Input gain & volume control

The Hybrid amplifier is optimized for peak performance when the source's input voltage is 1.4V. To help you achieve that number, the Hybrid amp includes a pre-amplified stage to modify the input source voltage. If the input voltage from the source is less than 1.4V, the speakers may sound under powered, or quieter than expected because the amplifier cannot reach the maximum power output.

Adjust the Input Gain to get your source’s output voltage as close to 1.4V as possible using the Input Gain slider to boost the input voltage of your source. Watch the Output Level to make sure it does not clip (when the level turns red).

The goal is to make sure your Output Level doesn’t clip when your source is at peak volume.

Volume control options

  • Using the amplifiers output gain for volume control: This is the recommended configuration. Fix the source volume and use the amplifier’s controls for volume adjustment. This provides optimal performance and more granular adjustments to the zone's volume.

  • Using the Source output for volume control: This method dynamically changes the source’s output voltage being input to the amplifier, making the scale and granularity of volume control dependent on the source being used.

    Note: The output volume of the amplifier must be fixed for this configuration.

Volume calibration

To calibrate source input gain and the inline volume control level:

  1. Connect all the speaker and audio source wiring.

  2. Connect power to the amplifier.

  3. Set all the volume controls to their maximum volume setting (if applicable).

  4. Set each output level adjustment knob to 50%.

  5. Set the input level for unused channels to minimum.

  6. Power on the amplifier and input source, then play audio typical of what will be played in the area.

  7. Set the source volume level to half. If the audio becomes distorted, turn the volume down until the audio sounds clear.

  8. Set the level adjustment for the area to a level where the volume is slightly above normal listening level. If the audio becomes distorted, experiment with changes to the source volume and the Volume adjustment knob until the audio sounds clear.

Calibration tips for a Triad Audio Matrix connected to the Analog Input

Use the tips below to identify and correct calibration issues.

Using the Triad Matrix for volume control

  1. In the Hybrid amp, set the volume to 0 on both channels.

  2. Turn on the zone and play music at 85-90% (volume is expected to be low because your amp volume is at 0).

  3. In the Hybrid amp, raise the volume on both channels until you find a level to be the max.

  4. If you are maxed out on the output level, turn the gain up on the Hybrid amp. Gain levels between 3 to 5 work well with a Triad Matrix, but this varies by device.

Using the Hybrid amp for volume control

  1. Set the Triad Matrix to 75-80% fixed output for the zone.

  2. Turn off loudness boost, if it is on.

  3. In the Control4 driver for the Hybrid amp, make sure Ch linking is set up. This allows Control4 to control CH1, and the Hybrid amp will link Ch2 and keep its ratio difference. For example, if Ch1 is set to +5 steps, it is always 5 steps higher than Ch2.

  4. Adjust the Hybrid amp while playing music to test the level offset between channels.

  5. When the Hybrid amp is maxed out, adjust the gain. Gain should not exceed 7.