VOL855: How To Set Up, Wire & Install

Introduction

The Rockville VOL 855 is an 8-ohm, 100-watt wall-mounted stereo volume controller, perfect for home theater and multi-room audio systems. It allows precise volume control for connected speakers and features an impedance compatibility switch to optimize speaker load distribution when expanding your setup.

Since the VOL 855 does not have a built-in amplifier, it requires an external amplifier or receiver. This guide will walk you through:

• Basic wiring to an amplifier and speakers
• Using the impedance compatibility switch
• Expanding your setup with additional speakers
• Multi-room audio configurations

Step 1: What’s Included

• VOL 855 Volume Controller
• 2 Screws (for securing the controller in an electrical box)
• Cover Plate
• 2 Screws (for securing the cover plate)

Step 2: Installing the Volume Controller

1. Check your speaker impedance:
   • The VOL 855 supports 4-8 ohm speakers.
   • Check the manual or speaker label for impedance information.
2. Mount the controller into the wall:
   • Insert the controller into an electrical box.
   • Secure it using the included screws.
3. Attach the cover plate:
   • Align the cover plate over the controller.
   • Secure it using the two included screws (avoid overtightening to keep the slider functional).

Step 3: Setting the Impedance Compatibility Switch

The impedance compatibility switch lets you safely connect multiple speakers without overloading your amplifier.

• Off Position: Use this for installation purposes.
• 1x Setting: Use for a single 8-ohm speaker per channel (impedance remains the same).
• 2x Setting:
  • Use for two 8-ohm speakers per channel.
  • Use for one 4-ohm speaker per channel.
  • Can switch to 1x for more power if needed.
• 4x Setting:
  • Use for two 4-ohm speakers per channel or four 8-ohm speakers per channel.
  • Can switch to 2x for more power if needed.
• 8x Setting:
  • Use for four 4-ohm speakers per channel or eight 8-ohm speakers per channel.

Step 4: Wiring the VOL 855 to an Amplifier and Speakers

Connecting the Controller to the Amplifier

1. Locate the input terminals on the back of the VOL 855.
2. Connect speaker wires from the amplifier outputs to the controller inputs:
   • Left Channel:
     • Red (Positive) → Left Input (+)
     • Black (Negative) → Left Input (-)
   • Right Channel:
     • Red (Positive) → Right Input (+)
     • Black (Negative) → Right Input (-)
3. Tighten the terminals using a flathead screwdriver.

Connecting the Controller to the Speakers

1. Locate the output terminals on the VOL 855.
2. Connect speaker wires from the controller outputs to your speakers:
   • Left Speaker:
     • Red (Positive) → Left Output (+)
     • Black (Negative) → Left Output (-)
   • Right Speaker:
     • Red (Positive) → Right Output (+)
     • Black (Negative) → Right Output (-)
3. Tighten the terminals using a flathead screwdriver.

Summary of Wiring:

• Amplifier → Controller (Inputs) → Controller (Outputs) → Speakers.

Step 5: Expanding Your Setup with Additional Speakers

If you want to add more speakers, you can use parallel wiring.

Parallel Wiring for Additional Speakers

1. Use extra speaker wire to connect Speaker A to Speaker B:
   • Red wire from Speaker A → Red terminal on Speaker B.
   • Black wire from Speaker A → Black terminal on Speaker B.
2. Repeat for the right channel.
3. Adjust the Impedance Compatibility Switch:
   • 4 speakers (8-ohm each) → Set switch to 4x.
   • 8 speakers (8-ohm each) → Set switch to 8x.
   • If more power is needed, switch to 2x or 4x.

Step 6: Multi-Room Audio with Multiple Controllers

You can use multiple VOL 855 controllers to control different rooms in a multi-zone amplifier setup.

Setting Up Multiple Controllers

1. Use a multi-zone amplifier.
2. Run separate speaker wires from each zone output to a volume controller.
3. Connect each controller to its respective speakers.
4. Example:
   • Zone 1 → Living Room (VOL 855 Controller + Speakers)
   • Zone 2 → Kitchen (VOL 855 Controller + Speakers)

This setup allows independent volume control in each room.

Step 7: Testing the System

1. Turn on your amplifier or receiver.
2. Set the volume on the amplifier to a moderate level.
3. Slowly turn up the VOL 855 slider.
4. You should hear smooth volume adjustment with no distortion.

Conclusion

The Rockville VOL 855 is a versatile wall-mounted stereo volume controller that lets you optimize your home theater and multi-room audio system. By using the impedance compatibility switch, you can safely expand your speaker setup while maintaining high-quality sound.

Now that your system is connected, enjoy your music.