HOME MATRIX 4: How To Set Up Mutli-Source Matrix Amplifier / Receiver

Introduction

The Rockville Home Matrix 4 is an 8-channel multi-source amplifier designed for multi-zone audio setups, allowing you to connect multiple speakers across different rooms and control them independently. This guide will walk you through installation, speaker connections, source selection, and features like Bluetooth, TV connections, microphones, and remote control functions.

What’s Included?

• Home Matrix 4 amplifier
• FM radio antenna
• Wireless remote control
• Power cable
• Rack mount ears and screws

Step-by-Step Setup Instructions

1. Rack Mount Installation (Optional)

If you want to mount the amplifier in a rack bag or rack mount, follow these steps:

1. Remove two screws on each side of the amplifier.
2. Align the rack mount ears to the screw holes.
3. Secure the rack mount ears with the included screws.
4. Attach the amplifier to a rack using additional screws.

2. Attaching the FM Radio Antenna

1. Locate the antenna port on the back of the amplifier.
2. Line up the grooves of the antenna connector with the port.
3. Push the antenna in and screw it to the right to lock it in place.

3. Connecting Speakers to the Amplifier

The Home Matrix 4 supports up to 4 speaker zones, each with independent volume, treble, and bass controls.

Speaker Compatibility & Wiring

• Each zone is 4-ohm stable, meaning the total speaker load must be 4 ohms or higher.
• You can connect multiple speakers per zone using parallel wiring (see chart for configurations).

Connecting Passive Speakers

1. Unscrew the speaker terminals on the back of the amplifier.
2. Take a speaker wire and insert:
   • Red (positive) wire → Positive terminal
   • Black (negative) wire → Negative terminal
3. Tighten the terminals to secure the wire.
4. Connect the other end of the wire to your speaker (matching positive and negative terminals).
5. Repeat for the other speakers in your setup.

Parallel Wiring for Multiple Speakers Per Zone

If you want to connect multiple speakers to the same zone, use parallel wiring:

1. Connect Speaker 1’s positive terminal to Speaker 2’s positive terminal.
2. Connect Speaker 1’s negative terminal to Speaker 2’s negative terminal.
3. Run a single speaker wire from Speaker 2 to the amplifier.

Using External Powered Subwoofers or Speakers

• Each zone has RCA line outputs, allowing you to connect powered subwoofers or external speakers.
• To connect a powered subwoofer:
  1. Plug one end of an RCA cable into the RCA output for a zone.
  2. Plug the other end into the input of your powered subwoofer or external speaker.

4. Turning On the Amplifier & Using Microphones

• Press the power switch on the front panel.
• The LED screen will turn on, displaying the current source and settings.

Connecting a Microphone

1. Plug an XLR to 1/4-inch cable into your dynamic microphone.
2. Insert the 1/4-inch end into Mic 1 or Mic 2 input on the amplifier.
3. Adjust the Mic Volume, Treble, and Bass knobs to fine-tune your microphone sound.
4. Turn the Echo knob to add an echo effect, and use the Delay knob to adjust the timing.

Mic Priority Mode (For Announcements)

• Press the Mic 1 Priority button to make Mic 1 override any background music while speaking.
• Ideal for announcements or paging.

5. Connecting Audio Sources to the Amplifier

The Home Matrix 4 supports multiple audio sources:

• Bluetooth
• USB (MP3 playback)
• FM Radio
• Optical/Coaxial (TV/Gaming Console)
• Aux (RCA Input)

Setting Up Bluetooth

1. Press the Bluetooth mode button on the amplifier.
2. On your smartphone or tablet, go to Bluetooth settings and search for "Home Matrix 4".
3. Select it and pair the device (you’ll hear a confirmation sound).
4. Play music from your phone through any zone of the amplifier.

Playing Music from USB

1. Insert a USB flash drive into the USB input on the amplifier.
2. Use the MP3 controls to play, pause, and skip tracks.

Listening to FM Radio

1. Press the FM mode button to switch to radio mode.
2. Use the FM tuner controls to select a station.

Connecting a TV (Optical or Coaxial)

1. Ensure your TV has an Optical Out port labeled "Audio Out Optical".
2. Connect an optical cable from your TV to the Optical Input on the amplifier.
3. On your TV, go to Audio Settings → Select "Audio Out Optical".
4. In Advanced Audio Settings, change the format to PCM (stereo output).

Using the AUX (RCA Input) for External Devices

• Plug an RCA cable into the AUX inputs on the back of the amp.
• Connect the other end to any external audio source (e.g., CD player, turntable, etc.).

6. Managing Audio Zones & Controlling Volume

Each zone has:

• Independent volume control
• Treble and bass adjustment knobs
• Source selection buttons

Example Zone Setup:

• Zone 1 → Optical mode (TV audio)
• Zone 2 → Bluetooth music in another room
• Zone 3 & 4 → FM radio or USB playback

Master Volume Knob

• Controls overall volume without affecting individual zone settings.
• Ensures consistent volume adjustments across all zones.

7. Using the Wireless Remote Control

The included remote control allows you to:

• Adjust master volume
• Change input sources
• Control FM radio tuning
• Mute/unmute the amplifier
• Adjust zone volumes (only if zone volume knobs are turned up on the amplifier)

8. Karaoke Setup (Optional)

• Use a TV connected via Optical to play karaoke videos from YouTube.
• Connect a microphone to the amp and sing along while the music plays through the speakers.

Conclusion

The Rockville Home Matrix 4 is a powerful, versatile multi-zone amplifier ideal for home audio, commercial setups, and karaoke. With support for Bluetooth, USB, TV connections, microphones, and remote control functions, it provides full control over your audio experience.