Z-SIX: How To Set Up & Use

Introduction

The Rockville Z-SIX is a two-source, six-zone audio zoner designed for home and commercial audio setups. It allows you to distribute audio from two separate amplifiers to up to six zones, each with independent volume control and source selection. This guide will walk you through the installation, wiring, and features of the Z-SIX.

What's Included

• Rockville Z-SIX audio zoner
• Six volume control knobs (one per zone)
• On/Off switches for each zone
• A/B source selection buttons for each zone

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Connecting an Amplifier to the Z-SIX

• Take two sets of speaker wires.
• Connect one end to the Input A terminals on the back of the Z-SIX:
  • Left speaker → Left positive & negative terminals
  • Right speaker → Right positive & negative terminals
• Connect the other end to the speaker outputs of the amplifier (e.g., RPA60BT V2).

Connecting a Second Amplifier (Optional)

• To use dual sources, connect another amplifier to the Input B terminals using the same method as above.

2. Connecting Speakers to the Z-SIX

The Z-SIX is designed for 8-ohm speakers, which is standard for home and pro audio setups.

• Use speaker wire to connect speakers to the Zone Outputs.
• For Zone 1:
  • Connect one speaker to the right positive & negative terminals.
  • Connect the other speaker to the left positive & negative terminals.
• For Zone 2:
  • Repeat the same process using the Zone 2 output terminals.

This setup can be repeated for all six zones, supporting up to 12 speakers (two per zone).

Features & Controls

3. Selecting the Audio Source for Each Zone

• Use the A/B source selection button to choose between Input A or B.
  • Press up → Selects Input A.
  • Press down → Selects Input B.
• Turn On/Off the zone using the switch below the volume knob.
• Adjust the volume level for each zone using the knob.

4. Using the Rockville VOL 855 Wall Volume Controller (Optional)

The Rockville VOL 855 allows for in-room volume control in each zone.

Wiring the Wall Volume Controller

• Run the speaker wire from the Z-SIX Zone Outputs to the Input terminals on the volume controller.
  • Right speaker wire → Right positive & negative terminals.
  • Left speaker wire → Left positive & negative terminals.
• Connect the Output terminals of the volume controller to the speakers in the room.
• Tighten the terminals to secure the connections.

5. Using Two Amplifiers for Different Zones

• To have some zones playing from one amplifier and others from a second amplifier, connect the second amp to the Input B terminals.
• Use the A/B source switch on each zone to choose which amplifier's audio plays.

Testing Your Setup

• Turn on the amplifier(s) and play audio from your connected devices (e.g., iPad, smartphone, or other sources).
• Select zones and sources using the A/B buttons.
• Adjust the volume independently for each zone.
• If using a wall volume controller, ensure it adjusts audio correctly.

Conclusion

The Rockville Z-SIX is a powerful and flexible audio distribution system for homes, businesses, and commercial venues. With two-source selection, independent zone control, and volume customization, it provides seamless audio management across multiple rooms.