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Multi-room, multi-zone audio in the past was reserved for the wealthy, and achieved by hiring low-voltage electricians or A/V Professionals to provide elaborate expensive installations. In the summer of 1996 Dolby Digital (5.1 surround sound) was introduced, via “Batman Returns,” awing audiences as the action traversed through the theater. This audio revolution was soon followed with a rising popularity of big screen and projector televisions, and as their allure rose their price tags fell; thus the leap of Audio and Visual equipment into households across America. Finally, HDTV introduced back in the 90’s has almost become a standard in broadcasting, most major broadcasting networks, satellite-based TV companies, such as DirecTV and Dish Network, and many of the video game systems (X-box 360 & Playstation 3) output an HD signal.
How does this lead us to Volume Controls, quite simply a decade ago, like I said in the opening sentence, you would have been hard pressed to find anyone with whole house audio, much less considering installing it themselves. Installing volume controls is a straightforward process that can save you money; all it takes it the proper tools and a bit of patience.
This is any easy step-by-step guide to installing Volume Controls
Tools Needed:
1-Gang Junction Box, Pencil, Fish Tape, Phillip Screwdriver, Small Level, Wire strippers, Gloves, Safety Goggles, Drill, 1” flat bit, drywall saw.
Instructions to Install Volume control:
1.) Use a stud finder to determine where the studs are located in the area you have selected to place the volume control, typically close to the light switch.
2.) Run 4-Conductor speaker cable from the amplifier (positive and negative for both the left and right channel) to the volume control. Similarly, run 2-conductor speaker cable from each of the first pair of speakers to the volume control. Label the cables for future reference.
3.) Measure the depth of the volume control to make sure your Volume Control will fit in the j-box you have purchased (one of the most common errors).
4.) Cut Hole for the 1-gang J-box and install J-box, but do not screw into place.
5.) Connect the speaker cable to the volume control:
a. Strip ¼” of insulation from the end of each cable
b. Tightly twist the wires in each cable until there are no frayed ends.
c. Insert the 4-conductor speaker cable from the amplifier into the input terminals.
d. Insert the two 2-conductor speaker cables from the first pair of speakers into the output terminals.
6.) Connect additional speakers in parallel
7.) Make sure that all connections between your amplifier and the volume control, and between the volume control and each speaker, are in “phase”, that is (+) to (+) and (-) to (-).
8.) Turn the volume knob to the “off” position (all the way counterclockwise, turn on the amplifier, and test the functionality of the volume control.
9.) Screw J-box into place
10.) Put on faceplate and screw in place
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