Niles SI-1230 Installation & Operation Manual page 8

Using Level Controls as Limiters
If your system is remote controlled, or if you think that some of the users like
to play the stereo too loudly, you can choose to calibrate the system so that it
is limited to a volume level you assign. The SI-1230 allows you to set different
volume levels for different rooms.
Calibrate your system volume levels with the steps outlined below:
1. Lower all of the SI-1230 level controls to the minimum volume position. If there
are any other amplifiers in the system, lower their level controls to the mini-
mum (all of the amplifiers in your system must have level controls).
2. Raise all of the individual in-wall volume controls to the loudest setting.
3. Play a loud radio station with the tuner set to Mono.
4. Raise the volume of your preamplifier or receiver slowly– if you hear any
sound, lower the volume again and recheck all of your amplifier levels, they
must be at minimum. If no sound is heard, proceed to step five.
5. Have someone step into each room and listen as you adjust each level con-
trol to the desired maximum level for that room. Adjust the balance between
speakers for the most common listening position in each room.
Bridging Channels for Areas That Require More Volume
and Power
There are several situations where bridging is an excellent way to improve the
sound. Likewise, there are some applications that would seem to be appropriate
but are not recommended. Plan to bridge channels to increase the power to 80
watts per channel when required. Here are some of the most common DO'S and
DON'TS:
Surround Sound Systems (DO)– The dynamic demands for the center channel
are much higher than the left, right or surround channels. This is an excellent
application for two channels to be bridged into one 80 watt channel.
Outdoors (DO)– Sound dissipates faster outside than within a room where the
walls enclose the sound and reflect it back to the listener. A pair of speakers
playing into a large patio or yard will greatly benefit from bridging four channels
into two 80 watt channels.
More than Two Speakers (DON'T)– In a large room or a long hallway, you will
often find that the best way to get good background music is to install multiple
pairs of speakers. You will actually deliver more power to four eight ohm speak-
ers by using two unbridged channels than you would if you bridged four channels
into two. An unbridged channel is stable down to four ohms (two pair of eight
ohm speakers), but a bridged channel is only useful with an eight ohm load.
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