MC80: How To Set Up, Install & Use

Introduction

The Rockville MC80 8-inch 70-volt commercial PA speakers are designed for restaurants, offices, gyms, and other commercial spaces. These speakers are part of a 70-volt system, meaning you can run multiple speakers from a single amplifier at a fixed wattage.

This guide will walk you through:
✅Understanding 70-volt sound systems
✅Wiring your speakers properly
✅Parallel wiring multiple speakers
✅Installing the speakers into a ceiling

Step 1: Understanding 70-Volt Sound Systems

A 70-volt amplifier allows you to connect many speakers to a single amp while keeping power distribution consistent.

• Each speaker has a tap control that lets you set its wattage.
• The total wattage of all connected speakers should not exceed the amplifier's power capacity.
• Example: If you have a 100-watt amp, you can connect 20 speakers at 5 watts each.

If you're using a multi-zone amp, you can assign different wattage levels per zone, allowing for independent volume control in different areas.

Step 2: Connecting Speaker Wires

Before installation, you’ll need to connect the speakers to an amplifier using speaker wires.

Choosing the Correct Tap Setting

On the back of each speaker, you’ll find multiple tap wires that allow you to set the wattage per speaker. The available tap wires include:

• 5W (Blue)
• 10W (Yellow)
• 15W (Green)
• 20W (Red)
• 8 Ohm Mode (White & Black - for home audio systems)

Example: If using a 50-watt amplifier with 10 speakers, select the 5W tap wire (Blue).

Wiring the Speakers

1. Take one end of the speaker wire and connect it to the selected tap wire (e.g., Blue for 5W).
2. Connect the black wire from the speaker to the common (Black) wire.
3. Twist the wires together securely.

Step 3: Parallel Wiring Multiple Speakers

You can connect multiple speakers in parallel using two wiring methods.

Method 1: Daisy Chain Wiring

1. Connect the positive wire from Speaker A to the tap wire.
2. Connect the negative wire from Speaker A to the common wire.
3. Run additional speaker wire from Speaker A to Speaker B.
   • Positive → Positive
   • Negative → Negative
4. Continue this down the speaker chain.
5. Connect the last speaker’s wires to the direct output terminals or an available zone on your 70V amplifier.

Method 2: Running Separate Wires to the Amp

1. Run individual wires from each speaker directly to the amplifier.
2. Connect all positive speaker wires to the amp’s positive terminal.
3. Connect all negative speaker wires to the amp’s negative terminal.

Important: Cover any unused wires to prevent electrical hazards.

Step 4: Installing the MC80 Ceiling Speakers

1. Cutting the Ceiling Hole

1. Use the included paper cutout guide to mark the ceiling tile or drywall.
2. Using a blade, carefully cut the hole following the guide.

2. Mounting the Speaker

• For Ceiling Tiles (Accessible from Behind)
  1. Place the speaker into the cut hole.
  2. Insert the included bolts through the grille holes.
  3. Secure it with nuts on the back of the tile.
• For Sheetrock or Hard Ceilings (Not Accessible from Behind)
  1. Use the included screws and anchors.
  2. Screw the speaker directly into the ceiling.

3. Running the Speaker Wires

1. Run the wires from the ceiling to the amplifier.
2. Connect the speaker wires to either:
   • The direct output terminals on the amplifier.
   • One of the available zones in a multi-zone amplifier.

4. Adjusting Volume Control

In addition to controlling volume from the amplifier, you can use the dial on the front of the grille to fine-tune the volume for each speaker.

Conclusion

Setting up your Rockville MC80 8-inch 70-volt commercial PA speakers is simple and flexible. By properly wiring and installing the speakers, you can achieve high-quality sound distribution in restaurants, gyms, offices, and other commercial spaces.