Volume, Balance, Bass, Treble and a 5 band graphic equalizer on each zone.

In many cases the need for an audio receiver can be eliminated by using the audio features of the Clarity Audio. Audio and tone control are adjustable in 0.5dB steps, and all allow direct or relative adjustments (Ex: Set the volume to an absolute -12.5dB, or increase it by 3.0dB). The tone controls have a range of +/-20dB.

Analog audio, digital audio, optical audio, all automatically converted.

It makes no difference whether your audio comes in through the analog inputs, digital coax inputs, or digital optical inputs, all inputs are converted to both analog and digital audio, and analog audio and digital audio are both available on the outputs. Analog is converted to digital, and digital is converted to analog. Optical inputs are available for the newer cable boxes that have only optical connections for their digital audio outputs.

Note: The Clarity Audio does not downmix DTS or 5.1 Dolby audio. When DTS or 5.1 Dolby audio is detected, it is passed straight through from the S/PDIF input to the S/PDIF outputs.

Volume and tone controls work on the digital inputs and outputs.

For the extreme in ultra-quiet audio and lowest possible distortion, you can input and output digital audio, completely bypassing the analog sections. No extra conversions are done, and you still have volume, balance, bass, treble and 5 band equalizer controls available on each zone.

Adjustable gain settings on each input

To balance the different levels of audio coming from different pieces of equipment, each audio input has a full range gain adjustment. The adjustment range is: +24dB to -24dB, in 0.5dB increments. You can have separate settings for each input, and a separate setting for analog and digital inputs.

Adjustable output settings on each zone

To balance the different levels of audio amplifier sensitivities, each zone can have its output levels adjusted. This allows each room to have the same "Volume number" regardless of the brand of amplifier used at each zone. The adjustment range is: +24dB to -24dB, in 0.5dB increments.

Stereo to mono mix down for each zone

For hallways, and outdoor speakers, where stereo is not particularly useful, each zone can be mixed from stereo to mono using a variety of different methods.

A multitude of control options

The Clarity Audio supports TCP/IP, RS-232, RS-422 control. It has an IR sensor on the front panel, and a hardwired IR jack on the rear panel.

Control done right with K.I.S.S.™ (Keep It Simple Serial™)

Available through the TCP/IP port, or the RS-232/RS-422 port, Zektor's K.I.S.S.™ is one of the easiest to use, serial port protocols, on the market. Yet the extensive bi-directional command set allows total control over the Clarity Audio. Easily operate the Clarity Audio in either a Master / Slave (polled) mode, or a fully Asynchronous (push) mode.

All commands are bi-directional and can be programmed individually to send an immediate update on change, or to internally log their changes to be read later by polling.

By requesting a bitmap of changed parameters, polled commands are made much simpler by allowing you to read only the commands that have changed. There's no need to "dump everything" just to see if a zone had been remapped.

Follow Me Fading

A single serial command can cross fade the volumes of any number of zones, giving the effect of music following you from one room to another.

You can fade down the volume of one zone, and simulaneously fade the volume up of a different zone, using a single command.

All fading is done inside the switch, for a much smoother fading effect than can be done by an external controller. There are no "volume jumping" affects during the fade, and the controller can move on to another task while the fade is executed.

Any number of zones can be faded up or down simaltaneously. Fading can be controlled by setting the fade time, or by setting a ramp speed. Timed and ramp fades can be intermixed, on a per command basis.

Opto-isolated, polarity insensitive, modulated or unmodulated, hardwired IR Jack

By opto-isolating the input jack, we've eliminated many of the grounding problems associated with hardwired IR. The IR jack accepts a wide range of voltages, from 3 to 15 volts, which can be positive or negative. The IR jack accepts modulated or unmodulated signals.

Over 350 discrete IR codes

There are discrete codes to map any input to any zone. Each zone has their own discrete volume up/down codes, as well as four volume presets. There are discrete codes to sequence through inputs, as well as mute and unmute zones. If there is a need for a IR code, it probably exists in the Clarity Audio.

Auto dimming display with adjustable LED intensities

The LED indicators can be set to Bright, Dim, Auto Dim, or Off. The Auto Dim mode will fade the LEDs from the Bright setting to the Dim setting about 4 seconds after a input is selected.

The intensity levels of the front panel LEDs are all adjustable, allowing the Clarity Audio to be used in a wide range of lighting conditions. The front panel can even be made to gently dim its front panels lights to 'off', when the front panel is not in use.

Rack mountable metal enclosure (2RU)

Enclosed in a heavy gauged, steel chassis, with a beautiful brushed aluminum front panel. With fully adjustable front panel LED intensities, the Clarity Audio easily integrates into any existing home theater environment.