable. Representing a new generation of multi-room audio distribution, Sonnex delivers improved performance and significantly reduces hardware and software cabling.
With all-in-one, high efficiency hardware design and an exclusive single-wire digital bus, Sonnex technology dramatically advances performance, output, efficiency and ease of installation. It also substantially reduces the hardware and cabling requirements of traditional systems; all that is needed is a single shielded twisted pair wire, home run to the master system in the rack. Gone are the days of purchasing separate amps, preamps, switchers and the extensive cabling required to connect them. As many as eight expansion units can be installed far from the main rack, supporting distribution of 24 sources to 72 zones. Sonnex drives 200 watts at 4 ohms per channel, delivering nearly 30,000 watts of total power and creating an unforgettable high-definition listening experiences in every room.
“With full matrix switching, HD audio processing and high-powered amplification integrated into a single component, Sonnex is a complete solution for multi-room, digital audio distribution,” explains Vincent Bruno, Crestron Director of Marketing. “Fewer cable runs, easy-to-pull shielded CAT5 and fewer connection points saves installers lots of time and expense.”
The Sonnex multi-room audio distribution system draws incredibly low power for even more savings. Its energy efficient, cool-running design conserves rack space by eliminating the need for empty space between components.
For optimal sound quality in each zone, acoustics are easily customized and adjusted from room to room and outdoors. Custom speaker profiles and 5-band EQ presets provide each zone with the best sound based on its natural acoustic qualities. From any touchpanel or remote, you can choose a “Classical” mix in the library, “Jazz” in the kitchen and “Rock” on the patio.
From the front panel or the menu-driven software tools, installer-friendly configuration of a multi-room HD audio system is fast and easy.