Overview

Enabling easy integration of whole-house audio into an AVAtrix™ Cat 5 Matrix system, the 1173BK is a perfect complement to projects involving distributed audio. The Multi-Zone Audio Router's selectable "source" and "tracking" modes support a variety of whole-house audio configurations. Its volume control and source switching capabilities enable simple integration with a zone amplifier. See detailed application diagrams here.

When using traditional zone amplifiers without onboard volume control or switching, the 1173BK should be operated in Tracking Mode. The audio output from the source currently selected in a zone is routed to the corresponding audio output on the 1173BK. (Example: Zone 2 is viewing Source 4 - the 1173BK would output Source 4 audio from Output 2). The output is then connected to a separate amplifier used to drive speakers in each zone. This mode allows audio to be switched in sync with the video source being viewed in each zone.

When using amplifiers with their own volume control and signal processing, the 1173BK should be operated in Source Mode. The audio output from the each source is looped to the corresponding audio output on the 1173BK. (Example: Source 1 audio is replicated on 1173BK's Output 1). Audio remains live at each in-room Cat 5 receiver, while also interfacing to a third party whole house audio control system or multi-channel amplifier for processing, amplification, and room selection.

• Adds volume control to the AVAtrix Cat 5 Matrix
• Outputs 6 stereo audio channels (output depends on selection of Source and Tracking mode)
• ExpressRamp enables precise, smooth control of each zone's volume
• Controls volume of sources independently for each channel (analog only)
  
• Rack mountable with included 1U rack-mount ears

Features

• Adjusts volume level from 0 to -78dB
• ExpressRamp enables precise, smooth control of each zone's volume
• Works with simple zone amplifiers or sophisticated audio systems
• Supports up to 18 AVAtrix zones in tracking mode, or up to 30 zones in source mode
• Integrates seamlessly with third-party control systems from Control4, URC, RTI, and more
• IR routing for audio system and/or source control signals from the zones
• Connects to AVAtrix ribbon bus

• Analog stereo audio (L/R) - 6 RCA
• Digital audio (stereo or surround) - 6 RCA (volume control not available on digital outputs)

Specifications

Downloads

• Product Focus Sheet: 1173BK
• User Manual: 1173BK
• Extended Command Set: 1173BK 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I use the 1172 or the 1173BK in my application?
A: The 1173BK contains all the features of the 1172, plus volume control adjustments. The 1173BK supersedes the 1172 in the Audio Authority product line, and will be discontinued once remaining units have been sold. The 1172 can be used in any scenario where volume control is not required, or when volume is controlled through the amplifier. The 1173BK must be used with typical zone amplifiers, which don't offer input switching or volume control. See detailed application diagrams here.

Q: What is ExpressRamp?
A: ExpressRamp is a feature of the 1173BK by which any zone's volume may be set to a particular level using a single RS-232 command. See the 1173BK User Manual for details.

Q: Can I use a dedicated AV Reciever to amplify the audio for each zone?
A: Yes, in tracking mode, the 1173BK performs source selection for each AVR, and volume control can be accomplished either by the AVR or by the 1173BK. Call your Audio Authority Account Manager for details. See detailed application diagrams here.

Q: Can I use the 1173BK with an existing AVAtrix?
A: The 1173BK can be used with an AVM-562 or AVX-562, provided the firmware is upgraded to version 1.4 or greater. and the resulting configuration does not exceed five expanders. The firmware upgrade enables the 1173BK volume control functions.

Q: Why doesn't the 1173BK control digital audio volume?
A: Controlling digital audio requires a real time conversion to analog then back to digital, increasing the chances of signal degradation, and potentially introducing audio delay into the signal path. Also, since only A/V receivers can take advantage of the discrete multi-channel audio signals provided through digital tranmission, there is no need for the 1173BK to provide volume control; the A/V receiver manages the volume (see this application example). 

Applications

		AVAtrix with a Zone Amplifier With the 1173BK set to Tracking Mode, the AVAtrix and 1173BK provide switching and volume control for the zone amp, which feeds speakers in the listening zone. The user controls volume and source selection via the AVAtrix IR routing system or an RS-232 enabled control system.
		AVAtrix with an A/V Receiver for Each Zone With the 1173BK set to tracking mode, the AVAtrix and 1173BK provide switching and volume control. The user controls volume and source selection via the AVAtrix IR routing system or an RS-232 enabled control system. Analog audio outputs for each AVR follow video content in the zone.
		AVAtrix with a "Smart" Distributed Audio System When the 1173BK is set to Source Mode, it repeats the original source content out to a distributed audio system that has its own onboard switching and volume control. This prevents the use of signal-degading Y-adapters, and provides the audio both to the distant Cat 5 receiver and the local distributed audio system.
		Digital Audio to an A/V Receiver for Each Zone With the 1173BK set to tracking mode, the AVAtrix and 1173BK provide switching and IR commands for the receiver. The user controls the system with a third-party controller in the listening zone, and the volume control IR commands are passed througth the AVAtrix IR routing system and out the 1173BK, to the A/V receiver.