FAQs

General | Speakers | Remote Control | Installation

GENERAL

What is a Multi-Room Audio System
A Multi-room audio system – sometimes called a room to room audio system – repeats the audio from different channels in different rooms throughout the house, allowing you to listen to the hi-fi situated in your living room in any other room in the house.

The EIS system offered by soundaround allows upto 6 Channels of audio. They could be TV, Radio, CD, Mini-disk, Computer… basically any source that you want to listen to.

How does it work?
All your audio sources are wired back to a central control unit. These can be wired from anywhere in the house. For instance, your TV may be in one room and your hi-fi in the other. You may also have a computer in a home office or bedroom.

From there, a cable is run through the building carrying the information to the wall panels in each room.

Each room has an independent control panel which accesses the channels and drives the speakers in that room.

Each panel has local control of which channel and the volume.

Can one room listen to the CD player while another room plays the radio?
Yes. Each wall panel is completely independent of the other. All rooms can play the same channel (ideal for parties) or any one of the 6 different sources. There are no restrictions to what can be on or off. Some rooms can be on… and some turned off.

Are there any limits to the number of control panels that can be connected to the system?
The answer to that question is Yes. But it’s 120! The system is limited to 120 control panels off one Master Unit.

What rooms should I put the system in?
In general the main control unit is positioned behind a TV or HiFi unit… though this can be positioned anywhere – under the stairs, utility room, cable room etc.

From there the control panel will play the audio in each room. If you have the hi-fi and TV in the same room you may not need to put a control panel in that room as the hi-fi and TV have their own speakers. However, this will mean that you have not intercom functionality in that room.

If you are thinking about the bathrooms, it is possible to drive an en-suite from the control panel in the adjoining bedroom. It may be suitable to power the main bathroom from one of the other bedrooms too.

Open plan areas (kitchen / dining area) may only require one panel powering more speakers.

And think of outside. Why not put a panel by your patio door to drive outdoor speakers in the garden or on your balcony?

If you would like any ideas on this element please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be delighted to help.

Can I put them in the bathroom?
All EIS products are rated for safety against steam and can be safely used in the bathroom.

SPEAKERS

What type of speakers are used?
Soundaround offer a variety of speakers. Primarily speakers are in-ceiling speakers, flush with the ceiling plaster work. These come in 3 sizes – 8”, 5” and 2”. The 2” speaker fits into a low voltage light recess. Ceiling speakers require up-to 3.5 inches above the ceiling.

My ceilings are concrete. Can I still install speakers?
Speakers can also be surface mounted or “in-wall” flush speakers. As with the in-ceiling speakers, the in-wall speakers also require a clear depth of 3.5 inches. This space is usual in a standard stud wall.

What is the difference between the different sizes?
Generally the larger the speaker the bigger the sound. As well as additional volume, larger speakers provide more bass and resonance.

REMOTE CONTROL

Can the system be operated by remote control?
Yes. There is a remote control the replicates all the functions of the control panel. Adjust volume, change channel, activate the intercom etc.

Can I control the CD player in the living room – skip tracks etc – from a different room?
Absolutely. By using the CD players remote control the 400 Series on your wall will pick up the signal and repeat it to the CD player (or any remote control device).

You can buy inexpensive remote controls (All 4 One) that can be set to control your different devices. Perhaps one for the masterbedroom or the kitchen?

INSTALLATION

Can I install the system into an existing property.
Yes you can. Most houses offer many opportunities for running cable without too much disruption.

Stud plaster walls can be approached by fishing wire throughthe cavity from the floorboards or attic space above.

Older houses with concrete walls may need the walls “chased” or use surface cableing.

I’m building new! What are the implications of the installation.
If you are building new you are in the most enviable position. Ensure that you are wiring for all your needs (present and future) at the first fix wiring stage. Soundaround can help your electirician ensure that your house is wired for sound.

If I wire, can I add the components for the system later?
Certainly. Any electrician will be able to install the components providing the wiring has been run correctly. It may be better to ensure the first fix is a success to have the electrician come back for the fitting and commissioning of the equipment.

My electricial doesn’t know this system!
This is not a problem. Because the EIS system is based on standard electrical cabling any electrician will find it easy. We are on hand to supply him / her with the information they need. If your electrician doesn’t want to do it for you we have approved installers around the country who will be glad to help you.

What cable is used?
There are two main cable used to wire the system throughout the building. 1x 3-core cable for power (.75mm) and 1x 11-core cable to carry information (.25mm). For more technical information please visit our technical pages on this website here.

Do I need CAT5 cable to use this system?
No. Standard low-cost electrical cable is used to wire this system. While not necessary for this system, Soundaround do recommend that you at least run CAT5 cable for computer use and telephony systems if the opportunity exists.